₦airaland Forum

Is this youthful exuberance.I think the parents of both children paid the price for improper parental upbringing.

Society cannot influence a child that is properly brought up negatively,he or she will resist it, despite the bad social influences sticking around everywhere.

Especially children from humble homes, they always remember where they came from.

Teach a child the way he should go and when he is old he will ne never depart from it.

Nigerians hate discipline,hence the larger society is in disarray

The Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr Bosun Tijani, says that telecom tariffs will soon increase but assures Nigerians that it will not be the 100 per cent that telecom operators are pushing for at the moment.


The Minister disclosed this at a stakeholders’ meeting with Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) on Wednesday in Abuja. He said consultations and engagements were ongoing to arrive at an acceptable rate, assuring that the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), would soon approve the new tariffs and make it public to Nigerians.


“You have seen over the past weeks that there has been agitation from some of these companies to increase tariff. They are requesting for 100 per cent tariff increase.

“But it will not be by 100 per cent. We are still looking at that study and NCC will come up with a clear directive on how we will go about it.

“We want to strike the balance as a government to protect our people, but also protect and ensure that these companies can continue to invest significantly.

“We need to ensure that as a sector, we get our acts together, ensure that from the regulation side, we put the right regulations in place that can ensure the growth of this sector.”

The Minister also noted that the Federal Government would no longer leave investments on infrastructure in the sector to private companies alone.

“As a country, over time, we have left this investments in the hands of the private sector. They typically invest where they can see returns in the short to medium term.


“We will not want this conversation to just be about tariff increase. I think what the world is talking about today is meaningful connectivity.

Airtel MD, Balsingh insists tariff adjustment, only way to go
“A part of it that the consumers may not be aware of is the investment that needs to go into the infrastructure that is used to deliver these services,” he said.


The Executive Vice-Chairman (EVC), of the NCC Dr Aminu Maida said that the meeting with stakeholders was about the sustainability of the industry.

“We have looked at all of these factors, and that is why, like the Minister said, it is not likely that we are going to approve 100 per cent tariff increase.

“I know that Nigerians are agitated to hear the exact percentage approved. There is still some stakeholder engagements that we are going through, but you will hear from us within a week or two.”

He said that the NCC had put a number of tools and instruments into place by revising its quality of service regulations for compliance service quality.

He said that the MNOs must comply simplified templates to show Nigerians charges per minute for voice calls, SMS and a megabyte of data.

“We are moving away from the regime where you will have a main rate, then you will now have a bonus which is at a different rate.

“It makes it often complicated and difficult for Nigerians to actually understand what they are being charged for.

“This is one of the things when we took a lot of time over the past year looking at data there is this agitation that the MNOs are stealing our data,” he said.

The CEO of Airtel Nigeria, Dinesh Balsingh, represented by Femi Adeniran, Airtel media spokes person, noted that for the telecoms commitment to delivering superior connectivity and fostering digital inclusion, there is need for tariff increments.

“The economic realities of rising operational and capital costs, necessitated the proposed tariff adjustments.

This is aimed to ensure the long-term sustainability of the sector while unlocking significant benefits for Nigerian consumers,” he said.



© 2025 Vanguard Media Limited, Nigeria

ipex:
She confided in me last night that she is circumcised. I don't know the resultant effect of marrying such person.

you are lucky,marry her for uncircumcised women are very promiscuous.

Check the women of those ethnic groups that are not circumcised, you will notice that promiscuity is very rife among them.

You can never satisfy the sexual urge of an uncircumcised woman.

LivingSage:
Open Letter to President Tinubu: Order the Immediate Arrest of Peter Obi

Dear President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR,

I write to bring to your esteemed attention a matter of urgent national importance that threatens the peace, unity, and security of our nation. The recent actions and public statements of Mr. Peter Obi, the former presidential candidate of the Labour Party, demand immediate intervention and accountability.

On January 4, 2025, during an interview on Arise TV, Mr. Felix Morka, the National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), made remarks criticizing Mr. Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 general elections. Mr. Morka stated that Mr. Obi had "crossed the line so many times" and that "he has coming to him whatever he gets". These comments were interpreted by Mr. Obi as threats to his life and that of his family, leading him to publicly express fear for their safety.

