News

By Uzair Adam

The Jigawa State Police Command has confirmed that nine people were killed and four others injured following a violent clash between communities in the state on Friday.

The incident, which occurred in Gululu village, Miga Local Government Area, reportedly began when a group of individuals suspected to be Fulani broke into a shop and stole hibiscus and other provisions.

According to the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Shi’isu Adam, the villagers (Hausawa) traced the suspects’ footprints to a Fulani settlement in Yankunama village, Jahun Local Government Area.

Upon confrontation, the Fulani community allegedly attacked the villagers with bows and arrows, injuring four people.

The altercation escalated as the villagers retaliated, burning houses in various locations across Miga and Jahun LGAs.

Adam stated that police teams from the Miga and Jahun Divisions intervened to restore peace, recovering nine bodies from the scene.

The victims’ remains were taken to hospitals in Jahun and Miga, where medical personnel confirmed the deaths.

The state Commissioner of Police, A.T. Abdullahi, along with other senior officers, visited the affected areas to assess the situation and ensure calm.

Community leaders, including district heads, vigilantes, and representatives of Miyetti Allah, held an emergency meeting to address the crisis and prevent further violence.

SP Shi’isu Adam assured the public that the situation is now under control and that an investigation is ongoing to apprehend those responsible.

By Ishaka Mohamed

Edge Research Services Ltd has stopped accepting job applications just within 24 hours after advertising vacancies for data collectors across Nigeria.

The firm had called for applications on Thursday, January 2, 2025, and set January 20 as the deadline. However, an update by its LinkedIn handle in the early hours of January 4 declared the window closed after receiving over 2,000 applications.

Part of the statement reads: “WOW! We’re overwhelmed with gratitude! A huge thank you to everyone who commented, shared, and applied! We received over 2,000 applications in just 24 hours!”

After expressing gratitude and surprise, the firm stated its resolve to review only the applications received. “Due to this incredible response, we’re closing the job advert earlier than planned. Our recruitment team will now focus on reviewing applications and selecting the best fit…”

Edge Research Services Ltd, headquartered in Lagos and with a field office in Kano, Nigeria, is a data collection, research, and evaluation firm that offers qualitative and quantitative research services in sub-Saharan Africa.

It’s noteworthy that this is not the first time Nigerians’ interest in jobs has shocked an employer. A recent example was when the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd) application portal glitched just a few hours after calling for applications. “Due to unprecedented traffic to the NNPC Ltd. career page from applicants applying for vacancies, the site is currently experiencing slow load times,” the company said in a statement.

While scrolling through social media, I stumbled upon a rejoinder to my article published in Daily Trust on January 2, 2025, titled “N20,000 Empowerment: Senator Bomai, You Can Do Better.” The rejoinder, written by Abubakar MB Tamana from Potiskum, appeared on January 3, 2025, and sought to counter my assertions. Tamana argued, rather boldly and shamelessly, that the N20,000 distributed to constituents was not part of Senator Bomai’s empowerment program. Such a claim is misleading and lacks credibility, especially when viewed in light of Senator Bomai’s media team’s own statements. The team explicitly described the distribution as part of the senator’s efforts to empower 1,800 youths across APC branches in Yobe South, labeling it a commendable initiative aimed at addressing youth unemployment and supporting economic growth.

This statement from Senator Bomai’s media team is unequivocal, leaving no doubt that the N20,000 was indeed presented as part of his empowerment scheme. Yet, one cannot help but question the sincerity and effectiveness of such a gesture. Is a one-time distribution of N20,000 to jobless youths, most of whom are educated and have graduated from higher institutions, a genuine attempt at empowerment? This paltry sum barely scratches the surface of the socioeconomic challenges faced by the people of Yobe South. It is not enough to claim to be empowering the youth; the efforts must be meaningful and impactful enough to make a tangible impact on their lives. Unfortunately, Senator Bomai’s tokenistic approach falls woefully short of the mark.

