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By Anas Abbas

The Nigerians in Libya are grappling with a wave of arrests following escalating tensions linked to a disrupted confederation African Football match between Nigeria and Libya.

Reports indicate that individuals, including those holding valid passports and residence permits, are being detained indiscriminately in various regions, notably Tripoli and Teodora.

The Punch reported that a prominent member of the Nigerian community expressed deep concern over the emotional turmoil within the local population, suggesting that feelings of revenge may be driving the recent crackdown on Nigerians. “The situation is alarming; people are being arrested without any regard for their legal status,” he stated.

Peter Omoregbie, President of the Nigerian community in Libya, confirmed the troubling reports during an official visit to the Libyan immigration office.

He emphasised that many innocent individuals are caught in the crossfire of these arrests, raising serious concerns about human rights violations in the ongoing turmoil.

The unrest appears to stem from a failed football match scheduled for October 15. The Nigerian team was rerouted away from Benghazi, leading to significant dissatisfaction among local fans and officials.

This disruption has drawn scrutiny from the Confederation of African Football (CAF), further complicating diplomatic relations between Nigeria and Libya.

As tensions rise, members of the Nigerian community are calling for urgent intervention from both Nigerian authorities and international organisations to ensure their safety and uphold their rights.

The situation remains fluid as community leaders seek to address the growing fears among expatriates living in Libya.

By Jerry Ayuba Yavo

Depression is not just a regular aspect of human experience but a serious medical condition. According to the National Institute for Mental Health, depression is a common yet serious mood disorder. It causes severe symptoms that impact how a person feels, thinks, and handles daily activities, such as sleeping, eating, or working. 

Some symptoms include persistent sadness, feelings of hopelessness or pessimism, irritability, frustration, restlessness, and, in severe cases, thoughts of death, suicidal ideation, or suicide attempts.

In 2023, the World Health Organization (WHO) reported that an estimated 3.8% of the global population experiences depression, with 5% of adults affected (4% among men and 6% among women) and 5.7% of adults over the age of 60. 

Approximately 280 million people worldwide suffer from depression, and alarmingly, depression is about 50% more common in women than in men. This disparity is primarily attributed to biological factors, including hormonal fluctuations, genetic predisposition, and other factors.

Despite its prevalence, many people with depression may be unaware of their condition. A woman in Nigeria shared her experience with a reporter, revealing how she had struggled with mood swings since childhood. Her parents believed she was facing spiritual attacks, isolating her from her siblings, who were considered “normal.” 

As she grew older, she turned to drugs and alcohol to cope, eventually becoming addicted. It wasn’t until much later that she realised she had been suffering from depression since childhood. After marriage, she also experienced post-natal depression, which worsened her case.

In recent years, treatments such as medication and psychotherapy have proven effective for most people with depression. However, over 75% of individuals in low- and middle-income countries receive no treatment due to several barriers, including limited investment in mental health care, a lack of trained healthcare providers, and the social stigma surrounding mental illness.

Both men and women must assess their mental well-being and seek professional help if they experience symptoms of depression. Addressing mental health openly and without stigma is essential for a healthier society.

Jerry Ayuba Yavo wrote from the Department of Mass Communication, Bayero University, Kano, via jerryjnr419@gmail.com.

By Zainab Abubakar Abba

Nigeria, Africa’s most populous nation, has been grappling with insecurity for decades. The country’s protracted conflicts, terrorist attacks, and banditry have led to widespread displacement, forcing millions to flee their homes in search of safety.

The Boko Haram insurgency, which began in 2009, has ravaged the northeastern region, particularly the Borno, Yobe, and Adamawa states. The terrorist group’s relentless attacks on civilians, schools, and religious institutions have resulted in unprecedented displacement. According to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), over 2.5 million people have been internally displaced in Nigeria, with the majority being women and children.

In addition to Boko Haram, banditry and kidnappings have become rampant in various parts of the country. The northwestern states of Zamfara, Kaduna, and Katsina have borne the brunt of these attacks, with thousands forced to flee their homes. The Nigerian government’s inability to curb these security threats has exacerbated the displacement crisis.

The consequences of displacement are far-reaching. Internally displaced persons (IDPs) face immense challenges, including loss of livelihoods, inadequate shelter, food insecurity, psychological trauma, and lack of access to education. Many IDPs have abandoned their farms, businesses, and livelihoods, leading to economic instability. Overcrowded and unsanitary IDP camps have become breeding grounds for diseases.

