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Yuletide turns funerals in Southern Kaduna, gunmen sustain killing spree

Published

4 years ago

December 26, 2022

Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai

Over the years, Southern Kaduna has been on the receiving end, facing incessant ruthless attacks on its communities by assailants identified as armed herdsmen.

The attacks, which in most cases have resulted in the loss of many lives, especially the breadwinners of many families, children, and women, have forced them to become internally displaced persons in their own land.

The lives of these survivors of attacks and those of the victims’ families are irreparably damaged; they don’t know when they’ll recover physically from their injuries or come to terms with their losses, and many remain deeply traumatised.

The Kaura Local Government communities have been subjected to the most heinous attacks and unending killings of their loved ones.

The most deadly that became more pronounced and now poses a daunting challenge that must be tackled was the one that occurred on September 26, 2021, in Madamai Community, where 38 people were killed, and the recent one that took place on December 18, 2022, where another 38 lives were gruesomely killed and 104 houses were completely razed down.

Life has become so brutal and nasty for the people of southern Kaduna, who are mostly farmers. They can no longer boast of their lives, farm crops, or even their settlements.

While other states take terrorism very seriously as a security threat in order to provide assistance to victims, the Federal and Kaduna State governments, on the other hand do not render adequate support to victims and their families.

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Most of these victims of terrorism and their families are left at the mercy of their own predicament. Their rights as individuals are not upheld and protected.

Some of the victims, in separate interviews that recounted their ordeals, described the carnage in their communities as the worst they have experienced.

Mr Rikichi David, who narrowly escaped the attack, told The PUNCH that before the day that the incident took place, the military usually comes around for patrol throughout the day and leaves by 10pm, but on that day, the military patrolled the community till after 10.30pm, which we even applauded them for adding 30 minutes to the time.

“We saw one of the trucks leisurely cruising inside the community, and we thought they came back to continue with their patrol, but suddenly they went out again at a very slow speed toward the town.”

“We didn’t know if they were observing if our people are sleeping or not, and at that time I vowed to myself that I am going to stay out till 11pm because other days, from 10pm to 10.30pm, I retired home.”

Rikichi, who said he lost six family members during the sad incident, said the army trucks left the community a few minutes before 11pm and he went back home 10 minutes later, lied down on his couch, and started hearing gunshots.

According to him, they were preparing to bury one of their family members on Wednesday, and people came from outside for the burial and became victims. About three women were sleeping in my house when they were all killed.

He explained that when the attack took place, “the military was close by because gunshots can be heard from kilometres away. The soldiers couldn’t have gone anywhere because they were moving at a very slow pace,” Rikichi said.

“We manage to crawl into the bush for safety. From where I was, I could see the attackers having a field day inside our community, killing people, burning our houses, and shouting “Allah Akbar.”

“While they were perpetrating their evil act, they were advancing towards the hill, which was their escape route because they started from the highway. When they got to the hill, the last person shot into the air for a while and left,” he further narrated.

According to him, they’re suspecting foul play by those who are supposed to be their defenders. When the attack was going on, these people were moving as if nothing were happening, and when it got to the village, it fired four times after the attackers had already left.

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“The attack was well coordinated, orchestrated, and executed by professionals because all the entry points to the village where help can come from were blocked and the men used sophisticated weapons and shot sporadically,” Rikichi, who is also the Chairman of the Kagoro Development Association, Malagum 1, stated.

Another victim, Mr. Linus Utung, a traditional title holder, described the carnage infiltrated into his community as ruthless to the sanctity of humanity.

He said, “The community was thrown into disarray when they heard gunshots and some of the locals were killed while the military was present.”

According to him, a village head told him that they saw how two boys who were running for safety were gunned down by the military.

He said his house and motorcycle were burnt down while he watched helplessly.

Also, Rev. John Hayab, Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria, Kaduna State Chapter, captured the agony of the people of Kaura during the 60th birthday anniversary of Apostle Emmanuel Kure, saying the killing of the 38 innocent, defenceless people of the Mallagum community was another piece of evidence that the killers have yet to be neutralised, as claimed by the government.

