The Agency said the increasing cases of SGBV underscore the society’s role in changing perceptions and behaviors that condone or perpetuate violence.
The Director General of NAPTIP, Binta Bello, disclosed this in Abuja on Monday at a Press conference on the commencement of the 2025 16 Days of Activism, which focuses on ending digital violence against women and girls.
Bello also revealed that the Agency has secured the conviction of over 40 offenders in relation to SGBV, while several cases are pending at various stages in the courts.
She said, “Due to the escalating insecurity in some parts of the country, which has brought about large-scale displacement, there has been an increased level of SGBV across the Country.
“This simply means additional responsibilities for all frontline respondents and stakeholders. In addition, society’s role is pivotal in changing perceptions and behaviours that condone or perpetuate violence. We urge parents and guardians to educate young boys and girls on gender equality and respect. Religious and cultural leaders must be at the forefront of advocating for non-violence and the protection of vulnerable groups”.
On some of the achievements of the agency, Bello said: “The agency has secured the conviction of over 40 offenders in relation to SGBV, while several cases are pending at various stages in the courts.
“The conviction secured includes two life sentences, the recent being the conviction of a 19-year-old school teacher from Kwali who raped his 9-year-old pupil. The Agency has continued to respond swiftly to distress calls by victims through its Rapid Response Team, domiciled within the Violence Against Persons Department.
The DG also revealed plans to penetrate unreached locations and settlements to reduce the vulnerability of the people and develop their ability to report and speak out.
She added that the advocacy strategies of the agency would be reviewed to meet the reality of the digital space and the Gen–Z target class of society.
According to her, “In the coming season, we shall be fine-tuning our implementation strategies to tighten the noose on the offenders. We shall scale up the scope and dimension of our awareness and enlightenment campaigns by penetrating the unreached locations and settlements with a view to reducing the vulnerability of the people and developing their ability to report and speak out. Our advocacy strategies are being reviewed to meet the reality of the digital space and the Gen–Z target class of society.
“We shall increase our advocacy to the critical stakeholders to ensure that perpetrators are served with the commensurate punishment they deserve. The simple message is that it will not be rosy for any perpetrator in the country in the coming season. This is a promise from NAPTIP.”
Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori has commended the Nigerian Navy for its essential role in safeguarding the nation’s maritime interests and protecting critical oil and gas infrastructure.
He described the Navy as vital to ensuring national stability and fostering economic growth.
The Governor made the remarks during a courtesy visit from the 23rd Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, who was in Asaba for an operational tour of naval formations in Delta State.
In his welcome address, Governor Oborevwori highlighted the importance of the Navy’s efforts in enhancing security within the Niger Delta region, which is significant for Nigeria’s oil production.
He said the visit symbolises the Navy’s commitment to bolstering security in Delta State and reinforcing its status as a major oil-producing area.
Oborevwori stated: “I welcome you and your entourage to Government House, Asaba. Your coming shows commitment and love for our state. Delta is one of the highest oil-producing states and a major contributor to the nation.
“The Nigerian Navy has been instrumental in shaping our maritime security and protecting our national assets.”
Oborevwori praised the Navy’s anti-piracy operations, peacekeeping efforts, and contributions to the state’s internal security architecture.
He also commended officers serving in Delta State for their dedication and coordination with other security agencies, which, he said, had helped sustain peace across the state.
He said: “I take security very seriously in Delta State. All security agencies here work together in unity and that is why we enjoy peace. Without peace, development is impossible. Julius Berger, CCECC, and several major contractors would not be able to operate here if not for the peaceful atmosphere”.
The Governor noted that the stability in Delta had made it possible for his administration to push ahead with massive infrastructure projects, including flyovers and highways such as the Ughelli–Asaba expressway, one of the longest in the South-South.
He assured the CNS of the state government’s continued cooperation to enhance security around oil installations and coastal communities.
“Our oil assets are secure because of the good working relationship among all security agencies. If there is a problem in Delta, the entire country will feel it. We are holding the home front here, and we appreciate your commitment,” Oborevwori added.
