There are indications that the Defence Headquarters is preparing to release the names and pictures of the new set of wanted terrorist and bandit leaders.

Sunday PUNCH gathered that this was following the elimination of top terrorists and bandit leaders on the watchlist of the military and the emergence of a new crop of leaders.

The DHQ had in November 2022 declared no fewer than 19 bandit leaders wanted with a bounty of N5m on each of them to encourage Nigerians to volunteer information that could lead to their arrest.

Prominent among those declared wanted were Bello Turji from Fakai village, Zamfara State; Ali  Kachalla, aka Ali Kawaje, from  Kuyambara village in Danaadau Maru LG of Zamfara State; Ado Aliero, from Yankuzo village, in the Tsafe LGA, Zamfara State; Halilu Sububu from Sububu village, in the Maradun  LGA, Zamfara State.

Also on the list were Sani Dangote from  Dumbarum village,  Zurmi LGA of Zamfara State; Leko (Mozoj village, Mutazu LGA, Katsina State); Dogo Nahali (Yar Tsamiyar Jno village, Kankara LGA, Katsina State); Nagona from  Angwan Galadima in the Isa Loa area of Sokoto State;  Monore from Yantumaki village, Dan LGA, Katsina State; Gwaska Dankarami from Shamushele village in the Zuri LGA of Zamfara State; Baleri from Shinkafi LGA, Zamfara State and Mamudu Tainange from  Varanda village in Batsari LGA, Katsina State and others.

A source told our correspondent that the military was planning to release a new list of wanted terrorists.

The source noted that work was ongoing on that. 

“The authorities are working on a new list of another wanted terrorist and bandit leaders. It will also contain their pictures. Their lists are being compiled.

“We will urge Nigerians to cooperate with us to enable us to neutralise them as we have done in the past. There should be a bounty on them but I can’t say how much. Don’t worry; it will be released to the public very soon,” the source hinted.

The Director, Defence Media Operations, Maj. Gen. Edward Buba, confirmed that work was ongoing on the new list.

“We are working on the list. It will be out soon,” he said.

Sunday PUNCH reports that the military had during several operations across the various theatres of operations killed many terrorist and bandit leaders.

This includes a notorious bandit kingpin identified as Boderi who allegedly orchestrated many high-profile kidnappings, including those of Yauri schoolgirls, Greenfield University, and the Nigerian Defence Academy attacks.

Boderi was said to have been killed alongside another kingpin, Bodejo in February 2024.

Between February 1 and 28, 2024, the troops killed 10 terrorist kingpins.

The terrorist kingpins are Ashiru, Kachambi, Dogon Rakumi, Sulen Nagala, Laushi, Bangis, Alhaji Kabiru, Alhaji Baldu, and Baban Yara.

  In July 2023, a bandit leader in Zamfara, Dogo Gudali, was killed by the troops.

Similarly in January 2023, a bandit kingpin, popularly known as Alhaji Shadari, and some of his gang members were killed in Zamfara State.

The Lagos state Police Command has arrested one Adepoju Ifedayo for allegedly defiling a 13-year-old sister.

This was made known in a statement shared by the state Police Public Relations Officer, SP Benjamin Hundeyin, on his X account on Saturday.

Sharing a picture of the suspect, Hundeyin wrote, “Adepoju Ifedayo reported to the police that his neighbour allegedly defiled his 13-year-old sister.

“Investigation showed that he indeed was the culprit but was trying to divert attention.

“Following the survivor’s claim that she sighted a firearm in his room, a search was conducted in his apartment, leading to the recovery of two locally made firearms and three live cartridges – another count: unlawful possession of firearms. Investigation is ongoing.”

No fewer than 16 military officers and soldiers of the Nigerian Army were on Thursday killed by unknown gunmen in riverside Ijaw and Urhobo communities of Delta State.

The murdered security personnel include the commanding officer of 181 Battalion, two Army Majors and 13 soldiers.

As at 6pm on Saturday, 14 corpses of the fallen soldiers had been recovered by the Army.
The corpses were brought to the jetty of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), in Bomadi, the headquarters of Bomadi local government area of Delta State, awaiting further directives by superior authorities.

Most of them were beheaded and dismembered by the killers. Images of the mutilated bodies of the soldiers being recovered were being circulated on social media, adding to the tension in the communities.

