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Planned Protests: IPCR Calls For Calm, Restraint
Planned Protests: IPCR Calls For Calm, Restraint
By: Michael Mike
Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR) has issued a timely call for calm and restraint, ahead of the planned protests against the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The Institute on Wednesday called on Civil Society Groups, organizers, and other bodies involved in the planned protests to be cautious of their action in order to avoid inflaming the already precarious situation in the country, insisting that they should note that although the nation is facing hard times, the situation is not unique to Nigeria, as the world at large is grappling with a global economic crisis.
IPCR also urged citizens to avoid fanning the flames of disunity and disrupting the fragile peace currently enjoyed amidst insecurity.
The Director General, IPCR, Dr. Joseph Ochogwu, in the statement, said: “This wise counsel comes at a critical juncture, as protests at this point in time could jeopardize the renewed hope agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” insisting the cautionary statement serves as a reminder that hasty actions can have unintended consequences.
He said by urging restraint, the Institute acknowledges the need for measured responses to the current challenges.
Highlighting the delicate nature of the current situation, the Institute noted that any actions that could disrupt this peace would be counterproductive, especially when considered in the context of President Tinubu’s renewed hope agenda, which aimed at revitalizing the nation’s prospects, and requires a stable environment to succeed.
He said protests, while a fundamental right, can sometimes be counterproductive if not carefully considered, “In this case, the Institute’s warning suggests that protests could disorganize the efforts aimed at addressing the nation’s challenges. By cautioning against fanning the ember of crisis and disunity, the Institute emphasizes the need for unity and collective effort in navigating these difficult times,” he noted.
He explained that: “In essence, the Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution is advocating for a thoughtful and strategic approach to addressing the nation’s challenges. By urging calm and restraint, the Institute encourages citizens to prioritize constructive engagement and collaboration, rather than resorting to actions that could undermine the fragile peace.
“This call to action is a reminder that, even in the face of adversity, careful consideration and strategic thinking are essential. By heeding the Institute’s warning, citizens can contribute to a more stable and peaceful environment, conducive to the success of President Tinubu’s renewed hope agenda.”
Planned Protests: IPCR Calls For Calm, Restraint
Armed Bandits Attack Ringa Village, Kidnap Four in Niger
By: Zagazola Makama
Armed bandits have carried out a deadly raid in Ringa Village, located in the Ringa District of Rafi Local Government Area in Niger State, kidnapping four individuals and causing widespread damage, the state police command confirmed.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that on April 18, 2025, at approximately 1000hrs, a large group of armed bandits and insurgents, riding on motorcycles, invaded the village. During the attack, the assailants abducted four men Anas Shuaibu, Isah Kazuga, Mande Samari, and Bazama Kiwoji who were all residents of the village.
In addition to the kidnapping, the bandits set fire to the village’s electricity transformer, plunging the community into darkness. They also stole four unregistered Bajaj motorcycles that had been abandoned by their owners, who fled in fear for their lives.
Security forces are currently conducting intensive operations in a bid to rescue the kidnapped victims and apprehend the perpetrators of the attack.
Armed Bandits Attack Ringa Village, Kidnap Four in Niger
Pastor Killed in Armed Robbery Attack in Plateau
By: Zagazola Makama
The Plateau State Police Command has confirmed the killing of a pastor in Bassa Local Government Area following an armed robbery incident that occurred late Friday night.
Sources told Zagazola Makama that the he victim, identified as Pastor Yohanna Bitrus, 40, was attacked and killed by unidentified assailants who also stole his motorcycle.
The report was made by a resident, who informed the police that the incident took place at about 11:20 p.m. on April 18.
Upon receipt of the report, the Divisional Police Officer in Bassa led patrol teams to the scene, where the victim was found with a deep machete cut on his chest
Pastor Bitrus was rushed to Bassa Cottage Hospital, where he was confirmed dead by the attending doctor.
Following the incident, a joint team of the military, police and other security agencies was immediately deployed into the surrounding forest in pursuit of the suspects.
Pastor Killed in Armed Robbery Attack in Plateau
JNIM Claims Deadly Attack on Benin Military Bases, Says 70 Soldiers Killed
By: Zagazola Makama
Jama’a Nusrat ul-Islam wa al-Muslimin (JNIM), a terrorist group operating in the Sahel, has claimed responsibility for coordinated attacks on two military positions in northern Benin Republic on Thursday, April 17, 2025.
In a statement released through its propaganda channels, the group said it killed 70 Beninese soldiers during the assaults. The attacks reportedly targeted military companies stationed near the country’s northern borders with Burkina Faso and Niger – regions increasingly plagued by jihadist violence.
JNIM also published images of weapons and equipment it said were captured during the attacks. Among the items allegedly seized were:
American-made M2HB heavy machine guns, Five PP87 mortars of Chinese origin, Fifty-one rocket-assisted mortar shells, Three surveillance drones, Six motorcycles, Sixty-four grenades, Seventy-eight Kalashnikov rifles, Over 300 ammunition magazines, Type 80 and W-85 machine guns, Type 81-1 rifles Type 56-1 rocket launchers, and T69-1 anti-tank projectiles.
The Beninese government has yet to issue an official statement confirming the claims. However, security sources have confirmed that military operations are ongoing in the northern region, and reinforcements have been deployed to contain the situation.
JNIM, which is affiliated with al-Qaeda, has expanded its activities into coastal West African states in recent years, marking a shift in its operational footprint beyond Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso.
JNIM Claims Deadly Attack on Benin Military Bases, Says 70 Soldiers Killed
Armed Bandits Attack Ringa Village, Kidnap Four in Niger
Pastor Killed in Armed Robbery Attack in Plateau
EXCLUSIVE: Militia Supremacy Battle Fuels Deadly Attacks in Benue Community as 17 Killed
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