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Nigeria partners EU for Reconciliation, Reintegration in North East

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By Gloria Ikibah
The Nigerian Government, with funding from the European Union and with the support of a consortium of UN agencies as key implementing partners have launched a new joint initiative supporting the Government’s efforts for reconciliation and reintegration within communities affected by non-state armed groups (NSAGs) in the northeast of the country.
In a statement by the EU on Sunday and made available to Naijablitznews.com, the bloc said, “The joint initiative aims to foster social cohesion, reduce stigmatization, promote tolerance, and create space for acceptance and belonging within targeted communities in Adamawa, Borno, and Yobe States.
Naijablitzmews.com reports that the initiative was officially launched on March 14 by the National Security Advisor, Nuhu Ribadu, EU Ambassador, Samuela Isopi, UN Nigeria Resident Coordinator, Mohamed M. Malick Fall,
and representatives from the consortium of UN agencies implementing the programme.
Also present were the International Organization for Migration (IOM) which is the lead agency, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC).
According Ms. Samuela ISOPI, Ambassador of the European Union to Nigeria and to the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), during the event held at the Office of the National Security Advisor, “The project strives to support authorities in effectively investigating and prosecuting individuals accused of terrorism offences in the northeast, ensuring meaningful accountability and redress for serious crimes”, said Honourable Nuhu Ribadu, National Security Advisor during the launch event.
“This programme builds on the outcomes of previous efforts to promote peace and social inclusion in Northeastern Nigeria.  It is expected to significantly reinforce community-based approaches by enhancing the capacity of existing community-led frameworks to go through essential healing processes, promote reconciliation and accompany gradual reintegration of former associates of non-state armed groups.
“The programme implementation plan recognises the critical importance of community outreach and sensitization, effective administration of survivor-centred transitional justice, psychosocial support, and trauma healing, Moreover, community resilience and livelihood opportunities shall constitute an integral part of the programme and shall take the form of vocational training, micro-grants, and infrastructure rehabilitation.  Capacity building for local authorities in collaboration with civil society organisations with emphasis on the amelioration of access to basic services including joint monitoring and evaluation with the local communities.
“Healing, reconciliation and reintegration in the North-east of Nigeria are possible. However, to achieve it, we must work together with all local stakeholders and leverage our collective expertise in close consultation and the necessary respect for the affected communities.” said
“This is why we are happy to continue supporting this process in the hope that it will help rebuild broken bridges within families and communities and open pathways of hope”, she added.
The programme is part of the broader EU support to the promotion of stabilisation, peace and security in the Lake Chad region that started in 2014 and has mobilised a grand total of €2.5 billion. Its implementation will leverage the expertise and experience of the four UN agencies involved, which have been working in the northeast of Nigeria for several years.
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15 huts razed, one injured in renewed Jukun-Tiv violence

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A fresh outbreak of ethnic violence between the Jukun and Tiv communities has erupted in Taraba State, with suspected Jukun militias launching an early-morning attack on Dekeh Village along the Wukari–Kente Road.
According to security sources available to Zagazola Makama, the incident occurred at approximately 1:00 a.m. on Tuesday.

About six armed assailants stormed the village, opening fire indiscriminately and setting 15 huts ablaze. The attack forced residents to flee in panic, leaving behind food items, including yam seedlings, which were destroyed in the blaze.

One resident identified as Mdue Saaondo, sustained gunshot injuries during the assault. He was rescued by a joint team of police and military personnel and transported to the Federal University Teaching Hospital in Wukari for medical treatment.

The Taraba State Police Command has launched an investigation to identify and apprehend those responsible. Authorities have also scheduled a security meeting with the Wukari Local Government Traditional Council as part of efforts to restore peace and encourage dialogue between the Tiv and Jukun communities, who have long-standing disputes over land and territorial claims.

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“Patrol and surveillance operations are ongoing to forestall further violence and ensure stability in the area,” police authorities stated.

The incident adds to the growing list of violent clashes that have plagued southern Taraba in recent years, underscoring the urgent need for a sustainable resolution to the communal tensions.

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2025 U-20 AFCON: Flying Eagles zoom into quarter-final after draw with Kenya

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Nigeria’s Flying Eagles booked a place in the quarter-final at the 2025 Africa U-20 Cup of Nations after playing out a 2-2 draw against Kenya.

Aliyu Zubairu’s side finished second in Group B with five points from three games.

The Atlas Cub of Morocco top the group with seven points after beating Tunisia 3-1 at the Suez Canal Stadium in Ismailia.

Kenya started the game strongly, and deservedly took the lead after six minutes.

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Nigeria defender Emmanuel Chukwu handled the ball inside the box, and after initially awarding a free kick to Kenya, the centre referee pointed to the spot following consultation with VAR.

Captain Kevin Wangaya Colly slotted the ball past Ebenezer Harcourt to give the Rising Stars the lead.

The Flying Eagles fought back seven minutes later with Lillestrøm striker Kparobo Arierhi netting after he was put on through on goal by Simon Cletus.

Nigeria dominated the game in the second half but failed to test the Kenyan goalkeeper.

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Kenya took the lead for the second time in the game through substitute William Nwangi on 68 minutes.

Nwangi lashed home Humphrey Kegengo’s free kick from inside the box.

Daniel Bameyi, however, converted from the spot to hand the Flying Eagles a share of the spoils.

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Trump announces judicial nominees, accuses US court of obstruction

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United States President Donald Trump has announced a fresh slate of judicial nominees in a series of posts on Truth Social on Tuesday.

The president, who has repeatedly expressed frustration over what he sees as judicial obstruction, followed up on Wednesday with a post criticising the judiciary for allegedly preventing him from carrying out the mandate of the American people.

The Republican leader, whose second-term agenda has encountered multiple judicial roadblocks, wrote: “Our Court System is not letting me do the job I was Elected to do.

“Activist judges must let the [Donald] Trump Administration deport murderers, and other criminals who have come into our Country illegally, WITHOUT DELAY!!!”

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Trump named Maria Lanahan, Missouri’s Principal Deputy Solicitor General, as a nominee for a judgeship on the US District Court for the Eastern District of Missouri. He praised her as “a true patriot” in a post on Tuesday.

The 78-year-old also nominated Judge Cristian Stevens to serve on the same court, describing him in another post as “a Great Patriot.”

The announcements came a day after a federal appeals court declined the Trump administration’s request to revoke temporary legal status from hundreds of thousands of Nicaraguans, Venezuelans, Haitians, and Cubans living in the United States.

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