A Coalition of 15 non-governmental organizations focused on peace and national unity in Northern Nigeria has issued a caution against actions that could demoralize Nigerian Army troops involved in restoring peace, following the discovery of 11 bodies in Kaduna forest.

Led by the Global Peace and Life Rescue Initiative (GOPRI), the coalition expressed concern over allegations against the troops in connection with the killings of Fulani natives. During an on-the-spot visit to the crime scene and Fulani Community in Kaduna, the coalition emphasized the importance of maintaining calm among the Fulani community, assuring them of justice in the tragic incident.

Exonerating the Nigerian Army, the coalition passed a vote of confidence in Major General V.O Okoro, the General Officer Commanding 1 Division, and the troops. They commended the professionalism and commitment of the military in addressing banditry and criminality in the region.

In a statement signed by Amb. Melvin Ejeh, leader of the coalition and Executive Director of GOPRI, the coalition acknowledged that allegations against the troops lacked evidence. Their fact-finding visit to Tilde Fulani in Laduga grazing reserve in Kaduna State revealed no connection to the soldiers.

The coalition appealed to the Fulani community to remain calm and pledged unwavering support in seeking justice. They discouraged faceless groups planning protests, describing them as merchants of crisis and urging them to desist.

Addressing the community, Amb. Melvin Ejeh urged against being manipulated by desperate politicians or crisis merchants, emphasizing the need to avoid tarnishing the reputation of the Nigerian Army. He highlighted the ongoing investigation into the incident and assured that justice would prevail.

The Village Head of Tilde Fulani, Alhaji Mohamadu Yusuf, thanked the coalition and assured them that the community would refrain from further engagements to avoid jeopardizing ongoing investigations. “We all want justice, and we are confident that justice will prevail in the end,” affirmed Alh. Mohammed Yusuf in response to the coalition’s commitment to uncovering the facts surrounding the tragic incident.

In response to the rising incidents of kidnapping and other criminal activities in Nasarawa State, the Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore Fulani Socio-Cultural Association inaugurated a significant security outfit comprising 1,144 vigilantes on Wednesday.

The primary objective of the group, as stated by Alhaji Abdullahi Bello Bodejo, the national president of Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore, is to address security challenges and eliminate undesirable elements within their community. Bodejo emphasized that the vigilante group aims to complement the efforts of the Federal Government in addressing insecurity nationwide.

The Nomad Vigilante security outfit’s key objectives include promoting peace in rural communities, safeguarding the livelihoods of farmers and herders, and aiding in information gathering and intelligence sharing with Nigerian security agencies to combat criminal activities.

Bodejo emphasized the proactive role of the Nomad Vigilante Group in countering threats such as banditry, cattle rustling, hunger, and poverty. He urged the vigilantes to collaborate with relevant security agencies to identify and eliminate criminal elements for the restoration of peace in the state.

During the inauguration, Lt. Col. Inuwa Bala, representing the commandant of the 177 Guard Battalion, Keffi, cautioned the vigilantes to adhere to the rules of engagement and maintain orderliness while working towards enhancing their organization.

The Commissioner of Police, Umar Shehu Nadada, represented by the Assistant Commissioner of Police, Operations, Abdulaziz Aliyu, appreciated Miyetti Allah for establishing the vigilante team. He urged the newly inaugurated vigilantes to collaborate with formal security agencies, emphasizing the importance of abiding by existing laws.

Mr. Lucky Ibomhen, a staff member of MRS Oil Nigeria Plc, has filed a lawsuit against his employer, accusing the company of failing to engage in arbitration despite a court order issued in April 2022. Ibomhen alleges that MRS Oil Nigeria Plc abandoned the process after initially requesting arbitration to address the dispute.

In addition to the legal action against his employer, Ibomhen has also sued the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in suit No FHC/B/CS/14/2022. The lawsuit seeks compensation for Ibomhen and another individual over alleged infringement on their fundamental human rights by the anti-graft agency in connection with the ongoing dispute.

The dispute between Ibomhen and MRS Oil began with a court order issued by Justice Helen Courage-Ogbebor of the Edo State High Court on April 1, 2022. The court granted an order of stay of proceedings based on the defendants’ application for the parties to submit to arbitration, as provided in clause 26 of the agreement between the parties.

However, in a letter addressed to the Chairman of the Board of Directors of MRS Oil by Ibomhen’s counsel, M.O. Iguodala, concerns were raised about the lack of progress in initiating the arbitration process. The letter expressed disappointment that the company had not taken steps to activate the constitution of arbitrators, as required by the Arbitration and Reconciliation Act, despite being the party that initially requested arbitration.

“We believe that the board is fully aware of this matter, armed with our innocent belief, we decided to let the board know that time is of the essence in this matter so that a timely resolution can be achieved soonest,” the letter stated.

The legal actions underscore the urgency for a resolution to the dispute and adherence to the court’s order for arbitration. The case also highlights the complexities involved when parties resort to legal measures to address grievances within employment relationships.