society

Northern scholars declare support for Tinubu’s renewed war against banditry

Published

4 months ago

September 9, 2024

Southern Nigerians Warn Against Protests Targeting President Tinubu's Administration

***warn saboteurs and collaborators against plans to distract Matawalle, armed forces

The Concerned Scholars for Peace and Development (CSPD) has thrown its weight behind President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s efforts to tackle banditry in the country.

In a statement signed by its President, Dr. Zaharadeen Mohammed Kabir, the group warned saboteurs and collaborators not to distract the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, and the Armed Forces.

The group specifically disowned a Sokoto State-based Islamic cleric, Mallam Bello Asada, for accusing the Federal Government of sponsoring bandit leaders, describing the claim as false and politically motivated.

Kabir alleged that Asada is a member of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and has ignored revelations of Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal’s payment of N1.378 billion to terrorists and bandits.

The Islamic scholars also called for Asada to be held accountable for his defamatory video, urging Matawalle and troops to remain focused on winning the war against banditry.

“The Concerned National Islamic Scholars for Peace and National Development condemn in the strongest terms the attempts by unscrupulous persons to trivialise the security challenge in the northwest of the country by politicising the issue and urge President Bola Ahmed Tinubu not to allow his administration to be distracted in flushing out criminal elements from the country,” Kabir said.

“This condemnation became necessary in the wake of the misleading video published by a Sokoto State-based Islamic cleric, Mallam Bello Asada, who falsely accused the Federal Government of sponsoring bandit leaders. The video has, unfortunately, been promoted by counter-insurgency expert, Makama Zagazola.

“We have since reviewed the facts and found that Mallam Bello Asada is a card-carrying member of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), who has conveniently ignored the recent revelations that his paymaster, Zamfara State’s Governor Dauda Lawal paid the sum of One Billion, Three Hundred and Seventy-Eight Million Naira (N1,378, 000,000) to terrorists’ and bandits’ leaders.

“We wonder how Asada became amnesiac to how Governor Lawal paid two hundred million naira each to Kachalla Dogo Gide, Kachalla Bello Turji, and Ado Alero while one hundred and fifty million naira was paid each to Kachalla Halilu Sububu and Gwaska Dan Karami. A responsible Islamic scholar, who has no connection to the bandits would have demanded answers from Governor Dauda Lawal. Asada has no moral right to continue to hide under the cover of being an Islamic scholar.

“It is important to note the political context of these false accusations, especially given the high stakes involved in regional and national politics. The timing and source of the allegations suggest an attempt to distract the Federal Government’s counter-terrorism efforts.

“We reliably learnt that Asada was put up to publishing the video to distract public attention from the leaked document that proved that Governor Lawal paid money to subversive elements that are responsible for the insecurity, killings and kidnappings plaguing the northwest and other parts of Nigeria.

“Asada, who once made a video praying for the death of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for defeating his party’s, Atiku Abubakar at the 2023 General Election, was an automatic choice to produce the pro-terrorist propaganda material that has further undermined security in the region.

“This explains why this character, who had gone into oblivion, is suddenly out to distract the President and the Minister of State for Defence simply because the heat has turned on the bandits especially Turji Bello who has been reported to have been corralled by our Armed Forces and will soon be smoked out.

“We have thus concluded that while Asada’s allegations appear serious, his inability to provide concrete evidence to support his outlandish claims and accusations makes them defamatory.

“We urge the Federal Government to leverage extant legislation to hold Asada accountable for his defamatory video. For instance, several credible Northern groups have condemned similar accusations, describing them as unfounded and politically motivated.”

The group called on the Federal Government to be wary of individuals who come out to discredit, distract, and blackmail state actors when the state takes the war to the bandits.

“It’s obvious that some are Islamic clerics during the day and bandits at night,” Kabir said. He added, “The witch cried at night, and the child died in the morning. We don’t have to look for who, of course, killed the baby.”

Kabir called on the FG to investigate people like Asada, who seem to be in pain over the decisive actions of the government against the bandits.

