The Lumine News

Author: News

  • Vacancy: Mediatrix Development Foundation Is Hiring

    Mediatrix Development Foundation Recruitment

    About Mediatrix Development Foundation

    Mediatrix Development Foundation (MDF) is an initiative of Her Excellency, Dr. Mrs Linda Ayade who also sits on the Board as President of the organization which is aimed at improving the lives of women and children by reducing the burden of communicable and non-communicable diseases, within these target populations in Cross River State through effective collaboration with Government MDA’s and other relevant stakeholders and partners. Mediatrix Development Foundation’s (MDF) head office is strategically located in the heart of Calabar. The organization is housed in a bungalow at Plot 278D, Justice Okoi Itam Way, State Housing Estate, Calabar, Cross River State, with a sub-office along St. Thomas Aquinas Road opp. Fanag Gas behind Montaji Filling Station, Okuku Road, Ogoja, Cross River State. We are incorporated as Mediatrix Development Foundation (MDF) a Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) in 2015 with an average estimated annual budget of N71, 902,193.63. Our primary focus is on health intervention at the community level which primarily targeted women and children under the ages of 5 years, Livelihood and Economic Inclusion, Justice and Rights, Education and Volunteering, and other cross-cutting issues including Gender Equality.

    Mediatrix is seeking for qualified candidate to fill the position a Livelihood Assistant

    S/N Position Title Contract Type Department Location
    1 Livelihood Assistant STA Programs Ogoja

    Internal Candidates:

    Interested staff members should consult the policy recruitment. If you have questions regarding your eligibility, you may also contact the HR unit.

    External Candidates:

    External candidates must meet the essential minimum requirement of the position and candidates who are not citizens of the country must comply with all eligibility requirements for employment in line with the prevailing legislative prerequisites in the country.

    Remuneration:

    A competitive compensation and benefits package is offered.

    Submission of Application:  

    Please visit Mediatrix Foundations’ Careerpage @ https://mediatrixfoundation.org/careers

    Closing Date:

    2 August, 2022.

    N/B

    Please ignore the career page link in the former email.

    Thank you.

    Doris Etta N

    Mediatrix Development Foundation

    Human Resources Officer

    Plot 278D, Justice Okoi Ikpi Way, State Housing Estate,

    Calabar, Cross River State.

    di.etta@mediatrixfoundation.org

    Website: www.mediatrixfoundation.org

    Direct line: 08033767992

  • Ekpe Hilary Uchiche, Hon Francis Lukpata Igbologidi, Helen Laffin And Hon Clement Obok Rejects Gov Ayade’s Appointment, Insists On Sen Jarigbe’s Reelection

    Some PDP stakeholders of Ukelle extraction in Yala Local Government Area, were lobbied by Governor Ben Ayade as part 9f his strategy to win the 2923 election to represent Cross Northern Senatorial District.

    Against their expectations, the Stakeholders  Uchiche, Hon Francis Lukpata Igbologidi, Helen Laffin And Hon Clement Obok rejected the appointment and insisted on Sen Jarigbe’s Reelection.

     

     

     

     

     

  • Igbo, Hausa Communities Endorses Chief Peter Akpanke For House Of Representatives

     

    Sociopolitical and cultural groups of Igbo, Hausa and other no indigenous communities in Obudu Local Government Area, have endorsed Chief Peter Akpanke for House of Representatives for Obudu/Bekwarra/Obanliku Federal Constituency.

    The groups who are all domiciled in Obudu Local Government Area and shares over 5,000 votes apiece, said Akpanke has been a good man to them from time immemorial and so they will not wait for him to informed them of his ambition formally but have decided to support him unanimously due to his numerous interventions and results oriented leadership.

    The Chairman of the Igbo community, Mr James Chukwu in his address said, the endorsement is in appreciation of the philanthropist’s contributions and empowerments of sons and daughters of OBO Federal Constituency, which also cut across to their different trades.

    In the same vein, the Imam of Obudu, Malam Yusuf said, Chief Akpanke has always identified with them and as such, deserves their support going into the 2023 election.

    Also, members of the Cameroon community said they have indicated interest in his project because he is the first and only politician that has recognized them.

    Commenting on the development, the philanthropist said, the endorsement to him, is a mark of general acceptance of his ideologies and goodwill, his efforts to empathize with humanity and to strengthen the culture of peace and harmony for which he has always been known for.

