News

[OPINION] Edo Cult Killings : A Misplaced Priority For Youths Engagement (Part II)

Published

5 years ago

November 20, 2020

Eben Enasco

In Nigeria today, a significant proportion of student activism does not present a desire by the activist students to correct campus or society ills and/ or assert alignment with an identity.

Rather, it has been abused to form cults—covert activist cum religious occultist associations that are not only dangerous to themselves but to others who are on the campus to pursue their legitimate goals.

The distasteful sweet feeling that comes with harming someone in return for an injury is what propelled some students to join cult gang.

The need to exert revenge on a campus bully, lecturer, or a fellow student who wronged another is a prominent reason for joining among cult members.

Cultists mostly operate underground, bestriding the campus landscape like a
colossus whenever they choose to strike.

Surreptitiously hiding their identity from other members of the university community, members of the campus cults are bold, daring and deadly. Their activities involve murder, rape and robbery, among other forms of violent.

Those who relatively cut corners for more powers are adventurous Cult leaders who believed in lording over others.

Power gives you wing and wings that can make you fly above everyone else on campus and lord your presence over everyone.

File: Victim of the recent court clashes in Benin

This is the kind of narrative some cult groups deploy to lure innocent students, Bus drivers, dropouts and some street urchins into their midst.

And anyone who feels having such power would make him cut corners, escape lecturers punishments and feel like a lord among his peers would buy the rhetoric and get initiated in no time.

This is where the narrative deviated from the original agenda of setting up Confraternity activism on campuses.

They missed it the moment they witnessed some level of success in campus battles, only by initiating homeless boys, those closed to friends in campuses that couldn’t gain admissions, bus conductors, land grabbers, motor park touts.

The body bags are on the increase because of poor background of those initiated with leaders losing grips over their supposed subordinates.

Most often, heads of various cult groups have no educational background yet dictates for those in campuses who are supposed to build territorial gaps.

The land-grabber and Bus Conductors now determine how campus life works, whilst they have no idea how campuses it actually functions.

They form bulk of Zonal heads with the only orientation to avenge any opposition whenever crisis arose.
To curb these numerous excesses, the leadership must halt initiating those without perquisite and instill stringent procedures.

Failed Institutions

The basic roles of institution which include efficiency in service delivery are absolutely relegated to the background, which by extension, impact negatively on economic performance in the country.

Unlike the widely held views that corruption is a manifestation of institutional failure, I suggest that institutional failure is rather a manifestation of corruption in the country.

It is obvious that Nigerians are not happy that the Federal Government has misplaced its priority by meddling in what should not be of concern to them.

The Standard of living in the country today, is equal to zero in ratings.

Youths have become stranded with bad policies and the implementation of such policies by successive governments.
Government at all levels are palpable culprits culminating from bad leadership that had steered the resources’ overtime. Despite governments not leaving up to expectations, parents also have a fair share in a child up brings and this must be addressed.

File: one of the victims of the recent cult clash in Benin

Nigeria’s institutions are weak because successive governments have failed to build infrastructure stable for development and create job opportunities.

The expectation of average Nigerian who just graduated to secure career job lifeline is almost impossible. In Nigeria, jobs are created on papers.

Therefore, many of those youths who would have obeyed common ethical nubs only survive through their own efforts since Government can’t provide for them basic needs

Threats To Security Operatives, Threat To All

If those whose first mandate is to secure lives and properties are now afraid to carry out their duties because of certain threats, then something definitely is wrong with such society.

This is the frightening moment a gang, one of whom is armed with a pitchfork, broken bottles, guns and other life threatening weapons launch a savage attack on citizens.

Footage of scary scenes have unfolded in most flash point areas and have become a source of worry.

Few days ago, Police team led by an Assistant Commissioner Of Police who also heads one of the Area Commands and his boys were attacked with the officers sustaining bullets wounds occasioned in exchanges of gunfire between the suspected criminals and the police.

