40 Women Get Solar Power System in Owukpa Community

By: Michael
Mike

In a bid to support a post-extractive future for Owukpa women, whose peaceful efforts led to the halting of environmentally destructive coal mining activities in their community in 2021, Yes to Life, No to Mining (YLNM)—a global solidarity network for Indigenous Peoples, impacted communities, and local organisations advocating for the right to say “No” to mining—partnered with Eco Defenders Network to distribute multi-functional solar power systems to about 40 women.

The event in Owukpa was met with great enthusiasm. Beneficiaries expressed gratitude for this initiative, which will help address their energy needs at home and in their businesses.

Speaking at the event, Shehu Akowe of Eco Defenders Network, representing YLNM, emphasized that this gesture calls on the government and well-meaning Nigerians to advocate for ecologically and socially just energy alternatives. He noted the support of energy systems that value diverse ways of life and protect the land, air, and water on which everyone depends.

Akowe further stated that Nigeria’s vast solar and wind potential should be harnessed to create clean energy alternatives to coal. “Embracing these technologies will help move us beyond the violent and harmful practice of extraction, which assumes the Earth has no limits, and instead provide communities with clean energy systems.”

In response, two beneficiaries, Mrs. A.A. Cecilia and Mrs. G. Enenche, expressed their gratitude, acknowledging that this gesture would help address the long-standing issue of energy deficiency in Owukpa. They thanked the organization for the solar-powered systems, affirming that the new lights would improve their homes and businesses. They also urged the government to embrace solar energy as a viable alternative to their community’s ongoing energy access challenges.

Madam Julie Ooja, a community environmental mobilizer and member of Owukpa who has long supported her fellow women in their fight for a cleaner environment, also expressed her appreciation to YLNM for supporting Owukpa’s women. She reiterated that the women would continue to advocate for the closure of the coal mine while also calling for the development of better infrastructure, including improved roads, schools, functional hospitals, and access to clean, portable water and reliable electricity.

Shehu Akowe emphasized the importance of unity in advocating for life-sustaining, post-extractive futures that respect human dignity and environmental integrity.

Two Notorious Bandits Kachalla Idi Mai Randa and Ya’u Killed rival clashes in Zamfara

By: Zagazola Makama

In another blow to banditry in Zamfara State, two notorious bandits, Kachalla Idi Mai Randa and Ya’u, have been killed in separate encounters with rival bandit faction of Dogo Geide.

Intelligence sources told Zagazola Malama that Kachalla Idi Mai Randa, a known bandit leader responsible for multiple attacks in the region, was killed in an ambush laid by rival bandit Dogo Geide on Sunday evening.

The attack occurred following a series of violent confrontations between the two factions. Idi Mai Randa had previously led an attack that resulted in the killing of Gide’s boy, prompting him to vow revenge.

Idi Mai Randa’s death comes days after the killing of Ya’u, another notorious bandit who had been previously captured in Tsafe Local Government Area.

Ya’u, a close ally of Idi Mai Randa, had been implicated in numerous attacks and was believed to be in possession of significant weaponry. Although Idi Mai Randa denied any involvement with Ya’u’s weaponry, it is now confirmed that both he and Ya’u have met their Waterloo, with the story of their deaths reported from their emclave early today.

The troops of Operation Fansan Yanma in collaboration with it Air Component as well as federal security forces, continue to make significant strides in dismantling bandit in their hideouts in the region.

The joint effort has already resulted in the deaths of several high profile bandit leaders and the capture of important assets.

Two Notorious Bandits Kachalla Idi Mai Randa and Ya’u Killed rival clashes in Zamfara

Military Repels retaliation attack in Tsafe after Killing Notorious Bandit Kachalla Jafaru

By: Zagazola Makama

The troops of Operation Fansan Yamma in collaboration with Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) successfully repelled a retaliatory attack by bandits in Bilbis town, Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara State, in the midnight of Monday.

Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the attack followed the death of a notorious bandit leader, Kachalla Jafaru, who was killed during a recent military encounter with the terrorists in Bilbis.

Jafaru, known for his expertise in kidnapping for ransom and terrorizing communities, including Hayin Gada and Kunchin Kalgo. He was a brother to the infamous bandit leader Ado Aliero, who was on the top wanted list of the Nigerian military.

Sources revealed that after Jafaru’s death, Fulani bandits in the area mobilized to attack Bilbis in retaliation. However, security operatives were alerted and launched a counter-operation at about 11:30 a.m., engaging the bandits in a fierce gun battle that lasted until 4:00 p.m.

The military, with support from CJTF members, successfully thwarted the attack, neutralizing several bandits, injuring others, and recovering numerous motorcycles and weapons.

Eyewitnesses reported seeing the security operatives transporting five bodies of bandits on motorcycles and one in a vehicle, along with other confiscated items.

Jafaru’s reign of terror had significantly disrupted several communities in Tsafe, with repeated incidents of kidnappings and extortion. His demise is seen as a major breakthrough in efforts to restore peace to the area.

Military Repels retaliation attack in Tsafe after Killing Notorious Bandit Kachalla Jafaru