Earlier, Vice Admiral Abbas, who assumed office on October 30, said he was in Delta to assess the operational readiness of units under his command, identify challenges, and strengthen strategies for protecting critical oil and gas infrastructure.
He added that Delta remained a familiar terrain, having previously served in the Central Naval Command.
Abbas said, “The purpose of my visit is to keep myself abreast of what is happening in our formations. Delta State hosts a lot of the nation’s critical oil and gas infrastructure, and the need to protect it cannot be overemphasized.
“I am here to see what we are doing right, what needs adjustment, and what challenges exist.”
The CNS expressed appreciation to Governor Oborevwori for the support given to the Navy and other security agencies, noting that improved calm in the state’s waterways had contributed to increased oil production.
“I was at the base and saw new developments that were not there when I left. I thank you for that support. We request your continued collaboration so we can have a smooth sail in our operations.”
The visit ended with assurances from both parties to deepen cooperation for the security of Delta State, the Niger Delta region, and Nigeria’s national economy.
If you want to buy or sell USDT, Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies in Nigeria today, think about three things first:
How you move money:
Direct deposits/withdrawals in naira (card, bank transfer, sometimes popular wallets).
P2P with verified merchants (escrow; you pay/receive naira and the crypto moves in-app).
What you trade (beyond just BTC/USDT): stocks exposure, futures, spot, earn (savings).
Support & reliability: fast help when something goes wrong, plus clear proof of asset safety.
Quick explainer: P2P is your naira deposit and withdrawal channel: Deposit (cash-in): You pay a verified merchant (bank or mobile-money). The exchange releases USDT/BTC/Other cryptocurrencies to your wallet.Withdraw (cash-out): You sell USDT/BTC to a verified merchant. They send naira to your bank/wallet. You confirm, then release crypto from escrow. Prefer to avoid merchants? Where available, you can use direct deposits/withdrawals in naira instead of P2P.
1. Bitget: Largest Universal Exchange: Access Stocks, Futures, Spot, Earn, with Direct Naira Deposits or P2P (Your Choice)
Why Nigerians put it first: Bitget’s Universal Exchange (UEX) vision means one app for almost everything—stocks-linked markets [Think of google, Microsoft, Tesla and popular shares], crypto futures, spot trading with 700+ pairs, and Earn (Savings) plus two ways to move money:
Direct deposits/withdrawals in naira (where available), or
P2P with verified merchants (escrow) if you prefer to compare offers or specific payment methods (bank transfer, Opay, PalmPay, Moniepoint, etc.).
Access stocks-linked markets so you can keep your crypto and “stocks” trading in one app, including global names Nigerians follow like Apple (AAPL), Tesla (TSLA), Microsoft (MSFT), NVIDIA (NVDA), Amazon (AMZN).
Useful if you want to diversify without opening another app.
Futures
Deep liquidity, risk controls (margin settings, TP/SL), and copy trading for futures if you want to mirror experienced traders.
Clear fee display and easy PnL tracking help you avoid guesswork.
Spot (700+ trading pairs)
Huge coin list for buyers who don’t want to be told “not listed here.”
Tight spreads during peak hours and fast order matching.
Earn (Savings)
Flexible Savings: redeem anytime and still earn.
Locked Savings: commit for short terms (e.g., days to weeks) for higher rates.
Auto-Subscribe to compound. Rates change, always check in-app.
Proof of Reserves & a publicly tracked Protection Fund add confidence.
Copy Trading (spot & futures) with transparent leaderboards and filters.
VIP edge: High-volume users get a direct VIP Relationship Manager (RM)—priority support, tailored limits, and faster escalations when you need it most.
Bottom line: If you want one app to buy USDT with naira, sell USDT to naira, keep trading stocks/futures/spot, and park idle funds in Earn (Savings), Bitget’s UEX covers it without app-hopping.