Police are human and also deserves protection. Most wives of Policemen have become widows and poorly treated with no end in sight of their welfare packages.

In a recent remarks by the Inspector-General of Police, Mohammed Adamu, while on official visit to affected states to take on the spot assessments of the attacked police stations in Edo State Command post EndSARS protests, he said, “is it Good for a police policeman to die with a raffle in his hands? The response was thunderous. The IGP was right to an extent when he urged the police operatives to defend themselves considering the level at which hoodlums have continued to launch various attacks on them.

Although, some bad elements have polluted the police institution, however, that can’t underscore the values they bring in curbing criminal attacks.

The commissioner of Police Edo State Command, Babatunde Kokumo said recently that since various police divisional stations were set ablaze, crimes have been on the increase.

His words: “Just imagine what it means that three police stations along Sokponba Road, Benin were destroyed and burnt, patrol vehicles were destroyed in many other parts of Edo State”.

Today, many of the criminal cultists openly brandishes AK-47 rifles, machetes, battle axes, broken bottles, clubs and other dangerous weapons in broad daylight, shooting sporadically throughout the night and heightening tension in Benin and its environs.

Speaking via the telephone, the Edo State Commissioner of Police, Babatunde Kokumo, said that officers and men of the command were working within existing limitations to reclaim public space and restore normalcy to the state.
These anomalies must stop and peace must return to encourage development.

Role Of Edo State Government

One of the major steps undertaken by responsible government is to create jobs for restive youths.

Creating an integrity base Community Policing can also help stamp-out lawlessness in the state.

However, Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, recently reassured that his administration is devising a new state-led security scheme to tackle rising insecurity in an effort to safeguard lives and property in Edo State.

Obaseki disclosed this at the Passing out Parade of 877 Special Constables under the Community Police Project, at the Police Training School, Ogida, in Benin City.

The Governor noted that it has become inevitable in the light of the flawed central policing system in the country, which makes the demand for restructuring of the nation more germane.

Obaseki added that the 877 Special Constables are part of the first batch of the 2000 constables to be trained for community policing in collaboration with the Nigeria Police Force in Edo State.

“The idea of community policing is not new to us as an administration. This concept which has led to the recruitment, training and subsequent graduation of the special constables was one of the ideas I discussed with the present Inspector General of Police, Adamu Mohammed, when he served as the Assistant Inspector General (AIG) of Police Zone 5 in Benin City, several years ago,” he said.

There are two sides to the creation of the Community Policing.

First indication is the window of jobs creation and secondly taking Policing to the grass root were indigenous people will play a key role in Combating crimes.

By this, it would help fish out those who are not from the state and endeared the lost trust between the Government and the governed.

The Frame work for the community Policing architecture must encompass traditional institutions, Religious leaders, Community leaders and various stakeholders to bring it to fruition.

Recommendations

Thus, the Nigerian economy faces enormous challenges and a bleak future unless fundamental steps are taken to redress the legacies of the past.

Among the many requirements for curbing corruption, crimes and hopelessness, is moral regeneration through moral education.

This would require the establishment of an institute for ethical studies for public officers, youths and business persons in the state in extension Nigeria.

It would also require Nigerians doing things in fundamentally different ways than in the past to break away from the corruption, institutional failure and poor economic performance trap.

Of more relevance is the need for government to restructure the whole system, create openings for youths engagement, perhaps reward and incentive system, especially in the public sector.

Youths must now rethink before this Generation is wiped out through their misplaced priorities and create a template for positive recognition to engage Government for proper collaborations as well as societal values.

News

Federal Government Issues Flood Alert In 11 States

Published

6 hours ago

September 14, 2025

Editor

The Federal Ministry of Environment, through the National Flood Early Warning Centre (FEWS CENTRE) has issued a warning in 11 states over possible heavy rainfall that may lead to flooding between 14th and 18th September, 2025.

In a flood prediction notice dated Sunday, September 14, 2025 and signed by the Director, Erosion, Flood and Coastal Zone Management Department of the ministry, Usman Abdullahi Bokani, the federal government also advised some communities in the flood plain to evacuate.

