Month: June 2025

By Uzair Adam 

The Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, witnessed a mammoth gathering on Thursday as thousands of supporters lined the streets to welcome him back from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, where he had gone for the Hajj pilgrimage.

The Daily Reality gathered that what is ordinarily a 30-minute drive from the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport to the Kano State Government House took several hours due to the massive turnout of well-wishers who accompanied the governor’s convoy amid chants, music, and the waving of red caps — the symbol of the Kwankwasiyya Movement.

Commending the solidarity and support shown to the governor, the AKY Go Again Movement, in a statement on Sunday, expressed deep appreciation to the people of Kano, political and non-political groups, and government officials for their overwhelming participation in the reception rally.

The statement, signed by Hon. Ramadan Yusuf on behalf of the group, described the turnout as a clear demonstration of loyalty and love for Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf and a reaffirmation of the strength of the Kwankwasiyya Movement under the visionary leadership of Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.

“We organised this grand reception to show appreciation for the impactful and transformative leadership of Governor Yusuf, and to publicly declare our unwavering support for his continuity in office beyond 2027,” the statement read in part.

The group said Governor Yusuf’s people-first leadership style, dedication to restoring dignity in governance, and delivery of key developmental projects have set Kano on a path of progress and prosperity.

It added that the AKY Go Again Movement will continue to serve as a strategic platform to mobilise grassroots support, highlight the administration’s achievements, and promote the ideals of progressive leadership espoused by the Kwankwasiyya philosophy.

The statement listed key members steering the movement, including Alhaji Tijjani Hussain Gandu (SSA Mawallafa), Hon. Sadeeq Kote (Chairman), Hon. Abdullahi Sarki Fulani (SSA, Kano State Censorship Board), Hon. Abubakar Muhammad Inuwa (SSA on Reformatory Institutes), Hon. Sulaiman Mukhtar Bichi, Hon. Ramadan Yusuf (SSA on Media Monitoring and Innovation), Hon. Aminu Yanmedi, Hon. Yakubu Kubaraci, and Hon. Shamsu Kura.

The movement prayed for Allah’s continued guidance and protection for Governor Yusuf as he continues to serve the people of Kano State.

By Muhammad Umar Shehu 

I read with deep shock and sorrow about the gruesome murder of innocent travellers from Basawa in Zaria LGA of Kaduna State. It is heartbreaking and disturbing. 

What is happening to our society? When did we become so heartless that taking a human life no longer moves us? When did we start watching these tragedies unfold without reacting, without speaking, without demanding justice? This is not normal. We are clearly losing our sense of humanity and conscience.

The killing of these travellers is wicked, and it must be condemned in the strongest terms. No matter the excuse, mob action is mob action. Whether it happens in Plateau, Uromi, Kaduna, or anywhere else, it is lawlessness. It is cruel. And it has no place in any society that wants to grow, that wants peace, that wants justice. The moment we begin to justify the unjustifiable, we open the door to more bloodshed and deeper division.

The Federal Government, Plateau and Kaduna State Governments, security agencies, traditional rulers, religious leaders, and all other concerned stakeholders must rise to the occasion. This crime must not go unpunished. It is not enough to issue statements. Action must follow. Those behind this evil must be arrested, investigated properly, and brought to justice. That is the only way this act can serve as a warning to others. We cannot continue to act as if all is well when innocent lives are being wasted with no consequences.

It is painful to admit, but we have become a society where people record killings with their phones instead of stepping in to stop the madness. Where is our sense of community? Where is our compassion? The silence and indifference from many quarters are just as dangerous as the violence itself. We must speak up, we must act, and we must demand better from those who claim to lead and protect us.

The media, civil society, and the public must not let this incident be buried under the weight of the next trending story. These lives mattered, and these families deserve answers. We must keep the pressure on until justice is served. A society that fails to protect the innocent will one day be a danger to everyone, including those who look away.

May the Almighty Allah forgive the victims, grant them eternal peace, and give their families the strength to bear this painful loss. And may we, as a people, wake up before it is too late.

Muhammad Umar Shehu is a writer and social commentator from Gombe and can be reached via umarmuhammadshehu2@gmail.com.

By Anas Abbas

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has urgently called on President Bola Tinubu to refer the ongoing violence and killings in Benue State to the International Criminal Court (ICC).

This action is deemed essential to ensure justice for victims and hold those responsible accountable for what SERAP describes as serious violations of international law.

In a statement released on Sunday, SERAP’s Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, emphasized that such a referral would demonstrate the President’s commitment to human rights and the rule of law.

SERAP urged the President to “quickly refer the situation in Benue State to the ICC, allowing the court to exercise its jurisdiction over the violence, unlawful killings, and other grave breaches of international humanitarian and human rights law occurring in the region.”

