A member of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) stationed at the Dakin Gari Orientation Camp in Kebbi has tragically died after collapsing.

The corps member reportedly slumped and was immediately taken to the camp’s clinic for initial medical treatment.

She was later transferred to the Federal Teaching Hospital in Birnin-Kebbi, where doctors confirmed her death despite efforts to resuscitate her.

Muhammad Fingila, the Commissioner for Youth and Sports, confirmed the incident, calling the death a tragic loss.

He also stated that arrangements have been made by the state government to send the corps member’s remains back to her home state of Adamawa.

Between May 2023 and April 2024, a staggering 614,937 Nigerians were killed and 2.2 million others were kidnapped across the country, according to a recent report by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS).

The findings were published in the Crime Experienced and Security Perception Survey (CESPS) 2024, which was based on surveys conducted during this period.

The report highlights the widespread nature of the crime, noting that a total of N2.2 trillion was paid as ransom for those kidnapped, with an average ransom of N2.7 million per incident.

The majority of murders occurred in rural areas, with 335,827 deaths reported, while urban areas recorded 279,110 killings.

In terms of geographic distribution, the North West had the highest number of murder cases (206,030), followed by the North East (188,992), while the South West had the lowest with 15,693 deaths.

Seven out of ten households nationwide reported murders to the police, with many cases involving unknown perpetrators or family members.

Regarding kidnappings, 1.67 million victims were abducted in rural areas, while 567,850 were kidnapped from urban regions.

The North West also recorded the highest number of abductions, with 1.42 million cases, followed by the North Central (317,837) and South East (110,432).

The report also revealed that 82.1% of kidnapped individuals were released, while 12.8% were killed, and 3.3% remain in captivity.

The amount paid for ransoms was highest in the North West (N1.2 trillion), with the South East reporting the least (N85.4 billion). The report noted that urban households paid an average of N3.7 million for ransoms, while rural households paid N2.3 million.

Additionally, 91% of kidnappings were financially motivated, while a small percentage were linked to political, criminal, or personal disputes.

The report also highlighted 1.6 million motor vehicle thefts during the survey period, with the North West leading in car thefts (603,756) and the South West recording the least (140,144).

In terms of security spending, Nigerians spent an average of N80,878 on security measures over the last year, with the South East reporting the highest security expenditure (N135,398).

Insecurity in the country is affecting public spaces, with ATM points (31.7%) and public transport (29.1%) being the places where Nigerians feel most unsafe.

The report also revealed that many Nigerians have started paying for their own security due to the rising threat of crime.

Security experts, like Abdullahi Garba, emphasized the need for the government to address socio-economic disparities, which fuel criminal activities.

He suggested that the government needs to bridge the gap between the rich and the poor to reduce the number of youths involved in crime.

A recent report by the Media Rights Agenda (MRA) has identified law enforcement and security agencies such as the police, military, and intelligence services as the principal aggressors against the media in Nigeria, with these groups accounting for the majority of journalist attacks in 2024.

The comprehensive 137-page report, titled “Media Freedom Under Threat: The State of Media Freedom and Journalists’ Safety in Nigeria 2024”, revealed that in 2022, security agencies were responsible for 29 out of 64 recorded attacks on journalists, representing nearly 45% of the total.

The situation worsened in 2023, when these agencies were involved in 34 out of 77 incidents, making up around 44% of the attacks.

However, 2024 has seen a notable escalation, with security agencies being implicated in 45 of the 69 attacks between January and October, which accounts for approximately 65% of all recorded incidents.

John Gbadamosi, MRA’s Programme Officer, expressed concern about this troubling trend, stating, “It is ironic that those entrusted with upholding the law and safeguarding citizens including journalists are now the primary agents of repression against the media. The widespread culture of impunity, which allows past offenders to act without fear of consequences, has emboldened these perpetrators to act with ever-increasing boldness.”

The report detailed 21 cases of assault, 17 arbitrary arrests, three raids on journalists’ offices or homes, eight death threats, six kidnappings, five instances of obstruction, one journalist killed, and several other forms of attacks.

Beyond security forces, the report also cited government officials (responsible for four attacks), the judiciary (two incidents), criminal elements (seven attacks), and unknown assailants (four attacks) as contributors to the growing hostility against journalists.

In a more positive note, Gbadamosi highlighted that 2024 saw a breakthrough in reducing the influence of the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC).

The NBC had previously imposed heavy fines on broadcasters for alleged violations of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code.

However, due to court rulings in May 2023 and January 2024, which prohibited these fines, the NBC refrained from imposing any penalties during the year.

Additionally, the report celebrated a significant development with the launch of a court-ordered investigation into the death of Pelumi Onifade, a journalist with Gboah TV who died after being arrested by police during the 2020 #EndSARS protests.

The investigation, which followed a wrongful death lawsuit initiated by the MRA, marks an important step towards accountability in attacks against journalists in Nigeria.

Gbadamosi stressed that unless the Nigerian government takes concrete steps to protect media freedom, the cycle of violence and impunity against journalists will continue to weaken the country’s democracy and the public’s right to information.

Meanwhile, security agencies also contributed to discussions on journalists’ safety.

Kabiru Mohammed Sani, Deputy Director of the Directorate of State Security (DSS) in Plateau State, advised journalists to prioritize security awareness during their work.

At a training workshop organized by the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) in Jos, Sani emphasized that journalists should remain cautious and vigilant, particularly when encountering unusual situations that could compromise their safety.

Similarly, Nelson Nanlap, another DSS official, urged journalists to avoid spreading information that could cause public panic or jeopardize security operations.

He emphasized the importance of adhering to journalistic ethics and ensuring that all information is properly verified before reporting.

In another part of the country, Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori called on government spokespersons, media appointees, and social media influencers to actively counter misinformation and propaganda.

Speaking at the 5th Delta State Communication Workshop in Asaba, Governor Oborevwori highlighted the importance of effective communication in promoting the state’s achievements and advancing the administration’s goals.

He encouraged participants to enhance their skills and adapt to the evolving media landscape, especially in the digital era.

Oborevwori reiterated his administration’s commitment to supporting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, aiming to improve the lives of Nigerians, including those in Delta State.

He also stressed the role of media professionals in promoting peace, stability, and responsible governance.

The event featured discussions on media engagement and communication strategies, with trainers like Prof. Abigail Ogwezzy-Ndisika from the University of Lagos emphasizing the need for clear and impactful communication in governance.

In conclusion, the report from the Media Rights Agenda paints a concerning picture of the state of press freedom in Nigeria, with security agencies at the forefront of attacks against journalists.

Despite some positive developments, the persistence of impunity poses significant challenges to media safety and democracy in the country.

Anambra State Governor, Charles Soludo, has offered a chance for amnesty to individuals involved in criminal activities such as kidnapping, cultism, drug trafficking, armed robbery, car theft, and other forms of criminality in the state.

Governor Soludo made the announcement on Tuesday at a briefing with journalists at the Governor’s Lodge in Amawbia, where he addressed the state’s security situation ahead of the 2024 Christmas and New Year celebrations.

He emphasized that his administration is ready to grant amnesty to any criminal who voluntarily surrenders their weapons and repents.

He assured that individuals who choose to take advantage of the amnesty program will be rehabilitated and empowered to reintegrate as productive members of society.

Those interested in the amnesty are required to register with the office of the Governor’s Security Adviser, and the window for this opportunity will remain open until February 2025.

Governor Soludo reflected on the security challenges his administration inherited, revealing that at the beginning of his tenure, eight local government areas in the state were heavily controlled by criminal elements.

However, through coordinated efforts, including the establishment of a vigilance strike force working with federal security agencies, these areas were reclaimed.

Despite the progress, criminal activities, including kidnapping and killings, have resurfaced in some regions.

The governor identified four major security concerns currently affecting the state: kidnapping, armed robbery, cultism, and a growing drug epidemic.

He also mentioned the troubling resurgence of criminal idolatry, which provides a sense of protection for criminals.

To combat these issues, Governor Soludo announced the launch of a comprehensive security initiative called Operation Udo Ga Achi (meaning “Operation Peace Must Prevail”), which is set to roll out by the end of January 2025.

The plan includes the donation of 163 vehicles to security agencies, the installation of surveillance cameras in key areas, and the deployment of 20 vigilante personnel and forest guards in each community.

He also called for a shift in public perception, urging citizens to see security agents as allies, not enemies.

Governor Soludo called on traditional rulers, religious leaders, town union representatives, and civil society organizations to collaborate with the government in the fight against insecurity.

He also appealed to rural communities to stop providing support to criminals and urged residents to report criminal activities via the 5111 toll-free line.

The governor reassured citizens that efforts are underway to ensure a secure holiday season and expressed appreciation for the federal government and security commanders for their contributions to the state’s safety.