News

Sanusi cautions Kano youths against retaliatory attacks over Edo killings 

By Uzair Adam 

The 16th Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, has urged youths in the state to refrain from retaliatory attacks following the killing of 16 northern travelers in Edo State.  

Speaking after leading the two-rakat Eid-el-Fitr prayer at the Kofar Mata Eid ground, the former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) warned against taking the law into their own hands, emphasizing the need for peace and order.  

“We received reports that some youths in certain areas are planning to carry out reprisal attacks after the Eid prayers. We strongly urge them not to do so,” Sanusi stated.  

He called on authorities to act swiftly in ensuring justice for the victims, stressing that an investigation should be conducted to bring the perpetrators to justice.  

Similarly, the 15th Emir of Kano, Aminu Ado Bayero, also appealed for prompt action, urging relevant authorities to ensure that those responsible for the killings are held accountable.  

Meanwhile, Kano State Governor Abba Yusuf, alongside his deputy, Comrade Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo, and other government officials, joined worshippers in observing the Eid prayers.  

Sanusi further reminded the Muslim faithful to uphold the lessons of Ramadan and avoid returning to acts of wrongdoing.

Breaking: New moon of Shawwal sighted in Nigeria—Sultan

By Uzair Adam

The Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, has announced the sighting of the new moon of Shawwal in Nigeria, signalling the end of Ramadan.

The Daily Reality reports that Sultan announced this shortly in a broadcast in Sokoto, on Saturday.

He was qouted to have said,”Today 29th day of March,2025 equivalent to 29th day of Ramadan 1446AH.

“Today 29th day of Ramadan, we received reports from various Muslims leaders and organisations, such as Shehu of Borno, Emir of Dutse, Emir of Argungun, Emir of Daura and also the leadership of JIBWIS in Jos of the sighting of the new moon 1446AH, therefore tomorrow, 30th March, makes it 1st of Shawwal 1446AH and also the Eid-el-Fitr,” he added.

Police falsify reports of Kano killings

By Anwar Usman

The Kano State Police Command has dismissed a false social media reports claiming an attack on an 18-seater passenger bus in Kano.

This was revealed in a statement issued by the Command’s spokesperson, SP Abdullahi Kiyawa, in Kano on Saturday.

Kiyawa said this report was entirely false and misleading.

“The police command reaffirms its commitment to maintaining law and order, ensuring the safety and security of all residents, and promoting harmony among diverse communities.

“An investigation is currently underway to uncover the source of this fake news, and those responsible will face consequences for their actions.

“The command urges the public to disregard this fake news and refrain from spreading unverified information that can cause harm, panic and unrest in society,” he stated.

FRSC deploys 1,889 personnel for sallah special patrol in Kano

By Uzair Adam

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) Kano Sector Command has deployed 1,889 personnel for a special Eid-el-Fitr patrol operation aimed at ensuring smooth vehicular movement and safety on highways.

The Sector Commander, Ibrahim Abdullahi Matazu, stated that the operation, scheduled to run from March 27 to April 2, includes 1,348 regular marshals and 541 special marshals.

The Daily Reality reports that their duties will include traffic control, enforcement of road safety regulations, and providing immediate assistance to accident victims.

Matazu urged motorists to adhere to traffic rules, warning against reckless driving, underage driving, and car racing during the festive period.

“The FRSC Kano Sector Command wishes the good people of the state a peaceful and hitch-free Sallah celebration,” he said.

Police arrest 30 over killing of northern travelers in Edo

By Uzair Adam 

The Edo State Police Command has arrested over 30 suspects in connection with the brutal killing of 16 northern travelers and the burning of their truck in Udune Efandion.  

The Daily Reality reports that the attack occurred on Thursday along the Uromi/Obajana Expressway.  

Confirming the arrests in a statement on Friday in Benin, the command’s Public Relations Officer, CSP Moses Yamu, condemned the killings and assured that justice would be served.  

Yamu stated that the police were committed to ensuring justice for the victims and that no stone would be left unturned in the ongoing investigation.  

He revealed that a truck carrying 25 travelers from Elele, Rivers State, was intercepted by a vigilante group in Uromi. 

During the stop, some travelers were reportedly found in possession of locally made dane guns, raising suspicion among the vigilantes.  

“While this was ongoing, some vigilante members raised an alarm, claiming the travelers were suspected kidnappers. 

This led some community members and passers-by to attack and lynch 16 occupants. The truck conveying them was also set on fire,” Yamu said.  

Police operatives from the Uromi Division swiftly responded to the scene and managed to rescue ten of the travelers, two of whom sustained injuries. 

The injured victims were taken to a hospital and are currently responding to treatment.  

