Peace accord under Operation Safe Corridor holds in Musawa, Katsina

By: Zagazola Makama

A peace accord has been reached between Musawa Local Government Area (LGA) community and bandit elements under the State Government’s Operation Safe Corridor initiative in Katsina State.

Zagazola Makama reports that the dialogue, held on Sunday at Tashar Mai Alewa Primary School in Danmusa LGA, was aimed at fostering sustainable peace and reconciliation.

The Musawa community delegation was led by the Council Chairman, accompanied by the District Head of Musawa and other key stakeholders.

On the part of the bandits, their representatives included Ummaru Munore and Wada Turawa, who participated through their mediator, Ardo Abdulkarim Yantumaki.

According to the communique, both parties agreed to enhance peaceful coexistence, ensure the release of kidnapped and arrested persons, and maintain order and justice for all.

Speakers from both sides pledged commitment to the terms of the accord, promising to sustain peace and prevent further hostilities.

The meeting, which commenced at about 2:00 p.m., concluded peacefully at 3:40 p.m. Security agencies have intensified patrols and close monitoring to consolidate the gains of the dialogue.

Peace accord under Operation Safe Corridor holds in Musawa, Katsina

Arase Was A Champion of Human Rights- NHRC

By: Michael Mike

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) said it is deeply saddened by the passing of former Inspector General of Police, Dr. Solomon Arase, whom he described as a distinguished friend of the Commission and a stalwart champion of human rights.

In a statement on Monday, the Executive Secretary of the Commission, Dr. Tony Ojukwu said: “On behalf of the Management and Staff of the Commission, l extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, colleagues, and the entire Nigeria Police Force.

“As a visionary leader, Arase brought transformative reforms to the Nigeria Police Force, prioritizing citizen-centric policing and human rights protection. His establishment of the Complaint Response Unit was a landmark initiative, ensuring swift responses to public complaints and fostering accountability within the police.

“As a human rights focussed Police officer, he set up and encouraged intelligence led policing. By this policy, which aimed at actualising right to presumption of innocence under the constitution, Solo insisted on intelligence gathering and investigation before arrest and detention of citizens especially when petitions are written. Unlike today, citizens are arrested first, before any investigation starts, completely negating the principles of the constitutional guarantee with impunity.

“Beyond his tenure as IGP, Arase continued to leverage his expertise as Chairman of the Police Service Commission, driving further reforms and modernization efforts. Indeed, his name has become synonymous with modern policing in Nigeria, reflecting his enduring impact on the profession.”

Ojukwu added that: “Arase’s legacy extends beyond his official roles. He remains a revered member of the human rights family, whose dedication to upholding the rights and dignity of all Nigerians has inspired a generation of human rights defenders and law enforcement officials.

“The NHRC salutes Arase’s remarkable contributions to policing and human rights in Nigeria. His humility, intelligence, focus, and commitment to excellence will be deeply missed.

“May his soul rest in peace, and may his family find comfort in the memories of his outstanding life and service.”

Arase Was A Champion of Human Rights- NHRC

NHRC Asks Government to Tackle Insecurity in Nigeria

By: Michael Mike

As the world commemorates the International Day of Victims of Enforced Disappearances, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has expressed deep concern over the rising cases of enforced disappearances, kidnappings, and abductions in Nigeria, describing them as a grave assault on human dignity.

The Executive Secretary of the Commission Dr, Tony Ojukwu expressed this concern on Monday in a statement to commemorate the day. He noted that the alarming trend has left countless families in anguish and uncertainty, with victims’ loved ones facing psychological trauma and prolonged distress.

He emphasized that the incessant wave of insecurity ranging from insurgency, banditry, herder-farmer clashes, separatist violence, and worsening poverty; continues to fuel cases of missing persons across the country.

According to the NHRC Boss, enforced disappearances, particularly in the context of security operations, remain a serious concern, stressing that such violations not only undermine human rights but also erode public trust in the state’s ability to protect its citizens.

Quoting relevant international human rights instruments, including the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance, Ojukwu reminded the government of its obligation to safeguard the rights to liberty, security, recognition before the law, and freedom from torture and ill-treatment.

The Commission urged government at all levels to adopt proactive measures to address the root causes of insecurity while strengthening accountability and justice mechanisms” he said. He further called on security agencies to strictly adhere to international human rights standards in their operations and to ensure that perpetrators of kidnappings, abductions, and enforced disappearances are brought to justice.

Ojukwu said, the Commission reaffirms its solidarity with the families of missing persons, pledging continued advocacy and support to uphold the rights of victims. “They may be missing but definitely not forgotten.”

He stated that only through a comprehensive response to insecurity by way of tackling insurgency, banditry, communal violence, separatist agitations, and poverty—can Nigeria reduce the tragic phenomenon of missing persons and restore confidence in state institutions.

NHRC Asks Government to Tackle Insecurity in Nigeria