The Most Deceitful Political Slogan Ever

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After a lengthy absence from the political scene in Nigeria,  Muhammadu Buhari returned in 2003. 

Minna: Another Body Stolen From Cemetery

Map of Niger state in Nigeria

Authorities in the Chanchaga area of Minna on Monday confirmed  that the body of a teenage boy buried at the community cemetery on Friday was exhumed by unknown persons. 

The chief Imam of Chanchaga, Mallam Abubakar Sadiq Yahya, corroborated the story speaking to the press and further stated that it is not the first time an ugly incident such as this is happening. 

The Imam suggested the cemetery be fenced to prevent future occurrences. So far, no suspect(s) have been arrested and the identity of the deceased has not been revealed. 

The theft of bodies from cemeteries is common place in southern Nigeria but has begun to gain footing in the north as well. The stolen corpses are used as tools for the practices of witchcraft. 

In recent years, crimes relating to witchcraft have frequented news headlines in Minna metropolis and other parts of Niger state. 

Minna: Ritual Killing Is Bedeviling Maitumbi

• On 13^th January, the headless body of a boy believed to be an almajiri was found in Beji, a town just outside the capital city of Minna. 
• On the morning of 14^th December 2019, a bag containing severed human parts was found at the Maitumbi round about in Minna. 
• On 14th September 2019, a video showing the culprit of a ritual killing in the Maitumbi surfaced on social media. The culprit whose name has still not been confirmed at the time of writing this report had killed and beheaded a commercial motorcyclist and buried his remains in a shallow grave inside an uncompleted building on 13^th September. 
• On 26^th August 2017, a 13 year old boy, Hasan Abubakar was abducted from his home by ritualists in Paikoro local government just outside Minna. Two suspects, 25 year old Abdulrashed Aminu and 27 year old Ismaila Mohammed were trailed, arrested and paraded on 29^th August. They were in possession of the severed head of Hasan Abubakar. 

A Police Public Relations Officer, Babalola Adewole, is quoted to have told the press on the incident: 

“Enough is enough for ritualists in the state. We will continue to apprehend them till they change to better people in the society.  We are on top of the situation and we are equal to the task. Lives of the citizens must be protected by police. Niger State is one of the most peaceful states in the country and we will resist any attempt by bad people to take over the affairs of the state. It will not happen; our men are intact, ready for any eventualities.”

Though not officially recognized, the practice of witchcraft is legal in Niger state as the sight of sorcerers and conjurers strutting their stuffs in markets and motor parks is nothing strange.

Bandits Strike On Day Of Prayers, House Member Escapes Abduction

Buhari (left) and Abu Lolo (right)

The member representing Rafi local government area, Alhaji  Abdullahi Gaba Magani, escaped a kidnap attempt on him yesterday Saturday 22^nd February in Tungan Bako of Rafi local government of Niger state. 

Though the politician escaped unhurt, an unspecified number of innocent members of the community are reported to have been abducted by the bandits. Many other residents suffered varying degrees of injuries and herds of cattle were rustled away. 

The attacks came on the same day the state government headed by Abubakar Sani Bello ordered prayers to be held in the eight emirates of the state over the growing spate of banditry in the state. 

On Tuesday 18^th February, bandits killed 3 people and sacked hundreds of others in the same local government.

Bandits Kill 3, Sack 100s in Fresh Attacks

On 25th January, the federal government ordered the deployment of military equipment, including air crafts, to fight bandits in the affected local governments of Shiroro, Paikoro, Munya, Rafi and others.

On the same day (25th January), 11 people were killed and 4 women were kidnapped when bandits attacked Rafi local government. The bandits were said to utilize helicopters.

On Friday 21^st February, bandits killed one person and abducted several others including a pregnant woman in Borgu local government of the state.

Sins and Insecurity

On 20^th February, the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sad Abubakar III, who is referred to as the leader of Nigerian Muslims, asserted that the growing insecurity in Nigeria is driven by the sins being committed in the country. Represented by Idris Musa, the emir of Jiwa, at the 5th international conference on “Love and Tolerance: Countering Violent Extremism for Peaceful Coexistence” in Abuja, the Sultan is quoted to have said, “If we cannot listen to what the Bible and Quran have taught us and we continue in our bad ways, what do we expect? It is part of the punishment we are receiving based on our sins. If we can stop committing sin and abide by God’s words, things will change.” 

Many citizens of Nigeria, Muslims and Christians alike, have dismissed the prayers as an attempt by the government and its allies in the clergy to push blame away from itself unto the masses.

Funding of Vigilante Groups and Insecurity

On 8th February 2017, the Niger state government under Abubakar Sani Bello distributed 90 motor bikes to vigilante groups in Shiroro, Rafi and Munya local government to fight insecurity in the areas. Again on 27th January 2020, the state government distributed 120 motorbikes and 12 vehicles to vigilante groups in the region.

