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Insecurity: Igbo women shun August Meeting

Published

4 years ago

August 17, 2022

•Politicians still graced the ceremonies to sell themselves

Sequel to the biting insecurity across Nigeria in general and the South-East in particular, the observance of this year’s August Meeting was held with caution in many communities. The month of August every year is usually busy for Igbo women.

It is the month they set aside to converge on their various communities to brainstorm on the positive things they could do to move their communities forward. Through this, they had embarked on different development projects. However, this year’s outing was low key unlike in previous years as most women did not return due to the prevailing insecurity in the region.

Fight against mkpurimiri, other hard drugs among youths, major issue

In Anambra State, most communities have concluded their August meeting for 2022. However, this year’s gathering was overshadowed by the insecurity that has enveloped most parts of the South-East spearheaded by the notorious unknown gunmen.

But in the past, in Anambra State, women had executed legacy projects such as halls, markets, school buildings and church projects. Addressing the various women leaders in Awka where she flaged off the meeting, the wife of the state governor, Mrs. Nonye Soludo, set specific agenda for them to focus on during their deliberations.

Noting the importance of the annual August return, Anambra State Commissioner for Information, Paul Nwosu, observed that the meeting has grown beyond supporting the churches, into a veritable means of trans-communal development.

“These gatherings of women can no longer be neglected by power wielders and leaders at the state and even the national levels. It is a time marked on our annual calendar by governments and decisionmakers to communicate important policies targeted at women and family units. Politicians have also come to cash in on this gender-specific yearly occasion to sell themselves to these women whose influences on their family units and principled positions on issues cannot be underestimated.

“Undoubtedly, the women congresses have morphed into hands-on instruments for self-help, rural uplift programmes, community development, conflict resolution, community peace-making and human capital development in diverse ways. August meeting is to all intents and purposes, a unique demonstration of the resourcefulness of Igbo womenfolk not just contributing to Christianity but equally adding crucial positive values to family life and communal fusion. The shared knowledge of women from different fields of endeavour and varied spheres of locale, does a world of good to the local aspirations across the vast canvas of Igbo land,” the commissioner said.

He added: “Our women are indeed increasing their roles as joint stakeholders in the improvement of the affairs of the community instead of perennially playing the regressive roles as just housewives. They have progressed from being Oliaku (enjoying wealth) to Okpataku (wealth creator) and Odoziaku (keeper of wealth).

“Since these influential women served the inimitable purpose of having carried the present youth population in their wombs for nine months, they are definitely in a prime position to address the societal ills affecting the land such as the scourge of mkpulumiri and other ill-assorted drugs destroying the youths. The issue of dangerous drug abuse should deeply command the attention of the women at the August Meeting.

“Home training is a natural turf for the women, and a well-brought-up child can hardly ever go the way of taking mind-bending drugs that induce the so-called Unknown Gunmen to kill, kidnap and behead people. It goes without saying that these evil ones come from homes.

“The women should compel each other to bear fundamental searchlight on their homes to extirpate the drug scourge from the source. The women would be offering the government a great social service by ensuring that the erstwhile unknown marauders are made known and shamed.”

Enugu: women as home makers

In Enugu, the theme for this year’s August Meeting was: Women, the home, Peace and Bridge builders.

Addressing the women before they dispersed to their various communities for their meeting, wife of the governor, Mrs. Monica Ugochi Ugwuanyi, urged them to among other issues, stress on the need for peace and unity in the state.

Disclosing the theme of the August meeting to them, Mrs. Ugwuanyi reminded them that the annual event “in Igbo land represents the socio-economic and cultural development initiative of women to deliberate and proffer solutions to developmental issues concerning their homes, communities and the state,” charging them to also “take home all they have learnt from the event and focus on capacity-building, skills acquisition, income generating engagements and participating in financial contributions such as Isusu that would boost their businesses and other sources of livelihood.

Mrs. Ugwuanyi, who appreciated the great love she shares with women of the state, advised them to love themselves, embrace peace, practice forgiveness, share gifts and positive ideas as they go home for the annual event and urged them to “let the people in the rural areas feel your presence in a positive way and appreciate your coming home during this August return.”

