The Nation Newspaper

Tag: violence

  • ‘Warn your children against violence’

    The Southwest Chairman, Christian Association of Nigeria, Archbishop Magnus Atilade has called on parents to warn their children against any form of violence activity before, during and after the Presidential election.

    Atilade made this called at an Intercessory Prayers For Peace in Nigeria organized by Christian Association of Nigeria in collaboration with Coalition of Christian NGO’s held last Wednesday at the National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos.

    The prayer meeting tagged: “Let God arise brought together hundreds of Christian faithful from different denominations which feature thanksgiving service, prophetic ministration and chain prayer sessions for peaceful conduct of the 2015 election.

    According to him, parents should caution their children or ward against any form of violence activities during the 2015 election because God himself would arise and over power them and cancel their entire plan.

    Atilade noted that the election should not be a do or die affair and anybody should allow himself to be used by politician bags to cause mayhem or bloodshed.

    He said “Don’t allow your children to be used as agent of violence and destruction because God himself would arise and over power them and cancel their entire plan. We have seen the promise land and the promise land is that there would be peace in Nigeria.

    He appealed to the federal government to deploy all the security agents of government across the country especially to flash point areas for peace during the elections.

    Although he asserted that soldiers should not mount polling stations or deploy to suppress or intimate voters, Atilade said soldiers should be up and running in the discharged of their duty to protect lives and properties.

    He continued “Military should be on red alert during the election and anyone that is caught perpetrating violence should be duty accosted. We stand for peace and hate perpetrators of evil in our land. All we are saying is that we don’t want army to be use to suppress voters but to maintain peace and orderliness which is their constitutional responsibility”

    In his words, the state Chairman of CAN, Apostle Alex Bamgbola task Christians to continue to pray for peace as the election approaches because God has promise to answer our prayer when we pray to him in faith

    He said “God has a plan for our nation and the devil has its own plan too. Thank God for given us Christ Jesus with whom we have our victory. It is only in peace that we can do anything we want to do. It is only in peace that God can bless us. God is not the author of confusion. God bless the people who bless him, we thank him for what he has done.

  • Residents tackle violence in Ebira

    Residents tackle violence in Ebira

    Residents of Ebira, Kogi State have taken steps to scale back violent crimes in their land.

    Ebira land comprises Okene, Okehi, Adavi, Ajaokuta and Ogori Magongo which  form Kogi Central.

    Several people have been attacked, some killed in a manner that mystified the residents. Appalled by the development, the people pledged to mitigate the ugly trend.

    Several hideous crimes, including mysterious killings many of which are yet to be unravelled, continued to be experienced in parts of Okene, while the rate of kidnappings has been on the increase.

    Recently, the Director of Local Government (DLG) of Adavi Local Government Area, Alhaji Abdullazeez Ohere and the octogenarian American missionary, Rev. Phyllis Sortor, were abducted by unknown gunmen, who stormed the Hope Alive Nursery/Primary School which she runs in Emiworo, Ajaokuta Local Local Government Area.

    An old Islamic scholar was alleged to have been killed in Adavi. Those who gathered to sympathise or mourn the cleric were also killed by unidentified gunmen who disappeared and are yet to be apprehended.

    There was also the story of an old man who was returning from the 5.30am prayers who was also killed on his way to his home.

    Incidents such as these and others unreported led to the stakeholders’ meeting on security which was conveyed by the Ebira Peoples Association (EPA). At the meeting, far-reaching decisions were taken in a bid to reduce the rate of crimes.

    •Rev. Sorton
    •Rev. Sorton

    The meeting held at Hill Top Hotel, Lokoja and was attended by many interest groups, including elders, politicians, government officials, traditional and community leaders and representatives of women organisations. Some of the vices which dominated discussions were kidnappings, organised crime, assassinations, thuggery and religious fundamentalism.

    In their separate speeches, the President of Ebira Peoples Association (EPA), Dr Musa Abdulrahaman Adeiza and the National Secretary, Arudi Yahaya Isah, observed that leadership failure at all levels of the society is the cause of breakdown of law and order in Ebira land.