The troops, who were deployed to quell the crisis between an Urhobo community, Opuama and Ijaw community, Okoloba in Ughelli South and Bomadi local government areas of Delta State, respectively, were ambushed by the rampaging fighters of both communities.

LEADERSHIP Sunday gathered that an unspecified number of indigenes of the communities have also lost their lives in the consequent invasion by another set of angry troops.
Already, the communities have been deserted as further reinforcement of troops have been made into the troubled spots on the order of the General Officer Commanding, 6th Division, Nigerian Army, Maj-Gen Jamal Abdussalam.
Abdussalam has also relocated to the war-ravaged areas.

Though LEADERSHIP Sunday could not ascertain the circumstances leading to the crisis between the two communities, impeccable security sources revealed that the initial team of soldiers deployed in the areas were murdered by the irate local fighters.

The fate of the preliminary team led to further reinforcement of troops, led by the commanding officer of 181 Battalion, Bomadi, the headquarters of Bomadi LGA, who were also ambushed and murdered.

Consequently, a killing spree engulfed Okuama and Okoloba communities, leaving in its trail death of uncounted civilians.

Six military gunboats have been anchored at the waterfront of Opuama community.
The director, Defence Information, Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, who confirmed the killing of the military personnel, said the personnel were deployed for a peacekeeping mission to the two warring communities.

In a statement yesterday, Tukur said the Chief of Defence Staff, General CG Musa, has ordered the immediate arrest and investigation of all those involved.

He said, “The troops of 181 Amphibious Battalion, Bomadi local government area of Delta State, while on a peace mission to Okuoma community in Bomadi LGA of Delta State were surrounded by some community youths and killed on Thursday, March 14, 2024.

Troops of 181 Amphibious Battalion, Bomadi local government area of Delta State on peace mission to Okuoma community in Bomadi LGA of Delta

State who were reportedly surrounded by some community youths and killed on Thursday.
“The unfortunate incident occurred when the troops responded to a distress call after the communal crisis between the Okuama and Okoloba communities, both in Delta State.
“The reinforcement team led by the commanding officer was also attacked, leading to the deaths of the commanding officer, two majors, one captain, and 12 soldiers.

“The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Gwabin Musa, has directed the immediate investigation and arrest of those involved in the heinous crime.
“The occurrence has been reported to the Delta State Government.”

DHQ Orders Arrest Of Delta Youths For Killing 4 Officers, 12 Soldiers On Peace Mission
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has confirmed the killing of one Colonel, two Majors, one Captain and 12 Soldiers in Delta State and ordered the arrest of those behind the killing.
The acting director, Defence Information, Brig-Gen Tukur Gusau said the troops were attacked by some community youths and killed on Thursday.

He said the troops of 181 Amphibious Batallion, Bomadi local government area of Delta State responded to a distress call after the communal crisis between the Okuama and Okoloba communities both in Delta State.

The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa in a response has directed the immediate investigation and arrest of those involved in the heinous crime.

The statement added that the ugly occurrence has been reported to the Delta State government for further action.

He however, reiterated that the military remains focused and committed to its mandate of maintaining peace and security in the country.

“So far, few arrests have been made while steps are in place to unravel the motive behind the attack,” he said.

Community Leader Faults Army

Meanwhile, the vice president general of the Okuama community, David Akata, has accused the Nigeria Army of invasion of the community saying that the “unknown gunmen” who turned out to be Nigeria Army, shot sporadically at anyone in sight leaving three indigenes dead and several others injured.

He disclosed that his community recorded three casualties with many others injured and houses set ablaze as the armed men in military uniforms allegedly wreaked havoc in Okuama community from a speedboat.

According to Akata, “The armed men suspected to be Nigeria Army on Thursday, March 14, carried out the genocide on the citizens of the community by setting their buildings and properties ablaze with chanting of war songs.

“We woke up to see our community surrounded with men in military uniform numbering in their tens and without just no reason started shooting at sight leading to the death of three promising youths of the community and several others injured from gun bullets.

“The same military men repeated their genocide actions on the innocent and law-abiding citizens of the Okuama community on Friday, March 15, 2024, leaving many buildings in rubbles as they carried offensive arson on the community buildings.

