Troops of the Nigerian Army, on Friday, killed three terrorists during a raid on Sambisa forest in Borno State.
The troops also destroyed terrorist hideouts in the forest.
Sambisa forest was earmarked by the colonial government as a game reserve but it has become the stronghold of both Boko Haram and Islamic State for West Africa Province terrorists.
Despite several clearance operations carried out by the military in the forest, the terrorists still operate from there.
A statement on Saturday by the Director, Army Public Relations, Maj-Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu noted that after destroying the terrorists’ camp in the forest, two AK-47s and a suicide vest were recovered.
The statement read, “Nigerian Army troops deployed to the North East as part of the ongoing counter-insurgency operations on Friday, March 8, 2024, conducted a successful raid operation on a terrorists’ camp in the Arra area of Sambisa Forest.
“During the operation, the troops gallantly neutralised three terrorists, including a suicide bomber, and destroyed their enclave in the area. After a thorough search, troops recovered two AK-47 Rifles and a suicide vest.”
Onyema also said in another operation conducted in the Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno, one terrorist was killed and their enclave was destroyed.
He said, “In another operation, troops conducted a clearance operation in the Buluwa Area of Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State where they uncovered and destroyed another terrorists’ camp.
“In the encounter, troops killed one terrorist and recovered one AK-47 Rifle, 14 rounds of 7.62mm (Special), a bicycle, foodstuff, a grinding machine, and other sundry items.”
Onyema said the Nigerian Army was committed to eradicating terrorism and insurgency in the region, adding that it would continue to conduct operations to ensure the safety and security of the populace.
The Defence Headquarters has said troops deployed nationwide are prepared to address any threats, especially as the Muslim faithful begins the Ramadan period.
The DHQ’s assurance coincides with a statement from the Department of State Services which felicitates Christians for Lent and Muslims for the approaching Ramadan, and urged citizens to remain vigilant, particularly against the threat of Improvised Explosives.
The Minister of State for Health, Dr Tunji Alausa, has lamented the prevalence of quacks in the health industry, saying that such quacks are responsible for the condemnable business of organ harvesting in the country.
Alausa said that the Federal Government will soon come up with legislation that would regulate the healthcare sector to eliminate quacks and ensure improved service delivery.
The minister stated this on Friday when he paid a courtesy call on the governor of Ogun State, Dapo Abiodun, at the Presidential Lodge, Abeokuta, the state capital.
The minister decried the practice where untrained people are allowed to operate in the health sector.
He lamented the prevalence of quacks from where heinous acts, such as organ harvesting take place.
The minister said, “We will be pushing for a new regulation to regulate the healthcare sector as more than 60 per cent of the nation’s healthcare is in the hands of the private sector without adequate supervision.
“You see hospitals, laboratories, and diagnostic centres being run without anybody checking on what they are doing and these are some of the places where illegal practices like organ harvesting are taking place.
“What we are going to do at the federal level, is to set up a Health Facility Regulatory Commission that will start regulating the standard of health care across the country and we expect the states to set up their regulatory bodies as well.”
Alausa also hinted that the Federal Government is in the process of starting a programme that would increase the production of healthcare providers, starting with the admission of 10,000 medical students every year, while admission for nurses would increase from 28,000 to 68,000, annually.
Throwing more light on the Sectoral Approach Programme launched by President Bola Tinubu, the minister explained that one per cent of the consolidated fund was for Basic Health Provision, 55 per cent for Primary Healthcare Centres, and 45 per cent for National Health Insurance, while five per cent goes into Emergency Services.
He said Ogun State has been diligent in managing the Basic Health Provision Funds, which is meant for Primary Healthcare Centres, calling on the governor to adequately monitor the fund to ensure that it is directed to where it was meant for.
Alausa stated that his visit was to see how the federal government would strengthen its relationship with state governments in pushing the President’s mandate to revive, rejig, evaluate, and overhaul the healthcare delivery system for the benefit of Nigerians.
In his remarks, Abiodun said his administration would not hesitate to replicate any Federal Government action aimed at eliminating quackery in the health sector.
“Let me assure you that in terms of the regulation that would allow for tighter regulatory functions over medical practitioners to prevent quackery, we will not hesitate to replicate at the state level.
“We are one of the two states that have put in place a board for alternative medicine because we realized that a lot of our people, especially pregnant women are patronizing traditional birth attendance. We regulate and certify them to ensure we have some form of oversight in their activities,” Abiodun explained.
