Boko Haram kills 2,053 Civilians in Six Months - Human Rights Watch

The Islamist insurgency Boko Haram in Nigeria killed no fewer 2,053 civilians in an estimated 95 attacks during the first half of 2014.
The figures are based on detailed analyses of media reports as well as field investigations. The killings and
other abuses were part of widespread attacks on civilians in over 70 towns and villages in northeastern Nigeria, in the federal capital, Abuja, and elsewhere that are apparent crimes against humanity.

There has been a dramatic increase during 2014 in the numbers of casualties from bomb blasts, including several apparent suicide bombings.
Since January, at least 432 people have been reported killed in 14 blasts in crowded marketplaces, a brothel, a
technical college, and, on two occasions, places where people were watching soccer matches.
Three of these attacks were in Maiduguri, the Borno state capital; two in Kano; two in Jos, the Plateau state capital; and three in Abuja, the federal capital.
The Abuja attacks may demonstrate a southward trend of Boko Haram operations, Human Rights Watch said.
“Boko Haram is effectively waging war on the people of northeastern Nigeria at a staggering human cost,” said Corinne Dufka, West Africa director at Human Rights Watch. “Atrocities committed as part of a widespread attack on civilians are crimes against humanity, for which those responsible need to be held to account.”

The bulk of the attacks and casualties credibly reported and investigated by Human Rights Watch took place in
Borno State, the birthplace of Boko Haram, where 1,446 people died. Attacks killed 151 in Adamawa state and 143 civilians in Yobe state.

Human Rights Watch compiled the figures by analyzing credible local and international media reports, and the
findings of human rights groups, as well as interviewing witnesses and victims of numerous attacks. The media reports generally quoted villagers, hospital and morgue workers, police and military officials, and local leaders who had observed, registered, counted or buried the dead. In the vast majority of cases, Boko Haram forces appeared to deliberately target civilians.
Since 2009, Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati wal- Jihad, Nigeria’s Islamist insurgency popularly known as Boko Haram, has waged a violent campaign against the government to impose its authority under Sharia (Islamic) law. Widespread poverty, corruption, security force abuses, and longstanding impunity for a range of crimes have created a fertile ground in Nigeria for militant armed groups like Boko Haram.
The pace of attacks has dramatically intensified in remote villages since May 2013, when the federal government imposed a state of emergency in the northern states of Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe.

In many of the attacks Boko Haram gunmen fired on civilians, such as people gathered in busy marketplaces, places of worship, and residential neighborhoods. In three villages in Gwoza Local Government Area, Borno State, in early June, Boko Haram fighters impersonated military personnel to round up hundreds of villagers, then opened fire on them, media reports said. Two local chiefs from Attagara, one of the villages, told journalists they had buried 110 people killed in the attack.
On May 6, Boko Haram fighters allegedly killed 336 villagers in the twin towns of Gamboru-Ngala during an attack in which they used two armored personnel carriers they had stolen from the Nigerian military several months earlier. Residents reported that the villages had been burned to the ground.
Boko Haram’s kidnapping of 276 girls from a school in Chibok in April was not its only attack on schools in the
northeast. In February, Boko Haram militants locked the doors to a boys’ dormitory of the Federal Government
College of Buni Yadi, a secondary school near Damaturu, Yobe State and set the building on fire, killing 59.

Boko Haram forces have abducted and otherwise abused hundreds of women and girls during the attacks.
Human Rights Watch will release a report in coming weeks on abuses by Boko Haram against girls and women, based on interviews with victims and witnesses in June. The report will also examine the deficiencies in the Nigerian government’s response to these abuses.
The killings and other abuses by Boko Haram appear to rise to the level of crimes against humanity. The Rome
Statute of the International Criminal Court, to which Nigeria is a party, defines crimes against humanity as
various criminal offenses, including murder, torture and rape that are “committed as part of a widespread or systematic attack directed against any civilian population, with knowledge of the attack.” Such crimes can be committed by a government or a non-state group. They must be widespread or systematic, but need not be both. “Widespread” refers to the scale of the acts or number of victims. A “systematic” attack indicates “a pattern or methodical plan.”

