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More Muslims Killed in Nigeria Than Christians — MACBAN Makes Shocking Claim

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The Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) has stirred nationwide debate after its National President, Baba Othman Ngelzarma, declared that more Muslims have died in violent attacks across the North-West than Christians in the Middle Belt.

The national president made the claim while speaking on a television program on Friday.

Ngelzarma said the situation has been misrepresented for years. He explained that the crisis varies from one region to another and warned against interpreting every attack as a campaign against Christians.

According to him, the headline narratives do not reflect the wider realities on the ground.

He dismissed the idea of a deliberate religious agenda, saying the conflict is shaped by many factors.

Othman Ngelzarma mentioned ethnicity, grazing disputes, and long-standing community battles as drivers of the killings.

“There are reports and allegations of violence and persecution of Christians in Nigeria, but in my own view, I don’t see it as a Christian genocide because the crisis differs from place to place, depending on where it is taking place”.

Ngelzarma recalled several past incidents to support his position. He pointed to the 2017 violence in Sardauna Local Government Area of Taraba State, describing how “over 700 pastoralists were killed in two days.” He said the episode was the result of a farmer-herder confrontation that turned deadly.

MACBAN president also linked the situation in Benue to the introduction of the anti-open grazing law in 2014.

He noted that since the state is overwhelmingly Christian, clashes automatically record more Christian deaths.

“There are killings on the Christian side more than the Muslim side in Benue,” he said, adding that poor enforcement of the grazing law intensified hostilities.

On Plateau, he described the conflict as a deep-rooted struggle between indigenes and settlers. He insisted it should not be reduced to a faith-based war.

“In Plateau, it has a long history of religious conflict, but after that, the fight went into the forest, and the indigenes of Plateau started killing pastoralists. It is not a Christian–Muslim issue,” he said, blaming the present government for the rise in killings in Mangu.

Ngelzarma also addressed Boko Haram’s insurgency. He argued that despite global focus on Christian casualties, the group’s attacks overwhelmingly affected Muslims.

“Boko Haram… killed many Muslims. 90% were all Muslims, but what has been highlighted are the Chibok girls because Chibok is a Christian community. The majority of the girls who were taken in Dapchi are Muslims,” he stated.
He then turned attention to the North-West.

Ngelzarma said violent deaths in Zamfara and Katsina far outnumber those recorded in Middle Belt communities, stressing that the conflict is often “Muslims versus Muslims.”

He urged Nigerians to stop framing the crisis along a single religious line. “The situation with Nigeria is complex… If you call it anything, then call it genocide against humanity,” he said.

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FULL LIST: Major Shake Up In Nigeria Police As IGP Deploys Commissioners Of Police

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The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, has approved the deployment of Commissioners of Police to State Commands and strategic formations across the country.

The deployment follows the approval of his recommendations by the Police Service Commission (PSC).

According to a statement on Thursday by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu, the deployment is aimed at strengthening operational effectiveness, enhancing leadership across Commands and formations, and consolidating the ongoing reform and repositioning of the Nigeria Police Force.

Naija News reports that the Inspector-General of Police charged the affected senior officers to bring their wealth of experience to bear in their new assignments by strengthening intelligence-led policing, enhancing operational effectiveness, promoting professionalism, and deepening community engagement in line with the vision of the Force.

He also urged them to remain steadfast in safeguarding lives and property while upholding the highest standards of discipline, accountability, and service delivery.

“The Nigeria Police Force remains committed to strategic personnel deployments as a key component of its ongoing reforms aimed at enhancing operational efficiency, strengthening internal capacity, and delivering more effective policing services to all Nigerians,” the statement concluded.

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Shettima Steps Aside from Official Duties After Three Years

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Vice-President Kashim Shettima on Thursday commenced a two-week leave — his first since assuming office over three years ago.

According to a statement issued by the media aide to the vice-president, Stanley Nkwocha, during the leave, the vice-president will devote time to study, reflect and do intellectual renewal as part of efforts to strengthen his capacity for continued service to the nation.

The leave offers Shettima an opportunity to review the administration’s ongoing programmes, deepen his understanding of emerging national and global policy issues, and prepare for the responsibilities ahead as the Federal Government intensifies the implementation of the Renewed Hope Agenda.

Since assuming office on May 29, 2023, the vice-president, the release stated, has remained actively engaged in the coordination and supervision of several strategic government initiatives, particularly in economic development, food security, humanitarian affairs, digital transformation, job creation and regional cooperation.

He has consistently chaired the monthly National Economic Council (NEC) meeting, which brings together the governors of the 36 states, the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria and other relevant public officials to deliberate on policies affecting the economy and the welfare of Nigerians.

Beyond his responsibilities within the country, Shettima has represented President Bola Tinubu at major international and regional engagements, advancing Nigeria’s position on economic integration, peace and security, climate action, investment and sustainable development. ExecutiveBranch

He remains deeply committed to the ideals of loyalty, duty and service that have defined his role in the administration, as well as to supporting President Tinubu’s efforts to build a more secure, productive and prosperous Nigeria.

The vice-president will return to office at the end of the two-week leave period and resume his official responsibilities with renewed energy and dedication to the service of the nation.

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Friday, August 7, Declared Public Holiday, Government Announces Reason

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Rwanda has declared Friday, August 7, 2026, a public holiday to mark Umuganura Day, a national harvest festival with roots stretching back to pre-colonial times.

Legit.ng reports that the announcement came from the Ministry of Public Service and Labour on Tuesday, August 4, 2026, and applies to workers across all sectors, both public and private.

The ministry said in its official statement:

“The Ministry of Public Service and Labour informs all employers and employees in both public and private sectors that Friday, August 7, 2026, will be a public holiday in celebration of Umuganura Day.” 

What is Umuganura Day?

Umuganura is one of Rwanda’s most significant cultural observances. The festival gives thanks to God and ancestors for the bounty of the land and marks the collective effort of communities in cultivating it. Despite being called a harvest festival, it is observed before the harvest begins, a tradition rooted in the practice of elders tasting the fruits of the new season before any family member is permitted to do so.

The celebration starts within individual families and then expands into wider community gatherings where traditional foods, crafts, and performances are shared. Rwandan restaurants and cultural centres, both at home and abroad, typically mark the occasion with special offerings tied to the country’s culinary heritage.

Agriculture sits at the heart of why the day carries such weight. About 80% of Rwanda’s labour force is engaged in farming activities, which contribute roughly 40% of the country’s Gross Domestic Product. Tea and coffee are the country’s most important cash crops, making up around 80% of its agricultural exports.

History of Umuganura festival

Umuganura has survived considerable upheaval. Germany colonised Rwanda in 1899 as part of German East Africa, and Belgium took control in 1916 during World War I. The prolonged period of colonial rule disrupted the festival, and it went uncelebrated for many years. Rwanda gained independence in July 1962, and the country gradually rebuilt its national identity in the decades that followed.

Despite its ancient origins, Umuganura was only formally recognised as a public holiday in 2011. Beyond its cultural significance, the day also serves as an occasion to reflect on the country’s yearly achievements across the sectors that drive national development.

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