    The stakeholders stressed the need for the revival of existing vigilance groups or establishment of new ones to assist law enforcement agents for community policing.

    It advised that from then on, apprehended criminals should not be bailed, saying that such criminals should be transferred to police authorities with 24 hours for prosecution.

    It also noted that most crimes are committed by most motorcycle operators, even as they stressed that there was the need to enforce time limit for motorcycle operators from 6:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. in order to check the activities of criminals.

    Investigations revealed that not only has movements by motorcycle operators been restricted in Adavi and Okene, human movements are also resticted during the period.

    They stakeholders urged that law enforcement agents, particularly, the police on official duties should wear their official uniform to distinguish them from impersonators.

    Politicians, they said, should be prevailed upon to stop encouraging the use of thugs for political activities and that the Supreme Council of Elders (SCE) and turbaned traditional title holders should rise up to the occasion by addressing press conferences and seek audience with state and local governments and law enforcement agencies in order to minimise crime rate in Ebira land.

    They also called for an investigation on the activities of masquerades in Ebira land in line with the tradition of the Ebira people, even as they would want regular oversight of hotels and hotel owners as a means of checking activities of criminals who use such places as hide outs. They also expressed their worry over the proliferation of drugs in the society and influx of mentally challenged persons among other measures to checkmate criminal activities in Ebira land.

    The forum also expressed dismay over the alleged criminal activities of Fulani herdsmen, saying it has sent people out of their farmlands in Ebira land. They called for strategies to engage them (the headsmen) before possible breakdown of law and order. One of the strategies they suggested was to explore peace and reconciliation on issues that breed unhealthy rivalry among Anebira in general.

    Interestingly, the state Commissioner of Police, Mr. Samuel Ogunjemulusi had warned those who use masquerade as subterfuge to unleash terror on innocent citizens to desist or face the wrath of the law.

    Mr. Ogunjemulusi had called on traditional rulers in the area to keep their masquerades in check to avoid being used by hoodlums, even as he called for synergy between the command and traditional rulers in the Kogi Central to curb the incessant killings and kidnappings that have become nightmare in the district.

    The CP, who made the appeal when he paid a courtesy visit on the Ohinoyi of Ebira land, His Royal Majesty Ado Ibrahim in Okene, said Kogi Central poses a major problem to the police.

    According to him, clannish animosity and unnecessary masquerade display which lead to loss of lives and property had hampered the peaceful co-existence of the people, adding that incidents of kidnapping and killings in recent time have become worrisome.

    He described as unhealthy the situation where politicians stockpile dangerous weapons to harm perceived opponents, saying that the command would not tolerate such acts.

    He said: “We are here to tell the royal father and other traditional rulers in the district that a new policing era has come to Kogi State. I am in the state to uphold police professional excellence and we are not be partisan because we are not politicians.

    “We are appealing to the Ohinoyi of Ebira land to talk to his subjects not to indulge in any form of violence as police would not spare any one found disrupting societal peace. The era of arrest and release without prosecution is over. We cannot allow miscreants to be tarnishing the good image of Ebira people.

    “We want to emphasise more on community policing and we need the people to give us support through useful information.”

    Responding, the monarch said the problems of Ebira people started when the crop of politicians in the land “use every available means to win elections without recourse to peace and unity of the people.”

  • Omoni Oboli speaks against election Violence

    Omoni Oboli speaks against election Violence

    As the nation begins the much-anticipated general elections, a lot has been said about the need to curb violence during the period.

    While concerned senior citizens, NGOs, political bodies and even international organisations have all lent their voices in the call for a violence-free election, palpable anxiety still rent the air.

    Adding her voice to the campaign, Nollywood actress, Omoni Oboli, is calling on all Nigerians to let peace reign and love their neighbour.

    “I love you! Yes you!!! It doesn’t matter who your choice is, I believe you have a good reason, just as I have for my choice. So, I respect and love you because you are my brother and my sister! I beg you, come out and vote! Your vote is your voice! It doesn’t matter how much noise you make on social media, if you don’t vote, you don’t count! But as you vote, shun election violence! Don’t let anyone push you to fight your brothers and sisters. We are one,” she posted on her Instagram page.

