General News
HURIWA APPLAUDS U I SECURITY DEPLOYMENT TO NIGERIA, DECRIES KWARA KILLINGS AS SECURITY FAILURE
The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has commended the United States government for deploying security personnel to Nigeria to support counter-terrorism operations, while strongly condemning what it described as a “colossal failure” of Nigeria’s security and intelligence architecture following the killing of more than 40 residents in Kwara State.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, February 4, 2026, HURIWA praised the U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) for fulfilling its pledge to facilitate the presence of American security forces in Nigeria to work alongside Nigerian troops in combating terrorism.
The group noted that Reuters reported on Tuesday night that a small team of U.S. forces had been deployed to Nigeria following an agreement between both countries to more effectively counter terrorist threats in West Africa.
According to the report, the team brings “unique capabilities from the United States.”Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (rtd), has also confirmed the deployment, although details of the mission remain undisclosed.
The Reuters report further indicated that the deployment followed pressure from Washington, with U.S. President Donald Trump previously accusing Nigeria of failing to protect Christians from Islamist militant attacks, particularly in the country’s northwest.
While welcoming the partnership, HURIWA cautioned that Nigeria must address internal sabotage within its security institutions to sustain trust with its American counterparts.
The group warned that intelligence leaks by compromised elements within the armed forces could undermine counter-terrorism operations.“
Nigerian security heads must urgently root out undesirable elements within the armed forces who collude with terrorists and leak sensitive intelligence.
If this sabotage is not curtailed, the U.S. may lose confidence in the partnership, which is largely in Nigeria’s interest,” HURIWA stated.
The civil rights group also condemned the failure of Nigeria’s security and intelligence agencies to prevent deadly attacks carried out on Tuesday evening in Woro and Nuku communities of Kaiama Local Government Area, Kwara State, where over 40 residents were killed.
In a statement signed by its National Coordinator, Comrade Emmanuel Nnadozie Onwubiko, HURIWA described the attacks as disturbing and unacceptable, arguing that the repeated assaults on communities without preemptive security action reflect a collapsed intelligence system.“If the security forces and intelligence community were efficient, they should have identified flashpoints and prevented these attacks before they happened.
Terrorists operating in Niger State are known to easily move into neighbouring states when pressured.
The lack of contingency plans and ineffective use of technology shows a systemic failure,” the group said.
HURIWA recalled that soldiers and forest guards were eventually deployed to the affected communities after the attacks, describing the response as belated and disappointing.
It argued that the bloodshed could have been avoided if actionable intelligence had been generated and acted upon promptly.Residents who spoke to journalists on condition of anonymity confirmed that the death toll had risen to over 40, with security forces now stationed in the communities.“
The casualties are over forty. Soldiers and forest guards have taken over the two communities.
It is a very sad development at a time we thought peace had returned after previous bandit attacks,” a local source said.
According to community sources, the attackers reportedly came from neighbouring villages in Niger State and had been preaching against Nigeria’s constitution, urging residents to adopt Islamic law.
Dissent during the gathering allegedly triggered the violent attack, during which the assailants opened fire indiscriminately.
Many families reportedly lost loved ones, while several houses were set ablaze. Preparations for mass burials were ongoing as of Wednesday morning.
HURIWA has called for an urgent restructuring of the leadership of the Nigeria Police Force and the Department of State Services (DSS) in Kwara State, demanding the appointment of more effective and result-oriented officials.
The group also criticised the Kwara State governor for what it described as a failure to put adequate security measures in place to protect rural communities.
“How can a governor watch his people be killed repeatedly without decisive action? This continuous bloodshed is unacceptable,” HURIWA said.
General News
World Water Day 2026: Oluremi Tinubu Calls for Gender Equity Through Improved Water Access
The First Lady of Nigeria, Oluremi Tinubu, has called for collective action to promote gender equality through improved access to water and sanitation, as the world marks World Water Day 2026.
In a message commemorating the day, Senator Tinubu highlighted this year’s theme, “Water and Gender,” alongside the campaign slogan, “Where Water Flows, Equality Grows,” emphasizing the strong link between water access and gender equity.
She noted that in many communities, women and girls bear the burden of sourcing water, often trekking long distances to streams, a situation that negatively impacts their education, health, and economic opportunities.