On 16^th February, the chairman of Rafi local government, Isma'il Musa Modibbo of the APC, inaugurated two thousand five hundred (2500) local vigilantes personnel to assist in what has been called ‘community policing’. These cannot be said to have yielded any fruits.

Niger state governor, Abubakar Sani Bello, also known by the nom de guerre, Abu Lolo, was made the chairman of the North Central Governors Forum in a security summit organized by the Nigerian police Force on 23rd January.

So far in 2020, no fewer than 20 civilians and 5 security personnel have been killed by bandits in Niger state; thousands have also been forced to flee their homes to become IDPs in their own state.  Hundreds oif others have been abducted with no trace. Government officials say there are currently ten thousand IDPs in the state.

Fighting insecurity, particularly in Northern Nigeria, was a major campaign promise of Muhammadu Buhari when he pleaded to be voted for in 2015. It has become another item on the to do list of the administration that shows no sign of being achieved any time soon.

The coming of the APC governments at state and federal levels in Nigeria spearheaded by Muhammadu Buhari has brought about a reduction in Boko Haram activities but a concomitant astronomical rise in banditry, kidnapping and massacres by suspected herdsmen.

Niger: Bandits Kill 3, Sack 100s in Fresh Attacks

Buhari (left) Abu Lolo (right)

Another bandits attack on communities in Niger state has led to the  killing of three people.  

Armed men invaded Madaka town in Rafi local government area at about 10 pm on Tuesday 18^th February and conducted house to house searches killing people at will. 

A large number of residents have been fleeing towards Kagara, the administrative head of the local government. Bandits also attacked Tungan Makeri in the same local government; a number of homes were torched by the attackers. 

These attacks are coming just days after the chairman of the local government, Isma'il Musa Modibbo of the APC, inaugurated two thousand five hundred (2500) local vigilantes personnel to assist in what has been called ‘community policing’. 

Several local government areas in Niger state have been flowing with blood since 2017 when unknown gunmen began taking turns on killing sprees. The major local governments affected are Shiroro, Rafi, Paikoro and Munya.

On 8th February 2017, the Niger state government under Abubakar Sani Bello distributed 90 motor bikes to vigilante groups in Shiroro, Rafi and Munya local government to fight insecurity in the areas. Again on 27th January 2020, the state government distributed 120 motorbikes and 12 vehicles to vigilante groups in the region. These cannot be said to have yielded any fruits.

During the ceremony marking the distribution of the equipment on 27th January 2020, the governor alleged that the bandits wrecking havoc int he state have informants in government.

Bandits Have Informants In Government--Abu Lolo

On 11th February, the chairman of Shiroro local government announced that eight wards of the local government were now under the control of bandits.

Bandits Takeover 8 Wards In Niger Sate

In late January, Niger state governor, Abubakar Sani Bello, Emir of Minna, Umar Faruk Bahago, and immediate past governor, Muazu Babangida Aliyu, visited the president, Muhammadu Buhari, at the presidential palace, Aso rock, to lament the growing insecurity in the state. During the meeting, Buhari promised to offer military support to the state.

Niger state governor, Abubakar Sani Bello, also known by the nom de guerre, Abu Lolo, was made the chairman of the North Central Governors Forum in a security summit organized by the Nigerian police Force on 23rd January.

On 25th January, the federal government ordered the deployment of military equipment, including air crafts, to fight bandits in the affected local governments of Shiroro, Paikoro, Munya, Rafi and others.

On the same day 25th January, 11 people were killed and 4 women were kidnapped when bandits attacked Rafi local government. The bandits were said to utilize helicopters.

On 8th February, 5 people were killed by bandits in Shiroro local government.

Bandits Kill 5 displace 1200 In Fresh Attacks

So far in 2020, no fewer than 19 people have been killed by bandits in Niger state; thousands have also been forced to flee their homes to become IDPs in their own state.

Between June and December 2019 alone, at least 62 people were killed by bandits operating in the state while over 3, 200 others were forced to abandon their homes and become IDPs.

Fighting insecurity, particularly in Northern Nigeria, was a major campaign promise of Muhammadu Buhari when he pleaded to be voted for in 2015. It has become another item on the to do list of the administration that shows no sign of being achieved any time soon.

The coming of the APC governments at state and federal levels in Nigeria spearheaded by Muhammadu Buhari has brought about a reduction in Boko Haram activities but a concomitant astronomical rise in banditry, kidnapping and massacres by suspected herdsmen. 

Nigeria Insecurity: 55 People Killed In 4 days

President Muhammadu Buhari

As insecurity continues to fester across northern Nigeria, a new set  of casualties have been recorded. 

No fewer than 20 people were killed on Tuesday 11^th February when bandits said to have numbered over a hundred stormed Giwa local government of Kaduna state. 

