The Lumine News

Category: Metro News

  • Ukwortung Clan Appreciates Anonymous Gesture, Seeks Government’s Approval To Commence School Renovation

     

    The leadership of Ukwortung clan has commended the benevolence of an anonymous who have indicated interest to renovate one of the delapidated buildings at St John’s Primary School Ukwortung, Obudu Local Government Area.

    The community received the representative of the anonymous on Saturday, 6th August 2022.

    The Community Chairman, Mr Peter Ugani who spoke on behalf of the community noted that “We want to very sincerely that our anonymous brother for his thoughtfulness to assist us renovate this school. He has shown us that he is very serious about this renovation work. Please convey our unalloyed commitment to the completion of this project. We will make our contribution where we can to ensure that this project sees the light of the day”

    The community noted that they will write to officially notify and seek the approval of SUBEB Chairman as work begins on site.

    In a letter sighted by TheLumineNews, and signed by the Clan Head, HRH, Uti Moses Odikpo and Community Chairman, Mr Peter Ugani, indicates that the roof was blown off in 2016 and that series of letters were written calling on SUBEB to renovate the building.

    The letter reads in parts, “We write to notify you of our intention to commence the renovation of a classroom block in our community, St John’s Primary School, Ukwortung, that was blown off by windstorm in 2016.

    “Our children had received lessons under very terrible conditions which have impacted negatively on them.

    “Our interactions with previous Head Teachers reveled that series of letters calling on SUBEB to step in were written to this effect.

    “Poised to ensure that our children have a condusive learning environment, we are glad to inform you that an anonymous has indicated interest to renovate the block for our children’s use.

    “It is on this premise that we write to request your approval for the renovation of this classroom block as we continue to support government to provide the basic amenities”

    The anonymous representative, stated that there is no political undertone to the renovation of the school building, but that he was touched by the disturbing pictures circulated on social media.

    He commended the resilience of Elijah Ugani who drew the world’s attention to the state of the school and promised to commence work as soon as possible.

  • 70th Birth Anniversary: Bishop Donatus Akpan Commissions Youth House, Charged Youth To Remain Resilient In The Pursuit Of An Ideal Society

     

    As part of activities to mark the 70th birth anniversary of the Chief Shepherd of the Catholic Diocese of Ogoja, His Lordship, the Most Rev Dr Donatus Akpan, the bishop used the opportunity to commission the Youth House for the Catholic Youth Organization of Nigeria CYON, St Thomas Aquinas Parish Igoli-Ogoja.

    The event was held on Wednesday, July 3rd 2022 at the parish pavilion.

    Commisioning the Youth House, the bishop expressed satisfaction with the commitment and resilience of the youth to have come up with the idea of the house.

    He charged the youths not to lose hope despite the seemingly challenges that ravaged us currently, and insisted that as the
    hope of the future we all anticipate, the youths must be delibrate and resolute about the things that will sustain the yearnings and aspirations that guarrenttees a better society.

    The Bishop used the opportunity to commend the Parish Priest, Rev Fr Dr Peter Obele Abue for his innovations and thoughtfulness to assist the youths realize their dreams.

    He thanked the parishioners for coming together to celebrate him and maintained that “what God approves will always come to pass. He attributed the success of the event to God’s approval.

    The bishop appreciated the parish’s solidarity and every gift, especially the talents in the youths as displayed during the special rendition, drama and dance.

    He used the opportunity to encourage parishioners to continue to support the Church as much as they can. He acknowledged the rapid development going on in the church and held that “I have seen the development in your Church. I see you have quality men and women.
    You have a quality pastor and Assistant.

    “I thank God for the gift of my life. I thank all of you. I thank all my brother priests. Continue to pray for me that the Lord will grant me the grace to look after you”

    Speaking during the event, the Parish Priest and Vicar General Administration of the Diocese, Very Rev Fr Dr Peter Obele Abue, held that “this initiative which is being inaugurated on this 70th birthday of our dear Bishop reminds us all of the dire need of empowerment programmes that benefit underrepresented populations in our society. Above all, the need for such initiatives to be spearheaded by the youth themselves. We hope such programmes could be replicated across the leaps and bounds of our diocese and the country in general”.

    On his part, the Parish President, Mr Adie Julius welcomed the Bishop to St Thomas Parish and noted that “70 looks good on you”

    He noted that “as we celebrate with you this day, we your children of the great St Thomas Aquinas Parish deem it fit to invite you to bless and open our youth house.

    “It may please you to know that our digital Parish Priest, Rev Fr Dr Peter Obele Abue and his amiable Assistant Rev Fr James Aburu for the love and wellbeing of their parishioners, initiated the STAP EPP (St Thomas Aquinas Parish Economic Empowerment Program).

