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October 09 - 15, 2014

Media Monitoring Report for Nigeria
Posted on October 15, 2014
1. Targeted Attacks
State-Owned Media
Gunmen Kill 27 in Plateau Community

NAN, Government-Owned News Agency, October 14 2014

  • Chairman of Riyom LGA, Josephine Piyo said attackers killed 27 in the Bachi area, hitting at least 70 houses and leading to the displacement of 3,520.
  • Attacks on the Riyom people have become regular, and the methods used are similar to Boko Haram’s style of attack.
  • A joint team of members of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) are at the scene of the attack to assess and report the situation to their headquarters and enable government assistance.
Privately-Owned Media
Gunmen Kill 2 Cops in Plateau

Daily Trust, Abuja-based Daily, October 9 2014

  • Two members of the Nigeria Police Force, a corporal and an inspector, were shot and killed at the University of Jos.
  • The names of the officers have not been released nor has any other information about the killing, but witnesses say it was a drive-by shooting.
Traditional Ruler, 80, Kidnapped in Yobe

Daily Trust, Abuja-based Daily, October 9 2014

  • Alhaji Hussaini Biriri, the Waziri of Jaere was kidnapped by suspected Boko Haram insurgents.
  • A relative said six people ransacked the house and took Biriri away in a Jeep.
  • The attack was originally meant for the headquarters of the Tarmowa LGA but they had received warning and increased security, so the attackers changed targets.
Nigerian Refugees in Cameroon Attacked by Gunmen

Daily Trust, Abuja-based Daily, October 10 2014

  • Gunmen attacked thousands of Nigerian refugees in Kereomafa, Cameroon, resulting in the deaths of a still-unknown number.
  • The attackers mainly stormed camps of refugees from Gwoza, Borno State and remain in the camps, continuing to fire sporadically, and at those who try to bury the dead bodies.
7 killed in Plateau by suspected Fulani herdsmen

Vanguard, Lagos-based Daily, October 10 2014 

  • In the third attack this week in Plateau seven people from the Rim and Shonong villages in Riyom LGA were killed by suspected Fulani herdsmen.
  • Josephine Piyo, Chairman of the local government has appealed for stronger security efforts for the area.
Thugs swooped on us like B’Haram –Edo lawmakers

Punch, Privately-Owned Newspaper, October 14 2014  

  • Members of the Edo Sate House of Assembly in Benin City were attacked by political thugs. Some of the witnesses and victims compare the style of attack to those by Boko Haram insurgents, some also accuse the People’s Democratic Party of sponsoring the violence.
  • The attackers reportedly came in groups led by policemen and shot at every building in sight.
  • Police complicity in the attack was also obvious in their withdrawal of all security except one officer right before the attack happened.
  • Assembly members warn the international community to be conscious of the impunity in Nigeria, especially with the upcoming elections.
2 Killed, 5 Injured In Soldiers, Gunmen Shootout in Nasarawa

Leadership, Abuja-based Daily, October 15 2014

  • Over 50 gunmen stormed Nasarawa State capital, Lafia attempting to capture a truck carrying cattle and people from the Plateau State. The gunmen chased the truck and drove through a search station outside of Lafia, causing an interception by armed guards.
  • Soldiers nearby came to control the situation and a shootout began. 
  • Two of the gunmen died, five soldiers were injured, and many others fled the area
2. Increased Action Against Boko Haram
Mobilize Nigerians against Boko Haram, Ezekwesili tasks Jonathan

Vanguard, Lagos-based Daily, October 13 2014

  • Dr. Oby Ezekwesili, former Minister of Educatio and one of the leaders of the Bring Back Our Girls campaign, has demanded President Jonathan to head the mobilization of Nigerian citizens against Boko Haram.
  • Only the President has the power to mobilize society and it is his duty to do so to face Nigeria’s enemy, a responsibility that Goodluck Jonathan has not executed.
  • Likewise, the military is not doing enough to rescue the kidnapped schoolgirls. The Federal Government’s Safe School Initiative will not mean anything unless the girls are rescued.
Jonathan promises to curb insurgency, cross-border crimes soon

Punch, Privately-Owned Newspaper, October 14 2014

  • President Goodluck Jonathan has said that with increasing joint patrols, military operations and intelligence, Boko Haram activity will soon decrease significantly. 
  • Jonathan met with leaders of bordering countries to work on cross-border security and intensify joint efforts. The decisions included the establishment of a command center for a multinational force which is to be put in place by November 20 and the deployment of troops to form this force by November 1st.
3. Dangerous Language
Cameroon vows to ‘totally wipe out’ Boko Haram after hostages’ release

Vanguard, Lagos-based Daily, October 13 2014

  • Paul Biya, President of Cameroon, has vowed that his government will fight Boko Haram “until it’s totally wiped out.”
  • Biya’s promise of action was prompted by Boko Haram attacks spilling into Cameroon, resulting in the death and abduction of 17 Cameroonians.
  • On October 7th, Cameroon, Chad, Niger and Nigeria deployed 700 more soldiers to target the group.

Will Ross (@willintune): BBC Correspondent Nigeria

  • “Hope for Chibok girls? As Boko Haram releases 27 hostages in Cameroon incl 10 Chinese workers.” 
  • “I imagine a vast amount of money changed hands as Boko Haram frees 27 hostages in Cameroon.”
  • “If Cameroon did free Boko Haram prisoners to free hostages, prisoner release in Nigeria still likely to be critical for a Chibok girls deal.” 
  • “Remember the abducted girls from Chibok in Nigeria? 219 are still missing 6 months on. Meet their parents.”
  • “We don't hear about our girls any more. We only hear about (2015 election) political campaigns going on - father of abducted Chibok girl.”

Nicholas Ibekwe (@nicholasibekwe): Investigative Journalist, Lagos

  • “What are the views of all these former entertainers vying for electoral positions on issues of national, state or local govt discourse?”
  • “Change is about not doing things the old way. Don't vote anyone without a track record of civic participation. Ex-entertainer or not.”
  • “Four months to election not a single civic engagement. All we see are posters with bleached hair & contrived names. #Clowns”

Tomi Oladipo (@Tomi_Oladipo) : BBC Journalist Nigeria

  • “Presidency condemns ‘totally unwarranted inclusion’ of Goodluck Jonathan on rich list as attempt him portray him as corrupt.”
  • “Parents 'desperate' six months after Boko Haram abductions.”
  • “Chibok schoolgirls - they're ‘still missing, that hasn't changed’ 6 months on.”
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