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Stakeholders Insist Failure of Governance at Community Level Responsible for Terrorism, Banditry

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Stakeholders Insist Failure of Governance at Community Level Responsible for Terrorism, Banditry

By: Michael Mike

The explosion of terrorism and banditry in the country has been traced to failure of governance especially at the community level, which is the closest to every citizenry.

Speaking at the inaugural meeting of the Community of Practice for Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism Knowledge, Innovation, and Resources in Abuja, the Chairman of the Partnership Against Violent Extremism Network, Jaye Gaskia described violent extremism as a “governance challenge” rather security matter.

This event is an integral part of a process, aimed at fostering a more strategic and structural approach and relationship between Knowledge and Practice, named Inaugural Conference Of A Preventing And Countering Violent Extremism Community Of Practice (PCVE CoP), driven by a PCVE Knowledge Innovation And Resource Hub (KIRH); under the Overarching Theme of – Reflecting On The Implementation Of The PCVE PFNAP (Policy Framework And National Action Plan).

Gaskia said: “Governance failures, is not just security issues, but lie at the heart of violent extremism in Nigeria,” insisting that: “Extremism doesn’t thrive in places with good governance, inclusion, and representation.”

He lamented that many Nigerian communities are effectively “ungoverned spaces,” relying on informal self-governance structures like community development associations, which lack formal authority.

He called for the empowerment of these local institutions to bridge governance gaps and drive sustainable solutions.

Gaskia noted that “Communities must be at the forefront of finding and implementing solutions to violent extremism,” adding that addressing governance challenges would mitigate the conditions that allow extremism to thrive.

Also at the event, the National Coordinator of the National Counter Terrorism Centre, Major General Adamu Laka highlighted the importance of youth and women-focused programmes like the Young Peacebuilders Network, which have fostered alternative pathways and strengthened community-driven peacebuilding.

He said: “Capacity-building initiatives have bolstered the skills of law enforcement, community leaders, and other stakeholders.”

However, he noted that persistent challenges, including limited resources, socioeconomic inequalities, and extremists’ exploitation of digital platforms for recruitment and propaganda.

Laka, who was represented by the Director of Policy and Strategy at the Centre, Commodore Ahmed Abubakarr Madaki,
emphasized the need for grassroots ownership of counter-extremism initiatives, stating that: “Adopting local ownership through participatory planning and budgeting at state and community levels, alongside strengthened capacity-building for state actors, will ensure sustainable progress.”

He also called for deeper collaboration with international organisations, academia, and the private sector to provide additional resources and expertise.

Reacting to a report from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) which revealed that N2.3 trillion was paid as ransom in Nigeria in one year, Ms. Yetunde Adegoke, National Coordinator of the Global Community Engagement and Resilience Fund, described the situation as alarming.

She said: “We’ve been monitoring the growing problem and are aware of the scale.”

She however noted that: “The government is aware and has advised scaling up community resilience programmes.”

Adegoke also underscored the importance of “non-kinetic” approaches to complement military efforts.

“Once insurgents surrender, we must ensure there are opportunities for reintegration and contributions to national development.”

On her part, Deputy Country Director of ActionAid Nigeria, Suwaiba Dankabo,, stressed the importance of consistent evaluation of strategies to ensure progress in peacebuilding.

She said: “We need to reflect on what has worked and what hasn’t to address the issues undermining peace in Nigeria.”

Stakeholders Insist Failure of Governance at Community Level Responsible for Terrorism, Banditry

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Six Arrested as Farmers, Herders Clash in Adamawa

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Six Arrested as Farmers, Herders Clash in Adamawa

By: Zagazola Makama

The Adamawa State Police Command has arrested six suspects following a clash between farmers and herders in Waduku, Lamurde Local Government Area, which resulted in injuries to a villager and 11 cattle.

Sources told Zagazola Makama that the incident occurred around 4:30 p.m. on April 2 when some herders allegedly trespassed into a rice farm and caused damage to the crops.

In retaliation, angry youths from the village attacked the herders, injuring their cattle and wounding one person identified as Righteous Boti from Nzumoso Village.

Security personnel visited the scene and held an emergency meeting with local stakeholders to prevent further escalation of violence.

The arrested suspects include Rabo Buba, 31; Ahmadu Adamu, 20; Stephen Pwagwadi, 17; Shadrach Simon, 19; Lot Gad, 20; and Righteous Boti, 27.

The injured individuals received treatment at the Tingno Primary Health Care Clinic and have since been discharged.

Six Arrested as Farmers, Herders Clash in Adamawa

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Suspected Thief Dies After Being Beaten by Man O’ War officer, in FCT

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Suspected Thief Dies After Being Beaten by Man O’ War officer, in FCT

By: Zagazola Makama

A suspected thief in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has died after being beaten by a security officer following his apprehension on April 2.

A Police sources said that a distress call was received at Karu Division about a suspected thief seen around Supreme Quarters in Karu at approximately 1:00 p.m.

The suspect was approached by security personnel who believed him to be involved in theft. When questioned, the suspect attempted to flee but was quickly chased and apprehended by civilian security personnel.

Kola Oba, a Man O’ War officer, then reportedly took the suspect into custody and subjected him to severe physical abuse. The suspect later succumbed to the injuries sustained during the beating and passed away.

The sources said that the Police detectives were dispatched to the scene, and photographs were taken. The body was subsequently transported to the hospital mortuary for preservation.

The suspect’s identity remains unknown, and efforts are underway to locate his family. The officer involved has been arrested.

Suspected Thief Dies After Being Beaten by Man O’ War officer, in FCT

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Sokoto: Man Arrested for Killing Woman in Domestic Dispute

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Sokoto: Man Arrested for Killing Woman in Domestic Dispute

By: Zagazola Makama

A domestic dispute in Sagera Ango Village, Gada LGA, turned deadly on April 2, 2025, when Ali Garba, during a heated argument with A’isha Araga, attacked her with a cutlass.

The altercation, which escalated quickly, resulted in Ali Garba inflicting severe injuries on A’isha’s neck and other parts of her body.

Security personnel, responded promptly to the scene and rushed A’isha to General Hospital Gada for medical treatment. However, she succumbed to her injuries while receiving care.

Ali Garba was immediately apprehended by the police and is in custody.

The case has been handed over to the Deputy Commissioner of Police, Criminal Investigation Department (DC CID), for further discreet investigation.

Sokoto: Man Arrested for Killing Woman in Domestic Dispute

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