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Reuters Allegation, 84 persons have witnessed so far- NHRC
Reuters Allegation, 84 persons have witnessed so far- NHRC
By: Michael Mike
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has disclosed that 84 witnesses have so far given testimonies to the panel saddled with the duty of investigating the allegation of the international media organisation Reuters against the Nigerian Army of involvement in abortion of 10,000 pregnancies, massive killing of children and deliberate violation of rights of women and girls in its counter-insurgency operation in the North East.
The panel after visits to the North East to take testimonies and conduct on the ground investigations in the troubled region, has resumed its work in Abuja where further testimonies were being collected.
A Senior Human Rights Adviser to Chief Tony Ojukwu, the Executive Secretary of the National Human Rights Commission, (NHRC), Hillary Ogbonna, who doubles as the Secretary, Special Independent Investigative Panel on Human Rights Violations in the counter Insurgency Operations in the North East, (SIIP:NE), said the Reuters Report indicated that 40 soldiers, most of whom were officers, were interviewed in the course of the reports.
He said: “December last year, Reuters published reports alleging abortion of ten thousand pregnancies, infanticide and other forms of Sexual and Gender Based Violence against the Nigeria Military but the military has since denied the allegations saying it was a deliberate attempt to rubbish the counter insurgency operation.”
Ogbonna noted that the latest report highlighted how Reuters arrived at their publications and the allegations against the Nigeria Military in their counter insurgency operations in the North East.
According to him, the report which was the follow up to the first reports released by Reuters last year December was released on the 19th of April and was named Abortion Assault II.
Meanwhile, Colonel Yakubu Ibrahim of the Nigerian Defence College who was at a twine in charge of a battalion in the Northeast theatre of operation, said the allegations of Reuters was laughable.
Ibrahim said the story of Reuters is a fiction, adding that when he read the report, he thought the writer was mistaking Nigeria for somewhere else.
Also, the Force Commander, United Nations mission to South-Sudan, Major General Benjamin Sawyer urged the investigative panel to everything within its power to unravel the matter; saying the military has a key goal of combating insurgency and restoring peace in the troubled region. It therefore could not have embarked on secrete acts alleged in the Reuters report.
“What they have written is completely false, misleading and degrading to the image of Nigerians and the Nigerian Army despite what the military has done to restore normalcy in restive regions.”
Also testifying, Retired Major General Jame Komolafe, Former Commander, 21 Brigade, North East, described the Reuters report as deliberate falsehood circulated to rubbish the integrity of the military.
He added that the military was law abiding and no military medical facility will subject itself to such illicit medical practice.
The Panel, chaired by a retired justice of the Supreme Court, Justice Abdul-Aboki, is officially known as Special Independent Investigative Panel on Human Rights Violations in the implementation of counter insurgency operations in the North East.
Reuters Allegation, 84 persons have witnessed so far- NHRC
News
Concerned Citizens of Northeast Felicitates with Christians on Christmas Celebration
Concerned Citizens of Northeast Felicitates with Christians on Christmas Celebration
…Urges Sustained Prayers for Peace, Prosperity, Well-being of Region and Nigeria
By: Our Reporter
The Concerned Citizens of Northeast has felicitated with Christians in the State and across the world as they celebrate this year’s Christmas.
CCNE called on the Christian faithful and all citizens of Northeast States to embrace the core values of Christmas which connote love, peace, reconciliation, and selflessness, while reflecting on its deeper spiritual significance.
“As we mark this joyous occasion, we urge everyone to emulate the virtues of love, sacrifice, and compassion demonstrated by Jesus Christ. Let us use this period to promote unity, understanding, and cooperation among ourselves, which are essential for building a harmonious and progressive society.
They encouraged the people of the region to sustain the bonds of brotherhood and communal support, emphasizing the need for continued peace and stability in the state.
The Concerned Citizens of Northeast further called for prayers for the prosperity and well-being of the nation, especially during these challenging economic times.
“While these times are undeniably tough, we encourage everyone not to lose hope but to stay optimistic and committed to the vision of a better Nigeria. Together, we can overcome our challenges and pave the way for a brighter future.
