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Benue/Plateau killings: Open grazing must end – Ex-Bayelsa gov, Dickson
Former governor of Bayelsa State and serving senator, Seriake Dickson, has extended condolences to the governments and people of Benue and Plateau following the recent deadly attacks in both states.
In a statement issued on Thursday, Dickson described the killings as “dastardly and callous” acts targeting innocent citizens. He decried the alarming rise in criminality, lawlessness, and violence across several Nigerian states, including Benue, Plateau, and Zamfara.
The lawmaker likened the bandit attacks to the Boko Haram insurgency that devastated the North-East, warning that the country is now witnessing a broader breakdown of law and order.
He urged Nigeria’s leadership and security agencies to engage in honest, strategic discussions to address the deepening security crisis.
Dickson cited underlying drivers of the violence, such as competition over resources, illegal mining, climate change-related conflicts, and persistent herder-farmer clashes.
As a long-term solution, the former governor advocated for a nationwide ban on open grazing and the implementation of mandatory ranching.
He also called on relevant ministries and institutions to provide adequate funding and enforce sustainable agricultural and land-use practices.
“This is a national imperative,” Dickson emphasized, stressing the need for collaboration between security forces and local community leaders to combat banditry and enforce peacebuilding measures.
He warned that the recurring violence signals a failure of the state and pledged to bring the matter before relevant authorities in the coming days.
Former British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has expressed confidence in Nigeria’s security, saying he feels perfectly safe during his visit to the country. His remarks come amid ongoing reports of insecurity in various parts of Nigeria, making his statement a notable endorsement of the nation’s stability in certain regions.
Johnson made the declaration on Thursday, December 4, 2025, while addressing participants at the Imo State Economic Summit 2025 in Owerri, the state capital. He acknowledged having read travel advisories and news reports highlighting security concerns prior to his trip but said his experience has been reassuring.
He said he feels perfectly safe in the country and emphasized that the summit environment and local hospitality contributed to his sense of security. He also asked the audience if they felt safe, receiving an enthusiastic affirmation.
During his visit, Johnson commended Governor Hope Uzodimma and the Imo State Government for their development initiatives, particularly efforts to provide 24-hour electricity. He highlighted the potential of Nigeria as a hub for innovation and economic growth, noting the opportunities presented by emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence.
While his statements have been welcomed by some as a boost to international confidence in Nigeria, analysts caution that the former prime minister’s experience reflects only a controlled and secure environment within Imo State. Several parts of the country continue to face challenges, including banditry, communal conflicts, and kidnappings.
Nonetheless, Johnson’s visit and remarks are significant, sending a positive message to investors and global observers about Nigeria’s potential for stability and progress. They also underscore the contrast between localized experiences of safety and broader security challenges across the country.
By Emmanuel Iheaka, OWERRI
The President of Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote has assured Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State that his group will be one of the biggest investors in the state.
Dangote gave the assurance at the opening session of the Imo Economic Summit 2025 in Owerri on Thursday.
The renowned Africa’s industrialist urged Uzodimma to indicate his preferred area of investment and forget the rest.
Dangote described the Imo governor as a personal friend of decades and commended him for providing enabling environment for investment.
“We will be one of your biggest investors in Imo. So, please tell me the area to invest and we will invest”, Dangote declared.
He called on entrepreneurs to always invest at home, adding that foreigners cannot drive the economy of any nation more than the nationals.
“What attracts foreign investors is a domestic investor. Africa has about 30 percent of the world’s minerals. We are blessed,” he submitted.
Dangote reiterated that his refinery was set to launch 1.4 million barrels per day capacity, the highest for any single refinery in the world.
Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja on Thursday declined to accept Prince Emmanuel Kanu’s appearance on behalf of his brother, Nnamdi Kanu, ruling that he is not a legal practitioner.
Boris Johnson Says He Feels “Perfectly Safe” in Nigeria, Praises Imo State’s Progress
Dangote to Uzodimma: Just show me where to invest
Judge rejects Nnamdi Kanu’s brother court appearance
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