Kebbi State Police Command says it has rescued 36 kidnapped victims in Danko/Wasagu Local Government Area of the state.

The Spokesperson of the command, SP Nafi’u Abubakar, made this known in a statement issued to newsmen in Birnin Kebbi yesterday.

“In its sustained onslaught against banditry and other heinous crimes in the state, on Dec. 8,  at about 6: p.m. gunmen in their large numbers barricaded Mairairai/Bena road in Danko/Wasagu LGA and kidnapped 36 people who were coming back from their respective farms.

“On receipt of the report, a combined team of the Police, Army and Vigilante swiftly mobilised to the scene and engaged the bandits in a gun duel, overpowered them, forcing the bandits to escape into the forest with gunshot wounds and successfully rescued all the 36 victims unhurt”, he said.

According to him, all the victims have since been reunited with their families.

Abubakar quoted the Commissioner of Police, Bello Sani, as commending the bravery, resilience and professionalism of the security agencies in view of the tremendous recorded achievement.

“The CP equally charged the police and other security agencies operating in the area to intensify synergy among them to decisively deal with the bandits and other unscrupulous elements.

“He also urged them to be more committed in not making Kebbi a safe heaven for criminals”, the PRO said.

By Uche Onyeali

Activists and stakeholders have reiterated their resolve to combat the menace of Gender-Based Violence, GBV, head-on, with a vow to ensure that offenders do not just end in registers and data storage.

President of the West African Action Network on Small Armas, WAANSA, Nigeria, Barr. Temitope Lamidi reiterated the resolve in her paper presentation at an event marking the 16 Days Advocacy Against GBV in Abuja on Monday.

Lamidi in her address titled ‘RevCon4 and Its Relevance to GBV: A Review of the United Nations’ 4th Review Conference on the Programme of Action on Small Arms and Light Weapons (RevCon4) and How International Agreements Can Help Prevent Gun Violence That Affects Women and Children,’ highlighted the critical issue of proliferation of small arms and light weapons and its devastating impact on women and children, which she said was the bedrock of domestic violence and abuse against women and girls in society.

According to her “Gender-Based Violence, GBV, disproportionately affects women and children. One of the most destructive tools enabling this violence is the proliferation of small arms and light weapons.

These weapons are frequently used in domestic violence, intimate partner violence, and sexual assault.

“Small arms are also the primary weapons in conflict zones, where women and children suffer the most. In these regions, they are not only at risk of direct violence but also face displacement, psychological trauma, and long-term insecurity.

The availability of small arms escalates the severity of violence against these vulnerable groups, making it a critical issue for both international security and human rights.”

She observed that the UN’s Programme of Action on Small Arms and Light Weapons aimed to curb the illegal trade and proliferation of such weapons, as well as the need for stronger international cooperation to prevent small arms from fueling violence.

The WAANSA leader noted that while the proliferation of small arms had contributed to global arms control efforts, its focus on gender issues had been limited with women and children as the most affected.

“Recognsing that small arms affect women and children differently is essential in addressing the broader humanitarian crisis.

“At the 4th Review Conference (RevCon4) in 2024, a significant breakthrough occurred. For the first time, RevCon4 acknowledged the gendered impact of small arms proliferation.

“The conference recognised that women and children are often the primary victims of gun violence, both in conflict and post-conflict settings. This was a key moment in integrating gender-sensitive strategies into arms control efforts,” she emphasised.

Lamidi therefore advocated for a more commitment in including gender perspectives in arms control policies, considering the role of women in peace processes, especially in disarmament and demobilisation program, as well as the fact that the proliferation of small arms exacerbates violence against women, particularly in domestic and community settings.

Earlier in his welcome address, the 1st Regional Vice President of WAANSA, Mr. Martin Igwe noted the great commitment of the Nigerian government, relevant stakeholders and civil society organisations in advocating for action against GBV, especially in the last few weeks.

Igwe hinted that WAANSA had been strongly involved in the campaign for the fact that small arms and light weapons are exploited to perpetrate such crimes, hence the urgent need for all stakeholders to work together in eliminating illegal proliferation of small arms in Nigeria and West Africa at large.

He also called for collaboration across all sectors for a holistic and coordinated approach to eliminate violence against women in all ramifications, with maximum punishment without option of fines.
In her address, the keynote speaker, Prof. May Ifeoma Nwoye decried the seeming denial of justice to victims of gender-based violence in most cases through intimidation and primordial sentiments like cultural exploitation and protection of family name.