  • Politicians who stoke violence won’t escape, say U.S., UK

    Politicians who stoke violence won’t escape, say U.S., UK

    Nigeria is under world’s focus as it holds presidential and national assembly elections on Saturday, the United States and the United Kingdom said yesterday.

    This follows the broadcast on Monday, by U.S President Barack Obama to Nigerians urging peaceful and fair elections.

    Yesterday U.S Secretary of State John Kerry, and U.K Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond, reaffirmed the message of peace and crisis-free elections in a joint statement.

    They also warned of dire consequence for politicians who stoke violence.

     They said: “The elections must be decided in accordance with the rule of law. It follows that any person who incites violence at any stage in the electoral process, or who seeks power through unconstitutional means, should be held accountable and should understand that the consequences will be severe, both domestically and internationally.

    “After an election, it is natural to focus attention on the winner, but in any democracy, the unsuccessful candidates also have critical roles to play.

    “No one expects any political leader to retreat from firmly-held policy positions or beliefs, but a losing candidate owes it to his or her country to acknowledge defeat as soon as the popular verdict is clear, to urge supporters to accept the outcome, and to advocate unity in the face of national threats. That is the kind of leadership Nigeria needs.

    “A free, fair, and peaceful presidential election does not guarantee a successful democracy, but it is nevertheless an essential ingredient—especially now in Nigeria.

    “There are good reasons why the international spotlight is firmly fixed on Nigeria during this critical period and why we have come together to support an open and credible electoral process

    “Nigeria is Africa’s largest democracy and what happens there will have an impact well beyond its borders. A successful election, free from violence and with wide participation, accurate vote counting, and responsible leadership from the candidates would inspire the region and spur future progress and prosperity.

     “As friends and democratic partners of Nigeria, we urge that the voting for president and parliament go forward as scheduled on March 28; there should be no further delay of this crucial vote

     “In 2011, more than 800 people died in post-election clashes, and a recent survey shows that half of Nigerians are concerned about political intimidation this time around,” they said.

    “The good news is that President Jonathan and General Buhari have repeatedly and publicly stressed their commitment to non-violence before, during, and after Election Day.

    “Both candidates have affirmed their intent to act solely through legal channels in pursuing any concerns that might arise regarding the fairness of the vote.

    “It is imperative that they—and their backers—live up to this pledge. Elections should be decided at the ballot box and, if necessary, in the courts; not through efforts to coerce others.

    “Respect for the constitutional process and the independence of Nigeria’s Independent National Election Commission, (INEC), is the right approach, and the only one that offers a sustainable way to address Nigeria’s many challenges.

    “The countries we represent, the United States and the United Kingdom, strongly support the pledges articulated by the Nigerian candidates.

     “This is a country rich in resources and blessed by a creative and dynamic population. Its leaders can be extremely effective as evidenced by their swift action to prevent Ebola from establishing a foothold in their nation—thus saving thousands of lives.

    “Overall economic growth rates are healthy and parts of the country are doing well. And yet, Nigeria has been held back by local tensions, a wide disparity between rich and poor, the lack of an adequate safety net for the disadvantaged, shortages of electricity, a rigid bureaucracy, and widespread corruption.

    “These challenges have made the country vulnerable to internal conflict including kidnappings, murders, and other atrocities perpetrated by Boko Haram.

    “Nigeria’s next government will need the support of all its citizens to address these challenges, and its unity will make it easier, on the security side, for regional neighbours and the larger international community to provide necessary help.

    “We urge all eligible Nigerians to vote, to resist those who attempt to incite violence, and to come together as one country to defend against terrorist threats and to build the shared prosperity and enduring freedom all Nigerian citizens deserve.”

  • Uche warns against violence, bloodletting

    Politicians that plan to create crisis and shed blood should have a rethink, Prelate of the Methodist Church Nigeria, His Eminence Dr Samuel Uche, has said.    He spoke last Wednesday during a special interdenominational prayer for peace and safety at the Hoarse Memorial Cathedral in Lagos.