The organization also encouraged the President to consider extending this referral to encompass other areas in Nigeria experiencing similar violence and serious human rights violations.

They suggested that he could request the ICC prosecutor to broaden any current investigations regarding Nigeria to include these situations.

SERAP stated, “Referring the situation in Benue State to the ICC would align with your expressed commitment to ‘hunt down the perpetrators of the attacks and bring them to justice, deliver justice for victims, and restore peace in the state.’”

The organization stressed the urgent need for accountability for these violent acts, regardless of whether the perpetrators are state or non-state actors.

They warned that any hesitation to refer the situation to the ICC would only embolden those responsible for these attacks to act with impunity, as many have yet to face justice.

SERAP explained that referring the crisis in Benue to the ICC is a straightforward process for the Nigerian government.

They noted that Article 14 of the Rome Statute does not impose an evidentiary burden on Nigeria.

Any referral made by the government would obligate the ICC prosecutor to either initiate an investigation or assess whether there is sufficient basis for doing so.

The group pointed out that several African nations have successfully referred cases to the ICC in the past, encouraging Nigeria to follow suit.

They highlighted that countries like Gabon, Mali, Uganda, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and the Central African Republic have previously made such referrals.

In a show of urgency, SERAP has set a one-week deadline for action, warning that if the Nigerian government fails to respond, other ICC member states may intervene.

They reminded President Tinubu that the ICC is fully empowered to investigate and prosecute crimes of this nature, stating, “The ICC has jurisdiction over those most responsible for international crimes, including war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide. The provisions of the Rome Statute allow your government to refer the situation in Benue to the court.”

By Sabiu Abdullahi

United States Senator Bernie Sanders has issued a strong rebuke of President Donald Trump’s recent decision to carry out air strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities, describing the action as “grossly unconstitutional.”

Speaking at a public event shortly after the president announced the strikes via social media, Sanders firmly asserted that such a move bypassed legal processes.

“The only entity that can take this country to war is the US Congress. The president does not have the right,” he stated.

The strikes, which were launched without prior congressional authorization, have sparked a wave of criticism from lawmakers, foreign policy analysts, and rights advocates.

Many have expressed concern that the unilateral decision could escalate tensions and destabilize the already fragile Middle East region.

The operation has drawn praise from Israeli officials, but some analysts argue that the applause masks a deeper concern about the potential fallout.

Critics say the attack increases the risk of a broader conflict and undermines diplomatic efforts to address Iran’s nuclear programme through negotiation.

President Trump has defended the decision as a necessary step to deter Iran’s alleged nuclear ambitions, but calls for a more measured and constitutionally grounded approach continue to grow louder within the US political landscape.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

Kaduna State Government has expressed shock and condemnation over the killing of 12 of its citizens in Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State.

The victims were reportedly attacked while traveling to Quan Pan LGA for a wedding ceremony. Eleven others sustained injuries in the incident.

In a strongly worded statement, the Kaduna State Government described the killings as “acts of savagery” and called on security agencies to hunt down the perpetrators.

“These criminals must be fished out and dealt with accordingly. There is no justification for such violence against innocent citizens,” the statement read.

The government urged Plateau State Governor, Barr. Caleb Mutfwang, to take decisive action by overseeing security operations until justice is served.

“We will follow up on investigations to ensure the murderers face the law. Impunity must no longer be tolerated,” the statement added.

While calling for calm among Kaduna residents, the government reassured citizens that efforts were underway to secure justice for the victims.

It also highlighted Kaduna’s progress in peacebuilding, expressing hope that Plateau State could overcome its security challenges. Condolences were extended to the families of the deceased, with assurances that the injured would receive proper medical care.

“We stand with the bereaved and will do everything to lessen their pain,” the statement concluded.

Authorities have yet to release further details on the attack as investigations continue.

By Uzair Adam

Flights across the Middle East have been disrupted, both incoming and outgoing, as regional tensions escalate and governments cite increased security concerns.

Air traffic was significantly affected as military activity intensified, following a dramatic overnight strike by the United States on Iran’s Fordow nuclear facility—a site long regarded as one of the most secure in the country.

While the U.S. Pentagon and the White House have withheld specific operational details, military leaders are expected to hold a press briefing later today.

Sources familiar with the assault, speaking anonymously, confirmed that U.S. B-2 stealth bombers deployed GBU-57 Massive Ordnance Penetrators—deep-earth bombs capable of burrowing 200 feet underground—on the Fordow enrichment site.

The bomb was used in combat for the first time in this mission.

In addition, U.S. Navy submarines reportedly launched around 30 Tomahawk cruise missiles, targeting critical infrastructure believed to support Iran’s nuclear program.