Since 2009, and increasingly since mid-2013, Boko Haram has carried out several hundred attacks against
civilians and civilian structures in schools, marketplaces, and places of worship in villages, towns and even cities.
The nature and frequency of the attacks indicate the actions of an organized movement. This is evidenced by the presence of convoys of trucks, motorbikes, and occasionally armored personnel carriers with well-armed gunmen; the fashion in which gunmen were seen deploying in and around the target or setting up checkpoints; and the planning required to infiltrate the
cities in which attacks took place.
Human Rights Watch and other national and international human rights groups have also documented abuses by the Nigerian Security Forces since 2009 as they responded to the attacks by Boko Haram.
These include excessive use of force, burning homes, physical abuse, and extrajudicial killings of those suspected of supporting Boko Haram.

Amnesty International found that following a March 14 Boko Haram attack on Giwa Barracks that led to the escape of hundreds of detainees, the security forces executed hundreds of the unarmed recaptured detainees.
Security forces have rounded up hundreds of men and boys suspected of supporting Boko Haram, detained
them in inhuman conditions and physically abused or killed them. Many others have been forcibly disappeared. The Nigerian government should account for the “disappeared” and ensure that all law enforcement operations are conducted in full accordance with international human rights standards.
“No matter how egregious the violence, Nigerian security forces engaged in operations against Boko Haram may not operate outside the law,” Dufka said. “The Nigerian government should recognize that it needs to protect its population both from Boko Haram and from abusive members of its own military and police.”

Courtesy:
The Nation

Chibok Girls, Parents Shun Meeting with Jonathan, Okupe Claims Chibok Girls Issue is a 'Political Chess Game'

AN attempt by President Goodluck Jonathan to meet with the parents and some escapee girls earlier abducted from Government Secondary School (GSS), Chibok, Borno State, Tuesday failed as they shunned the meeting slated for the State House.
The meeting would have been a follow-up to the commitment the President made on Monday to the Pakistani Girl-Child Education Campaigner, Malala Yousafzani, during an audience at the State House, Abuja.

Briefing State House correspondents, the Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Dr. Doyin Okupe, said the meeting was scheduled for 4p.m yesterday following Malala’s request, which the President graciously agreed to.
“Unfortunately, the #BringBackOurGirls# leadership
prevailed on the parents of the girls not to come. What happened was that they actually avoided the meeting with Mr. President, because the foreign media and everybody were waiting for this meeting. They made it expressly clear to us that they were no longer coming,” Okupe said.

He confirmed that the President had authorized that an official letter be written to the parents formally
inviting them to meet him, and it is going to be sometime next week. He said all the rigmarole about the Chibok girls was a prelude to the 2015 general elections, regretting that the plight of the schoolgirls had become a political chess game to the local chapter of the #BringBackOurGirls# campaigners.

Courtesy:
Guardian Newspaper

Suspected Nyanya Bombing Mastermind - Aminu Ogwuche Extradited From Sudan to Nigeria

Aminu Ogwuche, the suspected mastermind of Nyanya bombing, an Abuja suberb was today extradited aboard a Nigerian Air Force jet from Sudan where he was arrested  following a manhunt by Interpol.

He is currently been held in an undisclosed location pending further investigations and been charged to court.

His successful extradition to Nigeria has paid to rest, insinuations that the Sudanese authorities were bent on frustrating his repatriation to Nigeria.

Will keep you posted on developments in this regard.

Purported Boko Haram's 'Chief Butcher' Arrested By The Police

Nigeria Police on Tuesday 15 July said that following the massive onslaught by security forces on the activities of the insurgent group, Boko Haram, at the Balmo Forest Bauchi State , detectives attached to Bauchi State Police Command on Saturday arrested one Mohammed Zakari, a 30- year old man and senior member of the Boko Haram terrorists ’ organization along Darazo -Basrika Road while fleeing from the intensive counter insurgency operations going on around the Balmo Forest.

