News
Over 900 Killed across eight States in first four months of 2018 – Group
No fewer than 904 persons were killed violently across eight States of Nigeria between January 1, 2018 and April 25, 2018, a group, #MiddleBeltMassacres, has said.
The recorded killings, mainly by herdsmen, excluded those carried out by Boko Haram Terrorists in Borno and Yobe States.
The eight states covered were Benue, Nasarawa, Kaduna, Adamawa, Taraba, Plateau, Kwara and Kogi.
Below are the records by #MiddleBeltMassacres:
1. January 1 2018, 50 Benue indigenes KILLED, 30 INJURED in Logo Benue (source; http://punchng.com/herdsmen-kill-20-injure-30-in-benue-ortom/ …)
#MiddleBeltMassacres
2. January 1 2018, 2 Nasarawa farmers KILLED in Awe, Nasarawa. (Source; http://punchng.com/fleeing-herdsmen-allegedly-kill-nasarawa-farmers/ …)
#MiddleBeltMassacres
3. January 1 2018, 25 Nasarawa farmers KILLED in Keana, Nasarawa. (source; http://punchng.com/death-toll-hits-25-in-nasarawas-herdsmen-farmers-crisis/ …)
#MiddleBeltMassacres
4. January 3 2018, Violent protest in Markurdi leaves 3 dead (source https://www.vanguardngr.com/2018/01/three-youths-feared-dead-benue-protest/ …)
#MiddleBeltMassacres
5. January 4 2018, Gun men KILL 6 in Wukari, Taraba (source http://punchng.com/gunmen-kill-seven-in-taraba/ …)
#MiddleBeltMassacres
6. January 4 2018, Gunmen KILL 1 in Gassol, Taraba (Source http://punchng.com/gunmen-kill-seven-in-taraba/ …)
#MiddleBeltMassacres
7. January 5 2018, 60 indigenes ATTACKED AND KILLED in Lau, Taraba (source https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/headlines/254650-taraba-communities-attacked-fulani-bachama-groups-accuse.html …)
#MiddleBeltMassacre
8. January 6 2018, Village head and 15 others ATTACKED AND KILLED in Logo, Benue. (Source https://www.vanguardngr.com/2018/01/village-head-15-others-killed-fresh-herdsmen-attack-benue-communities/ …)
#MiddleBeltMassacres
9. January 8 2018, 3 indigenes ATTACKED AND KILLED in Sardauna, Taraba (source https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/headlines/254861-three-killed-six-injured-fresh-taraba-attack.html …)
#MiddleBeltMassacres
10. January 13 2018, At least 10 locals ATTACKED AND KILLED in Birnin Gwari, Kaduna (Source https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/headlines/255436-many-killed-fresh-attacks-kaduna-communities.html …)
#MiddleBeltMassacres
11.January 13 2018, 1 person KILLED in violent clash in Makurdi, Benue (http://sunnewsonline.com/makurdi-1-feared-dead-in-violent-clashes/ …)
#MiddleBeltMassacres
12. January 14 2018, 1 KILLED in Bassa, Plateau (Source https://www.vanguardngr.com/2018/01/1-killed-another-injured-attack-plateau-community/ …)
#MiddleBeltMassacres
13.January 14 2018, Herdsmen attack and kill 1 in Ibi, Taraba (Source file://localhost/tp/::http://punchng.com :armed-fulani-men-attack-taraba-community-kill-traditional-ruler:)
#MiddleBeltMassacres
14. January 16 2018, Boko Haram attack and kill 5 in Madagali, Adamawa (Source https://www.vanguardngr.com/2018/01/boko-haram-terrorists-raid-adamawa-community …)
#MiddleBeltMassacres
15. January 16 2018, 6 KILLED in attack on Guma, Logo and Okpokwu, Benue (source http://punchng.com/breaking-six-killed-in-fresh-attacks-in-benue/ …)
#MiddleBeltMassacres