    He said the support came with an assurance of more commitment and dedication to the course of liberating the Federal Constituency from its failed and unfortunate leadership in order to consolidate on the gains they stand to benefit under the leadership of Senator Jarigbe Agom and Senator Senator Prof. Sandy Ojang Onor

  • Obanliku Cyclist Union Endorses Chief Peter Akpanke For House Of Representatives

     

    The Obanliku Cyclist Union, today endorsed, Chief Peter Akpanke for House of Representatives for Obudu/Bekwarra/Obanliku Federal Constituency.

    The union in a visit to Akpanke this morning said, “the move is in recognition of your achievements in education, your drive and empathy for the less privileged and orphans in the society”.

    The chairman of the union, Mr Victor Ushanung who spoke on their behalf, insisted that Chief Akpanke deserves to be in the House of Representatives come 2023 to enable him consolidate on the gains already recorded in critical sectors of the LGA through Senator Jarigbe Agom.

    The group also noted that Chief Akpanke has made moves to ensure that Obanliku sons and daughters goes to school, he has graded roads, built and contributed to the renovations of churches among others.

    They pledged support to the philanthropist for better service delivery such as good health facilities, provision of portable water, good road network and many others.

     

  • Sandy Onor, Others Receives Papal Honours From The Roman Catholic Church

    By Elijah Ugani

    The Supreme Pontiff of the Roman Catholic Church, Pope Francis I, has bestowed Papal Honours on the Senator representing Cross River Central Senatorial District who doubles as the Cross River State PDP gubernatorial candidate for the 2023 general election, Ntufam Prof Sandy Ojang Onor for his commitment to the Catholic faith in particular and humanity at large.

    His Lordship, the Most Rev Dr Donatus Edet Akpan charged the recipients to see the honor as an invitation to serve humanity and defend the faith they professed.

    The Bishop held that God sought the prophet Isaiah’s disposition to his apostolic mandate, when he asked, “whom shall I send and who will go? And Isaiah answered, here am I send me”. Continuing, he charged them to affirm their willingness to serve the Church in this new capacity.

    Speaking further, the Bishop maintained that the call to serve in this capacity transcends beyond human thought and cited the scenerio at Jesse’s house where the prophet Samuel had thought that he could anoint one of the handsome looking young me he met, but God did not choose any of them, he rather found favour in the last born David the shepherd who was in the field looking after the flock.

    He used the opportunity to inform those whose names were dropped from the Papal honours that the decision was strictly that of the Church. “The committee in the Diocese recommended the names that we sent to Rome, I will be stupid to request for explanation why some names were dropped”
    He however encouraged the congregation to see the approval of the awardees as an act of God.

    Sen. Sandy Ojang Onor was among the ten persons inducted into the Knighthood of Saint Gregory the Great SGG, while four other persons were inducted into the Knighthood of St Stephen.

    Two senior priests of the diocese, Very Rev Frs Atemgweye Unimna and George Chokpa were conferred with the Mosignori.

    Speaking during the reception organized in his honour, Senator Onor posited that it’s very difficult to sperate the relationship between the church and the State as they are inextricably interrelated and cannot function without the other.

    He further stated that “the church is worried that we now have a completely failed state and promised on his honour to lead Cross River State out of the woods if elected Governor come 2023”

    Indeed, Senator Sandy Ojang Onor has beyond Politics, proven his loyalty to the things of Christ and the course of humanity.

    The difference between the Papal honours of Knighthood and the normal Knighthood of St John International and St Molumba is that in the Papal honours, the diocese nominate base on one’s contribution to the Church, confirmed by a body in Rome and conferred by the Pope (Papal honours), while in normal Knighthood, you have to indicate interest, attend the necessary lectures, write examination and on successful completion, you are inducted, this is strictly a diocesan affairs.

     

  • Another Landmark Victory for CRS, PDP and Women of Nigeria – Amb Nkoyo Toyo

     

    Another Landmark Victory for CRS, PDP and Women of Nigeria.

    30 years ago Lady Cecilia Ekpenyong was Deputy Governor to Mr Clement Ebri. It has taken this long for another woman to emerge as Deputy Governor in CRS. I am delighted to witness this moment of history and believe that our party, the PDP stands to gain in many ways from this development.