While Mr. Morka has categorically denied these allegations, describing them as baseless and unfounded, the fallout from Mr. Obi’s statements has taken a dangerous turn. Supporters of Mr. Obi, widely referred to as "Obidients," have resorted to issuing life-threatening remarks against Mr. Morka, with some going as far as threatening to behead him. Behead for harmless statement?

This level of incitement cannot be ignored. Mr. Obi’s unverified claims and public rhetoric have incited his supporters to engage in actions synonymous with the violent activities of certain group in the Southeastern part of the country, a region where Mr. Obi hails from. His conduct has set the stage for potential anarchy and a breakdown of law and order.

Mr. President, it is imperative to arrest, prosecute and jail Mr. Peter Obi if guilty as charged for the following reasons:
1. Incitement to Violence: By making unfounded allegations against Mr. Morka in a public forum, Mr. Obi has directly or indirectly incited his supporters to threaten the life of a senior official of the ruling party. Such actions are unacceptable in a democratic society.

2. Endangering National Security: The threats issued by Mr. Obi's supporters have escalated tensions, creating an environment of fear and insecurity. Arresting Mr. Obi would demonstrate the government's commitment to addressing any individual or group that jeopardizes national peace.

3. Accountability for His Role: Mr. Obi must explain why his public statements have led to life-threatening consequences. His role in this dangerous escalation cannot be overlooked or dismissed as mere coincidence.

4. Setting a Precedent: Arresting Mr. Obi will send a strong message that no individual, regardless of their status, can incite violence or destabilize the country without consequences. This will serve as a deterrent to other political figures who may be tempted to act irresponsibly.

I Recommend that you:
1. Direct the appropriate law enforcement agencies to arrest, prosecute and jail Mr. Obi if guilty for his role in inciting violence against Mr. Morka and the potential destabilization of the nation.

2. Reassure Nigerians that your administration will not tolerate any form of incitement, threats, or violence, regardless of the perpetrator's political affiliation or influence.

3. Conduct a thorough investigation into the activities of Mr. Obi’s supporters to identify and prosecute individuals involved in issuing threats of violence, including those threatening Mr. Morka's life. This has always been their way of life.

4. Emphasize the need for political actors to engage responsibly in public discourse, avoiding inflammatory language or actions that could incite their supporters to violence.

Mr. President, this matter transcends political rivalry; it is about preserving the unity, safety, and stability of Nigeria. Allowing such dangerous precedents to go unchecked will embolden others to use similar tactics to achieve their political aims, thereby endangering the lives of innocent citizens and the integrity of our democracy.

We trust in your leadership and your unwavering commitment to upholding the rule of law. By taking swift and decisive action, including the arrest, prosecution and jailing of Mr. Peter Obi if guilty, you will reaffirm the government’s dedication to maintaining peace and justice in our nation.

God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.



Sincerely,
Concerned Citizen

Bad recommendations ,Enemy of Democracy.Why didn't you recommend how to improve the economy that APC destroyed.. Will arresting Peter Obi improve the economy of the country.

oziegbep:
Greetings All,
Please I need serious advice.
I am currently dating a lady that I truly love. She is caring, enduring, financially stable etc. The truth is that this lady really loves me. But she's a single mum and its like an extra baggage to me. Am single and planning to get married to this lady, but the single mum status gives me sleepless nights. I have asked her several times about the baby daddy, but she keeps telling me the dude abandoned her and the baby long ago and that she doesn't know he's whereabout. Please I need advice on how I can cope. Because I truly love this lady alot

If both of you love each other, there's nothing wrong in setting down with her.

Don't allow your mind to trouble you,take care of the child as if he or she is your own, you do not know what that child will become tomorrow.

Misplaced priority

The result of the good job tantica security is doing.kudos to High Chief Government Ekpemikpolo alias Tompolo

MTNnews:
OK can tou assure us that your patbetic life of misery hate n jealousy is not rotting away in abject poverty n wretchedness or what else can make an hopeless dimwit like you hate on another human for no reason.

be wise, your foolishness stinks

Marketing strategy

MTNnews:
Foolish souls hating whom God ad nlezsed while you languish in eternity of poverty n wretchedness.

