Niger
Niger APC Leader claims ethnic cleansing behind recent Farmers’ Killings
A senior member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and former Commissioner for Information, Culture, and Tourism in Niger State, Jonathan Vatsa has accused armed groups of orchestrating an ethnic cleansing campaign following the recent killing of 13 farmers in Angwan Maigiro, Allawa district of Shiroro Local Government Area.
The attack, which occurred last week, is part of a disturbing pattern of violence that has plagued the region for years.
In a strongly worded statement on Sunday, Vatsa argued that the repeated assaults on farming communities in Shiroro, Rafi, Munya, and Paikoro local government areas go beyond ordinary banditry.
He suggested that the attacks are a coordinated effort to drive indigenous people off their lands, which are abundant in agricultural and mineral resources.
“This is not just random violence; it’s a deliberate attempt to wipe out the native population and seize control of their fertile and resource-rich lands,” Vatsa said. “The time to act is now—this situation has escalated beyond what the state government can handle alone.”
Vatsa called on the federal government to take immediate and decisive action, emphasizing that the state government lacks the necessary resources and control over security forces to effectively combat the threat. He also pointed to a troubling disparity in how the violence is unfolding, noting that while farmers are being targeted, illegal miners in the same areas continue their activities without interference.
“The fact that these illegal miners are left undisturbed while farmers are being slaughtered raises serious questions about the true nature of these attacks,” Vatsa stated.
“Why are the bandits ignoring the miners and focusing solely on the farmers? There is more to this than meets the eye, and the government must investigate and act swiftly.”
The APC chieftain warned that the ongoing attacks threaten to severely undermine food production in Niger State, particularly in the affected areas, which contribute significantly to the state’s agricultural output.
“These local government areas produce over 60% of the state’s food supply. If this violence continues, it will lead to widespread food shortages not only in Niger State but across the North Central region,” he said.
Vatsa also highlighted the potential national implications of the crisis, cautioning that it could derail the federal government’s agricultural and food security initiatives.
“If our farmers are not protected, and their lands are not secured, the current food price inflation will only worsen,” he warned.
He urged the federal government to demonstrate strong political will in addressing the crisis, calling for immediate measures to protect the affected communities and restore order.
“The future of our nation’s food security and the livelihoods of countless families depend on it. We cannot afford to delay any longer,” Vatsa concluded.
Niger State Governor, Umaru Mohammed Bago, has made a significant policy shift aimed at improving educational access for children in the state by abolishing the Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) levies in public schools.
This move is part of a broader strategy to ease the financial burdens on families and encourage higher enrollment rates, particularly for girls.
The Governor made the declaration on Thursday in Sarkin Pawa, Munya Local Government Area, during his ongoing tour of developmental projects in the region.
He stated that the state government would now fully assume responsibility for the PTA levies, which have traditionally been a financial challenge for many parents.
Governor Bago’s initiative focuses not just on reducing the financial barriers to education, but also on promoting gender equality in school enrollment. The governor urged parents to prioritize sending their children, especially girls, to school, making it clear that school uniforms should no longer be a reason to keep children out of school.
“Uniforms should never stop a child from attending school. If a child is sent back home because of a lack of uniform, that teacher will face the consequences,” Bago warned.
He emphasized that children could attend classes in personal clothing if necessary, as the government works to remove obstacles to education.
In addition to the policy change on PTA levies, Bago assured the public that the state government was committed to improving school infrastructure and access to education for all.
He stressed that the government would continue to cover the PTA levies, making education more affordable for families.
This step is seen as a direct effort to increase the enrollment rate, particularly for marginalized groups like girls.
While addressing local residents and community leaders, Governor Bago also highlighted the government’s ongoing efforts to improve the region’s infrastructure.
He announced plans to complete the long-awaited road project connecting Sarkin Pawa to Kaduna State, as well as the construction of new public markets, potable water sources, and healthcare facilities for the people of Munya.
In addition to the educational reforms, local leaders praised the governor’s commitment to improving security in the area. Aminu Najumi, Chairman of Munya Local Government, noted that the region had seen substantial progress in recent months, with security forces providing a sense of safety and restoring confidence among residents.
Governor Bago’s initiatives are already beginning to show results, with local leaders acknowledging the significant reduction in banditry and improved conditions for development.
By eliminating PTA levies and focusing on inclusive educational policies, Governor Bago is not only addressing immediate financial burdens but also laying the groundwork for a more prosperous and equal future for Niger State’s children.
The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has officially granted Niger State the authority to regulate its electricity market, making it the ninth state to receive such a mandate.
The move, which was formalized through a directive on Friday, has empowered the newly formed Niger State Electricity Regulatory Commission (NSERC) to oversee the electricity sector within the state.
This decision is in line with the provisions of the amended Constitution of Nigeria and the Electricity Act of 2023.
Niger’s regulatory independence follows a growing trend, as the state joins other states like Imo, Enugu, and Oyo in assuming control over their intra-state energy markets.
NERC’s order transfers regulatory oversight from the national commission to the state level while maintaining NERC’s role as the overarching body for inter-state and international electricity operations.
The directive also mandates Abuja Electricity Distribution Plc (AEDC) and Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company Plc (IBEDC) to establish subsidiaries to manage intra-state electricity distribution in Niger, with full compliance required by July 2025.
Both subsidiaries must obtain licenses from NSERC after incorporating within the next two months.
This historic decision is expected to enhance local control and governance over electricity distribution, marking a significant shift in Nigeria’s energy regulatory framework.
The Niger State Commissioner for Land and Survey, Barrister Maurice Magaji, has clarified his presence in court over a contentious land dispute involving the state government and some communities in Gurara Local Government Area.
Magaji stated that his appearance was to support the government’s legal team and strengthen the ministry’s defence.
The case, brought before High Court No. 2 presided over by Justice Mikailu, was filed by eight aggrieved members of the Gurara community, alleging forceful acquisition of their land for a government agricultural program. Governor Umaru Mohammed Bago and Commissioner Magaji were listed as first and second defendants, respectively.
Magaji emphasized that his participation in the proceedings was driven by a shortage of lawyers handling cases for the ministry. He said his presence would also encourage the legal team and demonstrate a commitment to resolving disputes swiftly.
“Today, I appeared in court to advocate for the state on this matter of land acquisition. My appearance is not just because of the limited number of lawyers we have but also to boost the morale of our legal team and ensure that cases are handled with the utmost commitment,” he explained.
He added that his proactive involvement reflects his determination to expedite pending legal matters, many of which have been unresolved for years. Magaji assured that he would continue to personally appear in court whenever necessary to safeguard government interests and deliver effective governance.
“This will not be a one-time occurrence. As a lawyer, I will continue to appear in court when necessary, defending the government and ensuring that we meet the expectations of our people,” he said.
Magaji’s commitment marks a shift toward more hands-on governance, signaling efforts to address lingering legal disputes and promote transparency in the handling of land matters
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