Mrs. Ugwuanyi used the occasion to empower indigent women financially, through her pet project, Ugo’s Touch of Life Foundation.

Identify, expose peddlers of mpkurumiri, other hard drugs destroying youths—Ziks’s wife

Professor Emeritus, Uche Azikiwe, the wife of Nigeria’s first President, Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, charged the women to use this year’s August Meeting to identify and expose peddlers of mpkurumiri and other hard drugs destroying the lives of youth across Igbo communities.

Describing women as the backbone of every society, Prof. Azikiwe said that they have always contributed ideas that guided the menfolk in fighting vices such as drug addiction in Igbo societies, and challenged them to compile names of mkpurumiri dealers in their villages and take to the Presidents-General of their communities in order to nip the problem of drug addiction in the bud.

“Women are the back bone of any society because they always work at home and know the nitty-gritty of things happening in the society. They are always well informed in every society.

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“I break down every other day seeing youths who are lost to drug abuse. I don’t understand whether it is the love of money or the urge to get-rich-quick that push our children into drug abuse. I saw a little boy on social media, who kidnapped another little boy to go and sell for money. I don’t understand where we are going with this craze for money. I want our women to discuss the issue of drug abuse during this year’s August meeting.

“I know that they know those who sell mpkurumiri and other hard drugs in the villages. Let them identify and expose them to relevant authorities. In Afikpo, Ebonyi State, where I came from, whenever there is an issue, the women will come together and discuss the problem with the men at the village square. The women use the forum to voice their opinion, and in most cases, their decision helps the men to arrive at a conclusion in solving the problem.

“So, I am sure that if they come together and look into this case of drug addiction among our youths, they must definitely find a solution to it. Let them take their decision to the Presidents-General of their communities for action against mpkurumiri. I am not happy when I see the devastating effects of mpkurumiri on our children. I shed tears,” she said.

We support Health Centres; we intend to build a Hall—Agbani Women Assembly

The Vice-President of Agbani General Women Assembly in Nkanu West Local Government Area of Enugu State, Dr. Hope Nwoga said during the 2021 meeting, the women contributed money to support health centres in the community where they donated medical materials such as beds, power generating sets and other hospital equipment.

“We did that because when you go to some health centres, you will find out that when women want to deliver, they do that on bare floor and so we had to get beds for them. We also dug wells for some other health centres where they can draw water from to perform sanitary functions in the hospital. This is just a way of giving back to the society and that is the much we have done because the projects are determined based on our finances. We have other proposals.”

Abia: August meeting in full swing in communities as politicians take centre stage

The 2022 Women August meeting has kicked off in many communities in the 17 council areas with various activities. A feature of the 2022 August meeting is the presence of politicians who are running for elective positions in the 2023 general elections in the state.

With the 2022 August meeting theme being: Women in Abia: engineering development and creating legacies, the State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, National Council of Women Societies, NCWS and women groups from the 17 council areas were involved.

Addressing the women wing of Ibeku Egwu Asaa Development Association, during their meeting, in Umuahia, with the theme; Godly women in the time of economic challenges, Speaker of the Abia State House of Assembly, Chief Chinedum Orji, described the annual August meeting as a unifying event for women and encouraged them with the donation of vehicle to the association.

However, the current spate of insecurity in Umunneochi Council Area of Abia State forced the Otu Udoka Women Group, Lokpaukwu to cancel this year’s home and abroad August meeting. Umunneochi axis is currently the theatre of operation by Fulani herdsmen who on daily basis, kidnap people for ransom with the Abia State Government watching helplessly.

A statement from the executive committee of the general body circulated to all the branches, including Otu Ifunanya Group in Onitsha branch said the members should not bother to return home for the meeting to avoid ugly incidence of kidnapping for ransom or ritual by both unknown gunmen and Fulani herdsmen.

