News

Herdsmen Attacks: Efforts To Proffer Lasting Solution To Security On – Obaseki

Published

5 years ago

February 9, 2021

Governor of Edo State, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has said his administration will not politicise security issues in the state, noting that efforts are being taken to isolate and deal with the issues as they emerge so as to provide lasting security to communities across the state.

The governor made the remark when he led heads of security agencies in the state on a fact-finding visit to Udo, Ovia South West Local Government Area of the state.

At the Palace of the Iyase of Udo, His Royal Highness (HRH) Patrick Igbinidu, Obaseki said, “We are on a fact-finding tour around some parts of the state today to access the security situation particularly as it relates to farmers and herders’ conflicts in the state.

“As a government, we do not believe that we should politicise security. It is important that we get the facts right and understand what exactly is going on. We had reports about the crisis or impending crisis around this axis.

“We have also had all sorts of anxieties. Well, I will call them speculations on social media about herdsmen being pushed off from neighboring states into this area and the escalating crisis or impending crisis.”

He added, “We have had situations that have resulted in conflicts between herders and farmers. Our position is that we have to manage this crisis carefully. Like I said, we should not politicise the issues of herdsmen in our society.

“We do not accept the situation whereby anybody will be herding cattle with AK-47 rifles and other dangerous weapons. We also understand that there are bandits and criminals who pretend to be herders but undertake criminal activities such as kidnapping in the name and guise of being herdsmen.

“I have always argued that we should separate these people and deal with each one accordingly. Today, we are here to undertake assessments ourselves and to assure the people of Ovia South West of adequate security being provided by the government to protect the people.”

He continued: “The state government is providing adequate security to protect the lives and property of the people. The security structure of the state has been rigid and revamped.

“We will not also accept the situation where people want to use the current security challenges to destabilise our country. We have no other country. Every country has its own challenges but they look for ways to resolve these challenges.

“We have major security challenges in the country as well as the whole of the Sahara region. I think leadership in this country should be responsible and ensure that we focus on the specific crisis, some of which is not anybody’s doing.”

According to the governor, “Some of the crisis we have in the sub-continent today has to do with environmental changes. We should all come together and look for ways to confront these emerging security problems and not to begin to take it out of context because of cheap political gains to create crisis in the country.”

At a town hall meeting, Obaseki assured the people that his administration would protect residents in the state as he is governor for all.

He urged “The Fulani Community should collaborate with the government and security agencies to fish out criminals. We will create an area where the cattle will go regularly to eat, as they must not go to peoples’ farms. This will stop cattle from moving round the community including in farmlands.”

Earlier, the Iyase of Udo, HRH Patrick Igbinidu, said that the security challenges in his community have been on for a very long time, adding, “Farmers always complain about the activities of the herdsmen. When I received such reports, I had to call both parties to resolve the issues immediately. We have been on it for a very long time.”

The State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Phillip Agbadu, assured of the readiness of his men in ensuring peace in the troubled areas in the state, noting, “I urge Fulani leaders to ensure that children are not allowed to follow the cattle for grazing as they may not be able to control them.”

In his remarks, the leader of Fulani community in the area, Alhaji Muhammad Buhari expressed appreciation to the governor for the fact-finding mission to the area, adding that Fulani community in the area are peace-loving people and has lived in the community for years and his people will always support peaceful atmosphere.

News

JUST IN: NSCDC Commandant, Slumps, Dies In Edo

Published

8 minutes ago

October 2, 2025

Editor

Edo State Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC ), Agun Gbenga, slumped and died on Thursday in Benin

Gbenga slumped shortly after delivering his goodwill message at an event put up by the International Association of World Peace Advocates (IAWPA), held at the Bishop Kelly Pastoral Centre, Benin.

Immediately he slumped, attendees at the event made efforts to revive him, but to no avail.

He was hurriedly rushed to the Military Based Hospital, Benin where he was confirmed dead.

The Commandant was amongst personality to be awarded at the event.

News

Enugu Sets Deadline For Digital Charting Of Private Layouts

Published

1 hour ago

October 2, 2025

Editor

The Enugu State Government has directed that all registered private layouts and plans be submitted to the Office of the Surveyor General for digital charting and endorsement, as part of its land digitalisation reforms.

In a public service announcement issued on Wednesday, the Surveyor General of Enugu State, Chime Justus, said the exercise would run between October 1 and December 31, 2025.

“In line with the Enugu State Government’s directive on land digitalisation, all registered private layouts and plans are required to be presented to the Office of the Surveyor General of Enugu State for digital charting and endorsement,” the statement read.

According to him, the process would guarantee “security of property ownership, legitimacy of land documents, and a clear digital identity for all parcels of land.”

The government warned that effective January 1, 2026, only layouts and plans that had been digitally registered, charted, and endorsed would be recognised as valid.

“Any layout or plan not digitally endorsed by this date will be delisted and deemed invalid,” Justus stated.

The move, authorities say, is aimed at strengthening land administration, reducing disputes, and ensuring greater transparency in property documentation across the state.

In 2024, Governor Peter Mbah launched the Enugu State Geographic Information System, a digital platform designed to streamline land title applications and ensure seamless processing within 48 hours.

News

Progress Means Food On Tables, Not Statistics, CAN Tells FG

Published

1 hour ago

October 2, 2025

Editor

The Christian Association of Nigeria has urged the Federal Government to ensure that the gains of its economic reforms translate into real improvements in the lives of citizens, stressing that true progress cannot be measured by statistics alone.

President Bola Tinubu, in his Independence Day address, had highlighted Nigeria’s economic growth, noting that the country’s GDP grew by 4.23 per cent in the second quarter of 2025 — the fastest pace in four years — surpassing the International Monetary Fund’s 3.4 per cent projection.

He also said inflation had dropped to 20.12 per cent, the lowest level in three years, attributing the achievements to “sound monetary and fiscal policies” that had delivered 12 notable milestones.

But in his Independence Day message marking Nigeria’s 65th anniversary, CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, congratulated the nation while cautioning that reforms must be judged by their impact on households, not just on paper.

“True progress must be measured not only by statistics but by the food on every table, the security of every community, and the opportunities available to every child,” Okoh said.

The Christian body acknowledged progress in education, healthcare, infrastructure, agriculture, and telecommunications since independence, noting that the country had moved from “a handful of schools and institutions” to thousands producing generations of professionals.

However, it warned that millions of Nigerians were yet to feel the benefits of reforms.

“Economic reforms, while necessary, have brought temporary hardship for millions. The rising cost of living, food insecurity, unemployment, and inflation continue to weigh heavily on households,” CAN said.

Okoh also expressed concern that insecurity threatened to overshadow the country’s achievements.

“Security remains an urgent concern. Terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, and communal conflicts have caused deep pain and displacement. While strides have been made in restoring safety, more still needs to be done to guarantee the protection of lives and property,” he said.

The association called for stronger collaboration between security agencies, communities, and faith-based organisations to consolidate peace across the country.

It further urged the government to prioritise youth empowerment to stem the “persistent brain drain” and tap into the creativity and potential of young Nigerians.

“To stem this tide, there must be greater investment in education, innovation and youth empowerment, ensuring that no young Nigerian is left behind,” CAN stated.

Archbishop Okoh also reminded citizens of their civic responsibilities, calling on Nigerians to pay taxes faithfully, support local production, and uphold justice and equity.

“On this anniversary, let us renew our commitment to justice, equity, and good governance. Let us embrace hard work… and show love to one another as one people under God,” he added.