She noted that domestic violence lead to some anti-social activities like forced prostitution, forced marriage which she tagged unpardonable crime against women and the entire humanity.

Prof. Nwoye propelled the adaptation of what she called “CTTD” (Closer-to-the-Door) approach for the women, especially those could hardly control their mouths or temperament during altercation with their spouses.

She, however, urged the authorities to come up with stronger measures to ensure that GBV victims get justice and also ensure conducive atmosphere that gives women and children more protection.

By Blessing Otobong-Gabriel

Diamond Development Initiatives (DDI), a non-profit organization, on Monday emphasized its commitment to economic empowerment and sustainable development in Nigeria during its 2024 Board and Staff Retreat.

The DDI’s Executive Director, Adamu Garba, reflected on the significance of the retreat in advancing the organization’s mission.

He remarked: “At DDI, we understand that progress is not accidental – it is the result of deliberate actions and collaboration. This retreat has equipped us to build stronger capacity, foster meaningful partnerships, and inspire the change we seek in our communities. Together, we are more prepared than ever to deliver transformational impact in unserved and underserved communities across Nigeria.”

In her keynote address, Chair of DDI’s Board of Trustees, Dr. Lydia Umar during 2024 Board and Staff Retreat which held from December 3 – 8 in Abuja with the theme “Building Capacity, Strengthening Partnerships, Inspiring Change.”

The retreat which brought together Board members, staff, and expert facilitators for a week of reflection, strategic planning, and capacity development.

Umar said, In a world where development challenges continue to evolve, organizational retreats are a critical tool for aligning goals, strengthening teamwork, and fostering innovation. Global best practices recognize retreats as essential for recalibrating strategies, addressing operational gaps, and equipping organizations to tackle complex problems. Without such forums, teams risk inefficiencies, misaligned priorities, and stagnation. Conversely, well-executed retreats empower organizations to sharpen their focus, reinforce leadership, and drive sustainable impact.

The renowned advocate for gender equity and organizational development, Dr. Umar emphasized the importance of unity, innovation, and impact. She stated: “Our collective efforts at DDI have touched countless lives. This retreat is a testament to our commitment to building a stronger future, guided by our shared values and vision.”

In a compelling address by the Vice Chair of the Board of Trustees who doubled as academic and immediate past Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Technology Minna (FUT Minna), Prof. Abdullahi Bala, praised DDI’s leadership and reaffirmed the Board’s commitment to accountability and stewardship. He stated: “The DDI management has demonstrated unwavering dedication to our mission. As a Board, we are resolute in fulfilling our duty of care and stewardship to ensure that DDI thrives and delivers exceptional results.”

In another session, Halima Bawa-Bwari, one of DDI’s Board members, delved into strategies for embedding sustainability into DDI’s projects, aligning them with global climate goals and best practices.

“The retreat featured a series of high-impact sessions designed to address critical areas of DDI’s operations while fostering professional growth for staff and Board members. Participants explored strategies for achieving work-life balance and maintaining wellness, guided by HR and wellness expert Bola Yusuf, who emphasized the importance of sustaining productivity while prioritizing mental and physical well-being. Mohammed Bello, a Monitoring and Evaluation expert, introduced innovative methodologies for measuring and demonstrating impact, ensuring that DDI’s projects remain data-driven and results-oriented”.

Also, Charles Oni Olorunda, a finance expert and entrepreneur, provided valuable insights into financial management and retirement planning, empowering participants to prepare for secure and stable futures.

“The 2024 retreat was a testament to DDI’s commitment to capacity building, innovation, and inclusive development. By addressing key challenges, aligning strategic objectives, and empowering its team, DDI is better positioned to amplify its impact across Nigeria”.

“DDI continues to expand its reach and deepen its impact, the insights and strategies from the 2024 Board and Staff Retreat will serve as a cornerstone for future success. The organization remains dedicated to fostering partnerships, building capacity, and inspiring lasting change”.

About Diamond Development Initiatives since its establishment in 2002, DDI has been a trusted development partner in fostering sustainable development across Nigeria. From agricultural value chain enhancement to youth entrepreneurship, renewable energy solutions, M&E and grants management, DDI has reached over 600,000 smallholder farmers, over 20,000 cooperatives, over 11,000 young people, and countless entrepreneurs across 29 states. With a focus on sustainable growth, DDI integrates global best practices to create equitable opportunities for self-actualization.