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IPCR and PARTNER Advocate for ICT Integration in Early Warning Systems
The Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR), in collaboration with Peace Action for Rapid and Transformative Nigerian Early Response (PARTNER), has called for the enhancement of Nigeria’s early warning systems through the use of Information and Communication Technology (ICT). This initiative aims to improve Early Warning and Early Response (EWER) mechanisms to better manage conflicts and foster sustainable peace.
The appeal was made during a dialogue meeting in Makurdi with the Early Warning Response Group (EWRG) and other stakeholders, focusing on ICT tools and EWER applications for conflict reporting and response in Benue State. This dialogue is part of the PARTNER project, funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and implemented by Mercy Corps and other partners.
Dr. Joseph Ochogwu, Director General of IPCR, highlighted concerns about the fragmented nature of the current EWER system, where agencies often operate in isolation. He noted that such disjointed efforts create gaps in effective early warning responses. The lack of timely action or proper communication channels has sometimes led to delayed responses, exacerbating conflicts.
Represented by Dr. Oboshi Agyeno, Head of the EWER unit, Ochogwu stressed the importance of using technology to create a more effective and coordinated approach to early warning. The IPCR and PARTNER are working to enhance conflict prevention strategies through technological solutions.
Steve Agbo, Lead Facilitator of IPCR and Coordinator of the PARTNER project team, explained that the meeting aimed to train participants in using digital tools for conflict reporting and response. He emphasized the need for improved coordination among stakeholders, policymakers, and local actors to address the current weaknesses in peace-building efforts.
Agbo detailed the PARTNER project’s focus on implementing early warning systems in the North Central and North Western regions of Nigeria to reduce violent conflicts. The project has established various peace structures at national, state, and community levels to ensure effective coordination and conflict management.
Participants were trained on reporting conflicts via a toll-free mobile number (080000666666), SMS number (08064537091), or the website [partner-ewers.org](https://partner-ewers.org). Martha Akoje from the National Orientation Agency (NOA) expressed gratitude for the training and pledged to apply the knowledge for lasting peace in Benue State.
Mr. Tim Torjir, a Conflict Early Warning Indicator Monitor from Inclusive Action for Peace, Health, Empowerment, and Development (IAPHED), praised the initiative for integrating ICT into conflict response, noting its potential to improve coordination and conflict mitigation efforts.
WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump has revoked Secret Service protection for Hunter and Ashley Biden, the adult children of former President Joe Biden, marking another step in his efforts to target political opponents.
In a post on his Truth Social platform Tuesday, Trump criticized what he called an excessive security detail for Hunter Biden, claiming he had up to 18 agents protecting him. He also announced that Ashley Biden’s security detail, reportedly consisting of 13 agents, would be withdrawn.
“Please be advised that, effective immediately, Hunter Biden will no longer receive Secret Service protection. Likewise, Ashley Biden… will be taken off the list,” Trump wrote.
Federal law grants lifelong Secret Service protection to former presidents and their spouses, while their children receive coverage only until age 16. However, adult children of presidents often receive extended protection for a period of time.
A Secret Service spokesperson confirmed Trump’s directive, stating, “We are aware of the President’s decision to terminate protection for Hunter and Ashley Biden. The Secret Service will comply and is actively working with the protective details and the White House to ensure compliance as soon as possible.”
Hunter Biden has long been a focal point of Republican criticism, with attacks intensifying after his father pardoned his tax and gun-related convictions before leaving office in January. On Monday, Trump declared that those pardons were void, a move with unclear legal standing.
Since returning to office in January, Trump has also revoked security clearances for Joe Biden, former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, former National Security Adviser John Bolton, and Dr. Anthony Fauci, who led the country’s COVID-19 response.
The White House defended the decision, with Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stating in January that individuals are “not entitled to security protection and clearances for life.”
During his first presidency, Trump extended Secret Service protection for six months to his four adult children and several senior officials, a move that cost taxpayers $1.7 million, according to The Washington Post.
The Nigerian Constitution, under Section 188, details the process for the impeachment of a state governor, requiring a structured legal framework that ensures due process and fairness.
According to the provision, impeachment begins when at least one-third of the members of the State House of Assembly sign a written notice accusing the governor of gross misconduct. The allegations must be clear, specific, and detailed to avoid ambiguity.
Once the notice is received, the Speaker of the House has seven days to serve a copy to the governor and distribute the governor’s response to all assembly members.
Within 14 days, the House must vote on whether to investigate the allegations. This decision is made by motion without debate and requires a two-thirds majority to proceed. If passed, the Chief Judge of the state is mandated to appoint a seven-member panel within seven days to investigate the allegations. This panel must be composed of individuals who are not members of a legislative house, public service, or political party.
During the investigation, the governor has the right to defend himself personally or through legal representation. The panel has three months to complete its inquiry and submit its findings to the assembly.
If the panel concludes that the allegations lack proof, the impeachment process is terminated. However, if the panel finds the allegations proven, the assembly must, within 14 days, vote on the report. A two-thirds majority vote in favor results in the governor’s immediate removal from office.
This process ensures that impeachment is not arbitrary but follows a clear legal and procedural path, reinforcing democratic accountability in governance.
Asaba, Nigeria – Operatives of the Delta State Police Command have killed four suspected kidnappers in a gunfight and recovered an AK-47 rifle with a magazine, according to a statement by the state’s Police Public Relations Officer, Bright Edafe.
Edafe said the police had earlier arrested a suspect on March 9, 2025, while he was attempting to buy ammunition for an AK-47 rifle. During interrogation, the suspect revealed the rifle’s location, leading the police to a bush along the railway line in Agbarho. Upon arrival, the gang engaged the police in a fierce shootout, leaving four suspects with fatal gunshot wounds.
The injured suspects were taken to the General Hospital in Ughelli, where they were later confirmed dead. Their bodies have been deposited in the morgue as police intensify efforts to track down other fleeing gang members.
In a separate operation, police operatives arrested a suspected kidnapper in Ibusa, Oshimili North Local Government Area.
Edafe revealed that on March 12, 2025, a resident of Ibusa reported to the police that his friend’s wife had been kidnapped on March 7, 2025, and a ransom was paid. He also disclosed that he was responsible for delivering the ransom and food items to the kidnappers.
Acting on this information, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Ibusa mobilized a team alongside local vigilantes and stormed a bush hideout, leading to the arrest of Abdulahi Isah, a suspected member of the gang.
The suspect is currently in custody, and investigations are ongoing.
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