16. January 18 2018 Boko Haram KILL 5 in Madagali, Adamawa (source http://saharareporters.com/2018/01/19/boko-haram-attacks-adamawa-town-kills-five-0 …)
#MiddleBeltMassacres
17. January 20 2018 Hunter KILLED in Barkin Ladi, Plateau (Source http://punchng.com/suspected-herdsmen-kill-hunter-in-plateau/ …)
#MiddleBeltMassacres
18. January 21 2018 Reprisal attack leaves 6 dead in Juman, Adamawa (Source http://saharareporters.com/2018/01/23/herdsmen-attack-reprisal-claims-six-lives-adamawa …)
#MiddleBeltMassacres
19. January 22 2018 SARS opens fire and kill 1 in Jos South, Plateau https://www.premiumtimesng.com/regional/north-central/256417-sars-operatives-open-fire-jos-relaxation-spot-reportedly-kill-one.html …)
#MiddleBeltMassacres
20. January 23 2018 Gunmen kill family of 9 in Ardo Kola, Adamawa (Source https://www.vanguardngr.com/2018/01/gunmen-wipe-family-9-adamawa-kidnap-7-children/ …)
#MiddleBeltMassacres
21. January 24 2018 Herdsmen kill 7 in Bokkos, Plateau State http://sunnewsonline.com/suspected-herdsmen-kill-7-injure-many-in-plateau/ …)
#MiddleBeltMassacres
22. January 24 2018 Gunmen kill 4 in Kaiama, Kwara (Source http://sunnewsonline.com/gunmen-kill-4-vigilantes-in-kwara/ …
#MiddleBeltMassacres
23. January 25 2018, attack in Bassa, Plateau State. 8 locals killed. (http://sunnewsonline.com/suspected-herdsmen-kill-8-injure-10-persons-in-plateau/ …)
#MiddleBeltMassacres
24.January 26 2018, 2 policemen KILLED in Ukum, Benue (Source http://punchng.com/militia-group-kills-two-policemen-in-benue/ …)
#MiddleBeltMassacres
25. January 26 2018, 3 locals KILLED in Bassa, Plateau (Sourcehttp://sunnewsonline.com/plateau-fresh-herdsmen-attacks-leave-three-dead-burnt-houses/)
#MiddleBeltMassacres
26. January 27 2018, 2 KILLED, MANY MISSING in Kaiama, Kwara (Source https://www.premiumtimesng.com/regional/north-central/256870-two-killed-many-missing-local-vigilante-gunmen-clash-kwara.html …
#MiddleBeltMassacres
27. January 28 2018, 2 KILLED in Bassa, Plateau state (Source http://sunnewsonline.com/2-killed-in-plateau-as-herdsmen-ambush-residents/ …)
#MiddleBeltMassacres
28. January 29 2018, 7 KILLED in Keane, Nasarawa (Source https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/headlines/257082-seven-killed-night-attack-nasarawa-village.html …)
#MiddleBeltMassacres
29. January 29 2018, NNPC workers attacked and 1 killed in Guma, Benue (https://www.vanguardngr.com/2018/01/breaking-herdsmen-attack-nnpc-officials-working-petroleum-pipelines-benue-state/ …)
#MiddleBeltMassacres
30. January 31 2018, Gunmen assassinate a politician in Jema’a, Kaduna (https://www.vanguardngr.com/2018/02/gunmen-assassinate-kaduna-politician/ …)
#MiddleBeltMassacres
31. January 31 2018, Herdsmen KILL 9 in Birnin Gwari, Kaduna (Source; http://saharareporters.com/2018/02/01/suspected-fulani-herdsmen-kill-9-kaduna …)
#MiddleBeltMassacres
32. February 1 2018, 4 KILLED in Gassol, Taraba (Source https://www.vanguardngr.com/2018/02/breaking-gunmen-strike-taraba-killed-four/ …)
#MiddleBeltMassacres
33. February 2 2018, 2 KILLED in Song, Adamawa (Source http://sunnewsonline.com/2-killed-village-razed-in-herdsmen-farmers-clash-in-adamawa/ …)
#MiddleBeltMassacres
34. February 2 2018, 10 KILLED in Song, Adamawa (Source
https://www.vanguardngr.com/2018/02/herders-farmers-clash-10-feared-killed-fresh-attack-yungur-song-adamawa/ …
