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Re-echoing dangers of Holocaust to prevent reoccurrence
Re-echoing dangers of Holocaust to prevent reoccurrence
Re-echoing dangers of Holocaust to prevent reoccurrence
By Fortune Abang
The 1933-1945 Holocaust era during the Nazi regime in World War II may have come and gone, but the international community, diplomats and academics believe such antisemitism still abounds.
Holocaust is the ideological-driven persecution and murder of six million Jews across Europe by the then Nazi Germany and other racist states.
The stakeholders alluded that such ideology was built on pre-existing prejudices against Jews and Roma that entails systematic mass murder and persecution of Jews by Nazis and their collaborators.
The world makes progress in the Holocaust era, stakeholder re-echoe the need to prevent a reoccurrence of that ugly part of human history.
At the 80th anniversary of the International Day of Commemoration in memory of the victims of the Holocaust, stakeholders advocated multilateral efforts toward ending all forms of racism, prejudice, and religious bigotry.
The event which had as its theme: “Holocaust Remembrance for Dignity and Human Rights” was organised by the UN Information Centre in collaboration with UNESCO, the German and Israeli embassies.
It was used to brief students on lessons of the Holocaust and fight against discrimination, religious intolerance, harassment, mass violence, and hate speech.
Experts say that all forms of such ideology can be fueled by the same lies and loathing that nurtured the Nazi genocide.
They pointed at the October 7, terror attacks by Hamas on Israel and Israel’s reaction, Russia and Ukraine war, Sudan conflict situation among others to have been based on anti-Semitism.
These conflicts and many more have resulte to loss of lives and property, including in Europe, Australia, Canada, the U.S. and elsewhere, particularly with Jewish communities facing increasing hostility and violence.
Also worthy to note is the Rwandan genocide, known as the genocide against the Tutsi that occurred from April 7 to July 19, 1994 during the Rwandan Civil war, resulting in not less than 800 000 people been slaughtered in Rwanda by ethnic Hutu extremists.
It is estimated that no the death of thousands of Rwandans while fewer than 2, 000, 000 Rwandans reportedly fled the country during or after the genocide.
The United Nations Secretary-General, António Guterres, called on all citizens of the world to speak up and stand up against hate.
Guterres said: “To allow the Holocaust to fade from our memory would dishonour the past and betray the future; remembrance is a moral act and a call to action.
“To know the history of the Holocaust is to know the depths to which humanity can sink; to understand how the Nazis committed their heinous crimes with the complicity of others.
“We must hold fast to our common humanity. We must condemn all forms of racism, prejudice and religious bigotry, and renew our resolve to defend the dignity and human rights of all.”
The Israeli Deputy Ambassador to Nigeria, Inbar Garden, recounted the Jewish men, women, and children were murdered in the holocaust, alongside millions of others who suffered under the Nazi regime.
She said through collective efforts such occurrences would be prevented.
According to her, it has become necessary to honour their memory not only to mourn the loss of 6-million Jewish men, women, and children alongside millions of others, also to reaffirm commitment to ensuring such atrocities never happen again.
“The Holocaust is not just a chapter of Jewish history; it is a universal reminder of the devastating consequences of hatred, discrimination, and indifference.
“It compels us to reflect on our shared responsibility to fight antisemitism, racism, and all forms of intolerance wherever they may arise,” Garden said.
In the same vein, Mr Mathias Dold, First Secretary of German Embassy, decried the 1933 to 1945 holocaust which he said marked the darkest period across Europe under Nazi Germany and other racist states.
“This is without a doubt Germany’s darkest hour and worst crime ever committed by the then national socialist Nazi government, since the history of the world.
“Beside Jews, other minors were murdered including half a million Roma and Sinti, Persons With Disabilities (PWD), communists, prisoners of war, political enemies and all those the Nazis considered unworthy,” Dold said.
Mr Mendy Albert, Officer -in-charge of UNESCO Country Office in Nigeria, urged people to reflect more on the consequences of hatred, discrimination and intolerance and embrace collective responsibility through peaceful co-existence and education.
He said that UNESCO, as the lead agency for education within the UN system, believes that education can the most powerful tool for re-echoing the dangers of Holocaust and building a just and peaceful world.
“Education for peace is not just about imparting knowledge; it is shaping attitudes, values and behaviours that promote dialogue, understanding and cooperation among individuals and societies,” Albert said.
Analysts agree that a multilateral approach toward raising awareness about ending racism, religious bigotry and all forms of hate is vital in bolstering lasting global peace.
They also believe that if Holocaust should serve as a powerful reminder that hatred, no matter how small it may seem, could grow into unimaginable consequences if left unchecked.
Hatred, often starts with seemingly minor acts of intolerance, hurtful words, exclusion, discrimination, and can quickly escalate into widespread harm and devastation.
Fortune Abang, is an Abuja-based journalist
Re-echoing dangers of Holocaust to prevent reoccurrence
Troops Repel Terrorist Infiltration in Kanama, Neutralise Four Insurgents
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have repelled a Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorist infiltration into Kanama town, neutralising four insurgents during a swift response operation in Borno State.
Security sources said the incident occurred at about 6:00 p.m. on April 22 when troops of 159 Battalion, deployed in Kanama, responded to sounds of gunfire within the town.
On arrival, the troops reportedly discovered that terrorists had infiltrated parts of the community.