“As I speak, the number of persons who died in the barbaric attack could not be ascertained as many of the aged men, women, and youths fled into the nearby bushes and, and we suspect that some women and children might have drowned in the river because many ran into the river out of panic.
“This is disheartening that the Delta State government and security operatives in the state with a lackadaisical approach have not been able to quell the crisis between the two communities. We entered a peace accord with the state government and security operatives in the state.
“We stand by the accord but often times the Okoloba people harassed our people by assaulting them, and our pleas on the state government to expedite action and called the Okolobians to order fell on deaf ears allowing the Okoloba community people to use their mercenaries in military uniforms and bandits to kill our people,” he lamented.

Men ln Army Uniform Set Ablaze Delta Community, Three Killed
Okuama community in the Ughelli south local government area of Delta state has been allegedly raised down by men in military uniform.

The raid has resulted in the death of three young men, with many reportedly injured while other women and children were displaced and unaccounted for.

The men in military uniform were suspected to have come from Okoloba community
Tension has been building up since January 27, 2024 when some youths from the neighbouring Okoloba, Bomadi local government area allegedly ambushed and killed three Okuama youths returning from Okwagbe over an age-long land dispute.

It was further gathered that the crisis arose from the killing of Masers Igho Meshack, Godspower Awusa, and Okiemute Agbabuleke in cold blood and with their bodies dismembered on January 27.

Speaking with journalists from his hideout, the vice president general of Okuama community, Mr David Akata disclosed how some men in military uniform, well-armed, invaded his community in the early hours of March 14, 2024, with a gunboat.

According to him, the unknown gunmen arrived in the community at about 8am and started shooting sporadically at anyone in sight leaving three killed and several injured and are currently receiving medication in an undisclosed hospital in the state.

Speaking further, Akata hinted that a troop suspected to be men of the Nigerian Army on Friday, March 15, 2024, carried out what he termed a genocide on the innocent citizenry of the community by setting their buildings and properties ablaze while chanting war songs.

“Our people woke up that morning to see our community surrounded by men in military uniform numbering over 60 personnel and without provocation they started shooting at sight leading to the death of three promising youths of the community and several others sustaining injuries from gun bullets.

The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Delta State Command, DSP Bight Edafe, confirmed the crisis in the area and the reported deaths but said the command was not aware of any invasion by security personnel.

Oyo State governor, ‘Seyi Makinde, has described the late Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Mohood Lekan Balogun as a cerebral monarch and an amiable personality, saying the monarch would be given a befitting burial.

The governor stated this at Alli Iwo compound, Ibadan, after the Salat al’Janazah for the late monarch, noted that Oyo State and Nigeria have lost a great monarch.

He noted that the late Oba left legacies and beautiful memories in terms of developments attracted to Ibadanland and that the government will leverage the legacies to chart a greater course for the city and the state.

Makinde, who was represented by his deputy, Barrister Bayo Lawal eulogised the late monarch as an intellectual and accomplished politician before his ascension to the throne of his forebears, saying he brought his wealth of experience to bear on the throne.

He said: “We can describe the late monarch in many ways. First, he was one of the few cerebral individuals to become Olubadan of Ibadanland. He was very educated and an intellectual.”

He took issues intellectually and, for that reason, we know that we have lost a monarch.”

“Secondly, he was a politician of note. He was a Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria between 1999 and 2003, and he climbed the ladder to become the Olubadan of Ibadanland.”

“Moving forward, his legacies, memories will chart a course for us, not only in Ibadanland but in Oyo State and Nigeria.”
“He was an amiable man as we all know. He was very jovial and friendly and we pray to Almighty Allah that he will meet His creator in peace.”

The governor assured that the late Oba Dr Balogun will be honoured by the state, saying that the state government will be fully involved in whatever programmes will ensure that he is given a befitting burial.

“Let me assure you on behalf of His Excellency that whatever it will take to give the late monarch a befitting burial, the state government will do it.

“For now, the Muslim rites have been done and we believe that, moving forward, whatever programme that will follow will have the involvement of the state government,” he added.

Governor Makinde also expressed the confidence that with the seamlessness in the Olubadan Chieftaincy System, the next Olubadan will step in and take the mantle of leadership to move Ibadanland to its next level.

He said: “Now, the ascension to the throne of Olubadan has always been peaceful and we pray that whoever is coming in as Olubadan of Ibadanland, will take the mantle from where Oba Balogun dropped it.”

Some lawyers in the country have passed a vote of confidence on the INEC chairman, Prof Mahmood Yakubu, following calls for his sack or resignation.

The lawyers described the call for his sack as the handiwork of mischief makers and also condemned them for making allegations that cannot be aubstantiated against the INEC chairman to blackmail him.

