News
Youths break peace accord in Taraba, trigger deadly reprisal attacks despite repeated warnings
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
Man kills father during domestic dispute in Bauchi community
By: Zagazola Makama
A man, identified as Limam Muhammad Baba, has allegedly killed his biological father, Malam Baba Siti, during a domestic altercation.
The tragic incident occurred on Thursday, July 3, at about 10:15 p.m., in Uzum village, Giade Local Government Area of Bauchi State, when an argument between the two escalated, leading Limam to strike his father on the head with a stick.
Sources told Zagazola Makama that the victim collapsed immediately and lost consciousness.
Police sources say “The report was received at the Giade Divisional Police Headquarters at about 10:30 p.m. that the suspect used force on his biological father by striking him on the head with a stick, leading to the victim falling unconscious.
He added that a team of police operatives was immediately mobilised to the scene. The suspect was arrested, and the victim was taken to the General Hospital in Giade, where a medical doctor confirmed him dead on arrival.
The police sources said the body of the deceased was deposited at the hospital morgue while an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident has commenced.
He assured that the suspect would be charged to court upon completion of investigation.
Man kills father during domestic dispute in Bauchi community
Deputy chairman of Katsina-Ala LGA attacked, four suspects arrested
By: Zagazola Makama
Security forces have apprehended four suspects in connection with an attack on the Deputy Chairman of Katsina-Ala Local Government Area, Mr Christopher Chia.
Sources told Zagazola Makama, that the incident occurred in the early hours of Thursday, July 3, when Chia was reportedly attacked by a group of young men suspected to be cultists.
The sources said the police received a distress call from the victim at about 6:00 a.m.
“Police patrol and tactical teams were immediately deployed to the scene. The victim was rescued and taken to Toro Hospital in Katsina-Ala, where he was treated and later discharged,” said the sources.
According to the sources, preliminary investigation led to the arrest of four suspects, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend the prime suspect identified simply as Richard, a member of the Black Axe confraternity, who is currently at large.
The sources added that the State Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has commenced a full investigation into the matter to unravel the motive behind the attack and bring all those involved to justice.
Deputy chairman of Katsina-Ala LGA attacked, four suspects arrested
Joint task force rescues kidnap victim in Abuja after 40km forest operation
By: Zagazola Makama
A joint task force comprising operatives of the
Department of State Services (DSS), Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command, local hunters, and vigilantes has successfully rescued a kidnap victim, Rasheed Soyinka, after a 40-kilometre forest operation across parts of Abuja.
Zagazola Makama learnt that the victim was abducted at gunpoint from his residence in Sabon Lugbe in the early hours of July 3, prompting a swift multi-agency response.
Shortly after the abduction, which occurred around 1:00 a.m., a joint task force involving the Anti-Kidnapping Unit, DSS operatives, local hunters, and vigilante groups, swung into action.
The coordinated operation, extended through Dafara via Gau Forest in Kuje Area Council and continued into Kabin Mongoro and Kwaita forests in Kwali Area Council, covering an estimated distance of 40 kilometres.
“Following sustained pressure and professional coordination, the victim was rescued at about 12:05 a.m. on July 4 without any casualties,”said the sources.
Soyinka was subsequently reunited with his family through his elder brother, while efforts are ongoing to track down the fleeing abductors.
Joint task force rescues kidnap victim in Abuja after 40km forest operation
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Man kills father during domestic dispute in Bauchi community
Deputy chairman of Katsina-Ala LGA attacked, four suspects arrested
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