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Banditry: Victims’ Families write President Tinubu Over Turji’s Confession, Demand Former Govs Yerima, Bafarawa’s Arrest.

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Banditry: Victims’ Families write President Tinubu Over Turji’s Confession, Demand Former Govs Yerima, Bafarawa’s Arrest.

 

Bothered over persistent insecurity across the country, a coalition of families torn apart by rampant banditry in Northwest Nigeria has appealed directly to President Bola Tinubu to investigate serious allegations against two former governors.

The Coalition of Families Affected by Banditry, representing victims who have lost loved ones, homes, and livelihoods to relentless violence, has written a letter to the President in Abuja.

Exhausted by domestic inaction, they called on the President to help uncover the truth behind claims that policies under former Zamfara Governor Ahmed Sani Yerima and former Sokoto Governor Attahiru Bafarawa laid the groundwork for the region’s insecurity through the seizure of grazing reserves and arming of vigilante groups.

In the letter signed by Chairperson Otuba Rawene, Secretary Sani Usman, PRO Haj. Hadijat Abdullahi, and 20 others, the group said: ” Many of us have lost loved ones in brutal killings, seen family members abducted, or been forced to flee our homes, leaving behind livelihoods and communities destroyed by violence.

“We write to Your Excellency with a profound sense of urgency and responsibility, seeking your support in addressing grave allegations recently made public by notorious bandit leader Bello Turji.

“In a widely circulated video released in December, 2025, Turji accused former Zamfara State Governor Ahmed Sani Yerima and former Sokoto State Governor Attahiru Bafarawa of laying the foundations for the current insecurity crisis.

“Specifically, he claimed that their policies— including the seizure and sale of grazing reserves and the arming of vigilante groups that targeted Fulani communities ignited ethnic tensions and cycles of reprisal violence that evolved into today’s widespread banditry.

“While we acknowledge that Bello Turji is a wanted criminal responsible for countless atrocities, including the deaths of many of our relatives, we believe these allegations warrant serious and impartial scrutiny.

“As the proverb goes, ‘where there is smoke, there is fire.’ Having exhausted domestic avenues for justice often met with inaction or allegations being dismissed we turn to the President, a steadfast champion of human rights and accountability, as our last hope for uncovering the truth and ensuring justice prevails.

“The scale of suffering caused by banditry in Northwest Nigeria is staggering and demands international attention.

Reliable reports indicate thousands of civilian deaths, mass displacements, and profound economic devastation. For instance, between 2018 and 2020 alone, armed banditry caused at least 4,900 deaths.

“In the first half of 2025, over 2,266 people were killed by insurgents and bandits, surpassing the total for all of 2024. Recent data document thousands abducted annually, with verified ransom payments reaching billions of naira (e.g., N2.57 billion between July 2024 and June 2025).

“These attacks have displaced hundreds of thousands, disrupted agriculture and trade, deepened poverty, and inflicted lasting trauma on survivors. Communities live in constant fear, with bandits imposing illegal levies and operating with impunity.

“As victims seeking justice and an end to this cycle of violence, we implore the Nigerian government to publicly to launch a prompt, independent, and thorough investigation into Bello Turji’s allegations against the named former governors. Offer technical assistance or support international oversight to ensure the probe is credible and free from political interference.

“Advocate for broader measures to address impunity, including sanctions if evidence of complicity in serious crimes emerges. We firmly believe that accountability for those who may have contributed to this crisis regardless of their status is essential to breaking the cycle of violence and restoring peace.”

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CRG: Politicians Must Stop Witch-Hunting, Focus on Nation Building — Says NYSC Cleared Deputy Speaker Since 2023 

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CRG: Politicians Must Stop Witch-Hunting, Focus on Nation Building — Says NYSC Cleared Deputy Speaker Since 2023

By: Boye Ola 

 

The Centre for Responsible Governance (CRG) has called on political actors and interest groups to desist from what it described as needless witch-hunting of the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Okezie Kalu, following renewed controversies surrounding his National Youth Service Corps records.

 

The organisation noted that the clarification by the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) regarding the matter is not a recent development, as a formal verification letter had already been issued as far back as May 23, 2023.

 

 

The letter, referenced NYSC/CCD/VER/10/5.1/VOL1/02, had already addressed and cleared the questions surrounding the Deputy Speaker’s NYSC records.

Reacting to the renewed debate, the spokesman of the Centre,

 

Obande George, said it was troubling that issues which had already been clarified by a competent national institution were being resurrected for political purposes.

According to him, the time has come for political actors to move away from destructive engagements and concentrate on building the nation.

 

“It is important to note that the NYSC had already issued a verification letter dated May 23, 2023 addressing the matter.

Reopening issues that have already been clarified by a competent authority suggests that some individuals are more interested in political witch-hunting than in national progress,” George said.

 

The CRG stressed that democracy thrives when institutions are respected and their determinations are accepted in good faith rather than constantly questioned for political advantage.

George also commended the Deputy Speaker for demonstrating maturity and composure throughout the controversy, despite what he described as sustained provocations.

