Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has threatened to sue the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) over its new Regulations on customers’ social media handles.
The apex bank in its new customer Due Diligence Regulations, which is aimed at further deepen the identification process in the banking system, had mandated Financial Institutions to obtain the social media handle, e-mail addresses, telephone numbers, residential addresses, among others from their customers.
But reacting, SERAP urged the Acting Governor of the CBN, Folashodun Shonubi, to immediately delete the provisions in the CBN (Customer Due Diligence) Regulations or face legal action.
In a letter dated June 24, 2023 and signed by SERAP Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, which was made available to THE WHISTLER in Lagos, the organisation said the CBN Regulations and directive to banks to obtain details of customers’ social media address violate Nigerians’ rights to freedom of expression and privacy, adding that it is inconsistent and incompatible with the rule of law.
SERAP said the CBN ought to contribute to the advancement of respect for the rule of law and human rights in the discharge of its statutory functions, and not undermine or violate these fundamental legal requirements and standards.
According to the organisation, the purported mandatory requirement would inhibit Nigerians from freely exercising their human rights online, stressing that if obtained, such information may also be misused for political and other unlawful purposes.
The letter, read in part: “We would be grateful if the recommended measures are taken within 3 days of the receipt and/or publication of this letter. If we have not heard from you by then, SERAP shall take all appropriate legal actions to compel you and the CBN to comply with our request in the public interest.”
“The mandatory requirement of social media handles or addresses of customers does not serve any legitimate aim. Such information may be used to unjustifiably or arbitrarily to restrict the rights to freedom of expression and privacy.”
“SERAP is gravely concerned that the CBN Regulations and directive to banks and other financial institutions would impermissibly restrict the constitutional and international rights to freedom of expression, privacy and victims’ right to justice and effective remedies.”
“Requiring social media handles or addresses of customers as a means of identification would have a disproportionate chilling effect on the effective enjoyment by Nigerians of their rights to freedom of expression and privacy online.”
“The CBN bears the burden of justifying any restriction on people’s freedom of expression and privacy. Under the Nigerian Constitution 1999 [as amended] and human rights treaties to which the country is a state party, any restrictions on these rights must be applied strictly so that the rights are not put in jeopardy.”
“There are other means of identification such as passport, driver’s licence, Bank Verification Number (BVN), and Tax Identification Number (TIN), which banks and other financial institutions already require their customers to provide.”
“The additional requirement of obtaining details of a customer’s social media handle or address fails to meet the requirements of legality, necessity, and proportionality.”
“The requirement of necessity implies an assessment of the proportionality of the grounds, with the aim of ensuring that the excuse of ‘regulations on customer due diligence’ is not used as a pretext to unduly intrude upon the rights to freedom of expression and privacy.”
“The CBN Regulation does not demonstrate how the use of social media handle or address as a means of identification would serve to improve banks and other financial institutions’ ability to implement and comply with the laws and regulations relating to customer due diligence.”
In Enugu, the governorship election petition tribunal has recently rejected a request made by Chijioke Edoga, who is the Labour Party's candidate, to question the state governor, Peter Mbah, regarding his credentials.
In a recent development, a petitioner has raised questions regarding Mbah's appointments as chief of staff and commissioner for finance, as well as his educational background, including the year he was called to the Nigeria Bar and the institutions he attended.
In a ruling delivered on Saturday, the tribunal's chairman, Kudirat Akano, deemed the application to be a "fishing expedition".
According to the judge, the questions being posed by the petitioners were not included in their petition.
In agreement with Ikechukwu Onuoma, the governor's counsel, she stated that the petitioners were attempting to amend their petition in accordance with paragraph 14(1) of the first schedule of the Electoral Act.
According to her, the primary purpose of interrogatories is to elicit admission from the parties involved regarding the matter that has been pleaded. She further noted that the petitioner had not pleaded to the matter in question.
During the proceedings, the tribunal reviewed its pre-hearing session report in conjunction with the verdict.
According to the tribunal resolution, the petitioner has been granted a seven-day window to substantiate their case, while INEC has been allotted two days to summon its witnesses.
The second and third respondents have been given a four-day window to summon their witnesses, according to sources.
In a closely contested election, Mbah emerged victorious with a total of 160,895 votes, defeating Edeoga who came in second with 157,552 votes.
Sex in the church-and murder of pregnant choir mistress: Pastors rip apart General Overseer from hell
AdminPastors descend on Church Overseer who is to die by hanging in Rivers State for the murder of his pregnant mistress, her friend and nine-year-old daughter.
The involvement of supposed men of God in heinous crimes has left a big
question mark as to who really is a man of God and how does the public know one?
In a recent case, in Rivers State, the General Overseer of Altar of Solution and Healing Assembly, Pastor Chidiebere Okoroafor, blamed the devil after being sentenced to death by a Port Harcourt High Court for the murder of his choir mistress, her friend and 11-month-old toddler.
And the response from the clergy was “you were never a man of God.”
Manifestation of the beast in Afam, Oyigbo Local Government Area based Okoroafor came into light when operatives of the Homicide Department of Rivers Police Command apprehended him on December 17, 2017 following the alarm raised by one Joseph Ezenwa.
Ezenwa’s wife, Chigozie, with nine months old Christabel strapped to her back, had accompanied her friend, Orlunma Nwagba, to meet Okoroafor, their pastor.
In the police account of his confession, Okoroafor had, in a secret sexual affair, impregnated 25-year-old Orlunma, his church choir mistress.
Both friends on December 11, 2017 set out to confront the General Overseer to resolve the scandalous pregnancy issue.
Evil Genius
Apparently decided on erasing the looming scandal on his own terms, Okoroafor had separated his visitors.
He lured the pregnant choir mistress to an uncompleted building while asking her friend to stay three “poles” away.
According to then-DCP Cyril Okoro of the Rivers Police Command, the pastor strangled Orlunma in the uncompleted building.
He then rejoined Chigozie and left with her and her baby on a tricycle (keke) to Afam Roundabout.
From the roundabout, they took a motorbike on lonely Igberu Road.
Okoroafor murdered his second victim in an isolated bush, using the wrapper with which Chigozie strapped her baby to her back to suffocate her.
“The baby was equally discovered dead. This murder by the suspect was premeditated, callous and devoid of human sympathy,” Okoro had said, adding that the pastor manipulated both friends after taking advantage of the trust they had in him.
Retribution
Eight years after, Justice S.O Benson, in the June 6, 2023 judgment, said the evidence and confessional statements from the pastor showed he committed the crime.
The prosecution, having proven the case of murder against the cleric, the judge ordered that Okoroafor be killed by hanging or served lethal injection which kills faster.
Counsel from the state Ministry of Justice, Precious Ordu, said the prosecution was undaunted despite receiving threats through the trial and that it was gratifying that “justice has been served to state, the complainant, and the convict”, while also thanking the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) which brought up the case before the state took over.
Resolved to appeal the judgment, counsel for the defendant, Dr Innocent Ekwu, said the court ‘misconceived the law’, adding, “The court held there was no eyewitness, not even one throughout the trial. The court also held there was no circumstantial evidence linking the fellow to murder.
“The court convicted him of murder on account of his confessional statements. We, as counsel to the defendant, are going to file our notice of appeal as quickly as possible because we have grounds on which we believe the defendant did not commit the offence.”
The convict, upon his sentence, as he was said to have told the police back in 2017, said his actions were the handiwork of the devil while also apologising to relatives of those murdered.
Clerics Speak
Rev Emmanuel Nwabuikwu, Pastor at Ebenezer Baptist Church, Port Harcourt, said, “Crime is a societal thing. Human beings will commit it in different ways, at different times. However, when this has to do with a supposed pastor, there lies the prophetic factor
“Bible lets us know at this period in history that evil will increase and many charlatans, and false prophets will arise, Matthew 24:11. So, from the Christian viewpoint, these things happening are not a surprise.
“People blame the devil for the evil they knowingly and consciously commit. Inasmuch as Satan is a real spiritual entity in Christian belief, every man is responsible before God and society for the crimes they commit, and they will pay. So, it is pointless blaming the devil.
“There are those who present selves as men of God but are pretentious predators that fleece the ignorant and gullible. It is their appetite that called them to ministry, not God.
