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By Uzair Adam Imam 

The military high command has announced its intention to request a meeting with Rev Timothy Daluk, the Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria in Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State. 

This decision comes in response to recent comments made by Daluk, accusing the Nigerian military of orchestrating violence against Christians and endorsing property destruction in Mangu. 

Despite Governor Caleb Mutfwang’s declaration of a curfew, reports continue to surface about the ongoing killings of innocent people and the burning of houses, mosques, and churches in Mangu. 

In a viral video, Rev Timothy Daluk explicitly pointed fingers at the military, alleging their involvement in displacing Christians and facilitating militia attacks on their homes. 

He stated, “I am here to report the situation happening in Mangu Local Government for the whole world to understand. What is happening in Mangu at this particular point in time, the military are the ones sending our people away for the militia to burn their houses.” 

Responding to Daluk’s accusations, Major-General Edward Buba, the Director of Defence Media Operations, addressed journalists at the Defence Headquarters in Abuja. Buba assured that the military was in the process of reaching out to Rev Timothy Daluk to substantiate his claims. 

He noted the military’s commitment to fulfilling its duties professionally and adhering to the best international standards, pledging a thorough investigation into the allegations.

By Uzair Adam Imam 

The Kano State Fire Service successfully intervened on Thursday to save a 37-year-old man, Saifullah Rabiu, who was on the verge of hanging himself from a tree. 

The rescue came following a distressing suicide note left by Rabiu, attributing his extreme action to a staggering debt of N2 million incurred during the process of obtaining a foreign visa. 

The Kano State Fire Service spokesperson, Saminu Abdullahi, confirmed the incident in a statement to the media. 

The emergency unfolded when the fire service’s Central Control Room received a call around 10:07 a.m. from the Ministry of Works and Housing in Kano State.

The location reported was State Road, near Nasarawa Emir’s house. 

Swiftly responding to the call, the fire department mobilised its standby personnel, reaching the scene by 10:10 a.m. 

There, they discovered Saifullah Rabiu in a critical condition, poised to carry out his tragic decision. 

In his suicide note, Rabiu detailed the overwhelming debt he owed, revealing that he had already repaid a significant portion of the borrowed amount, approximately N500,000. 

The note narrated the distressing impact of the creditor’s actions, which had driven him to contemplate suicide. 

Following the successful rescue, Saifullah Rabiu was handed over to Divisional Crime Officer Zaharaddini of the Farm Centre Police Division for further investigation. 

The incident sheds light on the profound consequences of financial struggles and the urgent need for mental health support in addressing such crises.

By Sabiu Abdullahi 

A ruling was passed in Kano as Chief Judge Justice Dije Aboki sentenced five vigilante group members to death by hanging.

The verdict stemmed from their involvement in the tragic extra-judicial killing of 17-year-old Ahmed Musa on January 22, 2022, at Sabon Titi, Panshekara, Kumbotso Local Government Area. 

The convicted individuals, associated with Sani Abacha Youth Centre, were identified as Emmanuel Korau, Elisha Ayuba, Irimiya Timothy, Auwalu Jafar, and Mustapha Haladu.

Counsel Lamido Dinki led the prosecution, unveiling a harrowing tale of a vicious attack on Musa as he crossed Sabon Titi, Panshekara Road. 

Descending from a tricycle armed with a wooden club, the defendants brutally assaulted Musa.

Attempting to evade the attack, Musa suffered a fatal stab wound to his neck from the first defendant’s sharp knife.

Subsequently, the assailants forcibly dragged him into their waiting tricycle, leaving Musa fatally injured. 

Despite prompt efforts, Ahmed Musa succumbed to his injuries upon arrival at the Murtala Muhammad Specialist Hospital Kano. 

Prosecutor Lamido Dinki built a compelling case with the testimony of five witnesses, establishing the culpability of the defendants.

The defence, under Ahmad Muhammad, presented the convicted individuals and an additional person, all of whom vehemently denied the charges. 

The defendants asserted they approached Musa for arrest based on a complaint lodged against him.

However, Justice Aboki, presiding over the case, expressed satisfaction with the prosecution’s evidence and praised the diligent work of Lamido Abba Soron Dinki.

“The prosecution has presented its case beyond reasonable doubt. I, hereby, sentence the five defendants to death by hanging,” declared Justice Aboki. 

This ruling sends a powerful message against extra-judicial violence, noting the court’s commitment to upholding justice and preserving the sanctity of human life.

