The Christian Rights Agenda, CRA, a faith-based advocacy organisation, has called on President Bola Tinubu’s administration to urgently review its counter-terrorism strategy, expressing grave concern over renewed violence in parts of Benue and Plateau states.

In a statement issued in Abuja, CRA revealed that no fewer than 80 communities in the two states are reportedly under the control of armed Fulani groups, whom it described as terrorists.

The group warned that these attacks are increasingly endangering the lives of Christians and other innocent Nigerians.

“There has been a resurgence of attacks in Benue and Plateau over the past three weeks, resulting in numerous deaths, widespread destruction of property, and the displacement of many families,” the statement read.

Describing the violence as coordinated and bearing the hallmarks of terrorism, CRA condemned what it views as an agenda driven by religious intolerance and chaos.

“These attacks appear to be well-orchestrated acts of terrorism, intended to entrench violence and anarchy. This is unacceptable,” said Reverend Kallamu Musa Dikwa, CRA’s Secretary General.

Dikwa disclosed that CRA has dispatched field officers to Benue, Plateau, and Borno states to conduct on-the-ground assessments.

“Preliminary findings confirm that over 80 communities have been overtaken by Fulani terrorists,” he stated.

He also revealed that the organisation is developing a comprehensive database to document the persecution of Christians, particularly in northern Nigeria.

While acknowledging President Tinubu’s recent directive to security agencies to intensify efforts against insecurity, CRA emphasised the need for those orders to be enforced with real consequences.

“Such directives must go beyond political optics. They should be fully implemented, and any failures must be met with appropriate sanctions to deter future negligence,” the statement noted.

CRA further urged state governors to rise above politics and address the killings with sincerity and courage.

“It is time for leaders to call a spade a spade and not hide behind political convenience while communities suffer,” Dikwa added.

The Federal High Court in Abuja has adjourned the trial of the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, to May 2, 2025.

During Tuesday’s proceedings, the court admitted into evidence an extra-judicial statement made by Kanu in 2015, shortly after his initial arrest by the Department of State Services (DSS).

The statement was presented by a DSS operative who testified anonymously as the first prosecution witness, identified only as PWAAA.

The witness, shielded from public view, gave his testimony from behind a screen.

DSS Witness Details 2015 Arrest, Interrogation Videos

PWAAA told the court that he led the team that arrested Kanu on October 14, 2015, at the Golden Tulip Hotel near the Lagos International Airport, following his return from the United Kingdom.

The witness also tendered video recordings of interrogations conducted after Kanu’s arrest and presented four suitcases retrieved from Kanu’s hotel room.

These were admitted into evidence by Justice James Omotosho and marked as exhibits.

Detailed Inventory of Items Recovered

Below is a summary of the contents of the four suitcases presented by the DSS:

Suitcase 1: Electronic Equipment

• Black laptop
• Multi mix transmitter
• Apple iPads (mini white & grey)
• MacBooks (2 units, with pouch and case)
• Mini drone sound wave speaker
• Mini white speakers (2 units)
• Computer mouse
• Adaptors and laptop charger
• Carton bag containing a laptop

Suitcase 2: Communication Devices & Accessories

Multiple 3G, 4G, and brand-specific modems (Glo, MTN, Etisalat)

Flash drives

Camcorder and audio recorders

MacBook Pro adaptor

Microphones and stands

Headphones

Assorted phones (Samsung, Nokia, Motorola)

Extension wire adaptor

Personal items (shoes, belt, sneakers, footwear)

Suitcase 3: Personal Effects

Multiple wristwatches (Softech, Diesel, Fredrick Peckham, Alexander Christy, etc.)

Singlets

Perfumes (Hermes, Pokham)

Trinkets

Suitcase 4: Identification & Documents

Bank MasterCards (3)

IPOB-related documents and complementary card

Nigerian and British passports bearing names Okwu Kanu Nwannekaibeya Nnamdi Ngozichukwu

Perfumes and oils

Clippers, medicine

Black purses and card holders

Rocarden wristwatch box

Bundled cords

The prosecution has accused Kanu of treasonable felony, among other charges, relating to his activities as leader of IPOB.

The trial is set to resume on May 2, when further arguments and evidence are expected to be presented.

The Nigerian government has sent a congratulatory message to the Republic of South Africa on the joyous occasion of the 31st anniversary of the country’s Freedom Day.

Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, on behalf of the government, extended the warm congratulations to the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation of the Republic of South Africa, His Excellency Ronald Lamola.

In a statement signed by Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa,Spokesperson,Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Abuja, Ambassador Tuggar , said :

” This day marks the historic triumph of democracy over apartheid and celebrates the enduring spirit of resilience and unity that defines the South African journey.

Nigeria and South Africa share a profound bond forged through decades of solidarity in the liberation struggle.

As we reflect on this milestone, we recall Nigeria’s unwavering support for the anti-apartheid movement, including diplomatic, material, and moral contributions that underscored our commitment to justice and the ethos of pan-Africanism.

As two of Africa’s largest economies and democracies, our nations bear a shared responsibility to champion peace, security, and inclusive development on the continent.

As we look ahead, Nigeria remains committed to strengthening our partnership with South Africa across sectors—from trade and investment under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) to cultural exchanges and youth empowerment.

Therefore, on this Freedom Day, we stand with South Africa in honoring the sacrifices of heroes like Walter Sisulu, Nelson Mandela, Govan Mbeki, and Thabo Mbeki and recommit to working together to realize the vision of a prosperous, peaceful, and united Africa.”