The Nation Newspaper

Tag: stop killings

  • Let’s stop killings, Gowon pleads

    Former Head of State General Yakubu Gowon (rtd) has expressed sadness over the killing of innocent and unarmed villagers by herdsmen across the nation.

    Gowon, who said he was disappointed with the handling of the situation, called on security agencies to invite the leadership of Miyetti Allah, Kautal Hore, which threatened to unleash violence on Benue State and later justified the killings for questioning.

    He spoke yesterday at the Government House, Makurdi when he visited Governor Samuel Ortom for commiserations on killings in the state.

    The former Head of State said he was out of the country when 2 priests and 17 worshipers were killed in a church in the state during morning mass.

    He expressed condolence of his group, Nigeria Prays to the government and people of Benue state.

    Worried by the religious dimension the killings are assuming, Gowon called on authorities to redouble efforts to deal with the security situation.

    He warned Nigeria could descend into a religious war with no one coming out victorious, if the security threats were not checked.

    The former Head of State, who commended Ortom and the Benue State government for its admirable handling of issues concerning the killings and devastation of communities, said Nigerians must learn to co-exist regardless of ethnicity or religion for the nation to survive.

    Welcoming the elder statesman, Ortom, represented by his deputy, Engr Benson Abounu, thanked him for adding his voice to calls on the federal government to take decisive actions to end the orgy of violence plaguing the state and the country.

    He said the magnitude and frequency of the killings and devastation of communities have defied logic with over 185,000 people internally displaced, far away from their ancestral lands and farms.

     

  • How to stop killings, by Tambuwal

    Governor Aminu  Tambuwal of Sokoto State is making a fresh case for state police as part of the measures to stop the incessant killings in the country.

    He said yesterday in Sokoto that it was time leaders at all levels accepted responsibility with regards to the current security challenge rather than continue to pretend that all was well with the nation.

    “Everything is wrong with our nation and we must, as a matter of urgency, rise to the challenges,” the governor said while declaring open a meeting of the  National Executive Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) in Sokoto.

    Tambuwal who spoke against the background of the current wave of killings in the country said the development has reinforced the argument for state police.

    He said the present political architecture in the country does not grant state governors control over security in their states.

    He frowned at a situation where a state police commissioner can ignore phone calls from the state governor   even when the call has to do with security issues.

    He said the situation should be reviewed immediately.

    “Whether we like it or not, there is seeming justification for state police and there is seeming justification for state governments to have some measure of control over security personnel,” he said.

    “You call the police commissioner and that call is ignored is unfortunate and unacceptable.”

    Tambuwal asked President Muhammadu Buhari to do something about the security chiefs and their mode of operations.

    He declared:”Because providing security rests squarely on government, particularly the federal government, the President has to do the needful.

    “We have qualified people who can bring fresh ideas.”

    The governor, however, cautioned journalists against dishing out information capable of inflaming passion in the country.

    “The situation in the country calls for caution,” he said

    In his remarks, the national President of NUJ, Abdulwaheed Odusile, said traditional and past leaders should desist from fanning the embers of hatred in the country.

    “They should mind what they say and the media should also be mindful of what they write,” he cautioned.

    He urged Nigerians to learn to live in peace with one another and not to resort to violence in settling their differences.

    Senator Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko who was represented at the event by Isa Galadanchi admonished journalists  to see their profession as a sacred duty .He asked them to shun bias and unprofessional conduct capable of causing disunity in the nation.

  • Governors to Buhari: sack security chiefs if they can’t stop killings

    The 36 state governors say they will ask President Muhammadu Buhari to sack security chiefs if they cannot stop the current wave of killings in the country.

    But the governors first want to interface with the security chiefs to let them “understand where we are and how this thing (killings) is depleting the relationship among the citizens”.

    Their chairman, Abdulaziz Yari, said yesterday in Jos, the Plateau State capital that the security chiefs must keep going  or “else, we have no option than to ask the President to relieve them,” of their responsibility.

