…Accuses state government of aiding illegal mining, calls for non-partisan interim leadership

A human rights coalition, Northern Citizens Alliance for Justice (NCAJ), has called on President Bola Tinubu to immediately declare a state of emergency in Zamfara, citing the total breakdown of governance, worsening insecurity, and the alleged complicity of the state government in criminal mining operations.

In a statement released in Kaduna on Friday, the group’s president, Mallam Kabiru Sani Bako, said no serious intervention can take place in the state unless power is taken out of the hands of political actors currently benefiting from the crisis.

“What we are witnessing in Zamfara State is not governance. What we are witnessing is organised abandonment of duty by those elected to serve,” Bako said.

“The state has no functional House of Assembly, no political will to stop the violence, and a growing body of allegations tying officials to illegal mining. This is no longer politics — this is betrayal of the people.”

The group described the security situation in Zamfara as “a slow-burning war that the country is ignoring at its own peril.”

Bako said residents in many parts of the state now pay levies to bandits to farm or travel, while state actors continue to play politics.

“In towns like Zurmi, Shinkafi, Anka and Bukkuyum, people are no longer safe to attend school, visit markets or sleep with both eyes closed. Women are being abducted, children recruited, and entire communities taxed by non-state actors. And what is the government doing? Trading blame and watching,” he said.

The group noted that the lack of a properly constituted state assembly further reinforces the collapse of democracy.

“As we speak, Zamfara has no legally recognised House of Assembly. 10 lawmakers were suspended for speaking out against the security situation in the state. This means the state is being run without the checks and balances that a democracy demands. It is a dictatorship of silence — and the victims are poor citizens who deserve better,” Bako added.

The group also accused the state government of shielding illegal miners, saying credible evidence suggests that proceeds from unregulated mining operations are funding arms purchases by criminal gangs.

“The same hands that should be protecting Zamfara are profiting from its destruction,” Bako said.

“The time has come for President Tinubu to step in — not with rhetoric, but with constitutional force. We are calling for the declaration of a state of emergency and the appointment of a non-partisan administrator to take over the reins and rebuild institutions.

“If this is not done now, we risk allowing Zamfara to become a permanent haven for terror cells. The country cannot afford to look away. Lives are being lost daily. And governance has already left the room.”

The Northern Citizens Alliance for Justice said it will send a detailed dossier to the National Assembly and the National Security Adviser in the coming days to support its demand.

Nine Arrested in Deadly Aagba Arson Linked to Land Dispute

The Oyo State Police Command has arrested nine suspects in connection with the April 5 arson attack on the Aagba community in Surulere Local Government Area, which led to the death of a 70-year-old woman, Rachael Bamidele, and left nine houses destroyed.

According to a statement from the police spokesperson, Adewale Osifeso, the fire and subsequent looting were part of a targeted attack related to a long-standing land dispute between Aagba and a neighboring community. Preliminary investigations suggest that the arson was systematically executed, aiming at individuals involved in an ongoing civil case over the disputed land.

Among those arrested is Salawudeen Ismaila, 33, a native of the neighboring Oko community, alongside eight other suspects. The police also recovered three unregistered Boxer motorcycles during their investigation. Efforts are ongoing to apprehend additional suspects who remain at large.

The statement further assured that calm has been restored to the village, with residents returning to their homes, and authorities emphasized that the situation would be closely monitored. The police cautioned against any form of vigilantism or unlawful actions, reaffirming their commitment to upholding law and order.

Oyo State Commissioner of Police, Johnson Adenola, dispatched specialized units to ensure public safety and prevent further disturbances. He also reiterated the command’s firm stance against any acts of brigandage, urging residents to rely on the legal system for conflict resolution.

The arrested suspects are expected to appear in court soon.

“No Light, No Peace!” — Okpanam Youths Storm Delta Government House Over Blackout, Rising Crime

Tension boiled over in Asaba on Thursday as angry youths from Okpanam in Oshimili North LGA stormed the Delta State Government House, barricading the entrance in protest over an alleged deliberate blackout imposed by the Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC) and escalating insecurity in the area.

The protesters, chanting solidarity songs and wielding placards that read “Enough is Enough,” “We Say No to BEDC,” and “Stop the Exploitation,” marched through major roads in the state capital before converging on the seat of power.

Darkness Breeds Danger

In a letter addressed to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, the President-General of the Okpanam Youth Organization, Mr Lucky Okolo, described the situation as “economic sabotage and a threat to public safety.”

“For several years, Okpanam has been plunged into darkness with no reliable power supply,” the letter read.
“BEDC’s refusal to restore electricity while slamming us with exorbitant estimated bills shows total disregard for our lives and livelihoods.”

The youths decried how the lack of power has crippled small businesses, endangered lives, and fueled a wave of kidnappings and violent crimes under the cover of darkness.

“Our Community Has Become a Crime Zone”

The protesters blamed the power outage for the sharp increase in criminal activity, claiming that the absence of street lighting and security infrastructure has made the town a “hunting ground for criminals.”

“We are not safe in our homes, and we are not safe on the streets,” Okolo warned.
“The government must act before this situation explodes into a full-blown security crisis.”

They demanded urgent government intervention and accused BEDC of exploiting the people with estimated billing while doing nothing to resolve technical faults or improve infrastructure.

 Government Responds: Relief Coming?

Responding on behalf of the governor, Chief of Staff Mr Johnson Erijo acknowledged the gravity of the situation and assured the youths that the administration was in the final phase of passing a legislative framework to address power supply issues across the state.

“Your Governor hears you, and he shares in your pain,” Erijo said.
“Solutions are on the way, and your voices have been heard loud and clear.”