“It’s obvious that Asada has more to tell the security agencies about the banditry because he is disturbed by the bounty placed on the bandits’ leader and fears he will soon be exposed.”

The CSPD urged the President not to succumb to distraction but to go all out for the bandits until they all surrender and give up their evil ways.

“More of these characters will come out in the next few weeks as the fight gets hotter to smoke out the bandits from the northwest. Mr. President must remain resolute and committed to the charge given to the Armed Forces.”

society

Christmas Tragedy: Nigerian Air Force Airstrike Kills Civilians in Sokoto State

Published

1 hour ago

December 26, 2024

Sahara Weekly

Christmas Tragedy: Nigerian Air Force Airstrike Kills Civilians in Sokoto State

An airstrike by the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) intended to target Lakurawa terrorists in Sokoto State tragically hit two communities in Silame Local Government Area on Christmas morning, leaving several residents dead and many others injured.

The incident occurred around 7 a.m. in Gidan Sama and Rumtuwa, villages near the Surame Forest—a known hideout for the Lakurawa sect and bandits. Eyewitnesses reported that at least 10 villagers lost their lives, while numerous others sustained injuries, disrupting the holiday celebrations.

Malam Yahya, a resident of Silame, described the chaos caused by the attack. “The bombs fell suddenly while people were sitting peacefully. Many were killed or wounded in the strike meant for the terrorists,” he said.

Local government officials have expressed deep concern. The Chairman of Silame Local Government Area, Abubakar Daftarana, confirmed the incident, calling it devastating. “It is heartbreaking. These were innocent, peace-loving people with no ties to crime,” he said, adding that efforts are ongoing to determine the exact number of casualties.

While the Sokoto State Police Command declined to comment, the Nigerian Air Force pledged to investigate the civilian casualties. NAF spokesperson, Air Vice Marshal Olusola Akinboyewa, explained that the operation was based on credible intelligence and surveillance.

“We are committed to a thorough investigation into reports of civilian casualties and will provide updates once the facts are established,” Akinboyewa said.

Meanwhile, a separate attack in Borno State saw terrorists deploy armed drones against a military base, leaving five soldiers injured.

The Joint Task Force North West Operation Fansan Yamma defended its operations, emphasizing the rigorous intelligence process that underpins airstrikes. In a statement, Lieutenant Colonel Abubakar Abdullah said, “The targets struck near Gidan Sama and Rumtuwa were confirmed as connected to the Lakurawa group. While civilian harm is deeply regrettable, operations are meticulously planned to avoid such outcomes.”

He urged the public to be cautious of misinformation, warning that terrorist groups might exploit incidents like this to undermine military efforts.

As investigations continue, calls for enhanced precision in counterterrorism operations grow louder, especially in areas where civilian populations are at risk.

society

INTERPOL Declares 14 Nigerians Wanted for Global Crimes: Human Trafficking, Drug Smuggling, Robbery, and More”

Published

1 day ago

December 25, 2024

Sahara Weekly

INTERPOL Declares 14 Nigerians Wanted for Global Crimes: Human Trafficking, Drug Smuggling, Robbery, and More”

In a shocking international development, the International Criminal Police Organization (INTERPOL) has issued Red Notices for 14 Nigerians linked to serious crimes across multiple countries. The wanted individuals face charges ranging from human trafficking to drug smuggling and organized crime, with their alleged actions sending ripples across the global criminal justice community.

INTERPOL’s website revealed the names of 14 Nigerians sought by law enforcement agencies from countries around the world. The charges include disturbing crimes such as the exploitation of minors for prostitution, drug trafficking, robbery, sexual assault, and even criminal conspiracy.

Among the most prominent figures is Felix Omoregie, who stands accused of leading a criminal network in Belgium that exploited minors for prostitution. The Belgian authorities have issued an arrest warrant for Omoregie on charges of human trafficking, sexual exploitation, and organized crime. His age is listed as 47 years old, and he remains a key target for international law enforcement.