    I wish to congratulate Distinguished Senator Sandy Onor for his choice of Emana Ambrose-Amawhe and believe that the twin will lead the PDP in CRS to success. The PDP must be extolled for having shown uncommon gender sensitivity in Akwa Ibom, Plateau, Rivers and Adamawa States where outstanding women emerged as running mates.

    Congratulations to you Emana, and best wishes in the months ahead.

    Ambassador Nkoyo Toyo
    Governorship Aspirant (2022)
    4/07/2022

  • Jarigbe arrives Cross River North Amidst Fanfare, Restates Commitment To Good Governance, Inspects Ongoing Mini Stadium And Recreational Centre Projects

     

    The Senator Representing Cross River North Senatorial District, Distinguished Senator Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe, today arrived Cross River North Senatorial District to a resounding carnival-like welcome by party faithfuls, leaders, supporters, and constituents.

    The lawmaker who was visiting the Senatorial District for the first time after the conduct of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Primary elections, met a crowd of thousands of supporters from the Senatorial District.

    The lawmaker proceeded to the construction site of the Mini-stadium and Recreational Centre, where he inspected the ongoing projects alongside other candidates of the Party. He also interacted with the site Engineers where he was assured the projects will be completed within 6-week and handed over to the People for use.

    While addressing supporters, Sen. Jarigbe thanked the party faithfuls for the reception and their support so far for the party.

    “I want to thank you all for the continuous support for PDP and the warm welcome”

    “PDP na our own, we will continue to support party members especially those that rejected Food on the table and stood by the Party.

    “The next governorship election in our state will be decided by Cross River North because no party has performed more than PDP in the senatorial district”

    “On my part, I’ll continue to empower you, influence projects, support those in business, I’m not interested in acquisition of wealth meant for everyone”

    Some dignitaries present include; members of PDP State exco, Barr. Godwin offiono (Ogoja/Yala Rep candidate), Barr. Dorncklaimz Enamhe DG Sen. Jarigbe 2023 campaign Organization, Hon(Chief), Rita Ayim(Ogoja state Constituency candidate), Dr Paul Ebiala Esq(Yala 1 state Constituency candidate), Dr. Martin Achadu( Yala 11 state Constituency candidate), Rt.Hon Mom Olom, Emma Odidi (PDP Chapter Chairman Ogoja), Hon. David Obule(PDP Chapter Chairman Bekwarra), Hon. Egar Mgbantul, Pst John Naku, Gospel Agom, and thousands of supporters.

    TEAM JARI MEDIA

     

     

  • Human Rights Violation: Court Awards One Million Damages To C’River Magistrate Against Nigerian Air Force

    Culled From barristerng.com

    The Federal High Court of Nigeria sitting in Calabar (Court 2) and presided over by Hon. Justice Rosemary Dugb Oghoghorie has today 1/7/2022 awarded damages of One Million Naira only against the Nigerian Air Force over an alleged case of human rights violation.

    The Applicant in the case, Eno Iyamba Esq. who is a serving Magistrate in the Cross River State Judiciary had dragged the Nigerian Air Force to Court alleging violation of his fundamental rights.

    The case which was filed on Tuesday 17th August, 2021 in Suit No. FHC/CA/FHR/63/2021 named the Nigerian Air Force and the Chief of Air Staff as 1st and 2nd Respondents respectively. Also Airman Mbu and Airman Gala, both from the 305 Special Mobility Group, Nigerian Air Force, Calabar were named as the 3rd & 4th Respondents respectively.

    According to the court processes made available to BarristerNG, the case of the Applicant is that on the fateful evening of Friday 19th March, 2021 at about 8.30pm he invited his personal physician to his home at Essien Town, Calabar to help attend to a medical emergency involving his wife. The Applicant’s wife was said to have suffered from diarrhoea leading to dehydration and general bodily weakness. After stabilising the situation, all efforts by the doctor to secure a Bolt Drive (an online transport service) back to his home were unsuccessful. This compelled the Applicant to offer to drop the doctor at his Satellite Town residence.

    At about 10.30pm when the Applicant drove alongside his doctor and got to a military checkpoint at UNICAL Hotel Road by Victory Way Junction, personnel and agents of the Respondents from the 305 Special Mobility Group, Nigerian Air Force arrested, detained, tortured, dehumanised and brutalised the Applicant by making him to roll on bare ground, slapped him severally and in the process perforated his ear drums thereby causing him some hearing impairment.

