The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, has strongly condemned the ongoing bloodshed in Benue State, declaring that such brutality must no longer be accepted. The Sultan emphasized that these violent attacks, no matter the ethnic background, religion, or political affiliation of those involved, have no place in a united Nigeria and must be universally denounced. Since June 14, more than 300 lives have been lost following violent attacks by suspected armed herdsmen in Yelewata, Guma Local Government Area of Benue State. Expressing his concern, the Sultan rebuked the nation’s security agencies for failing to proactively prevent the escalating violence. This sentiment was relayed through a statement issued by Professor Khalid Abubakar Aliyu, Secretary-General of the Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI), titled “Time to Rise Beyond Lamentations as Benue Bleeds Again.” The statement reads:“We say it clearly—enough is enough. The prolonged silence or perceived apathy from the public and leadership may only encourage those who seek to divide and destabilize our beloved country. JNI also prayed for divine comfort for the bereaved families and a restoration of lasting peace and security in Benue and the rest of the nation. “In this time of mourning with the people of Benue, we call for a moment of serious national introspection. We must discard divisive ideologies and unite under one cause—to end the unwarranted loss of innocent lives in any form or place. “We reaffirm that human life is sacred. Every Nigerian must recognize this principle and act to preserve it.” JNI concluded by expressing deep sympathy to both the government and citizens of Benue State, describing the attacks as an unimaginable horror that no civilized society should ever accept as normal.
In commemoration of this year’s Democracy Day, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has officially granted a full presidential pardon to the late environmental activist Ken Saro-Wiwa, along with eight other members of the Ogoni Nine. The declaration was made on Thursday, symbolizing a reconciliatory gesture by the Nigerian government during the annual national celebration. As part of the commemoration, President Tinubu also bestowed national honours upon the Ogoni Nine. These posthumous recognitions acknowledge their roles in the struggle for social justice in the Niger Delta and Nigeria at large. Additionally, the president honoured other notable national heroes, including: Back in November 2024, President Tinubu had pledged to address long-standing historical injustices in the country. This promise aligns with his administration’s latest gesture, aiming to heal wounds and foster national unity. It is worth recalling that in 1995, the military regime of the late General Sani Abacha executed Saro-Wiwa and his fellow activists after controversial accusations of involvement in murder. The full list of the Ogoni Nine includes: This execution sparked global condemnation and remains one of the most controversial incidents in Nigeria’s political history. The decision by the Tinubu administration is seen as a significant move in rewriting Nigeria’s democratic narrative and paying tribute to those who laid down their lives for justice and equity. In June 2024, the administration officially declared June 12 as a Democracy Day public holiday, further reinforcing the significance of this day as a turning point in Nigeria’s democratic development.