By Aliyu Yakubu Yusuf

As the dust settled following thrilling first-round matches at the ongoing AFCON in Ivory Coast, here are the main talking points:

African football has dispelled the stereotype

Most football enthusiasts often malign African football as a turgid, dull, low-quality affair with little excitement, panache and flair. However, the ongoing edition of AFCON is anything but boring. There were plenty of genuinely entertaining and high-scoring games. So far, 89 goals have been scored in the 36 group-stage games. Some of the standout encounters include Equatorial Guinea’s 4-2 defeat of Guinea Bissau, Egypt’s trio of 2-2 draws against Mozambique, Ghana and Cape Verde; Angola’s and Cameroon’s pair of 3-2 wins over Mauritania and Gambia, respectively, as well as Ghana’s and Algeria 2-2 draws against Mozambique and Burkina Faso, respectively. Most of the games played have been filled with drama and excitement. Long may this continue.

Nigeria has not joined the party yet

For a country boasting arguably the best array of attacking players in the continent, it is shocking that the Super Eagles have managed to score a paltry three goals in 270 minutes of football. How the goals were scored makes it all the more disappointing: a fortuitous Victor Osimhen header, a Troost-Ekong penalty and an own goal. When you can call upon the likes of Osimhen, Onuachu, Chukweze, Lookman, Simon and Iheanacho, you expect to score a bucketful of goals regardless of the strength of the opposition. So far, this has yet to materialise for the Super Eagles. On the flip side, history has shown that international tournaments are often won by teams which start slowly and grow as the tournament progresses. Will the Super Eagles’ fortunes change in front of goal change in the knockout rounds? I hope so. 

Underdogs are writing their own stories

The group stage has thrown a lot of surprises to spectators. The biggest casualties are three former champions in Ghana, Algeria and Tunisia, who have already taken the first flights home with their tails firmly between their legs. While most of the continental giants have flattered to deceive, the relative minnows have managed to put their names on the continent’s footballing map. Cape Verde topped the pool, which contains illustrious names such as Egypt and Ghana. Equatorial Guinea finished ahead of the more fancied Nigeria and Ivory Coast. Mauritania defeated and finished ahead of former champions Algeria. And Namibia qualified to the next round at the expense of Tunisia. Undoubtedly, the tournament’s biggest and most impressive performance came from Equatorial Guinea, who recorded a resounding 4-0 mauling of the host, Ivory Coast. The sight of the disbelieving face of Didier Drogba and the distraught Ivorians will remain iconic for generations. 

Senegal are the team to beat

I think this doesn’t even need to be explained to anyone who follows the events of the last two weeks at the AFCON. The Teranga Lions are the only team to have qualified from their group with maximum points. They won all their games with a minimum of fuss. Their talisman, Sadio Mane, may be approaching the twilight of his career. Still, with the spine of Mendy in goal, Koulibaly and Diatta in defence and Gana-Gueye and Matar Sarr in midfield, the defending champions have all it takes to retain their trophy. Come the end of the tournament, Senegal will be there or thereabout.

West Africa rules the roost 

Half of the 16 nations still standing at the AFCON are from West Africa (Nigeria, Guinea, Cape Verde, Mauritania, Senegal, Ivory Coast, Mali and Burkina Faso). With the biggest threats in Egypt, Cameroon and Morocco looking quite vulnerable and easily beatable, the stage is set for West African countries to dominate the latter stages of the tournament. 

Aliyu Yakubu Yusuf wrote from Kano. He can be reached via aliyuyy@gmail.com. 

By Bilyamin Abdulmumin

The year 2023 has been marked by a series of tragedies, from the Tudun Biri bombing incidents and the tragic Jos massacre to the unsettling homicide of eight-year-old Ibrahim and the perplexing saga surrounding Yayu’s murder orchestrated by Chuchu.

 The airstrike mishaps that hit the faithful at Tudun Biri gathered to celebrate Maulud sent haunting echoes across the nation. Nigerian forces claimed it was a mistake. They mistook the Maulud gathering for terrorists. But wait, having carried out this kind of ‘mistake’ not once or twice, one question readily comes to mind: why does the army drone never mistake terrorists? 