The lawyers under the auspices of Consortium of Nigerian Lawyers, in a petition addressed to the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Rt. Hon. Rishi Sunak, through the High Commissioner to Nigeria, Dr Richard Montgomery, said the malicious claims of bribery and corruption were propagated by faceless individuals.

“We, the undersigned Nigerian lawyers, write this petition with great concern and urgency regarding the unsubstantiated and fake allegations made against Mallam Mahmood Yakubu, the chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). We implore you to address this issue and rectify the damage caused to Mallam Yakubu’s reputation and the sanctity of the electoral process in Nigeria.

“The allegations in question, as reported by the conspiracy-driven news outlets and social media, claim that Mallam Yakubu engaged in corrupt practices and has accepted bribes. These malicious claims were propagated by faceless individuals who lack any form of credibility or substantiation for their accusations. It is clear that these allegations are baseless and intended solely to tarnish the reputation of Mallam Yakubu and undermine the integrity of INEC,” they said.

Nigeria have been placed second best overall nation in weightlifting event of the on-going 2023 Africa Games in Ghana with a total of 32 medals.

While Nigeria came second overall on the weightlifting medals table, the female lifters came first in their category winning 11 gold and two silver medals, second placed Egypt had 11 gold, 3 silver and 4 bronze medals.

Represented by 12 lifters made of six male and six female with four coaches, Nigeria lifters won 16 good, 10 silver and 6 bronze medals to come second behind leading country Egypt.
On their part, the Egyptians who also won the weightlifting event in 2019 Rabat Games had a total of 24 gold, 4 solve and 4 bronze medals to once again show their superiority in the sport.

All the 12 Nigeria lifters won medals with the exception of Morufat Folarin who was injured on Day 1 of the competition and could not continue.

King Kalu and Favour Agboro led the curtain raiser on Sunday after they won five medals two bronze in 55kg and two silver and a bronze in 61kg, respectively.

On Day 2 of the weightlifting event, Nigeria was dominant after all the three lifters won a combined 9 gold collectively, each winning three gold medals respectively. They were Edidiong Umoafia (67kg), Adijat Adenike Olarinoye (55kg) and Rafiatu Lawal (59kg).

Day 3 of the competition saw Nigeria win six more gold medals by Ruth Ayodele (64kg) and Joy Eze in 71kg, each winning 3 good medals in that order.

Competing on Day 4 were Desmond Akano (Men’s -96kg) who won 2 Silver, and a Bronze medals while Abayomi Adeyemi (Men’s 102kg) claimed a silver and 2 bronze.
Nigeria won another gold medal on Day 5 after Mary Osijo and Lucky Joseph combined to win six more medals.

Competing in Women’s 87kg, Ọsịsọ won 1 Gold and 2 Silver medals while Joseph won all the three silver medals in Men’s +109kg category Nigeria Weightlifting team were coaches by Ajei Emeka Godson , Ayodabo Kehinde, Lawal Patience and Okuofoh Evelyn. The General Secretary of Nigeria Weightlifting Federation, NWF, Mrs Melvina Ashinedu Apeh is also part of the team.

The 2023 Africa Games Weightlifting event which began on Saturday, 9th March was rounded off on Friday, March 15, 2024 at the University of Ghana, Legon.
Nigeria weightlifting team will return home with their shoulders held high having retained their second position which they achieved in Rabat Morocco, four years ago.

Nigeria’s Weightlifting Medal Results

1. Kalu King – 55 kg – 2 Bronze

2. Favour Agboro – 61 kg – 2 Silver & 1 Bronze

3. Edidiong Umoafia – 67 kg — 3 Gold

4. Adijat Olarinoye – 55 kg. —- Gold 3

5. Rafiatu Lawal – 59 kg. — Gold 3

6. Ruth Ayodele – 64 kg — Gold 3

7. Joy Eze – 71 kg —- Gold 3

8. Desmond Akano – 96 kg – Silver 2 & 1 Bronze

9. Abayomi Adeyemi – 102 kg – Silver 1 & 2 Bronze

10. Mary Taiwo Osijo – 87 kg – Gold 1 & 2 Silver

11. Lucky Joseph – +109 kg – Silver 3

Total Medals:-
Gold – 16
Silver – 10
Bronze – 6

There are Indications that the Technical Committee of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) may have resolved to hire another foreign tactician to replace Jose Peseiro as Super Eagles head coach.

