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NHRC Warns of Danger of Censorship of CSOs

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NHRC Warns of Danger of Censorship of CSOs

By: Michael Mike

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) yesterday warned of the dangers of censoring the operation of civil society organisations (CSOs) in Nigeria, insisting that it amounts to violation of fundamental human rights.

The chairperson of the governing Board of NHRC, Dr. Salamatu Suileman gave the warning at a civil-society forum on Human Rights in Nigeria held in Abuja.

She stated that an attempt at shrinking the civil society space would amount to closing the voices of many which could be tantamount to tenants of democracy, stressing that doing that in a democratic setting would negate the principle of democracy.

Suleiman also emphasized the need for variance voices in a democratic setting, insisting that this enriches compliance with international best practices.

She said: “We have witnessed a global trend of shrinking civic spaces. Laws and policies restricting NGO activities, censorship and silencing dissent have become alarmingly prevalent,

“Nigeria is a vibrant and diverse nation, we should always remind ourselves of our unique challenges and opportunities. With its rich history and complex social landscape, our country has seen both the flourishing and the constraining of civic spaces,”she said.

“We must work together – government, civil society, media, and citizens – to create an environment where civic engagement is tolerated and actively encouraged and celebrated,”added the chairperson of the NHRC.

In a remark, Executive Director of Prisoners’ Rehabilitation and Welfare and Action (PRAWA), Dr. Uju Agomoh also held that any attempt to shrink the civil society space may have negative consequences on democracy.

According to her, it is significant that all voices are heard in national discourse to avert an uprising of such voices.

NHRC Warns of Danger of Censorship of CSOs

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Bandits kill seven, abduct three in Sabon Birni border attack in Sokoto

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Bandits kill seven, abduct three in Sabon Birni border attack in Sokoto

By: Zagazola Makama

At least seven persons were killed and three others abducted when armed bandits attacked Kyara village, a remote border community in Sabon Birni Local Government Area of Sokoto State, in the early hours of Thursday.

Sources said the attack occurred at about 4:00 a.m. in the village, which lies close to the Niger Republic border and has no mobile phone network coverage.

The bandits, who were said to be in large numbers and armed with sophisticated weapons, stormed the community, shooting sporadically and causing panic among residents.

During the attack, seven persons were shot dead, while two others sustained gunshot injuries. Three villagers were also kidnapped, and an unspecified number of domestic animals were rustled.

Joint security forces were immediately deployed to the area after the incident was reported. On arrival, they evacuated the corpses and the injured victims to a hospital for autopsy and medical treatment.

Troops have since launched a manhunt for the attackers with a view to rescuing the abducted victims, recovering the rustled livestock and arresting those responsible.

Confidence-building patrols are currently ongoing in and around Kyara village to reassure residents and prevent further attacks.

Bandits kill seven, abduct three in Sabon Birni border attack in Sokoto

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Five injured in suspected IED blast on Bukuyum road in Zamfara

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Five injured in suspected IED blast on Bukuyum road in Zamfara

By: Zagazola Makama

Five persons have been seriously injured following a suspected improvised explosive device (IED) explosion along the Takalafiya–Gadar Zaima Road in Bukkuyum Local Government Area (LGA) of Zamfara State.

Sources said the incident occurred at about 11:30 a.m. on Thursday when a motorcycle conveying five passengers ran into an explosive device believed to have been planted by armed bandits targeting security patrols in the area.

The device detonated on contact, causing a loud explosion that severely damaged the motorcycle and left all five occupants with serious injuries.

Following the incident, security operatives immediately closed the road to traffic and advised residents to stay away from the area pending a thorough safety assessment.

The injured victims were evacuated to the General Hospital, Gummi, where they are currently receiving medical treatment.

Movement along the Takalafiya–Gadar Zaima axis remains restricted as security agencies continue to monitor the situation and clear the area of any further threats.

Five injured in suspected IED blast on Bukuyum road in Zamfara

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Three killed in fatal road accident at gaggaba village in Borno

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Three killed in fatal road accident at gaggaba village in Borno

By: Zagazola Makama

At least three persons were killed in a fatal motor vehicle accident at Gaggaba Village, Fune Local Government Area of Borno State, early Wednesday morning.

Sources said the accident occurred around 1:20 a.m. when a Daf trailer with registration number DAL 964 YY, driven by Mal. Abubakar, 35, of Maiduguri, traveling from Lagos to Maiduguri, was involved in a collision with a Mitsubishi Canter truck, registration XA 437 NNR, driven by Salisu Ibrahim of Dirra Village, Fune LGA.

The Canter reportedly veered at full speed from its lane and rammed into the Daf trailer, causing the trailer driver and two passengers to fall unconscious. They were immediately rushed to General Hospital Damagum, where the driver and two passengers were pronounced dead by medical personnel.

Three killed in fatal road accident at gaggaba village in Borno

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