    Warning Nigerians, especially politicians against acts capable of truncating peace, Uche said those who have perfected plans to foment troubles will meet their waterloo.  According to him: “We should all embrace peace because we can only contest elections when there is still Nigeria.  “If we allow Nigeria to go up in flames, we are all done for. So, we must keep the peace and maintain violence-free atmosphere.”

    He stated that those unrepentant about bloodletting will face the wrath of God, who will not watch and see the nation go up in flames.  “We pray everyone keeps the peace but if they insist they won’t, may the God of Old Testament deal with them because this is His nation,” Uche added.

    He said Christians have been mobilising and praying for peace, urging all Nigerians to follow suit.

  • APC protests violence in Ife/Ijesa

    APC protests violence in Ife/Ijesa

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ijesa-North Federal Federal Constituency, Osun State, has resolved to drag the Ife/Ijesa senatorial candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Mr Francis Fadahunsi, before the International Criminal Court for allegedly sponsoring violent attacks on its members.

    The party frowned at the “provocative” violent attacks, saying that thugs could not be stopped by security agents.

    Addressing a press conference in Osogbo the state capital, Chairman, Ijesa-North APC Campaign Committee, Dr Wale Bolorunduro lamented that security agent have not acted on petitions sent to them on the attacks by thugs in Ilase, Ijeda, Ibala-Ijesa Ibokun and Ilahun the Oriada and Obokun local governments.

    Bolorunduro alleged that many APC members and supporters have been brutalized, while the billboards of the APC have been destroyed.

    According to Bolorunduro, the APC members and supporters in Ilase, the hometown of Fadahunsi, have been subjected to consistent attack and intimidation by the PDP chieftain.

    The former Commissioner for Finance maintained that the hoodlums have attempted to attack a female member of the APC in a church in Ilase.

    He said: “Fadahunsi’s terror act now knows no bound. Last Sunday, March 15, there was a failed attempt by the Fadahunsi’s thugs to attack a woman member of the APC, Mrs Ogundipe during church service at a catholic church in Ilase.

    “All the schools in Ilase have been closed by the state government because of the terror activities of Fadahunsi’s hoodlums who have engaged in consistent sporadic shootings around Ilase community and environ since.

    “On Friday March 13, we had a rally in Ilase. Before the rally, our banner tied around the rostrum had been destroyed. Several members of our party could not return home on the fear of being attacked by the Fadahunsi’s thugs. Those that returned home were attacked and brutalized.

    “Some other APC members who were returning from the Ilase rally to Ibala Ijesa were attacked at Eleke Junction and they were left with various degrees of gunshot and machete cut wounds by the Fadahunsi’s hoodlums.

    Bolorunduru added: “Some of the victims are: Bukola Agunbiade, Bode Ogunleye, Adedeji Omotosho and Banji Fadairo. Mr Bukola Agunbiade is currently receiving medical attention at a government hospital where the doctors are battling to remove five bullets in his body.

    “Also, while returning from the same campaign, various vehicles conveying the APC members were attacked between Iponda and Idominasi by Fadaunsi’s thugs. The vehicles were riddled with bullets and so many people sustained gunshot injuries.”

  • ICC threatens to try politicians promoting violence

    ICC threatens to try politicians promoting violence

    THE International Criminal Court (ICC) has restated its resolve to prosecute any Nigerian politician who engages in or incites his/her followers to violence.

    ICC’s Prosecutor Fatou Bensouda, in a statement yesterday, warned that politicians risk being prosecuted either by the court or the Nigerian courts, should they persist in the campaign pattern dominated by hate speech and violence-inducing languages.

    The warning by the ICC came barely a week after the Presidential Campaign Organisation of the All Progressives Congress (APC) said it will report President Goodluck Jonathan’s wife, Patience, to the court for making inciting statements.

    The ICC had issued a similar statement in February, in which it urged the nation’s major political actors to strive to prevent violence among their supporters.

