Connect with us

Latest News

Just In: Communities In Cross River National Park Accuse Park-Rangers Of Harassment And Extortion (Details)

Published

on

Allegations of harassment, extortion, and unjust rates collection have surfaced against forest guards, also known as Park Rangers, operating in the Cross River National Park (CRNP)....CONTINUE READING....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

 

 

Residents and natives from enclaves and surrounding communities within the park expressed their concerns during a stakeholders’ meeting with the theme “Improving Management of the CRNP.”

Governor Dikko Radda of Katsina State approved the suspension of Usman Iliyasu, a staff member of Malumfashi Local Government Area, on grounds of alleged involvement in land racketeering.

Residents highlighted that such treatment from Park Rangers could jeopardize their loyalty to the government and potentially lead them to welcome illegal miners and loggers exploiting park resources. The 30 communities emphasized their grievances, pointing out instances of harassment, tax collection, and lack of essential services within the park.

Ntufam Johnson Ogar, a village head within the park, accused Park Rangers of harassing communities, collecting taxes, and rates meant for landlords. The absence of health facilities, telecommunication services, access roads, electricity, and job opportunities further compounded the community’s frustration.

The communities also reported heightened insecurity within the park due to the activities of illegal miners and loggers. The stakeholders expressed disappointment with the park management’s failure to fulfill promises, particularly in providing essential amenities and fulfilling commitments.

A youth leader from the Okwango area stressed the need for alternative sources of livelihood, including skill training for youths, schools, and enhanced security, to encourage support and protection for the park. The community members asserted that the park’s promises remained unfulfilled, affecting their access to clean drinking water and causing difficulties in daily life.

In response to these allegations, the conservator of CRNP, Caroline Olory, refuted the claims, asserting that her personnel were trained to respect indigenous people. She challenged the communities to identify any host community where children did not benefit from engagements with the park.

Olory acknowledged the state government’s assistance but raised an alarm over incursions into the park by loggers and miners. She emphasized the detrimental effects of illegal mining, urging communities to stand against activities that threaten the park’s existence.

The Legal Officer of CRNP, Mr. Haruna Mohammed, emphasized the illegality of unauthorized entry and activities within the park. He warned that perpetrators could face arrests, prosecutions, and jail terms for up to ten years, or fines, for engaging in prohibited actions such as carrying firearms, bush burning, and attacking animals within the park.

Advertisement

latest

Air Power Boost: NAF Airstrikes Wipe Out Terrorist Hideout In Katsina.

Published

on

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has conducted a precision airstrike on a terrorist hideout in Katsina State, destroying a key enclave and neutralising several fighters.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

This was disclosed in a statement on Sunday in Abuja by the Director of Public Relations and Information, NAF, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame.

According to him, the operation took place on May 1 under the Air Component of Operation FANSAN YAMMA Sector 2, targeting a location within the Dan-Aji Forest in Faskari Local Government Area.

He explained that the site served as a logistics base linked to a notorious terrorist commander, Abasu Aiki, and his network operating across the Faskari, Kankara, and Funtua axis of Katsina State.

Ejodame said credible intelligence reports indicated a resurgence of terrorist activity in the area, which necessitated the precision strike.

He noted that NAF air assets spotted armed terrorists on motorcycles alongside other fighters within the enclave before executing a swift and coordinated attack on the location and its support structures.

A subsequent Battle Damage Assessment confirmed that several terrorists were eliminated, while the logistics base and associated facilities were completely destroyed.

He added that the strike caused explosions and extensive fires, further weakening the group’s operational capability.

According to him, the operation has significantly disrupted terrorist movement and supply lines in the region.

Ejodame stated that the success of the mission underscores the Nigerian Air Force’s continued commitment to denying terrorists safe havens, dismantling their networks, and supporting broader efforts to restore peace and security in the North-West.

Continue Reading

latest

KACRAN Calls On Northern Leaders To Unite Against Escalating Insecurity.

Published

on

The Kulen Allah Cattle Rearers Association of Nigeria (KACRAN) has called on northern leaders to unite in addressing the worsening insecurity in the North-West and North-Central regions of the country.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The appeal was made by the association’s National President, Khalil Mohammed Bello, in a statement released on Sunday in Damaturu and made available to journalists.

He said the prolonged security crisis had led to the avoidable deaths of thousands of Nigerians, destruction of property valued in trillions of naira, and the large-scale rustling of livestock.

Bello also raised concern over reported human rights abuses in Kwara State, as highlighted by Amnesty International, alleging that several pastoralists, including women and children, were arrested and held at an NYSC orientation camp in one local government area. He further noted claims that more than 150 detainees died due to illness and poor conditions.

According to him, northern Nigeria has the capacity and resources to resolve its security challenges if leaders work together in unity and sincerity.

He stressed that the region is home to former Heads of State, top political figures, serving and retired military officers, traditional rulers, civil servants, and business leaders who can collectively identify the root causes of insecurity and address them through dialogue, lawful enforcement, and other constructive approaches.

Bello further argued that it is unjust for Northerners to remain passive while placing sole blame on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, insisting that the responsibility to resolve the crisis lies primarily within the region itself.

He acknowledged that the President has taken steps to address insecurity, including appointing northerners into key security positions such as the National Security Adviser and Minister of Defence, as well as allocating over N5 trillion to the Defence Ministry.

The KACRAN president expressed optimism that northern leaders would urgently rise to the occasion, restore peace, and rebuild unity, love, and mutual respect across the affected regions and the country at large.

Continue Reading

latest

Philip Aduda, Sarah Adidi, Other FCT APC Heavyweights Storm Party Chairman’s Son’s Wedding.

Published

on

Prominent members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the Federal Capital Territory, including former Senator Philip Aduda, House of Representatives aspirant for AMAC/Bwari Federal Constituency, Sarah Ivie Adidi, and other party chieftains, converged in Abuja on Saturday for the wedding ceremony of the first son of the FCT APC chairman, Alhaji Tanko Ishaku Yamawo.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The event was marked by cultural displays and musical performances, creating an atmosphere of celebration, unity, and solidarity among APC members in the FCT.

In her remarks, Sarah Adidi congratulated the party chairman and his family on the occasion, offering prayers for a blissful and lasting marriage for the couple.

She also advised the newlyweds to build their home on love, patience, understanding, and mutual respect.

Taking advantage of the gathering, the aspirant engaged Senator Aduda and other political stakeholders in discussions related to her ambition to contest the AMAC/Bwari Federal Constituency seat in the House of Representatives.

Party members present at the ceremony praised the Yamawo family for hosting a well-organised and colourful event, noting that such social gatherings strengthen unity and shared identity within the party.

Observers further noted that the strong turnout of APC leaders and supporters from various wards in the FCT reflected growing cohesion and political momentum ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Continue Reading

Trending

Copyright © 2023 NIVONEWS