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UN, Bayelsa, Denmark Launch New Project to Strengthen Niger Delta Peace Architecture

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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

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Communal clash at illegal mining site leaves five injured in Zamfara

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Communal clash at illegal mining site leaves five injured in Zamfara

By: Zagazola Makama

A violent clash between residents of Boko and Jaya villages in Zurmi Local Government Area of Zamfara state has left at least five persons injured following a dispute at a stone mining site.

Sources said the incident occurred on April 20 at about 11:00 a.m. at the Kwanza Stone Mining Site, located between the two communities.

According to the sources, the clash began when members of both villages engaged in illegal mining activities at the site, leading to a disagreement that escalated into violence, with both sides allegedly using firearms.

The sources said the injured victims include Sha’aibu Adamu, 30; Shakiru Suleiman, 26; Kasu Boko, 27; Abdullahi Dahiru, 25; and Ibrahim Usman, 25, all from the affected communities.

They added that the exact number of persons killed could not be immediately confirmed at the time of filing the report.

A joint security team comprising troops of Operation FANSAN YANMA. police personnel and community protection guards was swiftly deployed to the area to restore order.

The injured victims were evacuated to the General Hospital in Kaura Namoda for medical treatment.

Security authorities said normalcy had since been restored in the area, while efforts were ongoing to identify and arrest those involved in the violence.

They also confirmed that investigation into the incident had commenced.

Communal clash at illegal mining site leaves five injured in Zamfara

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Security forces foil Kidnapping, flee after alarm in Gombe community

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Security forces foil Kidnapping, flee after alarm in Gombe community

By: Zagazola Makama

Armed men suspected to be kidnappers have attempted to abduct residents in Unguwan Yamma, Amada area of Akko Local Government Area of Gombe state.

Sources said the incident occurred at about 3:20 a.m. when the attackers stormed the residence of one Alhaji Muhammad Abba, who narrowly escaped the attack.

According to the sources, the assailants proceeded to a neighbouring house where they abducted a child after the mother raised alarm.

The sources said the kidnappers, however, abandoned the child and fled the scene following the commotion.

A divisional patrol team, alongside hunters and local vigilantes, was immediately mobilised to the area and is currently on the trail of the suspects.

Police authorities said investigation was ongoing, while efforts had been intensified to apprehend the fleeing attackers and prevent further incidents in the area.

Security forces foil Kidnapping, flee after alarm in Gombe community

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Troops engage armed bandits in heavy gun battle during raid on suspected hideout in Zamfara

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Troops engage armed bandits in heavy gun battle during raid on suspected hideout in Zamfara

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops of Operation FANSAN YANMA have reportedly engaged armed bandits in a heavy gun battle during a clearance operation at Yankuzo area in Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara state.

Security sources said the operation followed aggressive fighting patrol on armed groups into the area, believed to be a stronghold used by suspected bandit elements operating within the axis.

According to the sources, troops advanced into deep into the terrorists enclave of Ado Allero in the early hours of the day and made contact with the armed men, leading to an exchange of fire that lasted for several minutes.

Residents reported heavy gunfire during the confrontation.

Although details of casualties were still being assessed at the time of filing this report, security sources confirmed that troops maintained dominance of the general area and continued pursuit of fleeing armed elements.

Troops engage armed bandits in heavy gun battle during raid on suspected hideout in Zamfara

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