It is absolutely foolish of you to arrive at a hasty conclusion in a faceless forum,when you do not know who is who

maureensylvia:
I don't buy this idea

It will make most students lazy

how, something that will safe time and resources

Nigeria, Delta state and Urhobo nation to the world.

Urhobo women are beautiful

VillageOracle00:
One of the most hated public figure by me

same here

Was this not the same content with the thread mydd44 closed earlier.

All these MOD self

helinues:
You are becoming more petty , desperate daily

how,as the only formidable opposition

Johnpiss:
No link?

can't you see that the news is from the tribune newspaper

NATIONALPASTOR:
This Thread violated rule 8. Don't post false information

how

Labour Party national leader, Peter Obi, has taken to social media to ask Nigerians if he has “crossed the line” after receiving threats against his life, family, and associates following his New Year’s message.

Obi’s message was met with criticism from Felix Morka, the National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), who accused Obi of making absurd accusations against the APC and its supporters.

Morka claimed that Obi had been “way too sanctimonious” and needed to relax and let his lawyers handle his case at the tribunal.

However, Obi remains committed to speaking truthfully, especially as he believes Nigeria is drifting towards undemocratic practices and becoming increasingly authoritarian.

Obi’s New Year’s message, which he shared again on social media, urges Nigerians to watch and share their thoughts on whether he’s indeed crossed the line.

He invites anyone to point out where he’s gone wrong, reiterating his commitment to upholding decorum while speaking truth to power.


Full statement below;

I ask the question because my New Year message has now led to threats against my life, my family, and those around me. While I have received all sorts of messages, one Mr. Felix Morka has gone further to accuse me of “crossing the line” and has warned that I will face the consequences.

If I have truly crossed the line, I invite anyone to point it out, as I remain committed to upholding decorum.

However, I will not be silenced in my resolve to speak truthfully, especially as our nation continues to drift toward undemocratic practices.

We are increasingly transforming into an authoritarian and repressive regime, where freedom of expression is being systematically suppressed.

May God help us create a better and freer society for the sake of our children.



tribuneonlineng.com © 1949-2024 African Newspapers of Nigeria Ltd.

immortalcrown:
Did you read the post? Didn't you see where it is stated that the first arrested for suspects who confessed to the crime?

Try to comprehend the news,it was miracle that was arrested and confessed to the crime but the other gang members fleed

immortalcrown:
Name the four suspects especially since you have already arrested them.Why name only an eighteen-year-old person?

They may not name them for security reasons

immortalcrown:
Is this person the only one involved in the buying and the selling?

This report is shady.

If one criminal is caught,he or she can give useful information that can lead to the arrest of the others.

The Anambra State Commissioner of Police, Obono Itam, says four children allegedly stolen from their parents in Bauchi State and sold to another family in Anambra have been rescued.
The CP made this disclosure on Monday while briefing journalists at the police headquarters in Amawbia, Awka South Local Government Area of the state, about the activities of the command in 2024.

During the briefing, 13 suspects involved in murder, kidnapping, and other criminal activities were paraded.
Obono also stated that the operatives arrested four suspects, including an illegal foster mother. According to him, the suspects confessed to the crime and explained the role each of them played.
Arewa youths reject CBN’s planned layoff of 1,000 staff

Obono further stated that in the early hours of December 24, 2024, a joint security operation led by the Nigeria Police Force, which included the military, civil defense, and Anambra vigilante operatives, successfully dismantled a criminal camp located in Nimo, Njikoka Local Government Area.

According to him, the operation led to the destruction of several makeshift structures within the camp, recovery of 19 unexploded improvised explosive devices (IEDs), and significant injuries to fleeing suspects.
He explained that the operation followed credible intelligence about the criminal gang’s activities in the area, along with information obtained during the interrogation of suspects arrested in ongoing police operations across the state.

Obono also stated that police operatives attached to the Special Anti-Cultism Squad in Enugu-Ukwu, acting on credible information, arrested one Miracle Mwakalor, 18, from Umubele Village, Awka South Local Government Area, on December 6 and recovered one AK-47 rifle and a magazine from him.
According to him, the operatives raided the gang’s den during an operation aimed at preventing a planned attack in Nibo, Awka South Local Government Area.

