UN raises alarm over killings and abductions targeting religious minorities in Nigeria
via Punch Nigeria2 min read
The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights OHCHR has expressed deep concern regarding credible reports of killings, abductions, sexual violence, and forced conversions affecting Christian and other religious minority communities in Nigeria, particularly in the northern and Middle Belt regions. A press release from the UN human rights office highlighted that worsening insecurity has created an environment where armed groups operate with severe consequences for civilians. The OHCHR stated that the testimonies received paint a horrifying picture of fear, trauma, coercion, and abandonment, emphasizing the need to protect and support victims and survivors through justice and reparations. The office noted that violence against religious minorities includes attacks on places of worship, mass displacement, and mob violence linked to blasphemy allegations. Particular concern was raised for women and girls, who face heightened risks of abductions, sexual violence, forced marriage, and forced conversion. The UN rights office referenced specific incidents communicated to the Nigerian government, including abductions and sexual assault of women, the disappearance of girls from a church in Borno State, forced conversion and child marriage in Bauchi State, and an attack on a 16-year-old girl whose hand was allegedly cut off. These incidents are part of a broader pattern of violence, including attacks on villages and insecurity in displacement camps. The OHCHR urged
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Three passengers have reportedly died following the derailment of a train on the Warri–Itakpe Train Service on Monday. The Nigerian Railway Corporation NRC confirmed the incident, stating that emergency response teams and relevant authorities are at the scene to assist affected passengers and assess the situation. Kayode Opeifa, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the NRC, issued a statement indicating that the corporation is closely monitoring developments and will provide further details as investigations and rescue efforts proceed. The cause of the derailment has not yet been officially disclosed. The Warri–Itakpe rail corridor is a significant standard-gauge line connecting Delta and Kogi states, serving numerous passengers traveling between Nigeria's South-South and North-Central regions.
Must ReadNigerian power generation companies GenCos, under the Association of Power Generation Companies APGC, state that the Federal Government has not yet begun payment of the N3.3tn power sector debt approved by President Bola Tinubu in April. Despite official assurances that the settlement plan had commenced, APGC Chief Executive Officer Joy Ogaji confirmed that most generation companies have not received any payment. The GenCos also rejected the government's reduction of the debt from approximately N4tn to N3.3tn, insisting the full amount remains outstanding. Ogaji noted that the N501bn bond raised by the government for payments is still being disbursed and that only five generation companies—Geregu, Ibom Power, FIPL, NDPHC, and Mabon Energy—agreed to the terms of the bond program, which involved a 50 percent cut of their current debts.
The Edo State Chapter of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide has issued a warning against the use of unauthorized Igbo traditional titles such as Ezeigbo, Ezendigbo, and Igwe outside of recognized traditional institutions in Igboland. This directive, announced by state secretary Emmanuel Ofodu, follows a resolution from the organization's General Assembly on April 9, 2026, and applies to all Igbo communities in Edo State, across Nigeria, and in the Diaspora. Ofodu stated that creating or operating parallel traditional leadership structures outside Igboland is culturally invalid and inconsistent with a prior court ruling. He emphasized that only constitutionally and traditionally recognized authorities in Igboland have the mandate to confer such titles, warning that unauthorized coronations or installations violate cultural directives and legal pronouncements. The resolution also reaffirms cooperation with Edo State's established traditional authority, including loyalty to the Oba of Benin, Ewuare II. Ofodu urged security agencies, government authorities, and the public to treat any unauthorized use of these titles as invalid to preserve cultural order and prevent inter-communal tensions. Igbo residents in Edo State are encouraged to operate under recognized community frameworks. Additionally, the group announced a statewide civic mobilization campaign for voter registration. George Igbokwe, the state legal adviser, explained that the decision to proscribe such titles stemmed from issue