CRIME
Niger Loses 90 Lives to Violence in First Quarter 2020
From Dan Amasingha, Minna.
Following incessant cases of insecurity in parts of Niger state, it has emerged that a total of 90 persons have lost their lives to various vices in first quarter of this year alone.
This was in spite of Governor Abubakar Sani Bello’s declaration on several occasions that is administration was in talks with security agencies as part of efforts to end insecurity in parts of the State.
In recent months the State has been confronted with security challenges in and the government claimed that it has not relented in doing everything possible to ensure that the situation is brought under control.
The Convener, Niger Accountability Group and State Coordinator, National Day of Mourning (NDOM), Mathew Oladele, who painted the grim picture while presenting their findings to the public called on all citizens to join their voices including corporate entities, government establishments and security agencies to fly their flags at half-mast for the half of the day in honor of those who have been killed.
According to him, “between 2018 and now, we have recorded deaths in couples of hundreds of Nigerlites to violent killings across the State; with the first quarter of 2020 alone have recorded ninety (90) deaths. Yet, without much ado from government.
“Since we are still grappling with the level of insecurities and the growing series of impunity that necessitated yearly NDOM-
“We have cases of brutality by security agents, increase in armed banditry, kidnapping, Boko Haram, militia herdsmen, cultism, extra judicial killings, electoral violence and other forms of violence that have resulted to death and displacement of citizens.
“We are holding this civil action annually in memory of victims of mass violence/killings in Niger State and the country at large. This day, 28th, May of every year is set aside as a National Day of Mourning and Remembrance for all victims of violent killings and Mass Atrocities across Nigeria.”
Oladele said, National Day of Mourning and Remembrance was a citizen-led initiative to express solidarity, and demand accountability for the lapses in security and welfare of all Nigerians. This is anomaly that must end.Our citizens are more than numbers, Our Communities and state deserve to live peacefully.”
He lamented that, “as Nigerlites are being killed, so also we are being displaced from our communities and left to be living at IDP camps in our own land and our livelihoods are laid to ruin, the government has shown itself unwilling or unable to confront these killings to put an end to them.
“And by so doing, Government has abdicated its constitutional duty to guarantee the safety, security, and wellbeing of all who live within the State’s geographical boundaries. Our leaders have fueled the embers of mistrust ascribing their failure to protect lives and property to ill-founded narratives of ethnic, partisan, and religious mischief.”
The State Coordinator however called on concerned authorities to end conflicts in the region by immediately ordering a full investigation into the killings to fish out perpetrators of the crisis to justice.
“Ensure the adequate provision of humanitarian aid and assistance to communities displaced by armed bandits; Ensure an urgent accounting of the missing persons through kidnapping to regain their freedom and the dead caused by armed bandits, and an estimation of the loss incurred by individuals and impacted communities at Shiroro, Rafi, Munya, Lapai, Paiko, Mashegu and Wushishi LGAs”, he added.
Furthemore, he urged the state government to engage security agencies, security experts, Civil Society Organizations and the media to sensitize community members at various hotspots across the state on community policing.
The Nigerian Police Command in Borno has apprehended two suspects and recovered 25 stolen mobile phones during a stop-and-search operation along Damboa Road, in Maiduguri.
The Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Nahum Daso, disclosed this in a statement in Maiduguri on Wednesday.
Daso explained that the suspects, identified as Ibrahim Abubako, and Ibrahim Mohammed, were intercepted by the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) on Dec.
10 while riding a tricycle.He said that during the search, the operatives uncovered various mobile phones reportedly stolen from individuals across communities and villages along the Borno -Adamawa State border.
He identified some of the communities as Mubi, Tashan Alade, Miringa, Kwaya Kusar, and Biu Local Government Area of the state.
The spokesman said that during interrogation, the suspects confessed to snatching the phones from their victims.
“The police have initiated efforts to return the recovered devices with their rightful owner.
“Also, the suspects will be charged to court upon conclusion of investigations,” he said.
Daso reiterated the commitment of the Police Commissioner in the state, Yusufu Lawal, to maintain public safety during the Yuletide season. (NAN)
From Dan Amasingha, Minna
Days after the Chairman of Katcha local government area of Niger State, Danlami Abdullahi Saku was assaulted and seriously injured over his inability to settle a campaign loan he obtained, the State Police Command said three suspects were now in their custody over the incident.
Niger State Police Command Spokesman, Wasiu Abiodun in a release on Wednesday said On 16/06/2024 at about 1800hrs, information was received at Katcha Div that the Chairman Katcha LGA Hon.
Danlami Abdullahi Saku was attacked by some miscreants along Saku-Gadza village after the Sallah prayer at his village Saku, Katcha LGA.According to the Police Public Relations Officer, the attack was allegedly reported to be linked to a debt issue between the Chairman and one Yanda of the same area.
He noted that the Chairman sustained serious injury during the attack and he was taken to Gen. Hospital Bida, and later referred to another hospital for further treatment.
A preliminary investigation was conducted at Katcha Div and three suspects were later identified, apprehended and transferred to Bida Area Command.
The suspects arrested are; Alh. Abdullahi Kasimu 68yrs of Gadza village, Katcha, Alh. Baba Moh’d 30yrs of the same village and Ahmadu Moh’d 25yrs.
The suspects were transferred to SCID on June 21st for discreet investigation and prosecution.
“During interrogation, Kasimu narrated that he lent the victim over a million naira since August, 2023 and that several attempts to recover the money proved abortive.
“He further said that on June 16th, the victim promised to come and see him, and while he was on the way after the Sallah prayer, his son Ahmadu Moh’d, his in-law Alh. Baba Moh’d among others accosted the Chairman, had an altercation and inflicted serious injuries on the victims”
The State Police Command acknowledged that the victim was about to transfer the money to him at the point before being rushed to the hospital.
However, the suspects are under investigation in SCID, Minna. Efforts are ongoing to apprehend others at large, and they will be charged to court for prosecution immediately after investigations.
There was a drama as the sacrificial ram of the Chief Imam of the Mista Ali community in Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State, Imam Abdulkadir went missing on the eve of the Ed-el-Kabir.
Abdulkadir’s ram was reportedly stolen during a downpour in the area on the eve of the Ed-el-Kabir.
An Imam in the community, Haruna Yaqub, disclosed this during the sermon, shortly after the two Raka’at prayers.
Yaqub, who condemned the incident, described it as “insensitive”.
He added that the act showed that people lack fear for God.
The Imam said, “The Ram of our Chief Imam, which he purposely brought to sacrifice, has been stolen in the night.
We are really shocked by the incident. We were surprised to hear this story. This means that people are not God-fearing.“It is scary that people have gone to the extent of stealing ram meant for religious activity.”
Speaking further, he urged people to be God-fearing and not engage in either stealing or any act of criminality.
He stressed that everyone will account for their actions on earth and hereafter.
“It is high time people repented and took the path of Allah. It is not too late. People should stop committing bad things and act according to Allah’s commandments,” he urged.
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