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Speaker Calls on State Houses of Assembly to Ensure Law Against GBV is Passed Across Nigeria

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Speaker Calls on State Houses of Assembly to Ensure Law Against GBV is Passed Across Nigeria

By: Michael Mike

The Speaker of House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas has promoted the ending Gender Based Violence (GBV) in Nigeria, calling on Speakers of State Houses of Assembly to ensure that the law is passed in all there states.

He made this call on Monday in Abuja at the convergence of Speakers of State Houses of Assembly to commemorate the conclusion of the 16 days of activism against Gender-based Violence. An event hosted by UN Women in conjunction with the House of Representatives.

The Speaker while stating that the UN bent was part of activities lined up to commemorate 16 Days of Activism against GBV, noted that the campaign began on November 25th, with the People’s House taking a prominent role in supporting the push to end the crime that should not just be seen as against women but humanity.

Abbas, who also stated that the involvement of the House signified its resolve to combat violence against Nigerian women and to reinforce our collective commitment to creating a safer and more equitable society, said: “As we mark the conclusion of this critical campaign today, we also celebrate International Human Rights Day. These 16 days have served as a rallying point, uniting diverse stakeholders in a shared mission to protect and empower women and girls across Nigeria.

“The National Assembly has long been at the forefront of the fight against GBV and the advocacy for greater women’s representation. Since 1999, we have championed transformative legislative reforms, including the enactment of the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act (VAPP), the Child Rights Act, and the Trafficking in Persons (Prohibition) Enforcement and Administration Act. These laws have laid a solid foundation for addressing GBV and advancing gender equity.

“The 10th Assembly has amplified these efforts through its Legislative Agenda, which prioritises constitutional reforms to promote women’s political participation and representation.

This agenda reflects our recognition of the indispensable role women play in governance and the broader societal fabric. Women are the cornerstone of our families and communities, yet their political representation remains unacceptably low. This imbalance must change—not for improved statistics but for the transformative value women bring to governance, leadership, and policymaking.”

He said that the importance of eradicating GBV and promoting women’s representation cannot be overstated, noting that: “A society that protects its women and leverages their potential is one that secures its future. Women are the glue that holds our families and communities together. Despite this, systemic barriers, including cultural norms, economic inequality, and inadequate legal protections, have hindered their full participation in political and public life.”

The Speaker while revealing that the 10th Assembly has taken proactive steps to address the barriers, said: “Recognising past pitfalls, we have commenced the constitutional amendment process early to allow for extensive consultation and consensus-building. The House Committee on Constitution Amendment has embarked on robust sensitisation and advocacy efforts, engaging stakeholders to build support for provisions that will constitutionalise greater women’s representation.

“These efforts go beyond tokenism. Affirmative action for women is not undemocratic; it is a necessary corrective measure to address historical inequities and unlock our nation’s full potential. Many African countries, such as Rwanda and South Africa, have successfully enshrined affirmative action in their constitutions.

“The 2003 Constitution of Rwanda mandates that at least 30% of positions in decision-making organs be reserved for women, a policy that has propelled women to hold 61.3% of parliamentary seats. Similarly, recent reforms to the Indian Constitution allocate 33% of seats for women in the Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies. Nepal’s Constitution requires that women make up at least one-third of the total members of the federal parliament. In Uganda, the Constitution ensures one woman representative for every district in Parliament. Meanwhile, Tanzania’s Constitution reserves special seats for women, comprising no less than 30% of parliamentary seats. Zimbabwe’s Constitution also guarantees 60 additional seats for women in the National Assembly during its first two parliaments after enactment. Nigeria must embrace this progressive trend – not only to align with global advancements in gender inclusion but also to set a leading example for others”

The Speaker pointed out that state Houses of Assembly are pivotal to achieving meaningful constitutional reforms and that the active participation and support of State Speakers are crucial in ensuring that gender-focused amendments and legislation are adopted at the subnational level.

He said: “I commend the Speakers here today for their progressive stance and for being the most forward-thinking group of Speakers since 1999. Your support for gender-based bills and proposals currently before the National Assembly is a testament to your commitment to building a more inclusive Nigeria.

“I understand the challenges you face and urge you to engage in constructive dialogue to refine these proposals. Let us work together to integrate your perspectives into the final legislation, ensuring that no valid concerns are left unaddressed.”

The Speaker said that the House of Representatives remains resolute in its commitment to advancing gender equity, adding that the time has come to challenge stereotypes and misconceptions that have long hindered women’s progress.

Earlier, in her welcome speech, the Chairman of the House Committee on Women, Hon. Kafilat Ogbara called for the support of the Speakers of states House of Assembly to ensure that women are given the deserved respect in the country, noting that it is imperative that women are made to feel there was no grand design against them.

Speaker Calls on State Houses of Assembly to Ensure Law Against GBV is Passed Across Nigeria

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DSS-led joint operation crushes ESN strongholds, kills top kingpins in Imo

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DSS-led joint operation crushes ESN strongholds, kills top kingpins in Imo

By: Zagazola Makama

A wave of coordinated security offensives in Imo State has barbecued the Eastern Security Network (ESN), the militant wing of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), with the killing of key kingpins and the dislodgement of notorious terrorist camps in forested parts of Njaba and Isu Local Government Areas.

