Security

Nigeria: COPPPN condemns attack on Irigwe Community in Plateau

Published

3 years ago

August 3, 2021

admin

Nigeria: COPPPN condemns attack on Irigwe Community in Plateau.

A coalition of Plateau Peace Practitioners Network (COPPPN), has condemned the recent attack in the Irigwe Community of Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State North Central Nigeria.

The indigenous peace-building group which described the development as not only barbaric and senseless but also uncivilized called on people sabotaging the peace efforts in Plateau State to give peace a chance.

Describing the act as not only sad but also retrogressive to the ongoing peace efforts by Governor Simon Lalong and the security agencies, the peace advocacy group appealed to security agencies to go all out to nab the perpetrators and make them face the full wrath of the law over their actions.

It commended security agencies over the swift response in curtailing the ugly development, adding that the prompt and professional handling of the situation quickly brought it under control.

The group National Coordinator, Dr. Daniel Babale Andruwus and National Secretary, Mrs. Lucy Nyami, respectively, expressed sympathy with the families of the victims, the government and people of Plateau State over the dastardly act.

It, however, said contrary to claims in some quarters that the attack was a genocide, its investigation showed that it was rather a reprisal attack.

Recall that Irigwe Development Community had in a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Davidson Malison, in reaction to the attack not only claimed genocide but accused Operation Safe Haven, the internal military outfit in the state of connivance with headsmen alleged to be perpetrators.

But the Coalition of Plateau Peace Practitioners Network faulted the claim, saying besides being a reprisal, the attack was promptly responded to by OPSH.

“We write to condemn in the strongest terms the barbaric senseless and uncivilized attacks, and reprisal between suspected Fulani herdsmen and Irigwe militias groups in Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State, which led to the death of some persons and burning down of houses.

“This act is sad and retrogressive. Our hearts go to the families of those who lost their lives and properties in this unfortunate incident,” the statement said.

The group added:” We also wish to strongly commend the security agencies especially officers and men of operations safe OPSH for the selfless and professional conduct during and after this sad incident otherwise several deaths and more destruction of property would have been recorded.”

It further said:” This is the kind of prompt and unbiased response we need from security agencies that is entrusted with our security.

“Information available to us indicates that if not for the prompt response of men of Operation Safe Haven, the casualty figure of this needless attack and this reprisal attack would have been alarming.

“We call on the security agencies to immediately investigate and apprehend these criminals.

“We, however, wish to caution some individuals, organizations, tribal and religious bigots as well as some crises merchants who rather than speak the truth in times like this as the only way to douse tension and put this age-long crisis to rest would rather be criminalizing only one group of people as the aggressors, and blaming our security agencies for their own act.

“These sentimental and emotional acts will never promote peace and harmony because even God we claim to serve hates lies.”

According to the group,” Rather than blame the security agencies for the obvious criminal acts of some of our very few indigenous youths, we should channel this energy to reforming this deviant youth who always hide under the umbrella of tribal groups and warriors to perpetrate criminal acts for their selfless interests.”

“As a professional group, we will not take side with any group or persons no matter the sentiments and emotions. We will continue to speak the whole truth so that peace can reign.

“We are not trying to hold brief for anyone but setting the records straight,” it added.

” Our community leaders from all sides must take responsibility of their youths and hand over the criminal to the security agencies otherwise we will continue to go round this cycle of violence and crisis,” it advised.

It noted that ” When these criminals strike, it’s the innocent women and children that suffer”, adding:” What happened in Bassa two days ago is a clear case of criminal attack and attendant reprisal from both warring groups”, warning that “this must stop.”

The coalition said, ” Instead of telling blatant and shameless lies against the security agencies and the government who did their best to contain these attacks, we should commend them while we speak to our criminal elements to stop taking laws into their hands.”

“We, therefore, appeal to our people to see the Army and all the security agencies as our national assets. We should desist from always trying to attach fault in their operations because of the tribal and religious inclinations of those deployed for operations,” the group said.