Specifically, the statement warned that any indigene of Lokpaukwu who must visit home for any personal programme during this period, should avoid passing through Owerre-Ezukala/Isuochi/Leru to Lokpaukwu because “kidnapping, robbery and other incidents are perpetrated along this particular road which is the shortest route linking Anambra and Abia states.”

The statement further described as very unfortunate, a situation where these incidents are more pronounced along this road where there is currently a military base at Isuochi.

Dwindling economy, insecurity mar August Meeting at

Akanu Item

This year’s August Meeting of women of Akanu Item in Bende Local Government Area of Abia State was marred by the dwindling economy and rising insecurity in the South-East. Unlike in the previous years, women in the community did not return in good numbers. Many who reside outside the South-East did not return for the meeting.

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The leader of the women, Mrs. Beatrice Ndubueze who said she returned from Lagos, blamed the poor turnout in this year’s outing on economic hardship and insecurity. She said that most of the women in far places including those in Onitsha and Aba could not return due to economic hardship and insecurity. According to her, majority of those in attendance were the folks at home and Umuahia, the state capital.

Nonetheless, the women were not deterred from continuing with their on-going building project of a classroom block which they intend to hand over to Akanu Item Schools housing both primary and secondary schools in the community which lack adequate classrooms.

Imo

In Imo State, precisely, the women of Umuebie Community, Isiala Mbano Local Government Area, held their meeting with pomp and pageantry as Guinness Breweries organised the meeting for them. It was in fact, more than an annual event to the community.

Guinness Nigeria PLC which organised the event, decided to give the women a treat at the Umuebie Central School playground. They also empowered 50 of them with mobile bars. In a welcome address, the President of the Umuebie Aladinma Women, Mrs. Gertrude Onuoha, noted that it was the first time they were experiencing such an elaborate and scintillating August meeting.

She commended Guinness for choosing to sponsor the community’s August Meeting, and called for more support for the development of the community. She lamented that the market in the area was in shambles and the community’s hall dilapidated.

There was a march past among the five villages that make up the community and a brief health talk, an action which added colour to the ceremony.

The hunger in Nigeria was clearly manifested as most of the women were not interested in the health lecture, as they rather jostled for food and drinks while the talk lasted.

Highlight of the ceremony was a free-for-all dance which ignited the venue more. As the Disc Jockey opted for hot beat songs, the women appeared all out to prove that what the younger generation could do, the older could do too.

Later, legendary songstress, Onyeka Onwenu stepped into the venue; when she mounted the podium to cheers and admiration, thrilling the audience. It was obviously the first time most of the women would meet the music icon, though she hails from the state. Their joy, therefore, knew no bounds as they danced out their sorrows, worries and uncertainties.

In a remark, Marketing and Innovation Director, Guinness Nigeria PLC, Mark Mugisha, said the company was committed to celebrating women, hence the event.

“The August meeting is beyond an event, it is an experience that Guinness feels strongly and passionate about. It allowed us to be part of long lasting impact for the betterment of their community.

“As a brand, we are committed to supporting, empowering and celebrating women in ways most natural to them,” he stated.

Renowned monarch and traditional ruler of Ogbor Autonomous Community, Eze Matthew Onweni, in his remarks, commended Guinness for such show of love and enjoined the women to sustain the drive for community development.

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Related Topics:Igbo women insecurity meeting

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Bandits Tie Women With Hijabs, March Them Into Forest in Sokoto Mass Abduction

Published

9 hours ago

June 12, 2026

Trends Admin

Commissioner of Police in Sokoto State, CP Hayatu Hassan Shaffa

Bandits Tie Women With Hijabs, March Them Into Forest in Sokoto Mass Abduction

SOKOTO – Scores of traders, farmers and travellers have been abducted on a road leading to Sabon Birni Market in Sabon Birni Local Government Area of Sokoto State, in the latest wave of violence to grip the northwestern state, where at least 15 communities remain deserted following coordinated attacks.

Residents said the attackers blocked a major route linking Sabon Birni and surrounding communities before launching their assault. An eyewitness, who requested anonymity, said the gunmen arrived at about 10am on Wednesday on nearly 20 motorcycles and opened fire, causing panic among people heading for the weekly market.