Although the mishap is a national tragedy, there emerged a silver lining: uniting all Muslims, regardless of the sect, to not only condemn but pressure the government for compensation; in this regard, the Shia sect carried out a peaceful demonstration. Sheikh Dahiru Bauchi changed the community’s name after the incident from Tudun Biri to Tudun Maulud to commemorate the incident. At the same time, the rest of the public pressured the government at different levels to show serious commitment.  

National events like this serve as Mecca for political figures. So, all the 2023 presidential candidates took the opportunity to show concern one by one. President Bola Tinubu was represented by high-profile delegates, including the deputy president and Kaduna state governor, Peter Obi, who visited the injured- this gesture can go a long way to improve Obi’s sheer lack of appeal in North; of course, Kwankwaso was there, and Atiku didn’t only condemn but asked for prob. May the soul of the departed rest in Jannatul Firdaus

While the year was rounding off, another sad news mixed with surprise shook the internet. A lady named Hafsat Surajo murdered a man called Nafiu Hafizu in a highly complex manner. According to her, she killed him, a house boy, by police investigations after he had successfully stopped her from taking her life, but shockingly, she instead stabbed him to death. This revelation left so many questions at the lips of Nigerians, begging for answers:  how did he save her but could not save himself? And when in the process she gets small knife bruises, why rush to medics for treatment? How does someone who is at the point of ending his life become so concerned about a minor injury? But someone has the answer to this puzzle: he said since she has feigned mental illness, the mood usually swings, which means she can be mentally ill at the time of the killing but afterwards become normal.

Now, Hafsat side of the story alone. The next burning question is how an ex-lover could become a business partner on earth. Is an ex not usually defined as vindictive, and we see all sorts of unfriendly memes about them flooding social media?  Now, let’s throw reason in the air: after becoming a business partner, ending up as a house member would be unfathomable. There are more questions than answers to this saga.

One of the conclusions many drew was that the husband was utterly insensitive and not jealous of his family. Not only allow a business partner in his residence but also allow a ‘romantic relationship ‘with his wife to a foreigner, perhaps to give meaning to their account, they opted to call him a house boy. Let’s throw the logic into the air again and assume he missed all the signs and writings. He was the first to know about the incident; why conspire to hide it? The more you look, the less you see in this.

Plausible rumours had it that Hafizu was killed because he insisted on his plan to marry, which Hafsat was jealous about. Many ask if this is why they have to go to such lengths instead of divorcing their husband and marrying the love of their life choice. 

 One suspicious beget another, given the high level of romantic intimacy between them that surfaced on the internet, the public began to doubt the child’s actual father. To make matters worse or better, the child looked more like the deceased than the husband. This multidimensional saga threatens to dwarf all similar cases in the past. Which used to be between couples, like the case involving Bilyamin and Maryam Sanda, or unmarried lovers, like the case concerning a Chinese man and Ummita, but this case appears to be a combination of the two.

Bilyamin Abdulmumin is a doctoral researcher in chemical engineering at ABU Zaria.

By Sabiu Abdullahi 

The Nigeria Customs Command and Staff College (NCCSC) in Gwagwalada witnessed a significant event on January 23, 2024, as the Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, inaugurated the Senior Course 10 and Junior Course 18.

This inauguration marks a crucial step in shaping the career trajectories of the participating officers. 

Represented by the Deputy Comptroller-General in charge of Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC), Saidu Galadima, CGC Adeniyi encouraged the participants to seize the golden opportunity to enrich their careers within the Customs service.

He highlighted ongoing discussions with prestigious Nigerian universities for potential postgraduate degrees upon course completion, underscoring the importance of generating innovative ideas for the service’s transformation. 

“I encourage you to make positive impacts and view your facilitators as role models, aspiring to become like them in the future,” remarked the CG.

He further urged trainers to provide attentive support to participants in their studies and welfare matters, noting the importance of acquiring knowledge for propelling the service forward. 

DCG Saidu Galadima expressed confidence in the participants, assuring them of the CGC’s commitment to supporting any officer eager to enhance their capacity.

He stated that the participants would undoubtedly make the service proud as drivers of positive transformation. 

The Commandant of the Nigeria Customs Command and Staff College, Gwagwalada, Assistant Comptroller-General Kingsley Emeka, highlighted the critical role of the course in enabling participants to progress in their noble careers.

Emeka urged the officers to enhance their confidence and competence in areas such as revenue generation, trade facilitation, and national security. 

“The course is designed to develop your Command, leadership, and communication skills to effectively carry out your work in the service. These skills are essential to address challenges confronting modern Customs operations,” explained Emeka. 

