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Breaking News Nigeria, Na, ibawa yan awaki Road near move on print, Kano Outlying (2025)

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04/08/2025

THE MENACE WE BRED: A REFLECTION ON OUR COLLECTIVE FAILURE

By Tijjani Sarki | Zawaciki, Kano
3rd August, 2025

In painful agreement, and yet deep sorrow, with the piercing questions raised by Al-Amin Isa, I feel compelled to go further—to ask not just who are these people? but, more urgently:

How did we allow this to happen?
How did our own become strangers to us—violent, lost, and enraged?

The menace destroying our homes, our schools, and our peace did not fall from the sky. We created it. We fed it. We looked away while it grew. And now, we live in its shadow.

---

1. PARENTAL NEGLECT: WHEN THE HOME LOSES ITS SOUL

Before we blame society, let us turn to where it all begins—the home.

A child’s first moral lesson is not found in textbooks; it is found in a parent’s presence, words, and warmth. But what happens when homes become transit camps? When gadgets replace guidance, and TikTok becomes a tutor?

Today, many children are raised by screens—not parents.
We gave them entertainment, but not ethics.
We gave them luxury, but not love.
We were present in the house, but absent in the heart.

And now we ask, why are they angry? Why are they adrift?

We didn’t raise monsters. We left vacuums. And something else filled the void.

---

2. THE FALL OF TRADITIONAL INSTITUTIONS AND THE SILENCING OF WISDOM

There was a time when the presence of an elder was enough to restore order. Their voices carried weight. Their stories shaped identity.

Now, those voices are silenced—brushed aside as “outdated,” laughed at by a generation that was never taught to value listening.

We severed the cord between generations. And with it, we lost memory, identity, and direction.

A people who forget where they came from are destined to walk in circles.

---

3. CULTURE IN CRISIS: WHEN IDENTITY IS SOLD FOR LIKES

Once upon a time, we were a people of dignity, restraint, and honour. But now?
Our children know more about celebrities than community leaders.
They mimic foreign lifestyles with no context, no filter, no boundaries.

Music glorifies vice. Fashion promotes disrespect. Content erodes values faster than we can rebuild them.

Social media has become the new mosque, the new school.

We handed over our children—and now we are shocked at what they’ve become?

We traded roots for trends. Now we are reaping confusion.

---

4. THE DEATH OF COMMUNITY: WHEN “NOT MY CHILD” BECOMES “NOT MY PEACE”

There was a time when every adult was a parent to every child. A wrong act by one was corrected by all.
Encouragement, correction, celebration, and mourning were shared duties.

Now?
“It’s not my child,” we say. “It’s not my problem.”

But it is.

The child you ignore today will be the one you fear tomorrow.
A broken home is a tragedy. A broken community is a catastrophe.

We must return to the spirit of we—because if we don’t rise together, we will fall alone.

---

5. A FAILED SYSTEM: WHEN PROMISES REPLACE ACTION

Our schools are falling apart—physically, morally, spiritually.
Classrooms are overcrowded. Teachers are underpaid. Students are uninspired.

Empowerment programmes exist in theory but disappear in practice.
We tell the youth to dream big, then hand them broken ladders.

They are not angry for nothing.
They are angry because they feel invisible.

A society that ignores the hunger of its young will one day be devoured by their rage.

---

6. POLITICAL USE AND ABANDONMENT: WHEN HOPE IS TURNED INTO A WEAPON

Nothing wounds deeper than being used.

Our youth are drawn into political games—armed, deceived, drugged, promised heaven, and then dumped once the votes are counted.

They are not just campaign tools. Not just “thugs.”
They are our sons. Our brothers. Our neighbours.

What we see on the streets is not just crime.
It is pain. It is confusion. It is disillusionment turned outward.

And now, with nowhere left to channel their hurt, they turn to chaos—because it’s the only language they think anyone hears.