He expressed delight that the federal government was looking into the direction of increasing the number of intake in the nation’s medical institutions to address the shortfall of medical personnel in government health facilities, assuring that the state would follow suit to produce more trained practitioners for the sector.
While pledging to support the agenda of President Bola Tinubu’s led federal government to reposition the health sector, Governor Abiodun noted that as the industrial, educational, and religious hub of Nigeria, with the influx of people on daily basis, it is imperative to have adequate health facilities and qualified manpower to provide health care services to the people of the state at all times.
British actress, Viscella Richards, known professionally as Vikki Richards, was discovered dead at 79 with her hands bound in her Caribbean home in North Valsyn, Trinidad, on Wednesday, in what appears to be a robbery.
According to the Sun on Friday, the retired actress was found by a friend who became concerned when she couldn’t reach Richards since Tuesday evening.
Upon arriving at her home and finding the gate closed, the friend noticed the front door ajar and called out to Richards, eventually discovering her body while searching the house.
Local officials confirmed there were no other marks of violence on her body when she was found.
Vikki rose to fame for her role as a supporting actor in Black Snake, a 1973 British blaxploitation film. Her other film credits include The Love Factor in 1969 and the Onedin Line in 1971.
Viscella’s cousin revealed concerns for her safety due to her early-stage dementia, prompting plans for additional support. “Yes, we were concerned about her safety because we were getting things in place to get somebody to stay with her as her illness progressed,” the cousin said.
Paying tribute to Viscella, the cousin added: “We have lots of memories to talk about, but too much to mention.”
“She was a very friendly person, very outgoing and outspoken.”
Investigations into her death are ongoing, with the area cordoned off for further examination.
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Dignitaries, guests and hundreds of mourners have started arriving at the Redeemed Christian Church of God in Isiokpo in Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers State for the funeral service for the former Chief Executive Officer of Access Bank Plc, Dr Herbert Wigwe, his wife, Doreen, and son, Chizzy.
The state commissioner of police, Olatunji Disu, led security men to the venue.
Also, members of the clergy, traditional rulers from the Omoeke, Wigwe’s hometown and monarchs from Isiokpo, in general, are already seated.
Meanwhile, there is a security beef-up within Isiokpo and its surroundings.
Family members and friends attended the Christian wake organised in honour of the deceased in the community on Friday.
Wigwe, his wife, son, and a former Group Chairman of Nigerian Exchange Group, Abimbola Ogunbanjo, died on February 9, 2024, in a helicopter crash that occurred near a border town between California and Nevada, United States.
Details later…
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Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar in which Muslims all over the world observe fasting for a period of 29 to 30 days.
It involves total abstinence from foods and drinks, starting from dawn to sunset.
Also, couples are compelled to stay away from sexual intercourse or acts that could lead to romance while fasting, but they are allowed to cohabit in the evening or night of fasting, as stated in Qur’an 2:187.
Ramadan is a month for Muslims to reflect and discipline their souls to attain Allah’s forgiveness, mercy and guidance.
Muslims are expected to increase their good deeds during Ramadan and refrain from bad deeds such as gambling, jealousy and gossiping.
Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said, “When the month of Ramadan starts, the gates of heaven are opened, and the gates of hell are closed, and the devils are chained.”
Hence, Muslims are enjoined to refrain from sinful acts.
Fasting in Ramadan is one of the five pillars of Islam, along with the belief in Allah and His messenger, observance of the five daily Solat (prayer), giving alms (Zakat) and pilgrimage to Makkah.
Muslims cherish fasting as it helps to curtail worldly desires, improves one’s spirituality and closeness to Allah, encourages reading of the Holy Qur’an, enhances almsgiving to the needy, and promotes love for fellow Muslims, amongst others.
One of the significant events that makes Ramadan special is that the Holy Qur’an was revealed by Allah to Prophet Muhammad (SAW) in this month.
More so, Allah enjoined Muslims to fast, according to the Holy Qur’an in Q2:183, where He said, “O ye who believe! Fasting is prescribed to you as it was prescribed to those before you, that ye may (learn) self-restraint.”
As it was the custom of the Prophet, he advised Muslims to observe fasting during the preceding month of Sha’ban (though not as intense as Ramadan’s) to prepare their minds, improve their spirituality and health before Ramadan.
However, fasting is not only observed in Ramadan. Muslims can also fast on Mondays and Thursdays of every month, as well as the 13th, 14th and 15th days of every month.
When does Ramadan start?