2. Binance: Global Giant, But Naira Deposit and withdrawals are not supported
Pros
Massive liquidity, many features, and global brand recognition.
Cons
No naira P2P since 2024. You’ll likely need a second platform like Bitget to cash in/out with naira. Punch
For Nigerians who rely on P2P or direct naira rails, that’s a big trade-off.
Best if: You already hold assets there and don’t mind using another app for naira movements.
Competitive derivatives platform; P2P pages for naira exist so you can sell USDT/BTC to naira.
Cons
During busy times, some ads can be hard to fill or priced away from mid-market (normal across P2P).
Always compare live quotes, limits, and seller ratings before big orders.
Questionable support network as reported by users on X
Best if: You’re active on derivatives and disciplined about checking real-time P2P depth.
4. OKX: Went Offline for Nigeria in 2024; Back Again, But Reliability Is a Question
What Nigerians remember: In 2024, OKX pulled back services for Nigeria, telling users to close positions/withdraw. It later re-appeared, but access and P2P depth have not been consistently predictable for everyone. Techpoint Africa
What to do today: If you want to try OKX, test your access first, check if you can see naira merchants, and run a small P2P trade before relying on it for major cash-outs.
Best if: You’re an advanced user who doesn’t mind double-checking reliability each time.
5. Busha: Local & Regulated; Fewer Pairs, Possible Slippage
Pros
Nigeria-based and regulated; straightforward naira on/off-ramp.
Clean, beginner-friendly app.
Cons
Fewer trading pairs than global venues; spreads may widen on thin markets.
Power users usually add a global exchange for broader coin access.
Best if: You want a simple, local route for naira and don’t need hundreds of pairs.
Paxful: The P2P marketplace shut down in 2023, then came back under a different setup. Because of that stop-start history and limited product scope, most Nigerian traders now prefer exchanges with broader tools and steadier uptime like Bitget.
Want one app that does it all? Bitget’s Universal Exchange (UEX) gives you stocks, futures, spot (700+ pairs), and Earn (Savings), plus direct naira deposits or P2P with merchant choice—and VIP RM support when your volume grows.
Already on Binance? Keep it but you’ll still want another app i.e Bitget for naira cash-in/cash-out.
Bybit/OKX fans? Good tools, but verify live naira P2P depth and access before large moves.
Prefer a local feel? Busha is simple for naira, but you may outgrow the coin list.
For everyday Nigerians who want it simple and powerful: Bitget brings stocks, futures, spot, and Earn (Savings) under one roof—Universal Exchange (UEX)—and lets you choose direct naira deposits/withdrawals or P2P with verified merchants. Add 700+ trading pairs, copy trading, Proof of Reserves + Protection Fund, and a direct VIP Relationship Manager for high-volume traders, and you’ve got a platform that scales with you.
Governor Dapo Abiodun on Monday convened a security meeting with top officials to assess and reinforce the security situation in Ogun State. The meeting follows recent alarms, including reports of an influx of Fulani herdsmen in Ajebo and Mile 6 areas of Abeokuta, as well as rumours of bandit activities in Ijebu-Ode and Tai Solarin Federal University of Education, Ijagun.
Speaking on X, the governor emphasized that while such meetings are routine, they are crucial for sustaining Ogun’s reputation as “one of the most peaceful states in Nigeria, if not the most peaceful.”
He highlighted the importance of preparing for threats even during times of peace, saying, “The best time to prepare for war is during peace.”
Abiodun outlined several measures to maintain security in the state. These include confronting illegal mining activities, investigating non-indigene settlements in Ajebo, and establishing a Forward Operating Base (FOB) in Ilara, a key border community in Yewa North, to tighten border security. Activities of scavengers across the state will also be strictly regulated to prevent criminal infiltration and illicit practices.
Other measures include mandatory documentation of all foreign nationals, dismantling and government takeover of the ZAGA settlement to prevent unlawful activities, imposing sanctions on landlords harbouring criminals, and routine engagement with non-indigene communities to strengthen security cooperation.