The people of Yobe South are not ignorant of the opportunities available to their representatives through the Zonal Intervention Projects (ZIPs). These projects allow senators to allocate significant funds—often exceeding N600 million annually—for impactful programs such as skill acquisition training, provision of motorcycles, or other community-focused initiatives. Under President Tinubu’s administration, these allocations were even increased by 50%, further expanding the scope for developmental interventions. The glaring issue here is whether Senator Bomai has chosen to ignore these opportunities or simply lacks the vision and commitment to execute programs that would genuinely uplift his constituents. Since assuming office in 2019, Senator Bomai has yet to introduce a single substantial initiative that addresses the pressing needs of the people of Yobe South.

To put it bluntly, other senators have demonstrated what meaningful empowerment looks like. For instance, on January 3, Daily Trust reported that Senator Ahmed Ibrahim Lawan, the 9th President of the Senate, distributed N250,000 each to 400 small-scale business owners in Yobe North, totaling N100 million. This initiative was designed to revitalize the local economy and provide a sustainable foundation for small businesses to thrive. Similarly, just last week, Deputy Senate President Senator Barau Jibrin sponsored 70 students from Kano for postgraduate studies in India. This program not only supports education but also ensures that the beneficiaries acquire advanced skills that can contribute to national development. These are examples of impactful and far-reaching empowerment programs that go beyond mere handouts and focus on building capacity, creating opportunities, and fostering long-term growth.

Senator Bomai’s approach, on the other hand, leaves much to be desired. The distribution of N20,000 to jobless graduates and other struggling individuals is not empowerment; it is, at best, a temporary relief and, at worst, an insult to their intelligence and dignity. The youth of Yobe South deserve better than this tokenism. They need programs that address their specific challenges—be it through skill acquisition, job creation, entrepreneurship support, or educational sponsorships. There is an urgent need for the senator to prioritize the welfare of his constituents and leverage the resources at his disposal to implement impactful initiatives.

It is high time Senator Bomai opened his ears to the cries of his people and took decisive action to address their needs. The unemployment crisis among graduates, the lack of support for small-scale businesses, and the absence of sustainable economic opportunities in Yobe South demand immediate and meaningful intervention. The era of token gestures and empty rhetoric must come to an end. If Senator Bomai truly wishes to be remembered as a leader who cared for his people, he must rise to the occasion and deliver the kind of empowerment that makes a lasting difference in the lives of his constituents. Anything less would be a disservice to the people he claims to represent.

Kasim Isa Muhammad, an investigative journalist, wrote from Potiskum, Yobe State.

By Uzair Adam

The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has debunked allegations circulating on social media, claiming a senior officer was arrested for supplying firearms to criminals in Kaduna State.

The claim, attributed to Adamu Garba Zango, a lecturer at Baze University, accused a Deputy Commissioner of Police in Kaduna of involvement in criminal activities.

However, in a statement issued by the Force Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, and shared on X (formerly Twitter) on Friday, the NPF dismissed the allegations as baseless and misleading.

The statement clarified that the individual mentioned in the allegation is not a police officer but Kingsley Udoyen, a civilian arrested in Akwa Ibom State in January 2019 for impersonating an Assistant Commissioner of Police.

Udoyen reportedly used fake police insignia and an unlicensed pistol to intimidate and defraud victims.

“The photograph shared by Mr. Zango dates back to 2019 and depicts Udoyen, not a Deputy Commissioner of Police in Kaduna,” the statement read.

“Investigations reveal no connection between the Kaduna State Command and the claims made by the lecturer. This deliberate misinformation seeks to tarnish the Force’s reputation and mislead the public.”

The NPF strongly condemned the dissemination of false information, highlighting that such acts violate defamation and cybercrime laws. The Force warned that legal actions could be pursued against those spreading unverified claims.

“We urge Nigerians to rely on official communication channels for accurate updates and to avoid actions that undermine public trust and safety,” Adejobi stated.

