The Kaduna state Police Command has debunked reports of a bomb explosion in the Abakpa area of the metropolis, which reportedly killed two children.

The spokesman of the Command, Mansir Hassan, said in a statement that preliminary investigations conducted by the Anti-Bomb Squad indicate that a locally made firearm (Dane gun) was discharged, resulting in the unfortunate loss of life of the young boy.

According to the police, the incident, which occurred at about 8:30 am on Tuesday at Josawa Road in the Abakpa area, claimed the life of a 12-year-old boy, identified as Abubakar Muhammed of Josawa Road, while seven other individuals sustained varying degrees of injuries.

The statement stated that a combined team of policemen led by the Divisional Police Officer of Kawo Division and the Department of State Services (DSS), and the Chairman of Kaduna North Local Government, all visited the scene following a distress call, and a thorough on-site assessment was carried out.

Police disclosed that further investigations and assessments are ongoing to determine the exact circumstances surrounding the incident.

The Command equally assured the public that further developments will be promptly and transparently communicated.

The Kwara State Government has come under scrutiny for failing to act on a 2020 security report warning of the rise of a new terrorist group, dubbed the “Mahamuda Terrorists,” in Baruten Local Government Area (LGA), according to documents obtained by Elanza News.

The report, submitted to the governor and top officials, highlighted the potential for escalating insecurity if the situation was left unchecked, a prophecy that has now materialised into a full-blown terror operation.

The Baruten Patriotic Agenda (BPA), which authored the report, expressed dismay at the government’s inaction, describing the situation as “deeply disheartening.”

The BPA’s prescience in forecasting the grave consequences of neglect has only amplified the tragedy, with the region now grappling with a surge in armed robbery, kidnapping, banditry, youth restiveness, and trans-border crimes.

Baruten LGA, located in Kwara North Senatorial District, is the largest local government by landmass in Kwara State, covering 9,749 km². Bordered by the Republic of Benin, Niger State, Kaiama LGA, and Oyo State, it is predominantly inhabited by the Batombu ethnic group and is an agrarian society heavily reliant on grain farming.

However, the rising tide of insecurity has stifled socio-economic progress and violated residents’ fundamental rights to safety.

The 2020 report proposed a comprehensive security framework to address the multifaceted challenges in Baruten, including farmers/herders clashes, communal disharmony, and drug abuse.

Among its recommendations were the establishment of a Peace and Security Committee by the Local Government Council, comprising traditional leaders and stakeholders, to strategise on conflict resolution.

It also urged the state government to expedite judicial processes on chieftaincy disputes to prevent further unrest and to deploy a delegation to pacify warring factions.

Drug abuse was identified as a potent social vice, with the Wadatta Mining site near Biogberu and several locations in Gwanara Township serving as epicentres for the sale of illicit substances like tramadol, marijuana, and “Skake-and-die.”

A recent tragedy in Dameru, Bwen/Kiyoru Ward, saw 26-year-old Abdulrazak slump and die after overdosing on marijuana and other drugs. The report named notorious dealers, including Idris Bagi Abdulrazak (aka Patrick) in Gwanara and Sabi Togo in Yakira, the latter suspected of orchestrating a N1 million theft.

The BPA further highlighted rising incidents of rape, with a recent case in Gwanara involving the daughter of a local vigilante, Ayinde, underscoring the growing threat to vulnerable groups.

To curb the menace, the report recommended that the state government direct local councils to form an anti-drugs task force and establish rehabilitation centres for repentant drug abusers.

Religious disharmony, though rare, was also flagged as a potential flashpoint, particularly due to the use of loudspeakers during worship, which has caused friction among residents near religious centres.

The BPA stressed that the proposed security framework, if implemented holistically, could significantly reduce crime in Baruten.

However, the state government’s failure to act on these recommendations has allowed criminality to fester, leaving residents on edge and the region’s socio-economic fabric in tatters.

Meanwhile ,efforts to reach the Kwara State Government for comments on the matter were unsuccessful at the time of filing this report.

By Nahum Sule, Jalingo

In a fiery and impassioned speech delivered at a public event in Takum, Taraba State, on Saturday, former Minister of Defence, Lt. Gen. Theophilus Danjuma (retd.) called on Nigerians to take their security into their own hands, warning that dependence on government forces for protection is no longer a viable option.

Citing the unrelenting wave of violence perpetrated by bandits, terrorists, and criminal gangs across the country, Danjuma reiterated a warning he issued five years ago, emphasizing its continued relevance in the face of escalating insecurity.

Danjuma’s remarks come at a time when Nigeria is grappling with a surge in violent attacks, particularly in Benue and Plateau states, where dozens of lives have been lost and entire communities uprooted in recent weeks.

The retired general, a prominent figure from Takum, expressed deep frustration with what he described as the government’s failure to curb the rising tide of lawlessness.

“The warning I gave some years ago is still as valid today as it was then,” he declared.

“Nigerians must rise and defend themselves. We can not continue to sit and watch bandits, terrorists, and criminal gangs massacre our people unchecked.”

The former defence minister painted a grim picture of the current security landscape, pointing to the recurring massacres in Nigeria’s north-central region as evidence of systemic failure. He argued that the government’s inability to provide adequate protection has left citizens vulnerable, urging communities to adopt proactive measures to safeguard their lives, families, and properties.

“It is now very clear that the government alone can not protect us,” Danjuma asserted.

“We must stand up and defend ourselves, our families, and our lands before these criminals overrun the entire country.”

The call to self-defence has sparked widespread debate, with some hailing Danjuma’s bluntness as a necessary wake-up call, while others caution that such rhetoric could exacerbate vigilante justice and further destabilize the region.

The retired general’s remarks resonate deeply in areas like Benue and Plateau, where residents have borne the brunt of relentless attacks by armed groups. In recent months, these states have witnessed horrific incidents, including the slaughter of villagers, destruction of farmlands, and displacement of thousands, leaving communities in a state of fear and despair.

Danjuma’s outspoken stance is rooted in his long-standing critique of Nigeria’s security architecture. Five years ago, he made headlines when he accused certain elements within the military of complicity in the violence plaguing the country, a claim that stirred controversy and drew sharp reactions. His latest comments reflect a deepening sense of urgency, as the nation continues to grapple with multifaceted security challenges, including banditry, insurgency, and communal clashes.

As Nigeria navigates this precarious moment, Danjuma’s words underscore the growing frustration among citizens who feel abandoned by the state. However, his call for self-defence raises critical questions about the implications of communities taking up arms in the absence of robust governance and coordinated security measures. For now, the retired general’s message serves as both a rallying cry and a stark reminder of the daunting challenges facing Africa’s most populous nation.