COVER
One Week Military Operations Render .9m Persons Homeless
…400,000 in Benue, Akwa Ibom 500,000
…Boko Haram Sack 5, 000 in Adamawa
By Gom Mirian, Abuja, Vincent Makurdi and Christopher Tom, Uyo
Over 900,000 Nigerian children, aged women and men of Benue and Akwa Ibom state extractions are currently homeless and taking refuge in nearby communities as the military continued airstrike to ride the affected areas of bandits.
An estimated number of 400, 000 and 500,000 were displaced from Benue and Akwa Ibom states, respectively.
DAILY ASSET investigations showed that the bombardment at Bonta – Mbator community in Konshisha local government area of Benue State and Essien Udim local government area of Akwa Ibom state, had led to thousands of residents abandoning their homes to nearby communities.
Reports stated that the twin incidents occurred as a result of attacks and killing of some soldiers and other security personnel deployed to ensure peace and security in the states.
Several people were reported killed and others fled their homes for safety during ground operation and an aerial bombardment by Nigerian troops on Bonta – Mbator community in
Konshisha local government area of Benue State and Essien Udim local government area of Akwa Ibom state.
According to reports, the duo incidents occurred in retaliation of the attack and death of some soldiers and other security personnel deployed in the areas to ensure peace and security who were alleged to have been killed by the community members in the said areas.
Daily Asset gathered that the palace of the third class traditional rulers overseeing the affected area, Chief Unaha Koko and the residence of a prominent politician, Chief Mathias Ibyuan among other houses were razed down by the rampaging soldiers.
It was also gathered that the second largest town in the local government, Gungur and Agidi the home town of Chief Unaha Koko was also seized by the military.
According to some of the displaced persons, who fled their homes for safety, told DAILY ASSET on phone that as the horrific revenge continued for the third day at the weekend, there was no alternative than seek refuge somewhere.
Briefing newsmen at the weekend, Benue state Governor Samuel Ortom, said he had appealed to the Nigerian Army to cease fire in order to spare the lives of other innocent law-abiding indigents of Konshisha local government area and its environs.
He stated that out of the weapons allegedly seized from the military by youths of Bonta, three had been recovered while he had directed the Local Government Chairman, traditional rulers and other stakeholders to see that the remaining arms were recovered and the bandits who were reported to be on the run but identified by Konshisha authorities would be provided to face justice.
Governor Ortom confirmed that eight people, including militia members were killed during the military operation and appealed to those fuelling the crisis in the media to desist from the act and support the government to find lasting peace in the area
In Akwa Ibom state, no fewer than 500,000 persons from 12 communities in Essien Udim local government area have been displaced during last week raid by soldiers.
Essien Udim Local Government Chairman, Hon Anthony Luke said that nefarious activities of hoodlums led to the military strike and the displacement of people from their homes.
“By their criminal activities such as extortion, intimidation, robbery, and general abuse of the fundamental human rights of the people, the situation degenerated to a point that people were living in fear. “
“Yesterday, a combined team of Military and other Security Agencies in the State conducted a clearance operation at Ntak Ikot Akpan to flush out the miscreants who have been perpetrating havoc in the Local Government Area. The operation, which deployed both land and aerial onslaught on the hoodlums and the hideouts by the security personnel, was very successful as the criminals were dislodged”, Luke said.
He listed the affected communities under the military raid to include Ntak Ikot Akpan, Ukana Uwa, Ikot Udo Ekpat and Ikot Otu.
Others are Ikot Afangna, Nto Nsek, Ikot Abia, Ikot Ankan, Ikot Ukpong Etor, Ikot Ada Utor, Nsasak as well as Ikot Akpan Essiet.
Luke explained that the displaced persons from these villages are camped at St Ann Cathedral, Ikot Ekpene, Civic Centre Atan, Ikot Okoro and St Brigid Parish, Urua Akpan.
The local government area is the home of Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Senator Godswill Akpabio, where the military had been combing for sometimes now to ride-off criminal elements.
However, the Defence Headquarters in a statement denied the alleged massacre of civilians in Konshisha local government area of Benue State by troops of Operation whirl stroke operating in the area.
The Acting Director Defence Information (DDI), Brigadier General Onyema Nwachukwu, said the bodies of soldiers killed on Konshisha by bandits were burnt beyond recognition even as it warned that the military establishment would not condone the jungle justice meted out on soldiers on national duty.
“The attention of the Defence Headquarters is drawn to numerous publications in the media and other online blogs reporting massive killing and destruction of houses and other property by the military in Konshisha LGA of Benue State.
” The Defence Headquarters which has oversight responsibility for Operation WHIRL STROKE deployed to maintain peace in Benue, Nasarawa and Taraba States, has deemed it necessary to refute these spurious allegations and put the records straight”, he said.