“We were sitting near the bridge when we saw them approaching on motorcycles. They started shooting from different directions and abducted travellers, farmers and some women working on nearby farms,” he said.

The witness said at least 20 people were taken away during the attack, describing the abduction in harrowing detail.

“It happened right before my eyes. Some of the victims were forced onto motorcycles and taken into the forest. When the motorcycles became full, the bandits tied some victims together in pairs and marched them into the bush on foot. Men were tied to men using their clothes, while women were tied together with their hijabs. Gunshots were everywhere,” he said.

The attackers did not enter Sabon Birni town itself but operated around an area known as Mangwaron Bullun, a junction connecting several communities, including Katsira, Zakin Ganga, Maskin Wuya, Garin Dango, Garin Gardi, Garin Bage and Zududu among others.

A son of one of the victims, identified only as Abdurrashid, told reporters that his mother was among those abducted while working on a farm. He said his father was ill and unable to provide for the family, leaving his mother as their main source of livelihood.

“My mother was working on the farm when they took her. Because my father is sick, she is the one taking care of us. I have now taken my younger siblings to stay with our grandparents,” he said.

Another resident said the exact number of victims remained unclear as many families were still trying to account for their relatives. “Some people may only be discovered missing after the closing of the market, when they fail to return home. Since Wednesday is the day of the Sabon Birni market, many of those abducted were traders heading there for business,” he said.

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The Wednesday abduction follows another attack on Sabon Birni town just days earlier. On Monday night, June 8, suspected bandits attacked the community, killing a member of the Sokoto Community Guards and abducting several residents from Kantin Gabas, located on the outskirts of Sabon Birni town near the community’s Eid prayer ground. A resident claimed that about 10 people were abducted during that attack, adding that it was the third attempted invasion of Sabon Birni using the same route.

When contacted, the member representing Sabon Birni Constituency in the Sokoto State House of Assembly, Aminu Boza, said he would verify the incident. However, he had not provided further details as of the time of filing this report despite repeated follow-up calls. Efforts to obtain comments from the spokesperson of the Sokoto State Police Command, DSP Ahmad Rufai, were unsuccessful as calls to his phone were neither answered nor returned.

In a separate operation on Wednesday night, police operatives from the Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU) and the Anti-Kidnapping Unit successfully repelled an armed bandit attack on Bodinga Village in Bodinga Local Government Area. Security operatives engaged the attackers in a prolonged gun battle, neutralising three suspected bandits and recovering one AK-47 rifle, one magazine and 25 rounds of live ammunition. The Command confirmed that no civilian or security personnel casualty was recorded during the operation.

Earlier on June 4, troops of Operation Fansan Yamma and the 8 Division of the Nigerian Army successfully repelled separate attacks by suspected Lakurawa terrorists and bandits in Sokoto State, rescuing two kidnapped farmers from Tidibale village in Isa Local Government Area. Troops also foiled an attack on the Magonho community in Tangaza Local Government Area, though one civilian sustained a gunshot injury during the exchange of fire.

The abductions come less than two weeks after bandits killed at least 17 people, including seven visitors who had travelled for the Eid-el-Kabir celebrations, when they attacked Dangulbi community in Tureta Local Government Area on May 31. Residents said the attackers, armed with sophisticated weapons and riding on about 150 motorcycles, stormed the community on Sunday morning, opening fire on villagers, looting approximately 20 shops and forcing many residents to flee into nearby forests.

The victims included identified residents such as Munde, Nagoma, Abdullahi, Danbala, Munden Chana, Muhammadu Dan Amo, Hassan, Abubakar Danbaba and Yidi Bafillace. Five of the victims were Sallah visitors from Adarawa in Gummi LGA of Zamfara State, while two others were visitors from Gidan Gambo in Shagari Local Government Area, bringing the total number of visitors killed in the attack to seven.

