Month: August 2023

By Uzair Adam Imam

The Katsina State Government disclosed that it received the sum of N2 billion out of the N5 billion palliative approved to states by the federal government.

The state Commissioner for Information, Culture and Home Affairs, Malam Salisu-Zango, relayed the clarification to journalists in a statement on Wednesday.

Zango’s disclosure was in reaction to the insinuation that the federal government released N5 billion to the state.

He said that: “The attention of the state government has been drawn to news going round in the media that N5 billion has been released to states by the Federal Government for palliative.

“I wish to state that, [the] Katsina State Government received only N2 billion for procurement of grain to be distributed to the citizens of the state”.

Zango further stated that the state government had so far utilised N2 billion to procure 40,000 bags of rice for distribution to vulnerable persons in all the polling units across the state.

He added that the government would also utilise the next tranche of the fund from the federal government to purchase maize for distribution to deserving households.

By Muhammadu Sabiu  

In a bid to alleviate the financial burden on students and families in the face of ongoing economic challenges, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano State announced a significant financial commitment on his verified Facebook page yesterday. 

The governor’s post highlighted the decision made by the Kano State Executive Council, under his leadership, to allocate approximately 700 million naira for the payment of school fees for about 7,000 students hailing from Kano State and enrolled at Bayero University Kano (BUK). 

The move is expected to provide crucial financial relief to families struggling to meet educational expenses during these trying times. 

Details regarding the distribution and disbursement of the funds will be communicated to the students and the public in the near future. 

This initiative is part of the state government’s continued efforts to support education and ensure that the youth have access to quality learning opportunities despite the current economic constraints. 

Education has been a cornerstone of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s administration, and this latest move underscores his commitment to prioritising the welfare of students and their families. 

As the payment process unfolds, many are anticipating the positive impact this allocation will have on the lives of the students and their educational journeys. 

Recall that tuition fees at Bayero University have recently increased to an unprecedented high, which forced many students to drop out due to their inability to meet the payment.

By Uzair Adam Imam

The police in Nassarawa State have warned residents in the state against widespread rumours alleging the disappearance of genitals.

DSP Ramhan Nansel, Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) in the state, disclosed this in a statement he made available to journalists on Wednesday.

Nansel added that the command has observed with dismay the ugly trend where members of the public tag individuals with causing the mysterious disappearance of genitals in different parts of the state.

He added that, “The medical examination carried out on victims who reported cases of mysterious genital disappearance in Nassarawa-Eggon, Obi, Lafia and Keffi Local Government Areas (LGAs) of the state gave all the victims a clean bill of health.

“In view of this, the police commay wishes to state unequivocally that the cases of alleged mysterious genital disappearance is baseless, unfounded and without proof.

“Thus, anyone caught engaging in mob action and jungle justice or raising false alarm that leads to grievous assault on any member of the public shall be arrested and made to face the full wrath of the law,” DSP Nansel added.

By Muhammadu Sabiu 

The Spanish government called on the nation’s football organisation to take immediate and transparent action against president Luis Rubiales after he kissed a Women’s World Cup player on the lips. 

After Spain defeated England in the championship match in Sydney on Sunday, the head of the Spanish football federation kissed Jenni Hermoso, drawing harsh criticism. 

In response to growing calls for action against Rubiales, the RFEF convened an emergency meeting for Friday and launched an internal inquiry on Tuesday. 

Speaking to radio station Cadena Ser, Francos said, “I imagine that what the responsible people will do is talk to the two parties involved and issue a report. 

“I have personally told the federation this report has to be transparent and urgent, because, if it is not, obviously we are obliged to take the corresponding additional measures.” 

Despite tendering an apology, Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez of Spain said Tuesday that Rubiales’ apology for the kiss was insufficient.

By Uzair Adam Imam

There was growing tension among the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members when bandits attacked them on their way to the orientation camp in Zamfara State, killing eleven persons among them.

The bandits also kidnapped no fewer than eight corps members to an unknown destination and reportedly demanded a ransom of over 4 million naira.

Our reporters learned that the corps members were travelling in Akwa Ibom Transport Company (AKTC) bus from Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, to Sokoto State, for the one-year mandatory national service, when their vehicle was intercepted by the bandits.