The commencement of fasting in Ramadan largely depends on when the crescent moon is sighted by relevant authorities and Muslims of impeccable character.
If the crescent of Ramadan 1445 AH is sighted after sunset on Sunday, March 10, 2024, which is equivalent to 29th Sha’aban 1445 AH, fasting will begin on Monday, March 11, 2024. Otherwise, it’ll start on Tuesday, March 12, 2024.
In Nigeria, for example, Muslims begin their fasting upon the declaration by the President-General, Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, who also doubles as the Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III.
In this piece, According Online highlights 10 tips to abide by for Muslims to have an easy ride throughout the Ramadan period:
1. Go for a medical check-up to know your health status before fasting.
2. Buy necessary food items that can sustain you, along with beverages.
3. Ensure that you eat a pre-dawn meal (Sahur) before fasting and the meal after breaking your fast (Iftar).
4. Recite the Qur’an regularly and give charity to the poor
5. Establish daily obligatory prayers in the mosques and remain steadfast in the remembrance of Allah.
6. Increase your supererogatory prayers (Nawafil).
7. Attend Islamic lectures and sittings where your mind will be filled with talks of the fear of Allah, and lessons are learnt from the Qur’an.
8. Refrain from spending much time on television and social media.
9. Engage in the Tarawi prayer which is established after the ‘Isha’i prayer. It could also be done in the middle of the night.
10. Intensify your prayers on the odd nights of the last 10 days. This will help increase your chances of witnessing the Laylatul Qadr – ‘Night of Power,’ in which if one is fortunate, his worship during this night will be worth more than months of worship.
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar and is considered a holy month for Muslims worldwide.
It begins and ends with the appearance of the crescent moon. Because the Muslim calendar year is shorter than the Gregorian calendar year, Ramadan begins 10–12 days earlier each year, allowing it to fall in every season throughout a 33-year cycle.
During this time, Muslims fast from dawn until sunset, engaging in increased prayers, self-reflection, and acts of charity.
For Muslims, Ramadan is a period of introspection, communal prayer (ṣalāt) in the mosque, and recitation of the Holy Qurʾān. It is believed that Allah forgives the past sins of those who diligently observe fasting and prayer in this Holy month.
In this piece, According Online highlights some things to abstain from during Ramadan:
1. Food and drink: Muslims fast from sunrise (Sahoor) until sunset (Iftar), abstaining from all foods and drinks.
2. Smoking and alcohol consumption: Smoking and drinking alcohol are generally discouraged during Ramadan.
3. Negative behaviour: Ramadan is a time for self-reflection and spiritual growth. Muslims are encouraged to avoid negative behaviour such as gossip, lying and arguing.
4. Excessive entertainment: Excessive indulgence in entertainment, especially activities that may distract them from spiritual reflection, is discouraged. Instead, Muslims are encouraged to spend more time in supplication to Allah and reading the Qur’an.
5. Anger and impatience: Fasting is not just about refraining from physical needs but also about controlling one’s emotions. Muslims are advised to avoid anger, impatience, and other negative emotions.
6. Wastefulness: Being mindful of resources and avoiding wastefulness is emphasised during Ramadan. These include food, water, and other material possessions.
7. Excessive sleeping: While adequate rest is essential, excessive sleeping during the day may hinder one’s ability to engage in spiritual activities and night prayers.
8. Vain speech: Engaging in unnecessary or vain speech is discouraged. Muslims are encouraged to speak positively and avoid gossip or harmful talk.
9. Materialism: Ramadan is a time to detach from material desires and focus on spiritual well-being. Muslims are encouraged to reduce materialistic pursuits and instead engage in acts of charity and kindness.
10. Neglecting prayers: Prayer is a crucial aspect of Ramadan. Muslims are encouraged to perform the five daily prayers and engage in additional nightly prayers, such as the Tarawih.
It is important to note that the specific practices and interpretations may vary among individuals and communities, and religious scholars may provide more detailed guidance based on Islamic teachings.
In this report, According Online highlights this week’s biggest news stories from around the country.
The Federal Government retracted an official statement and suspended another announced policy; the continent mourned the loss of a Nollywood icon, John Okafor, popularly known as Mr Ibu; and bandits made a devastating comeback, storming two schools in Kaduna and abducting pupils and teachers.
Here are highlights from the week’s biggest news stories, from March 3 to March 9, 2024.
Mr Ibu mourned across Africa
Mr Ibu
Renowned Nollywood actor, John Okafor, popularly known as Mr Ibu, died at the age of 62.