---

7. WHEN THE MIMBAR DIVIDES INSTEAD OF UNITES

Once upon a time, the Masjid was the heart of the community—a place of guidance, healing, and moral clarity.
The Ulama were lanterns in darkness, voices of mercy, and pillars of unity.

Today, some pulpits have become podiums for division.
Sermons that should heal instead deepen ideological rivalries.
Instead of addressing our moral crises, some clerics are locked in endless debates—criticising fellow scholars, promoting party lines, or disguising group loyalties as theology.

These are not spiritual teachings. These are political battles wearing religious robes.

And while the Ummah bleeds, the youth stray, and families fracture—these arguments solve nothing.

We call on our Ulama:
Restore the dignity of the mimbar. Return to the message of hope. Speak to our hearts—not our divisions.

Let the Masjid become a sanctuary again—not a stage for sectarian strife.

---

IN CONCLUSION: THIS IS NOT A WARNING. IT IS A REALITY.

Al-Amin Isa asked: Who are these people?
I ask: Who raised them? Who ignored them? Who used them? Who failed them?

The answer is us—all of us.

We are not just victims.
We are contributors. This menace is ours.

And until we confront that truth with honesty and urgency, we will continue to lose not just lives—but generations.

---

So, what do we do?

Parents: Come back home—not just physically, but emotionally.

Elders: Rise and speak. Your silence is too loud.

Communities: Rebuild the village. Be your brother’s keeper again.

Governments: Make education and youth development a national emergency.

Politicians: Your legacy is not in titles—it is in people.

30/07/2025

ENOUGH IS ENOUGH: WE STAND WITH ALHAJI BASHIR DALHATU THE NORTH DESERVES BETTER

IN FULL SUPPORT OF THE BOLD, COURAGEOUS SPEECH BY THE BOT CHAIRMAN OF ACF ON THE NEGLECT AND DISREGARD OF NORTHERN NIGERIA

By Tijjani Sarki, writing from Zawaciki, Kano
July 30, 2025

History will remember the moment when truth finally shattered the walls of silence. At a time when political leaders shrink from reality and bury national injustice under polite smiles, Alhaji Bashir M. Dalhatu, Wazirin Dutse and Chairman, Board of Trustees of the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), rose as a true patriot.

His speech at Arewa House in Kaduna was more than a presentation it was an awakening, a mirror to the soul of a neglected North, and a call to conscience.

And let it be stated loud and clear.
WE STAND WITH HIM. WE STAND FOR THE NORTH.

A PRESIDENT CARRIED BY THE NORTH... NOW LOOKING THE OTHER WAY?
The numbers speak for themselves over 64% of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s total votes came from the North that’s 5.6 million Northern citizens who braved hardship and insecurity to cast their votes in his favor.In return, what have we received?

Not gratitude.
Not partnership.
Not development.

What we’ve gotten is disregard. A deliberate turning away from the very region that secured his victory.

This isn't political oversight.

WAZIRIN DUTSE SPOKE FOR MILLIONS AND WE COMMEND HIM
In a time when many leaders have grown silent or complicit, Alhaji Bashir Dalhatu stepped forward with the truth. He gave voice to the anger, disappointment, and frustration burning in every Northern heart. He spoke for.

The communities ravaged by violence and insecurity, with no federal rescue in sight,

The farmers pushed into poverty while foreign food imports flood our markets,

The abandoned infrastructure roads, railways, dams left to rot while Southern projects receive trillions,

The students out of school, wandering the streets with empty futures,

The industries collapsing, unable to survive without electricity or support,

The youth unemployed, becoming easy prey to crime, drugs, and insurgency.

To the Wazirin Dutse, we say.
Your voice is our cry. Your courage is our strength. Your words have rekindled our fire.

