COVER
Anguish as Bandits Embark on Killing Spree in Benue, Plateau
From Attah Ede, Makurdi & Jude Dangwam, Jos
There seems to be no respite for many local communities in Benue and Plateau States as bandit attacks have continued to escalate by the day.
According to multiple local sources, the incessant attacks by gunmen, suspected to be Fulani herders, have left hundreds dead while many others are either displaced or missing.
Amid the growing tension, community leaders and other stakeholders have called on the federal government and the security agencies to secure the lives and property of the terror stricken communities.
In a passionate appeal yesterday, a group of academics and opinion leaders from Tyoshin, in Gwer-West local government area of Benue State bemoaned the fate of residents in their communities in the hands of the armed invaders.
Coming under the aegis of the Forum of Tyoshin Academics (FoTA), the forum said more than 500 persons had been killed by the armed invaders within a period of six months.
A statement jointly signed by the forum’s National President and the National Publicity Secretary, Professors Patrick Ukase and John Anja said five persons were killed in a fresh attack on Saturday.
The forum noted that the attacks, which it said dated back to 2011 claimed about 192 innocent lives by the end of 2017, while 302 were killed between 2018 and 2023.
According to the forum, more than 17 persons had been killed this year, bringing the figures to 511.
The statement said in part, “Today marks another day of mourning, another black day etched in the hearts of our community.
“The relentless wave of violence continues as suspected Fulani armed herders have, once again, unleashed terror on our people—this time along the Naka-Makurdi Road.
“The lives of five innocent souls who were rushed to the clinic for treatment following the attack, tragically slipped away, their cries unheard. Others lie in agony, fighting for their lives, yet the true number of those attacked remains unknown.
“Since 2011, the toll of this violence has been staggering. Between 2011 and 2017, 192 sons and daughters of Tyoshin were gruesomely murdered by herders. From 2018 to 2023, the numbers escalated, with 302 more lives lost in the area.
“This year alone, 17 individuals have been mercilessly hacked down by these herders. These figures do not include those who have disappeared and have not been seen since 2011. In all, we have lost over 511 lives to this relentless onslaught.
“Tyoshin land is bleeding, its cries drowned in the deafening silence of indifference. Our villages, our homes, and our very existence have come under siege for too long. Nine council wards of the Gwer-West local government area have already fallen into the hands of these ruthless attackers.
“Today’s tragedy is but a grim continuation of a war that has ravaged our land, leaving us shattered and broken. Just days ago, the blood of our brothers and sisters was spilled in Camp-Nagi, Mbachohon, where three more were brutally murdered.
“Yet, in the face of this terror, the silence from those sworn to protect us is deafening. The Tyoshin people are abandoned and forsaken by the very government that should shield them.
“The Federal Government and the Benue State Government remain disturbingly quiet, their inaction a haunting reminder of how alone we truly are.”
The community leaders lamented that the attacks were being carried out by the invaders despite the presence of soldiers drafted in the community for the purpose of protecting lives and property.
“Even the military presence, meant to offer protection, stands idle as the bloodbath continues. Our people fall; one by one, as these attackers roam freely, unchallenged and unafraid”, the group said.
The leaders appealed to President Bola Tinubu and the Governor of Benue State, Hyacinth Alia, to come to come to the community’s rescue.
In a related development, troops on Sunday rescued eight travellers along the Akaa-Akundo community in Zaki Biam, Ukum local Government Area of Benue State.
The troops were attached to 401 Special Forces Brigade/Sector 1, with the code named “Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS).
The names of the rescued travelers were given as Oliver Enze, 40, who was the driver of the bus; Obi Valentine, 32; Nasuru Abubarka,18; Evangelist John Udhemuburu, 64; Bulus Bukar, 23; Samuel Chukwudi, 18; Joseph Ejeh, 37; and Alex Okafor, 42.
Some of the victims who spoke to journalists in Makurdi, thanked the troops for their prompt intervention.
