On July 5, 2008, 14 people were killed and several buildings razed following communal clashes in Enugu State.
The violence erupted on Friday in two neighboring communities in the state’s hinterland after a long-standing feud over farmland escalated.
According to eyewitnesses, rival groups attacked each other with machetes and firearms, burning houses and looting property before security forces intervened.
Police reports disclosed that 14 bodies were recovered from the affected villages, while “scores of buildings” were destroyed in the attacks. Several residents were also reported injured and are receiving treatment at local health centers.
“Scores of buildings were set ablaze and property worth millions of naira was destroyed,” a senior police officer in Abakaliki said. “The situation was tense, which necessitated the immediate deployment of troops to restore normalcy.”
Police spokesperson said joint teams of police and military personnel have been stationed in the flashpoint areas to prevent further attacks and protect displaced families. A dusk-to-dawn curfew has also been imposed until further notice.
The remote location of the communities reportedly delayed the arrival of security agents, giving the warring factions time to cause extensive damage.
Officials say the clash stems from a protracted dispute over boundaries of agricultural land claimed by both communities. Traditional rulers and state government officials are expected to meet next week to mediate and find a lasting resolution.
July 5, 2010: NAPTIP Clears Senator Yerima In Child Marriage Allegation
On June 5, 2010, the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons, NAPTIP, claimed that it lacked sufficient evidence to criminally charge Senator Ahmed Sani Yerima over allegations that he married a 13-year-old Egyptian girl.
Recall that Yerima, 49, a senator representing Zamfara Central, was accused of marrying the minor, said to be the daughter of his driver, after allegedly paying a $100,000 dowry.
NAPTIP investigation could not establish the elements required to sustain criminal charges under the Trafficking in Persons Act.
“The agency has concluded its inquiry and determined that there is insufficient evidence to prosecute Senator Ahmed Sani Yerima,” a senior NAPTIP official said on condition of anonymity.
The agency did not release further details on the findings or on the status of the minor.
The case drew public attention after reports emerged alleging that Yerima contracted the marriage with the 13-year-old Egyptian national.
A former governor of Zamfara State, had previously defended child marriage on religious grounds during debates in the National Assembly.
The conclusion of the investigation is likely to renew debate over Nigeria’s Child Rights Act, which sets 18 as the minimum age for marriage but has not been adopted by all states. Zamfara is one of several northern states that has not domesticated the Act.
Human rights groups have criticized the decision, arguing that more must be done to protect minors from early marriage.
NAPTIP said it remains committed to enforcing anti-trafficking laws and protecting children from exploitation.
