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Terrorists forcing us to work on their farms – Niger residents

Published

4 months ago

September 6, 2024

Terrorists forcing us to work on their farms – Niger residents

Residents from security-affected communities in Shiroro Local Government Area (LGA) of Niger State have reported that terrorists and bandits are enslaving locals to work on their farms. According to reports, a leader of a terrorist group collected over 20 bags of soybeans from farms in Allawa and neighbouring communities this year.

At an emergency media conference in Minna, the Niger State capital, Saidu Salihu, Secretary of the Coalition of Shiroro Associations, a coalition of youth organisations in Shiroro LGA, called for the return of military forces to Allawa and surrounding areas to allow displaced residents to return to farming.

Salihu highlighted that various groups of terrorists and bandits have taken over the communities since the withdrawal of soldiers from Allawa three months ago. He urged the Niger State government to strengthen its collaboration with security agencies and to equip local vigilantes to protect the affected communities.

He also requested that both federal and state governments provide compensation to displaced persons who have lost homes, properties, and livelihoods due to the attacks following the military withdrawal.

Salihu mentioned that bandits have invited the affected communities for dialogue and negotiations to facilitate their return.

However, he claimed that both state and federal governments have been unresponsive to these reports.

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Abdullah Suleiman Erena added that insecurity in the eight political wards of the Lakpma axis is not limited to banditry but includes other terrorist groups such as Boko Haram, ISWAP, and Ansaru. He warned that these groups are creating a terrorist stronghold in the Lakpma axis, which could become increasingly difficult to contain if not addressed urgently.

Erena described the situation as a developing terrorist ecosystem rather than mere criminal activity, criticising both the press and government for underestimating the severity of the issue. He detailed how various terrorist groups operate in the area, including cattle rustling and forcing locals to farm and sell produce on their behalf.

He also noted that the Federal Capital Territory is at risk due to its proximity to Shiroro LGA, calling for immediate action to dislodge the terrorists and bandits from the region.

Sani Abubakar Yusuf Kokki lamented that the state government has not done enough to pressure the federal government regarding the alarming security situation, particularly in Shiroro LGA, where many farmers have been displaced.

“The state government needs to do more than just lament and apportion blame,” Yusuf Kokki said. “While we acknowledge that informants may be collaborating with terrorists and bandits, this should not justify abandoning the larger population to their fate.”

Babangida Kudodo, President of the Lakpma Youth Forum, reported that despite several reports to stakeholders and the state government about the terrorist and bandit activities, there have been no positive steps to address the issue. He alleged that some informants were arrested and later released, becoming threats to the communities that reported them. This has reportedly forced many residents to collaborate with the terrorists and bandits to secure their livelihoods.

Terrorists forcing us to work on their farms – Niger residents

metro

Suspected IPOB members kill two soldiers in Imo

Published

6 hours ago

December 28, 2024

Trends Admin

Nigerian Military Troop

Suspected IPOB members kill two soldiers in Imo

The Nigerian Army has confirmed the death of two soldiers and the theft of their weapons by operatives of the Eastern Security Network (ESN), the militant arm of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

IPOB is a separatist group advocating for the creation of the Republic of Biafra, citing longstanding grievances over the marginalization of Nigeria’s South-East region since the Biafra-Nigeria civil war.

In a statement released on Saturday, the Nigerian Army explained that the incident occurred in Osina, Ideator North Local Government Area of Imo State, when troops from the 34 Artillery Brigade, returning from a routine patrol, responded to an emergency call about an attack on Osina Community by IPOB/ESN forces.

The statement revealed that upon arrival, the troops engaged the “terrorists” with overwhelming firepower, resulting in casualties among the attackers. However, the Army did not provide specific numbers, only noting that the “dissidents” eventually withdrew in disarray.

“Unfortunately, two security agents had been killed in action and one other missing in action, with their weapons—a AK-47 rifle and a tear gas launcher—being seized by the terrorists,” the statement said.

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The Army confirmed that the bodies of the fallen soldiers had been recovered, and the troops pursued the fleeing militants.

“Contact was again made with the criminal IPOB/ESN elements at Nkwachi Community, and in the firefight that ensued, one of the dissidents was neutralized while others, unable to withstand the troop’s firepower, retreated into the nearby forest. One AK-47 rifle with a fully loaded magazine was recovered, ” the statement said, adding that the troops continued their pursuit into Umalouma forest, where another intense exchange of fire took place.