Amid the bloodletting, a series of peace talks have been organised by the traditional institutions, religious leaders, politicians, and other critical stakeholders to identify the conflict triggers and chart a way forward.

Some sympathisers who spoke to our correspondent in separate interviews during the funeral mass for the 38 gruesomely killed in Malagum and Sogwong communities lamented the neglect of the Kaduna State government in providing relief materials to the victims.

Their reactions echoed, “This has shown the ineptitude of the government towards the people of southern Kaduna.”

The councillor representing Malagum 1 community, Hon. Atuk Stephen, who spoke to our correspondent, said residents had deserted their communities to seek refuge in neighbouring villages.

He called the situation “barbaric” and urged the government to act quickly to provide relief materials to the victims.

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“As I am talking to you now, none of these villagers escaped with a single cup of beans; all of their food stuffs were burnt down.

Atuk expressed concern that the carnage perpetrated by the communities would prevent the elections from taking place.

However, he noted, “There are ongoing plans to disenfranchise our people from participating in the 2023 general elections, and the government must show its might in ensuring these terrorists are crushed while sanity returns.”

He said there has been no security stationed in the affected communities until now, calling on the government to deploy security in the vulnerable communities to help reduce tension.

In one of their emergency meetings, the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria, Southern Kaduna chapter, through its chairman, Alhaji Haruna Usman condemned the ceaseless killings among farmers and herdsmen in the state and resolved to do everything possible to ensure that the people live in mutual respect, understanding, and peaceful coexistence irrespective of any difference.

He noted with sadness that the lives of farmers and herdsmen are wasted incessantly in the communities over trivial issues that can be solved amicably.

The chairman reiterated the association’s willingness to contribute and support efforts to restore normalcy and lasting peace to all nooks and crannies of the area, against which he appealed to all associations to organise meetings and dialogues that would aid in uniting the people.

On his part, the Catholic Bishop of Kafachan, His Lordship Bishop Kundi, lamented, during the burial of the 38 victims, the level of killings and government ineptitude towards the people of Southern Kaduna.

The Southern Kaduna Peoples Union, in a press statement issued to newsmen over the weekend, said that during the mass burial for the slain victims, they heard very disturbing allegations against the personnel of the Nigerian Army in the massacre.

The union lamented that there was no representation by the Kaduna State government.

“No message of any sort was sent. No relief material has been sent to the displaced,” the union stated.

According to SOKAPU, six families were wiped out and 102 houses were totally burnt. Homes were looted of grains and valuables before being burned down by the assailants, whom survivors identified as armed Fulani herdsmen working with men they claimed to be from the Nigerian Army.

“After the burial service, scores of youths from the affected villages, including members of the Christian clergy from the affected communities, rushed to meet us with stories of how the army may have been used in the killings.”

Related Topics:Featured Gunmen Southern Kaduna Yuletide

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Army-UNIOSUN Clash: University Faults Military’s Position on Alleged Hostel Assault

Published

13 hours ago

July 4, 2026

Trends Admin

Army-UNIOSUN Clash: University Faults Military’s Position on Alleged Hostel Assault

OSOGBO – The management of Osun State University (UNIOSUN) has publicly rejected the position of the Depot Nigerian Army, Osogbo, regarding allegations of sexual assault involving military personnel and students, insisting that survivors of sexual violence should never be compelled to report directly to institutions linked to alleged perpetrators .

The disagreement stems from allegations that military recruits from the Nigerian Army Depot in Osogbo invaded private student hostels on June 29, assaulting students, sexually harassing female students, and carting away mobile phones and other valuables . The Vice Chancellor, Professor Odunayo Clement Adebooye, described the incident as one of the “darkest moments” in the institution’s recent history and referred to the perpetrators as “misfits” unfit to serve in the Nigerian Army . The university’s response follows an earlier statement by the Depot Nigerian Army, which said it had not received any formal complaint or credible evidence to substantiate rape allegations linked to recently passed-out personnel, even as it reaffirmed that an ongoing investigation would be thorough and transparent .