“The media is quick to flash every news about men of God misbehaving, but it’s important to understand that it’s not every ‘man of God’ that is a man of God.”
Rev Ese Diajiyeren of Good Shepherd Baptist Church, on his part, said, “Truth remains that incidents of this kind abound. Crime is condemnable. I feel the so-called pastor wanted to cover up his crime (2 Samuel 11). See the case of King David and Bathsheba.
“Yes, the devil tempts, but we are told in scripture not to give him a chance (Ephesians 4: 27). It is in giving the devil a chance that usually leads to such regrettable actions.
“A true man of God who is careless can fall into the first temptation, like King David. The issue of temptation is a real issue. Hence we are admonished in scripture to be on guard or alert (1 Pet. 5: 8).
“A true man of God is known by his fruit. His preaching/words must match his actions. Pastoral ministry like some other professions brings the pastor in contact with several people, especially female folks seeking his attention.
“To steer clear of sexual temptation and attendant challenges, pastors should set boundaries for selves in their relationship with the opposite sex.
“Also, they are advised to be mindful of their humanity. That one is a pastor does not remove sexuality from him. He is to be alert to that fact and keep his sexual urge under tight control. Above all, there is no excuse for taking the lives of others. “
The jostle for positions in President Bola Tinubu’s administration, especially for ministerial appointments has reportedly intensified.
Checks by Naija News reveal that there are 27 ministries left vacant by the immediate past administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari.
The jostle for these positions has gotten hotter, as former governors, and lawmakers of the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC), who lost in the 2023 general elections have reportedly intensified efforts to lobby for appointment.
This platform earlier reported that there are strong indications that some chapters of the APC have completed the compilation for ministerial appointments from President Tinubu.
Also, others as gathered by Naija News are still in the process of compilation to be forwarded d to the party’s secretariat in Abuja for onward transmission to President Tinubu.
While several groups have called on the President not to consider old governors and other categories for appointments, former governors, senators, and other bigwigs in the ruling party have reportedly intensified their lobby for ministerial appointments in Tinubu’s cabinet.
Below are the vacant 27 ministries open to be filled.
Federal Capital Territory Administration
Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development
Ministry of Aviation
Ministry of Budget and National Planning
Ministry of Commerce and Industry
Ministry of Education
Ministry of Environment
Ministry of Finance
Ministry of Health
Ministry of Information and Culture
Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy
Ministry of Interior
Ministry of Justice
Ministry of Labour and Employment
Ministry of Petroleum Resources
Ministry of Water Resources
Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development
Ministry of Mines and Steel Development
Ministry of Defence
Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs
Ministry of Power
Ministry of Transportation.
Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development
Ministry of Science, Technology, and Innovation
Ministry of Youth and Sport
Ministry of Works and Housing
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
The immediate past Governor of Zamfara State, Bello Matawalle, has ahead of the 2023 Eid-El-Kabir celebrations, donated N200 million to some citizens of the state.
Muslims will celebrate this year’s Eid-El-Kabir on June 29, 2023.
A statement, however, made available to newsmen on Saturday through the All Progressives Congress (APC) chairman in Zamfara State, Alhaji Tukur Danfulani, confirmed Matawalle’s donation for the festive event.
Danfulani, who serves as the Chairman of the distribution committee, said that the beneficiaries included the members, stakeholders of the party, women, youth groups and associations.
“Other beneficiaries were orphans and the less privileged, Islamic scholars, media practitioners, and social media handlers, among others.
“The gesture is aimed at assisting people to celebrate the upcoming 2023 Eid-el-Kabir festival with ease.
“The committee had already started the distribution of the money to all the beneficiaries,” the party’s State Publicity Secretary, Malam Yusuf Idris, quoted Danfulani.
Danfulani thanked Matawalle for the gesture, describing it as timely as it will cushion the economic hardship among the citizens in the state, especially at the grassroots.
The party’s Chairman assured that the committee would ensure that all the targeted beneficiaries receive the gesture before Wednesday.
The Rivers State Chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has dissociated itself from calls from certain quarters in the party to the immediate past Governor of the state, Nyesom Wike to defect to the APC to provide leadership for the party.
The former Local Organizing Committee (LOC) Chairman, Tinubu Presidential Campaign Rally in Rivers State and National Chairman of the Protocol/Logistics Committee (TSGICC), Tony Okocha, on Tuesday called on the former Governor, Nyesom Wike to dump the Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP) for the APC.
Okocha said APC needed the value of the former Governor and appealed to him to come over and lead the party.
But in a reaction on Saturday, the APC described the calls as by imposters who are sponsoring amorphous groupings acting as fronts for Wike, that APC in Rivers State was calling on him, Wike to join the same party he had characterised as suffering from cancer.
“We wish to unequivocally dismiss any such rumour or sponsored story planted in any medium that Rivers State APC had at any forum invited Mr Wike to join our party none the least calling on Wike to take over leadership of a party he never campaigned for”, the party said in a statement signed by its spokesman, Darlington Nwauju.
He went on: “Nothing can be more preposterous than this kite being flown by minions of Wike working hard to justify their pay cheque.
“We dare anyone to provide video evidence of any campaigns where Mr Wike openly campaigned for the APC. The terror unleashed on our party members in the cause of his eight years maximum rulership alone is enough evidence to confirm that Wike has no business with Rivers State APC. Asking him to come and take over is asking an enemy to come and finish off his victims.
“We are aware of his schemes to escape justice over the looting of the collective patrimony of Rivers people which is the major reason for his romancing top APC members.
“For those who may be suffering from amnesia, a non- APC member cannot be cheerleader for the entry of Wike into APC. Nobody can decree his membership of a political party through radio or newspaper publications. All vexatious attempts at distracting our party in Rivers State will keep failing.
“For the avoidance of doubts, the APC in Rivers State has a legally recognized state office where all official businesses are conducted. We do also have standard procedures for convening our meetings according to our party’s constitution. Therefore, it is expedient for the public to be aware that village meetings or gatherings cannot equate with a stakeholder’s meeting of APC in Rivers State, especially a gathering that took place at a hotel belonging to such a non-APC member.
“We therefore disassociate the leadership of our party from any so-called stakeholders meeting suggesting that our party be handed over to Mr Wike. We reiterate our party’s resolve to lend 100% support to the policies and programmes of the Federal Government under the indefatigable leadership of our President, His Excellency Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR.
“We warn blackmailers and ‘conflipreneurs’ to desist from the shameless tradition of using the name of our party to curry favour from desperate politicians seeking relevance at the centre”.
Okocha justified his call by saying that some of those who did not work for the emergence of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in Rivers State were currently sending their credentials and claiming entitlements for the new administration.
He said; “At the point we are now this persons should be playing secondary roles and not primary roles. We are told that they have begin to assemble CVs from their supporters and promising them that they have the connection that they are Tinubu’s son and first daughter that they have the capacity to make them take the position that is due Rivers State and we are here to tell the world that it’s against natural laws. Natural laws are the only thing that is fixed”.
“We also want to rekindled and emphasis the fact leadership is as old as creation that in the leadership of the Tinubu’s family in Rivers State that we are pleased 100% with you His Excellence Nyesom Wike as our leader in Rivers State because he who pays the piper detects the tune.
“When it was difficult when even the national could not oblige us funds for the national rally when some group of persons made it impossible for money to move for the campaign in the State but Wike made it possible to fund our agents in the 6868 polling units in the State and do some background works and thereafter make it possible for us to win the election.
“As a demand because we won the election, Rivers State is one of the states that delivered Tinubu outrightly and even in South South it’s in Rivers State that Tinubu won outrightly so we have the right of entitlement.
“Our demand is that nobody should rob Peter to pay Paul. Our own share of the butty should be given to us; it should be handed over to be handed over to Governor Wike.
“We are confident that as soon as the bootie gets to him he knows those who worked for Tinubu and it should get to us. It’s only natural that that’s how it should go”.
He said as a party, there will be election in the next couple of months or years. There will be another election in Nigeria. Truly, APC in Rivers State is bleeding. It does appear to us that the leadership of PDP in Nigeria do not appreciate, understand the pidegree of of Wike.
