Headlines
NGOs condemn out-of-court settlements for SGBV cases

Some Non Governmental Organisations (NGOs) have condemned out-of-court settlements in Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) cases in Edo.
The NGOs made their feelings known during a Stakeholders’ meeting organised by the Global Women for Quality and Sustainable Development (GWSD) in collaboration with international funders, in Benin.
It was gathered that the stakeholders’ dialogue meeting is the fourth quarterly meeting held in Benin with the theme ‘Mitigating Gender Based Violence Against Women and Girls through Protection Action’ in Benin”.
The groups said that perpetrators of SGBV never get punished for their acts due to out-of-court settlements.
Speaking, Ms Mariam Kadiri-Ezolome, Executive Director, GWSD, said: “there is a lot of reporting of SGBV cases which goes to show that we are gradually breaking the culture of silence and creating awareness.
“But we have a lot of cases that do not go beyond the police station and this is a big challenge in mitigation of GBV.
“The cases of child defilement and rape are on the increase despite the level of work NGOs and CSOs are doing.
“We need more synergy between stakeholders to ensure that we mitigate this menace.”
Also contributing, Stella Ojemen, Coordinator, Child Protection Network, Edo, said the issue of out-of-court settlement of rape and defilement cases was worrisome.
Ogiamen said that NGOs as well as Civil Society Organisations put a lot of effort to ensure that rape cases are reported so that law enforcement agencies can swing into action.
“However, it is regrettable that most victims of rape and defilement do not get justice due to out-of-court settlement as well as slow dispensation of justice.
“SGBV is a criminal matter and the issue of out-of-court settlement should not come to play. Crimes are not settled, they should be investigated.
“Non-willingness to take matters to court, pressure from parents of victims as well as perpetrators to drop cases are big challenges to our job”, she said.
Similarly, Mrs Ronke Ojeikere, Initiator of the Society to Heighten Awareness of Women and Children Abuse (SOTHAWACA), said “we are not moving forward in the fight against GBV”.
She decried situations where the police tell victims of GBV to pay money to be used for logistics as well as to investigate rape cases.
(NAN)
Headlines
Tinubu arrives Katsina to receive Buhari’s body for burial

President Bola Tinubu, on Tuesday arrived in Katsina to receive the remains of the former President Muhammadu Buhari, who passed away in London on Sunday at the age of 82.
Headlines
“He Never Turned His Back on the Needy” — Tributes Pour In Ahead of Buhari’s Burial

Just hours before the burial of former President Muhammadu Buhari, heartfelt tributes have continued to pour in from beneficiaries of his many charitable deeds, with many describing him as a man who never turned his back on the needy.
Speaking to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday, Aminu Daura, a respected community elder, recalled how Buhari consistently provided foodstuffs during Ramadan for families, friends, widows, and orphans in his hometown.
“He never made noise about it, but many homes had food on their tables during fasting period because of him,” Daura said.
Abdullahi Sani, a physically-challenged man who received a tricycle from the Buhari Foundation in 2021, was overcome with emotion while speaking to NAN.
“I can move around and feed my family today because of Baba Buhari. I pray to Allah to reward him for giving hope to people like me,” he said, in tears.
Hajiya Fatima Yahaya, another resident, remembered Buhari’s acts of kindness during festive seasons.
“Even after he left office, his aides ensured that the usual support still reached us every year. He always remember his people,” she said, referring to his distribution of Sallah rams and food items to indigent families during Eid celebrations.
Other residents of Daura also shared memories of how the late former president quietly paid school fees and medical bills for struggling families, actions rarely publicized.
“Some of us benefited from his silent interventions. He was a true father and a great figure in the society,” said Ali Saidu.
On Monday night, Imams across various mosques in Daura held special Qur’anic recitations, praying for the forgiveness of Buhari’s sins and his eternal peace.
The Chief Imam of Daura Central Mosque, Sheikh Musa Kofar Barau, described Buhari as a humble leader whose legacy of service and compassion would remain alive in the hearts of the people.
Buhari is scheduled to be buried later on Tuesday in his hometown of Daura, Katsina State, in line with Islamic rites. The community is bracing to welcome thousands of mourners from across Nigeria and beyond.
Headlines
King Mohammed VI Mourns Buhari, Praises Legacy of Nigeria’s Former Leader

His Majesty King Mohammed VI of Morocco has extended heartfelt condolences to President Bola Tinubu, the family of the late former President Muhammadu Buhari, and the entire Nigerian people following Buhari’s death.
In a message of sympathy, the Moroccan monarch described the passing of the former Nigerian leader as a “sad occurrence,” expressing deep sorrow over the loss.
King Mohammed VI hailed Buhari as “an illustrious leader who worked untiringly to serve his country’s best interests and lead his people toward further progress and prosperity.”
He added: “Our thoughts and prayers are with you and the bereaved. I share your grief and want you to know how much I appreciated the working sessions I had with the deceased.”
Reflecting on their bilateral engagements, the king noted that his collaboration with Buhari led to the launch of promising development projects, “ushering a new era grounded in friendship and close cooperation between our two sister nations.”
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