Concerned Citizens of Northeast Felicitates with Christians on Christmas Celebration
News
Tsafe community breathing sigh of relief following Killing of Notorious Bandit “Al’jan” by Nigerian troops
Tsafe community breathing sigh of relief following Killing of Notorious Bandit “Al’jan” by Nigerian troops
By Zagazola Makama
Residents of Tsafe Local Government Area in Zamfara State are breathing a sigh of relief following the neutralization of a notorious bandit known as “Al’jan,” who had long terrorized the community.
Originally from Niger Republic, “Al’jan,” whose real name remains undisclosed, settled in Tsafe LGA after working as a motorcycle taxi operator. This job connected him with Fulani herders, leading him down a path of criminality.
Over time, he forged alliances with a bandit group led by Hassan Bamamu, becoming deeply entrenched in acts of banditry and terror throughout the region.
Utilizing his extensive knowledge of Tsafe and its surroundings, “Al’jan” acted as a guide for criminal gangs, orchestrating numerous raids and kidnappings.
He was implicated in several high profile killings, including those of Anas Umar Dan Kanti, Alhaji Musa Ille, and an unnamed Navy officer.
The reign of terror that “Al’jan” inflicted on the community came to an end three weeks ago when security forces successfully neutralized him and several of his associates during a joint operation between Mada and Yandoton Daji in Tsafe LGA.
This operation involved a coordinated effort by soldiers and local vigilantes, who ambushed the gang as they traversed the area.
The elimination of “Al’jan” has brought newfound hope to the people of Tsafe, particularly those residing along the Tsafe-Gusau road, which had suffered from frequent attacks. Residents of Bamamu village, his last known hideout, confirmed his death after viewing his remains.
Tsafe community breathing sigh of relief following Killing of Notorious Bandit “Al’jan” by Nigerian troops
News
Zulum Extends Christmas Greetings to Christians, Vows to Steer Borno Towards Recovery
Zulum Extends Christmas Greetings to Christians, Vows to Steer Borno Towards Recovery
By: Our Reporter
Borno State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum, has felicitated with the Christian community in the state on the occasion of Christmas, urging unity and support for his administration’s development efforts.
In a message delivered through his spokesperson, Dauda Iliya, Governor Zulum emphasized the importance of collaboration in achieving the state’s goals outlined in the 10-Pact Agenda, 25-Year Development Plan, and 10-Year Strategic Initiatives.
Zulum called on Christians to use the spirit of the season to promote love, forgiveness and good neighbourliness.
“On behalf of the Borno State government, I extend warm greetings to my Christian brothers and sisters on this joyous occasion,” Governor Zulum stated. “I pray for a peaceful and prosperous celebration, and encourage all citizens to use this season to support the less privileged, fostering stronger relationships across all communities.”
Governor Zulum highlighted that his administration will prioritize post-conflict and post-flood recovery to improve the living standards of the people.
He reaffirmed his commitment to providing quality leadership and driving positive change to ensure sustainable growth for the State.
“The task of rebuilding Borno is a collective one,” he continued. “I am dedicated to leading efforts that will transform the state and elevate its citizens to path of prosperity.”
In response to the challenges posed by the removal of fuel subsidy and the ongoing economic difficulties, Governor Zulum’s administration is providing crucial support to vulnerable populations.
This includes the introduction of a mass transport system, distribution of relief items to over 35,000 returnee households, and enrollment of over 94,000 vulnerable individuals into a free healthcare program.
The Governor also expressed his appreciation for the Christian community in maintaining peace and unity throughout the state.
“I sincerely thank the people of Borno for their continued support over the past five and a half years,” Governor Zulum added. “I assure you that my administration remains steadfast in its commitment to securing lives, restoring livelihoods, and revitalizing the state’s economy.”
Zulum enjoins all citizens to be law abiding throughout the festive period and beyond as government is doing everything possible to ensure sustainable peace in Borno State.
Zulum Extends Christmas Greetings to Christians, Vows to Steer Borno Towards Recovery
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