He said that Miracle was apprehended, but his gang members escaped and during interrogation, he confessed to the crime and led the operatives to an apartment in Ubuofu, Awka, where they had hidden the recovered rifle in the roof.

1998 - 2025 Media Trust Limited. All rights reserved.

Notorious terrorist and bandit kingpin, Bello Turji is now living in one hole or the other, even as many of his fighters were neutralised, spokesperson of Operation FansanYamma, a military security in the Northwest, Lt.Col Abubakar Abdullahi has said.


He said in an interview that Turji’s terrorist camps in Shinkafi Local Government Area of Zamfara State were destroyed by the air component and ground forces of the security outfit, while the forces would soon get the other hoodlums.

Emotional NYSC member holds mini-parade for uncle at his shop 'for being my father since I was 3'0:00 / 0:00

“Our fighter planes have dealt a heavy blow on the terrorist enclaves in Shinkafi Local Government Area. Many of Turji’s fighters were killed. Turji now lives in holes like a rat,” he said.

Recall that Turji has threatened to unleash mayhem on the people of Shinkafi Local Government, unless his relatives arrested on allegation of terrorism, were freed.

Reports said Turji had launched attacks on the area and kidnapped some travellers, a development that made the military swung into action and killed many terrorists including Sani Rusu, another bandit kingpin in Zamfara State.



© 2025 Vanguard Media Limited, Nigeria

AllenSpencer:
So sad!

Sanwolu himself cannot save Lagosians from touts!

I am waiting patiently for the first state that will abolish motor park touts and hoodlums.

Motor park touts aka. Agbero are under NURTW which generate revenue for the state government.

So you want the government to stop an agency that generate revenue for it.

It is like asking the federal government to abolish the Nigeria custom service.

Achor1111:
They only know how to mount road block, pole by pole in Igboland
See where security issues are, they are nowhere to be found.
Bunch of cowards!

misplaced priority

eejo:
Nigeria, United States of America and China have three advantages to dominate the World. what are the 3 things and which area has Nigeria failed preventing the Country from taking her place on the World stage. Winner announce last week of this month

The three advantages Nigeria, America and China has to dominate the world are;


1. Human resources

2.food production/export

3. Technological development

Nigeria failed in the area of harnessing her human resource towards technolocal development

Lagos na wa, you must be partially mad to live and survive in lagos state.

ellizy:
Of what advantage is a working refinery when the cost of end product is far higher than when it was not working?

The government is working on a solution to the fuel imbroglio,this cannot be solved with the continual importation of petroleum products into the country.

If all the nations refineries are working at full installed capacity plus the modular refineries and dangotes,then fuel importation will stop.

If this is done,it will impact positively on the fuel pump price

Typicool8:
Useless govt.
Bandits wey una suppose gather together send them go afterlife una go dey pamper them.
No wonder banditry is thriving in the north.

It is wrong for government to negotiate with bandits, they are criminals

The Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria, (PETROAN) has urged the Federal Government to privatize government-owned refineries such as the Warri and Kaduna refineries, to reputable private companies to improve efficiency and reduce government spending.

It also said it was important for the FG to enhance transparency and accountability and invest in infrastructure to enhance operations in the downstream sector of the petroleum industry.

In its 2024 retrospect and outlook for 2025 document released on Saturday in Abuja, the association also advised FG to prioritise access to crude oil and the provision of an N100bn grant to rescue 10,000 businesses occasioned by subsidy removal.


The report was signed by its National President, Billy Gillis-Harry, National Secretary, Adedibu Aderibigbe and National Public Relations Officer, Dr Joseph Obele.

According to the report, FG should enforce local content development, enhance the effectiveness of Compressed Natural Gas, (CNG) in 2025, and tackle the smuggling of petroleum products.

The document read, “Based on PETROAN’s observations, the following recommendations are made to ensure the effectiveness and efficiency of the downstream sector in 2025: Privatisation of Nigerian-Owned Refineries.

“Privatize Nigerian-owned refineries, such as the Warri and Kaduna refineries, to reputable private companies to improve efficiency and reduce government spending.

“Foster a competitive market by encouraging new entrants and promoting a level playing field to prevent monopolies and ensure fair pricing.

