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Herdsmen’s Killings: Group Threaten to Drag Buhari, Osinbanjo to International Criminal Court
A Non-Governmental Organisation, the Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has threatened to drag President Muhammadu Buhari and Vice President Yemi Osinbajo before the International Criminal Court (ICC) over herdsmen’s killings across the country.
HURIWA also lambasted the Osibanjo-led committee on the herdsmen killings for recommending dialogue with Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders of Nigeria.
The group said it would amount to a treasonable felony to dialogue with alleged sponsors of the mass killings allegedly perpetrated by armed Fulani herdsmen.
The rights group said: “What a sane administration in a properly administered constitutional democracy ought to do is to enforce the relevant laws by arresting, prosecuting and legally sanctioning the leadership of Miyetti Allah cattle owners’ association who were clearly seen addressing media conferences and threatening fire and brimstone just few days before each of the deadly attacks targeting farming communities which escalated in the last three years.”
The rights group said it had instructed its legal team to file additional material evidences to the ICC in The Hague, Netherlands to reinforce an earlier petition it sent to the same global crimes court on the incessant Fulani herdsmen’s terrorism all over Nigeria with the renewed mandate to list Osinbanjo and his committee dialoguing with Miyetti Allah as defendants.
In a media statement, HURIWA’s National coordinator, Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko and its National Media Affairs Director, Miss Zainab Yusuf carpeted the Presidency for persistently deploying armed security forces only after innocent Nigerians were massacred by armed Fulani marauders.
HURIWA criticised the Directorate of Public Relations at the Nigerian Defence Headquarters “for insisting that it wouldn’t deploy soldiers to protect farmers coming under attacks from armed Fulani herdsmen, but only to hurriedly despatch military troops soon after the dastardly criminal act of mob killing of seven suspected Hausa/Fulani travellers by some unruly mob in Gboko, Benue State as if the military of Nigeria has become the official Hausa/Fulani police under President Muhammadu Buhari.”
HURIWA warned the Buhari administration to stop stoking the fire of mutual suspicions through its preferences for nepotism in appointments of strategic security chiefs and favouritism in the selective deployment of armed soldiers only to chase after cattle rustlers and to protect Hausa/Fulani herdsmen from possible reprisals after every violent attacks of farming communities by armed Fulani herdsmen.
“May we remind President Muhammadu Buhari of the time tested facts that the ongoing executive lawlessness which has made most other communities outside of Hausa/Fulani to live in fear will precipitate a long drawn out civil unrest in the nearest future unless the government addressed the lopsided appointments of defence chiefs, which favours Hausa/Fulani and balance the composition to have semblance of federal character in line with extant constitutional provisions.
“Impunity truly makes key government officials who constitute the cabal in the Presidency to commit lawless activities such as condoning armed Fulani attacks because they share ethno-religious affiliations with the armed Fulani herdsmen and these criminal act of impunity is being carried out because these officials feel protected by Buhari.
“Let the President be reminded that his discriminatory policies in matters of national security is a danger to the continuous existence of Nigeria.
“The heightened manifestations of abuse of power by Buhari and his officials, the oppressive deployment of soldiers to crush the Indigenous People of Biafra, the decimination of the mechanisms of Rule of Law and above all, the twin evil of the applications of tribalism and nepotism in national security affairs are grave threats to national peace and inter-ethnic harmony.”
The group condemned the President “for abysmally failing to discharge his primary constitutional duty, which is to provide security to all Nigerians irrespective of ethnicity or religious persuasions and also for adopting discriminatory policies both in appointment of heads of security forces in a pattern that shows clear biases against other ethno-religious communities outside of his Hausa/Fulani cleavages.
“The decision by the presidency to set up the Prof. Osinbanjo-led committee on the incessant armed Fulani attacks amounts to grave compromise of Nigeria’s national security interest. Why handle the grave security threats posed by armed Fulani terrorists like a village engagements when there are laws against mass murders? This amounts to desecration of our constitution.”
HURIWA also condemned the refusal of the National Assembly to employ the constitutional powers of impeachment against President Buhari, who, in its view, not only flagrantly violated the federal character principle in appointments of heads of national security team, but is now holding dialogue sessions with alleged sponsors of genocide which undermines constitutional democracy.
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Enugu State Govt Condemns Murder of Catholic Priest, Places ₦10 Million Bounty on Killers
…Commiserates with family, Catholic Church
The Enugu State Government has strongly condemned the gruesome murder of Rev. Fr. Mathew Eya of Nsukka Catholic Diocese by unknown assailants.
The government also commiserated with the late priest’s immediate family, the Catholic Diocese of Nsukka, and indeed the Catholic faithful in general over the tragic incident, which occurred on Friday, September 19, 2025.
In a statement issued by the Commissioner for Information and Communication, Dr. Malachy Agbo, the government described the action as cowardly and cold-blooded.
Father Eya was said to have been shot dead by a group of assailants, who attacked and killed him along Alumona- Eha Ndiagu road in Nsukka Local Government Area of Enugu.
The government has, therefore, reiterated that security of lives and property remains its priority and vowed to bring the perpetrators to justice.
It added that it would not spare any resources within its reach, including technology and credible intelligence to track down the criminals and defeat the remnant agents of evil in the state.
Consequently, the Enugu State Government has placed a ₦10 million reward for anyone with credible information that could lead to the arrest of the perpetrators of the heinous crime.
Anybody with credible information about the perpetrators should quickly contact 07077451426.
The International Press Institute (IPI), a global body committed to protecting press freedom and the free flow of information, has raised concern over the recent cases of media repression in the country.
Mr Musikilu Mojeed, president, IPI Nigeria, raised the alarm at a dinner organised by the institute, to honour one of its members and a retired Director, Digital Media, Voice of Nigeria (VON) Hajia Hadiza Hussaina Sani in Abuja on Saturday.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the dinner was organised to honour the media icon for her dedication and service, after clocking mandatory retirement age of 60 years.
NAN also reports that the identical twin sister of the celebrator, Hajia Ameena Hassana Sani, equally retired meritoriously from the service of the agency (NAN) as a Director.
Speaking at the event, Mojeed, Editor-in-Chief, Premium Times, cited the recent “disturbing” instances of banning of live political programme in Kano State and the arrest of a journalist in Ekiti State.
“Akwa Ibom State Government recently evicted Channels TV crew, a journalist and a cameraman, from the press centre inside Government House, Uyo.
“The repressive action was taken, over the publication of a video clip, where the governor, eventually confirmed he is defecting from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
“A journalist with FIJ, Sodiq Atanda was recently arrested by the police in Ekiti State.
“A former “ThisDay” employee, Azuka Ogujiuba, was reportedly arrested and harassed by the Police for doing her job.
“Every single day you wake up, it is one form of harassment or the other against the media,” he said.
Mojeed, called for continued advocacy to protect press freedom and promote independent journalism.
He stressed that, efforts to protect journalists’ rights and promote independent journalism are crucial in Nigeria’s media landscape.
Mojeed said Sani’s retirement came at a critical time when the media sector in Nigeria is facing numerous challenges, including harassment, arrests, and censorship.
He noted Sani’s significant contributions to IPI Nigeria, including her role in organising its World Congress in Nigeria in 2018, as well as her subsequent active participation in various committees.
Mojeed appealed to the celebrator to continue advocating for press freedom and supporting the work of IPI Nigeria, emphasising that her expertise and experience are invaluable to the organisation.
The Director-General, VON, Mallam Jibrin Ndace, expressed gratitude to IPI Nigeria for recognising Sani’s contributions, stating that the gesture also reflected positively on the entire VON team.
He described Sani as a professional journalist who seamlessly transitioned from traditional journalism to modern digital practices, leading the digital department with innovation.
According to the DG, Sani’s leadership in the digital space, kept VON at the forefront of public media institutions and global competitiveness.
He commended her experience, passion, and love for journalism, which he said, enabled her to excel in her role and serve as a role model for younger journalists.
The VON DG emphasised that, “journalism is a marathon, not a sprint”, and Sani’s long-standing career is a testament to her dedication and commitment to the profession.
Mr Garba Shehu, s spokesman to late President Muhammadu Buhari, described the retirement of Sani as a significant loss for the organisation but a potential gain for other sectors of the journalism profession.
Shehu praised her, as “a strong and young professional with much to contribute to journalism”.
He highlighted her unique qualities, particularly her social responsibility, selflessness, and commitment to helping others to succeed.
According to him, Sani embodies the principles of servant leadership, a concept often touted by politicians but rarely exemplified.
“Her legacy as a role model for young journalists and a champion of socially responsible journalism will continue to inspire others in the field,” he said.
Abdulwaheed Odusile, former President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), commended Sani’s dedication and expertise, which he said, have earned her recognition and respect in the industry..
On her part, Sani expressed gratitude to God and her family for their support throughout her 34 years career in public service.
While reflecting on the challenges and rewards of her time in service, she highlighted the importance of dedication, clear vision, and family support.
Sani emphasised the need for media professionals to adapt to new technologies and appreciate their impact on the industry and the society
She stressed that, telling a good story starts with understanding oneself and one’s audience.
Despite retiring from active public service, she assured to remain active in the media space, pursuing research, teaching, writing, and lecturing.
“It has been a very difficult, challenging, interesting and rewarding 34 years in service.
“It’s not easy. You have new and great ideas, but some people don’t understand, so they find it a bit difficult to agree with you.
“But if you are consistent, if you have a clear vision of what you want to achieve, and you are dedicated and resolute, the sky is not the limit.
“I have pulled out from active public service, but have not retired. My brain is still exceptionally active, and I plan to utilise it.
“I’ll be doing a lot of research work and writing, and I won’t get tired of seeing myself in the media space,” she said.
NAN reports that Sani’s dedication to her work and her commitment to excellence have been hallmarks of her career, which started with the Nigeria Television Authority (NTA) before joining VON.
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Naija Times celebrates 5th anniversary, launches nonprofit arm to promote quality journalism and social impact
Naija Times, Nigeria’s leading independent online newspaper, proudly celebrates its 5th anniversary.
To mark this milestone, the management is excited to announce the launch of Naija Times Journalism Foundation, its nonprofit arm, reinforcing its commitment to quality journalism and social impact.
Founded on September 15, 2020, by Ehi Braimah, a notable PR expert and media personality in Nigeria, Naija Times has delivered high-quality, unbiased, and informative content to its readers. Akpandem James and Jahman Anikulapo – two senior and highly respected journalists – are Braimah’s co-founding partners of Naija Times.
The newspaper covers politics, business, health, education, culture, and sports, while its regularly published editorials provide sharp insights into Nigeria’s pressing issues. The newly launched website, www.ntm.ng to mark the anniversary, offers a seamless, user-friendly experience, making it easier for readers to navigate the website and access Naija Times’ diverse content.
On its 3rd anniversary two years ago, Naija Times launched the book, ‘For a Better Society,’ a compilation of editorials published from September 2020 to July 2023 in Abuja, further solidifying its role in shaping public discourse.
Naija Times Journalism Foundation, accessible at www.ntjfoundation.org, expands the organisation’s mission by supporting investigative journalism on critical social issues, promoting media literacy to educate the public on evaluating information and combating misinformation, and empowering community development through initiatives that foster social cohesion and economic empowerment.
“We are proud to celebrate five years of delivering credible journalism to our readers,” said Braimah, founder and publisher/editor-in-chief of Naija Times.
“Five years ago, we launched Naija Times with the following goals in mind: build strong institutions, promote transparency and accountability in public spending, uphold the rule of law, and defend the public interest.
“Together with my colleagues, we remain committed to building an egalitarian society that is founded on equity, justice and respect for fundamental human rights. The launch of Naija Times Journalism Foundation represents a bold step forward in our mission to drive social impact and elevate journalism practice in Nigeria.”
Naija Times Journalism Foundation is a knowledge production and journalism innovation hub dedicated to strengthening democratic governance and promoting inclusive development and accountability by empowering a vibrant and free press in Nigeria, Africa and Black Diaspora.
The Foundation’s Programmes Officer is Hart Onoboh, a seasoned programmes and communications professional with over five years’ experience, driving impactful development projects in Nigeria.
Hart has a robust background in strengthening democratic governance, combating misinformation, and facilitating community-based interventions.
Previously a fact-checker and visual communications officer at the Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD-West Africa), he led initiatives to counter misinformation and promote electoral integrity, training over 25 fact-checkers across four states in Nigeria.
Hart is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Information Management at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, and he brings technical expertise, creative communication, and field experience to the Foundation’s advocacy and governance initiatives.
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