    That the personnel rebuffed all explanations from the doctor to the effect that he was returning from a medical emergency. Again, this is notwithstanding that the Applicant properly identified himself as a serving Magistrate and showed his Identity Card (a situation that further infuriated the personnel) even as he drove on his official government plate number. The personnel alleged that the Applicant was stubborn for driving during purported curfew hours.

    That the Applicant was later admitted as an outdoor patient at the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital (UCTH), where he received medical examination and treatment for about two weeks at ENT Clinic and the Optalmology Clinic.

    It is also the case of the Applicant that following the unwarranted brutality and dehumanisation of his person by the Respondents and their agents, he consulted his solicitor who promptly wrote to the Respondents on Monday 22nd March, 2021 asking that the personnel involved be disciplined and brought to book. That upon receipt of the complaint, the Respondents reached out to the Applicant via phone call from their Head of Legal Unit (305 Special Mobility Group, Nigerian Air Force, Calabar) to the Applicant’s solicitor whereby a meeting was scheduled. That at the said meeting which held on Monday 19th April, 2021 at about 4pm, the Respondents persuaded the Applicant from pressing any charges against them and promised to take necessary disciplinary measures against their identified personnel and communicate same in writing to the Applicant as well as bear the cost of his medical expenses. But that no action whatsoever was taken by the Respondents, instead they became bent on shielding and covering up the said erring personnel.

    The Applicant therefore sought the following reliefs from the Court:

    “1. A DECLARATION that the action of the Respondents in brutalising the Applicant by kicking and slapping him repeatedly/ randomly and making him to roll on bare ground at a military checkpoint along UNICAL Hotel Road by Victory Way Junction, Calabar on 19th March, 2021 is cruel, inhuman, degrading and constitutes gross violation of the Applicant’s fundamental rights to dignity of the human person as cognisable under Sections 34 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) and Article 5 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights (Ratification and Enforcement) Act.

    2. A DECLARATION that the action of the Respondents in arresting and detaining the Applicant at a military checkpoint along UNICAL Hotel Road by Victory Way Junction, Calabar and depriving him of his liberty from 10.30pm of 19th March, 2021 to about 1.30am of 20th March, 2021 is unlawful, unjustifiable and constitutes gross violation of the Applicant’s fundamental rights to personal liberty as guaranteed in Section 35(1) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) and Article 6 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights (Ratification and Enforcement) Act.

    3. A DECLARATION that the action of the Respondents in interfering with the free movement of the Applicant along UNICAL Hotel Road by Victory Way Junction, Calabar from 10.30pm of 19th March, 2021 to about 1.30am of 20th March, 2021 is unlawful, unjustifiable, reckless and constitutes wanton violation of the Applicant’s fundamental rights to freedom of movement as guaranteed in Section 41(1) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) and Article 12(1) of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights (Ratification and Enforcement) Act.

    4. AN ORDER compelling the Respondents to tender a written public apology in two national dailies to the Applicant.

    5. The sum of N100, 000, 000.00 (One Hundred Million Naira) jointly and severally against the Respondents as general damages for the gross and wanton violation of the Applicant’s fundamental rights.

    6. The sum of N100, 000, 000.00 (One Hundred Million Naira) jointly and severally against the Respondents as punitive/exemplary damages for the needless, reckless and unwarranted violation of the Applicant’s fundamental rights.

    7. The sum of N33, 470.00 (Thirty-Three Thousand, Four Hundred and Seventy Naira) jointly and severally against the Respondents as special damages arising from the gruesome brutalisation of the Applicant/ violation of his fundamental rights.

    The Particulars of special damages were stated to include:
    Medical expenses incurred as contained in the following exhibited payment receipts/invoice:
    i. Invoice No. 14026/ receipt No. SR122623 dated 20/3/2021 (N3,900)

    ii. Invoice No. 178192 dated 20/3/2021 (N1,700)

    iii. Invoice No. ASH1616247703 dated 20/3/2021 (N5,000)

    iv. Invoice No. 10668534 dated 22/3/2021 (N4,250)

    v. Invoice No. 178260 dated 22/3/2021 (N650)

    vi. Invoice No.0100030 dated 22/3/2021 (N510)

    vii. Invoice No. 71878 dated 23/3/2021 (N550)

    viii. Bill Invoice No. 0101 dated 30/3/2021 (N5,250)

    ix. Invoice No. 147233/ receipt N. SR127003 dated 31/3/2021 (N2,600)

    x. Invoice No. 178904 dated 31/3/2021 (N1,400)

    xi. Receipt No. B88080 dated 31/3/2021 (N2,900)

    xii. Bill Invoice No. 0150 dated 8/4/2021 (N4,760)

    AND for such further order(s) as this Honourable Court may in its absolute discretion deem fit to make in the circumstances.”