“In the course of investigations, 14 suspects have been arrested in connection with the crime. An emergency meeting was also convened with stakeholders and community members,” Yamu added.  

Meanwhile, a unit of the Police Mobile Force and other tactical teams have been deployed to the area to prevent further violence.  

The Commissioner of Police in Edo, Betty Otimenyin, urged residents to remain calm and cooperate with law enforcement while cautioning against reprisal attacks or unlawful gatherings that could escalate tensions.

Atiku condemns killings of Hausa hunters in Edo State, calls for justice

By Hadiza Abdulkadir

Nigerians, particularly in the northern region, mourn the tragic killing of several Hausa hunters traveling from Port Harcourt to Kano. The incident sparks an outcry on social media.

Atiku Abubakar, the former vice president and PDP presidential candidate, extended his condolences to the families of the victims and urged a comprehensive and impartial investigation.

“We must protect innocent lives,” he stated, urging authorities to act swiftly to prevent future incidents of jungle justice. 

Abubakar called for public confidence in security institutions, insisting that justice must be done and seen to be done. The community awaits action in the wake of this horrific event.

16 travelers burnt alive in Edo, Amnesty International demands probe

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

Amnesty International has called for an immediate and transparent investigation into the brutal lynching of at least 16 travelers in Uromi, Edo State.

The victims, who were hunters traveling from Rivers State to Kano to celebrate Eid with their families, were attacked by a vigilante group and armed youths on Tuesday.

According to reports, the victims’ vehicle was blocked, and they were dragged out one by one, beaten, tied to used tires, doused with petrol, and set ablaze.

Disturbing videos of the incident show the victims pleading for mercy while onlookers cheered as the attackers used axes, iron rods, and machetes.

Amnesty International condemned the killings, urging Nigerian authorities to go beyond mere condemnation and ensure the perpetrators are arrested and prosecuted.

The rights group noted that the failure to punish mob violence has emboldened vigilantes to take the law into their own hands.

This incident is part of a rising trend of highway attacks by vigilante groups in rural areas, often carried out with impunity.

Amnesty International stressed that the government must take decisive action to prevent such violence, equip secure justice for victims.

The Nigerian police have yet to issue a detailed statement on arrests or ongoing investigations.

Reno Omokri condemns killing of 16 Northerners in Edo, calls for justice

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Prominent political analyst and former presidential aide, Reno Omokri, has condemned the brutal killing of 16 northerners who were reportedly burnt alive in Edo State while traveling for Sallah.

In a statement issued on March 28, 2025, Omokri described the attack as an act of “jungle justice” and called on the Edo State Government to take immediate action in ensuring that those responsible are brought to justice.”

This incident has saddened my day and blighted the outlook for a happy Sallah. Under no circumstances was what happened defensible or permissible,” he said.

Omokri stressed that the swift prosecution of the perpetrators would send a strong message that all Nigerian lives matter, regardless of region or ethnicity.

He urged northerners to remain calm while the Edo State Government takes necessary steps, expressing confidence that the Federal Government, under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, would intervene if necessary.

“I urge Mutanen Arewa to please exercise restraint as we give room and time for the Edo State Government to do the needful,” he appealed.

He also challenged public figures who are vocal about attacks in northern Nigeria but remain silent when similar incidents occur elsewhere to speak up and demand justice.

“My condolences to the families of those affected by this injustice. And I especially commiserate with the government and people of whatever states they originated from,” Omokri stated.

The gruesome killings have sparked national outrage, with many calling for urgent measures to address rising tensions and ensure the safety of all citizens.

The Edo State Government is yet to issue an official statement on the matter.

Israeli soldier reveals he was ordered to use Palestinians as human shields in Gaza

By Muhammad Sulaiman

An Israeli soldier has told CBS News that he was ordered to use Palestinian civilians as human shields during military operations in Gaza. 

The soldier, identified by CBS as “Tommy” (not his real name), detailed how his unit was instructed to force civilians into dangerous situations to protect Israeli troops.

“We’ve burned down buildings for no reasons, which is violating the international law, of course,” he told CBS News. “…And we used human shields as protection.”

Tommy said his commander ordered his unit to use Gazan civilians to search buildings for explosives instead of dogs.

“They were Palestinian,” he said. “We sent them in first to see if the building was clear and check for booby traps…They were trembling and shaking.”

The allegations add to growing concerns over Israel’s conduct in its ongoing military campaign in Gaza. Human rights organizations have long accused the Israeli military of violating international law, including the use of civilians in combat zones.

The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have denied such practices, insisting that they operate within legal and ethical guidelines. However, Tommy’s testimony raises serious questions about Israel’s adherence to international humanitarian law.