    Yari, governor of Zamfara State spoke when he led a delegation of the Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF) to Jos to commiserate with Governor Simon Lalong of Plateau on the recent murder of 86 people in parts of the state by herdsmen.

    The killings occurred  in Barkin-Ladi, Riyom, Jos South Local Government Areas of the state on Sunday, June 24.

    The governors stressed the need for an immediate end to the killings lest the killers turn on the rulers in the  course of time.

    Yari said:“We want to come together as a family to fight this menace because the killers are everywhere. How can we watch these evil people killing our people ?

    “We encourage Mr. President that whoever is found wanton in these killings should be brought to book.

    “In my state, I said  I will step down as chief security officer because the situation was so tight for me over the killings and incessant attacks on my people.

    “We must do something as leaders now;if not, the killers will soon come after us the leaders of the people.

    “We encourage you as governor not to lose focus.Plateau state has been enjoying relative peace over the years under your administration, but all of a sudden these killings took place.

    The Zamfara governor said the NGF  would not relent in ensuring that the security agencies are up and doing.

    “We are going to, very soon as we have agreed collectively, have a one-day interface with the security chiefs, to ensure that they understand where we are and how this thing is depleting the relationship between the citizens and as a nation the threat that we are under, as we are under a time bomb as leaders,” he said.

    “They (security chiefs) should do their jobs perfectly or else, we have no option than to ask the President to relieve them, that’s the only point.”

    The NGF Chairman said Zamfara alone experienced  115 attacks between March 1st and June 1st, 2018, which he said claimed the lives of 435 persons.

    He donated  an undisclosed amount of money to the state to help alleviate the plight of the injured persons and those displaced.

    Also speaking, Governor Rochas Okorocha of Imo State expressed the support of all governors for Lalong at this point in time.

    “We are with you in this fight, don’t lose focus,” he said.

    “What we are lacking in this fight is the unity of  purpose.”

    Lalong thanked his colleagues for their visit and declared that “no one has any reason to take somebody else’s life.”

    He vowed that the perpetrators of the killings will be fished out and be made to face the consequences of their action.

    “We will make efforts to fish out the perpetrators of this evil act. We are not going to sleep over this.We pledge  not to betray the thrust bestowed on us by the people of Plateau state.

    “I urge you as go to continue praying for us leaders and the state in general.”

    Also on the NGF delegation were Governors Tanko Al-Makura (Nasarawa), Aminu Tambuwal (Sokoto), Mohammed Abubakar (Bauchi), Samuel Ortom (Benue) and Ifeanyi  Okowa  (Delta).

  • Foundation urges Boko Haram, bandits to stop killings

    A Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) Fatima Charity Foundation (FCF) has called on bandits and Boko Haram to sheath their swords.

    It enjoined them to stop what it called “senseless killings” of innocent souls.

    Speaking at the annual Ramadan lecture held at Mercy Hall, Magodo, FCF President Hajia Bintu-Fatima Tinubu described various killings in some parts of the country as callous and ungodly.

    Hajia Tinubu called on those behind it to fear Allah and allow peace to reign in the country.

    “What do they stand to gain in shedding blood of innocent people? They should take advantage of the month of Ramadan to repent and stop the criminal acts. Allah has blessed mankind with this holy month. It is therefore very important for us to take its advantage to seek for His forgiveness.

    “We, on our part has taken the responsibility to organise this lecture as part of our effort to re-direct the minds of our Muslims brethren to their creator and appeal to Him to solve challenges facing us individually and collectively as a country,” she said.

    On the topic of the lecture, “Redefining our ways of lives before Allah,” Hajia Tinubu, who is also the Iyalode of Lagos, said it could not have been more relevant that now, adding “looking at the social environment in our country today, is a cause for concern to all well-meaning citizens going by the degree of moral decadence and the spate of security unrest, incessant killings and all forms of breakdown of law and order. These pose a threat to the future of our dear nation.”