Bokani identified the states and corresponding communities as Adamawa – Ganye, Natubi; Benue State – Abinsi, Agyo, Gogo, Ito, Makurdi, Udoma and Ukpiam; Nasarawa – Agima, Rukubi and Odogbo; and Taraba – Beli, Serti and Donga.

Others include Delta – Umugboma, Umukwata, Abraka, Aboh and Okpo-Krika; Niger – Rijau; Kebbi – Ribah; Kano – Gwarzo and Karaye; Katsina – Jibia; Sokoto – Makira; and Zamfara – Kaura Namoda, Shinkafi, Maradun, Gusau, Anka and Bungudu.

“Also, due to the rise in the water level of the River Gongola, River Benue, and Niger, communities on the flood plain of
River Gongola up to Numan, the flood plain of River Benue and River Niger up to Lokoja are advised to evacuate,” the advisory read.

The statement further urged relevant stakeholders to kindly take note as it welcomed feedback from relevant stakeholders and state government representatives on its platform.

News

IPI Raises Alarm Over Rising Media Repression In Nigeria

Published

7 hours ago

September 14, 2025

Editor

The International Press Institute (IPI), a global body committed to protecting press freedom and the free flow of information, has raised the alarm over the recent cases of media repression in Nigeria.

President, IPI Nigeria, Mr Musikilu Mojeed, raised the concern at a dinner organised by the institute, to honour one of its members and a retired Director, Digital Media, Voice of Nigeria (VON), Hajia Hadiza Hussaina Sani, in Abuja on Saturday.

LEADERSHIP reports that the dinner was organised to honour the media icon for her dedication and service, after clocking mandatory retirement age of 60 years.

It was also gathered that the identical twin sister of the celebrator, Hajia Ameena Hassana Sani, equally retired meritoriously from the services of News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) as a Director.

Speaking at the event, IPI president Mojeed, who is also the Editor-in-Chief of Premium Times, cited the recent “disturbing” instances of banning of live political programme in Kano State and the arrest of a journalist in Ekiti State.

“Akwa Ibom State Government recently evicted Channels TV crew, a journalist and a cameraman, from the press centre inside Government House, Uyo.

“The repressive action was taken, over the publication of a video clip, where the governor, eventually confirmed he is defecting from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

“A journalist with FIJ, Sodiq Atanda, was recently arrested by the police in Ekiti State.

“A former “ThisDay” employee, Azuka Ogujiuba, was reportedly arrested and harassed by the Police for doing her job.

“Every single day you wake up, it is one form of harassment or the other against the media,” he said.

Mojeed called for continued advocacy to protect press freedom and promote independent journalism.

He stressed that efforts to protect journalists’ rights and promote independent journalism are crucial in Nigeria’s media landscape.

Mojeed said Sani’s retirement came at a critical time when the media sector in Nigeria is facing numerous challenges, including harassment, arrests, and censorship.

He noted Sani’s significant contributions to IPI Nigeria, including her role in organising its World Congress in Nigeria in 2018, as well as her subsequent active participation in various committees.

Mojeed appealed to the celebrator to continue advocating for press freedom and supporting the work of IPI Nigeria, emphasising that her expertise and experience are invaluable to the organisation.

The Director-General, VON, Mallam Jibrin Baba Ndace, expressed gratitude to IPI Nigeria for recognising Sani’s contributions, stating that the gesture also reflected positively on the entire VON team.

He described Sani as a professional journalist who seamlessly transitioned from traditional journalism to modern digital practices, leading the digital department with innovation.

According to the DG, Sani’s leadership in the digital space kept VON at the forefront of public media institutions and global competitiveness.

He commended her experience, passion, and love for journalism, which he said, enabled her to excel in her role and serve as a role model for younger journalists.

The VON DG emphasised that, “journalism is a marathon, not a sprint”, and Sani’s long-standing career is a testament to her dedication and commitment to the profession.