    Delivering judgment in the case today Friday 1st July, 2022 the Court deprecated the actions of the Respondents and stated that security agencies in Nigeria are enjoined by law to protect and not abuse the rights of the citizens. That the actions of the Respondents which are not denied, are unfortunate and condemnable. The Court proceeded to award general damages of One Million Naira only in favour of the Applicant.

    In a chat with the Applicant who was personally present in Court, he stated that he was satisfied that justice has been served in the case. “The main essence was to get justice and correct the rascality of the Respondents which is now becoming a common occurrence. I am however disappointed at the paltry sum awarded by the Honourable Court. I came to Court this morning in high spirit hoping to get a befitting birthday present from the Court. But I’m disappointed because I doubt if the paltry sum could ever deter a further occurrence. I intend to meet with my lawyers to review this outcome,” he stated.

    Also, speaking with counsel for the Applicant, James Ibor Esq, he lamented the failure of the Hon. Judge to pronounce on other reliefs sought by the Applicant including special damages (medical expenses incurred) as well as the claim for written public apology as provided by law, and noted that these are grave errors that may necessitate an appeal against the judgment

  • Ayade Calls For Effective Data Management For Optimized Service Delivery In The Health Sector

    By Simon Ushie

    The Cross River State Governor, Senator Ben Ayade has called for improved data management system in the health sector for optimized service delivery across the 18 Local Government Areas of the state and the country.

    Senator Ayade was speaking during the flag off ceremony of the Community Health Management Information System in Calabar, the Cross River State Capital aimed at strengthing synergy between the State and Federal Government.

    The Governor who was represented by the Director General of the Cross River State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, Dr Janet Ekpenyong said, quality and precised data remains the bedrock of effective policy planning and implementation.

    She said, the government of Cross River State have over the years leveraged on optimized data collection and synchronization using home grown principles which are relative to various Communities with best standard practices being upheld.

    According to Dr Ekpenyong ” if we must have a working and formidable program and policies, we must ensure we generate quality and reliable data by taking advantage of programs like the Community Health Intervention Program (CHIPs), Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF) which are designed to bridge health services delivery gaps and approaches at the grassroot, by creating demand for available health services at the health centers.
    The CHIPS program is designed to ensure follow-up of pregnant women and children to access ANC services and immunization services respectively and other available services in the nearest facilities”.

    The New comprehensive community health management information system (CHMIS) tool will help generate quality, timely and reliable data that will reveal gaps and where the state is doing well that will further inform decision and needed intervention.

    She further maintained that quality data collated from communities will help address various challenges in the health sector while also appreciating the state governor for his selfless disposition towards the implementation of health policies and the improvement of healthcare delivery in the state. She also thanked the federal government for acknowledging that there are gaps in the current HMIS tools and for providing solution to tackle the gaps. She also appreciated them for picking Cross River State as one of the states to pilot the tool.
    She encouraged those to be trained on the new tools to pay attention and be very involved as they will cascade all information and knowledge acquired to those in their LGAs.

    In his response, the Honourable Minister of Health represented by Mrs Osindeinde Ademilayo, intimated that accurate data will bring to awareness various challenges faced by states and specific programs thereby helping in managing problems.
    She reiterated Federal Government’s commitment to strengthening the health system of the country by applying a bottom up approach.

    In his remark, a consultant in the Federal Ministry of Health on Community Health Management Information System, Dr Nathaniel Afolabi disclosed that, the Ministry will partner with the state government in training Facilitators on quality data collection and implementation processes for basic programs in the state.

    He said, with collaborations with UNICEF , the Ministry will undergo preliminary training in three selected Local Government Areas namely, Boki, Odukpani and Obudu on Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) in preparation for field exercise for selected diseases and outbreaks.

    “The aims and roles of CHMIS is to provide data for informed Community decision making, as well as promote community ownership of health intervention and help monitor progress. It is aimed at encouraging pregnant women on the importance of Antenatal care to eradicate maternal mortality and other common diseases around us”.