“It does appear to us that PDP does not know what they have in Wike and we are calling on Wike to come over to APC and lead us”
The 2023 Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate, Peter Obi has described the recent flooding at Trademore Estate in Abuja as heartbreaking.
He described the incident as a major disaster, noting that it is not the first time it is happening.
It would be recalled that many residents were reportedly trapped in Trade Moore estate in Lugbe, Abuja, following a heavy rainfall on Friday which flooded the area.
Videos making the rounds online showed that several houses and vehicles were submerged under water.
Taking to his Twitter page to react to the sad development, Obi wrote on Saturday: “The flooding incident at Trademore Estate in Lugbe, Abuja, which has resulted in the loss of lives and properties worth millions of Naira is a major disaster and is very heartbreaking. Reports have it that the estate had suffered similar incidents in the past.”
Meanwhile, Naija News earlier reported that the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has appealed to all those living in flood-prone areas of the estate to evacuate to a safer place.
A NEMA official who spoke with newsmen after Friday’s flooding said, “If you know you live in a house built in a flood-prone area, kindly move to a safer place even if for nothing but to save a life. Properties can go.”
Says, “We Messed Up The Altar, We Defiled The Altar Of The Most High God”
The Spiritual Director of Adoration Ministry, Enugu, Rev. Fr. Ejike Mbaka, has apologised on behalf of the bishops, priests and pastors for using the church of God as political arena during the 2023 elections.
Mbaka expressed sadness that the church was turned into a campaign centre and place of politicking.
The priest, who made a veiled reference at the Labour Party (LP), said that the priests were teaching people who to vote for in the church, and how to vote.
He added that priests were telling people that the mother, father and child logo represented God, the father, Son and the Holy Spirit.
Mbaka also said that the power of God was buried behind political forces and hawks.
He said: “As a prophet and man of God, I apologise on behalf of the whole men of God – the whole pastors, the whole priests, the whole bishops. I am not worthy to apologise on behalf of the bishops, but I’m apologising.
“Let the mercy of God descend because what we did within this political moment – a lot of indescribable political brouhaha, a lot of political jingoism and a lot of atrocities we manifested.
“We buried the power of the sacrament beneath political forces, political hawks and vultures. They want to vulturise the church, turn the church into campaign centres, into a place of politicking. We messed up the altar, we defiled the altar of the most high God.
“How do you want power to move from such an altar that has been defiled? We cannot continue with such iniqui-tactics. We offended God.
“They were teaching people who to vote for in the church, and how to vote. Telling people that the mother, father and child picture represents God, the father, Son and the Holy Spirit. Giving God’s glory to man, then God’s anger descended on us, but I’m begging for God’s mercy. I pray that God will forgive us.
“Forgive us, oh Lord! Forgive your church. Forgive Christianity in Nigeria. We have gotten it wrong this time. Amen! Just let it be like this. If you want to misunderstand it, that is your business. I am apologising to God.”
Says Attacks Over Alleged Cropping Of Tinubu From Paris Photo Unwarranted
The Director-General, World Trade Organization, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, has called on Nigerians to relax and stay united, noting that the attacks on her over her picture with President Tinubu were unnecessary.
She noted that the controversy surrounding why her picture with President Tinubu was posted late on her Twitter account shows how polarised Nigerians are.
Okonjo-Iweala was reacting to comments on social media about her pictures with other world leaders at the just concluded Paris Economic Summit as well as her picture with President Tinubu.
Some Nigerians called out the WTO leader for not posting a picture of President Bola Tinubu in the pictures of her meeting with some other nations’ presidents on her Twitter handle on Friday.
She later posted her picture with Tinubu on Saturday morning.
Reacting, the WTO boss said the controversy has exposed how polarised Nigeria has become.
She tweeted: “Nigerians, please relax! Re Paris, Interesting attacks from both sides. This sadly shows the depth of polarisation in our society.
“I post photos in the order received by accompanying staff or colleagues. Reading more into it is unwarranted. Let’s unite to build our country, not attack.”
The Paris summit, convened by President Emmanuel Macron, afforded President Tinubu the opportunity of projecting, on a global stage, his advocacy for widening the fiscal space, economic justice for Africa as the world accelerates the pace of energy transition and the urgency of addressing the pressing issues of poverty and climate change.
A former Managing Director of the Nigeria Port Authority (NPA), Hadiza Bala Usman, has said the removal of fuel subsidy is the best interest of Nigerians.
Naija News reports that President Bola Tinubu had announced the removal of fuel subsidy in his inaugural speech on Monday, May 29.
Speaking during an appearance on Arise News’ Morning Show on Saturday, Usman said she doesn’t consider the removal of fuel subsidy as suffering the Nigerian masses.
The Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Policy Coordination said the subsidy removal is a reflection of the current reality in Nigeria, adding that the notion of the government subsidizing fuel for them is misleading.
Usman also added that the federal government cannot be subsidizing petrol other countries.
He said: “I don’t consider the removal of subsidy as ‘suffering’ the masses. It’s a reflection of the current reality in Nigeria. It’s important for Nigerians to note that the notion of the government subsidizing them is misleading; the government was subsidizing other countries.”
Speaking on the student loan scheme, Usman said the purpose of the initiative is to provide some form of benefit to Nigerian students in higher institutions.
She added: “People may say that student loan scheme isn’t primarily designed to benefit the poor but it aims to provide some form of benefit to Nigerians. Although it may not specifically target the poor, it does offer opportunities for a significant segment of Nigerians.”
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The Acting Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Olukayode Egbetokun, has said the Nigeria Police will establish a Quick Intervention Squad to tackle the menace of crimes and criminality.
Egbetokun said this on Friday in Abuja during his inaugural conference with Strategic Police Managers, consisting of officers from the rank of Commissioner of Police and above.
“The Nigeria Police Force under my command, in its quest to stamp out violent crimes and their detrimental and debilitating effects on the security and safety of our society, will forge ahead to tackle the menace of crimes and criminality head on,” he said.
“This will be done with the establishment of a specialised Quick Intervention Squad, which will comprise combat ready Police Mobile Force personnel with effective and enhanced training in crisis de-escalation and violent crime reduction strategies.”
“This will lead to a review of the engagement patterns of the Police Mobile Force in a bid to restore the days of glory of the Police Mobile Force as a punching arm of the Police,” he said.
The IG said his administration would embrace innovation and technology as powerful allies in the fight against crime.
According to him, the world is evolving at an unprecedented pace, and so the Nigeria Police should adapt to the evolving landscape of crime.
He said criminals were presently more sophisticated, more organised and more ruthless than ever before.
Egbetokun said the Nigeria Police would leverage cutting-edge tools, data analytics and intelligence networks to stay one step ahead of criminals, seeking to disrupt the peace of the country.
The IG said this would be achieved through a robust and effective human and technical intelligence-gathering process to enhance the capacity of personnel.
(NAN)
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is considering stern actions against some of its well-known members for aligning with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and President Bola Tinubu, contrary to party policies.
According to reliable sources that spoke with Punch, the PDP is contemplating expelling key members of the “G-5” group, comprising governors elected under its banner, who didn’t support the party’s presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, in the February 25, 2023, presidential election.
The former governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike and an ex-governor of Benue State, Samuel Ortom could face expulsion due to their affiliations with Tinubu and the APC, which the PDP considers a serious breach of party loyalty.
The PDP has warned that if these ex-governors accept any appointments from President Tinubu and the APC, immediate expulsion from the PDP will ensue.
As for the remaining “G-5” members, their fate is still uncertain. Seyi Makinde of Oyo State remains in the PDP fold, while the former governors of Abia and Enugu states, Okezie Ikpeazu and Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, seem politically adrift after losing their Senate bids.
An earlier judgment from a Federal High Court in May 2023 confirms the party’s right to suspend or expel any member, including Wike, if such action aligns with the law. This ruling further bolsters the PDP’s intentions.
In the judgment, Justice James Omotosho emphasized that suspending or expelling a member must be done in accordance with the party’s laws, ensuring the accused member’s right to defend themselves is not infringed upon.
While the PDP has warned its members about the repercussions of joining the APC-led government, the party has also stated that it hasn’t been approached by the ruling party for any potential collaboration.