By Anwar Usman

Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, has announced that the state government will subsidise the cost of premium motor spirit otherwise known as petrol to N600 per litre for farmers in communities affected by Boko Haram insurgency.

This was made known in a statement on Saturday by the governor’s Senior Special Assistant on New media, Abdulrahman Bundi, said Zulum announced the subsidy on Friday evening during the flagged-off distribution of farm inputs to over 5,000 farmers displaced by Boko Haram insurgents in Bama town.

He said a litre of petrol sold between N1,000 and N1,200 in Maiduguri will be subsidised to the farmers for N600.

“This is aimed at eradicating the financial burdens faced by farmers in communities that have suffered economic and infrastructural destruction due to years of conflict.

“One of the major challenges that are facing the farming communities here as regards irrigation farming is the increasing cost of fuel. As a result, I want to announce to the general public that the government will procure petroleum products and sell them to the farmers at a subsidised rate. A litre of petrol is being sold in Maiduguri at the cost of about N1,200, but inshallah, henceforth, for irrigation farmers this season, a litre of petrol will be sold at the rate of N600.

“The Commissioner for Agriculture will coalesce with the Brigade Commander to ensure the delivery of the petroleum products to farmers in Bama town as soon as possible,” he quoted the governor.

He said Zulum distributed farm inputs, including 2000 bags of blended NPK fertiliser, 1000 units of water pumps, and 620 units of gasoline pumps.

According to him, other materials include 380 units of solar water pumps, 1000 units of sprayers, 800 rolls of 2-inch flexible hoses, and 1000 litres of pesticides and seeds, among other items.

“Zulum expressed gratitude to the federal government for the tremendous support of his administration’s effort in reconstructing and resettling communities affected by insurgency”. He stated.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Area II Command, Onne, has concluded the year 2024 with exceptional accomplishments, surpassing its revenue target and achieving significant successes in its anti-smuggling operations.

Speaking at a press briefing on Tuesday, December 31, 2024, Comptroller Mohammed Babandede, the Customs Area Controller (CAC), stated the Command’s achievements over the past year.

“I am pleased to inform you that the Nigeria Customs Service, Area II Command, Onne, has recorded another remarkable achievement in our ongoing battle against smuggling and illicit trade,” he stated.

The Command’s anti-smuggling efforts led to the seizure of 12 40-foot containers of illicit medicines, underscoring their commitment to protecting public health and enforcing Nigeria’s import regulations.

Comptroller Babandede elaborated, “Our vigilant officers and men have successfully intercepted and seized an additional 12 containers (40 feet) of illicit medicine. This is a testament to our unwavering commitment to safeguard public health, ensuring the security of our nation and compliance with Nigeria’s import regulations.”

A detailed breakdown of the seized items includes:1,721,000 bottles of 100ml Cough Syrup Codeine510,000 tablets of 50mg Extra Diclofenac7,100,000 tablets of 225mg Royal Apple Tramadol and Tramaking3,461 pieces of sanitary ware fittings used for concealment840 pieces of chilly cutters used for concealment153 cartons of TVS rubber, all with a Duty Paid Value (DPV) of ₦20.31 billion.

In terms of revenue, the Command generated ₦634 billion, exceeding its annual target of ₦618 billion by 3%. Comptroller Babandede stated, “I am glad to inform you that as of this morning, the Command, with the aid of stakeholder engagement, synergy, collaboration, and intelligence sharing, has surpassed the target given by generating a total revenue of ₦634 billion Naira.

“The Command also recorded significant successes in anti-smuggling operations, confiscating 76 containers of contraband, including arms, ammunition, illicit medicines, and other prohibited items, with a DPV of ₦150.87 billion.Comptroller Babandede expressed gratitude to the Comptroller General of Customs (CGC), Adewale Adeniyi, for his unwavering support, which has enhanced the morale of officers.