It was also gathered that their driver, who was among the persons abducted, almost lost his life during the atrocious killing by the bandits.

However, three of the corps members were reported to have escaped during the terrorist attack.

Emmanuel Esudue, a graduate in Agricultural and Environmental Engineering from Akwa Ibom State University and Victoria Udoka, a graduate in Mass Communication from the University of Uyo were among the young graduates that were kidnapped by the terrorists.

A source, who noted to be privy to the situation, revealed that the terrorists had contacted the family of one of the victims and demanded a ransom of N4 million.

He said, “Sad to hear that young graduates going for their National Service year in Sokoto have been kidnapped by bandits.

“Both the Federal Government and various State governments should do everything possible to rescue the eight NYSC members.

“Nothing must happen to them oh!!!Some of them included Emmanuel Esudue, a graduate of [sic] Agricultural and Environmental Engineering, Akwa Ibom State University and Victoria Udoka, a graduate of [sic] Mass Communication from University of Uyo.

“At the moment, one of the families, it was learnt have been contacted to pay N4m. Please, this is [a] Federal government matter not the family and should be taking [sic] seriously to save these children from been [sic] tormented further by the wicked kidnappers.

“This is another challenge to the federal government to review deployment of NYSC [members] to nearby states where they schooled due to insecurity rather than posting them across the country.

“May the Almighty God rescue them and let those wicked kidnappers be arrested and brought to book. Their crimes must not go unpunished.”

By Muhammadu Sabiu 

Dr. (Mrs.) Rose Ohiama Ugbe has been named the acting dean of the faculty of law with the approval of the University of Calabar’s vice chancellor, Prof. Florence Obi. 

According to a press release from the university’s registrar, Mr. Gabriel Egbe, the appointment will be in effect starting on Tuesday, August 22, 2023, and it will last until a faculty member is elected to serve as the faculty’s substantive dean. 

It’s understood that Dr. Rose Ugbe will assume the tasks and duties of the office of acting dean in addition to overseeing the faculty’s academic programmes, fostering a strong connection between staff and students, and creating an environment that is conducive to teaching and learning. 

Supporting faculty members in their research endeavours and working with university management to ensure full execution and actualization of the university’s ideals are among the other duties outlined in the announcement. 

This comes a few days after the suspension of Prof. Cyril Ndifon for allegedly indulging in sexual harassment against female students in the faculty.

By Muhammadu Sabiu 

The Police Command in Bauchi has apprehended 24-year-old Furera Abubakar in connection with the alleged murder of her four-day-old stepchild in Bantu village in the state’s Ningi Local Government Area. 

On Tuesday in Bauchi, SP Ahmed Wakil, the command’s spokesman, made a statement that confirmed the incident. He revealed that they had detained the suspect in connection with an alleged case of culpable homicide. 

“The incident was reported to the Ningi Divisional Police headquarters on the 19th of August, 2023 which revealed that the four-day-old baby was born on the 15th of August, 2023 and was murdered by the suspect (Furera) on the 19th of August, 2023 before the naming ceremony. 

“Preliminary investigation revealed that the suspect is a co-wife to the nursing mother (deceased mother). 

“The suspect entered her co-wife’s room with liquid insecticide and applied it to the unhealed baby’s umbilical cord. 

“The liquid suspected to be corrosive substance led to the deterioration of the baby’s health and eventual death,” he said. 

He added that the suspect would be charged in court once the investigation is completed.

By Uzair Adam Imam

Senator Olamilekan Adeola, the Chairman Senate Committee on Appropriations, raised alarm and demanded justice over the alleged atrocious killing of his senior aide, Adeniyi Oluwatosin Sanni, by the Nigerian Army on Saturday.

Senator Adeola alleged that the soldiers operating at checkpoints around Ikeja axis of Lagos State robbed and killed Mr. Sanni in the early hours of Saturday.

In a statement he personally signed yesterday, Adeola stated that information available to him on the circumstances indicates that Mr. Sanni was stopped at a checking point around Ojodu- Berger Area of Lagos on his way to his home at Isheri by ‘security agents’ who asked him to provide the documents of the car he was driving, which he did through a call to his wife who sent all the documents to his phone WhatsApp.