The troops immediately made contact and engaged the attackers with disciplined fire, forcing them to retreat in disarray.
Subsequent exploitation of the general area led to the neutralisation of four terrorists.
One member of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) sustained injuries during the encounter and has been evacuated for medical attention.
No military equipment was lost during the operation.
Items recovered from the terrorists include two torchlight mobile phones and the sum of ₦21,000.
Security sources said the general situation across the theatre remains calm but unpredictable, while troops’ morale and fighting efficiency remain high.
Troops Repel Terrorist Infiltration in Kanama, Neutralise Four Insurgents
News
Dramatic Testimony Rocks Nwaukoni Terrorism Trial In Asaba — Doctor Confirms Gunshot Wounds In Palace Attack Case
Dramatic Testimony Rocks Nwaukoni Terrorism Trial In Asaba — Doctor Confirms Gunshot Wounds In Palace Attack Case
The high-profile terrorism trial in Charge No. FHC/ASB/18C/2024 took a dramatic and gripping turn this week at the Federal High Court, Asaba, as explosive evidence and powerful witness testimonies continue to unfold against Mike Nwaukoni (aka “Supu”) and his alleged accomplices.
Standing trial alongside him are prominent figures including Barrister Francis Okolie, Secretary of the Ogwashi-Uku Development Association (ODA), and Mazi Elue Adigwe, the association’s Secretary-General, among others accused in connection with the violent October 12, 2023 attack on the Palace of the Obi of Ogwashi-Uku.
🔴 Doctor’s Testimony Leaves Court in Silence
In what court observers have described as one of the most chilling moments of the trial so far, Dr. Ezeike Ugochukwu Godwin took the witness stand and delivered a clinical yet deeply emotional account of the injuries sustained by a vigilante operative assigned to protect the Palace.
The doctor confirmed that the victim suffered multiple gunshot wounds, including injuries to the head and upper limbs, describing in precise medical terms the severity of the trauma.
According to his testimony, the victim was brought into the emergency unit in a state of intense pain and critical distress, alongside several others wounded during the attack.
Dr. Ezeike further told the court that the patient was referred from the Divisional Police Headquarters in Ogwashi-Uku, reinforcing the official chain of response following the violent incident.
🔴 Police Investigator Details Chaos and Destruction
A day earlier, on April 21, 2026, the court heard from Inspector Ijeoma Ovat, the initial Investigating Police Officer (IPO), who painted a harrowing picture of the aftermath of the attack.
She testified about the widespread chaos, multiple casualties, and destruction that followed the invasion of the Palace during the controversial Ineh Festival. Crucially, she tendered photographic evidence showing heavily damaged police and vigilante vehicles, corroborating claims of a coordinated and violent assault.
Sources within the prosecution confirm that the damage to the vehicles was extensive and consistent with armed aggression.
🔴 Witnesses Tie Defendants to Armed
AssaultEarlier testimonies in the trial have reportedly identified the defendants as active participants, alleging they were armed with guns and other dangerous weapons during the attack. Witnesses have also pointed to Mike Nwaukoni as a central figure who allegedly instigated and coordinated the operation.
🔴 Passport Request Sparks Legal Firestorm
In a fresh development that has further intensified proceedings, lead prosecutors in the case including CSP Samuel Mallum Esq and A.I Aminu Esq from the Police Legal Directorate in Abuja have strongly opposed an application by Nwaukoni’s legal team seeking the temporary release of his international passport for overseas travel.
According to sources, the prosecution argued that granting such a request poses a serious flight risk, warning that the defendant could attempt to evade justice, seek asylum, or acquire foreign citizenship.
The prosecution also suggested that the move may be a deliberate tactic to delay the trial, particularly as significant portions of the case have already been established.
The matter has been adjourned for further consideration, with hearings expected to resume in late May, continuing into early June 2026.
🔴 Calm Returns to Ogwashi-Uku Amid Trial
Meanwhile, community sources in Ogwashi-Uku report a notable return of peace and stability since the commencement of the trial. Residents have expressed hope that the judicial process will be seen through to a swift and just conclusion, bringing lasting closure to one of the most serious security incidents in the Kingdom’s recent history.
Dramatic Testimony Rocks Nwaukoni Terrorism Trial In Asaba — Doctor Confirms Gunshot Wounds In Palace Attack Case
Troops Intercept Suspected Terrorist Logistics Supplier, Seize PMS in Borno
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have arrested a suspected ISWAP/JAS logistics supplier and intercepted a large quantity of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) concealed in a tricycle in Borno State.
Security sources said the suspect was apprehended at about 9:10 a.m. on April 21 by troops of 159 Battalion at a checkpoint within Sector 2 Area of Responsibility.
The suspect was reportedly conveying PMS concealed in 15 sacks, disguised with bags of sachet water in an attempt to evade detection.
Preliminary investigations indicated that the consignment was being transported to Kanama town and neighbouring communities around Dikwa and Bultuwa, areas believed to be within terrorist influence.
Items recovered from the suspect include a mobile phone and the sum of ₦34,950.
The sources said the suspect and recovered exhibits are in military custody for further investigation and necessary action.
They added that the interception forms part of ongoing operations aimed at disrupting terrorist logistics networks and denying them access to critical supplies across the North-East theatre.
Troops Intercept Suspected Terrorist Logistics Supplier, Seize PMS in Borno
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