In a statement by Frank Mba , spokesperson for the Nigeria Police said the suspect , who hails from
Kaigamari Village, Daptchari in Darazo Local Government Area, Bauchi State is the self-styled “chief butcher” of the insurgent group at the Balmo Forest Camp and is linked with the recent slaughter of seven (7) people , including women and children.

Findings as well as disclosures from the suspect will assist the law enforcement agencies in tracking down some other members of the terror cell .
Mr. Mba, an Assistant Commissioner of Police said in the statement that investigation revealed that the suspect was tutored in the art of insurgency at Gombe Forest under the leadership of fleeing insurgent, Abba Taura and moved to Balmo Forest only three months ago.

Zakari actively participated in the April attack against Customs officers at Kari Town, along Maiduguri Road ,
Bauchi State .
The Police High Command therefore called on the citizens in the affected areas to be on guard for any suspicious or strange character fleeing from Balmo Forest.

The Police also called for the understanding and support of the public. Mba stated the efforts of the
police and other security forces in tackling insurgency, terrorism and other related crimes headlong.
He noted that although the war on terrorism is unrelenting, it is certainly not insurmountable and must be won with the cooperation of all .

Courtesy:
PM News

Boko Haram: Nigerian Army Take Delivery of Sophisticated Weapons in War Against Sect

In a move targeted at effectively stamping out the Boko Haram insurgency in the country, the Nigerian Army has started taking delivery of critical equipment, some of which include two sophisticated helicopter gunships with in-built night vision technology capable of neutralising the nocturnal manoeuvres of the deadly terrorist group.

Sources within the presidency told THISDAY that the special choppers come with night vision technology to enable soldiers monitor and take out the insurgents who move mainly at night to carry out their dastardly acts.

The helicopters, THISDAY learnt, are some of the highly sophisticated military and surveillance aircraft that have been ordered by the Federal Government.

The source explained: “The two helicopters, which are very expensive and boast of the latest technology were ordered for the ongoing counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency operations.

“In fact, we now have the latest aircraft for surveillance and intelligence gathering. More of these weapons are on their way but these (helicopters) are for urgent purposes. I can assure you that more equipment are coming, serious ones,” the source said.

Confirming the arrival of new equipment, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. Gen. Kenneth Minimah, at a public function yesterday hinted that government was enhancing the capacity of the Nigerian Army to fight terrorism, with the procurement of more sophisticated equipment.

He said the army was adopting new measures to up the ante of its counter-insurgency in the North-east, adding that “a lot of gains have been made in the various operations.

“Yes, we have equipment and the federal government is also introducing fresh and newer equipment for us...”
To give more teeth to its arsenal against the terrorist groups, THISDAY also learnt that Nigerian Army is finalising the   training of the newly formed 143rd Infantry Battalion, which has been set up as a “special elite force” to tackle the Boko Haram insurgency.

THISDAY had exclusively reported last month that Special Forces troops from the California Army National Guard (CNG) are currently in Nigeria training a newly formed infantry battalion designed specifically to counter the threat from Boko Haram.

According to one CNG Special Forces soldier who spoke on the condition of anonymity, a total of 12 California Guard soldiers from two Los Alamitos-based Special Forces units — Special Operations Detachment–US Northern Command and Company A, 5th Battalion, 19th Special Forces Group (Airborne) are involved in a two-month mission, the first is a three-phase plan to assist in the establishment of the battalion.

The Nigerian army’s 143rd Infantry Battalion which was formed from the ground up within the past few months, is said to be “a classic Special Forces mission — training an indigenous force in a remote area in an austere environment to face a very real threat”.

This was recently confirmed by a top military source who said that the training had reached an advanced stage at a location in Niger State.

According to the source: “The 143rd is receiving special training, kitting and equipment from the NA and US Army in Kontagora.”

The source revealed that the new battalion will help to form the core of the elite and strike force currently undergoing training in different parts of the country.

“The US is not the only country involved in this, the Israelis and other allies are also helping in various technical, tactical and operational training in the areas of intelligence, weapons handling and in general counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency operations,” another security source explained.

THISDAY also gathered that there is already a strike force in place in Borno State, specially trained for the possible rescue of the Chibok girls and other daring actions against Boko Haram terrorists.