Nigeria: COPPPN condemns attack on Irigwe Community in Plateau

News

Protest: NHRC Asks Security Agencies to Provide Adequate Protection for Protesters

Published

2 months ago

October 1, 2024

Ochuwa Ibrahim

By: Michael Mike

The National Human Right Commission has urged security agencies to provide adequate protection for individuals exercising their right to protest.

The advised was given on Monday in Abuja, following Twarnings by the government and security agencies against the planned protest against hardship by Civil Society Organisations.

Speaking at a press conference, the Executive Secretary of NHRC, Dr. Tony Ojukwu, also urged the Federal government to provide adequate security for the journalists that would be covering the protest.

Ojukwu asked the Federal Government to put in place a mechanism to hold security agencies accountable for any abuses committed during protests and warmed against any form of barriers during the protest.

He advised protesters to carry out their protest within the ambit of the law.

He said: “We call on the federal and state government to ensure that the October protests are peaceful and that the protesters are given the necessary support and leverage to conduct themselves in civilized manner, including protecting them from counter-protesters and mobs.”
He also added that both federal and state government and their institutions are obliged to facilitate peaceful assemblies.

“This includes ensuring safety, providing necessary infrastructure, and taking measures to prevent disruptions from counter-demonstrators or hostile forces.
“Government should provide adequate protection for protesters against violence or intimidation as well as facilitate peaceful assemblies through appropriate measures.

“Government must put in place effective Accountability Mechanisms for holding the law enforcement and security agencies accountable for any abuses committed during protests. This includes investigating incidents where excessive force was used or where protesters were unlawfully detained.

“Government must deploy its apparatus for the protection of private and public properties as well as the lives of protesters and non-protesters before, during and after the protests.”

He insisted that the right to peaceful assembly is a fundamental human right recognized internationally, regionally, and at national level.

He noted that “In Nigeria, this right is enshrined in Section 40 of the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria as amended and further strengthened by international and regional human rights instruments. Section 40 provides that: “Every person shall be entitled to assemble freely and associate with other persons, and in particular, he may form or belong to any political party, trade union or any other association for the protection of his interests.

“Furthermore, article 11 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR) provides that “Every individual shall have the right to assemble freely with others.

“The right to peaceful assembly is the cornerstone stone of our liberty and an essential instrument for promoting the values of democracy and good governance. Protests are legitimate means of voicing dissatisfactions and participating in shaping citizen-centred governance and development outcomes.”

He stressed that the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights and the Human Rights Council have put in place a set of principles which should guide the promotion and protection of the right to peaceful assembly.

The principles he said include: “Non-discrimination: All individuals should be able to exercise their rights to peaceful assembly without discrimination based on race, gender, political affiliation, or any other status.

“Legitimate Restrictions: While freedom of association and assembly is fundamental, it can be subject to restrictions. However, such restrictions must be lawful, necessary in a democratic society, and proportionate to the aim pursued. This means that any limitations imposed by Nigerian authorities must not infringe upon the essence of these rights.

“Protection from Violence: The state has an obligation to protect individuals exercising their rights from violence or intimidation by third parties. This includes ensuring that protests can occur without fear of repression, prosecution or violent backlash.

“Notification Requirements: Requirements for pre-notification of law enforcement should not serve as barriers but rather facilitate peaceful protests. Notification requirement should not be burdensome and not hinder the exercise of this right.

“Use of Force: Any use of force by law enforcement during protests must adhere strictly to principles of necessity and proportionality. Excessive use of force against protesters, including shooting or the deployment of tear gas is a violation of human rights and dignity.”

He said: “Exercise your right to peaceful protest within the ambits of the law, be very civil and respect the rights of others.
“Avoid violence, destruction of property, and harmful behaviour, this is detrimental to nation building, the destruction caused may take fortune to regain which will be a great set back to our development.