    “STAP-EEP is a programme whereby parishioners will access funds to engage in small business enterprises and the cultivation of Agricultural ventures geared towards a targeted population (Parishioners) especially youth and women. The programme will also encourage Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship, promote small businesses and shall be run by the CYON of the parish.

    “The AIMS and OBJECTIVES of the programme is basically to build an economic and financial support base for parishioners, encourage entrepreneurial framework and create an avenue for revenue generation for the parish through direct investment projects. Proceeds or profit from these investments shall be remitted to the parish development account where projects are implemented and further support given for diocesan projects.

    “The Programme is divided into Four (4) basic ares:

    SMALL BUSINESS LOANS FOR PARISHIONERS
    Parishioners who are already engaged in legitimate businesses and have need for expansion will be given soft loans on demand. The interest rate charged is 2% flat rate to encourage more participation with stringent measures for repayment. Proceeds accruing from this shall be re-deployed to the Parish development fund for projects. The term soft loan shall span between 6-10months depending on their needs. Under this loan granting system, we shall encourage Cassava cultivation for those parishioners who are interested and are disposed for farming. Interested members are expected to cluster in five and shall be funded through input financing. Farm inspectors shall supervise and ensure that the farms succeed.

    “ENTREPRENEURSHIP AND SKILL ACQUISITION
    This category engages parishioners in the area of training for small business management while the youth shall be trained free of charge to acquire vocational skills in various areas such as baking of snacks, art works etc. Skills Acquisition training will be done in collaboration with ODAIP ventures.

    “FOOD STUFFS STORAGE
    This is a parish direct investment project which will involve sourcing for raw food stuffs, storing them up during harvest and disposing them at the market when prices have appreciated.

    “RELIGIOUS ARTICLES/PROVISION STORE
    A Bookshop (religious articles) and Provision store has already been opened and shall be operated and supervised by the Parish CYON. The store shall carter for children and adults needs by providing a market for the sale of religious articles, provisions, drinks and food items”.

    The event featured cutting of birth anniversary cake, presentation of gifts, group photograph, dance presentation and drama.

    In a vote of thanks, the Assistant Parish Priest, Rev Fr James Aburu, thanked the bishop for finding time to identify with the parish as he marked his 70th birth anniversary.

    He thanked all priests who despite their pastoral schedules found time to identify with the parish. Special mention was made of the Parish Priest, Rev Fr Peter Obele Abue, who is futuristic is in his thinking, and the leadership he has provided. He thanked all parishioners for the sacrifices made and for coming out to celebrate the bishop.

  • Court Charges Lady To Pay 23,750k For Collecting 3k Transport Fare From Boyfriend And Refused To Visit

     

    The Lady in the Middle was in court she was arrested by the police. A Kenyan magistrate ordered her to pay her boyfriend Ksh 23,750 (Kenya Shillings) which was given to her by her boyfriend. To visit him, the girl ate the money and switched off her phone.

    The boyfriend gave her Ksh 3000 bus fare.

    So the court said she should pay Ksh 3000, Ksh 750 interest and Ksh 20 000 for emotional damages because the boyfriend was emotionally abused by absence of the girlfriend.

    The boyfriend Beyumunike brought evidence to the court of the mobile money transfer and WhatsApp messages they shared.

     

  • Jarigbe Agom Flags Off The Construction Of Okuku-Alifokpa-Yache-Echumona 65 Kilometres Road

     

    The Senator representing Cross River North Senatorial District, Sen Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe, flagged off the construction of Alifokpa-Yache-Echumoga 65km Road.

    The flagged off was done today 30th July, 2022 at Okuku axis of the road in Yala Local Government Area.

    The road if completed will be the longest stretch road ever facilitated by a lawmaker from Cross River State in recent time and will open up the section of the LGA and revive economic activities as well as the establishment of a supply chain in road transport within its corridor, Okuku- Alifokpa-Echimofana-Yache, as it links the major food hubs to Benue state.

    Speaking during the flag off, Sen Jarigbe expressed concern over the deplorable state of the road and its attendant effect on his constitituents. He stressed that the construction of the road becomes very necessary as it has retarded economic activities of his constitituents in Yala Local Government Area. He committed the project to God, as he prayed for a speedy completion of the road for the use of the people of Cross River North.

    The lawmaker proceeded to inspect the Ongoing Monaiya-Ikaptang Road project which connects Ishibori to the Federal Highway.

    The Senator expressed satisfaction with the level work ongoing as he inspected the ongoing Mini stadium and recreational Centre projects, he facilitated.