    “Following my statement of the February 2, 2015, and my Office’s subsequent visit to Nigeria from the February 3 to 5, I reiterate my previous message.

    “At a time when abhorrent levels of violence already plague parts of the country, I recall that the ICC has jurisdiction over Rome Statute crimes committed on the territory of Nigeria.

    “Any person who incites or engages in acts of violence in the context of the upcoming elections or otherwise – including by ordering, inciting, encouraging or contributing to the commission of crimes that fall within ICC’s jurisdiction – is liable to prosecution; either by Nigerian courts or by the ICC.

    “No one should doubt my office’s resolve to prosecute individuals responsible for the commission of ICC crimes, whenever necessary.

    “Violence is not a solution. The conduct and outcome of elections in Nigeria, free from violence, will not only prevent further instability in the country, but will also send a clear message that electoral competition does not have to result in violence and crimes that shock the conscience of humanity,” ICC said.

    The Office of the ICC’s Prosecutor has the powers to conduct independent and impartial investigations and prosecution of the crimes of genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes.

    It is conducting preliminary examinations relating to such situations in Nigeria, Afghanistan, Colombia, Georgia, Guinea, Honduras, Iraq, Ukraine and Palestine.

    It has also opened investigations in Uganda, Democratic Republic of Congo, Darfur (Sudan), Central African Republic, Kenya, Libya, Côte d’Ivoire and Mali.

  • NURTW boss warns against violence

    NURTW boss warns against violence

    Lagos State Chairman of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) Alhaji Tajudeen Agbede has warned members to desist from violence.

    He said the warning became necessary because of the police threat to seal off any park where there is violence.

    Agbede was reviewing the Oshodi crisis in which three persons died at the union’s monthly meeting over the weekend.

    The union, he said, would no longer allow disgruntled elements to tarnish its image.

    “We have been enjoying peace in the Lagos State council since I came on board about three years ago. I will not fold my hands and allow some disgruntled elements to rubbish my achievements. We shall not allow them to take us back to the dark period in the history of the union when violent clashes in all the parks were the order of the day,” he said.

    Agbede warned that where there is violence, the state council would take over the park after suspending its executive members.

    He thanked the police, the Department of Security Service (SSS) and Lagos State government for their support and understanding.

  • Women unite against violence

    Women unite against violence

    Their colourful dressing belied the reason for the occasion. The women drawn from all the Igbo states of Abia, Delta, Enugu, Ebonyi, Anambra, Imo and Rivers came together to fight harmful practices against them.

    The women known as Umuada Igbo gathered at St. Patrick’s Catholic Cathedral field in Awka, Anambra State with the state governor, Chief Willie Obiano in attendance.

    The Umuada Igbo group is led by its president in Nigeria and Diaspora, Lolo Dr. Kate Uzoamaka Ezeofor, but was powered by a group known as IPAS–Nigeria led by Dr. Nihinlola Mabogunje.

    Other heavyweights at the celebrated event to mark the world’s women day in Anambra included, the Assistant Inspector General of Police, Usman Gwari and Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Edwin Nwatalari, an engineer.

    Governor Obiano’s wife, Ebelechukwu, was not in town but was represented by former Commissioner for Women Affairs, Dr. Uju Okeke.

    The over 5,000 crowd of women at the arena carried placards with the inscription “make it happen”, being a way of giving voice to the passage of violence against person prohibition (VAPP) bill by the National Assembly.

    Dr. Echendu Adinma, the president of female Nigeria Medical Association (NMA) talked on family planning and reproductive health and rights of women.

    Also, Nkem Anyaogu, a lawyer and member of Umuada Igbo gave legal aspects of harmful practices against the women, adding that the female lawyers were ever ready to represent those who go through such tortures.

    While talking on the (VAPP) bill, Princess Nnenna Emele, who represented Mabogunje and Edosa, said the bill was on the higher rate of female battering in the society.

    The bill was passed by the house of representatives in 2014, after one year it was presented, while the senate had had its first and second readings on it and referred it to committee on judiciary, human rights and legal matters for further legislative work.

