Security
Again, gunmen behead two farmers, as vigilantes take the fight to their enclave
Again another tragic incident has occured in Niger State where suspected Boko Haram members in the Pandogari community have beheaded two farmers.
This attack is coming barely two weeks after 13 farmers were killed at a mining site in Shiroro local government area.
According to sources, the insurgents were fleeing from local vigilantes that launched a full-scale war against them, combing the Allawa, Bassa, and Kukoki forests.
The vigilantes, numbering over 200, were mobilized from neighboring states to counter the insurgents.
The incident highlights the ongoing security challenges in the region, with Boko Haram’s violent activities causing harm to innocent civilians. The local vigilantes’ efforts to combat the insurgents are a significant development in the fight against terrorism in Nigeria.
The fleeing members of the Boko Haram were said to have met the farmers in their farms while escaping the onslaught by the local vigilantes.
Before the onslaught by the Vigilantes, the Boko Haram sect had occupied Allawa, Bassa, Kukoki and other neighboring villages after they successfully dislodged the Military from their Camps at Allawa and Bassa, and ordered the people to vacate their homes.
Those who tried to return to the communities to get some food stuff, especially in Allawa have paid the supreme prize in the last two months with over 40 of the villagers killed so far.
It was gathered that the two beheaded farmers were in their farms working when the gunmen met them and after killing them, they (gunmen) decided to exchange their head with their body.
“After beheading then, they exchanged their heads with their bodies and abandoned them. We just buried them today”, our source said.
He however lamented that if a similar onslaught could be launched against the gunmen from Pandogari end, they will not have an escape route, stressing that “they are now running towards Pandogari because the heat is on them from Allawa, Bassa and Kukoki.
“We are appealing to the government to mobilize the vigilantes for similar offensive against them from Pandogari end. They (gunmen) have all fled Allawa as I am talking to you now”, he added.
Meanwhile a source close to the government told our correspondent that the government decided to engaged the services of the local vigilantes since the federal government is foot-dragging in sending troops to the area.
“The state government needs to act quickly if not the current situation and the activities of these gunmen will send our people away from their farms and their ancestral lands.
“The government wants to put an end to all that now, and has decided to take the fight to the insurgents in their enclaves. We will follow them to wherever they are within our territory. We are going all out against them.
“I can tell you that this exercise will be a continuous one untill the state and the people are free from the menace of these criminal elements. They motive is criminal and nothing more”, our source disclosed.
Security
36 State Governors Back Creation of State Police to Combat Insecurity in Nigeria
The majority of the country’s 36 state governors have endorsed the creation of state police to decisively contain the escalating insecurity across Nigeria.
This decision cameduring a National Economic Council (NEC) meeting held on Thursday, December 12, 2024, at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, bringing the proposal one step closer to reality. A final resolution is expected to be reached in January 2025.
Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, who spoke to the press after the meeting, confirmed that all 36 states had submitted their recommendations in favor of establishing state police.
While the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) under Nyesom Wike did not present its proposal, the overwhelming support from the other states emphasized the urgent need for tailored security measures to address the specific challenges faced by each region.
Governor Sani explained that the push for state police is driven by the recognition of Nigeria’s vast ungoverned areas and the shortage of security personnel. He highlighted that the current security forces, including the police and military, are stretched thin and unable to effectively cover all areas of the country. The governors believe that state police would enhance local security efforts and offer a more effective response to the growing violence in many regions.
Although the NEC meeting did not finalize the creation of state police, it was agreed that further consultations would take place before a decision is made. The next NEC meeting, scheduled for January 2025, will include additional discussions and stakeholder engagements to ensure all concerns are addressed before a final resolution is passed.
The establishment of state police is seen as a crucial step in addressing the worsening security situation in Nigeria, where the central government’s security agencies have struggled to contain the rising tide of violence and insecurity.
Security
Zulum Exposes Hidden Beneficiaries of Borno Insurgency
Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno State has revealed that some individuals and groups, including civilians and military personnel, are profiting from the ongoing insurgency in the region.
Speaking as a guest on Channels TV on Sunday night, Zulum stated that these beneficiaries extend beyond Borno and are spread across the country.
He disclosed that informants within local communities and even military officers supplying ammunition to insurgents have been uncovered, complicating efforts to restore peace.
“Many times, informants were arrested within the community, and military personnel were caught trying to provide ammunition to the insurgents,” Zulum said.
The Governor also highlighted the role of porous borders, particularly around Lake Chad and the Sambisa forest, in creating safe havens for terrorists.
He noted foreign involvement as another factor fueling the prolonged crisis.
“Some people, across various strata, do not want to see the end of this crisis because they benefit from it,” Zulum remarked, emphasizing the complexity of resolving the insurgency due to these hidden interests.
Zulum’s candid revelations underscore the challenges facing counter-insurgency efforts in Borno, where both internal and external factors continue to fuel the decade-long conflict.
Security
Peter Obi Decries Rising Insecurity, Mourns Victims of Terror Attacks in Benue, Anambra
The Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 General Election, Peter Obi, has expressed deep sorrow over the worsening security situation in Nigeria. In a heartfelt statement, Obi lamented the unrelenting wave of terror attacks sweeping through the nation, which continue to claim lives, destroy critical infrastructure, and disrupt businesses.
While writing on his X Handle on Thursday, Obi highlighted the recent killing of about 30 people in separate terrorist attacks on communities in two Local Government Areas of Benue State.
He also condemned the attack on the motorcycle showroom of Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing in Nnewi, Anambra State, where three staff members were abducted.
Reflecting on the growing insecurity, Obi asked a question that weighs heavily on the minds of many Nigerians: “Where are we headed as a nation with this level of insecurity?” He noted with concern that these attacks are occurring during a period of severe economic hardship, compounding the suffering of Nigerians.
Obi emphasized the economic impact of insecurity, pointing out that while foreign investors are leaving Nigeria due to safety concerns, local investors face daily threats to their businesses.
He described the current situation as “frightening” and warned that the nation could be “consumed” if decisive action is not taken to end the violence.
He extended his condolences to the victims in Benue and sympathized with Chief Innoson Chukwuma, the founder of Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing, over the attack on his facility. He also urged security agencies to intensify efforts to rescue the kidnapped workers.
“This mindless waste of human lives and attacks on businesses must stop,” Obi declared. “We must end this monster of insecurity before it ends us.”
His statement is a call to action for both the government and citizens to unite in the fight against terrorism and ensure the protection of lives, businesses, and national stability.
-
Crime1 year ago
Police nabs Killer of Varsity Lecturer in Niger
-
News11 months ago
FCT-IRS tells socialite Aisha Achimugu not to forget to file her annual returns
-
Appointment1 year ago
Tinubu names El-Rufai, Tope Fasua, others in New appointments
-
News From Kogi1 year ago
INEC cancells election in 67 polling units in Ogori-Magongo in Kogi
-
News From Kogi1 year ago
Echocho Challenges Tribunal Judgment ordering rerun in 94 polling units
-
News1 year ago
IPOB: Simon Ekpa gives reason for seperatists clamour for Biafra
-
Metro9 months ago
‘Listing Simon Ekpa among wanted persons by Nigeria military is rascality, intimidation’
-
News11 months ago
Kingmakers of Igu/ Koton-Karfe dare Bello, urge him to reverse deposition of Ohimege-Igu