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Reps minority caucus condemns spate of kidnapping, insecurity
The leader of the minority caucus in the House of Representatives, Hon Kingsley Chinda, on Monday, condemned the recent spate of kidnappings and escalating security situation in the country and called for action to address the problem.
Chinda, in a statement made available to parliamentary correspondents, observed with grave concern the alarming rate in which criminals have seized the nation by the jugular, casting doubts on the capacity of the nation-state to defend itself and protect citizens calls for serious concerns.
He worried that no section of the country appears safe for citizens to live their lives, uplift their wellbeing, and contribute to the growth and progress of the country.
Chinda expressed concern particularly over the interstate highway systems which have become deathtraps and the staging posts of kidnappers, extortionists and criminal elements of the dark underworld.
He said: “In particular, our interstate highway systems, which serve not only as the backbone of our transportation system but as the commerce corridors through which commercial entities and citizens move their goods and services, providing businesses lifelines, have become deathtraps and the staging posts of kidnappers, extortionists and criminal elements of the dark underworld.
“The Minority Caucus of the House of Representatives, gravely worried about the prevailing conditions of our interstate highways and the general state of insecurity in our country, expresses its deep concern and outright condemnation of the recent kidnappings that have further highlighted the alarming state of insecurity in our nation.
“The kidnapping of 29 medical students from Benue State, who were en route to Enugu State for their Annual Conference, is a heinous act that strikes at the heart of our future. These young men and women, dedicated to pursuing knowledge and bettering the lives of their fellow Nigerians, must not be left to suffer in the hands of criminals.
“Equally disturbing is the abduction of Alhaji Isa Muhammad Bawa, the Sarkin Gobir of Gatawa District in Sokoto, and his son. This brazen attack on a traditional leader, a symbol of peace and authority within his community, is a blatant affront to the rule of law and order. This is coming few days after gunmen ambushed and killed the Gara of Chanchanji, HRH Tanimu Kunbiya and his son Yusuf in Taraba State.
“Furthermore, the kidnapping of the Anambra State Commissioner for Sports and Youth Development, Mr. Patrick Mba, and his wife on the highway in Kogi State, who was released yesterday by his abductors, underscores the terrifying reality that no one is safe, not even those who have dedicated their lives to public service.”
Chinda said these incidents are not isolated but represent a broader, more concerning trend of increasing lawlessness and insecurity in our country.
He said the frequency and audacity of these attacks suggest a complete breakdown in the security architecture.
This, he said, cannot be allowed to continue while the country pretends or consoles itself with the conclusion that the situation is improving.
He called on the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services, and all other security and law enforcement agencies to change their tactics of engagement and act swiftly and decisively.
“It is imperative and indeed an unconditional demand that the kidnapped citizens are rescued unharmed, and the perpetrators of these crimes are brought to justice.
“The government must prioritize the safety of all Nigerians. We cannot allow our nation to slide into anarchy, where criminals operate with impunity, and the citizens live in constant fear. The time for rhetoric is over; now is the time for action.
“As leaders, we must take responsibility and work collaboratively to restore peace and security across Nigeria. The Minority Caucus urges the government to invest in intelligence gathering, improve coordination among security agencies, and implement community-based security strategies that involve local leaders and stakeholders.
“Mr. President MUST wake up to the fact that his primary responsibility is the security of lives and property and improvement of the welfare of Nigerians. He needs to be on top of the situation. We urge him to declare a state of emergency in the security sector and without more give a matching order to the Sector heads.
“The future of our nation depends on our ability to protect our people and uphold the rule of law. We must not fail,” he said.
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FemyWalsh Limited Makes History: Appoints Chief Julie Coker as Africa’s Oldest Female Journalist (Photos)
In a groundbreaking move that underscores its commitment to inclusivity and excellence, FemyWalsh Limited has proudly announced the appointment of Chief Julie Coker, an 85-year-old trailblazer in African journalism, as part of its esteemed team.
This historic milestone cements FemyWalsh Limited’s position as a leader in championing diversity and recognising the value of experience across generations.
Chief Julie Coker, a celebrated icon in the media world, brings decades of experience, insight, and unparalleled expertise to the organisation. With a career spanning over six decades, she has been instrumental in shaping the narrative of African journalism, inspiring generations of journalists with her dedication, resilience, and pioneering spirit.