Despite its reputation as nearly impenetrable due to its mountainous location, the Fordow facility appears to have been successfully breached.

The coordinated operation came after a prolonged period of diplomatic stalemate, with President Trump citing failed negotiations as justification for the strike.

While U.S. intelligence assessments continue to assert that Iran is not currently pursuing a nuclear weapon, Trump—echoing Israeli concerns—argued that Iran retained the capability to quickly develop one, making inaction too risky.

His decision followed mounting pressure from Israeli officials and Republican lawmakers who urged a decisive military move amid reports that Israel had already damaged Iran’s air defenses, paving the way for U.S. bombers.

Israeli strikes in recent days reportedly targeted missile launchers and air-defense systems, weakening Iran’s retaliatory capabilities.

Observers note a reduction in the frequency and scale of Iran’s missile attacks, possibly due to depleted resources or strategic recalibration.

In a speech days before the American attack, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei warned that any strike on Iran would bring “irreparable damage” to the attackers.

On Saturday, reports indicated he named three potential successors in case of assassination—conspicuously omitting his son, Mojtaba Khamenei.

Iran’s Foreign Ministry had earlier warned that any American intervention would trigger a full-scale regional war.

That outcome now appears increasingly plausible.Iranian-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen have already threatened to resume attacks on American vessels in the Red Sea, ending a temporary pause agreed upon in May.

“If the U.S. joins Israel militarily, we will return to targeting American interests,” a Houthi spokesman said Friday.

U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres has voiced grave concern over the situation, warning that the conflict risks spiraling out of control, with potentially catastrophic consequences for civilians and global stability.

Trump’s direct military engagement marks a significant shift, seven years after he withdrew from the 2015 nuclear deal brokered under the Obama administration. Despite early promises to strike a new agreement, diplomatic progress remained elusive.

Now, the Trump administration has abandoned any remaining diplomatic overtures, opting instead for a strategy of force—demanding Iran dismantle its nuclear ambitions or face continued military pressure.

It is a high-stakes move that could either change the strategic landscape of the Middle East—or drag it further into chaos.

Dear Mr President, 

1. I hope you had a safe return after the visit to Yelwata, Benue State, to assess the killing spree that occurred there last week. While people like Mr Peter Obi and Dele Farotimi criticised your trip as one lacking compassion, I believe your presence there meant something. It is better than not going there. It means you have first-hand knowledge of how defenceless Nigerians are killed, not just in Benue, but across Nigeria, especially in the North. 

2. I write to draw the urgent attention of Your Excellency to a fresh tragedy. This afternoon, several national newspapers reported the killing of 12 Muslim passengers travelling from Zaria to Qua’anpan Local Government Area of Plateau State. They were ambushed in the Manjul community, Mangu Local Government Area, Plateau State. These innocent Muslim travellers were killed, and subsequently burned in the bus conveying them. Nineteen others are now nursing various degrees of injuries.

3. A survivor among the victims of this dastardly act was interviewed, and he remarked that they lost direction. Upon stopping and asking for directions, the locals at Manjul remarked that these are Hausa people and that they should be killed. In their words, as reported, “These are Hausa people, let’s kill them!”. This chilling statement underscores where we are as a country. Anyway, they successfully killed 12 and injured 19. It is in today’s newspapers – Daily Nigerian, Daily Trust, The Daily Reality, Punch Newspapers. 

4. Mr. President, no citizen should be targeted for their ethnicity or religion. Whether in Yelwata or Yorro, Mangu or Malete, Nigerians must be free to travel safely. Nigeria has tolerated this barbarism for too long. If terrorists in the forests remain elusive, those living in communities and attacking travellers should not be. What excuse does the state have when killers who can be easily traced and apprehended go unpunished? This silence by the system sends one loud message: you can kill and walk away. 

5. This is not the first time such horror has unfolded in Plateau State. In 2021, 20 members of the Tijjaniyya sect were killed in Rukuba, Jos, on their way home from a religious event in Bauchi. It is now 4 years. No justice has been served yet. In 2018, General Idris Alkali (rtd), a senior military officer and Chief of Army Administration, was ambushed and killed. His body was thrown into a pond in Dura Du. Suspects were arrested, but 7 years later, justice is being delayed. 

6. These cases remain open wounds. Mr. President, your influence should not stop at sympathy and condolence visits. Nigerians will feel more confident if you direct a full, public, and timely investigation into these recent attacks in Yelwata and Mangu. The perpetrators should be found, prosecuted, and punished—not just for justice but as a deterrent. Otherwise, each incident becomes an invitation for the next mob to strike.