He died on Saturday, March 2, 2024, in a Lagos hospital. The news of his death came shortly after the passing of another actor, Quadri Oyebamiji, aka Sisi Quadri.
Tributes have been pouring in from various regions, with the Actors Guild of Nigeria and fellow actors expressing their condolences. Mr Ibu had battled health issues, leading to the amputation of his legs, and his final years were marked by controversy and family disputes. He was widely mourned by local media in Ghana, South Africa and other African countries. He leaves behind a legacy of laughter and memorable performances in Nollywood.
Attacks on warehouses and food trucks were reported in some parts of the country. Following the looting of warehouses in Abuja by suspected hoodlums, security has been intensified at National Emergency Management Agency warehouses nationwide.
Police commands across various states have deployed personnel to protect warehouses and food stores. The government has emphasised the importance of maintaining social harmony and urged Nigerians to protest responsibly amid economic challenges.
In addition, the Nigeria Customs Service and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission intercepted 141 trucks attempting to smuggle grains and staples to neighbouring countries. President Bola Tinubu has directed intercepted trucks to be diverted to local markets to stabilise prices.
Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Maiduguri Zonal Command, during the seizure of 21 trucks loaded with food and other items heading towards Ndjamena, Chad Republic; Central African Republic and Cameroon… on Tuesday. Photos: EFCC.
Meanwhile, truck drivers, facing frequent attacks by hoodlums, have threatened to strike if the situation persists. Attacks on trucks and warehouses have escalated amid rising food prices and cost of living challenges. Truck owners warned that continued attacks on their vehicles may lead to a halt in the transportation of food and fuel commodities. They called for enhanced security measures and urged state governments to address the issue to avoid further disruptions in supply chains.
The government aims to tackle food scarcity through long-term measures, including partnerships with organisations like the World Food Programme and initiatives to enhance agricultural productivity.
Meanwhile, the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, attributes food scarcity to factors like smuggling, flooding, and policy decisions.
The Federal Government threatened to revoke the operating licences of power distribution companies intentionally not supplying electricity to consumers, leading to widespread blackouts across Nigeria.
Despite efforts by the Ministry of Power and electricity generating companies, many DisCos are failing to distribute power supplied to them by the Transmission Company of Nigeria.
Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, expressed dismay over the decline in power supply and warned of severe consequences, including licence revocation, for willful non-performance by DisCos.
The government aims to prioritise repair work on damaged transmission infrastructure to improve power supply in affected regions.
Recent data showed that DisCos failed to distribute about 1,769.91 megawatts of electricity between February 1 and 14, 2024. Adelabu has summoned DisCos and TCN to address the poor power supply situation and reiterated plans to settle outstanding debts owed to power generation and gas supply companies. He urged electricity consumers to remain patient as efforts are made to improve the power supply situation in Nigeria.
In Kaduna State, over 280 pupils and teachers from Government Secondary School and LEA Primary School in Kuriga were abducted by bandits.
The attack occurred shortly after insurgents kidnapped 200 internally displaced women in Borno State.
Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State assured the community that efforts were underway to rescue the abducted persons, while Amnesty International and other groups called for immediate action from the government to ensure the safe return of the students and teachers.
Negotiations for the release of the abducted pupils and teachers have commenced, According Online reports on Saturday. The state government has engaged a prominent negotiator with a track record of facilitating such releases. Concurrently, the military has launched search operations in the forests to locate the victims.
Minimum wage and regional disparity
It was a week of back and forth on the minimum wage as workers across various states proposed different figures for the new minimum wage. In the South-West, the Nigerian Labour Congress suggested a minimum wage of N794,000, while the Trade Union Congress proposed N447,000. In the Federal Capital Territory and the North-Central region, workers demanded N709,000 as the minimum wage. Conversely, in the North-West, workers called for N485,000.
The North-East saw varied proposals, with Taraba and Gombe states proposing N60,000, Bauchi and Adamawa states demanding a 50% increment in the current wage, and Borno and Yobe states agreeing to accept the final proposal of the presidential tripartite committee.
In the South-South, workers proposed N850,000, while the South-East proposed N540,000, with Enugu State’s TUC suggesting N447,000. These diverse proposals underscore the complexity of determining a uniform minimum wage that addresses the varied economic realities and cost of living across Nigeria’s regions.