Despite party lines, both Makinde and Wike have publicly appreciated President Tinubu’s initial steps in office, especially the removal of subsidy on petrol.
Wike, in particular, has continually criticized the PDP for failing to zone the 2023 presidential ticket to the South after eight consecutive years in the North.
Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State has the 23 Local Government council chairmen remain suspended until the probe against them is concluded.
He said this while reacting to the claims the council chairmen at a press briefing in Makurdi, the state capital, on Saturday.
At the briefing, the council chairmen vowed not to obey the state government’s directive to quit their offices.
Reacting through his spokesman, Tersoo Kula, Alia said they were suspended for investigation purposes, not sacked.
The governor premised his action on the advice of the state assembly.
He said, “Recall that the Benue State House of Assembly had during plenary session on Tuesday, June 20, 2023, recommended for the suspension of all the 23 local government chairmen as well as their various legislative arms over corruption allegations.
“The recommendations were upheld by the state executive and the chairmen directed to hand over their offices to the various DGSAs of their councils.”
Alia expressed surprise that the council chairmen chose to react the way they did.
He denied knowledge of any court judgment, saying even if there was any, it was merely speculative, especially that a cause of action had not arisen as at the time the chairmen were talking about a court order or judgement.
He said, “So, even if there existed a court order not to sack council chairmen, at least there is none barring anyone from investigating them.
“But are they really insulated from appropriate sanctions by the extant constitutional provisions? They should come to equity with clean hands. Perhaps, they may have been misled into assuming that they are entitled to political immunity as ‘elected’ council chairmen.”
Alia therefore urged the council chairmen to be patient, as they will get the opportunity to defend themselves before the House of Assembly committee.
He stated that those who did not soil their hands would be reinstated but insisted that they remain suspended from office, pending the outcome of the investigation.
No fewer than 22,032 Nigerians were reportedly killed from March 2021 to June 2023 during the period the Service Chiefs who were fired by President Bola Tinubu on Monday held sway.
10,324 citizens were also abducted during the period under review, according to reports.
The Tinubu administration came into office at a time when the security of lives and property, which is among the primary purpose of government, was at its worst in the nation’s history.
Since the administration was inaugurated on May 29, attacks by gunmen, among other non-state actors, have reportedly claimed over 220 lives and 172 persons abducted.
On June 11, in Plateau State, a gunman, according to reports, shot dead at least 21 people and, on June 9, gunmen killed 25 people in Katako village, before killing another 13 individuals in Kusherki town on June 10.
Boko Haram/ISWAP firefighters, bandits, unknown gunmen, robbers, kidnappers, cultists, and gunmen were the non-state actors who killed Nigerians the most.
As part of the measures to rejig the country’s security architecture and halt the trend, Tinubu, on Monday, retired Lucky Irabor, Chief of the Defence Staff (CDS); Farouk Yahaya, Chief of the Army Staff (CoAS); Awwal Gambo, Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS); Isiaka Amao, Chief of the Air Staff (CAS); and the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Usman Alkali.
The President appointed in their stead, Maj. Gen. C.G Musa, CDS; Maj. Gen. T. A. Lagbaja, CoAS; Rear Admiral E. A. Ogalla, CNS; AVM H.B. Abubakar, CAS; and DIG Kayode Egbetokun, Acting IGP.
While Egbetokun has since resumed duties in his new position, the new Service Chiefs will have to wait until July when the Senate will resume plenary to confirm their appointments.
Civilians bear brunt
Out of the reported deaths in 2022, 3,972 civilians were killed by non-state actors, representing 87.4 per cent of the total deaths.
For this report, quasi-security outfits established by state governments, LGAs and communities were classified as vigilantes and were not spared by non-state actors in the period under review as 154 of them were killed.
Those employed as security guards for individuals and organisations had their share of onslaught as 14 of them were killed in 2022.
Security operatives, who are at the war front in the fight against insurgency, recorded some casualties in the same period as 202 soldiers and 186 police officers were reportedly killed.
39 priests killed, 30 abducted
Latest reports by SBM Intelligence, a socioeconomic research firm, showed that no fewer than 39 Catholic priests were killed by gunmen, while 30 others were abducted in 2022 alone.
In the report titled ‘Attacks on Priests’, the geopolitical research organisation said a total of 37 attacks on Catholic priests took place across the country last year. Out of the 37 attacks, 145 casualties were recorded of which 39 were deaths, 30 were abductions.
2,558 killed, 1,044 abducted in 6 months
Data gathered from Council on Foreign Relations, SBM Intelligence, Stefanos Foundation, and news reports revealed that between January and June 2023 alone recorded 324 instances of attacks from across the country, resulting in 2,558 deaths and 1,044 abductions.
North tops chart
In examining the disaggregated data on violent incidents in the first quarter of 2023, the report confirmed the popular opinion that each region of Nigeria is beguiled by a peculiar type of violent incident.
Overall, more violent incidents were recorded in the northern part of the country than in the South. Of the 1,230 deaths recorded, there were at least 932 violent killings in the North representing 75.77 per cent of the total killed; in contrast to the South where at least 298 were killed representing 24.23 per cent of the recorded figure.
An in-depth breakdown of the data further reveals that banditry and Boko-Haram/ISWAP are a form of terror up North that contributed the largest number of victims, with the North-Central suffering the heaviest number of casualties due to mostly herdsmen activities in Benue, Plateau and Nasarawa States.
While the North-East had at least 312 casualties, the North-West had 289 casualties. In the South, however, a combined 140 deaths in the South-East were attributed mostly to violent secessionist activities, South-South had at least 88 killed while 70 were recorded killed in the South-West.
9,076 lives lost, 4,680 abducted in 2022
As many as 9,076 lives were lost to the violent incidents that unsettled Nigeria last year under the watch of Irabor and co, and 4,680 people were victims of abduction.
Some of the most notorious incidents from 2022 include the terror attack on the Abuja-Kaduna train in March that led to several deaths and the abduction of over 60 passengers; the massacre of congregants at St Francis Catholic Church in Ondo in June; and the raid of the medium-security custodial facility in Kuje, Abuja, in July that led to hundreds of inmates breaking out.
Overall, at least 3,941 civilian deaths were recorded with various security agencies losing 477 personnel last year. Meanwhile, there was an increase in election violence, with 22 election-related fatalities and an additional 31 political actors killed. Non-state actors suffered heavy casualties as well, with 2,020 Boko Haram/ISWAP members and 2,483 other armed criminals reportedly killed.
Sunday Vanguard gathered that Borno, Zamfara, Niger, Kaduna, and Katsina states had the highest death tolls, while Ekiti, Gombe, Adamawa, Kano, and Akwa Ibom had the lowest.
When it comes to abductions, Kaduna, Niger, Zamfara, Katsina, and Sokoto were the worst performers, while Gombe, Osun, Lagos, Adamawa, Jigawa, and Kano recorded the lowest numbers of victims.
On the zonal level, the North-West recorded the highest number of reported death tolls with 1,524 killings, followed by the North-Central with 1,390; the North-east had 660; the South-East recorded 449; South-South had 276; while South-West recorded the least figure with 246.
In terms of reported abductions, the northern part of the country recorded the highest number of people abducted by non-state actors with 3,902, representing 84.5 per cent of the total reported across the country. The southern region recorded 714 reported abductions, representing 15.5 per cent.
South-West safest
Sunday Vanguard observed that the South-West recorded the least reported death toll among the six zones of the federation. The combination of the six states in the zone recorded 246 deaths. The South-South had the second lowest reported death toll as 276 people were reportedly killed by non-state actors in the zone.
In the southern region of the country, the South-East recorded the highest number of reported death tolls as 449 people were killed in the zone. Activities of those who are dubbed as ‘unknown gunmen’ increased in the South-East as they unleashed terror on police officers, police stations, facilities of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and other public facilities.
The North-West recorded the highest number of people killed by non-state actors with 1,524 reported casualties, followed by the North-Central with 1,390 reported deaths. The two zones accounted for 64 per cent of the total reported deaths recorded in the entire country. The North-East recorded the least number of reported deaths with 660.