The strike force was immediately put together in the aftermath of the girls’ kidnapping and the arrival of foreign military experts working alongside Nigerian security forces.

Minimah, on the other hand, yesterday added that contrary to the belief in some quarters, the ongoing military operations against the Boko Haram Islamic Sect in the North-east, does not involve foreign troops.
Minimah made this clarification yesterday at the opening ceremony of The COAS 3rd Quarter Conference 2014, which is the first under his leadership, with General Officers Commanding (GOCs) and other Operational Commanders.

Speaking to journalists against the backdrop of the popular belief that troops from the US, UK, France, Israel, and China were fighting alongside Nigerian soldiers to rescue the over 200 students of Chibok , he said: “There are no foreign troops on the ground.

Minimah added: “What the foreign nations are doing is sharing of intelligence with the Nigerian armed forces, noting that the military operations, were not being complemented by foreign troops.
“The foreign partners have  not come with boots on ground; they have come to share some level of intelligence with us.”

The COAS also frowned at what he described as “the rising acts of indiscipline and unprofessional conduct by troops”, recalling the attempted mutiny by troops in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, against the then GOC 7 Division, Major-General Ahmadu Mohammed.

Minimah warned that “as a professional army, the conduct of our troops must be above board at all times”.
Accordingly, he directed all unit and operational commanders “to put measures in place to check acts of indiscipline and misconduct by personnel under their commands”.

On reported incidents of desertion, Minimah insisted that “desertion is part of warfare”, adding, “We must accept that desertions will continue to be there, we had desertions during the Nigerian civil war, ECOMOG and now, it will continue with this war.”

He also debunked claims that soldiers had destroyed some BRT buses in Lagos, blaming the incident on hoodlums.

Courtesy:
ThisDay Newspaper

Suspected Boko Haram Gunmen Overrun Bornu Village, Scores Also Killed in Plateau State

Dille village in Askira Uba Local
government of Borno State came under heavy attack at the early hours of yesterday when gunmen suspected to be Boko Haram members launched an offensive on hapless dwellers, killing five people and torching houses, including three churches, witnesses said.
The village which lies about 200km south of Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, also shares borders with the peripheries of Sambisa Forest where it is believed the Boko Haram gunmen are currently hiding.

Mr Jabani Gadzama, a resident of Dille, told journalists that the gunmen came with three Toyota Hilux vehicles and several motorcycles.
“They were using some kind of petrol
bombs to set ablaze three churches,
residential houses including that of a
former Commissioner of Sports and
Poverty Alleviation, Mr. Daniel Ijai Mamza, who served during former Governor Ali Modu Sheriff’s tenure.
“The attackers were only targeting and setting ablaze better houses within the village while most of the thatched and mud houses were left untouched.
“The Church of Brethern in Nigeria (EYN) was one amongst the three churches that were set ablaze by the gunmen, who were all dressed like soldiers”, said Mr Gadzama, who also confirmed that the gunmen operated for hours until an Airforce fighter jet arrived at about 8am before it engaged them at the time the insurgents were about leaving.

“Many of them were said to have been
killed by the insurgents, but we cannot confirm that now,” he said.
An insider at the 7-Division of the Nigeria Army, Maiduguri, hinted journalists that two jet fighters arrived Dille and saved the villagers from being killed any further.
The source, who begged not to be
quoted, noted many of the insurgents
were killed by the jets, even as five more persons got killed died in the cross fire when the jet arrived.

Killing in Plateau State:
In a related development, at least 11 persons have been feared killed by armed gunmen at Zamadede of Pil-Gani district of Langtang North Local Government Area of Plateau State.
LEADERSHIP gathered that unknown
gunmen at the early hours of yesterday morning attacked two communities and shot sporadically, killing 11 persons including a 45-year-old mother, her little son and a pregnant woman.
A source who spoke to our reporter
further said several homes were burned.
An eyewitness who lost two members of her family, Mrs Baby Hosea, lamented to our reporter on phone that her people were killed in their sleep.