    In the Sen entourage were, Barr. Godwin Offiono – PDP House of Reps Candidate Ogoja Yala Fed Constituency, Mr. John George – BOT Chairman Reclaim Cross River, Dr Martins Achadu – Yala 2 State Constituency Candidate, Mr Elijah Okache – Yala PDP Chapter Chairman, Rt Hon Mom Olom – Former CRSHA member, Mr Brown Odey – Cross River State Youth Leader PDP, Dr Raphael Ogar Oko, Joe Ulom, Stephen Okpako, Barr. Paul Ishabor, RoyJones Akpak among others

  • NSCDC Seeks EFCC’s Collaboration In Tackling Emerging Security Threats

     

    The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC has called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, to collaborate with it in tackling emerging security threats across the country

    This call was made in Abuja on Thursday, July 28, 2022 by the National Coordinator of the female squad of NSCDC, Chief Superintendent of Corps, CSP Imomkhe Oluwakemi while on a working visit to the EFCC’s Headquarters.

    Oluwakemi said the female squad is a special squad in the NSCDC, formed through a Memorandum of Understanding between the Minister of Interior and the Commandant General of NSCDC to protect lives and properties especially in schools across the 36 states of the country.

    According to her, “we are carrying out sensitization programmes in schools to be security conscious, encouraging them to install surveillance devices and reaching out in cases of emergencies via our hot lines. Also, part of the reasons for our visit is to encourage the Commission to reach out to us if there is need for extra hands especially in areas of fire backing and other security needs”, she said

    Responding, Secretary to the Commission, Dr George Ekpungu, who spoke for the EFCC’s Chairman, Abdulrasheed Bawa, thanked the NSCDC’s team and emphasized the need for stakeholders to collaborate in tackling emerging security challenges in the country.

    “I have been told that if you need NSCDC personnel, you go for the female squad and you have demonstrated that it is not about size, gender but about determination and courage to do the job.

    “We already have a robust relationship with the NSCDC .We will do everything to support and collaborate with you”, he said.

  • Senate Holds Public Hearing On A Bill For An Act To Establish The Federal College Of Agriculture, Ogoja Cross River State

     

    The Nigerian Senate through her committee on Agriculture and Rural Development, earlier today held a public hearing On a Bill for an act to Establish the Federal College Of Agriculture, Ogoja (SB 809) 2022.

    The Committee which received memoranda and held the public hearing for eight bills including the Nigerian Research Institute of Fishing and Aquaculture, Bakassi (Est.) bill (SB 116), was chaired by the AG. Chairman, Senate Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development, Distinguished Senator Muhammad Bima Enagi.

    The Federal College of Agriculture Ogoja, Bill, according to the sponsor, senator representing Cross River North Senatorial District, Senator Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe, will provide agricultural education, training, research, and development which could have a direct impact on poverty reduction by increasing farm productivity, subsequent increase in food supply, creating employment opportunities for both skilled and unskilled labour, and reducing the cost of food crops due to availability.

    Jarigbe added that the institution, when established, would help accelerate the agricultural growth rate, enhance the income of farmers, transform educational infrastructures, yield quality agricultural products, and generate employment opportunities in the sector for constituents.

    TEAM JARI MEDIA

  • Police Rescue Arthur Jarvis Varsity Student From Kidnappers, kill Suspects

     

    By Ike Uchechukwu, Calabar

    Men of Cross River State Police Command have rescued an Arthur Jarvis University student, Josephine, who was abducted on Tuesday by kidnappers operating from Akpabuyo Local Government Area, Cross River State.

    The school, located 18 kilometers from Calabar, the state capital, is the first private university in the state and has almost rounded off it’s session billed for Friday (yesterday) before the incident.

    A covert operation, Vanguard learned, was carried out by a crack team of policemen following directives of the Commissioner of Police Cross River state, Aminu Alhassan.

    According to a top security source, the covert operation took the tactical unit into the hideout of the hoodlums in Akpabuyo, where the victim was rescued at about 11pm on Thursday.

    The source further revealed that some of the suspects were neutralised while one was arrested. The victim is receiving treatment.

    When contacted the Police Public Relations Officer in the state , SP Irene Ugbo, confirmed the rescue, describing the feat as a laudable breakthrough.

    Irene said: “It is true, a crack team of officers combed the creeks of Akpabuyo and rescued the victim at about 11pm Thursday.

    “It was based on the order of the Commissioner of Police, CP Aminu Alhassan, and we thank God that the student was rescued alive.
    She is recovering as she is also receiving treatment at the moment.

    “This is a serious note of warning that we will not tolerate any form of criminality in any part of the state.

    “No matter where they hide, we shall always smoke them out, no matter how long it takes.

    “Every kidnapper or criminal in the state must understand that we are bringing the fight to them. We are not going to allow any person or group to carry out any nefarious activity in any part of Cross River state,” she warned.

    When Vanguard contacted the Chancellor and Founder of AJU, Sir Arthur Jarvis Archibong, he thanked God for the safe return of his student, while lauding the police for the job well done.

    Vanguard

  • 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.

     

  • 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

  • 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.