Following the recent announcement by NFF, asking interested coaches to apply for the plum Super Eagles job after expiration of the former coach contract, no fewer than 40 coaches, both local and foreign, are said to have applied for the position that many Nigerian football stakeholders now feel should be occupied by an indigenous coach.

Former Nigerian internationals, Emmanuel Amuneke, Finidi George who served as assistant coach to Peseiro, Daniel Amokachi, Sunday Oliseh, Salisu Yusuf Sylvanus Okpala are among Nigerian coaches who have applied for the job.

Micheal Nsien, a Nigerian coach who is currently handling the USA U-17 and U-19 national teams, is also in the race for the juicy position.

One-time Indomitable Lions of Cameroon Portuguese coach, Antonio Canceicao is one of the foreign tacticians who is said to be highly favoured to land the job.

However, a member of the NFF Technical Committee, who spoke on condition of anonymity because he doesn’t the power to spoke on behalf on the committee, said what the Super Eagles need right now is a sound foreign technical adviser who will not only impact positively on the senior national team but help in developing other aspects of Nigerian football.

He reiterated that there is nothing wrong with hiring a foreign coach, but whoever is coming must be a world-class coach with a track record of achievements as manager of a renowned football nation.

“I have nothing against indigenous coaches, but I will say that the person we need at the moment is a foreign coach with the prerequisite experience to handle the Super Eagles. He must be the type of coach who will come and support in the overall development of our football.

“The Super Eagles as presently constituted are too big for the indigenous coaches that Nigerians are clamouring for. They are not bad coaches, but they are not yet at the level that they can effectively handle the senior national team.

“If you talk to most of my colleagues in the committee, they will tell you the samething. Most of us are for a foreign coach for the Super Eagles. I believe the NFF will see reason with some of us on this matter,” the very influential member of the NFF Technical Committee said.

Recalls that the Technical Committee met recently in Abuja to scrutinise the applications received by the football federation after it advertised the vacant positions of the head coach of the Super Eagles and the Golden Eaglets.

Ibadan, the capital city of Oyo State in the Southwestern part of Nigeria is an ancient Yorùbá city founded by warriors. But unlike other Yorùbá towns and villages, Ibadan has an age-long unique obaship system.

Maybe not totally strange, but Ibadan has further validated the state as a ‘pace setter’ in recent times, in terms of little twist to ascension to the first-class stool of Olubadan.

In this article, we’ll explore 6 things you should know about the Obaship system in Ibadan.

1.Olubadan Ascension Ladders

There are two lines of ascension to the throne of Olubadan. These are the Olubadan (Civil) Line and Balogun (Military) Line. After clinching the title of Mogaji from one’s compound. Depending on the line, such a person has 22 stages to climb in the Civil Line while that of the Military Line is 23 towards the throne of Olubadan.  Both lines start from Jagun. 

Chieftaincy Stages in the Civil Line (Olubadan or Egbe Agba)

22. Otun Olubadan
23. Osi Olubadan
24. Asipa Olubadan
25. Ekerin olubadan
26. Ekaarun Olubadan
27. Abese
28. Maye
29. Ẹkẹfa
30. Agba- Akin
31. Aare – Alasa
32. Ikọlaba
33. Asaju
34. Ayingun
35. Aare – Agọ
36. Laguna
37. Oota
38. Aare – Egbe – Omo
39. Gbonnka
40. Aare – Onibon
41. Bada
42. Ajia
43. Jagun

Chieftaincy Stages in the Military Line (Egbe Balogun)

23. Balogun
24. Otun Balogun 
25. Osi Balogun 
26. Asipa Balogun 
27. Ekerin Balogun 
28. Ekarun Balogun 
29. Abese
30. Maye
31. Ẹkẹfa
32. Agba- Akin
33. Aare – Alasa
34. Ikọlaba
35. Asaju
36. Ayingun
37. Aare – Agọ
38. Laguna
39. Oota
40. Aare – Egbe – Omo
41. Gbonnka
42. Aare – Onibon
43. Bada
44. Ajia
45. Jagun

2. Civil and Military Lines Rotation 

The two lines of the chieftaincy structure produce Olubadan on a rotational basis. Though there is also one Seriki line, it is meant to be a youth group fused into the Balogun line just as Iyaloja is, to the Civil line. That’s just by the way. 