THE NORTH: ABANDONED YET AGAIN
For decades, the North has borne the brunt of insecurity, poverty, illiteracy, and underdevelopment. Yet today, under this administration, the neglect has only deepened.

i.Insecurity continues to spread like wildfire and the response from the center is lukewarm at best.

ii.Agriculture, the pride of the North, receives less than 5% of federal budget allocations, while farmers suffer silently.

iii.Federal roads and transport projects in the North are either stalled, underfunded, or totally ignored, while Lagos and the South receive tens of trillions in projects.

iv.Power infrastructure in the North is barely functional projects like the AKK pipeline and Mambilla Dam are treated like afterthoughts.

v.The Ajaokuta Steel Plant, a potential game-changer for industry and employment, lies dormant.

vi.How can a region that holds the backbone of Nigeria’s agriculture, manpower, and natural resources continue to be treated like a burden?

This is not acceptable. This is not sustainable.

THE TIME TO ACT IS NOW:
To President Tinubu and his administration, this is our message.
Northern Nigeria is not a voting machine. It is a vital engine of this nation’s survival and growth.
Your government must:

i.Immediately rebalance federal budget allocations to reflect equity and justice.

ii.Commence long-delayed projects, especially in transport, power, education, and agriculture.

iii.Rebuild trust by fulfilling the promises made to Northern leaders during the campaign.

iv.Declare a security and education emergency in the North, and act accordingly.

v.Revive exploration efforts in the oil-rich Northern basins and accelerate industrial investment in the region.

A MESSAGE TO THE ACF AND NORTHERN ELDERS:
To the ACF, and especially to Wazirin Dutse, we offer our complete support and gratitude. You have done what many could not, spoken truth fearlessly in a time of deafening silence.

Let this speech become a catalyst for unity across the North. Let this message spark renewed political consciousness. We must hold every leader, including the one we elected, accountable to the North and to the nation.

THE NORTH IS WATCHING, AND THE CLOCK IS TICKING:
Mr. President, you have a short window to correct course. Time is running out. Our patience is not infinite. Our loyalty is not blind. We will not clap for our own exclusion.
This country belongs to all of us and we will no longer sit silently while it leaves the North behind.

WE WILL RISE TOGETHER, UNITED, DETERMINED:
The North is rich in resources, wisdom, culture, and spirit. We will rise, But we will not allow this administration to continue treating us as expendable.

We are not asking for favors.
We are demanding what is rightfully ours.

Written by Tijjani Sarki
Zawaciki, Kano
July 30, 2025

05/06/2025

DEBATING THE FUTURE OF READING: A BATTLE OF TWO ERUDITE KANO MINDS

By Ibrahim Abdullahi

For centuries, debate (call it dialogue or discussion), is one of the sunbeams that opens the hearts of humans, illuminating diverse perspectives, fostering critical thinking, nurturing intellectual growth, developing social interactions and societal transformations.

Like a gentle breeze, dialogue debate stirs the mind, encouraging exploration, inquiry, and innovation. Through dialogue debate, we discover new ideas, challenge assumptions, and refine our understandings of the world. No doubt, debate is a powerful tool for personal growth, social progress, and personal, collective or community wisdom.

As a passionate student of knowledge, a practicing journalist and public relations practitioner, I usually enjoy listening to intellectual exchanges. It brings me immense joy to see intellectuals eloquently exploring points on a given topic like a flowing river, captivating their audience's attention with dexterity and erudition. In such situations, my faith increases, and I reaffirm my submission to Allah, the Possessor of all knowledge.

There are numerous benefits derived from intellectual discussions or the entrenchment of the healthy culture of discussion or debate in the society.

Debate or discussion provides insight into complex topics, ideas, and current issues that one may not encounter otherwise. It sharpens one's ability to analyze, evaluate, and form personal opinions on a topic.

Additionally, it improves public speaking or communication skills by expressing ideas clearly and using evidence to support arguments. Exposure to different viewpoints fosters appreciation for diverse perspectives and reduces narrow thinking and acrimony. Engaging with intellectual content keeps the mind sharp, encourages curiosity, and boosts creativity.