Confirming the development, the member representing Langtang North and South constituency in the House of Representatives Hon. Beni Lar expressed worry at the recent attacks on her constituents.
The lawmaker, in a chat with newsmen at her family residence in Jos, said the attack had shaken the foundation of the peace being enjoyed by the people.
She described the Zama Dede community as peace loving and hard working farmers that the two local governments depends on due to the large crops they produced.
She wondered why some people would be so cruel to take the lives of innocent citizens, particularly at the time the federal government, through the national conference, was trying to find a lasting solution to clashes between farmers and herdsmen.
The lawmaker also appealed to the people of her constituents to remain law abiding .

When contacted DSP Abu Emmanuel, the police public relations officer said that men of the Police force are trying to get the details and would get back to our correspondent when he has the details of the attack.

Courtesy:
ThisDay Newspaper

Boko Haram: Scores of Soldiers Desert Nigerian Army Within Last Week Due to Low Morale and Battle Plans Routinely Leaked to Sect

MILITARY commanders fear that as many as 162 soldiers deserted the Nigerian Army last week as morale
sinks to an all-time low due to the ongoing success terrorist sect Boko Haram is enjoying in its war with
the army.

A headcount of soldiers serving with the Seventh Mechanised Brigade of the Nigerian Army in Maiduguri showed that 162 rifles were abandoned by soldiers who were suspected to have left their duty posts during the week. Ministry of defence officials said that is being treated as a routine case of deserters as the authorities are convinced the terrorists did not capture any of its soldiers alive.

Apparently, the soldiers are unhappy about the seeming advantages Boko Haram terrorists are enjoying over the
military in their ongoing battle across northeastern Nigeria. Sources within the army say that soldiers are not only unhappy about the fact that Boko Haram is a better fighting force but they are particularly annoyed about the regularity with which military plans are leaked to the sect.

One army source said: “Routine troop deployment, withdrawals from positions are known to the terrorists even before the soldiers on the ground are briefed. This leak is surely traceable to the officer cadre within the division."
Commanders of the Seventh Mechanised Division only got to know the extent of the problem yesterday afternoon, when a mop-up operation recovered the abandoned rifles. These weapons have now been returned to the division's armoury and the military authorities are battling to raise troops’ morale, which has reached a new low.

This has been the single largest desertion in a week in recent times as the growing disaffection with the
Nigerian Army appears to reached fresh heights. Over recent months, Boko Haram have ramped up daring assaults as its fighters seem to be more motivated.

Courtesy:
Nigerian Watch

Tribute To Lieutenant S.K Leo, Due To Wed August 30th But Axed By Boko Haram

Written by: Don Okereke

Lieutenant S.K Leo, a charming, young Army officer was reportedly killed in a recent attack by Boko Haram. He was due to wed on 30th August 2014 but did not live to witness his wedding.  So sad!

Lt. Leo, you are a hero, you died in the line of duty in the service of your country doing what you loved doing. Be rest assured you did not die in vain. Generations unborn will remember you when the history of this country is written. The least Nigeria's so-called leaders owe you is to put Nigeria first like you did and urgently sort out the mess, embarrassment that Nigeria is fast becoming.

May God grant your family, fiancee and friends the fortitude to bear your irreparable loss. Our heart and prayers are with them. May your soul and those other fallen heroes rest in peace, amen. We pray for serving members of our Armed forces and other security personnel; may God continue to protect you all. No matter how long it takes, Light will surely triumph over darkness!

We sincerely implore Boko Haram to sheathe their sword and end this senseless bloodletting campaign which is swiftly eroding the modicum of trust, camaraderie between those genuine, honorable and kindhearted folks from northern Nigeria and their brothers from other parts of Nigeria.

Let all Nigerians Unite and SAY NO TO INSECURITY AND TERRORISM. Be security conscious! Call Nigeria's national emergency number: 112 or other relevant security agencies to report suspicious activities in and around you.

Boko Haram Leader Shekau Voices Support for Islamic State (ISIL) and Al Qaeda, Taunts #BringBackOurGirls Campaigners

Amid persistent reports of a deep rift between the Islamic State and al Qaeda, the Congregation of the People of the Sunnah for Dawah and Jihad, aka Boko Haram, is hedging its bets.

