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By Uzair Adam

Reports coming from northwest Nigeria have shown that bandits attacked the Moriki community in Zamfara State on Wednesday night, abducting over 10 residents and demanding a ransom of N50 million.

The attack has further intensified the sense of insecurity in the area.The Zamfara State Police Command, through its spokesperson ASP Yazid Abubakar, confirmed the incident.

He stated that the Commissioner of Police has ordered immediate action to rescue the victims.

A resident of Moriki community shared with the BBC Hausa Service on Thursday that the bandits have been a constant threat to the community.

He revealed that they previously abducted other residents and claimed their cows were killed by a local commander.

During this latest attack, the bandits reportedly went from house to house, capturing people and setting a deadline for the ransom payment.

According to the resident, this isn’t the first time the bandits have attacked the community for ransom.

He recounted a recent incident where they extorted N20 million from the community, allowing locals access to their farms in return. “The community remains in a state of insecurity,” he said.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The burial of Alhaji Isa Muhammad Bawa, the Sarkin Gobir of Gatawa District in Sokoto State, was conducted without his body after he was abducted, tortured, and killed by terrorists.

The traditional ruler’s death, which occurred on Wednesday, has been marked by a series of harrowing events and demands from the perpetrators. 

A distressing video surfaced before Bawa’s death, showing him pleading for his life and calling on the government to intervene.

In the footage, the late ruler, speaking in Hausa, described his horrific captivity and the dire conditions endured by him and his son, who were seized in July while traveling from Sokoto to Sabon Birni. 

The burial ceremony, as described by Facebook user Sarki Yaqi, adhered to Islamic guidelines for such tragic circumstances, which allow for burial without the physical presence of the deceased.

Yaqi’s post stated, “The burial of the Alhaji Isa Muhammad Bawa, the Sarkin Gobir of Gatawa District in Sokoto State has been held now without his corpse,” and further explained, “The burial of the king of Kudun Gobir has just concluded, the burial ceremony of the death of the gunmen who were killed and held his corpse and buried.” 

It was reported that the terrorists behind Bawa’s death had issued a chilling demand for a ransom of N60 million and five motorcycles in exchange for the return of his body.

This demand followed an initial ransom request of N1 billion for the release of Bawa and his son, who were abducted while en route to their hometown. 

The video also shows the extent of the coercion faced by Bawa and his son, with a gunman dictating their statements under duress. Tragically, their plea for rescue went unanswered in time, leading to Bawa’s brutal killing.

By Sabiu Abdullahi  

The Federal Government has announced a hike in the cost of obtaining Nigeria’s international passport, effective September 1, 2024. 

According to a statement by DCI Kenneth Udo, spokesman for the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), the move aims to “maintain the quality and integrity of the Nigerian Standard Passport.” 

The 32-page passport booklet with a 5-year validity will now cost N50,000, up from the previous N35,000.

The 64-page passport booklet with a 10-year validity will now cost N100,000, up from the previous N70,000. 

However, the fees remain unchanged for applicants in the diaspora. 

The NIS spokesman apologised for any inconvenience the increase may cause, assuring Nigerians of the agency’s commitment to “transparency and quality service delivery at all times.”

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Residents of Galadimawa Village in Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna State are living in fear after bandits attacked the community, abducting the wife and two children of the village head.

The brazen attack occurred on Monday night, with the bandits using gunfire to intimidate residents before breaking into the village head’s residence.

Fatima Aliyu, the wife of the village head, and their two sons, Abdullahi and Kamal Aliyu, were taken by the bandits.

According to eyewitnesses, the attackers had specifically targeted the village head, but when they couldn’t find him, they abducted his family members instead.

Hussaini Umar, a traditional leader in the community, described the situation as dire. “We are not safe here. The whole community is confused and we need help. We appeal to the authorities to save Galadimawa village from these bandits. We are tired of being abducted and attacked daily.”

The community is calling for increased security measures, including the deployment of military personnel, to protect them from further attacks.

By Uzair Adam

The Kano State Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission (PCACC) has arrested several top officials over a significant corruption scandal involving the procurement of drugs and medical equipment for the 44 local governments in Kano State.

The investigation centers on allegations of financial misconduct and violations of procurement laws.

Among those detained are Ibrahim Muhammad Kabara, the Permanent Secretary of the Kano Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, and Abdullahi Ibrahim Bashir, the Chairman of the State Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) and Interim Council Chairman of Tarauni Local Government.

The Daily Reality gathered that additionally, five other officials were also arrested in connection with the case.

The Commission has also summoned Musa Garba, Managing Director of Novomed Pharmaceuticals and a nephew of former Kano State Governor, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, for questioning.

Sources indicate that Abdullahi Ibrahim Bashir confessed to illegally authorizing the payment of N402.6 million for the procurement, with N347.7 million already disbursed by 38 local governments before the Commission’s investigation commenced.