The governor also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for stabilizing the economy and supporting rescue operations for kidnap victims in Niger and Kwara States.
Abiodun stressed that as the industrial capital of Nigeria and a key gateway state, Ogun must remain proactive in safeguarding peace to ensure continued economic development and stability.
“We have and must continue to be proactive in ensuring that we sustain our position as one of the more peaceful states in Nigeria,” he said.
The meeting reaffirmed the government’s commitment to keeping Ogun State safe, secure, and peaceful for all residents.
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has banned the sale, purchase, or use of firecrackers, knockout explosives, and other unauthorized pyrotechnics before or during the Christmas celebrations.
The decision, according to the FCT Police Public Relations Officer, SP Josphine Adeh, was taken over the Command’s concern about the increasing circulation of these items across Abuja.
Adeh said, “Firecrackers pose serious safety hazards, including injuries, fire outbreaks, and widespread panic. They also create opportunities for criminal elements to mask unlawful activities.
“Beyond these risks, their indiscriminate use disrupts public peace and endangers vulnerable members of the community, particularly children, the elderly, and persons with underlying health conditions”.
Police advised residents of the Territory to comply with the advisory.
She said, “FCT Police operatives have been charged to enforce this directive and ensure that violators are arrested and prosecuted accordingly”.
She encouraged the public to remain vigilant and promptly report anyone involved in the sale or use of firecrackers.
Adeh said, “Reports may be made at the nearest police station or through the FCT Police Command emergency lines: 08032003913, 08068587311.”
In Nigeria, recreation engagements positively impact health, society development, and life satisfaction. As our cities develop and our lifestyles become more fast-paced, the need to take time out for leisure recreational engagements becomes all the more necessary. Beyond the physical and mental recuperation, recreation fosters the cohesion and development of families and communities and supports the broader social and economic development of the country. Join us with1xbet and explore more the benefits of recreation in Nigeria!
Enhance Mental and Physical Wellbeing
Participating in recreational engagements impacts an individual both positively and profoundly. From the stress and anxiety associated with work to the sedentary work style, recreation becomes a necessary means to counter it all. In Nigeria, the value of recreation is on the rise and more and more people are choosing to combine work and other leisure engagements.
Recreation’s Impact on Mental Health
Some recreational engagements like dancing, swimming, and hiking help in mental stress relief. All those engagements discharge euphoria inducing chemicals in the brain, so people feel happier and gain a sense of fulfillment in mood improving engagements. Many people in urban centers like Abuja and Lagos and managing their depression and anxiety with the help of fitness parks and recreational clubs.
Many people feel alone and isolated. Participating in group recreational engagements like community dances or sports alleviates this feeling and fosters social interaction. Recreation is a powerful means of establishing relationships, collaboration, and providing the mental support necessary to achieve emotional stability.
Physical Benefits of Regular Recreation
Exercise strengthens muscles, improves circulatory health, and adds flexibility to the body. Recreational exercise helps stave off diabetes and hypertension, which are on the rise in Nigeria. Jogging, cycling, fooball, and even traditional dancing helps burns calories and improves stamina.
In addition to these health advantages, outdoor engagements offer sunlight which helps the body produce vitamin D for stronger bones. Regular exercise helps lower the risk of chronic diseases and boosts fitness.
Build Strong Families and Communities
The positive impact of recreation engagements goes beyond the individual. From a family point of view, recreation engagements sharpen the family unit for overall unity and cohesion within society members.
Strengthening Family Bonds via Recreation
Families that enjoy recreational engagements together sharpen their bonds. Weekend outings, family picnics, or even just a simple game at the park helps family members communicate better and more openly, enriching the parent-child relationship. Family outings and engagements help foster emotional closeness, sharpen relationships, and create lasting memories.
In many Nigerian households, recreation is an opportunity for families to teach their children discipline, collaboration, and consideration for others. Playing neighborhood football and attending cultural festivals is recreation that reinforces family values and increases happiness in households.
