Tuesday brief: Nigerian army massacred children in Boko Haram War - Report
+ Another day, another attack on INEC facilities
Good morning.
It’s a quiet Tuesday morning here in my part of Lagos. But there’s a lot to look forward to. Today, we are focused on another bombshell report from Reuters about how the Nigerian army massacred children in the ongoing Boko Haram war, threats to elections as INEC facilities remain under attack and a formal end to Covid restrictions.
Another day, another attack on INEC facilities
As the Independent National Electoral Commission commenced the distribution of Permanent Voter Cards (PVC) nationwide on Monday, gunmen attacked an INEC facility in Imo state.
It was the third attack on INEC facilities in two weeks in Imo state. In recent weeks, attacks on INEC facilities have also been recorded in Ebonyi, Osun and Ogun states, leading some to believe there is a concerted effort to derail the imminent elections in February.
During Monday’s attack, the police killed three of the attackers while one police officer died and another sustained injuries.
Hope Uzodimma: The Imo Governor repeated his oft-repeated explanation for criminal attacks in the state - that it was politically motivated. He said security agencies were on top of the situation.
“My assurance is that we will have a very beautiful environment for Christmas, God willing,” he said. “Because in everything we do on this earth the will of God must prevail.”
Vote buying: INEC accused politicians of buying PVCs ahead of the elections.
Get your PVC: It’s now or never. The PVC collection window is open until January 22. Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu picked up his card on Monday.
Bye-bye Covid
The Covid-era in Nigeria appears to be officially over after the Federal Government scrapped what was left of the pandemic restrictions.
“All pre-departure and post-arrival PCR test requirements for all persons who are not fully vaccinated have been suspended,” a statement signed by the nation’s Covid chief, Boss Mustapha, said.
All restrictions on public gatherings and use of face masks were also lifted.
The formal loosening of rules comes after most Nigerians had already discarded the restrictions, another example of how government regulation doesn’t reflect reality in Nigeria.
NCDC: From 3rd to 9th of December, the health agency recorded 31 new Covid cases.
Nigeria army massacred children in Boko Haram war - Reuters
After reporting on how the army systematically carried out forced abortions on women impregnated by Boko Haram terrorists, Reuters has published another investigation detailing how the Nigerian army murdered children in its war against the Islamic insurgents.
The Reuters report is based on interviews with 44 civilian witnesses and 15 security force members who said they took part in or observed targeted killings of children.
Thousands of children, believed to have been fathered by Boko Haram terrorists, are estimated to have been killed. Reuters said it investigated six incidents in which at least 60 children died.
Psychology: “I don’t see them as children, I see them as Boko Haram . . . If I get my hands on them, I won’t shoot them, I will slit their throat,” a soldier whose best friend was shot by insurgents, told Reuters.
Reaction: Of course, the Nigerian military has contested the veracity of the report.
“ . . . it offends the pedigree of the Nigerian military, it offends the Nigerian culture, and it offends honour for Reuters to postulate that the Nigerian military had routinely carried out both small-scale and mass killings of children in its counter insurgency/counter-terrorism efforts in the North-East of Nigeria,” military spokesperson Jimmy Akpor said.
Maybe related: The second floor of the Defence Headquarters in Abuja was gutted by fire on Monday.
What else is happening?
Cashless banking: Point of sale terminal operators and human rights lawyer Femi Falana are threatening a law suit against the Central Bank of Nigeria over the latter’s cash withdrawal-limit policy.
Expensive petrol: Fuel queues are yet to disappear in parts of Lagos. And transport fares have soared. Oil marketers are seeking an end to NNPC’s oil import monopoly.
Press freedom: Arise and ThisDay in a joint statement accused the APC campaign of attempts to stifle free speech. In response, the APC campaign said the allegations were “baseless.”
NAFDAC prevents killer bread: The food and drug agency said it has intercepted 115 cartons of potassium bromate tablets that could have been used to produce 30 million loaves of bread. Potassium bromate is a banned ingredient that increases the volume of flour and can cause cancer and kidney failure.
Ebonyi state: Soldiers reportedly invaded Obeagu Community in Ishielu Local Government Area, shooting sporadically and burning houses. Meanwhile, in Abakaliki, the state capital, suspected IPOB members shot into the air in an apparent effort to enforce a sit-at-home order.
Bloated federalism: The National Assembly said the ongoing review of the 1999 Constitution is heading for failure as the state Houses of Assembly have failed to vote on the amendment bills.
Twitter ban: The Nigerian government falsely claimed to be in negotiations with Twitter before overturning a ban on the social network earlier this year, according to a whistleblower complaint filed by Twitter’s former security head, Peiter Mudge Zatko.
And that’s it for today. See you tomorrow.
P.S. I’m working on introducing a climate and China section to the newsletter. I believe, as an African, these are two topics we must never lose sight of. We can’t afford to.