“The bandits remained in the community for several hours after the attack, preventing villagers from recovering and burying the dead until late in the evening. Funeral prayers were eventually conducted after 9:30 p.m. when they left,” one resident said. Many residents have since fled Dangulbi and surrounding communities, seeking refuge in safer areas across Tureta, Shagari, Gummi and Bukkuyum Local Government Areas.

Amnesty International has condemned the killing, calling on Nigerian authorities to urgently investigate the attack, bring those responsible to justice, and strengthen protection for vulnerable communities. “The Nigerian authorities must urgently investigate this attack, ensure that those responsible are identified and brought to justice in fair proceedings, and take immediate steps to protect communities that remain at risk,” the organisation said in a statement.

The recurring attacks have forced residents to abandon their homes across multiple local government areas. According to a report by Daily Trust on June 5, no fewer than 15 communities have been deserted following coordinated bandit attacks carried out between May 31 and June 3 in Tureta and Sabon Birni local government areas. Residents told reporters that at least 52 people were killed in the attacks, including 46 in Tureta LGA communities and six others in Sabon Birni LGA, while hundreds of residents were displaced and dozens of houses destroyed.

Deserted communities in Tureta LGA include Dan Gulbi, Dansanberu, Jandutsi, Baga, Barayar Giwa, Birisawa, Mallanje and Ketare. In Sabon Birni LGA, displaced residents identified affected communities as Gangara, Dantasakko, Kube, Garin Idi, Rigo, Shadawa and Makwarruwa. A religious leader from Gangara community, who is currently displaced, said: “Our entire community has been displaced. We had no option but to leave because of the constant attacks. Several neighbouring villages have also been abandoned.”

In a separate development, the Sokoto State Police Command foiled a bandit attack on Imasa Matankari village in Tureta Local Government Area on June 2, recovering 25 cattle rustled during the assault. Security operatives from the VCRU, Anti-Kidnapping Unit, and personnel of the Nigerian Army’s Forward Operating Base responded to a distress call, engaging the attackers in a gun battle. The fleeing bandits abandoned all the stolen livestock during their retreat. “All 25 rustled cows were recovered in full and have since been returned to their rightful owners,” the command stated, adding that no lives were lost during the operation.

The recurring attacks have raised concerns over the worsening security situation in Sokoto State and its potential impact on farming activities ahead of the rainy season. Residents have appealed to both the federal and state governments to urgently deploy additional security personnel and improve road infrastructure in the area, arguing that poor access roads often delay security responses and leave communities vulnerable to repeated attacks. The Commissioner of Police in Sokoto State, CP Hayatu Hassan Shaffa, has called on residents to support security agencies with credible information, urging members of the public to promptly report suspicious movements and individuals receiving treatment for gunshot injuries.

Bandits Tie Women With Hijabs, March Them Into Forest in Sokoto Mass Abduction

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Sowore Collapses as Tear Gas Disrupts Democracy Day Protest in Abuja

Published

11 hours ago

June 12, 2026

Trends Admin

Sowore Collapses as Tear Gas Disrupts Democracy Day Protest in Abuja

Human rights activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, was reportedly hospitalised on Friday after collapsing during a Democracy Day protest in Abuja, following the alleged deployment of tear gas by security operatives.

The incident occurred during a demonstration organised by activists and civil society groups to commemorate June 12 Democracy Day and draw attention to pressing national issues, including rising insecurity, economic hardship, governance concerns, and the plight of abducted schoolchildren.

Witnesses said protesters gathered peacefully at Berger Junction before marching toward the Federal Secretariat and Eagle Square. However, the protest reportedly turned chaotic when security personnel fired tear gas canisters into the crowd as demonstrators approached the venue.

The deployment of tear gas triggered panic, forcing protesters and passersby to flee the area. Several participants reportedly suffered breathing difficulties, eye irritation and other effects commonly associated with exposure to tear gas.

Among those affected was Sowore, who was leading the protest. Eyewitnesses said the activist inhaled a significant amount of tear gas and later slumped at the scene. Videos circulating on social media showed fellow protesters rushing to assist him before moving him away from the affected area.