Zagazola Makama understand that The offensive, which began on June 29, was spearheaded by the Department of State Services (DSS) in close collaboration with the Nigeria Police Force, special forces, and local tactical units.

It was launched after the arrest and detailed confessions of two ESN commanders Uchenna Opara, popularly known as Ntanta Miri, and Ozioma Ihedoro, a.k.a OZ, both natives of Umuaka community in Njaba LGA.

Acting on actionable intelligence, the joint team raided and obliterated several terrorist enclaves, including Umuele Umuaka, Ezioha, and Ugbele Umuaka, known safe havens of the separatist group.

A fierce gun battle ensued as operatives stormed the camps. Three ESN fighters were neutralised during the confrontation, while others reportedly escaped with bullet wounds. Their bodies were later recovered along the Ugbele Umuaka axis.

What followed was a methodical clearance operation targeting the B44 camp cluster, long considered one of ESN’s strategic base networks. The camps, codenamed B44 Tangle 2, 4, 5, 7, and 9, were all successfully dislodged by the joint force.

A caterpillar operator working with the team was tragically killed in the line of duty when the group came under sudden fire while approaching the B44 main camp. He was rushed to the Federal University Teaching Hospital (FUTH), Owerri, but later confirmed dead by a medical officer on duty.

Items recovered from the operation included:
One AK-47 rifle, 15 rounds of live ammunition, pump-action shotgun, two locally made IEDs, one human skull and a Biafran flag

In addition, two suspected ESN members were arrested during the combing of nearby bush paths. The duo Emeka Ogene Sabinus of Ezi Isu in Isu LGA and Nnabuike Emmanuel of Ohofia Oduma in Aninri LGA, Enugu State were said to bear tribal incisions associated with the proscribed militia.

The collapse of the B44 cluster was significant in the counterinsurgency drive in the South-East, where pockets of armed resistance have posed growing threats to residents, security personnel, and national assets.

“The terrain is difficult, but our operatives are relentless,” a senior official close to the operation said. “We are targeting leadership figures, supply chains, and safe havens.”

Meanwhile, efforts are ongoing to apprehend fleeing fighters, with mop-up operations continuing in adjoining forest belts across Orlu, Njaba, and Isu corridors.

The Imo offensive adds to a growing list of successes by joint intelligence-led operations aimed at stabilising regions grappling with armed separatist violence, kidnappings, and the weaponisation of local grievances.

DSS-led joint operation crushes ESN strongholds, kills top kingpins in Imo

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FCT police arrest three wanted kidnappers linked to killings, mass abductions

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FCT police arrest three wanted kidnappers linked to killings, mass abductions

By: Zagazola Makama

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has arrested three most-wanted bandits and kidnappers operating across Abuja and neighbouring parts of Kaduna State.

According to a police sources, the arrests were carried out on June 29 between 5:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m., by operatives of the Scorpion Squad led by ACP Victor O. Godfrey, following actionable and digital reconstructive intelligence.

The sources told Zagazola Makama that the suspects were identified as: Abdulkadir Abubakar, a native of Mpape, FCT, Mohammed Tasiu Sani, of Rigina, Kaduna State, Suleiman Jibrin, 27, of Sabon-Gayan, Kaduna State.

The three suspects, all Fulani by tribe, have been on the command’s most-wanted list for
their roles in multiple kidnapping and banditry operations, particularly in Jere, Kajuru, the FCT and its environs.

During interrogation, the suspects confessed to abducting victims and moving them to detention camps in Kachia and Rigina forests in Kaduna State. Some victims, they admitted, were held for months, while others were killed at will.

The sources revealed that one of the suspects, Abdulkadir Abubakar, provided disturbing details of internal executions within the gang, in which some members were killed by their own leaders over mistrust and betrayal.

An operational motorcycle, popularly referred to by locals as the “Boko Haram Motorcycle,” was recovered during the raid. The suspects are currently assisting operatives in ongoing efforts to recover arms and ammunition, and to track down other gang members still at large.

FCT police arrest three wanted kidnappers linked to killings, mass abductions

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Young farm labourer shot dead while fleeing Amotekun in Osun

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Young farm labourer shot dead while fleeing Amotekun in Osun

By: Zagazola Makama

A 20-year-old farm labourer identified as Solomon (surname yet unknown) has been found dead with gunshot wounds after he was allegedly shot by a member of the Western Nigeria Security Network, also known as Amotekun, along the Ilesa/Iperindo Road in Osun State.

The incident, which occurred on June 29, followed the reported confrontation between a local security operative and a group of five farm labourers on their way to a farmland.

According to Temidayo Olowookere, the employer of the deceased, the labourers were accosted around 11:00 a.m. by an Amotekun operative, one Ajayi Ibukun, who accused them of extorting money from passersby. Two members of the group were apprehended, while the remaining three fled into the bush.

Olowookere said the detained workers were later released to him in the afternoon. However, later in the evening, when two of the three fleeing labourers returned, Solomon remained missing.

A search party was immediately organised. His body was discovered in the bush with gunshot wounds on his back, raising suspicions that he may have been shot during the initial confrontation.

His remains were evacuated to Wesley Guild Hospital, Ilesa, where he was confirmed dead and deposited at the morgue for autopsy.

Police say efforts are currently underway to trace and apprehend the security operative allegedly involved in the shooting, while the community continues to call for justice.

Young farm labourer shot dead while fleeing Amotekun in Osun

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