“Boko Haram Chief Voices Support for Islamic State’s Baghdadi, al-Qaida,” Agence France Presse, July 13, 2014 (thanks to The Religion of Peace):

The head of Nigeria’s Boko Haram Islamists has voiced support for the extremist Sunni Islamic State (ISIL) militants who have taken over large swathes of territory in Iraq and Syria, in a video obtained by Agence France Presse Sunday.

In the 16-minute video, given to AFP through similar channels as past messages, Boko Haram chief Abubakar Shekau also claims responsibility for a June 25 bombing in the capital Abuja and an attack hours later in Lagos which the authorities tried to cover up.

He also mocks the social media campaign Bring Back Our Girls which emerged to call attention to the plight of the more than 200 schoolgirls kidnapped on April 14 by the Islamists from the remote northeastern town of Chibok.

“We were the ones who detonated the bomb in filthy Abuja,” Shekau said, referring to the attack a popular shopping center that killed at least 22 people.

Later that day, a huge blast rocked the Apapa port district of Lagos, which the authorities blamed on cooking gas explosion, with no casualties.

An AFP investigation has revealed the blast was a deliberate attack involving high explosives.

“A bomb went off in Lagos. I ordered (the bomber) who went and detonated it,” Shekau says in the video, which shows him flanked by at least ten gunmen in front of two armored personnel carriers and two pickup trucks.

“You said it was a fire incident,” he added. “Well, if you hide it from people you can’t hide it from Allah.”

Near the beginning of the video he calls several of the world’s most prominent Islamist extremists his “brethren.”

“May Allah protect you” he said, listing IS chief, Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, al-Qaida head Ayman al-Zawahiri, Taliban leader Mullah Omar and several others.

Courtesy:
Jihad Watch

Nigerian Military Uncooperative, Slow to Learn – United States Hearing

The human rights abuse record and uncooperative attitude of the Federal Government and its military authorities have been identified as factors hindering United States of America offering Nigeria effective security assistance.

Speaking on Thursday before the US House Foreign Affairs Sub-committee on Africa’s hearing entitled, ‘Human Rights Vetting: Nigeria and Beyond’, the Specialist at African Affairs Congressional Research Service, Lauren Blanchard, said the Nigerian government and its military had not been yielding to America’s suggestions.

The Congress heard that the main impediment to America’s efforts to support Nigeria’s broader response to Boko Haram is “gross violations committed by the Nigerian forces, the Nigerian government’s resistance to adopting a more comprehensive approach to Boko Haram, and the continued lack of political will” within the government to investigate allegations of human rights abuses and hold perpetrators accountable.

Blanchard told the Congress, “The Nigerian government also has appeared reticent in some cases to allow its security forces to participate in US training programmes. The State Department indicates that there are currently 187 Nigerian military units and 173 police units that have been vetted and cleared to receive U.S. assistance and training.
“It is unclear whether the Nigerian government has given approval for such training to occur. A 2013 State Department audit report noted that, in addition to human rights concerns, Nigeria’s late submission of names of candidates for assistance was a ‘recurring problem’ for the US embassy.
“Multiple systemic factors further constrain the effectiveness of the Nigerian security force’s response to Boko Haram, notably security sector corruption and mismanagement, and some of these factors impede US support even for units that have been cleared for assistance”.

Among the cleared units, she revealed, were Nigeria’s Speed Boat Service commando and the 101st Infantry Battalion, which the ACRS specialist said were best positioned to conduct hostage rescue operations, but “both reportedly require significant additional training”.
She added that the security relationship between Nigeria and the US was hampered by the lack of cooperation and systemic failure in Nigeria.
“The security relationship also has been hampered at times by a lack of cooperation from Nigerian officials and by systemic problems in the Nigerian military. Political and human rights concerns have been a prominent factor in shaping US-Nigeria relations for decades.
“State Department human rights reports have continued to highlight serious human rights violations by the Nigerian security forces every year. These violations include politically motivated and extrajudicial killings, excessive use of force, and torture,” Blanchard said at the hearing.
Despite about N1trn ($5.8b) security budget, the ACRS specialist said the “Nigerian troops are not adequately resourced or equipped” to counter Boko Haram insurgency. During the hearing, the American disclosed that the troops were “slow to adapt with new strategies, new doctrines and new tactics,” and described Nigeria as “an extremely challenging partner to work with.”

