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Kogi Ministry Of Justice Partners NGO On Fight Against Gender-Based Violence

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From Joseph Amedu, Lokoja

The Kogi State Ministry of Justice, in collaboration with the non-governmental organization “Protect the Child Foundation” has launched a strategic partnership aimed at sustaining the fight against all forms of gender-based violence (GBV) in the state. adsbygoogle || []).push({});

This was the focus of a one-day stakeholders’ workshop on “Sustaining the Fight Against Gender-Based Violence,” organized by the Ministry’s Directorate of Gender-Based Violence in collaboration with the Foundation and with the support of the French Embassy.

Stakeholders at the event called for the strengthening of Nigeria’s legal framework to ensure a sustained and coordinated response to gender-based violence across the country.

Delivering the keynote address, the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice in Kogi State, Muizudeen Yunusa Abdullahi, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Falilat Yusuf Musa (Esq.), emphasized that combating GBV is a shared responsibility requiring collective commitment and action.

“The theme of today’s discourse
Justice, Protection, and Zero Tolerance: Sustaining the Fight Against Gender-Based Violence is not just a slogan but a strategic blueprint for action,” Abdullahi said.

“These three pillars Justice, Protection, and Zero Tolerance form the tripod upon which a safe, equitable, and dignified society must stand.”

He highlighted key legal instruments supporting the fight against GBV, including Sections 33, 34, and 42 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Law of Kogi State, 2022, and the Child’s Rights Law of Kogi State.

According to him, these laws collectively ensure that every citizen from infancy to adulthood—is shielded from violence, discrimination, and exploitation.

Abdullahi commended Governor Usman Ododo for his administration’s unwavering commitment to curbing the menace of sexual and gender-based violence in the state, noting that the governor’s leadership has provided “decisive action and clear direction” in ensuring justice for survivors.

“Under his leadership, we have a clear mandate to ensure that the full weight of the law is brought to bear on perpetrators without fear or favour,” he said. “In Kogi State, there is zero tolerance for gender-based violence.”

He called on law enforcement agencies to handle GBV cases with urgency and sensitivity, urged civil society partners to continue advocacy and survivor support, and challenged communities to break the culture of silence and stigma.

In her remarks, the Executive Director of “Protect the Child Foundation”, Barr. Elizabeth Achimugu, attributed the persistence of gender-based violence largely to poverty and called for the empowerment of the girl child as a key strategy to address the problem.

She stressed the need for community engagement and public awareness, noting that exposing perpetrators and ending stigmatization are crucial to combating GBV.

“Sexual and gender-based violence constitutes a grave violation of human rights and a public health crisis,” Achimugu said. “In Nigeria, despite the existence of relevant laws, enforcement remains weak, especially in rural communities where awareness is low.”

She cited alarming statistics from the Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS) 2023, which reports that 31% of women aged 15–49 have experienced physical violence, while 7% have experienced sexual violence, often linked to harmful cultural practices.

Achimugu called for integrated, multi-sectoral approaches involving health, education, justice, and community systems, as well as economic empowerment initiatives for women and girls to reduce vulnerability to abuse.

Earlier, the Deputy Director of the Gender-Based Violence Directorate, Juliana Jonathan-Omale, underscored the need for sustained action, describing the workshop theme as “both a declaration and a challenge.”

“We have moved from breaking the silence to building systems of response,” she said. “Now we must ensure this fight is not a fleeting campaign but a lasting commitment built on strategy, resilience, and collaboration.”

Participants at the workshop, including traditional rulers, religious leaders, and civil society representatives, agreed that sustained progress against gender-based violence demands coordinated action, legal enforcement, and community-driven change to build a safer and more inclusive society.
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Unidentified, Mutilated Corpse of Man Found Behind Pankshin Market in Plateau

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On Tuesday, October 6, 2026 morning, the corpse of an unidentified man was found behind the Monday Market in Pankshin Local Government Area of Plateau State with his private part and other vital organs allegedly removed. adsbygoogle || []).push({});

According to a community source, the corpse was discovered by members of the community in the morning, upon which security operatives were alerted, and they reportedly arrived at the scene to evacuate the body.

The disturbing discovery attracted concerned residents to the General Hospital, Pankshin, where efforts were made to identify the deceased.

The Punch reports that a local resident, Panshak Rogo, who spoke at the hospital, said the identity of the deceased was yet to be established.

“Presently, we are at the General Hospital. We are here because there is an unidentified individual who was killed around Monday Market.

“The corpse is yet to be identified because some sensitive organs have been removed from the body. His ears and nose were cut off, while his private part has also been tampered with.”