The detained officials, who have been held in custody since Tuesday morning, are undergoing interrogation by the Commission.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

Gombe State Governor, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, CON, has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu over the appointment of Engineer Bello Babayo Bello as Executive Director (Networks) at the Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC).

The Governor said President Tinubu has made an excellent choice in Engineer Bello, describing the new appointee as an illustrious son of Gombe and cerebral young man with extensive experience in power systems management and deep understanding of the complexities in the energy sector.

Governor Inuwa urged Engineer Bello to justify the confidence reposed in him by bringing to bear, his wealth of experience and expertise in driving forward President Tinubu’s energy initiatives and ensuring sustainable development.

“This appointment is not just an honour for you but also a source of pride for Gombe State. We are confident that you will excel in this new capacity and contribute to the advancement of the NDPHC”, the Governor remarked.

He encouraged Engineer Bello to remain steadfast in his commitment to excellence, urging him to face the challenges ahead with the same commitment and innovative thinking that have defined his career thus far.

Meanwhile, Engineer Bello had earlier today, paid a thank you visit to Governor Inuwa Yahaya at his residence in Abuja, where he appreciated the support, facilitation and encouragement of the governor as regards his new appointment.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Federal Government has taken a significant step towards implementing the Supreme Court’s landmark ruling on financial autonomy for local government areas (LGAs).

Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume, has inaugurated an inter-ministerial committee to enforce the court’s judgement. 

The committee’s establishment follows the Supreme Court’s July 11 ruling, which ordered the federal government to pay allocations directly to local government councils.

This move aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s efforts to implement the Constitution’s provisions, recognising local governments as the third tier of government. 

The committee comprises representatives from various ministries and agencies, including the Ministry of Finance, the Attorney General of the Federation, and the Central Bank of Nigeria.

Its primary goal is to ensure local governments receive full autonomy, enabling them to function effectively without state government interference. 

The SGF’s office stated, “This move is in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s efforts to give appropriate implementation to the provisions of the Constitution, which recognizes local governments as the third tier of government.”

By Uzair Adam

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has issued a directive to all workers in the country to halt economic activities if its President, Comrade Joe Ajaero, is arrested by the Nigerian Police.

This announcement follows the police’s invitation to Ajaero for questioning over allegations, including involvement in terrorism financing.

In response, the NLC held an emergency National Executive Council (NEC) meeting at Labour House.

The Congress resolved to request more time from the police to consult with legal advisors.

Addressing workers who had gathered in solidarity, NLC Deputy President Kabiru Ado Sani stated that the union would respect the law by honoring the police invitation but would seek an extension.

He further warned that any arrest or detention of Ajaero would prompt a nationwide strike, urging workers to remain on alert.

Sani assured members that further instructions would be communicated and advised them to return to work peacefully until notified otherwise.

By Uzair Adam

A member of the Hunters Association of Nigeria (HAN), Aliyu Yahaya, was brutally killed by bandits in Magamar-Jibia town, Jibia Local Government Area of Katsina State.

The attackers set fire to his home, burning his body inside, and abducted his wife, son, and three neighbors during the raid, which took place on Tuesday, August 13, 2024.

The incident has sparked widespread outrage in the community, with residents calling on the government to take immediate action to address the increasing insecurity in the area.

The Police Public Relations Officer for Katsina State, ASP Abubakar Sadiq, confirmed the incident and stated that an investigation is underway to apprehend the culprits and rescue the kidnapped victims.

Community leaders, including Alhaji Sani Salisu, have expressed frustration over the lack of security in the region and are urging the authorities to increase security presence to prevent such tragic events in the future.

Residents are also appealing for swift action to ensure the safe return of the kidnapped individuals and to help alleviate the trauma faced by their families and the community.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The United States government has announced a significant humanitarian aid package for Nigeria, providing $27 million to support vulnerable populations affected by food insecurity and climate change. 

This funding is part of a larger $536 million aid package for Sub-Saharan Africa, unveiled by Uzra Zeya, US Under Secretary of State for Civilian Security, Democracy, and Human Rights. 

The aid will be distributed through the State Department’s Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration and USAID’s Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance, and brings the total US humanitarian assistance to the region in Fiscal Year 2024 to nearly $3.7 billion. 

The assistance aims to address the critical needs of vulnerable individuals, including refugees, asylum seekers, and internally displaced persons, with a focus on crises in the Sahel region and support for durable solutions such as voluntary returns and refugee integration. 

The US Ambassador to Nigeria, Richard Mills, highlighted the importance of this funding, stating that it demonstrates the US’ commitment to providing life-saving assistance and protection to vulnerable people and host communities. 

“This aid will make a tangible difference in the lives of those most in need in Nigeria and across the continent,” Ambassador Mills said. “We stand with Nigeria in its efforts to address humanitarian challenges and build resilience against food insecurity and climate change impacts.