The driver of the bus said they were attacked at 7:30pm when the vehicle ran into a barricade mounted by the bandits.
“They stopped us along Zaki- Biam-Wukari road at a check point that was mounted by the armed men wearing army uniforms and we mistook them to be soldiers.
“Several other vehicles were also parked by the roadside, and I was asked to park and ordered down with the passengers and forced to lie face down.
“Two of the passengers were taken away from the vehicle by the gunmen into the bush and cash worth millions of naira was collected from them, including travel bags, phones and other valuables.
“In the process of their operations, they spotted the vehicle of the Joint Military Operations Team from a distance and took to their heels. That was when we got to know that they were kidnappers.”
When contacted, Brigadier General A. Rabiu, Commander 401 Special Forces Brigade/Sector 1, confirmed the incident and assured Benue State residents of total fight against criminality in the state.
It would be recalled that last week, the military troops also rescued six persons including a serving youth corps member who were traveling from Taraba to the Southeast.
The situation is not too different in neighbouring Plateau where armed herders have been terrorising agrarian communities in the state.
The Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar who visited the state at the weekend, condemned the renewed bloodshed across some local government areas and called for an immediate end to the senseless killings.
He said peace loving people in the affected areas must avoid farm destruction, cattle rustling, poisoning of animals, night grazing, underage grazing and avoid ethnic profiling.
Abubakar stated this yesterday during a stakeholders engagement with community, religious and youth leaders from Barkin-Ladi, Riyom, Bokkos, Mangu and Wase local government areas of Plateau State.
He noted that the essence of the stakeholders engagement was to come up with workable solutions and tasked them to identify criminals in their respective communities and treat them as criminals rather than promoting ethnic profiling.
In his words, “Firstly, I must express my displeasure over the current attacks and reprisals that have resulted in the loss of lives and property.
“This is happening despite the best efforts of our security agencies, particularly the 3rd Division Operation Safe Haven, in ensuring a peaceful settlement to these early attacks that have affected both farmers and cattle breeders.
“I am particularly saddened by the actions of certain elements in some communities who continue to destroy farms and disrupt peace efforts despite ongoing dialogue aimed at resolving the issues diplomatically.
“These security challenges are not isolated to Plateau State, but are widespread across other parts of the country,” Badaru said.
This minister said the stakeholders’ meeting was intended to de-escalate tension and prevent a spillover of the situation in parts of Mangu into other areas of the state.Earlier, the General Officer Commanding 3 Armour Division, Maxwell Khobe Cantonment Rukuba Barracks, Major General Abdusalam Abubakar had given a commitment to ensure peace in the area
COVER
Yahaya Bello to Spend Christmas, New Year in Kuje Prison
By Mike Odiakose, Abuja
Immediate past governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello will spend the 2024 Christmas and 2025 New Year days in Kuje prison, Abuja, following refusal of his bail application by the Federal Capital Territory High Court.
Justice Maryann Anenih yesterday adjourned the case until Jan.
29, Feb. 25, and Feb. 27, 2025 for the continuation of the hearing.The former governor is standing trial, along with two others, in an N110 billion money laundering charge brought against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Justice Anenih had refused to grant a bail application filed by Bello, saying it was filed prematurely.
The judge admitted Umar Oricha and Abdulsalam Hudu, to bail in the sum of N 300 million each with two sureties.
Justice Anenih, while delivering a ruling said, having been filed when Bello was neither in custody nor before the court, the instant application was incompetent.
“Consequently, the instant application having been filed prematurely is hereby refused,” she said.
Recalling the arguments before the court on the bail application, the judge had said, “before the court is a motion on notice, dated and filed on Nov. 22.
“The 1st Defendant seeks an order of this honourable court admitting him to bail pending the hearing and determination of the charge.
“That he became aware of the instant charge through the public summons. That he is a two-term governor of Kogi State. That if released on bail, he would not interfere with the witnesses and not jump bail.”
