#Take it Back Movement Nationwide Protest: Demonstrators Defy IG’s Directive, March Through Lagos Streets

Protesters defied warnings from the Inspector General of Police on Monday, taking to the streets of Lagos to voice opposition against cybercrime laws and the potential declaration of emergency rule in Rivers State.

The protest, organized by the Take It Back Movement (TIBM), saw participants gather at the Ikeja Under-Bridge before marching toward the Lagos State Government House and the State House of Assembly in Alausa to express their concerns.

Despite heavy security in the area, the demonstration remained peaceful.

The protest went ahead even after the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, urged organizers to cancel the rally, citing its coincidence with the newly declared National Police Day on April 7. 

The police described the protest as "ill-timed" and criticized its potential to tarnish the reputation of the Nigeria Police.

Undeterred, TIBM proceeded with the march, asserting their right to peaceful assembly. Led by National Coordinator Juwon Sanyaolu, the protesters moved towards Alausa, with plans to continue to Ojota and Gani Fawehinmi Park, where Sanyaolu is scheduled to address the crowd.

By Iku Faith John

16 killed as bandits attacks kebbi community - police

 The Kebbi State Police Command has confirmed that sixteen people were killed in a brutal bandit attack on Tungan Taura and Tungan Ladan villages in Augie Local Government Area.

In a statement released on Monday, the Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Nafiu Abubakar, said the assault occurred on Saturday, April 6, 2025, around 6:00 PM, when heavily armed bandits suspected to be members of the notorious Lakurawa group stormed the two villages.

“The attackers, who arrived in large numbers, rustled an unspecified number of cattle and engaged in a deadly confrontation with community members, which led to the tragic loss of sixteen lives,” the statement read.

Condemning the attack, the Commissioner of Police, CP Bello M. Sani, assured the public that swift justice would be served. He announced the deployment of additional tactical teams comprising the police, military, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, and local vigilantes to the affected areas.

Our resolve to rid Kebbi State of banditry and other violent crimes remains firm. We are deploying all available resources to ensure that the perpetrators of this senseless act are brought to justice,” Sani stated.

Abubakar also confirmed that normalcy has been restored to the affected communities and that a comprehensive investigation is ongoing.

The Command urged residents to stay calm and cooperate with security agencies, reaffirming its commitment to the protection of lives and property throughout the state

By Iku  Faith John

Minister Affirms Youths' Right to Protest Amid Police Dispersal of Demonstrators in Abuja

 

In the wake of police dispersing peaceful protesters with tear gas in Abuja's Maitama area, Minister of State for Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, has emphasized the constitutional right of Nigerian youths to engage in peaceful demonstrations. 

Speaking at the 2025 Annual Management Conference of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Olawande stated, "Everyone has the right to protest. In fact, if I had the time, I would join the protest myself. There is freedom of expression for all."

The minister highlighted that protests serve as a vital platform for citizens to convey their concerns to leaders. However, he urged demonstrators to maintain non-violence and avoid damaging public or private property. "Such acts of violence will not be tolerated by the government," Olawande added..

Earlier in the day, members of the Take-It-Back Movement and other civil society organizations gathered in Abuja to protest issues including the alleged misuse of the Cybercrime Act and the recent declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State. The protesters were met with tear gas from police forces aiming to disperse the crowd.

The federal government has reiterated its support for citizens' right to protest but cautioned against the destruction of national infrastructure during demonstrations. 

As tensions persist, the government calls for dialogue and peaceful engagement to address the grievances of Nigerian youths.

By Iku faith John

Health care crises in Bauchi state rural communities struggle for medical acces

 Residents of rural communities in Bauchi State, including Gwallemeji, Birshin Fulani, and local government areas such as Tafawa Balewa, Azare, and Dass, continue to struggle with poor healthcare accessibility. Despite ongoing efforts by the government to improve healthcare infrastructure, many remote areas lack functional hospitals, medical personnel, and essential drugs, leaving thousands at risk, especially in emergencies.

In Gwallemeji and Birshin Fulani, villagers travel several kilometers to access standard healthcare, often relying on traditional medicine due to the absence of doctors and functional health centers. Pregnant women and children are among the most vulnerable, as delays in receiving medical attention have led to preventable deaths.In Tafawa Balewa, Azare, and Dass, many government hospitals face severe staff shortages, with only a handful of doctors serving thousands of residents. 

Patients frequently endure long wait times or are forced to travel to Bauchi town for treatment, a journey that can be costly and life-threatening in critical cases.Speaking to Voice of the People News, Malam Adamu, a resident of Birshin Fulani, described his experience:"My wife was in labor at night, and we had no hospital nearby. We had to rush her to Tafawa Balewa, and by the time we arrived, her condition had worsened.

 The hospital had only one doctor attending to many patients, so we had to wait for hours."Health statistics reveal that Bauchi State has one of the lowest doctor-to-patient ratios in Nigeria, with only one doctor for every 6,000 people—far below the World Health Organization’s recommendation of one doctor per 600 people.Health experts blame poor funding, lack of incentives for medical professionals to work in rural areas, and inadequate infrastructure for the crisis. The Bauchi State Ministry of Health has acknowledged these challenges and recently launched initiatives to improve healthcare access.

However, Dr. Halima Ibrahim, a public health expert, argues that simply deploying more doctors is not enough:"We need to strengthen primary healthcare centers, invest in mobile clinics, and explore telemedicine to bridge the gap in rural areas like Gwallemeji, Birshin Fulani, and Tafawa Balewa."

As Bauchi State works to improve its healthcare system, rural communities continue to suffer the consequences of inadequate medical services. Experts insist that urgent investments in health infrastructure, staffing, and community health programs are needed to ensure that residents of places like Dass, Azare, and Gwallemeji receive the healthcare they deserve.

By Iku faith John