In a statement issued on Friday by the Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, Depot Nigerian Army Osogbo, Major Ibrahim Yahaya, the Army stated that the allegations had been attributed to the Vice Chancellor and amplified on social media platforms . The Army appealed to victims and witnesses of the alleged assault at the UNIOSUN hostels to provide evidence to assist its ongoing investigation into allegations of misconduct involving some recently passed-out military personnel . The Army stated that the Board of Inquiry, which was formed earlier to probe charges against its personnel, is still in operation and would “leave no stone unturned” . It assured that any personnel found culpable would be dealt with in accordance with the Armed Forces Act and other extant laws . The military also disclosed that some personnel involved have been apprehended and are undergoing disciplinary procedures .

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In a statement issued on Friday by the university’s Public Relations Officer, Ademola Adesoji, the institution welcomed the Army’s decision to establish a Board of Inquiry but expressed concerns about the expectation that alleged victims should report directly to the same institution whose personnel are under investigation . According to the university, such an approach ignores the trauma, fear, intimidation, and psychological barriers that frequently prevent survivors of sexual violence from reporting directly to organisations affiliated with the alleged offenders . The institution also rejected any suggestion that it should reveal the identities of affected students or compel them to appear before military authorities . “Osun State University owes every student a duty of care, confidentiality and protection. The University will not compromise the privacy, dignity or safety of any student by disclosing identities without their informed consent or in contravention of applicable laws,” the statement said .

UNIOSUN stressed that the welfare and safety of its students remain its top priority, adding that the Vice-Chancellor would continue to support students who report harassment, assault, or abuse . According to the statement, “The Vice-Chancellor’s earlier comments were not intended to prejudge the outcome of any investigation or sensationalise the matter but were made in fulfilment of the University’s responsibility to address concerns affecting the safety and well-being of its students” . The university maintained that investigations into sexual assault charges should be victim-centred, independent, transparent, and capable of inspiring public trust . “The University believes that survivors of sexual violence should never be placed in circumstances where they may reasonably fear intimidation or victimisation by being required to report directly to those connected with the subject of an investigation,” the statement added .

UNIOSUN also disagreed with the Depot Nigerian Army’s characterisation of the Vice-Chancellor’s comments as unconfirmed or potentially misleading, insisting that the remarks were made responsibly, in good faith, and in accordance with the institution’s statutory and moral obligation to protect its students . The university further announced that it had instructed its legal advisers to commence appropriate legal proceedings to safeguard the integrity of the institution, the reputation of the Vice-Chancellor and the interests of its students . “The appropriate judicial process provides the proper forum for resolving the issues arising from this unfortunate development,” the statement said .

Army-UNIOSUN Clash: University Faults Military’s Position on Alleged Hostel Assault

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Gunmen Kill Retired Army Officer, Abduct Woman in Nasarawa Community

Published

15 hours ago

July 4, 2026

Trends Admin

Gunmen Kill Retired Army Officer, Abduct Woman in Nasarawa Community

NASARAWA – Suspected gunmen have killed a retired Nigerian Army officer and abducted a woman during a midnight attack on a residential community in Nasarawa State bordering the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) , heightening security concerns along the Abuja outskirts .

The attack occurred at approximately 12:45 am on Friday at Plot 038, PGC Community, located along the Nasarawa-FCT border near Jikwoyi . Police sources confirmed that the assailants invaded the residence of Silas Orite, 46, and forcibly abducted his wife, Bukola Oluwatoyin Silas, 40, taking her to an unknown destination . During the attack, the Community Chief Security Officer, Master Warrant Officer Reuben Yelwa, 61, a retired Nigerian Army personnel, responded in an attempt to assist the family but was shot dead by the assailants . The retired officer’s intervention came as the attackers were carrying out the raid.

