At least 15 people have been confirmed dead following a clash between locals from Mera community and a new terrorist group, Lakurawa, in Kebbi State.

The confrontation occurred on Friday in Augie Local Government Area, near Mera.

According to reports from BBC Hausa, the conflict began when members of Lakurawa, a group reportedly linked to ISIS in the Sahel, attempted to steal livestock from a local herder.

The herder managed to escape and alerted the community, prompting a group of locals to confront the attackers.

The ensuing battle led to the deaths of 15 people, with several others wounded.

Some of the terrorists were reportedly killed or injured during the clash, while the survivors fled the scene, carrying their casualties.

Kebbi State’s Deputy Governor, accompanied by the Commissioner of Police and the Emir of Argungu, visited Mera to offer condolences to the community.

Abdullahi Idris Zuru, a media aide to the Kebbi State Governor, confirmed the presence of the Lakurawa group in the state amid growing security concerns.

The Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) has urged the federal government to take immediate action to combat the growing food insecurity in the country, describing it as a critical issue that exacerbates the hardship faced by Nigerians.

Bishop Francis Wale Oke, the National President of PFN, made the call following the fellowship’s executive meeting in Abuja.

He expressed his confidence that through divine intervention, Nigeria would overcome its current challenges and move towards prosperity.

“We are urging the government to tackle food insecurity head-on. The suffering of the people cannot be ignored, and urgent measures are needed to address the food crisis,” Bishop Oke said.

In a bid to seek divine assistance, the PFN has declared a 40-day period of prayer and fasting, starting January 6 and concluding February 14, 2025.

This initiative is part of the preparations for the fellowship’s 18th biennial conference, which will take place in Abuja from February 10 to 14, 2025, under the theme: ‘The Rebirth of a Great Nation: Nigeria is Great.’

Bishop Oke called on all Pentecostal churches, believers in Christ, and all Nigerians who care for the nation’s welfare to join in this spiritual effort.

He referenced the biblical example of Nineveh, where the people’s prayers for mercy resulted in God’s intervention, emphasizing his faith that God would hear the prayers of the nation.

“This is a time for us to cry out to God, just as the people of Nineveh did when they were faced with judgment. We believe that God will hear our cries and help Nigeria overcome this crisis,” Oke said.

The 40-day prayer and fasting will culminate in a national gathering of Pentecostal leaders in Abuja, where they will pray for the country, its leaders, and the well-being of all Nigerians.

Arc. John Praise Daniel, the Deputy Vice President of PFN, reaffirmed the fellowship’s commitment to the peace and progress of Nigeria, emphasizing that the prayer initiative is not just a spiritual act but a call for national healing and progress.

“We believe this period of fasting and prayer will bring about positive change for Nigeria, and we are trusting that God will answer our prayers for the nation,” Daniel added.

Delegates from the Youth Assembly of Nigeria (YAN), Enugu State Chapter, on Thursday visited the Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support Project (L-PRES) office in Enugu, as part of efforts to empower youths of the state through agricultural initiatives.

The partnership aims to increase youth participation in livestock farming, a sector that aligns with Enugu State’s broader economic development and sustainability goals.

During the visit, Dr. Ifeyinwa Elizabeth Nnadozie, the State Project Coordinator of L-PRES, outlined the project’s objectives, highlighting its commitment to promoting sustainable livestock farming practices and improving resilience in the agricultural sector.

These goals align with YAN’s vision for youth empowerment and economic growth in Enugu State.

The National Deputy Speaker of YAN assured L-PRES of the assembly’s full support, emphasizing that the collaboration would not only empower the youth but also contribute significantly to Enugu State’s economic growth.

“This partnership will serve as a catalyst for youth empowerment and drive increased revenue generation in Enugu State, aligning with the government’s economic priorities,” he stated.

Chidubem Ugwueze, Ambassador-Elect representing YAN Enugu, urged L-PRES to prioritize the inclusion of Enugu youths in its projects. He expressed confidence that this focus would create sustainable employment opportunities for the youth.

“The Governor’s initiative to bring L-PRES to Enugu is commendable, and YAN is committed to ensuring its success for the benefit of the youth and the economic development of Enugu State,” he said.

Ugwueze thanked L-PRES for their willingness to collaborate with YAN and expressed appreciation to Governor Mbah for his efforts in bringing this vision to life. He emphasized that this partnership would play a pivotal role in empowering the youth, fostering growth within the livestock sector, and boosting Enugu State’s economy.

The Speaker-Elect of YAN also expressed deep gratitude to Enugu State Governor Dr. Peter Mbah for facilitating the L-PRES project. He praised the initiative as a crucial step toward the state’s economic transformation.

An investigative panel established by the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has found the Nigerian Army responsible for mass infanticide and killings in the Abisari area of Marte Local Government, Borno State, in 2016.

However, the panel cleared the military of allegations surrounding mass abortions, which were originally reported by a foreign news agency in December 2022.

The panel concluded that there was insufficient evidence to support claims that the Army orchestrated a secret program to abort pregnancies, allegedly involving more than 10,000 pregnancies of women freed from Boko Haram captivity.

The allegations, which had drawn international attention and led to calls for an investigation from UN Secretary-General António Guterres, were dismissed after thorough review.

Despite this, the NHRC panel, chaired by retired Supreme Court Justice, Abdu Aboki, determined that the Nigerian Army was responsible for the deaths of children and other civilians in Abisari.

It found that the military was involved in the killings during counter-insurgency operations in the region.

The panel has called for the Nigerian government to provide compensation to the victims’ families and to prosecute the officers involved.

To arrive at its findings, the panel interviewed 199 witnesses.