Back to the focus here. The stool of Olubadan is alternated between the Olubadan line and Balogun line. For instance, Oba Dr. Moshood Lekan Balogun Alli Okunmade II that recently joined his ancestors was from the Olubadan (Civil) line. He succeeded Oba Saliu Adetunji Aje Ogugunso 1 from the military line, who joined his ancestors on 2nd of January, 2022. 

Therefore, the next Olubadan is expected to come from the Military line. 

3. No Specific Royal House(s)

In most of the Yorùbá Obaship structure, there’s usually two or three ruling houses (or even more) who constitute the royal families. For those places, the ascension to the throne is rotated between only the royal families. 

But the Obaship system in Ibadan is different. Anyone can become Olubadan, inasmuch as you’re a true son of Ibadan — and must climb either of the two ladders to the top. 

4. Promotion of Lesser Oba

Though this practice is new to the system. It started when the former Oyo State Governor, Abiola Ajimobi, in an attempt to modernise the system, promoted some High Chiefs and Baales to Oba. 

After a fierce battle for the soul of the age-long Ibadan Obaship system, Ajimobi’s successor, Governor Seyi Makinde, withdrew their crowns as part of the condition to settle out of court. 

However, the Governor subsequently sought approval of the state House of Assembly to allow traditional heads (high chiefs) to wear beaded crowns by amending section 28 of the Oyo State Chieftaincy Law 2023. 

Therefore, the governor re-elevated the 10 high chiefs in Olubadan-in-Council to the Obaship status of in July, 2023. But the ascension line of Obaship system remains unchanged.

With this, Ibadan is arguably the first Yorùbá town/city where a lesser Oba is being promoted to become another or better put: a superior Oba. 

5. Aged Monarch 

For most places in Yorùbá land, the attention has shifted to youths in selection of king for their respective town. However, one of the amazing characteristics of the Ibadan Obaship system is how it produces an aged monarch. 

This is obviously due to the number of stages one has to pass through before being ranked next in line, and eventually become Olubadan. The promotion in either of the two lines occurs when a successor is picked from the line. 

For instance, with an 84-year-old Oba Owólabí Olakulehin succeeding late Ọba Moshood Lekan Balogun, Alli Okunmade II, there will be promotion in the Balogun (military) line of the Obaship system. 

However, the Civil line, headed by the current Otun Olubadan and former Governor of Oyo State, Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, remains unchanged until the next in line is picked as successor of Oba Owólabí Olakulehin, as new Olubadan.

Note: Death can also influence promotion on the ladder.

6. Longest-serving Olubadan 

Due to the Ibadan Obaship system, most of the past Olubadans ascended the throne at old age. Let’s take a look at the most recent.

Oba Saliu  Adetunji, Aje Ogugunso 1, became the 41st Olubadan on April 4, 2016 at the age of 87 years and passed away in 2022 at the age of 93 years.

His successor, Ọba Moshood Lekan Balogun, Alli Okunmade II, was crowned 42nd Olubadan on March 11, 2022 at the age of 79 years and died on Thursday, 14th March 2024 at the age of 81 years. 

However, while many of these Obas had short-lived reigns as Olubadan, Oba Okunola Abaasi Alesinloye Isale Ijebu reigned for 16 years. He ruled between 1930 and 1946.

The leaders of the Fulani nationals in Nigeria, expressing concern over the challenges faced by pastoralists, have issued a stern warning, threatening to halt the sales of livestock nationwide if their grievances are not addressed.

The Communique issued at the end of the Fulbe National Security Summit, organised by the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), was presented by the National President of MACBAN, Baba Othman Ngelzarma.

Ngelzarma emphasised that pastoralists have been unfairly targeted for crimes in the country.

Joined by leaders of Tabital Pulaaku International and Fulbe Global Development and Right Initiative, Ngelzarma alleged that the government has not made significant progress in addressing the root causes of the current conflict and the challenges faced by the Fulani community.

He said that the Fulbe pastoralists do not enjoy Government patronage and are often made scapegoats for most atrocities. He further stated that the Fulbe often suffer intimidation, segregation, molestation, and all forms of deprivation in the hands of Security Agents and Vigilantes groups thus forcing them out of their occupational livelihood and ancestral homes.

