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Abducted IDPs in Borno went beyond permissible distance – DHQ

Published

3 years ago

March 14, 2024

Mariam Sanni

The Nigerian Defence Headquarters says the 112 Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), who were abducted by terrorists in Borno recently, reportedly went beyond the permissible distance from their camp without informing the camp officials.

The Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Edward Buba, made this known while giving update on the operations of the Nigerian Armed Forces across the country in Abuja.

Buba said that troops, on March 3, received information from the Coordinator of Borno State Emergency Management Agency about suspected abduction of an unknown number of IDPs in Gamboru Ngala Local Government Area of Borno.

He said that preliminary investigation revealed that the IDPs left camp to an undisclosed location to fetch firewood.

He said that the IDPs reportedly went beyond the permissible distance.

According to him, the IDPs reportedly did not notify the camp authorities of their movement.

“It was later, at about 2030hrs at night, when the IDPs did not return to camp, that alarm was raised as to their possible abduction by terrorists.

“It was at that stage that troops were notified of the incident.

“The standard practice was for troops to be notified prior to any movement of IDPs beyond the permissible distance of 5-7km from their camp.

“The IDPs reportedly went beyond the permissible distance to get firewood as a result of deforestation around their camp.

The terrorist abducted 112 IDPs in the process,” he said.

Buba said that efforts were ongoing to rescue them and others abducted in other locations including Kaduna and Sokoto states.

He said that search-and-rescue efforts were affected by the late notification of troops about the abduction.

He gave the assurance that the military would do its best to get back the abducted people.

“Because of the sensitivity of the matter, I cannot go into further details as to signs of life, location and the different options that we have in order to get these hostages back.

“I can further assure that getting these hostages back is very clearly on the top of our priorities.

“It is for this reason we have leveraged on our international partners for support,” he said.

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Nigeria at 66: ‘We Must Not Lose Faith in Nigeria’ — FCC Boss Omidiran

Published

21 hours ago

October 1, 2026

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

The Executive Chairman of the Federal Character Commission (FCC), Honorable Hulayat Motunrayo Omidiran, has called on Nigerians to use the occasion of the nation’s 66th Independence Anniversary to renew their faith in Nigeria, strengthen national unity and recommit themselves to building a more inclusive and prosperous country.

In her 66th Independence Day message, Hon. Omidiran described October 1 as more than a celebration of freedom, saying the anniversary provides an opportunity for Nigerians to reflect on the country’s journey, acknowledge its progress and challenges, and renew the collective determination to build a nation where every citizen has a sense of belonging.

According to the FCC Executive Chairman, the Federal Character Principle remains particularly important to the quest for national cohesion because equitable representation promotes a sense of ownership and confidence in the Nigerian project.

“Nigeria is a nation of great diversity and
enormous potential. Our responsibility is to ensure that this diversity becomes a bridge that connects us rather than a barrier that separates us. Every Nigerian deserves to feel that he or she belongs to this country and has a role to play in its development,” Omidiran said.

The FCC boss called on government institutions at all levels to remain committed to fairness, equity, accountability and inclusive governance, while urging citizens to support efforts aimed at strengthening national institutions and promoting peaceful coexistence.

“We must not lose faith in Nigeria. The challenges before us are real, but so are the opportunities and the enormous human and natural resources available to us. Every citizen has a responsibility to contribute his or her own quota to building the Nigeria we desire,” she stated.

The FCC Executive Chairman also urged young Nigerians to remain committed to acquiring knowledge and skills, entrepreneurship, innovation, sports and other productive ventures, describing the youth as critical stakeholders in the country’s future.

“As we celebrate 66 years of independence, let us remember that the Nigeria we want cannot be built by government alone. It requires the commitment of all of us – leaders and citizens, young and old, from every part of the federation. Together, we can build a Nigeria where justice, fairness, opportunity and peace are available to all,” she said.

Omidiran reaffirmed the FCC’s commitment to the effective discharge of its constitutional mandate and to supporting efforts that promote equitable representation and inclusive national development across the federation.

The former lawmaker wished Nigerians at home and abroad a peaceful and memorable 66th Independence Anniversary, praying for continued peace, stability, prosperity and progress for the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“Our differences should never be greater than our common identity as Nigerians. Let us continue to choose unity over division, service over self-interest and hope over despair. The Nigeria of our dreams is possible if we all play our part,” Omidiran said.

“On behalf of the Federal Character Commission, I congratulate all Nigerians on this 66th Independence Anniversary. May this occasion renew our patriotism, strengthen our unity and inspire us to work together for a stronger, more equitable and prosperous Nigeria. May God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” she added.

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