#MiddleBeltMassacres
35. February 5 2018, Herdsmen attack Gov Ortom Farmhouse and KILL 2 (Source https://www.vanguardngr.com/2018/02/herdsmen-attack-sack-gov-ortoms-farmhouse/ …)
#MiddleBeltMassacres
36. February 6 2018 attack on village KILLS 8 in Obi, Nasarawa (source http://punchng.com/eight-feared-dead-in-nasarawa-village-attack/ …
#MiddleBeltMassacres
37. February 8 2018, communal clash leaves 6 DEAD in Shellen, Adamawa (Source https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/headlines/258145-several-feared-dead-adamawa-communal-clash.html …)
#MiddleBeltMassacres
38. February 10 2018, Herdsmen ambush and KILL 2 police officers (source http://saharareporters.com/2018/02/11/four-officers-missing- …‘herdsmen’-ambush-police-team-benue)
#MiddleBeltMassacres
39. February 10 2018, 3 KILLED in Bassa, Plateau (Source https://www.vanguardngr.com/2018/02/3-killed-plateau-ambush/ …)
#MiddleBeltMassacres
40. February 11 2018, 4 KILLED in Jema’a, Kaduna (Source http://punchng.com/suspected-fulani-herdsmen-kill-four-in-kaduna-village/ …)
#MiddleBeltMassacres
41. February 12 2018, 2 civil defence officers KILLED in Guma, Benue (http://saharareporters.com/2018/02/12/suspected-fulani-herdsmen-kill-two-nscdc-officers-benue …)
#MiddleBeltMassacres
42. February 26 2018, Worship center torched and 12 KILLED in Kajuru, Kaduna (Source https://www.premiumtimesng.com/regional/nwest/260055-kaduna-violence-death-toll-12-police.html …)
#MiddleBeltMassacres
43. February 27 2018, 20 KILLED in Demsa, Adamawa (source http://sunnewsonline.com/herdsmen-20-killed-23-injured-in-adamawa/ …)
#MiddleBeltMassacres
44. March 1 2018, clash in Saradauna, Taraba leaves 15 DEAD (Source http://saharareporters.com/2018/03/03/15-killed-attacks-fulani-communities-taraba …)
#MiddleBeltMassacres
45. March 4 2018, About 20 KILLED in Saradauna, Taraba (Source https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/headlines/260665-mambilla-20-reported-killed-300-cows-stolen-fresh-taraba-violence.html …)
#MiddleBeltMassacres
46. March 5 2018, 24 KILLED in Okpokwu, Benue (http://punchng.com/updated-benue-herdsmen-attack-death-toll-now-24/ …)
#MiddleBeltMassacres
47. March 7 2018, 2 KILLED in Takum, Taraba. (Source http://sunnewsonline.com/two-dead-in-renewed-attacks-on-taraba-villages/ …
#MiddleBeltMassacres
48. March 8 2018, 11 KILLED in Bassa, Plateau (Source http://punchng.com/herdsmen-kill-11-torch-50-houses-in-plateau/ …)
#MiddleBeltMassacres
49. March 9 2018, 9 KILLED in Bokkos, Plateau (Source https://www.premiumtimesng.com/regional/north-central/261315-infant-nine-others-killed-plateau-violence.html …)
#MiddleBeltMassacres
50. March 12 2018, 26 KILLED, 26 in Bassa, Plateau (Source http://punchng.com/herdsmen-kill-26-torch-11-houses-in-fresh-plateau-attacks/ …)
#MiddleBeltMassacres
51. March 13 2018, 2 brothers KILLED in Guma, Benue (source http://saharareporters.com/2018/03/14/herdsmen-kills-two-brothers-benue …)
#MiddleBeltMassacres
52. March 13 2018, 5 KILLED in Guma, benue (Source http://saharareporters.com/2018/03/14/herdsmen-kill-traders-benue …)
#MiddleBeltMassacres
53. March 13 2018, SARS KILL 1 in Lokoja, Kogi (Source https://www.vanguardngr.com/2018/03/sars-officer-kills-livestock-seller/ …
#MiddleBeltMassacres