“When we ensure safe, clean, and accessible water, we do more than quench thirst; we open doors for girls to stay in school, for women to pursue livelihoods, and for families to live healthier lives,” she said.
The First Lady urged Nigerians to work together to ensure equitable access to water resources across the country, stressing that improved water systems can drive social and economic development.
She concluded by encouraging citizens to embrace the spirit of the global observance and reaffirm commitments toward building a more inclusive society.
“Let us work together to ensure that where water flows in Nigeria, equity truly grows,” she added.
World Water Day is observed annually on March 22 to raise awareness on the importance of freshwater and advocate for sustainable management of water resources worldwide.
Fresh hostilities in the ongoing Iran-Israel conflict intensified early Sunday, with Iran launching strikes near Israel’s main nuclear research centre, leaving dozens injured and raising fears of wider regional escalation.
According to reports, missiles hit areas close to the nuclear facility in Dimona and the southern city of Arad. Rescue services confirmed that nearly 70 people were injured in Arad alone, with several in serious condition and multiple residential buildings severely damaged.
The Israeli military said it had begun retaliatory strikes targeting locations in Tehran, further escalating the conflict, which has now entered its fourth week.
Iran warned that any attack on its energy facilities would trigger retaliatory strikes on U.S. and Israeli infrastructure across the region. The threat followed a statement by former U.S. President Donald Trump, who warned that the United States could target Iranian power plants if Tehran fails to reopen the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz within 48 hours. Iranian authorities described such threats as provocative, vowing a firm response if carried out.
Saudi Arabia also confirmed that its air defence systems intercepted missiles and drones targeting its territory, including areas near key oil installations, with no casualties reported. In a separate incident, a projectile struck near a commercial vessel off the coast of the United Arab Emirates, causing an explosion but leaving the crew unharmed.
Iran’s state media reported that the death toll within the country has surpassed 1,500 since the conflict began, raising humanitarian concerns. Legal experts have also warned that targeting civilian infrastructure such as power plants could violate international law.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described the situation as “a very difficult moment,” as emergency teams continued search-and-rescue operations in affected areas.
In Yemen, Iran-backed Houthi rebels warned they could join the conflict if attacks against Iran intensify, cautioning that further escalation could disrupt global energy supplies and economic stability.
Despite diplomatic signals, including a temporary U.S. move to ease sanctions on Iranian oil shipments, there are no clear signs of de-escalation, with both sides continuing military operations. Analysts warn the conflict risks expanding into a broader regional war with significant global implications.
The monarch of Ozoro Kingdom in Delta State has denied any prior knowledge of a controversial festival linked to the alleged abuse of women and girls, as outrage continues to trail the incident across Nigeria.
The traditional ruler, His Royal Majesty Anthony Ogbogbo, made the clarification when a delegation from the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) visited his palace following reports of harassment during the ‘Alue-Do’ festival.
According to the monarch, he had never encountered such practices in his over two decades on the throne. He stated that he had “never heard that a festival is celebrated with girls being harassed or molested” in the community, distancing the palace from the widely condemned incident.
The controversy stems from viral videos showing women being chased, stripped, and assaulted by youths during the cultural event held in Ozoro, Isoko North Local Government Area. The disturbing footage sparked nationwide outrage and renewed concerns over gender-based violence.
During the palace visit, the NANS delegation; alongside student leaders from Southern Delta University, confirmed that some of the victims were students who had since received medical attention. While reports indicated no confirmed cases of rape, the students described the incidents as serious molestation and a violation of human dignity.
NANS condemned the attacks, describing them as a gross violation of human rights and a threat to the safety of students in the community. The association called on security agencies to ensure a thorough investigation and bring perpetrators to justice.
Meanwhile, the Delta State Government has also condemned the incident, describing it as “barbaric” and unacceptable, stressing that no cultural practice should justify violence against women. Authorities have launched investigations, with police confirming the arrest of suspects linked to the incident.
Civil society organisations, including ActionAid Nigeria, have also demanded immediate prosecution of those responsible, insisting that cultural traditions must not be used to excuse abuse or undermine the rights and dignity of women and girls.
The incident has intensified calls for stricter enforcement of laws protecting women and for a review of traditional practices that may expose individuals to harm.