Courtesy:
Punch Newspaper

Boko Haram Blows Up Gamboru-Ngala Bridge Linking Borno and Gombe States

Suspected members of the outlawed Boko Haram sect  Sunday blew up an highway bridge on Maiduguri-Biu-Gombe road.

The bridge was damaged  early Sunday morning.

It was gathered that the insurgents  planted an Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) under the bridge which   exploded and  destroyed remarkable portions of the bridge.

It would be recalled that most part of the highway linking Maiduguri-Biu-Gombe has been taken over by the insurgents forcing  many motorists to take the longer route of Maiduguri-Damaturu-Potiskum road,  then linking up with little motor-able road to Gombe and oftentimes have to travel back to the southern part of the troubled Northeastern state of Borno.

The destruction left motorists and passengers stranded in the early hours of Sunday.

According to one of the residents of  the  area, Mallam Musa Yakubu a loud bang was heard at about 2am on Sunday when people were asleep.

Courtesy:
ThisDay Newspaper

Deceased Army Officer's Severance: Army Chief's Wife Seeks Expedited Payment of Slain Soldiers’ Entitlements

Wife of Nigeria's army chief, Mrs. Felly Minimah has pledged to wade into the struggle by families of deceased officers and men of the Army to secure the release of owed severance benefits.

She made the resolve in Kaduna, northwest of the country when she visited the women at the Ribadu cantonment.

Felly Minimah says it's disgraceful that relatives of people who died defending the territorial integrity of the nationare left to suffer.

Tesem Akende reports that few out of many women who have lost their husbands to attacks by insurgents in the country's northeast region gather to table their argument.

The challenges of life are now taking a toll on them, as most of them are yet to be paid severance benefits of their husbands after death.

The visit of the army chief's wife in company of wives of other senior military officers brings a ray of hope to them.

Though the visit is one based on goodwill, the widows are quick to present their complaints, and are assured of an intervention as soon as
possible.

In addition to the assurances, the army chief's wife also prayed against activities of the insurgents and a quick end to the war.

The visiting dignitaries also encourage serving officers and men of the army to remain focused and determined to win the insurgency war.

Amidst daunting challenges, they insist that it is rewarding serving their fatherland, urging the officers and men of the army never to
relent in their responsibility of protecting the territorial integrity of the nation.

Courtesy:
TV Continental

Right Activist Malala Meets Families of Abducted Chibok Girls in Nigeria, Pledges to Help

Malala Yousafzai, the Pakistani Rights Activist who survived being shot in the head by the Taliban for campaigning for girls’ education, has pledged while on a trip to Nigeria to help free a group of school girls abducted by Islamist militants.

On Sunday, 16-year-old Malala met with parents of the more than 200 girls who were kidnapped by militant group Boko Haram from a school in the northeastern village of Chibok in April.

Boko Haram, a Taliban-inspired movement, say they are fighting to establish an Islamic state in religiously mixed Nigeria. The group, whose name means “western education is sinful”, has killed thousands and abducted hundreds since launching an uprising in 2009.

Some of the parents broke down into tears as Malala spoke at a hotel in the capital Abuja on Sunday.

“I can see those girls as my sisters … and I’m going to speak up for them until they are released,” said Malala, who celebrates her 17th birthday on Monday in Nigeria, where she is scheduled to meet with President Goodluck Jonathan.

“I’m going to participate actively in the ‘bring back our girls’ campaign to make sure that they return safely and they continue their education.”

The girls’ abduction drew unprecedented international attention to the war in Nigeria’s northeast and the growing security risk that Boko Haram poses to Nigeria, Africa’s leading energy producer.