“Let me use this opportunity to especially appreciate the CGC, who in September this year promised to reward Officers and men of the Command for the role they played in the interception of 844 units of rifles and 112,500 pieces of live ammunition. In keeping his promise, a total of eight officers of the Command were given special promotions,” he revealed.

As the Command looks forward to 2025, Comptroller Babandede reiterated the benefits of sustained stakeholder engagement and collaborative efforts to build on the year’s successes.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

Lawal Adamu Usman, popularly known as Mr. La, the senator representing Kaduna Central Senatorial District, has reportedly survived an alleged assassination attempt.

Usman, a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and a prominent opposition figure, confirmed the incident via his verified Facebook account late Wednesday night.

The senator, elected to the Senate in 2023, did not provide detailed information about the circumstances surrounding the alleged attack.

In his statement, Senator Usman said, “I just escaped an assassination attempt by some thugs in Kaduna Central.”

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

The Chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum and Governor of Bauchi State, Bala A. Mohammed, has advised the President not to display arrogance and instead listen to the people’s opinions about the negative effects of tax policies.

The governor noted that if the proposed tax laws are passed, they could pose a threat to the development of local governments and states.

Mohammed criticized Tinubu’s stance on the tax laws, calling them “undemocratic.”

He stated that even military rulers would listen to the people and address their problems.

He also condemned Tinubu’s tax policies before the National Assembly, and stated that they were designed to favor one region over another.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

The arrest of a former Kaduna Commissioner of Finance and Local Governments, Mohammed Bashir Sa’idu by the Police over alleged money laundering, criminal breach of trust, and misappropriation of public funds has been confirmed.

A security source confirmed to The Nation a petition received by the Police accused Sa’idu of laundering N3.96 billion and misappropriating N244 million during his tenure in the Kaduna State government between 2015 and 2023.

The allegations include the sale of $45 million in state-owned foreign currency at an undervalued exchange rate of N410 per dollar instead of the parallel market rate of N498 per dollar, causing a loss of over N3.96 billion to the government.

The source said this transaction breaches Section 18 of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.Sa’idu is also accused of failing to account for proceeds from the sale of government houses in Marafa Estate, Kaduna, amounting to approximately N244 million.

This constitutes a breach of trust under Section 300 of the Penal Code of Kaduna State, 2017.

Reports indicate the Kaduna Assembly previously investigated Sa’idu’s financial dealings and forwarded its findings to anti-corruption agencies, including the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).

As part of the investigation, Sa’idu’s international passport has been seized.Critics have attempted to frame the arrest as politically motivated, claiming it was orchestrated through Operation Fushin Kada, a unit established to combat banditry.

However, the police have dismissed these claims, emphasizing that the arrest is based on credible allegations of financial crimes.

Sa’idu, who served in various capacities in Kaduna State, including as Chief of Staff and Commissioner of Finance, remains in detention as investigations continue.

By Anwar Usman

Kano state Governor, Abba Yusuf of has extended warm and heartfelt New Year greetings to the people of the state within and outside the state including those in the diaspora.

He expressed optimism that 2025 would be a brighter and more prosperous year.This was contained in a statement signed by the governor’s spokesman, Sunusi Tofa on Wednesday.

In his message, the governor appreciated the resilience and patience of Kano residents in navigating the challenges of 2024 and reassured them of his unwavering commitment to delivering meaningful progress and development in 2025.

The governor, in the statement was quoted saying “Happy New Year to the good people of Kano State. May 2025 bring us peace, prosperity, and more unity”.

While pledging to work tirelessly to improve the lives of every citizen of the state, Yusuf said his administration had made significant efforts to ensure the timely approval of the 2025 budget, describing it as a critical step toward accelerating development across the state.

With the budget now in place, the governor expressed confidence that Kano would witness remarkable improvements in infrastructure, healthcare, education, and agriculture in the year ahead.

He also reiterated his administration’s commitment to empowering youth and women through skills acquisition initiatives and increased access to credit for small and medium-sized businesses.

The governor called on the people of Kano to remain united and supportive of the government’s vision for progress.