General News
HURIWA CARPETS KATSINA GOVERNOR FOR BACKING TERRORISTS
The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has strongly condemned Katsina State Governor Dikko Radda for endorsing peace deals between communities and bandits, accusing him of supporting terrorism. The prominent pro-democracy and civil rights advocacy group warned that such approval undermines counter-terrorism laws and jeopardizes national security.
In a statement endorsed by the National Coordinator Comrade Emmanuel Nnadozie Onwubiko, HURIWA lamented that Governor Radda’s commendation of communities for holding peace deals with bandits during his tour of Batsari and Danmusa local councils is tantamount to backing terrorists. The group emphasized that any peace talks leading to non-prosecution of terrorists for crimes against humanity and bloodshed are delegitimized and criminalized by Nigeria’s extant counter-terrorism law. Onwubiko stated, “It is unfortunate that in some sections of Nigeria, those who swore oaths of office and pledged allegiance to the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria are the same persons now putting up defensive propositions and approving meetings with terrorists who have declared war against the Sovereignty of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
The Rights group quoted the governor as saying that the peace deal entered into with bandits has yielded positive results in councils affected by insecurity, citing his recent drive through the dreaded Danburum forest in Batsari Local Council, once a haven for bandits. With the deal, farming and related activities are gradually picking up in the area. However, HURIWA blasted the governor and charged security forces to investigate him for statements tantamount to providing support for terrorists. The group called for the implementation of counter-terrorism laws to logical conclusions, noting that supporting terrorism carries severe penalties, including at least 20 years imprisonment or death under the Terrorism (Prevention) Act.
HURIWA also highlighted the ongoing security crisis, stating that over 7,000 citizens are held hostage by Fulani terrorists in bushes across seven states, mostly in North-West Nigeria. Despite the federal government’s declaration of a state of security emergency, terrorist attacks have continued, with thousands killed or displaced. Onwubiko expressed disappointment, saying, “To say that we are disappointed with the Katsina state governor is to put it mildly. We are calling for his investigation and for the Intelligence community to put the governor on their watch list of individuals suspected to have openly canvassed support for terrorists.”
The Rights organization detailed abduction statistics, noting that in Niger state, 265 persons from St. Mary’s Catholic school in Papiri are still captive, while in Kwara, a monarch and others were recently abducted. In Sokoto state, public analyst Altine Guyawa informed that 500 residents are held across 13 local government areas, describing it as a humanitarian disaster. Zamfara state reportedly has over 6,000 kidnapped victims in captivity in forest camps. HURIWA advocated for massive counter-insurgency measures to defeat terrorists, emphasizing that Nigerians are tired of excuses from politicians and the National Security Adviser. Emmanuel Onwubiko reiterated the need for resolute action to rescue abducted citizens and uphold the rule of law.
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.
The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has confirmed that one of its officials has been taken into custody following the death of a corps member, Miss Victoria Ariyo, in Abeokuta South.
In a statement issued on Saturday in Abuja, the NYSC described the incident as “tragic and deeply disturbing,” noting that investigations are ongoing to determine the circumstances surrounding the death.
The statement, signed by the Director of Information and Public Relations, Caroline Embu, disclosed that the staff member allegedly linked to the incident is currently in custody while relevant authorities continue their probe.
According to the scheme, it is working closely with security agencies to ensure a thorough and transparent investigation without interference.
“The management of the NYSC is deeply saddened by the loss of a corps member in Abeokuta, Ogun State, under circumstances currently being investigated,” the statement read.
The organisation extended condolences to the family of the deceased, praying for strength and comfort during the difficult period.
It also reiterated its zero-tolerance stance on misconduct, stressing that the scheme maintains strict standards for both staff and corps members.
“We assure the public that we are cooperating fully with law enforcement authorities to ensure the truth is established and justice is served without fear or favour,” the statement added.
The NYSC further urged the public to refrain from speculation and allow due process to take its course, emphasising that the welfare, safety, and dignity of corps members remain a top priority.
The Delta State Police Command has arrested 11 additional suspects in connection with the sexual assault of women in Ozoro, bringing the total number of persons in custody to 15.
Police Public Relations Officer, Bright Edafe, disclosed the development in a statement on Saturday, noting that the arrests followed a detailed review of video evidence and intelligence by operatives.
According to him, the suspects include Samson Atukpodo, Steven Ovie, Ugbevo Samson, Afoke Akporobaro, Evidence Oguname, and six others.
The Command stated that preliminary investigations, under the directive of the Commissioner of Police, Aina Adesola, revealed that the acts were carried out by criminal elements who took advantage of the situation to perpetrate sexual violence.
Police authorities emphasised that the actions were in no way reflective of any legitimate cultural practice.
“The Command condemns these acts in totality and remains committed to ensuring that all perpetrators are identified, arrested, and prosecuted,” the statement added, while urging victims and witnesses to come forward with useful information.
The incident has sparked widespread outrage following the circulation of a viral video showing young women being sexually harassed during a local festival in the community.
The footage was linked to the Alue-Do Festival held in Ozoro, a cultural event associated with traditional rites.
Reacting to the development, the Nigerian Bar Association described the incident as a “national disgrace,” calling for swift justice for the victims.
Similarly, the Delta State Government condemned the act, with the Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Charles Aniagwu, describing it as “barbaric and unacceptable.”
However, the leadership of Ozoro Kingdom refuted claims circulating online, stating that the incident was a misapplication of certain symbolic aspects of the Alue-Do Festival by some youths.
Earlier, the police had announced the arrest of a community head and four other suspects in connection with the case, as investigations continue.