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NAOSNP Speaks on Attacks in Nigeria, Calls Out Buhari, Security Agencies
The National Association of Online Security News Publishers (NAOSNP) has frowned at the spate of killings currently bedevilling the country saying everyone, who is a part of the geographical entity has failed.
The Association made the assertion in an official statement detailing its stand in the malady that has ripped the country apart, especially Kaduna, which has been experiencing regular attacks with the latest being the attack on a military base on Tuesday.
The statement acknowledged the efforts of the military, but insists that they must do more as the criminals seem to be a step ahead at all times.
The statement below:
NAOSNP’s OFFICIAL STATEMENT ABOUT THE RECENT SPATE OF ATTACKS – ‘WE ALL HAVE FAILED OURSELVES’
The recent spate of attacks on Nigeria, especially on critical infrastructures, are worrisome. It has gotten persons within and outside government talking and looking for solutions.
Members of the 4th Estate of the Realm are also not keeping quiet. Hence, the National Association of Online Security News Publishers (NAOSNP) is lending its voice to the matters arising with a view to seeking lasting solution to a problem that has claimed too many lives.
We have sorrowed, mourned collectively and individually as a nation burying victims of premature killings by heartless and inhuman terrorists. The more people wailed, the more joy and happiness the terrorists feel and inflict us with more pains. The recent attack on critical infrastructures like targeting airport and railways show how audacious the terrorists have become.
The bombing of a Kaduna-Abuja bound train last Monday night and on Sunday preventing Azman airline from taking off at the Kaduna airport are indications that the terrorists have advanced their technological innovations. If not checked by the security forces, it might not only be calamitous but will spell doom for the country.
Could it be that the military has lowered the guard as some critics believe? Or the “technically defeated” axiom has gone into their consciousness and they think they can obliterate the terrorists without much resistance?
Though the military is not clueless but every efforts seem not to have been enough to comprehensively knock the criminals out of proportion or existence. Every day, terrorists are inflicting pains on Nigerians. The more proactive our military become, the deadlier the criminals assume. The more of them that our troops obliterate, the more they seem to regenerate and multiply. Despite the procurement of weaponry and armaments by the military in the last few years, recent terrorist attacks have pointed to the fact that whatever strategies that is evolved needs sharpening and redefinition.
The fact remains that the military need to do more than it is presently doing. Beyond aggressive confrontation, this is a time to explore both local intelligence gathering, and at the same time, employ sophisticated security technology. It should also watch its deradicalisation programme not to shoot itself on the feet as many of the so-called ‘repentant terrorists’ may still be loyal to their traditional lineage – terrorist network.
Besides, the military must take cognisance of those who are voluntarily turning themselves in as terrorists. Boko Haram and ISWAP networks might use them as a bait to gather information, anaylse and sieve such information and use it to hit back hard on the military at the slightest opportunity.
Again, the military must not ignore some disgruntled elements within the ranks that might want to constitute a clog in the wheel of progress by divulging classified information to the terrorists either as sympathetic followers or for monetary gains.
Last Monday’s incident, (28th March, 2022), is the second in a series of attacks on the railways. The first being in 2021 leading to shooting at a moving train. It is unfortunate that since then, no decisive step seem to have taken place to nip it in the bud. After the train was shot at and another rail line bombed, we ought to have deployed a helicopter to monitor the movement of trains.
If the narration from victims that the terrorists spoke Fulfulde language was true, it goes to show that while combating terrorism within the country, efforts should be made to tighten our borders with neighbouring countries. What is the Nigeria Immigration Service doing to get firm control over movement of unregistered foreigners? Go to our streets and see the number of Nigeriens, Chadians, Beninoise, Cameroonians, Malians and Sudanese citizens who have no means of identification? These are working tools in the hands of terrorists and they allegedly carry out reconnaissance mission for them before attack. Until we mop up these unregistered and monitor other registered individuals, peace might elude us.
The attacks on a train with 398 passengers is a huge affront on our National Security. But how the number of the passengers rose to 970 as alleged is a pointer to the security agencies to contend with and the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) in particular to analyse and deal with frontally.
The unfortunate thing is that where the bandits are giving headache along Kaduna-Abuja road, a very heavily forested area, is not up to 30km along the highway. How come we can’t police a place of not more than 30kms as a country? How come we can’t put intelligence assets and keep terrorists away or get them neutralised?
In the Army alone, there are over 100 Major Generals, tens of Vice Admirals and Air Vice Marshal in both the Navy and Airforce respectively. What are they doing? In the Nigeria Police, you probably lost counts of Commissioners of Police. Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIGs) and Deputy Inspector of Police (DIGs). Are they there to wear just ranks and allow terrorists to overwhelm the rest of us?
Let it be understood that every security Committee at the National Assembly has failed us. They only bark when occurrences of this nature happens. Are they legislating over dead people or those that are alive? This seasons of giving ultimatum to the military at the slightest occurrence of attack is tragic and unfortunate.