10,366 killed in 2021
An analysis of data collected by the Council on Foreign Relations showed that Nigeria recorded its worst insecurity-related death toll in 2021. At least 10, 398 persons were killed across the country between January 1 and December 31, 2021. Among the fatalities were 4, 835 civilians and 890 security personnel.
According to catalogued press reports, 1,760 Boko Haram members, 107 robbers, and 92 kidnappers were also killed.
Timeline of attacks in 2023
- January 1: Kidnappers abduct three in Tsafe, Zamfara.
- January 1: Airstrikes kill 33 Boko Haram militants in Bama, Borno.
- January 1: Bandits abduct four in Bwari, Federal Capital Territory.
- January 1: Bandits kill three, abduct one other in Abeokuta, Ogun.
- January 1: Five killed when car drives into party in Afijio, Oyo.
- January 1: Bandits abduct two in Kagarko, Kaduna.
- January 1: Police kill bandit in Gusau, Zamfara.
- January 1: Gunmen kill five in Awka South, Anambra.
- January 2: Gunmen kill four police officers in attack on former Governor Ohakim’s convoy in Ehime-Mbano, Imo.
- January 2: Police officers kill bandit in Jibia, Katsina.
- January 2: Gunmen kill one, abduct six others in Toto, Nassarawa.
- January 2: Gunmen bomb police station in Njaba, Imo.
- January 2-3: Troops kill four bandits in Giwa, Kaduna.
- January 3: Gunmen kill five in Akoko North-East, Ondo.
- January 4: Cult war results in four deaths in Sapele, Delta.
- January 4: Gunmen kill vigilante in Ihiala, Anambra.
- January 4: Police kill bandit in Malumfashi, Katsina.
- January 4: One police officer, two bandits killed during clash in Akwanga, Nassarawa.
- January 6: Kidnappers kill one, abduct one other in Ethiope West, Delta.
- January 7: Kidnappers abduct 32 at train station in Igueben, Edo.
- January 7: Police kill two gunmen in Gusau, Zamfara.
- January 7: Boko Haram kills 35 Islamic State in West Africa (ISWA) militants in Kukawa, Borno.
- January 7: Police kill two kidnappers in Alkaleri, Bauchi.
- January 8: Communal violence results in death in Pategi, Kwara.
- January 9: Kidnappers abduct one in Esan South-West Local Government Area (LGA), one other in Uhunmwonde LGA in Edo.
- January 9: Bandits kill 12 security operatives in Birnin-Gwari, Kaduna.
- January 9: Bandits kill vigilante member in Rafi, Niger State.
- January 10: Gunmen kill four in Ihiala, Anambra.
- January 10: Gunmen kill three in Ideato North, Imo.
- January 10: Bandits abduct 15 in Moro, Kwara.
- January 11: Bandits kill one, abduct two others in Bwari, Federal Capital Territory.
- January 11: Bandits kill two, abduct four others in Igabi, Kaduna.
- January 11: Kidnappers abduct two in Ayedire, Osun.
- January 11: Troops kill five Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) militants in Mbaitoli, Imo.
- January 12: Kidnappers abduct police officer in Pankshin, Plateau.
•January 12: Gunmen kill four Anambra vigilantes, bomb buildings in Ihiala, Anambra.
•January 12: Kidnappers kill police officer in Oredo, Edo.
•January 12: Troops kill two kidnappers in Toto, Nassarawa.
•January 12: Police kill five bandits in Magama, Niger State.
•January 13: Gunmen kill two vigilantes in Sapele, Delta.
•January 13: Troops kill “several” (est. at 10) ISWA militants in Damboa, Borno.
•January 13: Kidnappers abduct four in Omala, Kogi.
•January 14: Kidnappers abduct Catholic priest in Oye, Ekiti.
•January 14: Gunmen attack political party’s spokesperson’s home, kill three others in Ideato North, Imo.
•January 14: Kidnappers abduct four in Ilorin, Kwara.
•January 14: Police kill bandit in Igabi, Kaduna.
•January 15: Cult clash results in four deaths in Oredo, Edo.
•January 15: Gunmen kill police officer during attack on Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) office in Enugu South, Enugu.
•January 15: Bandits kill Catholic priest in Paikoro, Niger State.
•January 15: Bandits abduct 25 at a church in Kankara, Katsina.
•January 15: Troops kill three Boko Haram militants in Monguno, Borno.
•January 16: Troops kill two bandits in Chikun, Kaduna.
•January 16: Military airstrikes kill 42 Boko Haram militants in Shiroro, Niger State.
•January 17: Two gunmen, one police officer killed during clash in Aba, Abia State.
•January 17: Kidnappers kill six, abduct one other in Zangon Kataf, Kaduna.
•January 17: Troops kill two bandits in Danmusa, Katsina State.
•January 18: Troops kill bandit in Danmusa, Katsina State.
•January 18: Troops kill seven bandits in Danko Wasagu, Kebbi.
•January 18: Bandits kill three, abduct six others in Jibia, Katsina.
•January 18: Police kill three IPOB members in Oguta, Imo.
•January 18: Herdsmen kill three, abduct 13 others in Ovia North-East, Edo.
•January 18: One person killed at a Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) rally in Esan Central, Edo.
•January 19: Herdsmen kill eight near an Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camp in Makurdi, Benue.
•January 19: Kidnappers abduct eight in Jalingo, Taraba.
•January 19: Kidnappers abduct six in Isi-Uzo, Enugu.
•January 20: Kidnappers abduct three in Ideato North, Imo.
•January 20: Kidnappers abduct six pupils in Doma, Nassarawa.
•January 20: Kidnappers kill one, abduct one other in Jos East, Plateau.
•January 20: Gunmen kill two All Progressives Congress (APC) members in Izzi, Ebonyi.
•January 21: Gunmen kill five, kidnap one other in Tafawa Balewa, Bauchi.
•January 21: Gunmen kill Ebubeagu Commander in Ezza North, Ebonyi.
•January 21: Gunmen kill police officer during attack in Oguta, Imo.
•January 22: Bandits kill three, abduct three others in Shiroro, Niger State.
•January 22: Police kill three kidnappers in Moro, Kwara. - January 22: Gunmen kill two in Ogbaru, Anambra.
•January 23: Airstrikes kill “scores” (est. at 40) of bandits in Munya, Niger State.
•January 23: Herdsmen kill two in Patani, Delta. - January 23: Troops kill 23 Islamic State in West Africa (ISWA) militants in Damboa, Borno.
•January 23: Troops kill three bandits in Chikun, Kaduna.
•January 24: Gunmen kill one, abduct six in Unuimo Local Government Area (LGA) and two in Mbaitoli LGA in Imo.
•January 24: Kidnappers abduct two in Osogbo, Osun.
•January 24: Suspected accidental airstrike kill 56 herdsmen in Doma, Nassarawa.
•January 24: Electoral violence results in two deaths in Irewole, Osun.
•January 24: Unidentified airstrike kill 18 vigilantes in Shiroro, Niger State.
•January 25: Bandits kill five in Chikun, Kaduna.
•January 25: Gunmen kill two police officers, one civilian in Ngor Okpala, Imo.
•January 25: Bandits kill two Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) members, four civilians, abduct 14 in Munya, Niger State.
•January 27: Gunmen kill two vigilantes in Ohaozara, Ebonyi.
•January 27: Electoral violence leads to three deaths in Surulere, Lagos.
•January 28: Gunmen kill three police officers in Abakaliki, Ebonyi.
•January 28: Gunmen kill two soldiers in Nkanu East, Enugu.
•January 28: Troops kill 32 Boko Haram militants in Konduga, Borno.
•anuary 28: Herders kill 12 in Kwande, Benue.
•January 28: Gunmen kill two in Aboh-Mbaise, Imo. - January 29: Communal violence leads to two deaths in Logo, Benue.
•January 30: Herders kill five in Guma, Benue.
•January 30: Electoral violence results in death in Misau, Bauchi.
•January 30: Bandits kill three, abduct six others in Jibia, Katsina.
•January 31: Herders kill three police officers in Gwer West, Benue. - February 1: Gunmen kill one during attack on police station and INEC office in Idemili South, Anambra.
•February 2: Bandits kill 41 vigilantes in Bakori, Katsina.
•February 2: Gunmen kill judge in court in Oguta, Imo. - February 2: Gunmen kill one officer, one vigilante in Idemili North, Anambra.
- February 3: Gunmen kill three, abduct three others in Biase, Cross River.
•February 3: Gunmen kill two in Lere, Kaduna. - February 3: Gunmen kill three security operatives in Nijikoka, Anambra.
- February 3: Bandits kill 43 vigilantes, abduct 15 women in Kankara, Katsina.
•February 3: Kidnappers kill seven abductees in Bali, Taraba.
•February 4: Police kill three youths during clash in Ibadan, Oyo.
•February 4: Suspected herders kill six in Apa, Benue.
•February 4: Herders kill six in Ose, Ondo.
•February 4: Troops kill six Boko Haram/Islamic State in West Africa (ISWA) militants in Gwoza, Borno.
•February 4: Kidnappers abduct eight in Kwali, Federal Capital Territory.
•February 5: Gunmen kill five in Bokkos, Plateau.
•February 6: Troops kill 42 Boko Haram/ISWA militants in Kukawa, Borno.
•February 6: Eight killed, six others kidnapped during communal clash in Ayamelum, Anambra.
•February 6: Herdsmen kill one in Nkanu East, Enugu.
•February 7: Gunmen kill two, abducted 14 others in Kagarko, Kaduna.
•February 7: Gunmen kill one in Awka, Anambra.
•February 8: Communal clash leads to one death in Afikpo South, Ebonyi.
•February 9: Herders kill six in Gwer West, Benue.
•February 9: Gunmen kill four military officers in Ndokwa West, Delta.
•February 9: Communal clash results in the death of monarch in Ndokwa East, Delta.
•February 9: Troops kill four bandits in Birnin-Gwari, Kaduna.
•February 10: Gunmen kill three police officers in Ihiala, Anambra.
•February 10: Airstrikes kill “scores” (est. at 40) of Boko Haram militants in Bama, Borno. - February 10: Electoral violence results in death in Maigatari, Jigawa.
- February 11: Bandits kill five police officers in Gurara, Niger State.
- February 11: Communal violence leads to death in Omala, Kogi.
- February 12: Bandits kill five in Fakai, Kebbi.
- February 12: Cult clash results in eight deaths in Gboko, Benue.
- February 13: Gunman killed during attack on police station in Idemili North, Anambra.
- February 14: Kidnappers abduct 15 National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members in Ihiala, Anambra.
- February 14: Cult clash results in nine deaths in Ahoada East, Rivers.
- February 14: Gunmen kill two, abduct “others” (est. at five) in Kuje, Federal Capital Territory.
- February 15: Security forces kill three protesters in Oredo, Edo.
- February 15: Gang violence results in three deaths in Nembe, Bayelsa.
- February 15: Electoral violence results in death in Edu, Kwara.
- February 16: Troops kill seven bandits in Chikun, Kaduna.
- February 17: Cultists kill three Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) workers in Aba, Abia.
- February 17: Electoral violence results in three deaths in Ilesha, Osun.
- February 17: Security forces kill three protesters in Obafemi-Owode, Ogun.
- February 18: Electoral violence results in death in Ishielu, Ebonyi.
- February 18: Gunmen kill three police officers in Idemili North, Anambra.
- February 18: Kidnappers abduct three in Ihiala, Anambra.
- February 19: One police officer, six suspected IPOB members killed during attack on police facility in Oyi, Anambra.
- February 19: Bandits abduct two in Giwa, Kaduna.
- February 19: Military kills “several” (est. at 10) Boko Haram/Islamic State in West Africa (ISWA) militants in Damboa, Borno.
- February 20: Military kills “several” (est. at 10) Boko Haram/ISWA militants in Kukawa, four police officers and three IPOB/Eastern Security Network militants during clash in Idemili North, Anambra.
- February 22: Electoral violence results in seven deaths in Enugu South, Enugu.
- February 22: Troops kill five bandits in Birnin-Gwari, Kaduna.
- February 22: Electoral violence results in death of police officer in Orlu, Imo.
- February 23: Electoral violence results in four deaths in Kano.
- February 24: Anti-smuggling unit kills two police officers in Gusau, Zamfara.
- February 24: Gunmen kill one civilian, one police officer in Oshimili North, Delta.
- February 25: Soldier kills one person for disrupting voting in Dekina, Kogi.
- February 25: Electoral violence results in three deaths in Emuoha, Rivers.
- February 25: Boko Haram attacks voters in Gwoza, Borno; no casualties.
- February 25: Electoral violence results in two women being shot in Sagbama, Bayelsa.
- February 25: Electoral violence results in two deaths in Etim-Ekpo, Akwa Ibom.
- February 25: Electoral violence results in death in Gombe, Gombe.
- February 25: Electoral violence results in death in Agege, Lagos.
- February 25: Multiple incidences of electoral violence with no casualties in Safana, Katsina; Oshimili North, Delta; Gwagwala, Bwari, and Kuje, Federal Capital Territory (FCT); Owerri, Imo; Eti-Osa and Ejigbo, Lagos; and Ibadan, Oyo.
- February 25: National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) kills hoodlum during clash in Jalingo, Taraba.
- February 26: Herders kill 13 in Guma, Benue.
- February 26: Electoral violence results in two deaths in Tundun Wada Local Government Area (LGA), one death in Takai LGA in Kano.
- February 26: Election-related shootings but no casualties in Nnewi North, Anambra.
- February 26: Security agent kills politician in Idanre, Ondo.
- February 26: INEC official killed in Ukwuani, Delta.
- February 27: Gunmen kill traditional ruler in Ezza North, Ebonyi.
- February 27: Gunmen attack police station in Ohafia, Abia; no casualties.
- February 28: Herders kill seven in Gwer West, Benue.
- February 28: Bandits kill one in Munya, Niger State.
- March 1: Bandits kill one, abduct 23 others in Kagarko, Kaduna.
- March 1: Islamic State in West Africa (ISWA) kills 200 Boko Haram militants in Guzamala, Borno.
- March 3: Kidnappers abduct three in Ibi, Taraba.
- March 3: Troops kill bandit in Chikun, Kaduna.
- March 3: Police kill two kidnappers in Ningi, Bauchi.
- March 3: Herdsmen kill 36 in Kwande, Benue.
- March 4: Gunmen kill police officer in Ogbaru, Anambra.
- March 5: Bandits kill two police officers, one other in Maru, Zamfara.
- March 5: Gunmen kill three in Riyom, Plateau.
- March 5: Gunmen kill traditional leader in Rimin Gado, Kano.
- March 5: Soldier kills three police officers, himself in Rabah, Sokoto.
- March 5: Suspected herdsmen kill three in Owan West, Edo.
- March 5: Nigerian Air Force (NAF) airstrikes kill three civilians in Giwa, Kaduna.
- March 6: Police kill kidnapper in Isoko North, Delta.
- March 7: Bandits kill six, abduct 50 others in Rafi, Niger State.
- March 7: Unidentified airstrikes kill “several” (est. at 10) in Wushishi, Niger State.
- March 7: Bandits kill six vigilantes in Birnin-Gwari, Kaduna.
- March 7: Police kill three gunmen in Ivo, Ebonyi.
- March 7: Herdsmen kill eight in Gwer West, Benue.
- March 8: Bandits abduct three in Bosso, Niger.
- March 8: Boko Haram kills 35 fishermen in Ngala Local Government Area (LGA), one police officer in Magumeri LGA in Borno.
- March 8: Electoral violence leads to death in Alkaleri, Bauchi.
- March 8: Islamic State in West Africa (ISWA) kills 100 Boko Haram militants in Dikwa, Borno.
- March 8: Herdsmen kill “some” (est. at five) in Kwande, Benue.
- March 8: Herdsmen kill seven in Guma, Benue.
- March 9: Boko Haram abducts seven in Magumeri, Borno.
- March 10: Bandits kill one, abduct four others in Lere, Kaduna.
- March 10: Kidnappers abduct 15 in Bwari, Federal Capital Territory
- March 11: Gunmen kill councilor in Ohaozara, Ebonyi.
