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UN, Bayelsa, Denmark Launch New Project to Strengthen Niger Delta Peace Architecture
UN, Bayelsa, Denmark Launch New Project to Strengthen Niger Delta Peace Architecture
By: Michael Mike
A new project to strengthen the Niger Delta Peace Architecture was launched in Yenagoa, capital of Bayelsa State on Wednesday.
Joining the governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, to launch the project are the Ambassador of Denmark, Sune Krogstrup and Representative of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), Dr. Oliver Stolpe.
The project aims to support the Government and communities in the implementation of the 2022 Bayelsa State Community-Based Crime Prevention Strategy.
According to a statement, the project will be implemented in five communities across Bayelsa State empowering them through joint security committees to manage their security environment proactively, helping to address the root causes of crime and violence and enhancing collaboration between communities and law enforcement agencies building trust and fostering lasting partnerships.
The statement said the new project builds on a successfully implemented first phase which, with funding from the Government of Germany, was implemented between 2021 and 2023 and helped the Government of Bayelsa State to develop the Community Based Crime Prevention Strategy and supported its implementation in the communities of Otuan, Ikeberi 1 and Ayamasa.
Specific interventions included the refurbishment of police stations, the redeployment of police officers and their training on community-oriented policing.
The project also established youth centres and introduced Line Up Live Up, a sports-based youth crime prevention programme now being delivered by sport coaches across the three communities. Further investments were made into economic empowerment initiatives, such as a Garri processing plants and solar powered streetlights.
Diri, while welcoming the new project, stated that: “The collaborative effort with the German Government and UNODC has demonstrably improved security in Bayelsa State and we are confident that the new project, funded by the Government of Denmark, will build upon this success and further strengthen peace and security across the Niger Delta.”
Ambassador Sune Krogstrup said “Community-based crime prevention is a cornerstone of effective security strategies. We are proud to partner with the Bayelsa State government and UNODC to empower communities and promote lasting peace.”
On the occasion of the project launch, Governor Douye Diri also welcomed a delegation of ambassadors and high-level representatives of the Governments of Finland, Germany and the European Union.
The visiting delegation joined the meeting of the BRACED Commission, attended by the Governors of Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Edo and Delta States and chaired by HE Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State.
They discussed developmental and security challenges in the Niger Delta and identified opportunities for the international community to cooperate with the Governments of the Niger Delta in addressing these challenges, including through the possible expansion of the community- based crime prevention approach successfully tested in Bayelsa State.
UN, Bayelsa, Denmark Launch New Project to Strengthen Niger Delta Peace Architecture
Bandits kill seven, abduct three in Sabon Birni border attack in Sokoto
By: Zagazola Makama
At least seven persons were killed and three others abducted when armed bandits attacked Kyara village, a remote border community in Sabon Birni Local Government Area of Sokoto State, in the early hours of Thursday.
Sources said the attack occurred at about 4:00 a.m. in the village, which lies close to the Niger Republic border and has no mobile phone network coverage.
The bandits, who were said to be in large numbers and armed with sophisticated weapons, stormed the community, shooting sporadically and causing panic among residents.
During the attack, seven persons were shot dead, while two others sustained gunshot injuries. Three villagers were also kidnapped, and an unspecified number of domestic animals were rustled.
Joint security forces were immediately deployed to the area after the incident was reported. On arrival, they evacuated the corpses and the injured victims to a hospital for autopsy and medical treatment.
Troops have since launched a manhunt for the attackers with a view to rescuing the abducted victims, recovering the rustled livestock and arresting those responsible.
Confidence-building patrols are currently ongoing in and around Kyara village to reassure residents and prevent further attacks.
Bandits kill seven, abduct three in Sabon Birni border attack in Sokoto
Five injured in suspected IED blast on Bukuyum road in Zamfara
By: Zagazola Makama
Five persons have been seriously injured following a suspected improvised explosive device (IED) explosion along the Takalafiya–Gadar Zaima Road in Bukkuyum Local Government Area (LGA) of Zamfara State.
Sources said the incident occurred at about 11:30 a.m. on Thursday when a motorcycle conveying five passengers ran into an explosive device believed to have been planted by armed bandits targeting security patrols in the area.
The device detonated on contact, causing a loud explosion that severely damaged the motorcycle and left all five occupants with serious injuries.
Following the incident, security operatives immediately closed the road to traffic and advised residents to stay away from the area pending a thorough safety assessment.
The injured victims were evacuated to the General Hospital, Gummi, where they are currently receiving medical treatment.
Movement along the Takalafiya–Gadar Zaima axis remains restricted as security agencies continue to monitor the situation and clear the area of any further threats.
Five injured in suspected IED blast on Bukuyum road in Zamfara
Three killed in fatal road accident at gaggaba village in Borno
By: Zagazola Makama
At least three persons were killed in a fatal motor vehicle accident at Gaggaba Village, Fune Local Government Area of Borno State, early Wednesday morning.
Sources said the accident occurred around 1:20 a.m. when a Daf trailer with registration number DAL 964 YY, driven by Mal. Abubakar, 35, of Maiduguri, traveling from Lagos to Maiduguri, was involved in a collision with a Mitsubishi Canter truck, registration XA 437 NNR, driven by Salisu Ibrahim of Dirra Village, Fune LGA.
The Canter reportedly veered at full speed from its lane and rammed into the Daf trailer, causing the trailer driver and two passengers to fall unconscious. They were immediately rushed to General Hospital Damagum, where the driver and two passengers were pronounced dead by medical personnel.
Three killed in fatal road accident at gaggaba village in Borno
Nigerian Industrialist Leemon Ikpea Granted Private Audience with Pope at Vatican
One dead, four injured in communal clash in ngidoje village in Yobe
Bandits kill herder, rustle 100 cows in kubacha, kagarko LGA in Kaduna
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