    The FCF President prayed to Allah to help bring the crisis to an end, saying “if it our sins that are causing these killings and crimes, may He forgive us.”

    Guest Speaker Sheikh Dr Muyideen Ajani Bello expressed optimism that the challenges facing Nigeria will come to an end if justice is returned to the polity.

    He warned Nigerian leaders to fear Allah in their dealing with the masses or face His wrath in this world and hereafter.

    Sheikh Bello enjoined the gathering to be fair in relating with their fellow human beings.

    “You should all know that one day, you will stand before Allah to give account of your activities on earth,” he said.

    Wife of Information Minister Alhaji Kudirat Lai Mohammed said redefining oneself is leaving ungodly actions for the ones loved by Allah.

    “We should observe our five daily prayers at their right time. Avoid wasteful spending during Iftar. Allah loves those who are moderate. If you obey Allah, your will live a life of ease and contentment. We should be generous and humble,” she said.

  • Anglican cleric urges Buhari to stop killings

    The Bishop of the Diocese of Lagos West of Anglican Church, Rev. James Olusola Odedeji, has urged President Muhammadu Buhari to make changes in the nation’s security apparatus to save Nigerians from blood-letting.

    The cleric said the nation’s security had become comatose with life and property becoming more unsafe.

    Odedeji spoke yesterday during the dedication of a building belonging to Our Saviour’s Anglican Church, Egbe Archdeaconry headquarters, Lagos.

    The bishop noted that the primary assignment of any President is to secure the lives of his people and feed the hungry.

    He regretted the spate of killings, with particular reference to the death of two Catholic priests in Benue State and other parishioners.

    According to him, the demonstration by the Catholic was a signal to the government that the nation is moving towards the wrong direction.

    Odedeji said: “To be candid, all is not well with the nation. The protest by the Catholic Church should be seen as the action of all Christians.

    “People continue to ask the same question everywhere: where are we going in this country?”

    On the solution to the nation’s challenges, Odedeji said: “The government can do something. A leader cannot just say he is bereft of the wherewithal to carry out his assignment.

    “I am a leader myself, as the Diocesan, even though I have some limitations. That is not to say that many things could not be done through me and to effect peace in the diocese.

    “Every leader has the power to do some uncommon things. There is need for a leader to be sensitive, and this is the reason I am saying that the leader of this nation has the power to put an end to killings in Nigeria.

    “It is an offence for a leader not to act when he should act because the bible says whosoever knows the truth and refuses to do it is a sinner. Those who are killing people anyhow are no ghosts; they are human beings. The Federal Government has the capability to curb their excesses.”

  • NBA to Fed Govt: stop killings

    The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has urged the Federal Government to stop violent crimes and killings across the country.

    It made the call in Kano during its quarterly National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting.

    NBA President Abubakar Mahmoud ( SAN) said the incessant killings had become worrisome.

    Mahmoud condemned President Muhammadu Buhari’s failure to act on National Judicial Council (NJC) recommendations for appointment to the Bench.

    His words: “It is a matter of great concern that various forms of communal conflicts, banditry and activities of insurgent groups have continued to lead to violence and loss of lives in many parts of the country.

    “On  May 1, 2018, over 60 people were reportedly killed in a bomb attack on innocent worshippers in Mubi Adamawa State.

    “On May 7 again, the news broke out of 45 persons killed in Gwaska Village of Birnin Gwari Local Government Area of Kaduna State. In Zamfara State, bandits operate largely unhindered in vast swathes of the countryside.

    “The stories coming out of Zamfara paint a picture of complete absence or near absence of  state institutions in parts of the state.

    “The killings in Benue, Taraba arising from herders/farmers conflict have largely continued in spite of the efforts of the security agencies.

    “The NBA condemns these killings and call on Federal and state governments to do all within their powers to bring this carnage to an end.”