Sadly, watching the Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, spoke on Tuesday tells a discerning mind the sorry state of affairs. He said he was very angry that the devastating incident of a terrorist attack on the Abuja-Kaduna rail route could have been avoided if his ‘colleagues and people’ had not frustrated his efforts to forestall it.
“We knew what the problem would be. We knew we needed to have digital security equipment. We applied for it because if we had those equipment, you will see nobody on that track. And I warned that lives will be lost. Now, lives are lost. Eight persons dead, 25 persons in the hospital. We don’t know how many persons have been kidnapped. And the cost of that equipment is just N3 billion. The cost of what we’ve lost is more than N3 billion. We’ve lost tracks, we’ve lost locomotives and coaches. We’ve lost human beings. And the equipment is just N3 billion. To fix all the things on that track now, will cost us more than N3 billion.”
Minister Amaechi’s utterances is only an indication that something is wrong with us as a nation, we have all failed ourselves. These are, certainly, bad times for our country. Terrorists, bandits, kidnappers are not friends but our enemies.
Signed
NAOSNP
A federal high court in Abuja has ordered the remand of Omoyele Sowore, presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), at the Kuje Correctional Centre pending the hearing of his application challenging the revocation of his bail.
Mohammed Umar, the presiding judge, made the order on Monday after dismissing an application by Sowore seeking the judge’s recusal from the case on grounds of alleged bias.
The judge subsequently adjourned hearing on the motion for stay of execution, as filed by Adeyinka Olumide-Fusika, Sowore’s new counsel, to June 24.
In a brief ruling, Umar held that Sowore should remain in custody pending the hearing and determination of the application.
Sowore had appeared before the court earlier on Monday, days after the judge revoked the bail earlier granted him and ordered his arrest.
At the last sitting on June 16, the court revoked the activist’s bail after stating that a letter seeking an adjournment on his behalf did not provide reasons for his absence from court.
The Department of State Services (DSS) is prosecuting Sowore on a two-count charge over a social media post in which he allegedly described President Bola Tinubu as “a criminal” on his X and Facebook accounts.
Following the revocation of his bail, the Oyo chapter of the AAC criticised the court’s decision, describing it as political persecution and alleging an attempt to frustrate Sowore’s political activities.
The party had argued that Sowore attended the previous hearing and requested alternative dates because of a scheduled trip.
By Henry Ukazu
Dear Destiny Friends,
Worry is a part of human emotion, and every living entity worry about some things, some times. It’s practically natural. People worry about life, finance, children, health, academics, career and even personal development or spiritual life. All these however, can distract and take away someone’s peace.
Worry is an unfortunate habit, which many people have erroneously believe they can live without, but the stark truth is that no one can live without worry. It’s inbuit. Even when we think we have everything, we discover that there’s something we are lacking. These could be what money can’t buy. It’s instructive to note here that nobody is perfect, and nobody has everything because everybody is limited.
To further buttress the limitation of man, imagine the human body; we have eyes, legs, mouth, tongue, nose, anus, hands among others, but none can say it is more superior than the other. If the leg, eyes or nose says it’s more important, the anus can decide to close, and the body system will be uncomfortable as it won’t be able to discharge waste products. The eyes can’t say it’s more important than the ears, neither can the nose say it’s more important than the legs or hands. Every one of them has different and definite functions.
So, when one of the body parts is not working well, it can make one worry. But the good news is that it is only a good attitude that can help us overcome challenges. It’s instructive to note that worry does not solve problems, rather it escalates the problem.
Problems do exist, I mean real life problems, do exist, some can be physical, spiritual, psychological, mental, spiritual, etc. When you have any of these problems, please don’t spend so much energy on the problems because it can escalate or create new ones
Although you can’t stop worrying entirely, there are steps you can take to better manage your anxious thoughts and reduce rumination.
1. Create a “worry period.” Choose a set time and place for worrying. It should be the same every day and early enough that it won’t make you anxious right before bedtime. During your worry period, you’re allowed to worry about whatever’s on your mind.
2. Write down your worries. If an anxious thought or worry comes into your head during the day, make a brief note of it and then continue about your day. Remind yourself that you’ll have time to think about it later, so there’s no need to worry about it right now.
3. Make a list of all the possible solutions you can think of. Focus on the things you have the power to change, rather than the circumstances or realities beyond your control.
4. After you’ve evaluated your options, make a plan of action. Once you have a plan and start doing something about the problem, you’ll feel much less anxious.
5. Get up and get moving. Exercise is a natural and effective anti-anxiety treatment because it releases endorphins which relieve tension and stress, boost energy, and enhance your sense of well-being. Even more importantly, by really focusing on how your body feels as you move, you can interrupt the constant flow of worries running through your head.
