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Abuja stampede: Kaigama condemns security operatives over Catholic priest arrest

Published

1 day ago

December 25, 2024

Rev. Ignatius Kaigama

Abuja stampede: Kaigama condemns security operatives over Catholic priest arrest

The Catholic Archbishop of Abuja Diocese, Most Rev. Ignatius Kaigama, has condemned what he describes as “verbal demonisation of the Catholic Church” by certain government agents in response to the tragedy at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Maitama, Abuja.

Recall that ten casualties were recorded during the distribution of palliatives given by St. Vincent de Paul.

Kaigama expressed his displeasure at the detention of the priest and some officials of the church, along with the threat to impose criminal charges on the Church: “This is, to say the least, uninspiring, unfriendly, and a misplaced zeal, and one wonders what purpose these actions are meant to serve.”

He stated that the government should have been more concerned with assisting the Church in exploring safety measures to prevent future occurrences in the nation’s earnest desire to do good.

Kaigama, who expressed these views in his message titled “Christmas: A Season of Hope and Renewal”, called on Nigerian leaders to avoid greed by ensuring that the wealth and resources of the nation are not hoarded by a few but are used to alleviate poverty, improve education, create jobs, and provide affordable healthcare.

He mentioned that amidst the shadows looming large over the nation, he was extending his heartfelt wishes to Nigerians in this Christmas season.

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Kaigama said: “Christmas this year has come with a poignant blend of joy and solemn reflection, shadowed by tragedies related to the struggle for food in Ibadan, Abuja, Okija, and Suleja. We in the Catholic Archdiocese of Abuja deeply mourn the tragic loss of lives resulting from the unfortunate stampede in our own Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Maitama. This incident has left the Archdiocese and the parish community in profound grief, and our thoughts and prayers are with the families of the victims.

“The verbal demonisation, however, of the Catholic Church by certain agents of government responding to the tragedy was needless. They should have been immediately concerned with assisting the Church in exploring safety methods to prevent future occurrences in our earnest desire to do good by denying ourselves what we need to help others without discrimination. The detention of our priest, as well as some officials of our church, and the threat to impose criminal charges on us, is, to say the least, uninspiring, unfriendly, and a misplaced zeal and one wonders what purpose these actions are meant to serve.

“None of those agents shouting criminal charges at the church cared about the traumatic impact of this tragedy on these volunteers whose only desire was to feed the hungry. No one, up to now, has cared to find out about their emotional and mental state after experiencing the devastating impact of people struggling to find food to eat for the day. I regard all those who have so far suffered in connection with this tragedy because they dared to help as “the 2024 heroes of the Catholic Archdiocese of Abuja.” Up to this time of writing, no government agent or official has come in the spirit of compassion or empathy to find out first-hand from the Church authorities what really happened and what they could offer so that the Church improves subsequent services to the poor. All one hears is that this sort of event must not be organised again without permission!”

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On the celebration of Christmas, the cleric said: “As we celebrate the birth of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, we are reminded of the profound message of hope, love, and peace that His arrival brought to the world over 2,000 years ago. In this season of joy, let us pause to reflect on the significance of Christmas and its relevance to our lives and nation today.

“The story of Christmas is one of God’s infinite love for humanity. In sending His Son, Jesus, God offered us a gift of redemption and a pathway to eternal peace. This divine act reminds us that even in the darkest of times, hope is never lost. As Nigerians, we face numerous challenges, but the light of Christ encourages us to persevere with faith and courage, knowing that God is with us.

“This season is also a call to action. The angels announced Christ’s birth as “good news of great joy for all people.” This joy becomes real when we share it with others through acts of kindness, generosity, and compassion. Many of our fellow citizens are struggling with poverty, insecurity, and other difficulties. Let us extend the love of Christ by reaching out to the less privileged, offering support to those in need, and fostering unity in our communities.

“The Bible warns against leaders who neglect their responsibility to care for their people. We must embrace this divine standard, ensuring that governance reflects transparency, justice, and compassion. The wealth and resources of our nation should not be hoarded by a few but used to alleviate poverty, improve education, create jobs, and provide affordable healthcare.

Abuja stampede: Kaigama condemns security operatives over Catholic priest arrest

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Plateau killings: Troops arrest 20 suspects

Published

3 hours ago

December 26, 2024

Trends Admin

Plateau killings: Troops arrest 20 suspects

Troops of Operation Safe Haven (OPSH) have arrested 20 suspects in connection with the killings in Tingbwa Gidan Ado community of Riyom Local Government Area (LGA) of Plateau.

Maj.-Gen. Abdulsalam Abubakar, the Commander of OPSH, disclosed this at the Christmas luncheon organised for troops of OPSH and 3 Division of the Nigerian Army on Thursday in Jos.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that gunmen on Dec. 22 attacked the community and killed 15 persons.

Abdulsalam, who is also the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 3 Division, said its troops had also recovered a large cache of arms and ammunition.

“Following hours of sustained night operations, we have apprehended 20 suspects directly and indirectly involved in the last attack on Tingbwa Gidan Ado village in Riyom LGA on Dec. 22.

“We have also recovered a cache of arms and ammunition, which has greatly starved criminal elements of the freedom of action to carry out their nefarious activities.

“Let the spirit of Christmas renew our commitment to the values we hold dear; let it inspire us to serve with even greater passion and determination,” he said.

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The commander thanked troops of OPSH and the 3rd Division for their sacrifices toward ensuring the peace currently being enjoyed in the state.