    Emele, listed other violence against women as forceful eviction from land, emotional and psychological verbal abuse, abandonment of children by parents, rape among others.

    On Monday, there was a public hearing at Abuja on (VAPP) according to Edosa, which attracted a large crowd.

    Other issues on the women’s day event in Anambra as discussed included security by the AIG Gwary, who was represented by the Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) in Anambra, Mr. Finham Adeoye.

    He told the crowd that hunger was one of the major reasons for thuggish acts in Nigeria during elections, but adviced Umuada Igbo as mothers to cage their children from being used as such by politicians during elections.

    He commended Anambra state Governor, Chief Willie Obiano for taking the lead in collaboration with security operatives in the state in chasing out criminals in the state.

    Nwatalari of INEC, while discussing on voter education, displayed to the women on how the card readers would work during the forth coming general elections in the country.

    He reminded that, any body who failed to obtain his or permanent voter’s card (PVCs), and comes out to vote on any of the election days was risking jail.

    “Election has gone scientific in Nigeria, the era of snatching of ballot boxes, papers, result sheets are over and this card reader dictates fakes and original, we are going to witness a peaceful election without violence, anybody who wants to cause violence should go to the Boko-haram camp” INEC REC said

    The leader of Umuada Igbo and its founder, chief Dr. Kate Ezeofor, informed the Igbo speaking women that the traditional ruler of Omogho community, in Orumba North Local Government Area, Igwe Ralph Offor provided 7.7 hectares of land to Umuada Igbo for its cultural centre, hospital and other things.

    Ezeofor said Umuada (daughters of the land”) had been as old as Ndigbo and had been in the vanguard in socio cultural and socio political developments in the country.

    She said, “Umuada derives its membership from Igbo daughters of seven Igbo-speaking states of Nigeria, Abia, Anambra, Delta, Ebonyi, Enugu, Imo and Rivers and Igbo daughters living in all the states of Nigeria and in the Diaspora”

    She said Umuada Igbo had partnership with IPAS, vision and society for family health on family planning, reproductive health and rights and more than two hundred and thirty thousand persons have benefited from the projects.

    “Umuada Igbo Nigeria is planning advocacy visits, rallies and meetings to communities, villages, and towns to educate women on their inheritance rights, as most of them may not have access to radio, television and newspapers in the areas”.

    Drama presentations were done by Umuada Igbo which included lawyers, medical doctors, engineers, Journalists, pharmacists among others to the admiration of Obiano and the police boss.

    Obiano was overwhelmed by the display of the women to whom he made a cash donation.

    Former Commissioner for Women Affairs and state Coordinator, Umuada Igbo, Lady Henrietta Agbata, commended Igbo daughters  for their dedication and commitment to the oppressed.

     

     

  • Ladoja: we’ll not tolerate violence against our party

    Ladoja: we’ll not tolerate violence against our party

    The governorship candidate of Accord in Oyo State, Rashidi Ladoja, has said his party will not tolerate any violence against its supporters.

    Two people died and scores others were injured when thugs attacked an Accord rally oranised by a House of Representatives candidate, Gbenga Adewusi and a candidate of the House of Assembly, Ademola Ige.

    Ladoja urged the police to ensure that justice was served so that his party supporters will not die in vain.

    The Accord candidate spoke at the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, where eight Accord members were being treated.

    Ladoja assured that his party men will wait for the police to arrest all the perpetrators.

    He said the Odinjo event was a meeting and not rally as previously published in the media.

    “We do not think that this will have any setback on our campaign. Our party is a masses party. The people have made up their minds to vote for Accord and they cannot be deterred.  They cannot scare us.

    “I cut short my holiday because of this dastardly act. It is not acceptable to us and we have told all the security agencies that we shall not tolerate violence against our people. The security agencies should ensure that justice is served. 

    “How can a sane person shoot anotherhuman being? It is barbaric and totally uncalled for. The governor should not provide selective security for his party men alone. We appeal to the police to ensure that justice is served.”