- March 11: Bandits kill 22 in Kankara, Katsina.
- March 11: Bandits kill 17 in Zangon Kataf, Kaduna.
- March 13: Herdsmen kill one in Yenegoa, Bayelsa.
- March 13: Communal violence leads to three deaths in Obi, Benue.
- March 13: Police kill bandit in Giwa, Kaduna.
- March 14: Bandits kill one, abduct 40 in Paikoro Local Government Area (LGA), kill three, abduct 20 in Munya LGA in Niger State.
- March 14: Bandits kill 10 in Zangon Kataf, Kaduna.
- March 14: Herdsmen kill three in Patani, Delta.
- March 15: Troops kill “several” (est. at 10) bandits in Shinkafi, Zamfara.
- March 15: Bandits kill four soldiers, six others in Munya, Niger State.
- March 15: Gunmen kill traditional chief in Ilesha, Osun.
- March 15: Department of State Service (DSS) official kill civilian in Idemili North, Anambra.
- March 15: Military airstrikes kill 70 Islamic State in West Africa (ISWA) militants in Marte, Borno.
- March 16: Security operatives kill five Shi’ites in Igabi, Kaduna.
- March 16: Electoral violence leads to three deaths in Ibadan South-East, Oyo.
- March 16: Kidnappers abduct four in Biase, Cross River.
- March 17: Military airstrikes kill 28 bandits in Munya, Niger State.
- March 18: Kidnappers abduct 19 INEC officials in Ideato South, Imo.
- March 18: Electoral violence leads to deaths in Awe, Nassarawa; Ezza North, Ebonyi; Bakassi Local Government Area (LGA); Ogoja LGA, Cross River; Ahoada West LGA; Emuoha LGA, Khana LGA, Rivers; Chanchaga, Niger State; Gboko, Niger State; Ila, Osun; Batsari, Katsina; Ethiope West, Delta; Gudu, Sokoto; and Oshodi/Isolo, Lagos.
- March 18: Troops kill 60 Boko Haram/Islamic State in West Africa (ISWA) militants trying to disrupt election in Mafa, Borno.
- March 18: Bandits kill 51 vigilante members in Maru, Zamfara.
- March 19: Gunmen abduct six INEC officials in Lokoja, Kogi.
- March 20: Soldiers kill two police officers in Jalingo, Taraba.
- March 20: Gunmen abduct INEC official while post-election violence results in two deaths in Gusau, Zamfara.
- March 20: Herders kill one in Yenegoa, Bayelsa.
- March 20: Post-election violence results in death in Bauchi, Bauchi.
- March 23: Herders kill four in Agatu LGA and one in Oturkpo LGA, Benue.
- March 23: Herders abduct two in Ovia North-West, Edo.
- March 23: Bandits kill one, abduct three others in Kajuru, Kaduna.
- March 24: Soldier kills three civilians in Borgu, Niger State.
- March 25: Five robbers killed in Onitsha, Anambra.
- March 25: Kidnappers abduct 13 in Ajaokuta, Kogi.
- March 25: Troops kill “some” (est. at 10) Boko Haram militants in Bama, Borno.
- March 25: Herdsmen kill one in Guma, Benue.
- March 26: Gunmen kill two police officers in Enugu.
- March 26: Kidnappers kill one, abduct one other in Jos North, Plateau.
- March 26: Cult clashes result in six deaths in Ahoada West, Rivers.
- March 27: Bandits kill five abductees in Munya, Niger State.
- March 27: Troops kill 10 Boko Haram militants in Biu, Borno.
- March 27: Gunmen kill three Civil Defense Officers in Ngor-Okpala, Imo.
- March 27: Herders kill three, abduct “others” (est. at five) in Owan West, Edo.
- March 27: Troops kill “scores” (est. at 40) of bandits in Munya, Niger State.
- March 28: Bandits kill three, abduct 16 others in Kagarko, Kaduna.
- March 28: Police kill bandit in Danmusa, Katsina.
- March 30: Troops kill five bandits in Chikun, Kaduna.
- March 30: Communal violence leads to three deaths in Oturkpo, Benue.
- March 31: Bandits kill 15 in Ardo-Kola, Taraba.
- March 31: Police kill five suspected IPOB members in Aba, Abia.
- March 31: Bandits kill five in Funtua, Katsina.
- April 1: Troops kill 11 bandits in Birnin-Gwari, Kaduna.
- April 2: Herders kill one, abduct four others in a church in Logo, Benue.
- April 2: Bandits abduct two students in Bungudu, Zamfara.
- April 2: Bandits kill two, kidnap two police officers, 32 others in Mashegu, Niger State.
- April 2: Gunmen kill 10 in Dekina, Kogi.
- April 3: Boko Haram kills three in Hong, Adamawa.
- April 3: Herders kill three in Apa, Benue.
- April 3: Bandits abduct 10 in Kachia, Kaduna.
- April 3: Herders kill three in Oturkpo, Benue.
- April 4: Gunmen kill four in Zangon Kataf, Kaduna.
- April 4: Troops kill 18 Boko Haram militants in Bama, Borno.
- April 5: Gunmen kill five in Alimosho, Lagos.
- April 5: Herders kill police officer, 50 others in Oturkpo, Benue.
- April 5: Kidnappers abduct traditional ruler in Pankshin, Plateau.
- April 5: Herders kill one, abduct eight others in Ndokwa West, Delta.
- April 6: Three police officers, one gunman killed during clash in Egor, Edo.
- April 6: Communal violence leads to eight deaths in Ussa, Taraba.
- April 7: Bandits abduct 100 in Tsafe, Zamfara.
- April 7: Herders kill 43 internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Guma, Benue.
- April 7: Communal violence leads to “several” (est. at 10) deaths in Gwadabawa, Sokoto.
- April 8: Gunmen kill one, abduct one other in Gwagwalada, Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
- April 8: Kidnappers kill police inspector in Aboh-Mbaise, Imo.
- April 8: Soldiers kill two bandits in Maru, Zamfara.
- April 8: Soldiers kill bandit in Kankara, Katsina.
- April 9: Police kill two bandits in Tsafe, Zamfara.
- April 10: Kidnappers kill one, abduct one other in Rogo, Kano.
- April 10: Kidnappers kill one, abduct two others in Kabba/Bunu, Kogi.
- April 11: Troops kill two bandits in Kaduna, Kaduna.
- April 11: Herders abduct one in Ila, Osun.
- April 12: Cultists kill three, abduct two others in Ahoada West, Rivers.
- April 12: Bandits kill eight in Zangon Kataf, Kaduna.
- April 12: Bandits kill nine while airstrikes kill “several” (est. at 10) of the bandits in Birnin-Gwari, Kaduna.
- April 12: Troops kill 15 bandits in Birnin-Magaji, Zamfara.
- April 13: Boko Haram kills 11 in Gujba, Yobe.
- April 13: Kidnappers abduct three in Akure, Ondo.
- April 14: Police kill two bandits in Kurfi, Katsina.
- April 14: Police kill three kidnappers in Lafia, Nassarawa.
- April 14: Police kill protesting Shi’ite member in Abuja, FCT.
- April 15: Bandits kill 13 in Zangon Kataf, Kaduna.
- April 15: Kidnappers abduct eight in Ogbadibo, Benue.
- April 15: Electoral violence leads to six deaths in Wudil, Kano.
- April 15: Police kill ballot box snatcher in Fakai, Kebbi.
- April 15: Communal violence leads to death in Bogoro, Bauchi.
- April 16: Bandits kill “many” (est. at 20) in Mangu, Plateau.
- April 16: Bandits kill one, abduct “several” (est. at 10) in Birnin-Gwari, Kaduna.
- April 16: 50 bandits, 16 vigilantes and civilians killed during clash in Mashegu, Niger State.
- April 16: Bandits kill 12 in Birnin-Magaji, Zamfara.
- April 17: Bandits kill three in Birnin-Magaji, Zamfara.
- April 17: Kidnappers kill one, abduct six others in Kuje, Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
- April 17: Troops kill bandit in Anka, Zamfara.
- April 17: Security operatives kill two civilians in Owerri, Imo.
- April 17: Kidnappers abduct one, kill two others in Obio/Akpor, Rivers.