He added, ”It was gathered that the wife called a while later and the late Mr. Sanni told him that soldiers are still checking the vehicle’s paper. That was the last she heard from her husband and the body of Mr. Sanni, ridden with bullets, was later discovered at Toyota Bus Stop area of Oshodi, close to a military barrack.

“In an update about the investigation of the murder and armed robbery by the Nigerian Police Force, through a statement issued in Abuja, Senator Adeola stated that he is of the firm believe, based on available facts at the disposal of the Police, that his aide was killed by a syndicate of soldiers operating under the newly deployed Commander of 9 Brigade, Ikeja Cantonment of the Nigeria Army, Brigadier General Nsikan John Edet, through mounting of checkpoints and robbing of lone occupants of cars.”

Senator Adeola called on the Chief of Army Staff, Major General Taoreed Lagbaja, to direct the fishing out of the killers of his aide for further investigation, prosecution and justice for the deceased as a pattern of killings and armed robbery has been established against soldiers mounting late night checkpoints around Ikeja with similar unreported incidences in recent times.

“Till date, the black Toyota Camry of Mr. Sanni, his phones and other valuables are yet to be recovered,” he added.

By Ukasha Rabiu Magama 

At least not fewer than four people were kidnapped yesterday by unknown gunmen in Zalau, Toro, Bauchi state. 

Our source, who pleaded anonymity, narrated that the invaders arrived in Zalau town by 8:30 pm on Sunday, barricaded the town entry and started shooting air sporadically, heading to the village market square. 

Dispersing the marketers, they abducted Aliyu Dahiru Sulaiman, Abdul Hogal, Dokas, and their brother. Also, Shamsudden Garba was shot, and he is now receiving medical treatment at the Abubakar Tabawa Balewa Teaching Hospital in Bauchi. Similarly, the abductors carted away people’s belongings, including phones, provisions, meets and fried yams.

The illegal operation was suspended by 9:30 pm, and shootings were nonstop due to zero security intervention. 

It could be recalled that the gunmen, on Saturday, August 19, 2023, abducted two people and shot a security man in Gumau; the captives regained freedom yesterday, August 20, 2023.

Similarly, the gunmen shot another person in Fishere on Friday, August 18, 2023; the man who refused to follow the kidnappers to the jungle as they commanded him was shot in the head and died immediately. Also, a similar event occurred in Bargan Fulani and Salarma communities.

Since the beginning of this month, August, Toro and Lame districts have been facing a series of attacks from unknown gunmen leading to the loss of lives and properties of citizens.

Recently, in an interview with BBC Hausa, the member representing Toro federal constituency, Hon. Ismail Haruna Dabo, raised the alarm over the incessant event in the area and asked the federal and state governments to deploy security operatives to the site; hence the need is to protect lives and property of the citizens.

An effort was made to reach Toro police command when filing this report, but it was abortive due to undisclosed issues.

By Muhammadu Sabiu 

The Nigerian Army said Monday that it had rescued Mary Nkeki, a 27-year-old Chibok girl, in the Dikwa Local Government Area of Borno. 

Recall that insurgents of Boko Haram kidnapped Nkeki and more than 200 other students from the Government Girls Secondary School in Chibok in 2014. 

The Operation Hadin Kai Theatre Commander, Maj.-Gen. Gold Chibuisi, made this statement on Monday in Maiduguri upon the delivery of the girl to the Borno Ministry of Women Affairs. 

He noted that on August 14 in Dikwa, soldiers from the 81 Task Force Battalion freed Nkeki, who had serial number 55 on the list of the kidnapped Chibok girls. 

“While in captivity, she was forcefully married to one Adam, a Boko Haram terrorist fighter. 

“Since her rescue, she has undergone thorough medical examination in our medical facility. 

“Equally, she has been adequately resuscitated and would be handed over to Borno State Government for further administration,” he said. 

Chibuisi reaffirmed the military’s commitment to maintaining security in the region’s north and east while bringing about sustainable peace. 

Nkeki described her experience since being kidnapped in 2014 to reporters as being filled with pain, recounting that she and her husband managed to flee throughout the night and were found by a military patrol squad. She said she had left behind two other Chibok girls.