The Nigerian government has established the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants, and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI) to coordinate relief efforts. However, critics argue that the government’s response has been inadequate, citing insufficient funding, ineffective security measures, and a lack of durable solutions.

The international community has provided significant humanitarian aid, but more needs to be done to address the root causes of displacement. The United Nations, European Union, and other organisations have provided emergency assistance, supported peace-building initiatives, and advocated for policy change.

Nigeria’s insecurity has resulted in one of the largest displacement crises in Africa. The government, international community, and humanitarian organisations must work together to address the root causes of conflict and insecurity, provide durable solutions, and ensure accountability. The situation demands collective action to stem the tide of displacement and ensure the safety and dignity of Nigeria’s citizens.

Zainab Abubakar Abba wrote from the Department of Mass Communication, Bayero University, Kano.

By Uzair Adam

Former Kano State Governor and New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) presidential candidate, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has voiced strong criticism against the stringent bail conditions imposed on minors detained during the #EndBadGovernance protests.

In a statement shared on his X account on Friday, Kwankwaso expressed shock at the arraignment of 67 minors by the Nigeria Police Force at a court in Abuja, describing the move as a violation of basic human rights and dignity.

He highlighted the minors’ apparent malnutrition and urgent need for medical care, arguing that these children should be attending school rather than facing legal proceedings.

Kwankwaso criticized the “cruel experience” these young protesters were subjected to, adding that the imposed bail conditions, which reportedly require a sum of 10 million naira and a grade 15 civil servant as surety, are “absurd” for teenagers.

He called on the government to redirect its efforts toward tackling critical issues such as banditry, kidnapping, insurgency, and economic instability, rather than prosecuting minors.

Kwankwaso also referenced the Child’s Rights Act of 2003, stressing its mandate to protect children from all forms of physical, mental, and emotional harm.

By Uzair Adam The Defence Headquarters has confirmed that Nigerian troops captured Abubakar Ibrahim, also known as Habu Dogo, a notorious terrorist leader, at Rumji Village in Illela Local Government Area, Sokoto State.

The arrest follows intensified efforts over the past week, which also led to the apprehension of seven key commanders of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and the Eastern Security Network (ESN) in Nigeria’s South-East.

Major-General Edward Buba, Director of Defence Media Operations, shared in a Saturday statement that Habu Dogo was a wanted figure on watchlists in both Nigeria and Niger due to his cross-border activities.

The IPOB/ESN operatives arrested include Dr. Nnamdi Chukwudoze and Chigozie Ezetoha, known as “Chapet,” in Ihiala, Anambra State. In Abia State’s Umuahia South Local Government Area, authorities detained Mrs. Ngozi Chukwuka and Mr. Oyekachi Ohia, while Ifeanyi Eze, Augustine Udemba, and Onyedikachi Udemba were apprehended in Umunneochi.

Another suspect, Elijah Mmaduipeya Obumneke, was captured in Orsu, Imo State.Major-General Buba noted that ongoing counter-terrorism operations are steadily degrading terrorist capabilities across the country.

By Uzair Adam

Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has pledged to secure the return of minors from Kano who were arrested and face charges, including arson and treason, at a Federal High Court in Abuja.

The 76 suspects, most of them minors, were detained during the August #EndBadGovernance protests, where incidents of vandalism, confrontations with police, and anti-government chants reportedly occurred.

Tensions ran high during their arraignment as some of the minors reportedly fainted while waiting in the courtroom.

Responding to the incident on his X page, Governor Yusuf stated that he has directed Kano’s attorney-general and justice commissioner to address the situation urgently.

He wrote, “My attention has been drawn to the court appearance of teenagers (some believed to be from Kano) in Abuja. The Commissioner of Justice has been instructed to act immediately on the issue. We shall do everything possible to get them back to Kano, in sha Allah.”

By Uzair Adam

The Federal Government has disbursed funds to settle withheld salaries of the Non-Academic Staff Union of Federal Universities (NASU) and benefits for retirees under the Nigerian Union of Pensioners Contributory Pension Scheme Sector (NUPCPS).

This was disclosed by Mr. Bawa Mokwa, Director of Press and Public Relations in the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation (OAGF), in a statement released on Saturday in Abuja.

