Despite peace deal, bandits strike again, abduct passengers including student in katsina

By: Zagazola Makama

Suspected bandits have abducted passengers travelling along Wawal Kaza–Dayi road in Kankara Local Government Area of Katsina State, despite ongoing peace efforts in the state.

Zagazola Makama gathered that the incident occurred at about 1:30 p.m. on Sept. 16, when the hoodlums blocked a Sharoon vehicle conveying commuters from Zaria to Dutsinma.

Among those abducted were two 300-level students of Federal University Dutsin-Ma, identified as Onwe Esther Chiamaka and Noah Patience, both from the Department of Sociology. Also kidnapped was a male student, Goza Darios Doorchuji, of the Library Science Department.

On receiving a distress, security forces were promptly mobilized to scene, The area was cordoned off and during the operation, Doorchuji was rescued unhurt.

“Efforts are ongoing to ensure the safe release of the two female students and to apprehend the perpetrators,”said security sources.

The incident comes despite renewed peace deals and assurances by authorities aimed at ending banditry in Katsina and other parts of the North-West.

Despite peace deal, bandits strike again, abduct passengers including student in katsina

Buni urges NIMC to redouble efforts on registration in Yobe

By: Yahaya Wakili

Governor Mai Mala Buni CON of Yobe State has advised the management and staff of the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) to redouble their efforts and ensure that Nigeria has an authentic and reliable registration database.

He also called on the NIMC to monitor their database while issuing national identification numbers to citizens and legal residents to affirm their identity.

The governor gave the advice when he received the management team of NIMC as part of their celebration to mark NIN Day 2025 at the Government House, Damaturu, the state capital.

Ably represented by his deputy, Hon. Idi Barde Gubana (Wazirin Fune). He said the national identity number is a single, unique number that identifies persons for life, serving as the most authentic way to verify a person’s identity.

Governor Buni emphasized the need for full registration of legal residents so as to have an accurate Nigerian population and enable Nigerians to have access to essential services.

Speaking earlier, the state coordinator of NIMC Yobe State, Mr. Zaman Yaksha, informed the governor that 16 September of every year has been set aside to celebrate and create awareness on the importance of national identification registration.

Mr. Yaksha revealed that recently there were directives from the presidency that all Nigerians must register with NIMC irrespective of their age.

He commended the Yobe state government for the full support given to the commission in the discharge of its duty.

Buni urges NIMC to redouble efforts on registration in Yobe

IPCR Calls on Stakeholders to Promote Peace

By: Michael Mike

The Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR) has urged government, private sector, security agencies, the media, as well as religious and traditional leaders to work together to strengthen peace in Nigeria.

The call was made at a ceremony marking the 25th anniversary of the Institute, celebrated alongside the 2025 International Day of Peace.

Speaking at a press conference in Abuja, the Director-General of IPCR, Dr. Joseph Ochogwu, said the theme of this year’s International Day of Peace, “Act Now for a Peaceful World”, underscores the urgency for collective action.

“The imperative to act now reflects the reality that peace cannot be deferred, delegated, or delayed. It requires immediate, sustained, and coordinated action from individuals, institutions, and nations,” Ochogwu stressed.

Reflecting on the institute’s achievements over the last 25 years, the DG highlighted IPCR’s role in training thousands of peace practitioners, mediators, and community leaders, as well as its interventions in communal disputes, electoral violence prevention, and religious reconciliation efforts.

“Our early warning systems and rapid response mechanisms have helped prevent the escalation of numerous potential conflicts, saving countless lives and preserving community harmony,” he noted.

Ochogwu also emphasized the importance of collaboration between government and civil society in tackling insecurity, banditry, and communal clashes across Nigeria.

“Government must prioritize conflict prevention, invest in peacebuilding infrastructure, and ensure that development policies are conflict-sensitive and inclusive,” he said.

The DG further called on the media to adopt conflict-sensitive reporting and use their platforms to amplify voices of peace and reconciliation, while urging religious and traditional leaders to leverage their influence to promote tolerance and understanding.

As part of the anniversary celebrations, IPCR outlined a series of activities, including interfaith prayer sessions, a “Sports for Peace and Mental Health Clinic,” and a peace walk followed by a commemorative lecture.

He emphasized that sustainable peace is deeply connected to individual wellbeing. To promote this, the organization is launching a “Sport for Peace and Mental Health” clinic a creative initiative combining physical activity with mental health support.

This approach not only helps address trauma and the physiological impacts of conflict but also fosters community healing through active engagement.

“Recognizing that peace begins with individual wellbeing, we are hosting a Sport for Peace and Mental Health Clinic that integrates physical activity with mental health support. This innovative approach acknowledges that sustainable peace requires addressing the physiological dimensions of conflict and trauma while promoting healthy community engagement through sport.”

Ochogwu concluded with a reminder of the institute’s long-term mission.

“Peace is both a destination and a journey. The past 25 years have shown that sustainable peace is possible when we act with determination and unity. The time for peace is always now.”

IPCR Calls on Stakeholders to Promote Peace