“Establish a robust monitoring and evaluation framework to track the performance of downstream operators and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements.


“Continue to invest in critical infrastructure and preventive maintenance, such as refineries, pipelines, and storage facilities, to improve the country’s refining capacity and reduce reliance on imported petroleum products.

“Encourage the development of local content by supporting indigenous companies and providing incentives for research and development in the downstream sector.”

It added: “Private sector participation should be encouraged to increase access to funding and expertise. Regulatory frameworks should be reviewed to reduce operational costs and attract investment. Stakeholder engagement and awareness campaigns should be intensified to promote the adoption of CNG.


“To boost Nigeria’s refining capacity and reduce reliance on imported petroleum products, we strongly recommend that crude oil be made available for local refineries.

“This strategic move will have a positive impact on the country’s economy and energy security. By prioritizing local refineries’ access to crude oil, Nigeria can unlock the full potential of its refining sector, drive economic growth, and enhance energy security.

“PETROAN requests a grant of N100bn from President Bola Tinubu to help prevent the closure of 10,000 marketers’ businesses. The request is in response to the threat of job losses that would result from the removal of the fuel subsidy.

© 2024 All right reserved. New Telegraph, Nigeria.

In a significant move towards restoring peace to Kaduna State, scores of bandits terrorising not less than five local government areas have agreed to drop their arms and discontinue their reign of terror in and around the state.

The bandits are known to terrorise Chikun, Kajuru, Kagarko, Giwa and Birnin Gwari local government areas.

Based in enclaves, they have terrorised communities and major highways, such as the Kaduna-Abuja highway, Kaduna-Birnin Gwari highway, as well as the Funtua-Birnin Gwari road.

Weekend Trust had an exclusive access into a peace deal spearheaded by the Kaduna State Government, in collaboration with some federal government agencies that saw many notorious bandit kingpins and their foot soldiers pledging peace and agreeing to lay down their arms.

Within a stretch of three days in December, our correspondent accompanied government officials to various enclaves and observed the interactions between the bandits, mostly armed with AK47 rifles, and representatives of the government in Tsohuwar Gayan, Chikun local government area; Rima Forest and Maidaro in Giwa Local Government Area; as well as Kamfanin Doka, along the Funtua-Birnin Gwari road.

The initiative was, however, not without an initial glitch as less than 72 hours after the peace deal, one of the popular kingpins, Samaila Suleiman, also known as Boka, who was terrorising communities in Chikun, as well as Jere in Kagarko, Rijana in Kachia and parts of Kajuru Local Government Area, was killed in what sources said was a military raid. This had caused a major setback to the peace efforts.


Weekend Trust reports that since the killing of Boka, other bandit leaders did not only threaten to pull out of the peace deal, but hinted of a likely reprisal on communities around Birnin Gwari.

But those championing the peace deal said there is no cause for alarm, insisting that the process was ongoing and the ultimate positive result would be felt soon.



Kaduna government reacts

The Chief Press Secretary to Governor Uba Sani, Malam Ibrahim Musa, who spoke on the matter, said the state government, in collaboration with some federal agencies, had established The Peace Dialogue Group, which is developing the ‘Kaduna Model,’ a comprehensive framework for sustainable peace and security.

He said: “This model will include disarmament, demobilisation and reintegration, alongside investments in rural development and conflict resolution. It is a holistic approach that addresses both the symptoms and root causes of insecurity.

“The model entails engaging stakeholders tirelessly. This non-kinetic approach led to numerous meetings and extensive discussions, culminating in building bridges of trust, which made several senior bandit leaders to lay down their arms and embrace peace, along with their followers,” he said.


He said that in order to sustain the peace deal, the government had outlawed the activities of Ýan Sa Kai, the local vigilante, especially in Birnin Gwari. In addition, he said Governor Uba Sani would be fair and just to everyone, including farmers, herders and traders in order to achieve a lasting peace and development in the state.

Musa further said the state government’s rehabilitation of repentant bandits was based on the principle of carrot and stick, stressing that while it welcomes those who choose peace, it would not hesitate to take a decisive action against anyone who continues to perpetuate violence.