She said the Defendant’s Counsel, JB Daudu, SAN, had told the court that he had submitted sufficient facts to grant the bail.
He urged the court to exercise its discretion judicially and judiciously to grant the bail.
Opposing the bail application, the Prosecution Counsel, Kemi Pinheiro, SAN, argued that the instant application was grossly incompetent, having been filed before arraignment.
He said it ought to be filed after arraignment but the 1st Defendant’s Counsel disagreed, saying there was no authority
“That says that an application can only be filed when it is ripe for hearing.”
Justice Anenih held that the instant application for bail showed that it was filed several days after the 1st defendant was taken into custody.”
Citing the ACJA, the judge said the provision provided that an application for bail could be made when a defendant had been arrested, detained, arraigned or brought before the court.
Bello had filed an application for his bail on November 22 but was taken into custody on November 26 and arraigned on Nov. 27.
COVER
Middle Belt Group Tasks FG on Resettlement, Safety of IDPs
From Jude Dangwam, Jos
Conference of Autochthonous Ethnic Nationalities Community Development Association (CONAECDA) has called on the federal government to intensify efforts in the resettlement of displaced persons in their ancestral homes.
The organization made this call at the end of its conference held in Jos, the Plateau State Capital weekend.
Thirty resolutions were passed covering security, economy, politics, governance, culture, languages, human rights and indigenous peoples’ rights among others.
The Conference President, Samuel Achie and Secretary Suleman Sukukum in a communique noted that the conference received and discussed reports from communities based on which resolutions were reached on securing, reconstruction, rehabilitation and returning communities displaced by violence across the Middle Belt.
“After considering the reports from communities displaced by violent conflicts, conference resolved, and called on government to focus on providing security to deter further displacements.
“Call on government to provide security to enable communities to return. Government and donor partners should assist in reconstructing and returning displaced communities,” the communique stated.
The GOC 3 Armoured Division Nigeria Army represented by Lt Col Abdullahi Mohammed said the Nigerian Army is committed to working closely with communities to achieve a crime-free society, urging communities to support them with credible information.
“Security is a collective effort, and we cannot do it alone, the community plays a crucial role in ensuring safety.
“We urge everyone here not to shield or protect individuals involved in criminal activities. Transparency and collaboration, together, with maximum cooperation, we can achieve peace, security, and prosperity for our society,” the GOC stated.
The National Coordinator of CONECDA, Dr. Zuwaghu Bonat in his address at the gathering noted that the theme of this year’s program, Returning, Resettling, and Rehabilitating Displaced Communities, was chosen as a wakeup call on the federal government.
He maintained that the organization is aware that President Bola Tinubu has expressed a commitment to ensuring that displaced communities return to their ancestral lands.
He said similarly, some state governments, including Plateau State, have set up committees to address the lingering matter.
The coordinator however cautioned, “It is critical that we avoid generalizations or profiling. For instance, Not all Muslims are involved in terrorism. The overwhelming majority of Muslims in Nigeria are peaceful and reject extremist ideologies.
“We also know that some terrorists exploit religion to mobilize support or rationalize their actions. However, their atrocities – slaughtering women, cutting open pregnant mothers, and killing children show a profound disregard for humanity and God. Normal human beings would not commit such acts.
“We must also be cautious about lumping banditry with terrorism. While statistics indicate that many bandits and kidnappers may share similar ethnic backgrounds, kidnapping has now evolved into a profit-driven enterprise. This distinction is vital to address the root causes effectively,” he stated.
The Governor of Plateau State, Caleb Mutfwang represented by his Senior Special Assistant (SSA) on Middle Belt Nationalities, Hon Daniel Kwada noted that the conference was apt to addressed the various underlying issues bedeviling the region and its people.
“We in the Middle Belt have long been standing at the crossroads of Nigeria’s complex history. Despite our tireless efforts to stabilize this nation, we have faced immense challenges, including underdevelopment, security issues, and marginalization.