Bakali village in the Fatika district was attacked at about 6:00 pm, armed men were said to have invaded the village shooting sporadically and setting property on fire. 16 members of one family are said to have been cramped in a room and set ablaze, farm produce were also set ablaze. 

The spokesman for the Kaduna State Police Command, Muhammed Jalige, confirmed the incident. 

This attack is coming just over two weeks (26^th January) after president Muhammadu Buhari ordered the Air force to carry out airstrikes against bandits in Niger state and nearby regions in Kaduna state. 

On Sunday this week (9^th February) Boko Haram attacked stranded travelers in Borno state killing 30 of them including a pregnant woman and a baby, several women and children were also said to have been abducted by the terrorists. 

Muhammadu Buhari visited Borno state today (12^th February) to commiserate with the state over the attack. The residents were however not thrilled, videos surfaced on social media showing Buhari’s convoy being booed by watchers on both sides of the road. 

The people chanted “Bamuaso…Bamuayi”, these could be translated as “We no longer want you”. In the 2019 Presidential election, Buhari got his widest victory margin in Borno State; he polled 836,496 out of 955,205 votes cast. This constituted a margin of over 85%. 

On 8^th Febraury, bandits attacked Shiroro local government in Niger state killing 5 people and forcing over 1200 out of their homes.

Arsenal of Bandits

The arsenal of the bandits operating in the country is gradually attracting attention. On 5^th February, a patrol helicopter of the Nigerian Police Force was shot down by bandits in Kaduna state. Police Public Relations Officer, Frank Mba disclosed this in a press statement said the terrorist attacked the police using sophisticated anti-aircraft rifles and General-Purpose Machine Gun (GPMG).

On 25th January, 11 people were killed and 4 women were kidnapped when bandits attacked Rafi local government. The bandits were said to utilize helicopters. 

Yesterday 11^th February, the chairman of Shiroro local government confirmed that 8 wards of the local government were now under the control of bandits.

Bandits Takeover 8 Wards In Niger Sate

Fighting insecurity, particularly in Northern Nigeria, was a major campaign promise of Muhammadu Buhari when he pleaded to be voted for in 2015. It has become another item on the to do list of the administration that has no sign of being fulfilled in the nearest future.

The coming of the APC governments at state and federal levels in Nigeria spearheaded by Muhammadu Buhari has brought about a drastic reduction in Boko Haram activities but a concomitant astronomical rise in banditry, kidnapping and massacres by suspected herdsmen.

Bandits Takeover 8 Wards In Niger Sate

Muhammadu Buhari (left) Abubakar Sani Bello (right)

Authorities in Shiroro local government area of Niger state have confirmed that a total of eight wards in the state have been taken over by bandits. 

Niger State: Bandits Kill 5 displace 1200 In Fresh Attacks

Buhari (left) and Abu Lolo (right)

As insecurity continues to fester across Northern Nigeria, Niger  state has continued to get its share. Five people have been killed in yet another attack on villages in Shiroro local government area of Niger state. 

Eyewitnesses say about 200 bandits on motorbikes and on foot attacked Gurmana village on the banks of River Kaduna today (8^th February) at about 12:00 pm. 1, 200 people are said to have been displaced by the attack forcing them to migrate to the nearby town of Mashigi waiting for help close to the river. 

There did not seem to be any military presence in the area as no security outfit has given a statement on the incident. In an interview with the press, director of the Niger state Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA), Ibrahim Inga, he said the agency was ready to deliver aid to the IDPs and relocate them to Kuta, the local government’s capital, as soon as it was safe. 

One survivor, Isma’il Gurmana, gave his account of the incident and said the bandits were still in Gurmana along with about 200 rustled cows.

About two weeks ago, Niger state governor, Abubakar Sani Bello, Emir of Minna, Umar Faruk Bahago, and immediate past governor, Muazu Babangida Aliyu, visited the president, Muhammadu Buhari, at the presidential palace, Aso rock, to lament the growing insecurity in the state. During the meeting, Buhari promised to offer military support to the state.

On 25^th January, the federal government ordered the deployment of military equipment, including aircrafts, to fight bandits in the affected local governments of Shiroro, Paikoro, Munya, Rafi and others.

On the same day 25th January, 11 people were killed and 4 women were kidnapped when bandits attacked Rafi local government. The bandits were said to utilize helicopters. 

Between June and December 2019 alone, at least 62 people were killed by bandits operating in the state while over 3, 200 others were forced to abandon their homes and become IDPs.

Niger state governor, Abubakar Sani Bello, was made the chairman of the North Central Governors Forum in a security summit organized by the Nigerian police Force on 23rd January.

The coming of the APC governments at state and federal levels in Nigeria spearheaded by Muhammadu Buhari has brought about a drastic reduction in Boko Haram activities but a concomitant astronomical rise in banditry, kidnapping and massacres by suspected herdsmen.