“Cooperate with law enforcement agencies to ensure public safety by conducting yourselves with highest sense of modesty and civility.

“Refrain from hate speech and divisive rhetoric, abusive words and foul language.
“Respect the rights of others, including those who may hold differing opinions, that is the beauty of democracy.

“Ensure that your actions do not infringe on the rights of non-protesters, as everybody must not be on the street protesting.

He promised that the NHRC will be monitoring the protests across Nigeria and will ensure that state and non-state actors violating the right to protests and other associated human rights will be held accountable.

For the security operatives, Ojukwu urged them to “Respect the rights of protesters to peaceful assembly and expression as enshrined in the 1999 Constitution and other Regional and International Instruments that Nigeria is a Party to.

“Avoid excessive force and ensure proportionate response to situations, do no harm and do not force the protesters to react in a manner that is riotious.
“Protect journalists and media personnel from harassment, allow them to carry out their duties as the fourth arm of the government and as enshrined in the constitution.

“Facilitate dialogue between protesters and relevant stakeholders, this will rather assist you in discharging your role seamlessly, do not look at them as your enemies.
“Ensure that arrests and detentions are carried out in accordance with the law and not because you merely want to deal with people.

“Provide necessary assistance and support to vulnerable individuals, do not overlook any opportunity to render help.”

Protest: NHRC Asks Security Agencies to Provide Adequate Protection for Protesters

Military

Nigerian Troops eliminate 8 Boko Haram Terrorists in Raid in enclaves

Published

4 months ago

July 29, 2024

Ochuwa Ibrahim

Nigerian Troops eliminate 8 Boko Haram Terrorists in Raid in enclaves

By: Zagazola Makama

The troops of Operation Hadin Kai, in conjunction with hybrid forces and the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), nutrialised eight Boko Haram terrorists when it raided the terrorists enclaves in Bula Marwa in Bama Local Government area.

It was gathered that the troops recorded the feats on July 28, 2024, when it made contact with the terrorists and neutralized eight of them ahead of Siraja village, forcing others to flee.

Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the troops subsequently exploited the general area but made no further contact.

The sources said that the operation resulted in the recovery of one Anti-Government Launcher (AGL) and one MK 4 rifle, as well as a bag containing a pair of desert camouflage uniforms and other terrorist uniforms.

Nigerian Troops eliminate 8 Boko Haram Terrorists in Raid in enclaves

News

Joint Military-NDLEA Operation Seizes 2.5 tonnes of Illicit Substances Bound for Terrorist Groups

Published

4 months ago

July 9, 2024

Ochuwa Ibrahim

Joint Military-NDLEA Operation Seizes 2.5 tonnes of Illicit Substances Bound for Terrorist Groups

By: Zagazola Makama

A joint operation between the troops of 21 Armored Brigade of the Nigerian Army and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has successfully intercepted a large consignment of illicit substances destined for Boko Haram Terrorists in Konduga Local Government Area of Borno State.

Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that acting on intelligence, the joint team launched a swift and decisive operation to disrupt the supply of illicit substances to the terrorist groups.

The operation, which was carried out following a tip-off, resulted in the recovery of 163 bags of the substance, equivalent to 2.5 tons in a warehouse in Konduga.

The suspected illicit substances, known as “Goom” or “Akusukura”, is a deadly psychoactive substance that represents a serious threat to public health and poses a challenge for drug policy.

The substance, which is of different varieties, is used in both liquid and powdered form by people who mostly seek to raise their levels of psychological or nervous activity in the body, or put it in simple terms, get high.

The recovered items were handed over to the NDLEA team leader, and the area was cordoned off by the military.

The operation highlights the effectiveness of interagency collaboration and the commitment of the military and NDLEA to keeping Nigeria safe.

Joint Military-NDLEA Operation Seizes 2.5 tonnes of Illicit Substances Bound for Terrorist Groups