By Bonaventure Phillips Melah 08036062975

A special investigative body set up by the United Nations on religious freedom, has submitted preliminary report, indicting Nigerian government for failing to protect its citizens from various forms of abuse and death over their religious inclinations.

The investigative body led by the United Nations Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Religion or Beliefs (FoRB), Professor Nazila Ghanea, at a press conference on Friday, released preliminary report on a two-week mission in Nigeria which visited Kano and Plateau States.

The preliminary report was presented at the headquarters of the National Human Rights Commission, NHRC in Abuja with the Executive Secretary of the Commission, Dr, Tony Ojukwu, SAN in attendance, alongside directors, senior officers and representatives of some local and international organizations.

Prof. Nazila Chanea who lamented the rampant killings going on across Nigeria, committed by religious extremists and organisations affiliated international terror groups, said thousands of Nigeria’s have been killed without any punishment against the perpetrators, adding that Nigeria has become a slaughter house where life longer matters.

The UN Special Rapporteur therefore called on the federal government to domesticate the International Criminal Court, ICC Charter and other UN laws to try violators of regions freedom rights in the country.

She also called on religious leaders to denounce those who preach extremist ideologies and condemn their violent acts to serve as deterrent to others.

According to her, the investigation was meant to explore how freedom of thought, conscience and religion interacts with human rights realities on the ground throughout this vast land.

She noted that they were able to meet and interface with several top Nigerian officials, including the National Security,  Solicitor-General/Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Justice, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, representatives of various departments of the Ministry of Justice, the Ministry of Women’s Affairs and Social Development, the Nigeria Police Force, Nigeria Immigration Service, Supreme Court Justices and the Nigerian Human Rights Commission (NHRC).

She said- “I had asked for a number of other official meetings at the Federal level and regret that these could not be facilitated.”

She said: “Pockets of horrendous mass atrocities and international crimes were observed, but investigators found no evidence of a nationwide, intentional government policy to destroy a religious community. Inadequate security responses and repeated violence are major drivers of harm. Freedom of religion/conscience is being constrained by labels, silos, and political instrumentalisation; victims must lead the narrative until proper investigations and justice occur.”

She affirmed that the prevailing insecurity in Nigeria prevented her from extending her investigations to other parts of Nigeria, called for accountability processes and victim‑centred investigations to determine individual and institutional responsibility.

She noted that labels, cultural frames and polarisation prevent many people in Nigeria from freely expressing conscience and religious belief.

She called for the need to break silos and enable plural, conscience‑based expression across communities.

According to the preliminary report, ” Discussion of freedom of religion or belief in Nigeria elicits very acute concerns about insecurity, violence and conflict which has spread throughout the country and has generated huge alarm, albeit to different intensities and for different reasons.

“These include terrorist actions, gang violence and banditry incursions, land grabbing to mass displacement, armed conflict and cattle rustling, hostage taking to arson attacks, destruction of holy places and schools, large scale kidnappings in remote areas and civil unrest around protests and strikes, decimation of irrigated farmlands and whole villages and livelihoods, through endless cycles of threats, fear and death in expanding areas of the country. Impunity and lack of accountability have reportedly entrenched these cycles of fear and violence and encouraged its spread. Previously these cycles were focused in particular regions, for example in the Northwest and North Central.”

By Bonaventure Phillips Melah

Chairman/CEO of Air Peace, Barrister Allen Onyena, on Thursday at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Lagos, displayed an exceptional spirit of solidarity and brotherhood during the unveiling of two brand new Boeing 737-800NG planes acquired by a supposed business rival, United Nigeria airline.

The event was marked by a ceremonial flight with dozens of ‘passengers on board, made up of top government officials, royalties and business leaders who were entertained when Allen Onyena became a symbolic attendant, announcing the plane’s takeoff to ‘Abia state,’ saying they would be cruising at altitude of 35,000 feet above sea level.

His announcement was occasionally interrupted through interjections by his fried and chairman of United Nigeria airline, Chief Okonkwo as the two CEOs exchanged banters, to the excitement of the dignitaries.

Among top attendees were the Governor of Abia state, Alex Otti, Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Department-, Festus Keyamo, SAN, Obi of Onitsha, His Royal Majesty, Alfred Nnaemeka Achebe and others.

Speaking at the event, Allen Onyema commended the resilience of Nigerian airline operators for their ability to navigate current economic realities, especially as they affects the aviation industry.

He congratulated United Nigeria Airlines’ Chairman, Obiora Okonkwo, and praised the operating environment under the current administration, despite challenges with the ease of doing business in Nigeria.

One of the new aircraft was name in honour of Nigerian literary icon Prof. Chinua Achebe while the second was named after the Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Nnaemeka Achebe.

Although Air Peace sits comfortably as Nigeria’s flagship carrier and the largest airline in West Africa, Allen Onyema has continued to show support to other operators in the industry, encouraging them to continue to stand and be committed to providing best quality service to the flying public.

Onyema’s relationship with Okonkwo, has continued to attract positive commentaries among Nigerians who end the two leading aviation industry CEOs who have been shining examples of how healthy competition could help to deepen improved service to consumers

The Special Guest at the unveiling ceremony, Abia State Governor Alex Otti who also served as the Chief Guest, said through his verified social media handle- “Today in Lagos, I had the honour of unveiling two newly acquired Boeing 737-800NG aircraft by United Nigeria Airlines, named in recognition of two exceptional sons of Nigeria: the late Professor Chinua Achebe, the globally celebrated literary icon, and His Royal Majesty, Igwe Alfred Nnaemeka Achebe, CFR, the Obi of Onitsha.

“I commend the Chairman and Founder of United Nigeria Airlines, Professor Obiora Okonkwo, for this thoughtful gesture of immortalising individuals whose contributions have profoundly shaped our society. Honouring excellence and service inspires future generations and strengthens our collective national identity.

“The acquisition of these aircraft is a testament to the growing confidence in Nigeria’s aviation sector and the resilience of indigenous enterprises. I also applaud the Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr. Festus Keyamo, SAN, for his reform-driven leadership and commitment to creating an enabling environment for private-sector participation in the industry.

“I particularly welcome ongoing efforts t:”o strengthen local airlines through innovative initiatives such as aircraft leasing arrangements, which will enhance competitiveness, improve access to aviation assets, and support sustainable growth across the sector.

“I also appreciate the Minister’s continued support for the Abia Airport project. I am pleased to report that work on the runway has reached an advanced stage, and our administration remains fully committed to delivering a world-class aviation facility that will expand economic opportunities, improve connectivity, and position Abia as a strategic hub for commerce and investment,” Otti said and congratulated United Nigeria Airlines on this milestone.

At least 35 people have been killed after gunmen struck Niger’s largest airport on Thursday, officials say. It is the second attack in less than five months.

Residents in the predominately Muslim country told reporters they had just finished their morning prayers when explosions and gunshot sounds rang out from Diori Hamani international airport, located in the capital, Niamey.

Niger’s defence ministry said the fatalities comprised 22 assailants, 11 soldiers, and two civilians.

On Thursday evening, Al-Qaeda affiliate Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM) claimed responsibility for the attack.

Niger has been fighting an Islamist insurgency for a decade and in January, an organisation linked to the Islamic State group claimed responsibility for an attack on the same airport.

Thursday’s violence settled by mid-morning and security forces have since launched a manhunt for any remaining attackers.