Mokwa noted that payments to NASU members had begun, with many recipients confirming they had received the funds.

He stated the government’s commitment to supporting Nigerian workers and retirees.The Daily Reality reported that NASU, alongside the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU), had launched a nationwide strike on Monday.

According to SSANU President Mohammed Ibrahim, the strike would continue for seven days unless the government addresses grievances over payment disparities among university unions.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Korean Embassy hosted a dinner for Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC) Adewale Adeniyi and his management team, strengthening bilateral relations and shared objectives. 

CGC Adeniyi praised Korea’s commitment to partnership, adding progress through collaboration. “It is due to our dedicated partnerships that the NCS is now engaged in data analytics programmes, in alignment with World Customs Organization standards.” 

Korean Ambassador Kim Pankyu commended Adeniyi’s dedication.  He said, “We are honoured by the Comptroller-General’s presence and look forward to further strengthening ties.” 

Deputy Comptroller-General Greg Itotoh thanked the Embassy for its support. 

“The Embassy’s support and willingness to partner are instrumental in driving our Service to greater heights.” 

The event affirmed Korea’s dedication to Nigeria’s customs modernisation and capacity-building efforts.

By Prof. Abdelghaffar Amoka

Protesters’ starvation, which the Muhammadu Buhari government institutionalised, is taking a new dimension and receiving attention with the detained starved kids. The country’s intellectuals were starved for 8 months in 2022 for protesting the degradation of the public universities, our own universities. 

Many of those talking now justified the starvation. You said the professors deserved it. You said what made the lecturers think they could fight the government. Many people on social media mocked the intellectuals.

They refused to give up despite the starvation. Many lost their lives, but they were willing to continue with starvation for the system to get the deserved attention. However, the government had to seek the help of the judiciary to force them to teach with hunger. The court did and justified the starvation with a policy called non-work, no pay.

Unfortunately, in its wisdom, the court could not help resolve the issues that led to the strike. Despite the noise from the Bola Ahmed Tinubu government that the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) won’t go on strike again, no effort has been made to resolve why ASUU is always going on strike. The issues still linger with the usual poverty of sincerity. 

Then, there was another form of protester. The bad governance protest on August 1st, 2024. Some of the protesters were arrested and charged with treason. They don’t have to stop their salaries because most are kids on the street without work. They can be detained and starved. They were arrested and starved for 93 days with a hard fight for them to be arraigned. They were eventually taken to the court yesterday with their bony body. Some could not stand on their feet. They were lying on the floor for prosecution.

A lawyer who could not stand the hunger bought the starved kids biscuits in the court. They rushed the biscuits like their life was hanging on them. Only God knows the last time they saw that to eat. The judge remanded the kids at Kuje pending when they can satisfy his bail condition of ₦10 million each of them. Where are the level 15 civil servants with ₦10 million that will bail these kids, who likely live on the street? Are we correcting or hardening these kids when they return to the street? 

If professors are starved for 8 months by the government, tell me who they can’t starve? An injustice to one is an injustice to all. But you supported Buhari for Institutionalizing the starvation of protesters when he started with the country’s intellectuals because a northerner was in charge. You were thinking it would end with the lecturers. Now, the starvation of protesters is taking a new dimension. The sight of the detained starved kids in Kuje prison made everyone cry. 

And we are Muslims and Christians that are very religious but heartless. So, how do we end this inhuman attitude to ourselves? 

Abdelghaffar Amoka Abdelmalik, PhD, wrote from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. He can be reached via aaabdelmalik@gmail.com.

By Anwar Usman 

The Federal Government has said there is an ongoing plan to improve the welfare of minors detained over their alleged participation in the nationwide #EndBadGovernance protest. 

This was disclosed in a statement by the Minister of Youths Development, Ayodele Olawande, on Friday. 

Earlier today, there was uproar at the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja after some of the arraigned minors fainted and a great number of them looking malnourished after being detained for three months. 

The court later ruled that they be granted bail in the sum of N10 million each, while the prosecutor asked the judge to remove the names of those who collapsed from the charge. 

While reacting to the development, Olawande said the ministry is “engaging with the ministry of interior towards finding out the facts of the situation and improving the welfare of the young people being held, not just in relation to this case but in correctional centres across the country”. 

He further added, “Please rest assured of the Ministry’s commitment to protecting youth’s interests and the welfare of young Nigerians, wherever they may be”. 

More details later…