    Mahmoud said the association was deeply concerned that the country seemed to be drifting into some state of near anarchy in many parts.  According to him, Nigeria is being counted as one of the world’s fragile states.

    “We must halt and reverse this drift. The NBA calls on the Federal Government to rise to the occasion to tackle the rising wave of crime and killings in Nigeria.

    “We also call upon the government to be more proactive in the prevention of these criminal killings rather than taking some reactive measures after the occurrence of the criminal Act of murder.

    “I have in the past drawn attention to poor quality of governance even at the Federal level. I have called attention to seeming dissonance among various institutions. Many critical institutions seem to be working at cross-purposes. This trend has in our view not improved significantly.

    “We still do not observe the much-desired synergy within the administration. Many decisions are unnecessarily delayed to the detriment of national interest.

    “Many critical departments and agencies of government remain without their statutory heads or boards either because government is slow or unable to act or because of disagreement between the executive and legislative branches of government.

    “The Securities and Exchange Commission, for instance, has been without a board for most of the life of this administration and now without a substantive head for several months since the interdiction of the former director-general.

    ‘’This state of affairs is eroding confidence in the Nigeria’s capital market with huge negative consequence on the national economy. The situation is unacceptable.”

    Mahmoud also spoke on the judiciary.

    “Indeed, the judicial branch of government has not been spared from this dissonance. More than six months after the recommendations by the National Judicial Council for appointment of 13 Justices of the Court of Appeal in November 2017, the president is yet to act on these recommendations.

    ‘’Similarly, several recommendations for appointments to the Bench of the Federal High Court and other federal courts are still pending many months after these recommendations to the president.

    “Acting on the recommendations of the NJC is not a matter of presidential discretion, to be exercised whenever the President deems fit. It is a constitutional duty.

    “While the President is not bound to accept the recommendations, failure to act is a breach of the Constitution. I therefore call on the President to act without further delay!

    “This failure to act is causing unnecessary delays and avoidable negative consequences on the administration of justice across the country. I, therefore, wish to give notice of the intention of the NBA to take legal action should this constitutional dereliction continue.”

    Ahead of next year’s general election, Mahmoud urged all relevant agencies to maintain strict professionalism and discharge their mandate within the bounds of the Constitution.

    “The election management body – the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and various security agencies must all discharge their respective duties in a professional manner and remain loyal to the Constitution.’’

  • How to stop killings, by Olumba Olumba

    The killings across the nation will stop the moment Nigerians truly return to God, founder of The Brotherhood of the Cross and Star Olumba Olumba has assured.

    He spoke last Friday through a representative Ambassador Samuel Inok in Surulere, as parts of activities to mark the Centenary celebration of the church.

    He said: “Nigerians have gone very far from the God and we are suffering the consequences today. To have, peace, lasting peace everyone must repent and turn back to God.

    “Until everyone, whether you believe or not, goes back to Jesus Christ, the troubles may continue.”

    On the significance of the celebration, Inok said it is to mark the physical manifestation of God on earth.

    He explained the celebration has a centenary torch which was lit by “our father himself in January 2018. That torch is now moving from Calabar to everywhere.”

    He said seven states will witness the lighting of the torch today in Lagos.

    Declaring the celebration is a global affair, Inok added: “Next Sunday, the torch will be lighted in Accra, Ghana. It will come back to Nigeria in Edo-Delta region, then it will move to Cote’d Ivoire, to South Africa, it will go to America.

    “It will go to London on 20th of November. it will go round everywhere where we have the brotherhood. The event is climaxing on December 30, the actual day of the manifestation of the father.”

    He said there would be an 18-hour-non- stop singing by a 10,000-strong choir at Cross Rivers Stadium during the grand finale.

     

     

     

  • Govt bans open grazing to stop killings by herdsmen

    Govt bans open grazing to stop killings by herdsmen

    Governors offer land for cattle colonies

    40,000 displaced in Benue

    Women protest

    Communique of meeting on killings

    •All animal farmers must ranch their cattle or livestock
    •Livestock farmers to be educated on benefit of ranching
    •Nigerians must avoid hate speeaches

    OPEN grazing of cattle was banned yesterday by the Federal Government – to stem the growing anger sparked by the killings in Benue and other states.