Rogo urged members of the public who had relatives or friends reported missing to contact the police for possible identification of the corpse.

“Please, if you have any report of a missing person, go to the nearest police station. To be precise, Pankshin Police Station is important,” he said.

He appealed to anyone with useful information about the deceased or the circumstances surrounding his death to report to the police.

Efforts to reach the Plateau State Police Command for confirmation and further details were unsuccessful as of press time.

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NAF Confirms 25 Dead In ATR-42 Crash, Releases Names Of Casualties

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NAF Confirms 25 Dead In ATR-42 Crash
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The Nigerian Air Force on Tuesday, October 6th, 2026 confirmed that 25 persons died in the crash of its ATR-42 aircraft, NAF 931, in the Igbokoda area of Ondo State, and has released the list of casualties. adsbygoogle || []).push({});

The release corrects the earlier speculated crew members and passengers said to be 32, as victims of the crash.

The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, in a statement on Saturday, described the incident as a deeply painful moment for the Air Force and the nation, and expressed profound condolences to the families of the personnel and passengers.

The aircraft had 25 persons on board, comprising five crew members and 20 passengers, and was on a routine mission from Benin to Lagos when the accident occurred.

According to the NAF, search-and-rescue procedures were immediately activated in coordination with relevant authorities, but no survivors were found.

The Air Force assured bereaved families of its full support during this difficult period.

The casualties are:

Crew

  1. Squadron Leader MI Aburime — Flight Captain
  2. Squadron Leader AP Man-Ugwueje — Co-pilot
  3. Flight Lieutenant IS Bako — Co-pilot
  4. Warrant Officer Abubakar A — Aircraft Technician
  5. Corporal Uguru HC — Aircraft Technician

Passengers
6. Flight Lieutenant TL Lazarus
7. Flight Lieutenant M Akinloye
8. Flying Officer IM Adeshina
9. Master Warrant Officer Onwuka F
10. Master Warrant Officer Matini BA
11. Warrant Officer Nuhu FS
12. Flight Sergeant James RB
13. Flight Sergeant Mohammed AI
14. Sergeant Ani AE
15. Sergeant Izibenikien SI
16. Sergeant Alafuka C
17. Sergeant Mbadugha AN
18. Lance Corporal Ugwuba FC
19. Lance Corporal Eledan GE
20. Mrs Ezeh Nneka
21. Godstmine Tarabina
22. Joy Micheal
23. Sunday Micheal
24. Ukeme David
25. Gideon Omotola

Air Marshal Aneke has directed a comprehensive investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding the accident.

The statement by the Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, on Tuesday, said the NAF will continue to provide timely and verified updates, and urged the public to refrain from speculation and circulation of unverified information while respecting the privacy and dignity of the affected families.

A condolence register has been opened at the Headquarters of the Nigerian Air Force, Abuja, for senior government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, heads of security agencies and other well-wishers.

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World Public Relations Forum: Kogi NIPR Chapter Embarks on Road Show for Sensitization

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From Joseph Amedu, Lokoja

Ahead of the World Public Relations Forum( WPRF) scheduled for Abuja from November 15-21, 2026, members of Kogi State Chapter of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations ( NIPR) on Saturday, organised a road show and public advocacy in Lokoja as part of preparations for the event

The Abuja Forum is an international event meant to be attended by Public Relations Practitioners from all over the world.

The Chairman of the Kogi State Chapter of the NIPR, ISmaila Isah who was represented by his Vice Chairman, Tado Asuloto, told journalists that the road show was meant to sensitize the public about the forthcoming forum.

He also explained that the road show was meant to draw members of the public closer to the Institute.

His words” We embarked on the road show to sensitize our members and the public on the forthcoming WPRF.

” The NIPR also engaged in the public advocacy with a view to drawing the institute closer to the public and enlighten the public more about our activities. The WPRF is coming up in Abuja later in the year and the event will be attended Public Relations Practitioners from the world over.”

The road show saw NIPR members in Kogi State including those from the Nigerian Union of Journalists( NUJ), the State Police Command, Kogi State Polytechnic, Lokoja, Kogi State University, Kabba, Federal University, Lokoja, the Federal Roads Safety Commission( FRSC) , the Red Cross and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps NSCDC , among others, walking from the Ganaja Junction road through the Cenotaph to the Government House where they distributed leaflets on the Abuja event and also engaged the public in discussions.

The participants were also shown the first office of Lord Lugard located within the Government House premises and other historical structures in Lokoja.

The Director of Protocol in the Government House, Sulaiman Ibrahim welcomed the NIPR members on behalf of Governor Ahmed Ododo, assuring them of the Governor’s readiness to assist them always.

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