The Acting DDI, while explaining the cause to the killing, said “there have been incessant cases of communal clashes in recent times between the people of Konshisha and Oju over boundary demarcation. As part of efforts to resolve the crisis, the Benue State Government held series of meetings with stakeholders from both local governments with a view to arriving at amicable solution to the problem.
“Trouble however started on the eve of the final meeting during Easter holiday, with reports that fresh fighting has broken out in the area.
” All along, 72 Special Forces Battalion has troops deployed on the Oju side of the boundary and troops of the Battalion were on their way to replenish their colleagues on 5 April 2021, when they were attacked by armed bandits at Bonta in Konshisha.
“The troops who were under command of a Captain were seized at a checkpoint mounted by the so called “Bonta Boys” and taken into Konshisha forest where they were all brutally murdered.
” Not satisfied with killing the soldiers, the bandits proceeded to burn all the eleven soldiers and their officers beyond recognition while their weapons and ammunition were carted away”, he explained.
Nwachukwu said the military reinforcements were dispatched to Bonta the following morning, which also came under attack from close to 500 armed youths who by this time had fully occupied Bonta.
However, Army spokesperson, Brigadier General Mohammed Yerima had in a statement said apart from the 10 armed bandits killed by its troops no other civilian was killed by the military in Konshisha.
The Military High Command further challenged anybody from Konshisha to present to the public the 200, 70 or 30 dead bodies of innocent persons, male, female or children killed by troops in Konshisha.
“Unprovoked attack on troops on stabilization operations in Benue State’ said troops comprising one officer and ten soldiers were initially declared missing which prompted the deployment of a joint search and rescue team comprising Nigerian Army troops and personnel of Operation Whirl StrokeW, he said.
According to him, the search and rescue team unfortunately found all the missing troops dead in Konshisha Local Government Area of Benue State.
He said while the bodies of the slain troops were evacuated immediately, efforts are ongoing to track down the perpetrators of this heinous crime with a view to bringing them to Justice.
“The Nigerian Army under the leadership of the COAS Lt Gen Ibrahim Attahiru remains resolute in ensuring stability in Benue State as well as other parts of the country that are affected by the activities of criminal gangs.
” The Nigerian Army remains determined to ensure that this unprovoked attack does not disrupt the general peace being enjoyed by the local inhabitants.
” The COAS has therefore directed commanders on the ground to ensure sustained efforts in order to fish out and deal decisively with these bad elements who are threatening the peace in the area.
” It may be recalled that Benue State which was a hot bed for violent clashes has been enjoying relative peace following the successes achieved by the various security agencies who have been working tirelessly to safeguard law abiding citizens and ensure they go about their legitimate business without fear of harassment by criminals.
“The Nigerian Army appeal to the public to volunteer useful information that will lead to the arrest of the perpetrators of this dastardly act”, Yerima said.
Boko Haram Sack 5, 000 in Adamawa
The Adamawa State Emergency Management Agency has said that no fewer than 5,000 persons have been displaced after some groups suspected to be Boko Haram members attacked a community in Hong Local Government Area of Adamawa on Friday.
Executive secretary of the agency, Dr Mohammed Sulaiman, announced this in Yola yesterday, noting that the displacement affected many other neighbouring communities in the area.
He recalled that the insurgents came in nine vehicles on Friday to attack Kwapre village in Dugwaba District of Hong Local Government Area.
He also said that the insurgents surrounded the village and killed seven people, including three children.
“During the attack, 50 houses, worship centres, markets and schools were burnt.
“Many people, including women, girls and men, were kidnapped by the attackers.
“However, we received a report that eight persons among the kidnapped victims escaped.
“The displaced during the attack and are taking refuge in nearby villages,” he said.
The District Head of Dugwaba, Mr Simon Yakubu, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Yola that the attackers invaded the village at about 1 p.m. and started shooting.
“During the attack that lasted for more than two hours, more than 20 persons are injured and no fewer than 20 persons are kidnapped by the attackers.
“Places of worship, schools, shops food stores and village head house were destroyed,” Yakubu said.
He said that the injured had been receiving treatment at Hong General Hospital, while two persons who were critically injured by gunshot had been referred to Federal Medical Centre, Yola.
According to him, many villages in Dugwaba district, including Kwapre are few kilometres away from Sambisa forest where insurgents use for attacks.
He also recalled that in 2014, Kwapre village was attacked and destroyed by Boko Haram insurgents.
When contacted, Mr. James Pukuma, Chairman, Hong Local Government Area, said that normalcy has returned to the area as security and local security groups had been deployed to protect lives and property.
He called on the people of the area to be vigilant and report any suspicious move to the nearest security agency for quick response.
DSP Sulaiman Nguroje, the Police Public Relations Officer of the Police Command in Adamawa, confirmed the attack.
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.
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.
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
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