“Often, we are unfairly maligned, but gatherings like this offer a chance to change the narrative.
“Such conferences set the tone for better discussions. They allow us to drive processes that bring development, ensure security, and elevate our people to greater heights,” Mutfwang noted.
COVER
Recapitalisation: SEC Charges Banks to Strengthen Corporate Governance
Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has called on banks to reinforce their corporate governance principles and risk management frameworks to boost investor confidence during the ongoing recapitalisation exercise.
Dr Emomotimi Agama, Director-General, SEC, said this at the yearly workshop of the Capital Market Correspondents Association of Nigeria (CAMCAN) held in Lagos.
The theme of the workshop is: “Recapitalisation: Bridging the Gap between Investors and Issuers in the Nigerian Capital Market”.
Agama, represented by the Divisional Head of Legal and Enforcement at the SEC, Mr John Achile, stated that the 2024–2026 banking sector recapitalisation framework offers clear guidance for issuers while prioritising the protection of investors’ interests
He restated the commission’s commitment towards ensuring transparency and efficiency in the recapitalisation process.
The director-general stated that the key to bridging the gap between issuers and investors remained the harnessing of innovation for inclusive growth.
In view of this, Agama said, “SEC, through the aid of digital platform, is exploring the integration of blockchain technology for secure and transparent transaction processing to redefine trust in the market.”
He added that the oversubscription of most recapitalisation offers in 2024 reflects strong investor confidence.
To sustain this momentum, the director-general said that SEC had intensified efforts to enhance disclosure standards and corporate governance practices.
According to him, expanding financial literacy campaigns and collaborating with fintech companies to provide low-entry investment options will democratise access to the capital market.
He assured stakeholders of the commission’s steadfastness in achieving its mission of creating an enabling environment for seamless and transparent capital formation.
“Our efforts are anchored on providing issuers with clear guidelines and maintaining open lines of communication with all market stakeholders, reducing bureaucratic bottlenecks through digitalisation.
“We also ensure timely review and approval of applications, and enhancing regulatory oversight to protect investors while promoting market integrity,” he added.
Agama listed constraints to the exercise to include: addressing market volatility, systemic risks, limited retail participation as well as combating skepticism among investors who demand greater transparency and accountability.
He said: “We are equally presented with opportunities which include leveraging technology to deepen financial inclusion and enhance market liquidity.
“It also involves developing innovative financial products, such as green bonds and sukuk, to attract diverse investor segments.
“The success of recapitalisation efforts depends on collaboration among regulators, issuers, and investors.”
Speaking on market infrastructure at the panel session, Achile said SEC provides oversight to every operations in the market, ranging from technology innovations to market.
He stated that the commission is committed to transparency and being mindful of the benefits and risks associated with technology adoption.
Achile noted that SEC does due diligence to all the innovative ideas that comes into the market to ensure adequate compliance with the requirements.
On the rising unclaimed dividend figure, Achile blamed the inability of investors to comply with regulatory requirements and information gap.
He noted that SEC had done everything within its powers to ensure that investors receive their dividend at the appropriate time.
He, however, assured that the commission would continue to strengthen its dual role of market regulation and investor protection to boost confidence in the market.
In her welcome address, the Chairman of CAMCAN, Mrs Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma, said banks’ recapitalisation is not just a regulatory requirement, but an opportunity to rebuild trust, strengthen the capital market, and drive sustainable growth.
Joel-Nwokeoma stated that the recent recapitalisation in the banking sector had brought to the fore the need for a more robust and inclusive capital market.
She added that as banks seek to strengthen their balance sheets and improve their capital adequacy ratios, it is imperative to create an environment that fosters trust, transparency, and cooperation between investors and issuers.
The chairman called for collaboration to bridge the gap between investors and issuers to create a more inclusive and vibrant Nigerian capital market.She said: “we must work together to strengthen corporate governance and risk management practices in banks, enhance disclosure and transparency requirements for issuers.” NAN