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Police officers visited the scene after the attack, documented evidence, and commenced investigations into the incident . According to security sources, security operatives have intensified efforts to rescue the abducted woman unharmed and track down those responsible for the attack . Area domination operations have been reinforced in and around the community to prevent further criminal activities, while patrols have been stepped up along the FCT-Nasarawa border . Authorities have called on residents to remain vigilant and cooperate with security agencies.

The incident adds to growing concerns over insecurity in communities located along the Nasarawa-FCT border, where residents have repeatedly called for stronger security measures to curb kidnappings and violent crimes . The area has experienced increasing criminal activities, with kidnappers and bandits exploiting the porous boundaries between the FCT and Nasarawa State to evade security forces . This latest attack follows a pattern of violence in border communities, where criminal elements have targeted residents for abduction and robbery . In recent months, police have arrested several armed robbery suspects operating between Jikwoyi and Nasarawa State, highlighting the security challenges facing the region . The police have urged residents to report suspicious persons or activities through the command’s emergency lines as investigations continue.

Gunmen Kill Retired Army Officer, Abduct Woman in Nasarawa Community

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MURIC Appeals ISI Hijab Judgment, Seeks Stay of Execution

Published

16 hours ago

July 4, 2026

Trends Admin

MURIC Oyo State General Secretary, Mallam Ibrahim Agunbiade

MURIC Appeals ISI Hijab Judgment, Seeks Stay of Execution

The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC), Oyo State Chapter, has filed a notice of appeal against the judgment of the Court of Appeal on the International School, University of Ibadan (ISI) hijab case and urged the school management not to enforce its directive banning the use of hijab pending the determination of its application for a stay of execution.

The organisation disclosed this in a statement issued on Friday by its General Secretary, Mallam Ibrahim Agunbiade, following a notice reportedly issued by the management of ISI directing that, with effect from Monday, July 6, 2026, female students would no longer be permitted to wear the hijab with the school uniform.

According to MURIC, the directive was based on the judgment delivered earlier on Friday by the Court of Appeal, Ibadan, which overturned the May 22, 2024, ruling of the Oyo State High Court that had recognised the right of 11 Muslim female students to wear the hijab as part of their school uniform.

The group, however, said it had immediately commenced the appellate process by filing and serving a Notice of Appeal, alongside a Motion for Stay of Execution/Injunction Pending Appeal before the appropriate court.

MURIC argued that the filing of the appeal means the legal dispute has not been concluded and that the rights of the affected Muslim students remain subject to further judicial determination.

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“The filing and service of these processes signify that the legal contest is far from concluded,” the organisation said.

It maintained that implementing the Court of Appeal judgment before the pending application for a stay of execution is determined would be inappropriate and could prejudice the judicial process.

The group therefore called on the management of the International School, University of Ibadan, to exercise restraint and refrain from enforcing the directive pending the court’s decision on its application.

According to MURIC, taking steps to implement the judgment at this stage could render the pending application ineffective and heighten tensions within the school community.

The organisation reiterated its commitment to resolving the dispute through lawful means, stressing that the protection of fundamental rights and peaceful coexistence can only be guaranteed through respect for due process and judicial proceedings.

MURIC also appealed to Muslim parents, guardians, students and members of the Muslim community to remain calm, peaceful and law-abiding while the legal process continues.

It urged stakeholders to avoid any action capable of disrupting public peace, expressing confidence that the courts would ultimately determine the matter in accordance with the Constitution and the laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

The organisation reaffirmed its commitment to pursuing all available legal remedies in defence of what it described as the constitutional rights of Muslim students.

The latest development comes hours after the Court of Appeal, in a split decision, held that ISI is a private school because it does not receive direct government subventions and ruled that the Supreme Court’s earlier judgment recognising the right of Muslim students to wear the hijab applies only to publicly funded schools.

The appellate court also held that the affected students voluntarily accepted the school’s dress code upon admission. However, it upheld the finding that confining the students to the school library over their use of the hijab violated their rights, although it reduced the damages awarded by the High Court.

The case is expected to proceed to the Supreme Court, where the final determination on the dispute over the use of the hijab at ISI will be made.