NHRC Senior Human Rights Adviser, Hilary Ogbonna, reported that the investigation found no evidence to substantiate the abortion claims, but significant evidence of other violations, including infanticide.

The body of Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu, the late former first civilian governor of Abia State and ex-Minister of Science and Technology Innovation, has been laid to rest in his hometown, Uburu, in Ohaozara Local Government Area of Ebonyi State.

Onu, who passed away at the age of 72, was mourned by a host of political and public figures, including President Bola Tinubu, Southeast governors, and other key national leaders.

Among those who attended the funeral were former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator Anyim Pius; 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi; APC National Chairman, Dr. Umar Ganduje; and governors Alex Otti of Abia State, Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi, and Peter Mbah of Enugu.

The governors of Anambra and Imo States, Charles Soludo and Hope Uzodimma, were represented by their deputies.

Other dignitaries present included former Minister of Transport Rotimi Amaechi and former Rivers State Governor.

President Tinubu, who was represented by the Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, paid tribute to Onu, describing him as a “perfect gentleman” who devoted his life to the service of his country.

Tinubu recalled Onu’s role in the formation of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and acknowledged his selflessness, which will be remembered in Nigeria’s history.

He prayed for the repose of Onu’s soul and expressed confidence that his contributions would remain a lasting legacy for future generations.

In his own remarks, Ebonyi Governor Francis Nwifuru highlighted Onu’s pivotal role in promoting unity and development in Nigeria.

He praised the late statesman for his commitment to justice, social equity, and the welfare of the people, noting that Onu worked tirelessly to unite communities and empower marginalized voices.

Nwifuru said that Onu’s influence in building infrastructure as the governor of Abia State had a lasting impact, particularly in neighboring Ebonyi.

Dr. Ijeoma Arodiogbu, the National Vice Chairman of the APC, described Onu as a “patriot” and “dignified politician,” emphasizing his significant contributions to Nigeria’s political and socioeconomic landscape.

Arodiogbu commended Onu’s leadership in science and technology, particularly during his tenure as Minister from 2015 to 2019, where he championed initiatives to leverage Nigeria’s scientific resources for national development.

Picture of CJN, Kekere-Ekun

Tension is rising within Nigeria’s judiciary as the National Judicial Council (NJC) prepares to convene a critical meeting to review allegations of judicial misconduct.

The meeting, which will be the NJC’s first quarterly session under the leadership of Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) Kudirat Olatokunbo Kekere-Ekun, is expected to take place soon after the CJN returns from an official assignment abroad.

The session, which will be the final one for the year, will address the findings of several NJC committees investigating 55 petitions lodged against judicial officers across the country.

The NJC, empowered by the 1999 Constitution to appoint, promote, and discipline judges, has stirred concern among members of the judiciary, particularly following recent statements from the new CJN that errant judges will face severe consequences.

The Chief Justice is reportedly determined to restore the integrity of the judicial system, which has been criticized for perceptions of corruption and misconduct.

Between May and August 2024, a total of 22 petitions were filed against 27 judges in both federal and state high courts.

These complaints were sent to the NJC’s Preliminary Complaints Assessment Committee for review.

Most of the petitions were dismissed for lacking merit, being abandoned, or being subjudice, as some issues were still pending in higher courts.

A separate set of eight panels, set up in June 2024, continued investigating claims against other judicial officers, while four more panels were established in August to examine cases where prima facie evidence of misconduct had been found.

Currently, 12 petitions are still under investigation, involving a number of judicial officers from the Court of Appeal and state high courts.

Judges facing these allegations have been given the opportunity to defend themselves, both in writing and orally, with legal representation if desired.

Sources within the NJC say that the final meeting will be crucial in shaping the future of the judiciary, as the new CJN plans to take decisive action based on the panels’ reports.

Although some judges, including the Chief Judge of a state high court, requested extensions to respond to the allegations, the NJC has emphasized that the process cannot be delayed further.

Adding to the pressure on the judiciary, senior legal figures have raised concerns over recent controversies, particularly conflicting court orders related to elections in Rivers State.

The situation has highlighted the growing concerns over the misuse of judicial power, with respected legal figures such as Chief Mike Ahamba, SAN, and Prof Awa Kalu, SAN, questioning the jurisdiction of federal courts in matters traditionally under the purview of state courts.

Some have called for a firm response from the NJC, arguing that failure to act decisively risks further undermining the credibility of the judiciary.

Notably, the controversy over conflicting court orders issued by two judges—Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court and Justice Chigozie Igwe of the Rivers State High Court—has sparked outrage among legal professionals.

The orders, which related to the scheduling of local government elections in Rivers State, have raised questions about judicial integrity, with critics accusing the courts of being manipulated for political purposes.

Prof Chidi Anselm Odinkalu, former chairman of the National Human Rights Commission, and other legal practitioners have lamented the increasing politicization of the judiciary, with some suggesting that judges are now more interested in issuing rulings that benefit powerful political interests rather than upholding the rule of law.

These concerns are compounded by incidents in which courts, particularly at the federal level, have interfered with state matters, as seen in the recent judicial actions involving the Kano emirship dispute and the Rivers State elections.

With the NJC set to convene soon, there is growing pressure on the council to take swift and strong action against judges found guilty of misconduct.

Legal experts argue that the integrity of the judiciary can only be restored if the NJC takes decisive steps to hold errant judges accountable, including potential sanctions such as dismissal or retirement.

The hope is that the new CJN will lead a reformation of the judicial system, ensuring that the judiciary remains an independent and credible branch of government.

As the NJC prepares to consider the reports of its investigative panels, the future of many judges hangs in the balance, and the judiciary’s ability to restore public confidence may depend on the outcomes of this crucial meeting.