Community Engagement through Recreational Activities
People are able to connect and collaborate during recreational events and engagements, including local sports tournaments, dance competitions, and society clean-up drives. Such events foster society participation, cultural exchange, and collaboration.
Recreational activities decrease crime rates and improve youth engagement in communities. When communities offer safe and structured engagements, young people are able to develop leadership skills and belonging. This unity promotes and supports a positive social environment.
Promote Health and Social Benefits
While people mainly focus on recreation to have fun, it is also important for public health and social wellbeing. When people incorporate physical activity into their daily routines, it helps prevent health problems and strengthens social relationships. Recreational engagements can help improve emotional balance and reduce stress levels, which are vital for maintaining overall health.
Recreation as Preventative Health Care
Sports, walking, and yoga are engagements that lower health risks, including obesity, high blood pressure, and type 2 diabetes. Health professionals often recommend people include recreational activities in their daily routines for a healthy lifestyle. By staying physically active, individuals build resilience and prevent long-term diseases.
Consider the lack of healthcare facilities in rural Nigeria when implementing preventive health measures. Recreation provides people with affordable ways to stay healthy and protect their wellbeing. Health risks and injuries can be avoided with properly scheduled recreation programs that include outdoor recreation such as walking on a trail, fishing, or kayaking in natural environments. Schools and workplaces have health break programs and activities to encourage employees to stay active, improve focus, and boost productivity. These initiatives also contribute to the reduction of stress and fatigue at work.
Reducing Healthcare and Social Service Costs
Providing funded investments in recreation could cut Nigeria’s healthcare costs. Regularly active people incur lower healthcare costs because they have fewer contacts with the health system for conditions that could be prevented with healthy active living. Health care costs are not the only expenses that active recreation programs reduce. Active recreation communities also lower the costs associated with social problems like youth delinquency and substance abuse.
Communities that host society events and engagements bring people together, fostering cooperation and society connections. These programs help reduce anti-social behavior and teach young people social skills, collaboration, and self-esteem development. Such recreational engagements can help shape a healthier and more stable society over the long-term.
Parks and Recreational Spaces in Nigeria
Accessible parks and green spaces improve the quality of life for communities. Major cities in Nigeria are improving and developing these areas for the society to exercise, meet new people, and stimulate outdoor participation. Outdoor recreation in these spaces offers a wide range of benefits that promote wellness and social balance.
Importance of Parks for Ecological and Social Health
Parks enhance the social health of the society. They also enhance the ecological health of the society by providing green spaces that improve air quality, diminish the heat of urban centers, and conserve the biodiversity of the region. Parks further provide spaces for the society to rest and meditate in natural environments, away from the hustle and bustle of city life.
Socially, parks provide places for people to gather as families and friends and build social networks. They promote cooperation through shared events and recreational participation. Parks are vital for children to play, for senior citizens to relax, and for the youth to carry out fitness and artistic engagements. These shared experiences encourage unity and foster growth and development across different generations.
Economic Benefits of Parks and Recreation
Recreational spaces can also boost the local economy by attracting tourism, hosting events, and promoting the development of small businesses. Parks bring in vendors, sports leagues, and cultural events which also generate revenue.
Recreational investment also provides jobs for people in facility management, coaching, event planning, tourism, and many other services. As odinwest icty in Nigeria g expands its urban infrastructure, the opportunity for economic development through recreation also increased.
Participate and Enhance Quality of Life
Recreational engagements offer the opportunity for personal development and integration into the society. Individuals are able to learn new interests, acquire new skills, and build confidence.
Skill Development and Personal Growth
Recreation teaches important life skills in Nigerians such as teamwork, leadership, time management, and problem solving. Sports, arts, and volunteer engagements can provide life-enhancing experiences, and improve a person’s social and professional competence.
Youth programs that incorporate recreational engagements have a positive impact on academic performance, and promote responsible behavior. Being an adult also has its benefits through learning skills such as swimming, gardening, and creative arts. All of which contribute to a person’s life and well-being.
