Haiti gang violence claims 2,300 lives this year, UN urges action
via Punch Nigeria1 min read
Gang violence in Haiti has led to at least 2,300 deaths, 1,100 injuries, and 99 kidnappings since the beginning of the year, according to the United Nations. UN human rights chief Volker Turk called on authorities to address impunity and emphasized the urgent need for a Gang Suppression Force GSF to operate in line with international human rights law. The UN Security Council approved the GSF last year, which will replace the Multinational Mission to Support the Haitian Police MMAS. An initial deployment plan for the GSF, with a ceiling of 5,500 troops and police officers, has been approved. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres is scheduled to visit Haiti to show solidarity with victims of the violence.
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Must ReadThe Independent National Electoral Commission has declared Governor Biodun Oyebanji of the All Progressives Congress as the winner of the Ekiti State governorship election. Governor Oyebanji secured re-election after polling 319,224 votes. His closest rivals were Olumayokun Oluyede of the Peoples Democratic Party, who received 40,533 votes, and Dare Bejide of the African Democratic Congress, who garnered 12,872 votes. The results were announced by the Returning Officer for the election, Professor Adenike Oladiji, Vice Chancellor of Federal University of Technology, Akure, in Ado-Ekiti. Out of 988,251 registered voters, 384,940 were accredited, with 382,109 votes cast and 375,777 valid votes. The PDP candidate notably lost in his home local government area of Efon-Alaaye, where the APC scored 8,742 votes against the PDP's 2,051.
The Foundation for Ethical Society and Cultural Awareness FESCA has urged the Federal Government to establish special courts for the swift prosecution of kidnapping, banditry, and terrorism cases. The foundation also called for harsher penalties, including the death penalty where legally permissible, for convicted individuals and their collaborators. FESCA emphasized the urgent need for decisive action to protect lives and property and restore public confidence in the country's security. The organization recommended legislation for special tribunals, a one million-man civilian intelligence network funded by a security levy, and community-based self-defense units under military supervision. Other recommendations include comprehensive national security databases, deployment of intelligence units to all wards and local government areas, and legislation allowing law-abiding citizens to legally possess firearms for self-defense under strict conditions. FESCA also called for investigations into security personnel suspected of collaborating with criminal groups and the large-scale deployment of drones for surveillance and intelligence gathering.
New security concerns have emerged in eastern Sokoto State following reports that loyalists of bandit leader Bello Turji are conducting weapons training and tactical exercises in communities along the Sokoto-Zamfara border. An intelligence report, released by Basharu Altine, Sokoto State Coordinator of the Movement for Social Justice and Good Governance, indicates these gatherings are occurring in areas from Bingabale Kudu to Bargaja. Fighters linked to Turji, including his key associates Illa Manawa and his alleged younger brother Dodo, are said to be undergoing military-style drills with newly acquired sophisticated weapons. Altine stated that intelligence suggests these fighters are receiving training on advanced weaponry, some of which was reportedly used in recent confrontations with security forces. Preliminary intelligence also points to a new consignment of weapons and newly recruited fighters with links to insurgent groups, some possessing advanced combat expertise, whose mission is to train and strengthen Turji鈥檚 fighters. Night-vision devices allegedly acquired by Turji are also reportedly part of the equipment delivered to the group's camps. Investigations have linked suspected bandit commanders Haru Dole and Ibrahim Chimo to the procurement and movement of these weapons, with a growing alliance between Chimo and Turji. Altine warned that this collaboration could have wider security implications for eastern Sokoto, with intelligence reports suggesting plans to exp