News

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 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.

By Sabiu Abdullahi 

Troops of Operation Hadarin Daji were ambushed by terrorists in Bachaka Kurya Forest, Gudu Local Government Area, Sokoto State, resulting in the loss of four military personnel. 

Major General Edward Buba, Director of Defence Media Operations, confirmed the incident in a statement released in Abuja, stating, “The ambush took place near the Nigeria-Niger border.

In the ensuing firefight, several terrorists were killed, and troops recovered weapons and ammunition.” The military authorities identified the perpetrators as a terror group from Niger Republic known as Lakurawa. 

“The corpses of the killed terrorist reveal that it was perpetrated by a terror group from Niger Republic known as Lakurawa. Sadly, 4 of our personnel were killed in the encounter,” the statement added. 

The military has vowed to pursue the remaining members of the terror group, who escaped into Niger Republic.

“Troops are however in pursuit to find and destroy the terrorist,” the statement concluded.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

The NNPC Limited has released its 2023 Audited Financial Statement (AFS), declaring a net profit of N3.297 trillion at the close of the financial year which ended in December 2023, an increase of over N700 billion (28%) when compared to the 2022 profit of N2.548 trillion.

In a world press conference held at the NNPC Towers in Abuja on Monday, the Chief Financial Officer of the Company, Mr.

Umar Ajiya said the release of the AFS is a testament to the Company’s commitment to transparency and accountability.

“Our fiscal performance reflects both strategic foresight and operational resilience. Despite inherent challenges of our operational and economic environment, we have improved the productivity and the financial performance of this great company,” Ajiya stated.

Ajiya added that posting such impressive returns demonstrates NNPC Ltd’s commitment to sustaining profitability and supporting the attainment of national energy security as stipulated by the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021, and by extension, as expected by the Company’s shareholders.

Explaining that the NNPC Ltd. will announce its Initial Public offer (IPO) once the shareholders and Board make a decision, he also debunked claims on subsidy payment, saying the Company was only taking care of PMS importation shortfall between it and the Federation.

Speaking earlier at the press conference, the Chairman of the NNPC Ltd. Board, Chief Pius Akinyelure said that the excellent performance came as the fruit of the PIA 2021, and the commitment of the Board, Management and staff of the company.

Akinyelure added that the shareholders of the company have since approved a final dividend of N2.1trn in line with PIA 2021 provisions.In her remarks at the briefing, the Executive Vice President, Upstream, Mrs.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

In a move that contradicts previous government denials, President Bola Tinubu has approved a plan to redirect dividends owed to the federation to cover the cost of petrol subsidies.

This is contained in a report released by BusinessDay. 

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited will utilise the 2023 final dividends to offset subsidy expenses, with the president also suspending 2024 interim dividends to bolster the company’s finances.

The NNPC had warned that subsidy payments have severely impacted its ability to contribute taxes and royalties to the federation account. 

Internal forecasts indicate that petrol subsidy expenses from August 2023 to December 2024 will total N6.884 trillion, resulting in a shortfall of N3.987 trillion in taxes and royalties owed to the federation account.

The exact dividend amount affected by this decision remains undisclosed.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, and the Corps Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Corps, Shehu Muhammad, co-led a 5km walk on Saturday, August 17, 2024, to strengthen collaboration and promote work-life balance between the two agencies. 

The walk, tagged “Work-Life Balance,” started at the FRSC Headquarters and traversed Herbert Macaulay Way to the Wuse Market traffic light, before returning to the FRSC Headquarters via Maputo Street. 

CGC Adeniyi expressed determination to enhance inter-agency collaboration, particularly in curbing smuggled vehicles on Nigerian roads.

He stated the importance of fostering a spirit of friendship and brotherhood among security agencies. 

Corps Marshal Muhammad believed that organizing social activities and exercises between sister security agencies could be key to building a prosperous nation.

He expressed appreciation for CGC Adeniyi’s attendance and noted that the NCS has been a solid partner to the FRSC on several occasions. 

Both leaders agreed to continue the monthly exercise to improve health and well-being, and to explore ways to work together to achieve their mandates.