    All herdsmen must henceforth ranch their cattle.

    The decision was taken at the end of a six-hour meeting of a Federal Government delegation, security agencies and five governors.

    Presenting the communique after the meeting, Benue State Governor Samuel Ortorm, accompanied by his Taraba State counterpart, Darius Ishaku, said: “The meeting noted that all animal farmers must ranch their cattle and livestock for better productivity. It also observed the existing synergy between the security agencies and between the states and the Federal Government.”

    Livestock farmers are to be  enlightened on the benefits of keeping their animals in a location.

    The meeting also admonished Nigerians to live in peace, being the only way to resolve the perennial clashes between the herdsmen and farmers.

    It cautioned Nigerians against hate speeches, noting that anyone found engaging in it should be dealt with by the security agencies.

    The communique was agreed upon after a meeting of a Federal Government delegation, top security chiefs and five governors, some of whose states are mostly affected by the herders/farmers clashes met.

    Minister of Interior AbdulRahman Dambazau and Minister of Agriculture Audu Ogbeh met with Governors Samuel Ortom (Benue), Simon Lalong (Plateau), Tanko Almakura (Nasarawa), Abubakar Bello (Niger)  and Nasir El Rufai (Kaduna).

    Also at the meeting were Inspector General of Police Ibrahim Idris, Commandant-General of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Gana Muhammadu, Director General of the Department of State Services (DSS) Mammam Daura, among among others.

    Dambazau said the meeting was to primarily share experiences among the stakeholders and agree on measures to tackle the menace.

    Dambazau said: “the current situation is very dangerous to Northern Nigeria in particular and the nation in general.”

    The minister said threats to peace and public safety in any form at any location in the country will not be tolerated.

    ”It is the responsibility of governments at all levels to provide, unconditionally, sustainable peace and public safety within their territorial boundaries. Against this background, the meeting is convened to primarily bring us together to share our experiences on the aforementioned security challenges. The meeting will then agree on necessary measures to be taken and apportion responsibilities.

    ”The immediate repercussion of this menace includes hunger due to acute shortage of food, diseases, criminal activities and deepening animosity between ethnic and religious groups. Knowing that general elections are fast approaching and considering the history of political and election violence in Nigeria, all necessary steps must be taken to ensure that the recently witnessed crimes and violent conflicts are curtailed with utmost dispatch.”

    Ogbeh said the inability of government to pay attention to herdsmen and cow farming, unlike other developed countries, contributed to the killings.

    The government, however, expressed concern that the trend of clashes between herdsmen and famers is dangerous for the development of the country.

    Ogbeh said: “Over the years, we have not done much to look seriously into the issue of livestock development in the country. People ask the question; why should government get involved, why shouldn’t the herdsmen manage their own livestock? I am sad to tell you that in the last 50 years, until recently, we may have done enough for the rice farmer, the cassava farmer, the maize farmer, the cocoa farmer, but we haven’t done much for herdsmen and that inability and omission on our part is resulting in the crises we are witnessing today.

    ”In Europe, every cow that is farmed gets a subsidy of six Euros per day, we have done next to nothing for the cattle rearer and, as a result, his operation has become a threat to the existence of our farmers. That is what this communiqué will seek to resolve.”

    The minister added  that the Federal Government was “planning a programme called cattle colonists, not ranches but colonists where at least 5000 hectares of land would be made available, adequate water, adequate pasture would be made available.

    ”We also want to stop cattle rearers  from roaming about. The culture of cattle roaming about will be stopped. The cattle will be provided with water and adequate security by the rangers, adequate pasture milk collection even security for rustlers to enable them live a normal life. This has been done elsewhere in India, Ethiopia and even Brazil.”