Face-to-face with bandit kingpins

Security sources hinted Weekend Trust in December that negotiations started two months ago as part of efforts by mainly the Kaduna State Government to use kinetic and non-kinetic measures to end insecurity in the state.

Our correspondent reports that the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration has not made a clear policy direction about peace deal with bandits, but several deals orchestrated by past governments of Zamfara and Katsina states have failed. Many analysts insist that bandits have no central leadership, which makes it difficult to reach any form of peace agreement with them.

But there are other opinion leaders who believe that different options must be adopted to bring an end to the insecurity ravaging the North-West, which has claimed thousands of lives and displaced many.

The immediate past administration of Muhammadu Buhari had in 2022 branded the bandits as terrorists.

While reinforcing their stand in February last year, governors in the North-West also ruled out any form of peace deal with bandits. Their chairman and governor of Katsina State, Umar Dikko Radda, instead maintained that the launch of a quasi-security organisation referred to as Community Protection Guards would help check the activities of bandits in the region.

The governor of Kaduna State, Uba Sani, in November 2024, however, received what he called “repentant bandits” as part of his government’s initiative to build bridges and subsequently get the bandits to lay down their arms.

Governor Sani’s method is also seen as a complete deviation from his immediate predecessor, Malam Nasir el-Rufai who had ruled out any form of peace deal with bandits throughout his eight years in office.

Sani, however, said his administration, in collaboration with some federal agencies, established “The Peace Dialogue Group,” which has been engaging stakeholders.

He nevertheless warned: “While we welcome those who choose peace, we will not hesitate to take a decisive action against anyone who continues to perpetuate violence.”

As part of this broader initiative, which our correspondent was privy to, meetings took place in four different locations of Chikun, Birnin Gwari and Giwa local government areas, which saw bandit kingpins such as Samaila Suleiman, also known as Boka, Yellow Jamboros, Sadiq Yellow, Saleh Horror and other leaders pledging to abide by the peace deal.

On the eve of the new year, the military high command said troops deployed to various operations across the country had in the last 12 months eliminated 10,937 terrorists, apprehended 12,538 and rescued 7,063 hostages.

The Director of Defence, Media Operations, Major-General Edward Buba, made this known while briefing newsmen on the operations of the military in 2024.

This is on the heels of recent statistics by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), which revealed that between May 2023 and April 2024, over 614,937 Nigerians were killed and 2,235,954 kidnapped across the country. It also revealed that N2.2 trillion was paid as ransom.



Inside story of the bandits

Our correspondent gathered that Boka masterminded several abductions even as far as Kwara State, and the May 2024 abduction of dozens of students of Confluence of Science and Technology (CUSTECH), Osara in Kogi State.

On his part, Yellow Jamboros, known for terrorising parts of Kaduna-Birnin Gwari highway, is alleged to have abducted many travellers and villagers, as well as rustled cattle in and around Birnin Gwari and Giwa local government areas.

Jamboros is believed to have hundreds of armed foot soldiers, with his base located around Kamfanin Doka, along the dangerous Funtua-Birnin Gwari road that links Dansadau forest in Zamfara State.

Weekend Trust reports that Sadiq Yellow, a kingpin operating around Kateri and Gadan Malam Mamman on the Kaduna-Abuja highway and another bandit identified as Musa, operating around Jere, Maro and Sabon Gayan of the Kaduna-Abuja highway, were also at the peace meeting.

Saleh Horror, who operates alongside Boka, as well as Haruna Dukununu, notorious for operations around Rima, Sabon Birnin and Maidaro villages in Giwa Local Government Area, said they were willing to accept the government’s peace deal.



Their demands

Many of the bandit leaders who were at the four meetings expressed weariness with the criminal activities and even regretted some of the atrocities they committed against Nigerians. They, however, stressed that for the peace deal to work, security agents must stop attacking them, while the federal government must release their men.

“For a very long time, the Nigerian government refused to invite us for peace talks, which prolonged the insecurity. We have been losing lives unnecessarily from both sides, but now, we are hoping that the peace agreement would last forever,” Boka said while explaining their decision to take the peace deal.

He assured that his men would cease all forms of criminality, on the condition that security agents would halt attacks on them. “If the government treats us like citizens and stops attacking us, we will stop kidnapping,” he insisted.