He noted the College’s zero-tolerance policy for ineffectiveness and academic dishonesty, stating, “Only students found worthy in character, discipline, and learning are allowed to graduate, as the College strictly forbids academic dishonesty such as exam malpractice, misrepresentation of facts, and plagiarism.”

I would like to, first of all, congratulate you on your victory in the Supreme Court, which makes you nervous and suspenseful about the ruling. However, I wish to advise you based on the Kano people and beyond trust and a soft spot for you that made them vote for you never to disappoint them—for you will regret doing so eventually.

In the past and even now, many individuals have said that the politics of godfatherism are what may likely make you disappoint those you govern. Still, I am sure you will have them buried in their heads like bloody cow carcasses—I mean, the people saying that the politics of godfatherism is what may ultimately break you.

Abba, always remember the show of love and solidarity that the electorate displayed for you, even from those in other states of the country. Put that in the back of your mind so that whatever you do, you will consider it.

Sir, no one can deny that you have a passion for impartial leadership. This passion has been the driving force behind the people confiding in you from 2019 to 2023 when you were elected as the executive governor of Kano State.

Sir. Yusuf, you have demonstrated that you have a good blueprint for the common people of Kano State. This fact is undeniable for Kano residents and the whole country in general. Nevertheless, you started reviving what Kano lost, ranging from educational reform to agricultural development to health care, and so forth, with a clear mind—never back down, please.

Therefore, don’t allow yourself to be brainwashed by those who don’t have the state at heart but rather their narrow personal interests. People worldwide prayed and wished you well from the start of your political endeavours to where you are, so never make them regret their confidence in you.

I wish you all the very best in all your administrations.

Mallam Musbahu Magayaki writes from Sabon Fegi, Azare, Bauchi State. He can be reached via musbahumuhammad258@gmail.com.

By Wonderful Adegoke

Having recently graduated from Adekunle Ajasin University Ondo State (AAUA) as the best student from the Faculty of Science, Ademujimi Bukola has demonstrated tremendous commitment and perseverance. Despite coming from humble beginnings, the Irele-born Ondo indigenous group has overcome numerous challenges to reach this milestone. From financial hardship to family obligations, she has had to overcome many obstacles to achieve her success.

Persuaded by her parents, Bukola accepted her fate of schooling at Adekunle Ajasin University, though against her initial dream of studying Nursing Science at the University of Port-Harcourt (UNIPORT), which was duly opposed due to the travelling distance.

“Initially, I didn’t plan to study microbiology because it sounded strange throughout my secondary school days. However, my UTME score was enough to study Nursing Science at UNIPORT. I put in for UNIPORT but was compelled to change my Institution to AAUA and pick one of their best courses. As it’s widely believed that microbiology and biochemistry are the best science courses in AAUA,” Bukola revealed.

Born into a Christian family without a silver spoon, Hers was a Grass to Grace story, as she wasn’t relieved of support from her happy and supportive family. Over time, her love for microbiology rekindled.

Beaming with smiles, the graduand with a CGPA of 4.84, coupled with an aesthetic feeling, described hers as ‘Joy at last’. “It wasn’t actually easy,” she recalled.

Recalling her 100-level days with a cumulative GPA of 4.56 was enough to gear her. She proposed to keep the energy rolling. “Though, I didn’t want to choose microbiology. I believe that whatever is worth doing is worth doing well.  I had initially worked towards a 4.0 when I discovered my roommate was on a 3.9 scale. But, I was motivated when our 100-level first semester results were released, and I was on a 4.56 scale. After getting Cs in two courses during my early days in AAUA, I promised never to get a C. My background inclusive motivated me to study hard,”  she added.

Despite facing financial challenges, she wasn’t deterred, as this ignited her resilience for greater inputs.

“Mine was a sweet, sad experience. It was so challenging. I lived on #500 for a week several times,” Bukola recounted.

An ardent believer in hard work, her inputs weren’t relinquished by strict policies – the marking scheme of lecturers inclusive, as acclaimed by several students.

“I study when it’s convenient for me. As soon as I get the course outline, I study it and do my research. Previous readings helped me a lot. I don’t wait until a test or exam is coming up – by Saturday, I make sure I’ve gone over all the material we covered during the week so I’m prepared for any impromptu test. I made friends with like-minded colleagues. I belong to a group widely recognised in the department – ‘Emerging scholars’. We, the group members, share knowledge, teaching and coaching ourselves. Though I’m not social, I got involved in spiritual activities.