“On this special day, I acknowledge and applaud the sacrifices you have made; many of you are far away from home, unable to celebrate Christmas and the yuletide season with family and loved ones.

“While others enjoy the warmth of family and comfort of home, you endure the realities of duty.

“Your courage and resilience would never go unnoticed as they embody the highest form of sacrifice.

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Five Gaza journalists die in Israeli strike

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3 hours ago

December 26, 2024

Trends Admin

Five Gaza journalists die in Israeli strike

At least five journalists have been killed in an Israeli strike in the central Gaza Strip, Palestinian TV channel reports.

They were reportedly in a Quds Today van parked outside al-Awda hospital, where the wife of one of the journalists was about to give birth, in the central Nuseirat refugee camp.

The channel posted a video of what it said was the burning vehicle with “press” signage on the back doors.

The Israeli Air Force said it had attacked “in a targeted manner and with intelligence guidance” a vehicle with members of the armed group Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) inside. It added that measures had been taken to minimise civilian casualties.

Quds Today is linked with the PIJ faction, which participated in Hamas’ attack on Israel on October 7, 2023. The unprecedented attack set off the war in Gaza.

In a related development, five individuals were reported dead in Israeli strikes on Gaza City on Wednesday.

The Palestinian Wafa news agency and the Hamas-run Gaza health ministry also reported that 20 more people were hurt in the city’s al-Zeitoun neighbourhood.

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The Israeli military has not responded to the purported bombing.

Meanwhile, the father of a two-week-old Palestinian girl has informed the BBC that his infant daughter died from frostbite in a tent in Gaza, becoming the third kid in a week to die in similar conditions.

Mahmoud Ismail Al-Faseeh stated he awoke in the bitter cold to find his daughter, Sila, having convulsions.

The head of paediatrics at Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis told the Associated Press that she was rushed to the hospital but died of hypothermia.

The family was taking refuge in the al-Mawasi neighbourhood on Gaza’s coast, which the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) classified as a humanitarian zone but has been targeted by air attacks.

According to Ahmed al-Farra, the head of paediatrics, two more newborns, one three days old and the other a month old, were brought in within the last 48 hours after dying from hypothermia.

Hopes of progress towards a truce in recent days have begun to fade, with Hamas and Israel trading blame at each other.

Hamas accused Israel of setting “new conditions” that were delaying the agreement. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu iistated that the organisation was violating previously agreed-upon understandings over a potential truce.

Following encouraging signs, both parties’ most recent pronouncements reflect a significant shift in tone.

Following last year’s Hamas onslaught, the Israeli military started air strikes and a ground offensive in the Gaza Strip.

The attack killed approximately 1,200 individuals, while another 251 were carried back to Gaza as hostages.

No fewer than 45,000 Palestinians have been killed in Israel’s offensive, Gaza’s health ministry says. Almost two million people—90% of the population—have been displaced, according to the UN.

Five Gaza journalists die in Israeli strike

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Bandit leader Bello Turji threatens reprisals over arrest of close associate

Published

3 hours ago

December 26, 2024

Trends Admin

Notorious bandit leader, Bello Turji

Bandit leader Bello Turji threatens reprisals over arrest of close associate

Notorious terrorism leader Bello Turji has issued threats to residents of surrounding communities following the recent arrests of suspects by the Nigerian military.

In a video released on Christmas Day, Turji claimed that the individuals apprehended were not bandits but “innocent” elderly members of his ancestral community.

The Nigerian military had earlier announced the capture of several of Turji’s associates during an operation. Major General Buba Edward, the Director of Media Operations at Defence Headquarters, disclosed on December 20 that those arrested included Bako Wurgi, Hamisu Sale (aka Master), and Abubakar Muhammad.

According to the military, Wurgi is suspected of being involved in the murder of a Sokoto monarch, among other heinous crimes.

Turji’s threats have raised concerns about potential reprisals against local communities, as security forces intensify efforts to dismantle his network.

“The arrested terrorist leader, Bako Wurgi, eventually succumbed to gunshot injuries sustained during the firefight. He, nevertheless, provided valuable intelligence to support troops’ operations before he died,” Mr Edward said.

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But five days after the statement, Mr Turji, surrounded in the video by armed men brandishing sophisticated arms, said the military did not capture the three suspects in a battle, but arrested them in market places and in the hospital.

Mr Turji also blamed residents of the areas for providing information to the military that led to the arrests, vowing to punish the communities for their actions.

“The message is for the residents of Zamfara and Sokoto States, specifically, residents of Shinkafi, to release our brothers who are with them; otherwise, the year 2025 is going to be deadly for them with frequent kidnapping for ransom,” he said.

“Edward Buba, look at the elderly people you arrested. They are above 75 years old. And look at me. I am 35 years old, and you said those people you arrested are my accomplices. Edward Buba, be mindful of what you are telling people. If you cannot go to the battlefield, go inside your room and rest and stop lying to the people,” Mr Turji said.

He also challenged the military to display the guns it claimed soldiers seized from the bandits at battle. “Display them to the people if you fought the battle with us,” he said.

“Our brothers whom you arrested were picked up at the markets and others in the hospital. We never fought any battle with you. If you actually want to fight us, not our parents, you know where we are. Come, let us fight.

“We are calling on the residents of Shinkafi, Isa, Zurmi, and its environs in this coming year, 2025 if you don’t address those informants responsible for the killing of our brothers, you will face the consequences. You know we are killers, we know how to kill. You people see us as uncivilised; we also see you as such.

“Any town that fails to obey our directives, we are going to turn it into rubble,” Mr Turji said, pointing at some dilapidated buildings close to him.