Reading the resolutions of the Communiqué, he said the Summit “acknowledged the passion and commitment of President Ahmed Bola Tinubu in addressing the security challenges by accepting to implement the recommendations of the Prof Attahiru Jega chaired the National Conference report on Farmer/Herder conflict organized by the then Executive Governor of Kano State – Dr Abdullahi Umar.

“The summit advised that membership of the implementation committee should consist of persons with the knowledge of the culture of the pastoralists.

“That the registered Fulbe socio-cultural groups and associations do not support any crime or criminality such as banditry, kidnapping and cattle rustling, as the Fulbe have also been the major victims.

“That the current security challenges confronting the country and especially the Fulbe communities ranging from banditry, kidnapping, socio-economic marginalization, youth restiveness, drug abuse, cattle rustling, and proliferation of arms should be addressed as a matter of urgency and the necessary need to integrate the Fulbe to the larger society through education and social interaction.

“That there has been resentment and wrong profiling of the Fulbe across the nation. The summit calls on the Government to partner Fulbe socio-cultural associations/opinion leaders andSecurity Agencies to curtail the current trajectories.

“The summit opined that the Fulbe pastoralist will be compelled to stop selling livestock across the nation if immediate action to curtail the current challenges by all tiers of Government are not addressed.

“The summit noted the serious encroachment and dilapidation of grazing reserves throughout the country and the need to channel resources arnd preserve them in all states where they exist, this is necessary in the view of the intent of settling of the entire pastoralists in the reserves for ranching-

The Summit also resolved that the committee constituted to implement the recommendations of the Orasanya Report, to consider as a necessity the retention of the National Commission for Nomadic Education as an Agency of the Federal Ministry of Education with specialised mandate of ensuring the delivery of functional basic education to nomadic communities.

“This is in consideration of a research report on out-of-school children in Nigeria, that 8 million out of over 10 million out-of-school children in the country are pastoralists children.

“Therefore, not retaining the commission with sufficient funding to educate the children is an eminent danger to our dear nation, the Communiqué said.

“Federal and State Governments should create Ministries of Animal Resources to enable the channeling of more resources towards developing the nation’s livestock industry to feed the nation’s ever growing population.

“All states should acknowledge that the pastoralists are citizens of this country protected by the Constitution and are only practicing their Occupational trade in their states and their movement are as provided by the ECOWAS trans-human protocol of 1998 of which Nigeria is a signatory.

“That there is a concern about the setting up of community guard/Vigilante groups by various state Governments that includes the local demography except the Fulbe pastoralists. In this regard, the summit appreciates and commend the Oyo state Government for being the only state
that included Fulanis in their vigilante grOup. Other state Governors are advised to emulate the footsteps of the Oyo state Governor for desired result.

“All participants agreed on the importance of education and called on all pastoralists to enroll their children into schools, especially nomadic education school in order to be productive in their future life and useful to humanity.

“The federal Government should revise and adopt a non-kinetic approach to ending banditry, kidnapping and cattle rustling, as the kinetic ways used over the years have only achieved very little result.

“That the trend in social media is further fueling the conflict and current challenges of the Fulanis, unfortunately the social media is not regulated. The hate speeches in the social media targeted at the Fulanis should be addressed by the Government”, the Communiqué added.

Brigadier General, Tukur Gusau has explained how military personnel were attacked during a peace mission in miDelta.

This was released in a press statement via the @DefenceInfoNG X handle on Saturday, 16th March, 2024.

Tukur said that the soldiers from the 181 Amphibious Battalion went to OkUOMA community in Bomadi Local Government Area, Delta State, to help keep peace.

However, things turned bad when some young people from the community surrounded them and killed them on Thursday, March 14, 2024.

This happened during a fight between the Okuama and Okoloba communities nearby.

Even when more soldiers came to help, they were also attacked. The leader of the soldiers, called the Commanding Officer, and others like two Majors, a Captain, and twelve soldiers were killed too.

Reacting swiftly to the harrowing incident, General Christopher Gwabin Musa, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), wasted no time in issuing directives for an immediate investigation and apprehension of those responsible for the grievous crime.

The Delta State Government was promptly informed of the appalling occurrence, underscoring the gravity of the situation.

Despite the heart-wrenching setback, the military stands resolute in its unwavering commitment to upholding peace and security across the nation.

While initial arrests have been made, efforts are underway to untangle the motives behind this brazen attack.

Additional updates on the investigation are expected to follow as the authorities diligently pursue justice for the fallen soldiers and their families.