Another significant benefit is connectivity; regularly attending intellectual discussion forums expands one's horizon by connecting with scholars, philosophers, intellectuals and knowledge seekers.

On May 24, 2025, I attended a thought-provoking debate session titled "Books vs. Screens: Has the Digital Age Killed the Love for Reading?" organized by the D-E-E-D-S Dialogue Debate International at the Khalifa Isyaku Rabi'u University Kano (KHAIRUN). The dialogue debate featured two Kano born intellectual giants: Prof. Ibrahim Bello Kano popularly known as IBK from the Department of English and Literary Studies and Dr. Bala Muhammad from the Department of Mass Communication, both from Bayero University, Kano. These scholars are renowned in their fields, and their contributions to knowledge are invaluable.

The moderator, Prof. Abdalla Uba Adamu, a dual professor of Science Education and Mass Communication, and former Vice Chancellor of the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), was an excellent choice.

The event attracted a large audience of academics, medical doctors, engineers, lawyers, Islamic scholars, communicators, researchers, and students.

The deterioration of reading culture among the young people and by extension the larger society is a long-standing concern. Despite scholars' efforts to caution people about the dangers and advocate for reversal, the situation worsens with the advent of social media. Mainly teenagers resort to extensive social media use, particularly entertainment handles, instead of reading books to expand their knowledge and understanding of life and its many intricacies and mysteries.

The Master of Ceremony, Dr Abdussalam Sani from Aliko Dangote University of Science and Technology, Wudil introduced the debaters with brilliant eloquence and the moderator, Prof. Abdalla clarified that the session was a dialogue, not a contestation as debate may demand, which eased the audience's expectations and allowed the debaters to embrace each other's points.

Prof. IBK, who spoke first, emphasized that reading is not natural and requires guidance or command, citing the first revelation where the Almighty commanded Prophet Muhammad (SAW) to read. He highlighted the importance of book reading and the threats the digital age poses to reading culture.

Dr. Bala supported book reading but argued that the digital age has made reading simpler and more accessible.

Both scholars agreed that some social media handles have elements of reading, but strongly pointed that others like TikTok seem to allow or promote nudity, vulgarity, and social vices among teenagers, calling for urgent rectification.

If you ask me, l would surely say, the dialogue was a huge success, with an amazing turnout and attentive, but mostly young audience.

I congratulate the D-E-E-D-S Dialogue Debate International for organizing this thought-provoking event and look forward to future topics.

_Abdullahi is the Deputy Director Information, Kano State Ministry of Information and Internal Affairs_

June 5, 2025

08/05/2025

NIGERIA'S ENDLESS POWER CRISIS: Is the Government Truly Committed to Change?

By Tijjani Sarki
Public Policy Advocate and Analyst
Zawaciki, Kano
8th May 2025

"A conversation with my childhood friend, Alhaji Sagir Abubakar, stirred and reignited my resolve to write about Nigeria’s electricity sector one of the three 'sacred cows' that successive administrations have relentlessly milked for decades, yet left woefully underdeveloped."

Despite over a century of electricity generation and decades of reforms, Nigeria remains trapped in a cycle of unreliable power supply. This chronic failure undermines economic development, worsens living conditions, and fuels public distrust in government. As Nigerians grapple daily with blackouts and generator fumes, one question lingers: Is the Nigerian government truly serious about reviving steady electricity supply?

A Long Road Paved with Missed Opportunities:

Electricity was first introduced in Nigeria in 1896 in Lagos, with a modest 60 kW generator installed by the colonial Public Works Department (PWD) to serve administrative buildings. By the 1950s, demand grew rapidly, prompting the creation of the Electricity Corporation of Nigeria (ECN) in 1950. The Niger Dams Authority (NDA) followed in 1962, culminating in the commissioning of the Kainji Dam in 1968, a project that could generate over 760 MW, though it has rarely operated at full capacity due to poor maintenance and siltation.

