News
Agonizing stories of Bakassi communities where rampaging militants shoot, maltreat kids
Almost every day, children as young as five endure beatings, shootings, and various forms of abuse by armed militants at their makeshift, raffia-roofed homes. Over the past five months, there have been three reported incidents where children were shot, leading to the tragic death of two.
In one case, a daughter from the Ine Utang fishing settlement in the Dayspring community, Bakassi, was reportedly shot in the arm and is enduring excruciating pain due to the absence of medical facilities. In interviews, children revealed that the militants enforce compliance and do not tolerate hesitation in carrying out their orders.
One such child, Chris Akpan, who is barely ten years old, appeared worn-out with tattered clothes and sores on his body. Whether these injuries result from beatings by militants or infections remains uncertain. Chris, along with four others, came on holiday from Ikot Ekpene in Akwa Ibom State to visit their parents in the settlement, only to face constant harassment by armed militants.
These militants, armed with guns and knives, routinely seize the fish and crayfish caught by parents, along with extorting money and petrol for their boats. Children are forced to assist them in various tasks, and refusal can lead to physical harm or even death. Two children have already lost their lives due to such brutalities.
Ubong Etim, an eight-year-old, expressed the desire to attend school like other children but lamented the absence of educational facilities. The children of Ine Utang fishing settlement, totaling over 1500, lack access to health facilities, and in cases of serious ailments, they must use canoes or speed boats to travel nearly two hours to Calabar.
The settlement, comprising about 200 small raffia houses, suffered the burning of some huts a month ago, leaving affected families homeless and squatting. The lack of security, schools, and healthcare facilities places the community at the mercy of militant groups operating from the Bakassi creeks.
While there are territorial disputes involving Cameroon and Akwa Ibom State, the settlement is currently administered by Cross River State. The absence of government presence leaves the community vulnerable to attacks, and the elders plead for increased naval presence and surveillance to ensure security.
In response to the dire situation, the Nigerian Navy conducted a free medical outreach for over 200 inhabitants, acknowledging the pressing issues of militancy, hunger, and disease in the area. The commander of the Nigerian Navy Ship in the region emphasized the need for continued intervention to alleviate the suffering of the community.
A militant group, the Dragon Fighter Marine, claims control over the territory, asserting it as Biafran territory and prohibiting navigation and oil explorations. Recent clashes between this group and the Rapid d’intervention Battalions resulted in casualties, further endangering the rural population, especially children, who bear the brunt of criminal activities in the area.
The Anambra State governor, Prof Chukwuma Soludo, has described allegations by the president of the Nigerian Labour Congress, NLC, Comrade Joe Ajaero, that he was inciting other governors against accepting N70,000 minimum wage as false.
Comrade Ajaero made the accusation during an interview on national TV.
In a press statement by his Press Secretary, Mr Christian Aburime, Soludo denied that he was running an anti-workers government in Anambra, while also listing his numerous achievements for workers in the state.
According to the statement: “The state government wishes to categorically debunk these allegations.
“In fact, at no time did Governor Soludo incite or influence other state governors against paying the proposed N70,000 minimum wage.
“The government of Prof Chukwuma Charles Soludo has enjoyed a smooth and cordial relationship with the labour leaders in Anambra State, even as at the time of issuing this statement, no letter of notice of industrial action has been received by the state government.”
Governor Soludo urged NLC and all workers in the state to disregard such allegations and recognise the substantial progress and numerous initiatives undertaken by his administration to enhance worker welfare and human capital development.
He said the proposed strike was unnecessary and counterproductive at this juncture, as it might seem like the NLC leadership is being politically influenced by desperate external actors to orchestrate an artificial industrial crisis in Anambra State.
CREDIT: DAILY POST
The Federal High Court in Lagos State has convicted and sentenced Dr. Anuoluwapo Adepoju, founder of MedContour Services, for a botched plastic surgery that led to the death of Nneka Onwuzuligbo in 2020. Justice Mohammed Liman sentenced her to one year in prison but offered an alternative of a ₦100,000 fine.
Babatunde Irukera, former Director-General of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), expressed his satisfaction with the verdict on his X handle. He wrote, “Today is a proud day for me as I personally prosecuted Anu Adepoju and her medical practice. Although I have left, the conviction underscores the importance of accountability for everyone in society, professionals included. This is how society should function and evolve. Anu Adepoju and her practice were convicted on all five counts charged by FCCPC. The wheels of justice may turn slowly, but perseverance is key. A good day for consumers of professional services.”
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has issued a strong warning to Nigerians about the dangers of purchasing pre-registered SIM cards, emphasizing that this practice is illegal and could result in severe penalties, including imprisonment.
The NCC warned that individuals using pre-registered SIM cards might unintentionally become involved in crimes such as identity theft, financial fraud, kidnapping, and armed robbery.
Furthermore, the NCC noted that pre-registered SIM cards compromise the accuracy of consumer information and hinder efforts to track criminals effectively. Using these SIM cards undermines the reliability of data collected on consumers, making it difficult for authorities to identify and apprehend the true criminals.
The NCC’s message aims to educate the public on the risks associated with pre-registered SIM cards and to encourage adherence to legal guidelines to enhance national security.
Minimum wage: Soludo tackles Ajaero, denies inciting other governors
Lagos court jails medical doctor, Anuoluwapo Adepoju over failed plastic surgery
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