I am competitive by nature. Before each class, I ask my senior classmates about our lecturers. We’re fortunate to have some of the best lecturers in our department. I study each lecturer, learn their quirks and habits, and tailor my approach to match their preferences. During exams, I choose the most comprehensive questions, as I believe this is the best way to demonstrate my understanding of the material. I strive for perfection, and ‘A’ is my goal. A grade of ‘C’ is unacceptable to me – it’s the same as failing a course. In my first semester of 100-level, I got a ‘C’ in a course, and in SIWES 308, my second semester of 300-level. While I protested, the university was unresponsive,” she said.

She doubled as the best in Microbiology in the 2020/2021 academic session and elucidated winning strategies for students aspiring to such feats.

“Trust God, know yourself and study your lecturers. Ask questions from like-minded senior colleagues. You can do more than anyone has ever done,” she advised.

Bukola, the prodigious microbiologist, isn’t only committed to impact through the knowledge gained within the four campus walls. She’s also committed to ensuring gender equality in her future endeavours.

“Though, I’ve been given a lecturing offer. I’ll use this to impact society with the knowledge gained. I intend to also specialise in food and industries, an aspect of microbiology. I equally intend to establish a non-governmental organisation (Equicare foundation) that’ll impact the society, specifically 100 and 200-level students,” she concluded.

Wonderful Adegoke wrote via wonderadegoke@gmail.com.

By Sabiu Abdullahi 

Plateau State witnessed a night of terror as Kwahaslalek village in Mangu Local Government Area fell prey to a savage attack by gunmen in the early hours of Wednesday.

Shockingly, over 30 lives were claimed, with the majority being women and children who had sought refuge in the house of a community leader following earlier unrest. 

Mark Haruna, a local community leader, revealed the details, noting the calculated nature of the assault during a distraction in Mangu town.

He somberly stated, “For the second time, my village Kwahaslalek came under attack… They came at about 12:30 am and killed over 25 people, mostly women and children.” 

Joseph Gwankat, Chairman of the Mwaghavul Development Association, condemned the heartless act, narrating the ordeal of villagers who, in a bid for safety, had gathered in one location only to face brutality.

Gwankat expressed disbelief at the absence of security, saying, “How can people who are in their villages be targets of constant attacks and killings without anything being done to stop the perpetrators?” 

In response to the escalating crisis, Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang imposed a 24-hour curfew on Mangu LGA on Tuesday.

This decision comes in the wake of heightened insecurity, including the Christmas Eve attacks that left over 150 dead in various local government areas. 

The state police command, through spokesman Alabo Alfred, claimed to be unaware of the incident, promising an investigation.

As Plateau State grapples with the aftermath of these brutal attacks, the community remains on edge, haunted by the recurrent violence that continues to plague its villages.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The National President of the Customs Officers’ Wives Association (COWA), Mrs. Kikelomo Adeniyi, led a momentous launch of the COWA Secretariat on Monday, January 22, 2024, at Federal Housing Estate, Gwarinpa, Abuja. 

According to a statement released by NCS spokesperson, Abdullahi Aliyu Maiwadah, on Tuesday, the inauguration of the National Secretariat was graced by the esteemed presence of COWA’s founder, Mrs. Prisca Nwadialo, and A’ishatu Sadiya Dikko Inde, the second National President, who played a pivotal role in establishing Association Chapters across the Federation. 

The event brought together Presidents of Officers’ Wives Associations from various security agencies in Nigeria, showcasing the unity and strength within the organisation. 

Mrs. Kikelomo Adeniyi, in her address, expressed gratitude to the participants and recognised the invaluable contributions of the pioneer presidents, Mrs. Prisca Nwadialo and A’ishatu Sadiya Dikko Inde, who laid the foundation in 2009. 

Acknowledging the unwavering support of her husband, CGC Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, and the Customs Management Team, Mrs.

Kikelomo stated how this support has been a driving force behind COWA’s initiatives. These initiatives are carefully designed to enhance the lives of their members, focusing on women-centric programmes. 

Deputy Comptroller-General Festus Okun, representing the Comptroller-General at the event, commended COWA for its commitment to supporting and empowering women.

He regarded the launch of the National Secretariat as a testament to President Kikelomo’s focused leadership, assuring continued support from the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR.