General News
ZAMFARA MASSACRE: HURIWA DEMANDS SACK OF DEFENCE MINISTER, COAS RESIGNATION
The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has condemned the recent massacre of over 100 individuals in Zamfara State, describing it as a devastating reminder of the near-total collapse of security governance in Nigeria. The group demanded the immediate resignation of the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, and the sack of the Senior Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, HURIWA’s National Coordinator, Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko, expressed outrage at the lack of military response during the hours-long confrontation between members of the Civilian Protection Guard (CPG) and fighters loyal to notorious bandit leader Bello Turji. “This massacre is yet another tragic reminder of the near-total collapse of security governance in Nigeria,” Onwubiko said. “The failure to deploy forces in the face of such a large-scale attack is a betrayal of public trust and constitutional responsibility.”
Onwubiko criticized the Nigerian Army under General Oluyede for failing to conduct effective preemptive intelligence operations, respond rapidly to crises, or coordinate meaningfully with community-led defence efforts. “The current security leadership is neither proactive nor reactive, but entirely absent,” he added.
The group referenced a recent Amnesty International report, which revealed that at least 10,217 people have been killed in attacks across Nigeria since President Tinubu assumed office on May 29, 2023. Onwubiko noted that the Northwest region, including Zamfara, Kaduna, Katsina, and Sokoto, recorded some of the highest casualty figures.
HURIWA called for a thorough investigation into the failure of the security agencies to act on available intelligence and deploy forces during the attack. The group also demanded the establishment of a judicial panel of inquiry to investigate the circumstances surrounding the Zamfara massacre and identify lapses in the security system.
“Bello Turji and others like him must not be allowed to operate unchecked,” Onwubiko stressed. “If the government fails to act decisively, it risks normalising mass killings and losing public confidence. President Tinubu’s administration must take full responsibility for Nigeria’s deteriorating security situation unless urgent reforms are implemented,” the statement warned.
General News
Alue-Do Festival Assault: First Lady Oluremi Tinubu Condemns Attack on Women, Calls for Justice
The First Lady of Nigeria, Oluremi Tinubu, has strongly condemned the reported assault of women and girls during the Alue-Do Festival in Ozoro, Delta State, describing the incident as “horrific” and unacceptable.
Reacting to viral footage from Ozoro, the First Lady expressed outrage over scenes showing young girls being physically and sexually assaulted, as well as subjected to degrading treatment during what was meant to be a cultural celebration.
While acknowledging Nigeria’s rich cultural diversity, Mrs. Tinubu stressed that no tradition or custom should be used as justification for violating the dignity and rights of women and girls.
She commended the efforts of the Nigeria Police Force for making arrests in connection with the incident and urged authorities to ensure that all perpetrators are brought to justice.
The First Lady also called on victims to seek immediate medical and psychological support, offering prayers for their healing, peace, and strength in the aftermath of the ordeal.
The incident has sparked widespread concern and renewed calls for stricter measures to protect women and girls during cultural and public events across the country.
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.