“The dissidents eventually abandoned their weapons due to the troops’ superior firepower and scattered into the dense forest with severe gunshot wounds. An additional four AK-47 rifles, one Fabrique Nationale rifle, and two magazines were recovered,” the statement added.

The Army assured the public that operations would continue, with efforts to track down and eliminate the remaining criminals. “Further exploitation is ongoing as troops continue to track down the injured terrorists and flush them out of their hideouts and treatment locations,” the statement stated. “We urge all IPOB/ESN elements and other criminals hiding in the bushes to surrender to the nearest troops or face defeat, as the Brigade will ensure that the people of Imo celebrate the Yuletide season in peace, free from fear or intimidation.”

The Nigerian Army also called on the people of Imo State to continue providing timely intelligence to assist in the fight against criminal elements and help rid the state of lawlessness.

Suspected IPOB members kill two soldiers in Imo

metro

13 passengers burnt to death in Ondo auto crash

Published

6 hours ago

December 28, 2024

Trends Admin

An accident scene File photo

13 passengers burnt to death in Ondo auto crash

The Federal Road Safety Corps, Ondo State Sector Command, says no fewer than 13 people were burnt to death along Ikare-Akoko/ Owo Road on Saturday in the state.

Dr Samuel Ibitoye, FRSC State Sector Commander made this known in a statement made available to the News Agency of Nigeria on Saturday in Akure.

“FRSC regrets to inform the public about a road traffic crash that occurred today 28 December, 2024 at Abule Panu before Ose Bridge, on Owo-Ikare highway, Ondo State.

“The fatal crash which occurred at about 10:14 AM claimed 13 lives of commuters in two buses.

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“A total of 14 people were involved, out of which 13 were burnt beyond recognition, while only one was rescued alive with serious injuries.

“Eyewitness account indicates that the bus coming from Ikare axis had a tyre burst which led to loss of control.

“This was resultant in a head-on collision with the bus loaded with fabric coming from Owo axis.

“Immediately after the collision, the two buses went up in flames. The men of FRSC, Police and Fire Service were swiftly at the crash scene for rescue,” he said.

The FRSC boss said that the injured victim was taken to Federal Medical Centre, Owo, while the deceased were deposited at the morgue of the same hospital.

He, therefore, advised drivers to exercise patience on the roads and passionately maintain their vehicles.

“Passengers are also encouraged to speak out against dangerous driving because road safety is a concern of all,” Ibitoye said.

13 passengers burnt to death in Ondo auto crash
NAN

metro

NDDC empowers Niger Delta young entrepreneurs with N30bn

Published

6 hours ago

December 28, 2024

Trends Admin

NDDC empowers Niger Delta young entrepreneurs with N30bn

The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has pledged to galvanise the Niger Delta Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Trade, Mines and Agriculture (NDCCITMA) by releasing N30 billion counterpart fund for the development of young entrepreneurs.

The NDDC Managing Director, Dr Samuel Ogbuku who disclosed this in Port Harcourt, restated the Commission’s commitment to empowering the people of the region through economic programmes.

He highlighted the NDCCITMA’s role in training youths, supporting SMEs, and designing industry-friendly skill development programmes.

Ogbuku said the NDDC was supporting the NDCCITMA to drive economic growth and development in the Niger Delta region by providing financial support, training and networking opportunities for businesses and entrepreneurs.

He said, “We are providing N30 billion to fund projects and support businesses to ensure the sustainability of our youth development initiatives.

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“We will release the matching funds so the entrepreneurs can access them to boost their businesses. In our 2024 budget, we have provision for N30 billion which we are to use as matching funds for the chamber of commerce. We are working towards releasing this fund so that the chamber of commerce can start work in earnest.

“The Niger Delta Chamber of Commerce will strengthen young entrepreneurs in the region. It is no longer acceptable for our youths to be contented with receiving stipends while at home doing nothing.
Ogbuku remarked that the Commission was collaborating with the Bank of Industry, BOI, to ensure the success of NDDC’s youth development programmes.

“The current NDDC Board and Management choose to look at sustainable options in designing youth programmes. In the past, we did a lot in supporting entrepreneurs in the Niger Delta but these activities were not properly documented and backed with verifiable data.

“Our new strategy is to support genuine entrepreneurs rather than people who are just portfolio entrepreneurs because we know that the government alone cannot employ everybody. Many university graduates are coming out, and the government cannot employ all of them. However, we can empower them by creating an environment where they can engage other persons to expand their businesses.”