    He further added that the Scheme will help incorporate data in Communities and bring them up among Community workers which are more reliable, with tendency towards improving efficiency for effective decision making.

    Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health, Cross River State, Dr Iwara Iwara, stated that tools are to be used at the community level noting that Participants are to be trained because without adequate data from the source, there will be no accurate data at the State level; therefore urging everyone to maintain attentiveness so as to arrive at appropriate and accurate data and to cascade the knowledge gain to the community.

    A Representative of UNICEF, Dr Olusoji Akinleye emphasized the importance of quality data as a tool for advocacy and decision making, encouraging the participants to prioritize the training as it will help the state achieve reliable data.

    Also present were members from Federal Ministry of Health, Cross River State Ministry of Health,, Cross River State Primary Healthcare Development Agency and Dr Fatima of UNICEF who immensely contributed their quota for the success of the programme.
    High point of the event was the official Flag-off of the training by His Excellency, Sen Prof Ben Ayade ably represented by the Director General, Dr Janet Ekpenyong.

    Globally, Data is said to be the focal agent of change, planning, development in every field of endeavor comprising of selective methods including processes of Data Collected, Data reporting, data analysis and implementation. The pilot will be in three LGAs as plans are in the way for scale up to other LGAS in the state.

  • Nko – Oyadama Crisis: Nko Elders calls On International Organizations, Human Right Activists, NGOs, The Ministry Of Humanitarian Affairs, NEMA And SEMA To Come To Their Aid

    Gentlemen of the press

    We, as citizens of Nko community in Yakurr Local Government Area of Cross River State in Nigeria deem it necessary to call for this press conference to inform you of the happenings and havoc perpetrated by the Nigerian Army on our people.

    While we appreciate the early intervention of the State Government and Security Agencies, particularly the Nigeria Army on the conflict between our community (Nko) and Onyedama community, we disagree with the way the crisis is being managed by the Army. Their approach is unethical and unprofessional.

    While we support every responsible and meaningful effort towards maintaining lasting peace in the area, we call on the State Government and the military authority to stop the raid in Nko community.

    We welcome the decision of the State Government to take over the parcel of land in question, Government should take adequate possession of the said land by using the land effectively so that further crisis may not arise.

    As a community, we cannot and will never organize any form of conflict against anyone or group of persons.

    We won’t even contemplate any attack on the military. It is however, regrettable that this military action in the community has largely rendered the entire indigenes of Nko homeless, beginning from Saturday, June 24, 2022 to this moment.

    Carnage has been exercised in arson, rape and shooting at sight of persons. Beyond these, our women have been thoroughly brutalized in very dehumanizing forms.

    The security situation in Nko community has remained tensed and fragile. For more than five days running, many people have been killed through shooting at sight and a lot more wounded, properties that cannot be quantified at the moment have been destroyed.

    The military personnel have wrecked havoc on the local populace, killing helpless persons, arresting some and introduced a reign of terror in the area.

    Women and children have abdicated their
    homes to take refuge in unknown locations, suffering the harsh effects of the associated weather with the rainy season.

    While we are not challenging the authority of government, it is our candid opinion that the soldiers be stationed at the said boundary between the two communities. Our community is under siege.

    The four secondary schools in Nko community are involved in ongoing NECO examination nationwide, the students as we are talking cannot go to school nor write the exams. This is appalling and would definitely have effect on our growing youths.

    Our children generally, by this action have been denied their right to education as they cannot continue their learning in an unsafe environment.

    There are some elderly and aged men and women, pregnant and sick people that have been abandoned in their homes devoid of care, because their care givers have fled from the community for their safety.

    The elders are languishing and dying of hunger because there is no food, no water to drink and no body to take care of them for the past five days.

    At this point, we the people of Nio remain very grateful to all the communities and individuals that have come to assist our suffering people.

    We appreciate their benevolence and sense of love.
    The Nigeria public is hereby requested to show empathy in form of providing welfare for the displaced homeless people.

    We are therefore calling on International Organizations, Human Right Activists, NGOs the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, NEMA, SEMA and other bodies to come to our aid. We are crying aloud.

    While we thank His Excellency, our amiable governor, Prof Ben Avade for his quick intervention and the action taken So far, we as a community are appealing and pleading that the military high command should please remove the prey personnel from Nko Community, the continuous stay of the military in the community will not help to bring peace to the area.

    Thank you and remain blessed.