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Sources at the protest venue said Sowore later regained consciousness and was taken to a hospital for medical evaluation and treatment. Although reports suggested his condition had stabilised, there was no immediate official statement from his aides regarding his health status.

Witnesses also alleged that security operatives fired additional tear gas canisters while protesters were attempting to assist Sowore, further escalating tensions and dispersing the crowd. The incident reportedly affected motorists, traders and residents around the protest route.

Despite the disruption, some demonstrators regrouped and continued the protest, insisting that citizens have a constitutional right to peaceful assembly and expression.

The development has sparked fresh criticism from civil society organisations and human rights advocates, who argue that the use of force against peaceful protesters undermines democratic principles and civil liberties.

The Nigeria Police Force had yet to issue a detailed statement on the circumstances surrounding the deployment of tear gas or Sowore’s reported collapse as of the time of filing this report.

The incident is the latest in a series of confrontations involving security agencies and protesters in the Federal Capital Territory, reigniting debates over crowd-control tactics and the protection of fundamental rights in Nigeria.

Sowore Collapses as Tear Gas Disrupts Democracy Day Protest in Abuja

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NSCIA Rejects Claims Linking Nigerian Muslims to Banditry, Kidnapping

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June 12, 2026

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NSCIA Rejects Claims Linking Nigerian Muslims to Banditry, Kidnapping

The Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) has strongly condemned what it described as growing attempts by individuals and groups, both within and outside the country, to associate Nigerian Muslims with banditry, kidnapping, and other violent crimes. The Council warned that such narratives are false, divisive, and harmful to national unity, especially at a time when Nigeria continues to grapple with serious security challenges.

The statement was issued in Abuja as part of a Democracy Day message released ahead of the 27th anniversary of uninterrupted democratic governance on June 12, 2026. The message was signed under the leadership of the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, and conveyed by NSCIA’s Public Affairs Officer, Abbas Jimoh.

The Council expressed concern over what it described as persistent efforts to unjustly portray Nigerian Muslims as perpetrators of criminal activities, despite many Muslims being victims of terrorism, discrimination, and insecurity themselves. It described the situation as a form of “double jeopardy,” stressing that peaceful Muslim communities across the country are being unfairly stigmatized while also suffering from the same violence being attributed to them.

The NSCIA specifically referenced the recent kidnapping of students and teachers in Orire Local Government Area of Oyo State, saying there were premature attempts by some commentators to link the incident to Islam and Shariah. It argued that such claims were misleading and contributed to misinformation and public misunderstanding, noting that subsequent developments did not support those initial allegations.

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The Council also condemned broader patterns of ethnic profiling in the reporting of criminal cases, insisting that suspects should be identified strictly by the crimes they commit and prosecuted according to the law. It warned that attaching ethnic or religious identity to criminal acts deepens divisions and undermines national efforts to address insecurity.

Reaffirming Islam’s stance, the NSCIA stressed that the religion does not condone violence, banditry, kidnapping, or terrorism in any form. It reiterated its condemnation of all criminal acts and expressed sympathy for victims of insecurity across the country, while calling on perpetrators to abandon violence and embrace peace.

In its Democracy Day message, the Council also reflected on Nigeria’s 27 years of democratic governance, describing June 12 as a symbol of justice, accountability, and national struggle. It said the day serves as a reminder that democracy can only thrive where human dignity, inclusion, and fairness are upheld.

The NSCIA called on journalists, media organisations, and public commentators to exercise caution and professionalism in their reporting, warning against narratives that could inflame tensions or deepen mistrust among Nigeria’s diverse communities. It urged responsible journalism that promotes unity rather than division.

The Council also commended the efforts of the Federal Government, security agencies, and community leaders in tackling insecurity, while calling for greater collaboration to restore peace and stability across the country. It prayed for the protection and success of security personnel working to safeguard lives and property.

It concluded by emphasizing that Nigeria’s diversity should remain a source of strength rather than division, urging citizens to reject narratives that promote hatred and instead work together toward unity, peace, and national development.