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Youths break peace accord in Taraba, trigger deadly reprisal attacks despite repeated warnings

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Youths break peace accord in Taraba, trigger deadly reprisal attacks despite repeated warnings

By: Zagazola Makama

Barely weeks after security forces brokered a peace accord between farmers and herders in Karim Lamido Local Government Area of Taraba State, renewed violence has broken out, triggered by actions that have now led to death, destruction and growing instability in the region.

Zagazola Makama was reliably informed by intelligence sources that despite the security agencies holding three separate meetings with youth and community leaders where appeals for restraint and peaceful coexistence were passionately made, local youths in Badanwa reportedly violated the terms of the agreement by launching attacks on Fulani herders grazing near their farms.

The sources said that the troops deployed under Operation Lafiyan Jamaa responded swiftly to a distress call at about 2:50 p.m. on Friday, May 23. Upon arrival, the troops discovered that some fleeing Fulani herders had retaliated in panic, killing two locals believed to be from Munga Lelau village. The victims, according to sources, were attacked with machetes during the chaos and confusion that ensued.

The violence spiraled further when troops, while pursuing leads into the unfolding crisis, encountered armed bandits burning houses in Munga Lelau. In the exchange of fire, troops neutralised two of the bandits and recovered a dane gun, a cell phone, a fabricated pistol, and four cartridges. Further searches around Munga Doso village led to more arms recovery.

The crisis, according to security officials, could have been avoided if community leaders had been obeyed and the peace agreement upheld.

“You cannot go and attack people grazing near your village and expect them not to retaliate. That is the reality we are dealing with. We had already put a framework in place for dialogue and monitoring,”

The resurgence of hostilities was a a result of a reckless mob action and the failure of some community elements to honour peace initiatives facilitated by security agencies. Just because you see a Fulani man with his livestock, you the. Pick up sticks, cutlass and other weapons and began shouting hochebe hey hochebe hey. And now that it has become bad, you are calling on the security agencies to defend you,” a senior security officer who spoke on condition of anonymity said.

Security forces have since intensified patrols in the general area to forestall further escalation. However, the general situation remains volatile, with fresh tensions threatening to undo months of painstaking confidence-building efforts.

In the wake of these developments, security authorities have suggested that the local government consider imposing a curfew in the affected areas as a short-term measure to prevent further reprisal attacks and restore normalcy.

“It’s time to go beyond warnings. There must be consequences for those who break peace accords or act as enablers of violence. No community can progress in a state of perpetual suspicion and provocation,” said Bala Ibrahim, a conflict resolution expert based in Jalingo.

Zagazola report that for now, the military and other security agencies have continue to dominate the general area with strategic patrols. But the challenge ahead is steep: rebuilding broken trust, enforcing accountability, and ensuring that peace is not just signed but sincerely upheld.

Youths break peace accord in Taraba, trigger deadly reprisal attacks despite repeated warnings

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Elephant kills farmer in Ijebu East, Ogun community seeks government intervention

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Elephant kills farmer in Ijebu East, Ogun community seeks government intervention

By: Zagazola Makama

A wild elephant has killed a farmer, identified as Mr. Kalamu, in Itasin-Imobi community, Ijebu East Local Government Area of Ogun State.

The incident occurred on Monday, July 28, when the elephant reportedly invaded the victim’s farm and attacked him, leading to his death.

Residents told Zagazola Makama that the elephant had been a persistent threat in the area for over four years, frequently destroying farmlands and fishing equipment.

“This elephant keeps coming into our community to destroy our crops, damage our fishing nets, and now it has taken a life,” a resident said.

The community has since appealed to the Ogun State Government and relevant wildlife authorities to intervene urgently and prevent further loss of life and property.

As of the time of filing this report, there was no official response from the Ogun State Ministry of Forestry or Environment.

Elephant kills farmer in Ijebu East, Ogun community seeks government intervention

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Troops neutralise terrorists, recover logistics items in Bama, Borno

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Troops neutralise terrorists, recover logistics items in Bama, Borno

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have neutralised two Boko Haram terrorists and recovered large quantities of logistics items following a successful ambush operation in Bula Daburu village, Bama Local Government Area of Borno State.

Zagazola Makama learnt that the operation was part of Operation Desert Sanity IV aimed at disrupting terrorist supply networks.

Sources said that the operation was carried out at about 6:00 p.m. on Monday at a suspected Boko Haram crossing point

During the engagement, contact was made with terrorist logistics elements. The troops responded with superior firepower, forcing the insurgents to flee in disarray, abandoning their supplies.

Two terrorists were neutralised during the exchange, while others escaped with possible gunshot wounds.

After the area was exploited, troops recovered eight bicycles, two 50kg bags of rice, 60 pieces of macaroni, 60 pairs of rubber shoes, 10 welding filing machines, and 12 mats.

Operation Desert Sanity IV is a renewed offensive by the Joint Task Force (North East) aimed at denying terrorists freedom of action and cutting off their logistics corridors across the North East theatre.

Troops neutralise terrorists, recover logistics items in Bama, Borno

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Troops foil IED-laying attempt by terrorists along Marte–Dikwa road

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Troops foil IED-laying attempt by terrorists along Marte–Dikwa road

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have foiled an attempt by Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorists to plant improvised explosive devices (IEDs) along the Marte–Dikwa road in Borno State.

Zagazola Makama learnt from sources that the operation was part of renewed and sustained offensives directed by the military high command to deny terrorists freedom of action in the North East theatre.

The incident occurred at about 2:01 a.m. on Tuesday, when troops of Operation HADIN KAI positioned in an ambush along the strategic route, sighted a group of terrorists attempting to lay mines on a bridge.

The troops immediately engaged the terrorists with superior firepower, forcing them to abandon their equipment and flee into the surrounding bush in disarray.

Two IEDs were recovered at the scene, while there were no casualties recorded among the troops.

Troops foil IED-laying attempt by terrorists along Marte–Dikwa road

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