6. Meditate. Meditation works by switching your focus from worrying about the future or dwelling on the past to what’s happening right now. By being fully engaged in the present moment, you can interrupt the endless loop of negative thoughts and worries.
7. Speak to a Licensed Therapist: Acknowledge and observe your worries. Don’t try to ignore, fight, or control them like you usually would. Instead, simply observe them as if from an outsider’s perspective, without reacting or judging. Therapy has been shown to be extremely effective in helping people reduce worrying and manage anxiety.
8. Mindfulness: Mindfulness is a powerful practice for reducing worrying, by teaching us awareness and acceptance of our thoughts and emotions in the present moment.. Psychotherapy provides a structured environment for individuals to learn practical skills and gain insights into their worrying patterns, ultimately helping them worry less and feel better.
Mindfulness effectively reduces symptoms of anxiety by teaching you to observe your worries without getting too caught up in them. One way to incorporate mindfulness into your daily life is through mindful breathing and meditation. Whenever you notice worrying thoughts coming up, gently bring your attention back to your breath, over time, regular mindfulness practice can help rewire the brain to respond to stressors more calmly, which reduces the impact of worrying on your mental health.
9. Gratitude: Practicing gratitude is a powerful way to maintain a positive outlook and reduce worrying. Research has shown that gratitude may reduce stress and improve mental health. Gratitude activates regions in the brain associated with dopamine, the feel-good neurotransmitter, leading to increased feelings of contentment and decreased worry.
By focusing on what we’re grateful for, we shift our attention away from negative thoughts, which ultimately helps us worry less. Start by keeping a gratitude journal and try writing down 5 things each day that you’re thankful for, no matter how small.
In conclusion, resolve today to be so strong that nothing and nobody can disturb your peace of mind.
Henry Ukazu writes from New York. He works with the New York City Department of Correction as the Legal Coordinator. He’s the founder of Gloemi. He’s a Transformative Human Capacity and Mindset coach. He is also a public speaker, youth advocate, creative writer and author of Design Your Destiny Design and Unleash Your Destiny . He can be reached via info@gloemi.com
As Ekiti State prepares for Saturday’s governorship election, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has assured voters of its readiness to conduct a free, fair, and credible poll.
The Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Ekiti State, Bunmi Omoseyindemi, urged eligible voters to participate confidently in the electoral process, stressing that the commission remains committed to delivering a transparent and impartial election.
Reports quoted Omoseyindemi as saying that INEC had resolved all logistical challenges and put adequate measures in place to ensure the timely deployment of personnel and election materials across the state.
He also highlighted the close collaboration between INEC and security agencies through the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES), noting that the partnership is aimed at guaranteeing a peaceful and secure voting environment.
The REC further disclosed that the INEC Result Viewing Portal (IReV) would be deployed during the election to enhance transparency by enabling real-time upload and public viewing of polling unit results.
Meanwhile, a coalition of civil society organisations monitoring the election under the European Union Support to democratic governance in Nigeria (EU-SDGN) Election Observation Hub has expressed concern over reports of voter inducement, political intimidation and disinformation ahead of the poll.
At a pre-election press conference, the group alleged that incidents of vote-buying involving cash, food items, and the collection of Permanent Voter Card (PVC) and National Identification Number (NIN) details through pre-funded bank accounts had been reported in parts of Irepodun/Ifelodun, Ikole, Ikere, Ekiti East and Ekiti West local government areas.
The observers also raised concerns over the spread of misinformation on social media, including unverified claims regarding the use of cloned PVCs to manipulate election outcomes.
While describing the overall security situation in the State as largely peaceful, the coalition urged political parties, candidates and their supporters to refrain from vote-buying, intimidation and the dissemination of false information.
The group also called on security agencies to remain professional and neutral throughout the electoral process, while encouraging voters to exercise their democratic rights freely and without fear, coercion or inducement.
The 2026 Ekiti State governorship election will hold on Saturday, June 20, across the state’s 16 local government areas, with more than one million registered voters expected to decide whether Governor Biodun Oyebanji secures a second term or a new leader emerges.
According to INEC, a total of 1,059,360 registered voters are eligible to participate in the election, which will be conducted across 2,445 polling units located in 177 wards. Voting is scheduled to commence at 8:30 a.m.
Authorities have also announced a statewide restriction on vehicular movement from midnight until 6:00 p.m. on election day to facilitate the smooth conduct of the exercise.
Although 14 candidates are contesting the election, with Governor Biodun Oyebanji of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Oluwole Oluyede of the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP), and Dare Bejide of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as the leading contenders.
INEC has confirmed the distribution of sensitive election materials to local government areas and assured voters of the readiness of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS).
Security agencies have also deployed personnel and operational assets across the state, particularly in border communities and other strategic locations, to maintain law and order throughout the electoral process.
Civil society organisations monitoring the election have urged residents to participate peacefully and responsibly, emphasising the importance of safeguarding the integrity of the democratic process.
