News
State Action Plans’ 2nd Phase for Peace and Security Underway in Borno and Yobe States
State Action Plans’ 2nd Phase for Peace and Security Underway in Borno and Yobe States
By: Michael Mike
In a significant move to bolster women, peace, and security in Nigeria, the Nigerian Police Force, National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Nigerian Security & Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and other key Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) have committed to commence a review of the implementation of the current State Action Plans (SAPs) for Peace and Security as plans are underway for the second phase of revision and implementation of State Action Plans (SAPs) in Borno and Yobe States.
The State Action Plans (SAPs) are adaptations of the National Action Plan, which aims to implement the United Nations (UN) Security Council Resolution 1325 on women, peace and security through an articulated strategy document called action plan.
The NAP seeks to increase the number of women involved in peace and security matters at the federal, state, local or community levels. The five objectives include prevention and disaster preparedness; participation and representation; protection and prosecution; crisis management, early recovery, and post-conflict reconstruction; and partnerships, coordination, and management.
In a visit to the agencies, the UN Women’s Country Representative to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Beatrice Eyong, noted that the SAPs, originally developed and launched in 2014, have been pivotal in promoting peace and security in these regions.
However, widespread concern has been expressed regarding the weak implementation of these plans. Emerging security challenges and a growing demand for more robust policy documents have highlighted the need for a comprehensive review of the existing SAPs.
Eyong, who was represented by the UN Women Programme Coordinator WPS, Peter Mancha, reaffirmed UN Women’s goal to integrate new peace and security issues and to establish and strengthen coordination mechanisms that will enhance the implementation, monitoring, and reporting processes.
She added that UN Women is committed to supporting the governments of Borno and Yobe states in this endeavour through the State Ministries of Women Affairs under the framework of the “Enhancing Gender-Responsive Security Operations and Community Dialogue Project in Nigeria (Phase II).” This initiative is supported by the Government of Germany and aims to ensure that the updated SAPs are more effective and responsive to the current security landscape.
The project also fosters local ownership and coordination among state governments and various stakeholders, ensuring that the SAPs’ implementation is comprehensive and sustainable. Efforts will be made to establish and reinforce mechanisms that enhance the monitoring and reporting of these plans.
The Commandant of the Borno Command NSCDC, Faruk Musa Boyi, reiterated his team’s readiness to collaborate with UN Women and other stakeholders. “Our command is fully committed to supporting women, peace, and security initiatives in Borno State. The fight against gender-based violence is a top priority, and we are ready to work hand-in-hand with UN Women to ensure the protection and safety of women and girls in our communities,” he stated.
In view of this collaborative effort, Yobe State has committed to conducting a review workshop on 30 May 2024. This workshop will be a pivotal step in revising the SAPs, ensuring that they address current challenges and effectively promote peace and security within the state.
This partnership marks a significant step forward in addressing the complex issues of women, peace, and security in Borno and Yobe states.
The commitment of these MDAs to support the review and enhancement of the SAPs marks a unified approach to tackling the challenges faced by women in conflict-affected regions. With the backing of international partners and local stakeholders, Borno and Yobe states are poised to make substantial progress in promoting inclusive conflict resolution and peacebuilding for sustainable peace and security.
State Action Plans’ 2nd Phase for Peace and Security Underway in Borno and Yobe States
Nigeria Commiserates with Catholic Church Over Demise of Pope Francis
By: Michael Mike
The Federal Government has expressed profound sorrow at the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis, who died on Monday, 21 April 2025, at the age of 88 years.
The departed Holy Father, the political head of Vatican City and the head of the Catholic Church, was described in the statement as a global moral leader whose papacy was marked by humility, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to peace, social justice, and the dignity of all people.
The statement read: “Nigeria commiserates with the teaming population of the catholic church in the country and joins the international community, particularly the Catholic faithful worldwide, in mourning this immense loss. Pope Francis’ deep concern for the marginalized; including refugees, the poor, and victims of conflict, resonated strongly in Nigeria, where his calls for interreligious harmony and solidarity were a beacon of hope amid challenges.
“His historic 2022 apology for the Church’s role in colonial injustices, including the suffering of Indigenous peoples, indeed set a powerful example of reconciliation. Also worthy of commendation is his advocacy for peace in Africa, and other conflict areas in the world, reflecting his universal pastoral mission.”
The statement further read that: “In this moment of grief, therefore, Nigeria extends heartfelt condolences to the Vatican, the Catholic Church, and the Argentine people, who gifted the world this extraordinary pontiff.
“We pray for the repose of his soul and trust that his legacy of mercy, dialogue, and care for our common home will endure.”
Nigeria Commiserates with Catholic Church Over Demise of Pope Francis
Bandit Attack in Kajuru LGA Leaves One Dead, Several Kidnapped
By: Zagazola Makama
Armed bandits attacked the Ruga Fulani settlement in Iburu Village, Kajuru LGA, on the night of April 18, 2025, resulting in the death of a 70-year-old man and the kidnapping of several individuals.
Sources told Zagazola Makama that the attack occurred around 10:20 PM when the bandits opened fire on the residents. Alhaji Ahmadu Adamu, who was shot in the chest, was rushed to the General Hospital in Kajuru but was confirmed dead by the doctor on duty.
The family of the deceased requested that his body be released for burial according to Islamic rites without a post-mortem examination.
Efforts are underway by security agencies, to locate and rescue the kidnapped victims and apprehend the perpetrators of the attack.
Bandit Attack in Kajuru LGA Leaves One Dead, Several Kidnapped
Security forces Restore Calm After Farmer–Herder Clash in Guma, Benue
By: Zagazola Makama
Security forces have restored normalcy to Tse-Ukough village in Baye-Yandev Council Ward of Guma Local Government Area following a violent clash between a Tiv farmer and a Fulani herder that left both men severely injured.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the incident occurred on Sunday morning at about 10:30 a.m. and was triggered by a disagreement over the use of a local well.
Ushahemba Usula, a Tiv farmer, was molding blocks beside his well when a herder, Saleh Hassan, reportedly brought his cattle to drink from the same water source. Ushahemba objected, stating that the well was meant for drinking water, and asked Saleh to move his cattle away.
The argument escalated, leading Saleh to allegedly attack Ushahemba with a cutlass, inflicting deep wounds on his head and hand. In retaliation, Ushahemba reportedly overpowered Saleh, seized the cutlass, and struck him, severing his hand.
Both individuals sustained grievous injuries and were rushed to the Benue State University Teaching Hospital (BSUTH), Makurdi, for emergency treatment.
The confrontation heightened tensions between the Tiv and Fulani communities in the area, raising fears of a possible communal conflict.
However, combined troops deployed to the scene successfully restored calm and are currently conducting confidence-building patrols to prevent further escalation.
Security urged both communities to remain calm and cooperate with security agencies in maintaining peace.
Security forces Restore Calm After Farmer–Herder Clash in Guma, Benue
Nigeria Commiserates with Catholic Church Over Demise of Pope Francis
Bandit Attack in Kajuru LGA Leaves One Dead, Several Kidnapped
Security forces Restore Calm After Farmer–Herder Clash in Guma, Benue
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