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NHRC Tells Youth, “Don’t Allow Yourselves Used As Canon Fodders to Deepen Hatred in Nigeria”
NHRC Tells Youth, “Don’t Allow Yourselves Used As Canon Fodders to Deepen Hatred in Nigeria”
By: Michael Mike
The Executive Director of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Dr. Tony Ojukwu has called on young people not to allow themselves to be used as ‘cannon fodders’ to incite and deepen hatred in Nigeria.
Speaking in Abuja at the special event to mark the 2024 International Day for Countering Hate Speech, Ojukwu said: “Sensitising and mobilising young people to combat hate speech is crucial in today’s world, where they are not only the target but also influential voices in their communities.”
He noted that young people who are more in Nigeria should guard against breaking the bond of the country and as such “should not allow themselves to be used as ‘cannon fodders’ to incite and deepen hatred in Nigeria.”
He added that: “Coincidentally, youths form the bedrock of our nation, and this demographic divide should at all times be mobilised for the social and economic development of our dear nation.”
He revealed that the NHRC working with the UN System in Nigeria, youth leaders and other stakeholders will use this commemorative event to create awareness, foster partnerships, and promote strategies to identify, address and counter hate speech.
He noted that: “This event which is jointly organised by the National Human Rights Commission and the United Nations in Nigeria in pursuance of their unique mandates to promote and protect human and in recognition of the roles of youth in nation building as well as serving as natural agents in the promotion of values etched in human rights in the spirit of Chapters 2 and 4 of the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).”
Ojukwu said: “Hate speech is intricately related to human rights, either in its form or outcome. From the purveyor, it is about right to freedom of expression, opinion, speech or belief. To the recipient, it is a violation of the rights to dignity of human person and the freedom from discrimination based on religious belief, political, ethnic, gender, cultural or other affiliations, amongst many other human rights.
“Hate speeches promote discrimination, divisions, incites violence, all of which impedes voters’ participation and access in the elections.”
On his part, the United Nations Resident Coordinator, Mohamed Fall said the United Nations considers hate speech as any kind of communication in speech, writing or behaviour, that attacks or uses pejorative or discriminatory language with reference to a person or a group on the basis of who they are, in other words, based on their religion, ethnicity, nationality, race, colour, descent, gender or other identity factor.
Fall who was represented the Culture Programme Specialist, UNESCO Abuja Office, Mr. Philippe Delanghe said: “Hate speech contradicts all the values and principles enshrined in international human rights law. It also undermines efforts to achieve the aim of 2030 Agenda and its SDGs to leave no one behind, as it often targets the most vulnerable in our societies and minorities.”
He warned that: “If left unchecked, hate speech can harm peace and development, lay the ground for conflicts and tensions, undermine social cohesion, and contribute to wide scale human rights violations and atrocity crimes.”
He added that: “The devastating effect of hatred is not new. However, new technologies of communication has amplified the scale and impact of hate speech. Social media and the internet are now the most frequent methods for spreading divisive rhetoric and ideologies on a global scale.
“This brings me to the theme of this year, the power of youth to address and combat hate speech. Young people are often most affected by hate speech, particularly online as such young people must be part of the solution, your role in creating public and online spaces that are free from hate speech cannot be underestimated.
“The world must not tramp on freedom of speech and expression, but when speech is used to violate the rights of others it must not be met with silence. Silence implies apathy and even acceptance.”
He revealed that: “At the UN in Nigeria, we are working with multiple stakeholders to promote tolerance. UNESCO is leading the way through its efforts to promote Media and Information Literacy (MIL). We are also currently developing a UN wide Hate Speech Strategy. We count on your support in ensuring the strategy will be translated into effective action.”
He stated that: “As we celebrate a culture of tolerance today, I urge all of us including the government, traditional and faith leaders, civil society, young people, individuals, toincrease our efforts to counter hate speech in line with international human rights law.
“As the UN Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, has said: “Hatred is a danger to everyone – and so fighting it must be a job for everyone.”
NHRC Tells Youth, “Don’t Allow Yourselves Used As Canon Fodders to Deepen Hatred in Nigeria”
Bandits ambush police patrol in Katsina, four officers killed
By: Zagazola Makama
Four police officers were killed and two others injured when suspected armed bandits ambushed a patrol along the Guga–Bakori road in Katsina State.
Sources told Zagazola Makama on Wednesday that the attack occurred on Jan. 27 at about 12:45 p.m., targeting operatives of the 27 Police Mobile Force (PMF), Guga Camp, during a routine patrol.
