News
U.S. Diplomatic Mission in Nigeria Confers “Woman of Courage” award toMs. Priscilla Ikos Usiobaifo
U.S. Diplomatic Mission in Nigeria Confers “Woman of Courage” award to
Ms. Priscilla Ikos Usiobaifo
By: Michael Mike
The United States Diplomatic Mission in Nigeria has named the Executive Director of Braveheart Initiative for Youth and Women (BHI), Ms. Priscilla Ikos Usiobaifo as its 2024 Woman of Courage.
According to a statement from the embassy on Wednesday, the March 27 award ceremony in Abuja recognized Ms. Usiobaifo’s two decades of unwavering contribution to reforming laws and dismantling socio-cultural norms perpetuating gender-based violence in Nigeria.
In his remarks at the award ceremony, Art Brown, Acting Deputy Chief of Mission, said preventing and responding to all forms of gender-based violence is a cornerstone of the United States government’s commitment to promoting democracy and advancing human rights, as it works with Nigerian partners to dismantle the barriers and impediments to gender equality.
“This year’s theme for International Women’s Day is ‘Invest in women: accelerate progress.’ I’m proud of the United States government’s longstanding investment in women. Together with the government of Nigeria and our local partners, we’ve made significant investments in the lives of Nigerian women and girls, particularly in health, enterprise, and ending all forms of gender-based violence.”
The statement read: “The U.S. Embassy conferred the award as part of activities celebrating the 2024 Women History Month, in keeping with the U.S. government’s commitment to recognize and celebrate individuals who are advancing gender equality and equity.
“This year’s International Women’s Day theme calls on all stakeholders to prioritize women and girls. Ending all forms of gender-based violence requires a whole-of-society approach to address the deep-seated socio-cultural norms underlying gender-based violence in Nigeria. Today, we’re delighted to celebrate and amplify the work of a woman who is a fierce advocate for women’s rights,” said Brown.
Awardee Priscilla Ikos Usiobaifo, in her acceptance speech, thanked the U.S. Mission for spotlighting her work and pledged to do more for women and girls: “Young women, especially those who work in rural communities, can be unrecognized because of the locality of the work that we do. But here I am today as a testament that no matter where you are and where you do your work, your work speaks, and it speaks very loudly. I want to see this as a spur to do more for women for girls, for children in marginalized communities in Nigeria. I hope that an award like this will inspire government to become more accountable to their citizens and to promote justice for survivors of gender-based violence in Nigeria.
Senate Committee Chairperson on Women Affairs, Senator Ireti Kingibe, commended the U.S. Embassy for the recognition, adding that it would motivate other young women to continue to do their best.
FCT Mandate Secretary for Women Affairs, Mrs. Dayo Benjamin-Laniyi, congratulated Ms. Usiobaifo for her courage and reiterated the commitment of the Federal Capital Territory to end gender-based violence.
The Woman of Courage award recognizes women who have taken unusual risks, surmounted significant obstacles, challenged harmful practices, and/or fought discrimination or disinformation in their efforts to defend and promote progress in their societies.
U.S. Diplomatic Mission in Nigeria Confers “Woman of Courage” award to
Ms. Priscilla Ikos Usiobaifo
New CP assures residents of enhanced security in Yobe
By Yahaya Wakili
The new Yobe state Commissioner of Police, CP Emmanuel Ado psc, fdc, has assured the state residents of enhanced security measures before, during, and after the celebration of Eid-el-Fitr in the state.
This was contained in a press release issue and signed by SP Dungus Abdulkarim, MNIPPR, Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Yobe State Command, emphasizing that security is a collective responsibility.
“To ensure a safe and peaceful Sallah celebration, the command has mobilized officers to conduct visible patrols across the state, covering major routes, residential areas, praying grounds, recreational centers, and critical infrastructure,” the statement added.
The command warns motorists to avoid reckless driving and overspeeding, which can lead to accidents and security challenges. He also cautions youths against engaging in any activities that may disrupt the peace or compromise security in playgrounds and recreational centers.
CP Ado urged citizens to be vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the nearest police station or security formation for immediate response.
“By working together, we can ensure a joyous and secure Eid-el-Fitr celebration for all.”
New CP assures residents of enhanced security in Yobe
Sokoto: Armed Bandits Repelled; Stray Bullet Kills Villager
By: Zagazola Makama
A group of approximately 90 armed bandits, riding on motorcycles, attempted to attack Tozai village in Isa Local Government Area of Sokoto State on March 31, 2025.
The bandits were confronted by a combined team of Military and Police forces, which engaged them in a gunfight, forcing the assailants to retreat.
Unfortunately, during the exchange of fire, a stray bullet from the bandits struck 35-year-old Sule Ummaru, a resident of Tozai village, who was attempting to escape the scene. He was rushed to General Hospital Isa but later succumbed to his injuries while receiving treatment.
Security forces have continued patrols in the area to ensure further safety and deter any future attacks.
Sokoto: Armed Bandits Repelled; Stray Bullet Kills Villager
News
Armed Men Go on Rampage in Edo, Attack National Park Security Post and Destroy Property Following Hunter’s Death
Armed Men Go on Rampage in Edo, Attack National Park Security Post and Destroy Property Following Hunter’s Death
By: Zagazola Makama
Armed men reportedly went on a rampage in Edo State, attacking a security post at the National Party and destroying several properties in retaliation for the death of a local hunter, Timi Jimoh.
The body of the deceased hunter, Jimoh, was found with a single barrel gun nearby and signs of violence and burns on his body.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the incident occurred on March 31, 2025, when a group of armed individuals, believed to be Ijaw youths from Inikorogha, launched a violent attack on a security post near Okomu National Park.
The group, armed with dangerous weapons, destroyed various properties, including houses, mattresses, doors, windows, plantain crops, and a water tank. This act of destruction came in response to the death of Jimoh, who was found dead on March 29, 2025, with visible signs of violence on his body.
The security outfit was targeted by the attackers in a bid for revenge. Despite the chaos, the armed group fled the scene before law enforcement could intervene.
A Police sources said that the authorities have yet to determine the full circumstances surrounding his death, and investigations are ongoing.
According to him, the property destruction has been documented and investigations are underway to track down those responsible.
Armed Men Go on Rampage in Edo, Attack National Park Security Post and Destroy Property Following Hunter’s Death
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