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November 05 - 12, 2014

Media Monitoring Report for Nigeria
Posted on November 12, 2014
Public Responses to Government and Armed Forces
Nigerian Army Suspected of Killing Civilians

Punch, Privately-owned Newspaper, November 6 2014

  • Nigerian soldiers are being accused of killing 16 men who were leaving a mosque after morning prayers in Potiksum, Yobe State. A Muslim religious leader is also thought to have been rounded up by the troops but was not found among the dead bodies.
  • Community members believe the victims were chosen because of their ethnic identity as members of the Kanuri group which makes up the majority of Boko Haram’s members.
  • This is one of many accusations the Nigerian military has faced of carrying out unnecessary killings under the guise of fighting Boko Haram. Local and international human rights groups, such as Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, have carried out inspections on the actions of Nigeria’s armed forces.
Boko Haram, a Political Instrument of Gov’t — Musa

Punch, Privately-owned Newspaper, November 9 2014

  • Balarabe Musa, a Second Republic Governor of Kaduna State, has spoken out against Nigerian leadership, saying Boko Haram is an instrument of the government that was created as a distraction for the upcoming elections and to destabilize the country. “Boko Haram is a problem created by the government deliberately to destabilize Nigeria and divert the attention of the people from the failures of the government.”
  • According to him, election rigging will be easier with Nigerians primarily concerned with security issues rather than politics.
  • Musa also warns against electing leaders without integrity, saying most politicians are committed to promoting and progressing their own careers ahead of any other issue.

Will Ross, one of BBC’s Correspondents in Nigeria, points to questionable priorities in Nigeria’s local reporting.

Targeted Attacks
10 Feared Killed in Bauchi’s ATM Blast

The Guardian, Lagos-based Daily, November 7 2014

  • At least 10 people died in a bomb blast at an ATM of the First Bank in Azare, Bauchi State. No one has claimed responsibility for the attack but it is suspected to have been a Boko Haram insurgent.
  • Witnesses say the attacker joined the queue of people waiting to withdraw money and was holding a package which then exploded. One witness describes seeing multiple dismembered bodies after the smoke dissolved.
Armed Herdsmen Kill 32 Villagers in Nasarawa

Punch, Privately-owned Newspaper, November 9 2014

  • At least 32 people were killed by suspected Fulani herdsmen who led an ambush in Arikya-Soni in Lafia LGA, Nasarawa State.
  • The villagers, from Umme, Arugbadu and Bakyano in Eggon LGA, Nasarawa, were on their way back from their farms when they were ambushed. The attackers, armed with AK 47’s, killed the villagers and stole nine motorcycles on which they escaped.
Suicide Bomber Kills 48, Injures 79 Students in Yobe

Daily Independent, Lagos-based Daily, November 10 2014

  • 48 students were killed, and 79 injured, after a suicide bomber detonated a bomb at the Government Science Technical College in Potiskum, Yobe State. The bomber was disguised in the school uniform.
  • After the blast, military and security personnel rushed to the scene but were sent away by a mob who yelled that they did not want them there because they do not trust the military. The soldiers left the scene and civilians were left to help the victims.
  • President Jonathan has condemned the attack and has given his sympathies to the victims and their families, but this event has caused many Nigerian leaders to once again question their government’s legitimacy and motivations.
Forced Displacement
20 Priests Displaced, 3 Catholic Deaneries Captured By Boko Haram – Bishop

Leadership, Abuja-based Daily, November 8 2014

  • 20 of the 46 priests working in Maiduguri, Borno State, have been displaced as a result of Boko Haram attacks and three of the six deaneries in the diocese have been occupied by Boko Haram insurgents.
  • Rt. Rev Oliver Doeme Dashe, the Catholic Bishop of Maiduguri Diocese is calling on the federal government to increase action on ending the violence in the North East.
  • Three states under Bishope Dashe’s leadership have been under emergency rule and regular attacks for years and the violence has completely paralyzed economic, social, religious and agricultural activities in the area.
Alkasim Abdulkadir (@alkayy): Freelance Journalist Abuja
  • “N/Eastern Nigeria has become one of the most dangerous places in the world to attend school. Blast at Senior Science Sec Sch Potiskum.”
  • “Nigerians are doing amazing things all over Africa. What happened to charity starting at home?”
  • “In Maiduguri, every household is a mini IDP camp.”
  • “We criticize them, but we need to also humanize them, shocked by how young some of them were. #SupportOurTroops.”
  • “#Maiduguri #IDPs CAN and Churches have done amazing work in resettling IDPs with families in #BornoState.”
  • “Trust politicians to cash in on the situation, kids showing campaign themed exercise books at #IDP Camps #Maiduguri.”
Will Ross (@willintune): BBC Correspondent Nigeria 
  • “Boko Haram helps itself again - not military hardware this time - now seized dynamite and trucks from French company Lafarge's cement plant.”
  • “TV showing SPONSORED programmes now in Nigeria. Political parties pay to air endless rallies. $$$ for the TV stations.”
  • “With Boko Haram nicking dynamite from Lafarge cement plant don't be surprised if number of prison escapes goes up further. 2,255 since '09.”
  • “Nigeria army says it's released 42 people who'd been arrested on suspicion of being Boko Haram. Each given $1,000 + by army and government.”
  • “Nigeria army denies it killed the 18 men arrested in a military crackdown in Potiskum yesterday. Residents identified their bodies.” 
  • “I am told hunters are fighting Boko Haram in Mubi area. Where is Nigeria's army?”
  • “So should the schools in north east Nigeria be open? The insecurity is so rampant in the north east protecting schools looks impossible.”
  • “Looks like Goodluck Jonathan will publicly declare his candidacy tomorrow. But you never know Nigeria is a country of surprises.” 
  • “E mailed heartfelt commiserations from the president of Nigeria after the school bombing.”
  • “Nigeria's politicians from all parties are firmly focused on 2015 polls + getting power - this plays right into the hands of Boko Haram.”
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