Reversal I: Expatriate Employment Levy
The Federal Government’s enactment of the Expatriate Employment Levy faced a sudden reversal as it suspended its implementation barely a week after its launch by President Bola Tinubu. The levy is a financial contribution imposed on employers who hire foreign workers. Companies are required to pay $15,000 for expatriate directors and $10,000 for other categories.
Offences such as failing to submit an EEL, not registering an employee, providing false information, or not renewing the EEL within 30 days can result in fines of up to N3 million per offence.
The abrupt suspension came amidst widespread criticism from private sector groups, citing concerns over its potential adverse effects on Foreign Direct Investment and economic stability, particularly the devaluation of the naira.
Reversal II: UAE visa U-turn
The announcement regarding the lifting of visa restrictions for Nigerian travelers by the United Arab Emirates initially created headlines, only to be swiftly retracted. The Special Adviser on Information and Strategy to the President, Bayo Onanuga, shared a document online indicating the suspension had been lifted, prompting widespread attention.
However, shortly afterwards, Onanuga clarified that the UAE had not resumed visa issuance to Nigerians and disavowed the circulated document as unauthorised by either government.
This sequence of events left many puzzled and questioning the reliability of official communications.
Moreover, the backtracking reflects a broader pattern of diplomatic uncertainty between Nigeria and the UAE.
The UAE banned citizens from Nigeria and 19 other African nations from entering its borders in 2022.
Francis Ngannou has apologised to his fans following a defeat to Anthony Joshua in Saudi Arabia on Friday night.
The Cameroonian fighter suffered a knockout defeat at the hands of the former world heavyweight champion in the second round.
Despite his commendable boxing debut against Tyson Fury last year, the mixed martial artist fell short against his more seasoned Nigerian-British opponent.
The 37-year-old’s defeat by second-round knockout followed a first-round knockdown by Joshua, from which Ngannou struggled to recover.
A powerful right hand from Joshua prompted the referee to halt the fight in the second round.
“Apologies to everyone; I feel I let you down,” Ngannou wrote on his X account.
“Today was a bad day in the office but tomorrow will be another day. Thank you all for the love,” he added.
All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from According.
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar in which Muslims all over the world observe fasting for a period of 29 to 30 days.
It involves total abstinence from foods and drinks, starting from dawn to sunset.
Also, couples are compelled to stay away from sexual intercourse or acts that could lead to romance while fasting, but they are allowed to cohabit in the evening or night of fasting, as stated in Qur’an 2:187.
Ramadan is a month for Muslims to reflect and discipline their souls to attain Allah’s forgiveness, mercy and guidance.
Muslims are expected to increase their good deeds during Ramadan and refrain from bad deeds such as gambling, jealousy and gossiping.
Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said, “When the month of Ramadan starts, the gates of heaven are opened, and the gates of hell are closed, and the devils are chained.”
Hence, Muslims are enjoined to refrain from sinful acts.
Fasting in Ramadan is one of the five pillars of Islam, along with the belief in Allah and His messenger, observance of the five daily Solat (prayer), giving alms (Zakat) and pilgrimage to Makkah.
Muslims cherish fasting as it helps to curtail worldly desires, improves one’s spirituality and closeness to Allah, encourages reading of the Holy Qur’an, enhances almsgiving to the needy, and promotes love for fellow Muslims, amongst others.
One of the significant events that makes Ramadan special is that the Holy Qur’an was revealed by Allah to Prophet Muhammad (SAW) in this month.
More so, Allah enjoined Muslims to fast, according to the Holy Qur’an in Q2:183, where He said, “O ye who believe! Fasting is prescribed to you as it was prescribed to those before you, that ye may (learn) self-restraint.”
As it was the custom of the Prophet, he advised Muslims to observe fasting during the preceding month of Sha’ban (though not as intense as Ramadan’s) to prepare their minds, improve their spirituality and health before Ramadan.
However, fasting is not only observed in Ramadan. Muslims can also fast on Mondays and Thursdays of every month, as well as the 13th, 14th and 15th days of every month.
When does Ramadan start?
The commencement of fasting in Ramadan largely depends on when the crescent moon is sighted by relevant authorities and Muslims of impeccable character.
If the crescent of Ramadan 1445 AH is sighted after sunset on Sunday, March 10, 2024, which is equivalent to 29th Sha’aban 1445 AH, fasting will begin on Monday, March 11, 2024. Otherwise, it’ll start on Tuesday, March 12, 2024.
In Nigeria, for example, Muslims begin their fasting upon the declaration by the President-General, Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, who also doubles as the Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III.