A #BringBackOurGirls Twitter campaign supported by Michelle Obama and Angelina Jolie heaped pressure on authorities to act, and President Jonathan pledged to save the girls, drawing promises of Western help to do so.

But several weeks on the hostages have not yet been freed and media interest has waned.

In addition, Boko Haram, now considered as the main security threat to Nigeria, is growing bolder. Police said on Saturday they uncovered a plot to bomb the Abuja transport network using suicide bombers and devices concealed in luggage at major bus stations.

“I can feel … the circumstances under which you are suffering,” she said. “It’s quite difficult for a parent to know that their daughter is in great danger. My birthday wish this year is … bring back our girls now and alive.”

Taliban militants shot Malala for her outspoken views on women’s right to education. She survived after being airlifted to Britain for treatment and has since become a symbol of defiance against militants operating in the tribal areas along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border.

She has won the European Union’s prestigious human rights award and was one of the favorites to win the Nobel peace prize last year, although the award ended up going to the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons.

-Reuters

Boko Haram Claims Responsibility for Abuja, Lagos Bomb Attacks

Leader of Boko Haram, Abubakar Shekau, has said that his group was responsible for the bomb attacks
on fuel depot on June 25 in Lagos and another in Abuja the same day.
Reuters reports Shekau as claiming that he ordered the attacks.
"A bomb went off in Lagos. I ordered the bomber who went and detonated it," the reports said Authorities said the blasts on Creek road were an
accident caused by a gas canister, but the security sources told Reuters that was a coverup meant to avoid panic in the southwestern city of 21 million people. At least two people were killed.

"You said it was a fire incident. Well, if you hide it from people you can't hide it from Allah," Shekau says in the
video, which according to AFP shows him next to at least 10 gunmen in front of two armoured personnel
carriers and two pickup trucks.
A confirmed attack by Boko Haram would be a cause for concern. Lagos is both an international business
hub and a usually peaceful but at times uneasy melting pot of ethnicities from the mostly Christian south and Muslim north that have fought street battles in the past.

The target of the Lagos bombs was a fuel depot. Had it gone up, it could have caused a massive chain
explosion and disrupted Nigeria's mostly imported fuel supply.
Security sources say it may have been the work of a group or individual inspired by Boko Haram. Shekau
has been known to claim attacks suspected to be the work of another Islamist group or a criminal gang.
Shekau gets the Governor of Lagos State wrong, taunting Adams Oshiomole, who is in fact the Governor the southern Edo State, the agency reported.

Courtesy:
ThisDay Newspaper

Outside Forces Behind Insurgency in Nigeria - David Mark

The Senate President, David Mark, has disclosed that the war against terror in Nigeria has persisted partly because the major perpetrators of terror in the country, Boko Haram sect, has wider networks beyond the nation and also enjoys tremendous support by forces outside the country.

He nonetheless assured that notwithstanding this, the Federal Government is doing everything within its capacity to ensure that it wins the battle against the insurgents.

Mark spoke at the weekend in Abuja when he hosted the American ambassador in Nigeria, James Entwistle.

The Senate President particularly assured the envoy that the Federal Government has not forgotten the kidnapped Chibok school girls who were kidnapped last April by the Boko Haram sect, promising that in no distant time, the girls will regain freedom.

Mark specifically pointed out that Boko Haram is not only a threat to Nigeria but poses a great danger to human existence.

He assured that the nation’s security operatives were doing their utmost to bring the situation under control but would welcome support and assistance from the international community to end the activities of the insurgents.

This was also as the duo pledged Nigeria and the United States of America’s commitment to strengthen strategies to tackle the threat of terrorism confronting Nigeria with a view to bringing the activates of the insurgents to an end.

“The United States of America is a strategic ally to us (Nigeria). We count on your support and military assistance always especially in this battle against the terrorists”, Senator Mark told the Ambassador.

While responding, the American envoy pledged the continued support and assistance of the American government to end terrorism in Nigeria.

Entwistle however cautioned that in the war against insurgents, the security operatives should be mindful of human rights in order not to cause more damage than arresting the situation.

Courtesy:
National Mirror