Group Says Poverty, Disunity Responsible for Surge in Terrorism

By: Michael Mike

The Northern Christian Youth Professionals (NCYP) has identified the surge in terrorism in Nigeria as a result of disunity among communities across the country and poverty among majority of citizens.

The group in a press statement signed by its Chairman, Isaac Abrak on Tuesday, said the persistent and growing threat of terrorism in Nigeria, particularly in the northern regions, is evident that terrorist groups, both local and international—including Boko Haram, ISWAP, Al-Qaeda affiliates, and more recently, the Lakurawa terrorist group—have exploited the longstanding divisions within our communities to carry out their heinous attacks.

Abrak said: “Terrorism thrives where there is disunity and poverty. In Nigeria, sectarian and political fault lines—especially religious divisions between Christians and Muslims—have allowed these criminals to operate with impunity. Rather than uniting to confront a common enemy, communities often fall into the trap of mutual suspicion and blame. This division has enabled terrorists to continue their violence across religious and political boundaries.”

He noted that: “We must ask ourselves: why do we continue to witness deadly attacks in Christian-dominated areas such as Plateau, Benue, and in the recent tragedy in Gombe, where a truck rammed into an Easter mass rally? Similarly, why are Muslim-majority states like Zamfara, Katsina, and Sokoto under constant siege? The answer is simple: terrorism knows no religion, region, or tribe. Nigeria as a whole is being targeted, and unless we unite, we risk losing everything, just as happened in countries like Afghanistan and Yemen.”

He however said: “The way forward is not through division, but unity—across religious, ethnic, and political lines. This unity must be backed by bold, people-centered policies that empower communities to protect themselves and deny terrorists the environment they exploit.

“One such policy is the revitalization of the Forest Guard, as proposed in President Bola Tinubu’s campaign manifesto. NCYP has long advocated for this initiative. Properly implemented, it would involve recruiting local community members—those who know the terrain intimately—to safeguard their forests. This would not only improve security but also create jobs and provide a steady income, reducing the appeal of terrorist recruitment.

“In tandem, we strongly support the full implementation of Local Government Financial Autonomy, as ordered by the Supreme Court. When funds are directly allocated to local governments, communities can witness real development at the grassroots. Economic empowerment at this level builds resilience against extremist influence.”

Abrak decried that: “Unfortunately, we continue to see political maneuvering and sabotage when it comes to implementing these people-oriented policies. For example, the debate over state police versus the Forest Guard should not be an either-or argument. If state police are formed, will they truly focus on reclaiming forests overrun by terrorists? And if State Police is viable, why hasn’t this government moved swiftly to implement it?

“Similarly, why have Local Government Councils not opened accounts with the Central Bank to allow FAAC funds to be deposited directly, as constitutionally mandated? These are serious questions our leaders must answer if they are truly committed to ending the insurgency that is devastating rural Nigeria.”

“We urge all Nigerians, especially those in rural communities, to raise their voices and demand full implementation of these critical policies. The political class has demonstrated that when the will exists, necessary legal reforms can be swiftly enacted—as seen when the National Assembly invoked the Doctrine of Necessity to resolve a constitutional crisis after President Yar’Adua’s death,” he said.

He advises that: “Let us show the same urgency in enacting laws and reforms that will empower our people, defend our communities, and defeat terrorism.

“We, the Northern Christian Youth Professionals, stand ready to partner with all patriotic Nigerians, regardless of religion or ethnicity, in the fight for a safer, united, and prosperous Nigeria.”

Group Says Poverty, Disunity Responsible for Surge in Terrorism

German Academic Exchange Service Opens in Accra for West Africa

By: Michael Mike

Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst, the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) is expanding its international network in West Africa by opening a
regional office in Accra, the capital of Ghana.

According to a statement, the DAAD regional office in Accra, has recently started work. It was initially responsible for Ghana, Cameroon and Nigeria, as it is
strengthening its network in an important region for Germany and Europe.

“By 2050, the share of African countries in the global population will rise to an
estimated 25 per cent. The number of students and doctoral candidates in
West Africa will also increase in the medium term. The universities and scientific institutions in Ghana, Cameroon and Nigeria are already important partners for German universities and their importance will continue to grow. With the new regional office, we are strengthening these links in a region that is important for Germany and Europe.” explained DAAD President Prof.
Joybrato Mukherjee on site in Accra.

He added that: “As the DAAD, we are also deliberately expanding the network of German foreign science policy in West Africa, also with a view to the neighbouring Sahel zone and the associated challenging
geopolitical situation. Science diplomacy and the science cooperation area
are making resilient and important contributions to German security in these
crisis-ridden times. Science is a ‘hard currency’ in foreign and security policy,
and we are delighted to be able to expand our presence in West Africa with
the support of the Federal Foreign Office.”

,” said Mukherjee.
DAAD in Ghana
Since establishing its presence in Ghana in 2000, the German Academic
Exchange Service (DAAD) has actively supported the remarkable growth of
academic exchange and collaboration with Germany. Germany is now the
third most popular study destination for Ghanaian students and the number
of DAAD’s scholarships for Ghanaians have increased more than tenfold in the
last 25 years. Over the past decade, institutional collaborations between
DAAD Germany and Ghana have nearly tripled and the flourishing network of
students, researchers, and alumni between the two countries stands as a testament to this success.

The new regional office – one of only two in sub-Saharan Africa – demonstrates the continuing growth of West African countries as partners of Germany and the DAAD.

They offer great potential for academic exchange and scientific cooperation with Germany: an estimated 2.5 million young people are currently studying in Ghana, Cameroon and Nigeria. The number of
exchanges with Germany has also risen continuously in recent years. Around
13,500 students from the three countries are currently enrolled at universities
in Germany.

In addition, German universities are showing a growing interest in cooperation, with around 130 partnerships already in place with Ghana, Cameroon and Nigeria.

Until now, however, German universities have lacked a central contact point on site for the establishment and expansion of networks and collaborations. The new regional office in Accra enables the DAAD to advise students and researchers locally, to present Germany as an attractive centre
of science in the region and to facilitate access to knowledge and contacts in
the countries for German universities.

Students and researchers interested in making inquiries, attending information events, or booking individual consultations can contact the DAAD Regional Office in Ghana.

German Academic Exchange Service Opens in Accra for West Africa

Suspected IED explosion kills minor, injures six in Kaduna

By: Zagazola Makama

A suspected Improvised Explosive Device (IED) exploded in the early hours of Tuesday in Abakpa area of Kaduna North Local Government Area, killing one minor and injuring six others.

Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the explosion occurred around 8 a.m., April 22, 2025, causing panic among residents in the densely populated community.

The deceased minor was identified as Abubakar Mohammed, while the six injured persons, including three other minors, were rushed to a nearby hospital for medical attention.

A resident who witnessed the incident and spoke under condition of anonymity that the device exploded suddenly near a residential compound, leading to several casualties.

Security personnel, including bomb disposal experts and police operatives, quickly arrived at the scene and cordoned off the area.

Authorities have commenced an investigation to ascertain the nature of the explosive and the circumstances surrounding the incident.

Suspected IED explosion kills minor, injures six in Kaduna