Elaborating their grievances, he said their wives and children had been killed by security agents.

“So we looked for guns to protect ourselves. We didn’t have guns for years, we were only known to use sticks to rear our animals, but presently, it is difficult to see a Fulani man with a stick, but a gun,” he said.

Another bandit leader simply identified as Musa, as well as Sadiq Yellow, emphasised the need to release some of their men currently in Kuje prison, Abuja.

Musa accused security agents and vigilante groups of attacking Fulani settlements, and urged them to stop for the sake of peace, while also urging displaced villagers to return to their homes without fear.

Hassan Zubairu, one of the lieutenants of Yellow Jamboros, assured that the Kadun-Birnin Gwar road would henceforth be safe for travellers.

At Rima forest in Giwa Local Government Area, Haruna Dandukunu said ammunition had been handed over to the government in the past, and assured that more would be handed over if the peace deal stands.



‘Peace is our ultimate goal’

However, a government negotiator who wished to remain anonymous, assured the bandits of government’s commitment for peace.

He said, “As you plead for the release of some of your members in detention, the government will consider your demands if the peace agreement holds. But we expect you to release all the people in your custody without waiting for the government to do the same.”



Residents react

Community leaders and villagers have expressed optimism over the peace deal. Alhaji Idris Ardo Barka, a community leader in Sabon Gayan, along the Kaduna-Abuja highway, urged both the government and the bandits to be sincere.

He urged villagers to accept the peace deal with good intentions and sincerity, while expressing optimism that other bandits will lay down their arms.

Malam Abdulfatai, a farmer, expressed hope for a bumper harvest next year, marking the first time in five years he would visit his farm.

“The last time I visited this village was five years ago. In order to avoid being killed or abducted for ransom, nobody comes here, but today, we are all here to witness the peace deal. And we are happy with the development. I can’t wait to return to my farm,” he said.

Women and children who were seen inspecting their deserted homes said they looked forward to rebuilding their lives.

“We are excited to come back to our village. We want to go back to our normal lives,” a housewife said.

Our correspondent also observed motorists plying the Birnin Gwari-Kaduna road without security escorts, an indication that some level of security has returned.

A traveller along the road, Muhammadu Abubakar, confirmed the development to Weekend Trust and urged the government to do all it takes to end the insecurity.

“We are happy with the development because the road is safe with no more abductions, at least for now,” he said.

Meanwhile, a security analyst and chairman of the Birnin Gwari-Niger Inter-boundaries Communities Association, Ishaq Usman Kasai, urged the federal government to expand the peace deal to neighbouring states of Niger, Katsina and Zamfara to ensure that bandits from those areas do not infiltrate into Birnin Gwari.

He said that long and short-term measures should be applied in addressing the concerns of the bandits for a sustainable peace.

“We urge the government to find a way to support other villagers that suffered, especially whose livelihoods were destroyed. Let them forgive the atrocities committed against them,” he said.



Boka killed 72 hours after peace deal

Three days after accepting a peace deal, Weekend Trust gathered that Boka, the notorious bandit kingpin, was killed by suspected security forces.

Sources familiar with the situation said Boka was in the company of his lieutenant around Tsohuwar Gayan forest, near Jere when they were ambushed.

During the peace meeting, Boka had also said: “From today, if the security agencies stop attacking us in the forest, we have promised that we will never attack any village; and we will stop kidnapping villagers for ransom.”

However, 72 hours after that pronouncement, the bandit leader was killed in an operation sources said could be an attempt to sabotage the peace agreement.

“The president and the minister of defence should call for an investigation into this killing because we suspect sabotage. The bandit leader promised to end abductions and killings in his area, which is what we hoped for to enjoy peace,” the source said.

Weekend Trust could not independently verify who killed Boka or how he was killed, but an audio message from Yellow Jamboros, another bandit leader who was at the peace deal, described the killing as a signal that may spur other bandits to boycott the peace agreement.

“I want the government to punish the soldiers that killed him, as well as those who attacked our wives and cows in Birnin Gwari within a week. If not, we will also seek revenge,” he threatened in the audio recording.



1998 - 2025 Media Trust Limited. All rights reserved.