“Chief Julie Coker is not just a journalist; she is a living legend,” said Victor Walsh Oluwafemi, Chief Executive Director of FemyWalsh Limited. “Her contributions to journalism and storytelling have left an indelible mark on the industry. By welcoming her to our team, we are reaffirming our belief that greatness knows no age. This appointment is a testament to our commitment to inclusivity, diversity, and celebrating talent in all its forms.”
This is not the first time FemyWalsh Limited has demonstrated its dedication to inclusivity. Over a year ago, the organisation made headlines by employing a 74-year-old veteran journalist, setting a precedent for valuing experience and diversity. Chief Julie Coker’s appointment further elevates this legacy, marking a significant achievement not only for FemyWalsh Limited but also for Africa’s media landscape.
Chief Julie Coker will now join FemyWalsh Media, which operates Souq News Television, The Isle 104.9 FM Lagos, and the soon-to-launch Kasuwa Radio 99.7 FM, based in the ancient city of Kano. The addition of Kasuwa Radio reflects FemyWalsh Limited’s commitment to expanding its reach and promoting quality broadcasting across Nigeria.
Speaking on her appointment, Chief Julie Coker expressed her gratitude and excitement:
“I am deeply honoured to join FemyWalsh Limited, a company that values experience and continues to break barriers. I look forward to contributing my wealth of knowledge and being part of an organisation that is paving the way for inclusivity and innovation in the media industry.”
Chief Julie Coker’s role at FemyWalsh Limited will focus on mentoring the next generation of journalists, enhancing storytelling strategies, and promoting initiatives that celebrate Africa’s rich media heritage.
FemyWalsh Media’s growing portfolio of outlets underscores its dedication to reshaping the media landscape in Africa by combining innovation with inclusivity. This historic appointment serves as a beacon of inspiration for organisations worldwide, proving that experience and age are invaluable assets in fostering progress and creativity.
About FemyWalsh Limited
FemyWalsh Limited is a leading media organisation committed to driving inclusivity, innovation, and excellence in the media industry. With ownership of Souq News Television, The Isle 104.9 FM Lagos, and the soon-to-launch Kasuwa Radio 99.7 FM Kano, the company continues to inspire through its groundbreaking initiatives and unwavering commitment to diversity.
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The pan-Yoruba socio-cultural organisation, Afenifere, on Thursday, called on South West Governors to take the security of their areas more seriously in view of the latest revelation concerning the new influx of bandits into the region.
Afenifere disclosed this in a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Jare Ajayi, in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital,
PUNCH Online reports that the Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde while speaking at the 2025 annual inter-faith service for workers held at the Secretariat, Agodi, Ibadan, on Monday, disclosed that bandits being dislodged from the North-West of Nigeria are infiltrating his state.
The Governor had said, “During a security briefing this morning, I learned that some bad elements from the North-West are relocating here due to military heat in their zones.
“To underscore the seriousness of the issue, the governor related his own personal experience when he observed his quiet birthday ceremony at Fashola near Oyo Alaafin towards the end of last month.
“During my birthday retreat in Fashola, bandits had camped less than two kilometres from where I was staying. This underscores the seriousness of the situation.”
Howeve, Afenifere stated that a disclosure of this nature coming from the Chief Security Officer of a state is not something to be treated with levity.
It, therefore, called on all the governors of the South-Western States to “as a matter of urgency, hold a meeting to map out strategies to expel the bandits from the region and to ensure that such elements do not infiltrate Yorubaland at any time again.
“For these objectives to be achieved, there is the need to carry certain groups along. These are the security agencies that will implement whatever security decisions are reached, traditional rulers and heads of local vigilantes known as ‘Ode’.”
Ajayi added that whatever strategies were devised should include functional, up-to-date equipment for those who would be on the fields, attractive incentives and the deployment of modern technologies to assist in identifying the bandits and their hideouts.
While urging security agencies and citizens not to take the issue of security lightly, Ajayi concluded by saying that traditional rulers and community leaders in different parts of Yorubaland should not keep quiet whenever they notice any indication suggestive of security threat.
It added, “For example, until the governor made the revelation on Monday, such grave security danger was unknown to members of the public, yet there are people living in Fashola area where the bandits were reported to have established a camp. It is not unlikely that similar camps could be found in some other parts of the South West, hence the need for urgent and effective action.”
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