 

“Honourable Benjamin Kalu has shown remarkable calm and maturity in the face of intense public scrutiny and political provocation.

 

Instead of engaging in unnecessary public confrontation, he allowed institutions to speak through their records.”

 

The Centre warned that Nigeria’s political culture must evolve beyond constant character attacks and sensational allegations, which often distract public officials from their responsibilities.

 

According to the organisation, the country’s development requires constructive engagement among political actors rather than continuous attempts to discredit opponents.

 

“Nigeria cannot move forward if political energy is constantly spent on digging up allegations and amplifying rumours. Our leaders and political actors must redirect their focus to governance, policy and nation building.”

 

CRG therefore urged Nigerians to rely on verified information from credible institutions and avoid spreading speculative claims that could damage reputations or destabilise public discourse.

 

The organisation reiterated that respect for due process and institutional integrity remains essential for strengthening Nigeria’s democracy.

 

@The Centre for Responsible Governance, Email: [email protected], Instagram: crgngo6, Twitter: crgng06, Threads: crgngo6

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IWD 2026: Ajadi Celebrates Women, Urges Them To Seek More Elective Positions In Future Elections

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IWD 2026: Ajadi Celebrates Women, Urges Them To Seek More Elective Positions In Future Elections

 

A Leading People’s Democratic Party, (PDP) Governorship Aspirant in Oyo State, Ambassador Olufemi Ajadi Oguntoyinbo has felicitates with women in the country on the occasion of this year’s International Women’s Day.

 

The international Women’s Day is celebrated on 8 March, commemorating women’s fight for equality and liberation along with the women right’s movement. It gives focus to issues such as gender equality and reproductive rights. International Women’s Day originated from labour movements in Europe and North America during the early 20th century.

 

In a statement issued on Sunday to commemorate this year’s edition of the International Women’s Day, Ajadi said the role of the women in nation building cannot be over emphasised.

 

He recalled the role played by prominent Nigerian women like Mrs Funmilayo Ransome- Kuti, Margaret Ekpo and Wuraola Esan towards the liberalization and the growth of the country and urges women to follow their footsteps by not only participate in the political process but seek more elective positions.

 

He urges the political leaders to encourage and give more chances to women for them to contest and occupy elective positions in the country.

 

Ajadi also called for more respect for women, saying they are definitely behind whatever success recorded by the menfolk.

 

He said domestic violence against women should be stopped, saying they deserves respect for their role in moulding the future leaders.

 

According to the statement, “I celebrate and congratulate our women on this year’s occasion of International Women’s Day. We cannot underestimate the role played by our women both at home, in the social circle and in politics. They deserve more respect.

 

“I equally called on them not only to be a passive participants in politics but to determine to seek more elected positions in future elections. They should aspire more from the position of dancing and singing at campaigns to seek more elective positions. The ratio of men to women in elective positions in the country is embarrassing. Women should stand up and fight for more elective positions.

 

“I also use the occasion of this year’s Women’s Day to appeal to Nigerians to stop domestic violence against the women. If we treat our women well, our country will witness unprecedented developments”.

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International Women’s Day 2026: Adron Homes Champions Women’s Leadership and Inclusive Growth

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International Women’s Day 2026: Adron Homes Champions Women’s Leadership and Inclusive Growth

 

As the world marks International Women’s Day 2026, Adron Homes and Properties has reaffirmed its commitment to empowering women with meaningful opportunities to serve, lead, and shape the future of Nigeria’s real estate landscape.

 

Observed globally on March 8, this year’s theme, “Give To Gain,” calls for intentional investment in women through access to resources, education, mentorship, and leadership platforms. The message is clear: when women are empowered, organizations prosper, communities flourish, and nations grow stronger.

 

In line with this vision, Adron Homes highlighted its people-first culture, which promotes gender inclusion at all operational levels. From executive management and regional administration to marketing leadership, client experience, and field operations, women continue to play strategic roles in driving the company’s growth and service excellence.

 

According to the company, creating pathways for women to lead is not just a policy direction but a proven strategy that fuels innovation, strengthens decision-making, and deepens stakeholder trust.

 

Adron Homes also highlighted its internal capacity-building initiatives designed to equip female professionals with the skills and confidence needed for greater responsibility. Through structured mentorship, leadership exposure, and performance-based advancement systems, the organization continues to raise a new generation of women leaders within the property sector.

 

Delivering a message to commemorate the day, the Executive Vice Chairman, Olori Aderonke Emmanuelking, emphasized the company’s enduring commitment to inclusive progress:

 

“The theme ‘Give To Gain’ speaks to a principle we strongly believe in at Adron Homes, empowering women is an investment with lasting returns. When women are supported to lead and succeed, the impact goes beyond the workplace; it transforms families, industries, and society at large. We remain committed to building systems that help women rise and thrive.”

 

The company noted that its celebration of International Women’s Day reflects a broader mission, developing not only thriving residential communities but also a workplace culture where talent is recognized without bias and leadership opportunities are accessible to all.

 

As Adron Homes continues its expansion drive, it remains steadfast in fostering an environment where women are encouraged to contribute meaningfully, lead confidently, and grow sustainably.

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