News
CSOs, security expert knock Akpabio for linking soldiers’ killing to mercenaries
Civil society organizations, CSOs, and a security expert have berated Senate President Godswill Akpabio for linking Thursday’s killings of 16 military men in Delta State to foreign mercenaries.
Recall that the troops were killed while on a peace mission to the warring communities of Okuoma and Okoloba.
Akpabio spoke on Tuesday during plenary when the Senate resolved to set up a committee to unmask the circumstances behind the military personnel’s killings.
“I don’t want to conclude that these people are from Niger Delta because we respect men and women in uniform. That’s why I’m saying that your additional prayer should be to carry out a thorough investigation to know whether they were mercenaries outside Nigeria, who came in to commit this crime because I don’t think these people are from Niger Delta.
“We’re not at war. Even in the field of war, to lose such a large number of personnel, no community will go to the extent of doing that kind of thing; I don’t think they’re from Niger Delta. So, I think the first point should be that we should establish the culprits who committed this crime,” Akpabio said.
According to him, the panel would be saddled with the responsibility of ensuring that those involved in the killings were brought to justice.
Reacting to Akpabio’s claims, the Executive Director, Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre, CISLAC, and Transparency International-Nigeria, TI-Nigeria, Auwal Musa Rafsanjani, said: “A criminal is a criminal irrespective of where he or she comes from. So, to support or to give a kind of soft landing to people who have carried out this barbaric and murder against serving security officials, is condemnable.”
On his part, the Executive Director, CLEEN Foundation, Gad Peter, said political leaders should be careful about their comments “after incidents or crimes have taken place.”
“For Akpabio to say the people that killed those soldiers are foreigners means that he has information. So, he should provide the details of which nation invaded our country so that we can go to war with them for killing our soldiers,” he said.
In the same vein, the Team Lead/Convener Good Governance Team Nigeria, Tunde Salman, described Akpabio’s comment as very sad, unacceptable and condemnable, urging that the culprits should be identified and justice served.
National Coordinator, Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria, HURIWA, Emmanuel Onwubiko, on his part said: “He (Akpabio) is simply guessing. So, he may be right and he may be wrong.
“Foreign elements could mean strange persons from outside of that community where the incident happened.”
A security expert, Haruna Garba, questioned why Akpabio made such a comment without seeing the outcome of the investigation.
The Federal Government of Nigeria has announced plans to pilot national communal ranches in six locations as part of efforts to modernize the livestock sector, reduce greenhouse gas emissions (especially methane from livestock), boost productivity, and help resolve farmer-herder conflicts.
The selected pilot sites are Adamawa State, Benue State, Kaduna State, Kano State, Plateau State, and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). The initiative forms part of the government’s broader strategy for climate-smart livestock production and improved feed and fodder systems.
The Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha, revealed the plans while restating the administration’s commitment to moving away from open grazing toward structured ranching. He highlighted plans for large-scale fodder production supported by solar-powered irrigation, micro earth dams, and upgraded grazing reserves.
According to the minister, land allocation for these national communal ranches is expected to be finalized ahead of the next rainy season. “This is no longer about theory. It is time for boots on the ground,” Maiha said, pointing to Nigeria’s available land, political will, and partnerships as key drivers to transform the sector while addressing climate change, security concerns, and food system challenges.
The development marks a significant step in implementing the National Ranching Policy and related reforms under President Bola Tinubu’s administration. The goal is to establish sustainable, conflict-free livestock hubs that create economic opportunities across the value chain.
While some stakeholders have welcomed the move as a practical step toward modernizing pastoralism, previous attempts at similar initiatives have received mixed reactions. Further details on implementation, timelines, and funding are expected in the coming months.
News
Somtochukwu Maduagwu, Arise News Anchor Murder Suspects’ Hearing adjourn February 9-11
Aside from the killing of the Arise News Anchor, they are charged with armed robbery involving other residents at the estate where Somtochukwu was killed.
Photo: Somtochukwu Maduagwu, Arise News Anchor and lawyer
The FCT High Court Abuja has slated three days hearing for suspects that killed Somtochukwu Maduagwu, Arise News Anchor and lawyer.
Ohibaba.com learned that the matter is adjourned to 9, 10 and 12 February, 2026 for definite hearing.
The suspects were arraigned on amended Charges filed on 10th January before the FCT High Court.
Aside from the killing of the Arise News Anchor, they are charged with armed robbery involving other residents at the estate where Somtochukwu was killed.
All of them pleaded not guilty.
Defendants to be remanded in Kuje Correctional Facility.
News
Suicide bomber Kills Five Soldiers in Borno Waylaid
Security sources said that the attack occurred as troops were returning from a successful clearance operation that dislodged several insurgent camps and neutralised many fighters.
Five soldiers were killed while several others sustained injuries when a suicide bomber rammed an explosive-laden vehicle into a military convoy at the Timbuktu Triangle axis of Borno State.
Security sources said that the attack occurred Tuesday as troops were returning from a successful clearance operation that dislodged several insurgent camps and neutralised many fighters.
Two senior officers, a Major and a Lieutenant, were among those affected.
The military has yet to issue an official statement, as clearance operations are still ongoing in the area.
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Somtochukwu Maduagwu, Arise News Anchor Murder Suspects’ Hearing adjourn February 9-11
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