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Unlawful Use of Power and Shooting of Innocent Civilians by Vigilante Group in Gujba LGA
Unlawful Use of Power and Shooting of Innocent Civilians by Vigilante Group in Gujba LGA
By: Zagazola Makama
On 30th September 2024, a disturbing incident occurred in Gujba Local Government Area (LGA), Yobe State, involving members of the vigilante group assigned to protect farmlands.
A Fulani man, Ibrahim Abdul, was walking on foot toward Katarko town when he was accosted by three members of the vigilante group. Despite a search that yielded no incriminating evidence, Ibrahim Abdul was accused of being a thief and shot in the leg with a pump-action gun.
As Ibrahim cried out in pain, his shouts attracted his nearby relatives, who rushed to the scene to assist him. Tragically, the vigilantes opened fire once again, injuring four more individuals: Isa Audu (22), Ibrahim Mohammed (21), Ibrahim Buba (23), and Adamu Abdul (22). All the wounded individuals were later transported to Specialist Hospital Damaturu for urgent medical attention.
While at the hospital, a relative of the wounded, Adamu Buba, who was not involved in the incident but had come to support his injured family members, was arrested by officers of the Police Crack Squad under the command of CSP Mai Baba. Buba was detained without any clear reason, raising concerns about the abuse of power by law enforcement in collaboration with vigilante groups.
There have been numerous reports of human rights abuses in the area surrounding Ngirbuwa, Goniri, Dadingel, and Gotala Gotumba villages, all within Gujba LGA. The vigilante group, led by Idris Commander, has been accused of conspiring with the Police Crack Squad in Damaturu to extort the local Fulani herders. Allegedly, herders are often falsely accused of cattle rustling or theft and are extorted for millions of Naira.
The vigilante group’s actions appear to have the backing of high-ranking officials, including the Governor’s Special Security Adviser, Brigadier General Abdul Salam (Rtd). This connection has raised concerns about impunity and a lack of accountability in addressing the ongoing violations of the rights of local communities.
The affected individuals and their families are calling for an immediate investigation into the unlawful actions of both the vigilante group and the police unit involved. They also demand that justice be served, and measures taken to prevent further exploitation and violence against innocent civilians in the region.
Unlawful Use of Power and Shooting of Innocent Civilians by Vigilante Group in Gujba LGA
Nine injured in farmers–herders clash in Nasarawa
By: Zagazola Makama
No fewer than nine persons were injured on Monday following a clash between farmers and herders in Loko community, Nasarawa State.
Zagazola report that the incident occurred at about noon on Dec. 15 in Bakono village, Loko area, after a dispute over alleged damage to farmland.
The source said the farmland involved belonged to one Bako Usman.
According to the source, the clash resulted in injuries to five farmers and four herders.
Security forces stormed the scene to restore order, while the injured persons were rushed to the General Hospital, Loko, where they were admitted and are responding to treatment.
Sources said that a stakeholders’ meeting had been convened in the community to prevent further escalation of the crisis.
According to the sources, confidence-building patrols are ongoing, the situation is being closely monitored and the area remains relatively calm.
Nine injured in farmers–herders clash in Nasarawa
Soldier killed as troops clash with suspected militia in Taraba
By: Zagazola Makama
A soldier has been killed, while two others are missing following an attack on troops escorting farmers in Takum Local Government Area of Taraba State.
Zagazola gathered that the incident occurred on Monday during a security operation in a bush area of Takum, which has been prone to clashes involving militia elements.
The source said soldiers from a special forces unit along with police, NSCDC were deployed to provide security for Tiv farmers harvesting their farm produce when they were attacked by hoodlums suspected to be local militia in Taraba state.
According to the source, one soldiers was killed during the attack.
The source further disclosed that following the incident, soldiers cordoned off the venue of the Miyetti Allah executives’ election at the FGR Samsokwa Hall, in Takum, and arrested male executives of the association present at the venue. Though it was yet to establish if they were involved in the attack.
Another sources pointed accusing finger at the Taraba state special adviser on security allegedly to be behind the Militia. Though, Zagazola cannot independently verify the claim.
Meanwhile, security forces have arrested a group of suspected armed bandits in Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State. The suspects were caught with AK-47 rifles during an operation carried out on Friday.
After their arrest, the suspects were taken into custody. In a video that later surfaced online, the men were seen lying face down with their hands tied while security operatives questioned them about where they got the weapons.
One of the suspects alleged that some officials of the Kwara State government gave them both the vehicle and the rifles. He claimed they had been operating in the area under the cover of patrol duties.
According to him, the weapons did not belong to them personally. He said their leader collected the rifles and that they often went on patrol together with some individuals he mentioned by name. He insisted that the guns belonged to those officials.
Soldier killed as troops clash with suspected militia in Taraba
Gunmen abduct five workers at construction site in Kwara
By: Zagazola Makama
Gunmen suspected to be bandits have abducted five workers at a construction site along the Sabaja/Owa-Onire Road in Kwara State.
Zagazola report that the incident was reported at about 4:30 p.m. on Monday by Alhaji Suleiman Abdullah Olanrewaju, manager of Fix Contracting Engineering Company.
The source said Olanrewaju reported that the abduction occurred earlier in the day at about 11:40 a.m. while the workers were on site when the gunmen attacked and whisked them away.
Those abducted were identified as Engr. Ademola Afolabi, Engr. Umar Lade, Fatai and Akin, both labourers, as well as a driver identified as Yusuf.
According to the source, the complainant said he had earlier reported the incident to the military before notifying the police.
Upon receipt of the report, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in Oreke mobilised a team of police operatives who linked up with the military and local vigilantes to comb the surrounding bushes in a bid to rescue the victims and arrest the perpetrators.
Investigation into the incident is ongoing, while security agencies said further developments would be communicated.
End
Gunmen abduct five workers at construction site in Kwara
Nine injured in farmers–herders clash in Nasarawa
Soldier killed as troops clash with suspected militia in Taraba
Gunmen abduct five workers at construction site in Kwara
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