Malam Garba Shehu, former spokesman to late President Muhammadu Buhari, described the retirement of Sani as a significant loss for the organisation but a potential gain for other sectors of the journalism profession.

Shehu praised her as “a strong and young professional with much to contribute to journalism.”

He highlighted her unique qualities, particularly her social responsibility, selflessness, and commitment to helping others to succeed.

According to him, Sani embodies the principles of servant leadership, a concept often touted by politicians but rarely exemplified.

“Her legacy as a role model for young journalists and a champion of socially responsible journalism will continue to inspire others in the field,” he said.

Abdulwaheed Odusile, former President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), commended Sani’s dedication and expertise, which he said, have earned her recognition and respect in the industry..

On her part, Sani expressed gratitude to God and her family for their support throughout her 34 years career in public service.

While reflecting on the challenges and rewards of her time in service, she highlighted the importance of dedication, clear vision, and family support.

Sani emphasised the need for media professionals to adapt to new technologies and appreciate their impact on the industry and the society

She stressed that telling a good story starts with understanding oneself and one’s audience.

Despite retiring from active public service, she assured to remain active in the media space, pursuing research, teaching, writing, and lecturing.

“It has been a very difficult, challenging, interesting and rewarding 34 years in service.

“It’s not easy. You have new and great ideas, but some people don’t understand, so they find it a bit difficult to agree with you.

“But if you are consistent, if you have a clear vision of what you want to achieve, and you are dedicated and resolute, the sky is not the limit.

“I have pulled out from active public service, but have not retired. My brain is still exceptionally active, and I plan to utilise it.

“I’ll be doing a lot of research work and writing, and I won’t get tired of seeing myself in the media space,” she stated.

News

FG Specifies TRCN, NTI’s Roles In Teaching Profession

Published

7 hours ago

September 14, 2025

Editor

The Federal Government has announced major clarifications on the roles and responsibilities of the Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN) and the National Teachers’ Institute (NTI).

The clarifications, according to a statement on Sunday by the Director, Press and Public Relations, Ministry of Education, Boriowo Folasade was part of reforms to strengthen the teaching profession, streamline education delivery, and ensure high-quality learning for every Nigerian child.

Under the new framework, the NTI will return to its core mandate of in-service teacher training and continuous professional development at the foundational, basic, and post-basic levels, while the TRCN will focus exclusively on regulating the teaching profession and licensing qualified teachers nationwide.

Announcing the reform, the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa said the move reflects the Ministry’s aggressive agenda to restructure its agencies in line with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope mandate towards providing the highest standard of education across the country.

Also, in line with this reform, the Federal Government has introduced new welfare terms and operational guidelines for both agencies covering teacher licensing and registration, professional development requirements, monitoring and compliance mechanisms, teacher welfare and benefits, as well as curriculum and professional practice standards.

“Going forward, no teacher will be allowed to stand before a Nigerian classroom without proper registration and licensing by TRCN. This ensures that every child is taught by competent, professional teachers who meet the highest standards,” Alausa said.

The Minister explained that both agencies now have new operational guidelines to enhance governance, oversight, and accountability.

Key provisions for TRCN include mandatory teacher registration and licensing, digital integration with the national Education Management Information System, and strict enforcement of ethics and discipline within the profession.

For its part, the NTI will serve as the national implementing body for distance-based teacher training programmes, while ensuring its courses align with approved standards and frameworks.

Alausa described the reform as “a big day for the Nigerian child,” emphasising that the restructuring will sustain ongoing progress in teacher quality and educational outcomes.

He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to embedding professionalism in teaching, expanding access to continuous professional development, and enforcing compliance across all levels of education.

“This reform is about results and sustainability. It is about building a future where Nigerian children are taught by the best, prepared for the best, and supported by the best. We are consolidating progress to ensure sustainability, capability, and accountability in our teaching workforce. It is Renewed Hope in action,” the statement said.