Former agency head calls for urgent investigation as child abuse case sparks outrage in South-East state

A former Director-General of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has condemned the reported assault of a 10-year-old boy in Anambra State, urging authorities to ensure prompt justice for the victim. The incident, which took place in one of the state’s communities, has drawn widespread concern from child rights advocates and local residents.

According to information released on Friday, the ex-NAPTIP chief expressed deep worry over the alleged attack, describing it as a violation of Nigeria’s Child Rights Act. The details surrounding the assault remain unclear, but calls have intensified for police and social welfare officials in Anambra to investigate the matter without delay and bring any perpetrators to book.

The case highlights persistent challenges facing children in some parts of Nigeria, where reports of abuse and neglect continue despite existing legal protections. Stakeholders have repeatedly warned that such incidents undermine efforts to guarantee child safety across South-East states and beyond.

In a statement, the former NAPTIP Director-General stressed that all children are entitled to protection under Nigerian law and called on relevant agencies to act swiftly. “Justice must not only be done but seen to be done in cases like this,” the ex-agency head stated. Child protection groups echoed this sentiment, urging government at both state and federal levels to prioritise enforcement of child rights legislation.

As at press time, it was not clear if arrests had been made in connection with the assault. Authorities are expected to provide updates as investigations progress. The situation continues to generate discussion among community leaders and advocacy organisations focused on safeguarding children’s welfare.

Source: https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/more-news/889037-ex-naptip-dg-condemns-assault-of-10-year-old-boy-in-anambra-seeks-justice.html

Rapper draws on tough upbringing in Enugu’s Abakpa Nike to gain traction with new release ‘Core’

Khamzy, a rapper and songwriter from Abakpa Nike in Enugu State, has released a new trap single titled ‘Core’, positioning himself as one of the emerging voices in Nigeria’s Eastern music landscape. The single, which dropped this June, is already attracting attention among fans of trap and hip-hop within the region.

Khamzy’s music is rooted in his experiences growing up in Abakpa Nike, an underserved community in Enugu East Local Government Area. His lyrics reflect both the challenges and aspirations of life on the streets, blending emotional storytelling with contemporary trap rhythms. Although known to be reserved offstage, Khamzy uses his music as a platform to express his ambitions and the realities faced by many youths in his area.

The release of ‘Core’ comes at a time when more artists from Eastern Nigeria are gaining national recognition. Industry analysts say talents like Khamzy are contributing to a growing movement that puts the region’s unique stories and sounds into the spotlight. Music promoters in Enugu say the rise of homegrown acts is helping to diversify Nigeria’s entertainment industry and offer local youths alternative avenues for self-expression.

While Khamzy has not publicly commented on his future plans, those close to the artist say he remains focused on building his brand beyond Enugu while staying true to his roots. Stakeholders in the Eastern music scene believe that as more artists like Khamzy break through, communities such as Abakpa Nike will continue to gain visibility both within Nigeria and abroad.

Source: https://guardian.ng/life/music/khamzy-east-side-trap-voice-rising-from-abakpa-nike/

Military confirms no casualties among own forces as coordinated air and ground response thwarts incursion in Borno State

Troops of Operation Hadin Kai repelled a coordinated attack by Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters in the Buratai axis of Biu Local Government Area, Borno State, on Friday morning. The incident occurred at Dusten Kura and Chara road, where insurgents launched multiple assaults targeting military positions in the area.

According to Acting Military Information Officer OPHK, Captain Mohammed Goni, alert troops—supported by robust intelligence—quickly detected the incursion and responded with superior firepower. The response featured a combined air and ground counter-attack, with the Air Component of OPHK providing Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance as well as precision strikes from Nigerian Air Force platforms.

The military said the integrated air support disrupted the terrorists’ assault and forced them to retreat in disarray. “The precision air support integrated seamlessly with ground forces, disrupted the terrorists’ assault and inflicted heavy casualties on the attackers, forcing them to flee in confusion,” Captain Goni stated in a written statement issued Friday afternoon. He confirmed that there were no casualties recorded among troops during the engagement, while ISWAP suffered significant losses both in personnel and equipment.

The Buratai axis has witnessed repeated attacks from insurgent groups operating across North-East Nigeria. Security analysts say that such incidents underscore ongoing security challenges facing Borno State despite recent gains recorded by Operation Hadin Kai. The military has intensified patrols and surveillance across flashpoints to prevent further incursions by armed groups.

Authorities have urged residents to remain vigilant and cooperate with security agencies by reporting suspicious movements within their communities. As at press time, there was no official statement from ISWAP regarding the failed attack. The military assured that further measures would be taken to reinforce security in vulnerable areas within Biu LGA and other affected locations across North-East Nigeria.

Source: https://guardian.ng/news/nigeria/metro/iswap-suffers-significant-losses-as-troops-repel-attack-in-borno/