According to the source, the driver of the patrol vehicle lost control after coming under fire, causing the vehicle to crash by the roadside. Officers who died on the spot were identified as UC ASP Abubakar Abdullahi, Insp. Umar Ahmed, and Sgt. Kailani Kabir.
The source added that the assailants carted away the officers’ weapons, including an AK-47 rifle loaded with 30 rounds, a Tokarev pistol with eight rounds, and a long-range gunner rifle.
Two other officers sustained injuries: Cpl. Daniel Japet sustained a fracture, while Cpl. Abdulaziz Sani suffered a gunshot wound.
The Area Commander, Funtua, promptly mobilised joint police alongside troops of Operation FANSAN YANMA to the scene. Victims were evacuated to the General Hospital, Funtua, for autopsy and medical treatment.
Security forces have blocked all potential exit routes, and cordon-and-search operations are ongoing to apprehend the perpetrators and recover the missing arms.
Bandits ambush police patrol in Katsina, four officers killed
Rival bandit leaders clash as key peace enforcer is killed in Jibia axis, Katsina
By: Zagazola Makama
A prominent bandit leader and key enforcer of a fragile peace arrangement in Jibia, Katsina State, Abdullahi Lantai, also known as “Lantai Officer”, has been killed in a deadly ambush linked to a rival gang.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama on Wednesday that Lantai was executed on Jan. 27 at about 1:00 p.m. by gunmen believed to be loyal to the Bello Turji-led network operating across Sokoto and Zamfara states.
According to the sources, Lantai was lured to what was described as a dialogue and reconciliation meeting following a rivalry clash between his group and the Turji faction on Jan. 24.
“The meeting was reportedly arranged by Turji and Aliyu Aliero to resolve the conflict. However, Lantai and some of his foot soldiers were ambushed and killed on their way to the venue by members of the Turji network led by Dogo Rabe and Black,” a source said.
Preliminary findings indicate that before his assassination, Lantai played a critical role in sustaining a temporary peace deal with bandit leaders in Jibia in collaboration with the Katsina State Government.
“He was a territorial gatekeeper who denied Turji’s gang freedom of action and passage through Jibia forest routes.
“He also blocked transit routes used to move rustled cattle from Zamfara to Maradi in the Republic of Niger, effectively constraining Turji’s operations within the axis,” the source added.
Zagazola warn that the killing could trigger a major escalation in violence across the Jibia axis and its environs.
“This is a calculated power grab. The Turji network appears determined to eliminate a stabilising force and expand its influence, smuggling routes and criminal economy into Katsina State,” the source said.
The threat level in the Jibia axis has now been assessed as high, with strong indications of possible retaliatory attacks by Lantai’s faction and pre-emptive assaults by Turji’s forces to consolidate control.
Residents fear that the relative calm previously enjoyed in the area may give way to renewed instability marked by kidnappings, cattle rustling and attacks on communities as rival groups struggle for dominance.
Zagazola learnt that security agencies are said to be reviewing the situation with a view to deploying robust countermeasures to prevent a total breakdown of the fragile peace in the coming days.
Rival bandit leaders clash as key peace enforcer is killed in Jibia axis, Katsina
Troops raid bandits’ hideout in Plateau, neutralise notorious kidnapper
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 2 of Operation OPEP have raided a suspected bandits’ hideout at Nahuta Village, Kadarko District in Wase Local Government Area of Plateau State, neutralising a notorious kidnapper during the operation.
A security source told Zagazola Makama on Wednesday that the raid was carried out on Tuesday night, Jan. 27, at about 8:30 p.m., following actionable intelligence.
According to the source, the troops came under fire from the criminals on arrival at the hideout but responded with superior firepower, forcing the bandits to flee in disarray.
“In the process, one bandit was neutralised. He was later confirmed to be a notorious kidnapper identified as Mr Timchak Zindang, who had been terrorising the general area,” the source said.
Items recovered from the scene included two locally fabricated rifles, eight cartridges, three rounds of 7.62mm ammunition and one desert camouflage uniform.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the criminal syndicate was responsible for several criminal activities, including kidnapping, cattle rustling and armed robbery along the Wase–Bashir road and its environs.
The source added that efforts were ongoing to track down the other fleeing members of the gang, while further investigation into the network was in progress.
Troops raid bandits’ hideout in Plateau, neutralise notorious kidnapper
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