These early developments laid the groundwork for a potentially robust electricity network. Yet the promise was squandered. Political instability including successive military regimes from 1966 to 1999, fragmented long-term planning. Critical investments in infrastructure were either delayed, diverted, or poorly executed.

NEPA, PHCN, and the Curse of Inertia:

In 1972, the ECN and NDA were merged to form the National Electric Power Authority (NEPA), a monopoly that quickly became a symbol of bureaucratic rot. Billions of naira were funneled into the agency, but endemic corruption, inefficiency, and outright theft crippled its performance. Consumers coined the nickname “Never Expect Power Always,” capturing the public’s deep frustration.

The 2000s brought a wave of reforms. NEPA was “unbundled” into the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) in 2005, and in 2013, privatization transferred the sector’s control to 18 successor companies, six generation companies (GenCos), eleven distribution companies (DisCos), and the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), which remains under government control. This restructuring was backed by the Electric Power Sector Reform Act of 2005, touted as the beginning of a private-sector-led revival.

However, nearly two decades later, the promised transformation has yet to materialize. Many of the new private companies lack both the capital and expertise needed to drive innovation. Furthermore, poor regulatory oversight by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) and a refusal to enforce cost-reflective tariffs have left companies insolvent and unable to invest in infrastructure.

Why Has Steady Electricity Remained Elusive?

Several key factors have undermined efforts to achieve stable power:

1. Gas Supply Constraints: Nigeria holds one of the largest natural gas reserves in the world, yet its power plants frequently suffer from gas shortages due to pipeline vandalism, poor planning, and non-payment by power companies.
2. Grid Failures: Between 2017 and 2023, Nigeria’s national grid collapsed 46 times , an average of nearly eight times a year. These systemic failures expose the grid’s fragility, largely due to outdated transmission lines, insufficient redundancy, and lack of real-time monitoring systems.
3. Corruption and Mismanagement: According to a 2017 report by the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP), over $30 billion was spent on power sector reforms between 1999 and 2015 with little to show. Much of this funding disappeared into uncompleted projects and inflated contracts.
4. Policy Inconsistency: Every new administration introduces a fresh reform agenda, often discarding previous plans. This lack of policy continuity stifles investor confidence and disrupts progress.
5. Lack of Consumer Trust and Payment Discipline: Widespread meter shortages and estimated billing practices have fueled resentment and widespread energy theft, reducing revenue collection and disincentivizing investment.

Current Promises, Familiar Challenges:

President Bola Tinubu’s administration has acknowledged the need for urgent reform. The 2023 Electricity Act was a major policy milestone, devolving power generation, transmission, and distribution to the states. This opens the door for regional and private initiatives, such as Lagos,Kano and Kaduna State’s ongoing efforts to develop off-grid solutions.

Additionally, the government is promoting renewable energy and mini-grids, especially in rural areas, through the Rural Electrification Agency (REA). However, these projects often face delays and limited scale.
Meanwhile, the national grid still struggles to deliver 4,000–5,000 MW to over 200 million people a far cry from the 30,000 MW the country is estimated to need. In contrast, South Africa, with a third of Nigeria’s population, maintains an installed capacity of around 58,000 MW, even amid its own energy challenges.

Is There Real Commitment Or Just Rhetoric?
If seriousness is measured by action, not promises, Nigeria’s record leaves much to be desired. The government continues to announce new plans, yet fails to enforce existing regulations, prosecute corrupt actors, or ensure value for public spending. Unless there is a seismic shift in political will characterized by transparency, accountability, and long-term commitment the cycle of failure will continue.

Conclusion:

Nigeria’s power sector has been burdened by decades of missed opportunities, corruption, and policy somersaults. While the nation has the technical and natural resources to overcome its energy crisis, leadership and consistent ex*****on remain lacking.
Nigerians are no longer swayed by blueprints or slogans. They demand action, steady electricity to power homes, industries, and hopes. Without that, talk of progress will remain as fleeting as the flicker of a faulty bulb.