7. Your Excellency, the time to act is now. Nigerians are watching. We can, for once, surprise the world and Nigerians themselves to know that Nigeria is not a jungle where anyone kills at will and goes about their everyday business. Where is the sanctity of life in this country? If the government cannot break this wanton bloodshed, then who will? You can decide to break this bad culture of letting killers get away. You can choose to be different from your predecessors. You can decide to let Nigerians know that this can be curtailed. Let this be the turning point. We have to give justice some opportunity to speak louder than violence. At this time, let us give the killers an opportunity to know that Nigeria is not a lawless country. 

8. Thank you. 

Ibrahiym A. El-Caleel wrote from Zaria, Kaduna State.

By Uzair Adam

The Kano State Government is set to establish a dedicated management structure for the Farm Centre GSM Market to ensure transparency, efficiency, and long-term sustainability.

During a visit to the market, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf called on traders and market users to cooperate with security agencies in addressing the growing incidents of phone snatching and petty crimes in the area.

The governor reiterated his administration’s commitment to youth empowerment, emphasizing that the state’s 26 vocational training institutes will continue to serve as platforms for skills development, job creation, and sustainable livelihoods.

In his welcome remarks, Comrade Jamilu Gama, Chairman of the GSM Market, expressed deep appreciation to the governor for the government’s swift intervention.

He noted that the prompt response brought hope and relief to traders affected by the recent fire outbreak.

Situated in the heart of Kano metropolis, the Farm Centre GSM Market spans 20 plazas and serves as a major hub for mobile phones, gadgets, and related services.

It provides direct employment to over 39,000 youth, making it one of the largest tech-related informal job markets in Northern Nigeria.

Stakeholders have described Governor Yusuf’s visit and the state’s support as a bold and strategic move to promote economic recovery, enhance infrastructure, and ensure greater youth inclusion.

By Uzair Adam

A powerful explosion rocked a company located along the Eastern Bypass in Kano on Saturday morning, leaving five people dead and injuring 10 others.

The blast was reportedly triggered by a military mortar bomb suspected to be among items transported on a truck carrying carbine.

Kano State Commissioner of Police, CP Ibrahim Adamu Bakori, confirmed the incident, stating that investigations are ongoing to determine the exact cause and ownership of the explosive materials.

He disclosed that the vehicle involved came from Yobe State, though further details remain unclear.

“Preliminary findings suggest the explosive material was being transported by a trailer coming from Yobe, but it remains unclear whether the vehicle was carrying military personnel or civilians,” he said.

Bakori added that security agencies were still trying to confirm the exact cause of the explosion and whether the vehicle belonged to the military or private individuals.

He urged the public to remain calm as security operatives continue their investigation.

“The facts will be clearer once the investigation is completed,” he noted.

The injured victims were taken to Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital (AKTH), where five were confirmed dead, and 10 others are currently receiving treatment.

The Commissioner said it was still unknown whether any security personnel were among the casualties but assured that the police would conduct a thorough probe into the matter.

“The police are working to identify the cause of the explosion and determine the extent of the damage,” he said, promising to provide further updates as the investigation progresses.

By Anwar Usman

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, says the Nigerian Army will bring to justice the perpetrators of the recent killings in Benue, Plateau and other parts of the country.

Oluyede made this statement on Saturday in Akure during a second quarter 2025 media chat organised by the Department of Civil-Military Affairs, Nigerian Army Headquarters.

The media chat was themed “Military – Media Collaboration: Panacea for Enhanced National Security and Development.”The COAS, who was represented by Maj. Gen. Obinna Onubogu, General Officer Commanding (GOC) 2 Div., Nigerian Army, Ibadan, said the military is ready to ending the spate of violence, particularly in North-Central Nigeria.Oluyede, who said that the president had given very clear orders, explained that they would remain engaged in Plateau, Benue, Kwara and quite a number of states that were experiencing insecurity.

“We are out, fully deployed and tackling the menace head-on.“In Benue particularly, you will see in the coming weeks, very elaborate security arrangements to ensure that all that is going on there completely stops.

He further stated that, “The Army cannot be everywhere at once. Nigeria is a vast country but we are not as large in number as many people believe.

“We rely heavily on the support and cooperation of the local population to provide timely and credible information.

“In some cases, unfortunately, the people are not very helpful in terms of the information they give out, which delays our reaction time. That must change if we are to win this fight together,” he said.

NAN reports that, the COAS called on media personnel to verify facts before publication, and help in building national security and development to combat misinformation and sensational reporting.

According to him, the social media space, especially, is flooded with misinformation, disinformation and outright lies.“So, we are appealing to the media practitioners to reach out to us before putting out unverified stories.

“We are satisfied with the support we’ve received from the media so far and we hope to deepen that synergy to ensure national security is not undermined by sensational reporting,” he said.