54. March 14 2018, 32 KILLED in Daima/Omala, Kogi (Source https://www.premiumtimesng.com/regional/north-central/261907-32-killed-in-kogi-by-suspected-herdsmen-senator.html …
#MiddleBeltMassacres
55. March 14 2018, Herdsmen KILL 2 soldiers in Rafiki, Bassa Plateau (Source https://www.vanguardngr.com/2018/03/herdsmen-youths-clash-plateau-2-operation-safe-haven-personnel-killed-2-others-injured/ …)
#MiddleBeltMassacres
56. March 14 2018, Herdsmen KILL 4 soldiers in Miango, Bassa, Plateau (source http://saharareporters.com/2018/03/17/fulani-herdsmen-kill-4-soldiers-garrison-commanders-convoy-injure-scores-plateau …)
#MiddleBeltMassacres
57. March 15 2018, ATTACK on Takum, Taraba leaves 5 DEAD (source https://www.vanguardngr.com/2018/03/five-people-killed-houses-razed-herdsmen-attack-taraba-communities/ …)
#MiddleBeltMassacres
58. March 19 2018,10 KILLED in Omala, Kogi (Source https://www.vanguardngr.com/2018/03/breaking-herdsmen-renew-attack-kogi-kill-traditional-rulers-9-others/ …
#MiddleBeltMassacres
59. March 20 2018, 11 soldiers KILLED in Birnin Gwari (Source https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/headlines/262528-11-soldiers-feared-killed-as-bandits-attack-nigerian-military-base.html …)
#MiddleBeltMassacres
60. March 22 2018, attack leaves 3 DEAD in Jos South, Plateau (Source https://www.premiumtimesng.com/regional/north-central/262848-three-dead-in-plateau-community-attack.html …
#MiddleBeltMassacres
61. March 24 2018, 5 KILLED in Makurdi, Benue (Source http://punchng.com/five-die-in-fresh-fulani-crisis-in-benue/ …)
#MiddleBeltMassacres
62. March 30 2018, Gunmen in army uniform KILL 6 in Jema’a, Kaduna (source http://punchng.com/gunmen-in-army-uniforms-kill-six-injure-four-in-kaduna/ …)
#MiddleBeltMassacres
63. April 4 2018 Attack on Chikun, Kaduna. 6 KILLED. (Source https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/headlines/264136-breaking-village-head-five-others-killed-as-armed-persons-attack-kaduna-community.html …
#MiddleBeltMassacres
64. April 4 2018, family of 4 KILLED in Takum, Taraba (Source https://www.vanguardngr.com/2018/04/gunmen-wipe-taraba-family-4-despite-military-presence/ …)
#MiddleBeltMassacres
65. April 4 2018, Herdsmen KILL 10 in Gwer West, Benue (Source http://sunnewsonline.com/ten-killed-injured-fulani-herdsmen-benue/ …)
#MiddleBeltMassacres
66. April 5 2018, 5 KILLED in Dobga, Taraba (Source http://sunnewsonline.com/herdsmen-kill-5-thursday-attack-taraba-village/ …)
#MiddleBeltMassacres
67. April 5 2018, 30 KILLED in Gwer, West, Benue (Source https://www.vanguardngr.com/2018/04/death-toll-rises-30-benue/ …
#MiddleBeltMassacres
68. April 5 2018, more than 50 KILLED in Offa, Kwara (Source http://punchng.com/we-counted-50-dead-bodies-after-banks-raid-offa-vigilance-group/ …
#MiddleBeltMassacres
69. April 7 2018, Family of four KILLED in Bali, Taraba (Source http://punchng.com/family-of-four-killed-in-fresh-taraba-attack-lg-boss/ …)
#MiddleBeltMassacres
70. April 7 2018, Father and son KILLED in Agatu, Benue (Source http://punchng.com/herdsmen-attack-benue-community-kill-father-son/ …)
#MiddleBeltMassacres
71. April 8 2018, 5 KILLED in Birkin Ladi, Plateau state ( Source https://www.premiumtimesng.com/regional/north-central/264398-gunmen-kill-five-injure-three-in-plateau-community.html …)
#MiddleBeltMassacres
72. April 8 2018 ,5 KILLED in Obi, Nasarawa (Source https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/headlines/264696-gunmen-attack-nasarawa-community-kill-five.html …)
#MiddleBeltMassacres
73. April 8 2018, 4 KILLED in Keana, Nasarawa (Source http://sunnewsonline.com/herdsmen-farmers-crisis-gunmen-kill-four-persons-in-reprisal-attack-in-nasarawa/ …)
#MiddleBeltMassacres
74. April 9 2018, Soldier KILLED in Guma, Benue (Source https://www.vanguardngr.com/2018/04/soldier-killed-herdsmen-invade-another-benue-community/ …)
#MiddleBeltMassacres
75. April 10 2018, Attackers in ARMY UNIFORM KILL 10 (Source https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/headlines/264741-attackers-in-army-uniform-overrun-benue-villages-kill-10.html …)
#MiddleBeltMassacres
76. April 10 2018, More than 51 BODIES RECOVERED in Wukari, Taraba (Source http://sunnewsonline.com/death-toll-in-taraba-attack-rises-to-51/ …)
#MiddleBeltMassacres
77. April 12 2018, Gunmen KILL 2 in markudi, Benue (Source https://www.vanguardngr.com/2018/04/gunmen-kill-two-restive-central-nigeria-police/ …)
#MiddleBeltMassacres
78. April 12 2018, Gunmen KILL 2 policemen in Birnin Gwari, Kaduna (Source https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/headlines/264853-armed-men-kill-police-officer-kidnap-transporters-in-kaduna.html …)
#MiddleBeltMassacres
79. April 13 2018, 5 KILLED in Bassa, Kogi (Source https://www.vanguardngr.com/2018/04/5-dead-50-houses-razed-kogi-communities-clash-cashew/ …
#MiddleBeltMassacres
80. April 14 2018, Herdsmen KILL 4 policemen in Logo, Benue (Source http://www.punchng.com/breaking-four-policemen-killed-in-benue/ …)
#MiddleBeltMassacres
81. April 14 2018, 78 KILLED in Obi, Nasarawa (Source https://www.vanguardngr.com/2018/04/hersmen-attacks-death-toll-risen-78-nasarawa/ …)
#MiddleBeltMassacres
82. April 17 2018, Herdsmen kill village head in Logo, Benue (Source https://www.vanguardngr.com/2018/04/gain-suspected-herdsmen-kill-village-head-benue-sack-community-many-missing/ …)
#MiddleBeltMassacres
83. April 18 2018, 4 KILLED in Bassa, Plateau (Source http://www.punchng.com/herdsmen-kill-four-construction-workers-in-fresh-attack/ …)
#MiddleBeltMassacres
84. April 19 2018, police station attacked and 1 KILLED (Source https://www.vanguardngr.com/2018/04/gunmen-attack-police-station-kill-1-sgt-minna/ …
#MiddleBeltMassacres
85. April 19 2018, Soldiers KILL 1 in Gwer West, Benue (Source https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/headlines/265547-rampaging-soldiers-set-benue-community-on-fire.html …)
#MiddleBeltMassacres
86. April 20 2018, Herdsmen KILL 31 in Guma, Benue (Source https://www.vanguardngr.com/2018/04/another-31-killed-benue/ …)
#MiddleBeltMassacres
87. April 25 2018, Herdsmen raid and KILL 2 priest and 17 others, Gwer East, Benue (Source https://www.vanguardngr.com/2018/04/fresh-bloodbath-benue-2-catholic-priests-17-others-killed-herdsmen/ …)
#MiddleBeltMassacres
88. April 25 2018, Marauders KILL 39 people in Guma, Benue (Source http://vanguardngr.com/2018/04/herdsm …)
#MiddleBeltMassacres
89. April 25 2018, Herdsmen attack and KILL 7 in Awe, Nassarawa (Source http://www.punchng.com/suspected-herdsmen-kill-seven-in-nasarawa-communal-clash-death-toll-hits-30/ …)
#MiddleBeltMassacres.
News
‘If You Want It Dirty, You’ll Get It Dirty’, Benue Diaspora DG Escalates Threat Against National Record Reporter
By Our Reporter
The Editor-in-Chief of National Record, Iduh L. Onah, has raised alarm over what he described as ‘grave threats’ issued against one of the online newspaper’s reporters, Mr. Amos Aar, by the Director-General of the Benue State Directorate of Diaspora Linkages and Investments, Professor Abraham Tartenger Girgih.
In a letter dated June 25, 2025, addressed to Prof. Girgih and made available to the press, National Record condemned what it called “unwarranted threats” following the publication of a report on the funding challenges being faced by the Directorate under the DG’s leadership since its formation in 2024.
According to Onah, while the publication welcomes robust engagement in the form of rejoinders on stories perceived to contain among other things misinformation, misrepresentation or distortion, no one has the right to issue threats.
“While it is within your right to respond to perceived misinformation or misrepresentation and distortion or outright fabrication, in any publication, it is, however, beyond that right to issue a threat as grave as “dire consequences”, Onah stated.
The Editor-in-Chief further noted that the situation escalated after the publication of a follow-up report when Prof. Girgih called the correspondent and made what the paper considers to be a further threat.
“After the publication of the threat and other claims in your rejoinder, you again went ahead to issue what we deemed to be further grave threat when you stated: “…if you want it dirty, you will get it dirty”, among other words perceived as veiled threat, in a telephone conversation you had with our correspondent shortly after you may have read our follow-up report,” stated the Editor-in-Chief.
The management of National Record expressed deep concern for the safety of its correspondent and other staff, especially given the hostile tone of Prof. Girgih in his conversation with the reporter.
The media organization said it is taking steps to notify security agencies, the Benue State Government, and professional journalism bodies about the threats, while also demanding a written assurance from Prof. Girgih that no harm will befall Mr. Aar or any member of the newspaper’s staff.
“We demand from you a written assurance of Mr Aar’s safety from harm and that of our other staff, and a further commitment to desist from harassing, heckling, intimidating or bullying us in whatever manner,” Onah wrote.
While no official response had been received from Prof. Girgih as at press time, National Record expressed hope for civility going forward and reiterated its commitment to its constitutional mandate as a stakeholder in the Fourth Estate of the Realm.
The letter reads in full:
Professor Abaham Tartenger Girgih
The Director-General
Directorate of Diaspora Linkages and investments
Makurdi, Benue State.
Dear Prof. Girgih;
THREATS ON OUR PERSONNEL AND ORGANISATION
On behalf of the Management of Contest Communications Limited, publishers of National Record, I bring you warm fraternal greetings.
We wish to express our dismay and concern over your threat on our Benue State Correspondent, Mr Amos Aar, in particular, and generally, our entire organisation, as contained in your rejoinder to a report we had published on challenges being faced by the agency which you head.
While it is within your right to respond to perceived misinformation or misrepresentation and distortion or outright fabrication, in any publication, it is, however, beyond that right to issue a threat as grave as “dire consequences”.
After the publication of the threat and other claims in your rejoinder, you again went ahead to issue what we deemed to be further grave threat when you stated: “…if you want it dirty, you will get it dirty”, among other words perceived as veiled threat, in a telephone conversation you had with our correspondent shortly after you may have read our follow-up report.
While we intend to take steps to formally note these threats before the appropriate security agencies, the Benue State Government under which you are serving, as well as our professional organisations nationally; we wish to inform you that the life of our Benue State Correspondent, Amos Aar, and our entire personnel, remains insecure in the context of your threats.
In that regard, we demand from you a written assurance of Mr Aar’s safety from harm and that of our other staff, and a further commitment to desist from harassing, heckling, intimidating or bullying us in whatever manner from carrying out our constitutional mandate as key stakeholders in the Fourth Estate of the Realm.
As we look forward to relating with you in formal, civilised manner, and prompt action on our demands, please, accept the assurances of our esteemed regards.
Iduh L. Onah
Editor-in-Chief
National Record (https://nationalrecord.com.ng)
The Enugu State government has inaugurated a steering committee to eliminate Gender-Based Violence, GBV, in the state, declaring zero tolerance for the social malaise.
The inauguration took place at the Government House Enugu.
The panel, which is chaired by the Commissioner for Children, Gender Affairs and Social Development, Mrs. Ngozi Enih, draws its membership from the Nigeria Police Force, Ministry of Agriculture and Agro Industrialisation, Ministry of Local Government, Rural Development and Chieftaincy Affairs, Ministry of Human Development and Poverty Reduction, Ministry of Trade, Investment and Industry, Ministry of Justice, Ministry of Health, Ministry of Education as well as the Civil Society.
Inaugurating the panel known as the Steering Committee for Strengthening Institutional and Community Responses to End Gender-Based Violence/Domestication of Enugu State Gender Policy using the Oputa Panel approach, Governor Peter Mbah restated his administration’s commitment to not bringing perpetrators of GBV to book, but also putting in place proactive measures – activities, infrastructure, and systems in place to prevent them.
Mbah, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, said, “We take gender-based violence seriously. We have zero tolerance for it, and in Enugu State, we are ready to go the extra mile to deal with it.
“If you notice, the government has selected people that are very committed to this goal. This is not an activity where we just want to check-off the list. We will track this. We will monitor this, and we will have quarterly engagements on the successes that this particular committee has achieved in terms of reference that we are going to send.
“We will tighten those terms of reference indicators, so that we monitor what we are doing both in terms of cost input and the value added. It’s very important to us. Many people will be involved – civil society, the police and various ministries.”
He however, said that the effort was to protect everyone, men and women alike, as GBV was not restricted to any gender.
“The whole idea is to hold people responsible that are involved in matters relating to gender violence and deter people that by culture or by association get involved in that, protect women, protect our children, and in the case of violence against men, protect our men because most times we misconstrue gender violence to mean women, but it can also be men too.
“We encourage our men to speak out and to make sure they understand that the policy that Enugu State is soon going to domesticate is for everyone, and not only for the female gender,” he stated.
In her remark, Mrs. Enih, explained that the Oputa Panel approach was inspired by the need to cover all local peculiarities in domesticating the policy on GBV, restarting government’s confidence in the members of the panel.
“The approach we are going to use is the Oputa Panel approach, and in the Oputa Panel approach, we are going to tour the 17 Local Government Areas to get firsthand information about what our people are going through because policy is meant for the people, and a policy should suit the people.
“Again, every community has its peculiar problems, so that’s why the government decided that if we have to domesticate the gender policy, we have to hear from the people who own the policy and know the changes that they desire to see. That is the reason we are using this approach.
“The committee members are to also serve as judges. As we gather this information from our people, we will come back to tailor it in a way to suit the people of Enugu State, and then our policy is ready.
“We want the people to know that there is a gender policy for them. I can assure you that when the people are aware that there is such a policy, they will seek for the enforcement of that policy. So, this is not going to be one of those policies that will just lie on the shelf,” she said.
Digital solutions provider, Globacom, has congratulated Christians in Nigeria on this year’s Easter celebration, and urged them to emulate the noble qualities of Jesus Christ.
The company, in a goodwill message to the Christian faithful in the country, lauded their perseverance through the Lenten period which preceded Easter. It enjoined them to always promote the ideals of selflessness, love and peace among all as a way of demonstrating the virtues of the exemplary life of Jesus Christ.
“Peace, love and sacrifice are the central message of Easter. Christ offered himself in atonement for the sins of the world and he lived a life which made Him an eternal symbol of peace and goodwill for mankind”, Globacom added.
The company enjoined all Nigerians to share in the lessons of promoting selflessness, a necessary ingredient in the growth and development of every society. It also enjoined all Nigerians to join hands to make Nigeria a better place for all.
Easter is celebrated yearly at the end of the Lenten season of fasting and prayer considered as a ritual of purification for the Christian faithful. It also precedes the crucifixion of the Lord Jesus Christ on Good Friday and His eventual resurrection on Easter Sunday.
The company assured its customers of seamless voice, data and Short Messaging Service (SMS) during and after the Easter celebrations, while urging them to avail themselves of the various data and voice offerings on the network.
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