- April 18: Clash results in two deaths in Port Harcourt, Rivers.
- April 19: Kidnappers abduct 13 in Kuje, FCT.
- April 19: Bandits kill three in Takum, Taraba.
- April 19: Bandits abduct five in Okpokwu, Benue.
- April 20: Herdsmen kill 12 in Kokona, Nassarawa.
- April 21: Gunmen kill five police officers, two civilians in Ngor-Okapala, Imo.
- April 21: Cult clash results in two deaths in Port Harcourt, Rivers.
- April 29: Kidnappers abduct two Catholic priests in Ughelli North, Delta.
- April 29: Bandits abduct “several” (est. at 10) in Paikoro, Niger State.
- April 29: Bandits kill soldier, abduct another in Doma, Nassarawa.
- April 29: Troops kill an “unspecified number” (est. at 20) of Boko Haram militants in Bama, Borno.
- April 30: Herders kill two in Guma, Benue.
- April 30: Troops kill three bandits in Anka, Zamfara.
- April 30: Bandits kill 40 in Zuru, Kebbi.
- April 30: Bandits kill three, abduct “others” (est. at five) in Shinkafi, Zamfara.
- April 30: Kidnappers kill one, abduct eight others in Kotonkarfe, Kogi.
- April 30: Two herders killed in Bassa, Plateau.
- May 1: Bandits kill two, abduct four others in Zaria, Kaduna.
- May 1: Kidnappers abduct three, kill one other in Akwanga, Nassarawa.
- May 2: Kidnappers abduct 12 in Owan East, Edo.
- May 2: Gunmen kill police officer in Aba, Abia.
- May 2: Herders kill three in Boripe, Osun.
- May 3: Gunmen kill youth leader in Ahoada East, Rivers.
- May 4: Gunmen kill three police officers in Orumba South, Anambra.
- May 4: Soldiers kill 23 bandits while one soldier killed during clash in Shiroro, Niger State.
- May 6: Troops kill two Islamic State in West Africa (ISWA) Commanders, “several” other ISWA militants (est. at 12) in Konduga, Borno.
- May 7: Gunmen kill police officer, kidnap Taraba Local Government Area Chairman in Takum, Taraba.
- May 7: Bandits abduct 40 from church in Chikun, Kaduna.
- May 7: Bandits abduct 13, kill one other in Kagarko, Kaduna.
- May 7: Security operatives kill four kidnappers in Idemili North, Anambra.
- May 7: Communal violence leads to death in Mokwa, Niger.
- May 8: Herders kill three in Guma, Benue.
- May 8: Cult clashes result in 16 deaths in Uyo, Akwa Ibom.
- May 9: Cult clash results in three deaths in Owo, Ondo.
- May 9: Herders kill six in Guma, Benue.
- May 10: Security forces kill seven gunmen in Nnewi South, Anambra.
- May 10: Gunmen kill two in Mangu, Plateau.
- May 10: ISWA kills three Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Damboa, Borno.
- May 11: Troops kill 11 ISWAP militants in Abadam, Borno.
- May 11: Kidnappers abduct All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain in Ehime-Mbano, Imo.
- May 12: Bandits abduct 50 in Rijau, Niger State.
- May 12: Communal violence leads to 13 deaths in Karim-Lamido, Taraba.
- May 12: Communal violence leads to four deaths in Ikot-Ekpene, Akwa Ibom.
- May 13: Communal violence leads to six deaths in Gwer West Local Government Area (LGA), three deaths in Apa LGA in Benue.
- May 14: ISWAP Improvised Explosive Device (IED) kills three soldiers in Abadam, Borno.
- May 14: Bandits kill 18 in Maru, Zamfara.
- May 14: Kidnappers abduct 15 in Kuje, Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
- May 15: Kidnappers abduct “several” (est. at 10) in Ikere, Ekiti.
- May 16: Bandits kill 87 in Mangu, Plateau.
- May 16: Gunmen kill two police officers, five others while also kidnapping two during attack on U.S. convoy in Ogbaru, Anambra.
- May 16: Kidnappers kill one, abduct three others in Isin, Kwara.
- May 16: Kidnappers abduct “some” (est. at five) National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members in Emuoha, Rivers.
- May 16: Gunmen kill four in Toto, Nassarawa.
- May 17: Kidnappers kill two, abduct six others in Kwali, FCT.
- May 17: Troops kill “several” (est. at 10) bandits in Shinkafi, Zamfara.
- May 18: Gunmen kill five in Orumba North, Anambra.
- May 18: Kidnappers abduct two in Ika South, Delta.
- May 19: Police kill two kidnappers in Etche, Delta.
- May 20: Kidnappers abduct priest in Okigwe, Imo.
- May 20: Gunmen kill two police officers in Ughelli North, Delta.
- May 20: Gunmen kill two police officers in Ngor-Okpala, Imo.
- May 20: Herders kill one in Oguta, Imo.
- May 20: Bandits kill nine, abduct three others in Birnin-Gwari, Kaduna.
- May 20: Herders kill six in Apa, Benue.
- May 20: Bandits kill two in Kachia, Kaduna.
- May 21: Communal violence leads to six deaths in Takum, Taraba.
- May 21: Herders kill one in Riyom, Plateau.
- May 21: Herders kill 18 in Guma, Benue.
- May 21: Communal violence leads to four deaths in Mangu, Plateau.
- May 22: Gunmen kill police officer in Abakaliki, Ebonyi.
- May 22: Bandits abduct two in Kachia, Kaduna.
- May 24: Three police officers, two gunmen killed during attack on police station in Onicha, Ebonyi.
- May 24: Communal violence leads to three deaths in Mangu, Plateau.
- May 24: Kidnappers abduct two pastors in Yola, Adamawa.
- May 25: Gunmen kill two traditional leaders in Oguta, Imo.
- May 26: Kidnappers abduct priest in Mbaitoli, Imo.
- May 26: Bandits kill 22 in Maradun, Zamfara.
- May 26: Unknown attackers kill six in Kano, Kano.
- May 27: Kidnappers abduct four children in Njaba, Imo.
- May 27: ISWAP kills two soldiers while troops kill 39 militants in Abadam, Borno.
- May 28: Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) kills three Boko Haram militants in Abadam, Borno.
- May 29: Police kill two bandits in Bindawa, Katsina.
- May 29: Gunmen kill three in Emuoha, Rivers.
- May 29: Herders kill six in Apa, Benue.
- May 30: Bandits kill 25 in Maru, Zamfara.
- May 30: Kidnappers abduct an estimated 10 people in Birnin-Gwari, Kaduna.
- May 30: Bandits kill one, abduct five others in Kagarko, Kaduna.
- May 30: Cultists kill five in Ahoada West, Rivers.
- May 30: Troops kill “scores” of bandits (est. at 20) in Anka and Shinkafi Local Government Areas (LGAs) in Zamfara.
- May 31: Police kill two kidnappers in Udu, Delta.
- May 31: Kidnappers kill three, abduct two others in Obafemi-Owode, Ogun.
- June 1: Troops kill three bandits in Chikun, Kaduna.
- June 2: Police kill four cultists in Emuoha, Rivers.
- June 3: Bandits kill 40 in Katsina-Ala, Benue.
- June 3: Bandits kill 18 in Gwadabawa Local Government Area (LGA), 37 in Tangazara LGA in Sokoto.
- June 3: Bandits kill 31, abduct 30 others in Maradun, Zamfara.
- June 3: Kidnappers abduct four in Bwari, Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
- June 4: Police kill three cultists in Ahoada East, Rivers.
- June 4: Troops kill 11 ISWAP militants in Chibok, Borno.
- June 5: Kidnappers abduct three in Ajaokuta, Kogi.
- June 5: Bandits kill two, abduct 30 others in Birnin-Gwari, Kaduna.
THREE ATTACKS TO REMEMBER
Some of the most notorious incidents from 2022 include the terror attack on the Abuja-Kaduna train in March that led to several deaths and the abduction of over 60 passengers; the massacre of congregants at St Francis Catholic Church in Ondo in June; and the raid of the medium-security custodial facility in Kuje, Abuja, in July that led to hundreds of inmates breaking out.
[Vanguard]