In this piece, According Online highlights 10 tips to abide by for Muslims to have an easy ride throughout the Ramadan period:
1. Go for a medical check-up to know your health status before fasting.
2. Buy necessary food items that can sustain you, along with beverages.
3. Ensure that you eat a pre-dawn meal (Sahur) before fasting and the meal after breaking your fast (Iftar).
4. Recite the Qur’an regularly and give charity to the poor
5. Establish daily obligatory prayers in the mosques and remain steadfast in the remembrance of Allah.
6. Increase your supererogatory prayers (Nawafil).
7. Attend Islamic lectures and sittings where your mind will be filled with talks of the fear of Allah, and lessons are learnt from the Qur’an.
8. Refrain from spending much time on television and social media.
9. Engage in the Tarawi prayer which is established after the ‘Isha’i prayer. It could also be done in the middle of the night.
10. Intensify your prayers on the odd nights of the last 10 days. This will help increase your chances of witnessing the Laylatul Qadr – ‘Night of Power,’ in which if one is fortunate, his worship during this night will be worth more than months of worship.
The Prof. Ango Abdullahi-led Northern Elders Forum, on Saturday, expressed concern over the abduction of no fewer than 287 pupils and teachers of the Government Secondary School and LEA Primary School, Kuriga 1, in Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State by bandits.
Bandits stormed the LEA Primary Kuriga around 8:30 am on Thursday, shortly after the morning assembly, and whisked away the pupils and staff of the schools.
It was learnt that the secondary school was relocated to the primary school as a result of insecurity in the area.
The state governor, Uba Sani, however, assured the people of the state that the abducted pupils would be rescued unhurt.
In the same vein, the NEF said it was saddened by the worsening state of security in the nation highlighted by the alarming increase in school abductions.
According to the northern elders, the recent attack and mass abductions in Kuriga village, Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State have once again brought to the forefront the grave security challenges facing Northern Nigeria.
The forum, in a statement by its Director of Publicity and Advocacy, Abdul-Azeez Suleiman, released in Kaduna, condemned the heinous act and expressed deep concern over the escalating wave of school abductions in the region.
The statement partly read, “This incident, where over 200 students and teachers were kidnapped from LEA Primary school, further underscores the fragile state of security in the nation.”
They lamented the fact that the abduction of schoolchildren has now become a common occurrence in Northern Nigeria, posing a serious threat to education in the region.
The statement added, “This reprehensible act not only violates the fundamental rights of these innocent children to education but also instils fear and anxiety among parents and educators.
“The recent wave of school abductions, where innocent children are being taken from their schools, is particularly distressing. These incidents not only traumatise the victims and their families but also undermine the educational system and the future of the nation.”
The forum emphasised the need for a collaborative effort between the government, security agencies, and local communities to ensure the safety and security of all Nigerians.
“It is clear that the current security situation is a matter of grave concern, and all stakeholders must work together to find lasting solutions to these challenges”, NEF said.
The NEF also highlighted the broader implications of such acts of violence on the fabric of Nigerian society.
“The continuous occurrence of kidnappings, killings, armed robberies, and violent attacks, not just in the rural areas but even in the federal capital, is a stark reminder of the pervasive insecurity that plagues the nation. It is a tragic reality that Nigerians are living under constant fear of being targeted by criminal elements.
“The abduction of 200 students in Kuriga village is particularly distressing, considering that it is the same community where a school principal was killed and his wife kidnapped just over a month ago. Such brazen acts of violence demonstrate the brazen disregard for human life and the rule of law by the perpetrators of these crimes”, NEF said.
The NEF warned that the state of lawlessness is unacceptable and called for urgent action to restore security and peace in the affected areas.
“This condemnation should serve as a clarion call for the government and security agencies to take proactive measures to protect schools, communities, and vulnerable populations in the North.
“It is imperative that all necessary resources and strategies are deployed to ensure the safe return of the abducted students and teachers and to prevent such incidents from recurring in the future.
“The government must see this as a strong stance reflecting the collective outrage and concern of Nigerians over the deteriorating security situation in the country.
“The government must prioritise the safety and wellbeing of its citizens and take decisive action to combat insecurity and safeguard the future of the next generation.
“Education is a fundamental right that must be protected at all costs, and any threat to it must be met with unwavering resolve and determination.
“May the abducted students and teachers be safely reunited with their families, and may justice be served on those responsible for this heinous crime”, they said.
