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NHRC Raises Alarm Over Early Marriage, Low Female Representation on International Women’s Day

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NHRC Raises Alarm Over Early Marriage, Low Female Representation on International Women’s Day

By: Michael Mike

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has warned that persistent early and forced marriages, low female participation in governance and rising cases of gender-based violence continue to threaten the rights and wellbeing of women and girls in Nigeria.

The alarm was raised by the Executive Secretary of the Commission, Tony Ojukwu, as the global community marks International Women’s Day 2026.

In a message to commemorate the day, Ojukwu said the theme of this year’s celebration, “Give to Gain,” highlights the urgent need for practical and sustained measures that will eliminate the barriers preventing women and girls from enjoying their full rights.

He stressed that achieving gender equality requires deliberate investment in women through education, mentorship, economic opportunities and access to resources, noting that such efforts would ultimately strengthen national development and social stability.

According to him, the Commission has continued to receive complaints involving sexual and gender-based violence, discrimination and other forms of abuse against women and girls across the country.

He explained that the NHRC, through its specialised department for women and children, has intervened in numerous cases, using mediation, investigation and other legal mechanisms to secure justice and remedies for victims while promoting accountability.

Despite these efforts, Ojukwu expressed deep concern that harmful practices such as early and forced marriage remain prevalent in some communities, depriving girls of education, exposing them to serious health risks and limiting their future opportunities.

He also noted that women remain significantly underrepresented in political and decision-making positions, warning that inclusive governance and sustainable development cannot be achieved without the full participation of women.

The human rights advocate further pointed out that women often bear the heaviest burden in situations of insecurity, conflict and displacement, where they face increased risks of exploitation, violence and loss of livelihoods.

Ojukwu therefore called for stronger enforcement of laws and policies designed to protect women and girls, while urging government institutions, civil society organisations and communities to intensify efforts to ensure survivors of rights violations have access to justice.

He also commended Nigerian women for their resilience and contributions to national development across sectors including governance, agriculture, business, education and community leadership.

Reaffirming the Commission’s commitment, he said the NHRC would continue to champion advocacy, monitoring and public engagement initiatives aimed at advancing gender equality and strengthening protection for women and girls across Nigeria.

NHRC Raises Alarm Over Early Marriage, Low Female Representation on International Women’s Day

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Suspected cultists kill 12 in attack on Jos community, Plateau govt imposes curfew

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Suspected cultists kill 12 in attack on Jos community, Plateau govt imposes curfew

By: Zagazola Makama

Suspected cultists on Sunday night attacked Angwan Rukuba community in Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State, leaving 12 persons dead, in a fresh outbreak of violence that has prompted authorities to impose a 48-hour curfew in the area.

Security sources said the incident occurred at about 8:00 p.m. when residents of the community came under sporadic gunfire from unidentified armed men, suspected to be cultists, who stormed the area and shot indiscriminately.

Troops of Sector 1, Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP), were immediately mobilised to the scene following a distress call and moved to restore order and prevent further escalation.

A security report indicated that 12 persons were confirmed dead, while several others sustained varying degrees of injuries. The injured victims were said to have been evacuated to nearby medical facilities for treatment.

The troops subsequently cordoned off major access routes to the community and ordered residents to remain indoors while a coordinated search operation was launched to track down the attackers.

Military sources added that clearance operations were ongoing to apprehend the perpetrators and prevent further breakdown of law and order in the area.

In response to the attack, the Plateau State Government, in collaboration with security agencies, announced the imposition of a 48-hour curfew on Jos North Local Government Area with immediate effect.

The curfew, which took effect from midnight of March 29 to April 1, 2026, was aimed at restoring calm and enabling security agencies to carry out intensified operations.

In a statement issued by the Commissioner for Information and Communication, Rt. Hon. Joyce Lohya Ramnap, the government condemned the attack, describing it as “barbaric and unprovoked.”

The statement assured residents that security agencies had been directed to ensure the arrest and prosecution of those responsible, while urging the public to remain calm and cooperate with ongoing investigations.

Security patrols were still ongoing across affected communities as authorities moved to forestall possible reprisal attacks and restore normalcy.

Suspected cultists kill 12 in attack on Jos community, Plateau govt imposes curfew

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Troops arrest suspected kidnapper in Damboa LGA of Borno

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Troops arrest suspected kidnapper in Damboa LGA of Borno

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have arrested a suspected kidnapper in Azir community, Damboa Local Government Area of Borno State.

Sources told Zagazola Malama that the suspect was apprehended at about 5:00 p.m. on March 28 by troops of 25 Brigade and 19 Battalion (Mechanised) deployed at a Forward Operating Base in Azir.

The source disclosed that the suspect was alleged to have been involved in kidnapping activities within the Damboa and Azir general areas.

“During preliminary investigation, the suspect claimed to be a cattle courier operating within Damboa and its environs,” the source said.

He added that one bicycle was recovered from the suspect at the point of arrest.

The suspect and the recovered item are currently in troops’ custody for further investigation and necessary action.

Troops arrest suspected kidnapper in Damboa LGA of Borno

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Troops arrest 58 illegal miners in Edo state

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Troops arrest 58 illegal miners in Edo state

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops of Operation MESA have arrested 58 suspected illegal miners at an illegal gold mining site in Ososo general area, Akoko-Edo Local Government Area of Edo State.

A security source disclosed that the suspects were apprehended at about 1:00 p.m. on March 28 during a fighting patrol conducted by troops of 195 Battalion (Rear).

According to the source, the troops stormed the mining site and arrested the suspects without resistance.

“The suspects are currently in troops’ custody for further action,” the source said.

He noted that the operation forms part of ongoing efforts to curb illegal mining activities and other criminal enterprises within Edo State and its environs.

Troops arrest 58 illegal miners in Edo state

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