Recreation for Families and Diverse Communities
Recreation is for all people, regardless of age, ability, or background. Inclusive recreation helps make sure that children, youth, and adults with disabilities and all abilities can join in and have fun. In Nigeria’s multicultural space, recreation events can also be used for cultural exchange. Communities can share their customs, foods, and arts, helping people celebrate diversity and fostering national unity.
Conclusion: Embracing Recreation for a Balanced Life
For social and health development, recreation helps Nigeria sustain and grow. It also aids in maintaining family integration, economically developing a nation, and improving one’s physical and mental health. Creating more accessible space and programs designed for recreation would leave Nigeria with happier, healthier, and more connected communities. Advocating for people to actively participate in these engagements will make sure all people will lead a more balanced life.
FAQs
What types of recreational activities are most popular in Nigeria?
Some of the recreational things people do are football, swimming, jogging, dancing, and hiking. Cultural festivals and indoor games also provide recreation. People living in Nigeria also participate in society picnics and events, which are held in parks.
How does recreation improve mental health?
Recreation helps people feel more relaxed and happier. It helps people with their stress, anxiety, and depression. It helps people relax and feel wonderful.
How can communities get involved in creating more recreational opportunities?
Communities can develop local sports clubs, organize fitness programs, or collaborate with local governments to build parks and playgrounds. Volunteering and engaging youth in these initiatives helps sustain recreational programs and benefits the society as a whole.
Former presidential candidate and prominent national figure, Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim, has congratulated Sir Chief Bisi Fakayode on his emergence as National President of Omo Ibile Igbomina, Home and Abroad, describing his election as “a victory for competence, integrity, and experience.”
In a statement issued on Monday, Olawepo-Hashim said Chief Fakayode’s emergence reflects the strong confidence Igbomina sons and daughters across the world have in his leadership, noting that it is a testament to his long-standing commitment to unity, cultural heritage, and community progress.
“Your emergence is a clear acknowledgment of your unmatched dedication, integrity, and decades of service to the growth and cohesion of Igbomina land,” he said. “It is no surprise that our people have entrusted you with this important responsibility.”
Olawepo-Hashim noted that Fakayode’s leadership comes at a time when communities across Nigeria are grappling with major socio-economic and security challenges, stressing that such a period requires steady, strategic, and experienced leadership.
“At a time when our nation and communities face significant socio-economic and security concerns, your election represents hope,” he said. “Leadership is most needed when times are difficult, and your wealth of experience, strategic insight, and capacity for consensus-building will be invaluable to the Igbomina people and indeed Kwara State.”
Expressing confidence in the new National President’s ability to reposition the organisation, Olawepo-Hashim said he expects strengthened unity, improved community safety, and renewed developmental momentum under Fakayode’s stewardship.
“Your leadership will not only inspire Igbomina people but also demonstrate how community-driven progress can contribute to broader national transformation,” he added.
He concluded by praying for divine wisdom and guidance for the new president. “Congratulations once again, Sir Bisi Fakayode. May God grant you wisdom, strength, and clarity of purpose as you lead Igbomina land toward greater unity and prosperity.”
Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO), Engr. Bashir Bayo Ojulari, broke the news at the Media Parley on the 2024 Financial Statement in Abuja.
He said the profit soared from the N2.2 trillion recorded in 2023.
Besides, Ojulari revealed revenue rose to N45.1 trillion from the N23.9trillion recorded in 2023.
In the 2024 report, while dividends were N4.3 trillion, earnings per share were N27.07.
“In 2024, NNPC Limited achieved a profit after tax of 5.4 trillion Naira, supported by 45.1 trillion in revenue,” he said.
The NNPCL boss attributed the financial growth to the floating of the Naira in the period under review.
Ojulari said, “This outcome was propelled by several critical drivers: enhanced operational efficiency across our assets, the positive impact of downstream market reforms, and our unwavering commitment to cost discipline.
“Financially, we have never been stronger or better positioned for tomorrow. Strategically, this financial capacity powers our ambitious national initiatives.”
The Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, has charged Defence Attachés/advisers to intensify bilateral and multilateral engagements with host nations in building a coherent and adaptive intelligence framework capable of anticipating and countering threats.
Akpabio also urged State Office Coordinators of the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) to continue to strengthen collaboration with local security agencies to ensure effective intelligence collection and utilisation.
The Senate President gave the charge when he spoke at the 2025 opening ceremony of the Chief of Defence Intelligence Annual Conference, in Abuja, on Monday.
Akpabio, who was represented by the Chairman Senate Committee for Defense, Senator Ahmed Lawan, noted that effective partnership remains an indispensable element in confronting the broad spectrum of security challenges facing the country.
He said, “The Defence Attaché System remains a vital component of defence diplomacy, fostering bilateral and multilateral cooperation while advancing Nigeria’s strategic interests abroad.
“On the domestic front, the State Office Coordinators serve as the Agency’s backbone for ground-level intelligence collection and coordination. The synergy between both arms reinforces the whole-of-government approach required to counter emerging threats and enhance national resilience.
“In confronting the broad spectrum of security challenges facing our nation today, partnership remains indispensable. We must deepen cooperation with allies and partners in areas such as capacity building, intelligence sharing, and the acquisition of advanced surveillance and detection systems.
“As the threat landscape evolves, so must our capacity to collect, process, and interpret information across multiple domains in real time.”
The Senate President commended the Chief of Defence Intelligence for his foresight and dedication in convening the conference.
He acknowledged the invaluable contributions of our Defence Advisers, Attachés and State Office Coordinators, whose, according to him, tireless efforts continue to advance the Agency’s mission.
“As we deliberate over the coming days, I urge all participants to engage fully, share experiences, and propose practical measures for integrating multi-source intelligence innovations into our national security architecture.
“Our success in defending Nigeria depends on our ability to anticipate threats, connect information across domains, and act decisively on informed insights,” Akpabio said.
A former House of Representatives aspirant, Dr. Martha Agba, has expressed displeasure over the controversial punishment handed to a suspected rapist by community elders in Bekwarra Local Government in a case involving a minor.
The incident involves a 60-year-old man from the Atibulum clan in Gakem Bekwarra, who was accused of raping a five-year-old girl.
Instead of being handed over to the police, the matter was adjudicated by community elders, who reportedly settled the case by ordering the man to provide three goats and a crate of beer as punishment.
This resolution has been met with widespread condemnation, with prominent voices like activist Dr. Agba labelling it a gross miscarriage of justice and an insult to the victim.
“The punishment handed down to the suspect is not just mild; it is barbaric and tantamount to endorsing violence against children,” Agba stated in a press release.
“To equate the lifelong trauma of a five-year-old girl to farm animals and alcohol is deeply dehumanising and sets a dangerous precedent.”
Agba is now leading the charge for what she calls “stricter persecution,” insisting that the case must be transferred from the traditional justice system to the Nigerian courts.
“This man must be made to face the full cause of the law. The Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VPP) Act and the Child Rights Law exist for a reason.
“We cannot allow archaic and insensitive traditional practices to override the statutory laws of Nigeria, especially for a crime as grievous as rape.
“The message this sends to other potential offenders is that they can violate our children and buy their way out with a few commodities. This is unacceptable,” Agba continued.
“We are calling on the Cross River State Police Command to immediately arrest the man, investigate the crime, and prosecute him to the fullest extent of the law.
“We also demand that the young victim receive immediate psychosocial support and medical care.”
As of the time of this report, it remains unclear if the police have initiated an investigation into the matter.
Public pressure is mounting, with many on social media echoing Martha Agba’s demands for state-sanctioned justice for the victim.
The case has highlighted the ongoing tension between traditional justice systems and statutory law in many parts of Nigeria.
While community elders often seek to resolve disputes internally, activists and legal experts argue that serious criminal offences, particularly those of a sexual and violent nature, fall outside their jurisdiction.