To be continued…

18/04/2025

Kano DMCSA, C4SD Train MCH Coordinators, EDOs on Integration of Family Planning Commodities and Last-Mile Delivery

In the quest for improved public health outcomes and sustainable development, the Kano State Drugs and Medical Consumables Supply Agency has organized a two-day training to local government Maternal and Child Health (MCH) Coordinators and Essential Drug Officers ion the management of family planning commodities and delivery to the last mile.

Organized in collaboration with the Gates Foundation-funded Capacity for Sustainable Development (C4SD), the training aimed to enhance participants' professional capacities by equiping them with proper knowledge, with a view to offer consistent and high-quality services to individuals seeking family planning options.

Declaring the workshop open, Pharm. Aminu Bashir, the Permanent Secretary Ministry of Health, who represented the Commissioner Dr. Abubakar Labaran Yusuf at the function, spoke extensively on the importance of the integration of family planning commodities and last-mile delivery, noting that it is cost-effective, time-saving, and accountable.

He further highlighted that the effective management of family planning commodities and their delivery to the last mile is essential for promoting reproductive health and ensuring that individuals have access to necessary services.

On the significance of training, the PermanentSecretary said, "Orientation and training programs play a pivotal role in achieving the set objectives by equipping the participants with the necessary skills and knowledge needed for effective management and delivery.

"It becomes imperative to organize such trainings.. Through these efforts, we can pave the way for a future where family planning services are accessible to all, ultimately contributing to healthier families and communities," he observed.:

In his welcome address, Pharm Gali Sule said the program is designed to integrate the supply chain management of family health care commodities and essential medicine up to the last-mile delivery.

The integration, according to him, is a proposed national policy and will immensely contribute to improving health care service delivery in the country as a whole, adding that under this program, DMCSA will deliver the commodities to health facilities free of charge.

He reasserted the agency's resolve to continue collaboration with non-governmental organizations to expand outreach.

During the first day session, facitators who made presentations include Pharm. Tukur Ibrahim, who made a presentation on the Concept of Health Commodities Supply System; Pharm. Abdullahi Abubakar Danzabuwa on the Concept of Intergration and Last Mile Delivery; and, lastly, Bello Muhammad Dandago, who made his presentation on Supply Chain Management and Inventory Control of Contraceptive Commodities.

02/04/2025

Who Is Fixing The North? Commends Edo Governor for Disbanding Vigilante Groups and Condoling Kano

The Who Is Fixing The North? organization has praised the Governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo, for his swift actions following the brutal killing of some travelers in Uromi, Edo State, on March 27, 2025.

In a statement signed by the organization’s chairman, Mustapha Dawood (Sir Sa’e), the group expressed satisfaction with the governor’s visit to Kano State to condole with the families of the victims and his assurance that justice would be served.

Furthermore, Governor Okpebholo announced the immediate suspension of all vigilante groups in Edo State, along with the suspension of the state’s security commander, retired CP Friday Ibadin, after reports emerged that certain vigilante groups were carrying out illegal activities, including the killings.

The organization highlighted that the governor’s actions demonstrated his commitment to law and order, as well as his dedication to protecting the lives and properties of citizens. It also commended the cooperation between the Edo and Kano state governments, describing it as a model of leadership that underscores the importance of unity, compassion, and decisive action in times of crisis.

Finally, Who Is Fixing The North? acknowledged the bravery of the people of Uromi, who risked their lives to rescue some of the victims, while emphasizing that justice must prevail and those responsible for the heinous crime should be brought to book.

31/03/2025

Open Letter to the Police Commissioner, Kano State

March 31, 2025

Dear Sir,

I am writing to commend you and your dedicated team for your exceptional work in ensuring peace and security in Kano State. Your tireless efforts have not gone unnoticed, and the people of Kano are grateful for the professionalism and resilience exhibited by the Kano State Police in safeguarding our communities.