Jessica Edosomwan, another wanted individual, is under investigation by French authorities for her involvement in human trafficking. According to the INTERPOL notice, Edosomwan is implicated in trafficking multiple victims for sexual exploitation and laundering the proceeds of her crimes through organized gangs.

Other Nigerians are implicated in a wide range of illicit activities across the globe. Uche Egbue and Jude Uzoma are wanted by Argentina and Brazil, respectively, for their alleged roles in large-scale drug trafficking operations. Chinedu Ezeunara faces similar charges in Uruguay, while Benedict Okoro is being sought by Nicaragua for involvement in organized crime.

In Angola, Ikechukwu Obidiozor, Alachi Stanley, and Akachi Vitus are wanted for a chilling series of crimes, including kidnapping, robbery, and the illegal possession of firearms. Meanwhile, Bouhari Salif is wanted by China for drug smuggling, and Timloh Nkem is being sought by Canada for sexual assault and failure to comply with legal requirements.

As the web of international crime continues to unfold, Austine Costa and Okromi Festus are under investigation by Indian authorities for serious charges, including criminal conspiracy, forgery, and cheating.

These startling revelations have sent shockwaves throughout the global law enforcement community, with INTERPOL urging the public to remain vigilant. While the Red Notices serve as a warning to those who may have information on the whereabouts of these criminals, questions have been raised about the level of coordination required to apprehend such dangerous individuals.

Could this be the tip of the iceberg for a larger network of international crime syndicates operating with impunity across borders? As law enforcement agencies work tirelessly to track down these fugitives, one thing is clear: the fight against global crime is far from over.

INTERPOL emphasized that the Red Notices are not international arrest warrants, but rather calls to law enforcement agencies worldwide to assist in the identification, arrest, and extradition of these criminals. Public cooperation is now more critical than ever. Anyone with information is urged to contact local authorities and help bring these criminals to justice.

society

10-Year-Old Boy Brutally Murdered by Kidnappers in Plateau State

Published

1 day ago

December 25, 2024

Sahara Weekly

10-Year-Old Boy Brutally Murdered by Kidnappers in Plateau State After Partial Ransom Payment

The Rikkos community in Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State was thrown into mourning after the tragic murder of 10-year-old Tasi’u Abdullahi by his kidnappers, despite a partial ransom payment made by his family.

Tasi’u was abducted on Monday, December 16, near his family’s residence. According to his uncle, Aliyu Muhammad, the boy was lured away by unidentified individuals in front of their home. Days later, the abductors contacted the family, demanding N50,000 for the child’s feeding and a ransom of N1 million for his release.

Following rounds of negotiations, the family managed to convince the kidnappers to accept N300,000. An initial payment of N150,000 was transferred to the abductors as instructed. However, the tragic turn of events left the family and the community in shock and grief.

Despite the family’s efforts to secure the boy’s freedom, his lifeless body was discovered in a sack near their home on Friday. A woman reportedly called the family the day after the ransom payment to inform them of the boy’s death.

“Upon examining the body of the deceased, we observed that our son had been strangled, with blood coming out of his nose and mouth,” Mr. Muhammad revealed during an emotional briefing with newsmen on Tuesday.

Local authorities confirmed the arrest of two suspects in connection with the gruesome crime. The suspects are currently in custody as the investigation continues. Security agencies have vowed to bring all those involved in the heinous act to justice.

The incident has sparked outrage and grief within the Rikkos community and beyond. Residents are calling on the government and law enforcement agencies to intensify efforts to curb the growing menace of kidnappings and ensure the safety of children in the region.

Tasi’u’s family is demanding justice for their son, urging authorities to make an example of the culprits to deter future occurrences. “We need justice for our son. He was innocent and did not deserve such a cruel end,” Mr. Muhammad said, his voice heavy with emotion.

The tragic death of Tasi’u Abdullahi underscores the alarming insecurity in parts of Nigeria, where kidnappings and violent crimes continue to plague communities. As investigations unfold, the Rikkos community hopes for swift action to bring the perpetrators to justice and restore peace to the area.