In particular, I would like to acknowledge the recent success of your force in apprehending the individual responsible for the attempted su***de attack on the Emir of Kano Mallam Muhammadu Sunusi ii Phd. This was a truly courageous act that could have caused immeasurable harm to our beloved state, but thanks to your swift and effective response, this tragedy was averted. It is a testament to the dedication, skill, and vigilance of the Kano State Police.

Now that the culprit has been apprehended, we look forward to a thorough and transparent investigation. We trust that your team will work diligently to uncover the full scope of this attack, including identifying any sponsors or individuals behind the plot. It is crucial for the public to be informed about the broader networks that may have been involved, as this will not only provide clarity but also assure the people of Kano that justice will be served and that such nefarious activities will not be tolerated.

The safety of our state depends on a collective effort, and it is evident that your leadership and the commitment of your officers are making a significant difference in preserving the peace.

Once again, I extend my deepest appreciation to you, the Kano State Police Command, and all those involved in keeping our state safe. We remain hopeful that, through your continued efforts, Kano will stay on the path of peace, security, and prosperity.

Thank you for your unwavering service to the people of Kano.

Tijjani Sarki
Public Policy Advocate and Analyst
Vice President
Human Rights Watch and Youths Empowerment Foundation
31/03/2025

29/03/2025

PRESS RELEASE:

CONDEMNATION OF THE BARBARIC ATTACK ON TRAVELLERS IN EDO STATE AND CALL FOR FEDERAL GOVERNMENT INVESTIGATION

The Human Rights Watch Foundation Nigeria strongly condemns the barbaric and unjust killings of at least 16 hunters of northern extraction, who were traveling from Port Harcourt, Rivers State, to their destinations. These innocent lives were brutally attacked and killed by members of a local vigilante group on Thursday, March 27, 2025, along the Uromi/Obajana expressway, within the Esan North-East Local Government Area of Edo State.

Reports indicate that a truck carrying 25 travellers from Elele, Rivers, was intercepted by a local vigilante group in Uromi. The situation spiraled when some passengers were found in possession of locally made dane guns, raising suspicion. A few members of the vigilante group alarmed the community by mistakenly branding the travellers as kidnappers. This unsubstantiated claim led to the merciless lynching of 16 individuals, while 10 others were rescued, and two injured victims were hospitalized.

We categorically condemn the actions of the vigilante members involved in this heinous act. There is absolutely no justification for individuals to take the law into their own hands, particularly in a situation that required a proper investigation by authorized law enforcement agencies. This unlawful mob action represents a gross violation of human rights and undermines the very foundations of justice.

We commend the swift response of Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State, who visited the site of the tragedy to assess the situation. His condemnation of the actions of the vigilantes in the strongest terms, as well as his commitment to ensuring justice for the victims, is a necessary step toward accountability. Governor Okpebholo’s directive to the state police command and other security agencies to conduct a thorough and swift investigation is vital for restoring law and order and preventing further lawlessness in the state.

While we appreciate the state government’s efforts, we urgently call upon the Federal Government of Nigeria to intervene and ensure a comprehensive investigation is conducted. This tragic incident has far-reaching implications for the safety and security of all Nigerians, and it is critical that the federal government steps in to prevent such acts of mob justice from recurring.

We call for a federal inquiry into the matter, alongside immediate steps to address the militarization of local communities and the unchecked empowerment of vigilante groups, whose actions undermine the rule of law and public safety.

Moreover, we commend the leadership of the Arewa community in the area for their swift efforts in de-escalating tensions following the incident. Their dedication to peace and unity should serve as a model for all communities in Nigeria.

We stand in solidarity with the victims' families and the people of the northern region, who have been profoundly impacted by this horrific and senseless violence. We also call for a national effort to strengthen governance, uphold the rule of law, and ensure a collaborative approach between state, local, and federal authorities to prevent further loss of life.

Signed,

Vice President
Human Rights Watch Foundation Nigeria
March 28,2025

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