Kaduna State

By Suleiman Usman Yusuf

In view of the recent surge in car thefts across Kaduna State, particularly along Isa Kaita Road from the evening hours onward, it has become necessary to raise public awareness and caution all vehicle owners.

A few days ago, a brother of mine, who is a senior military officer, visited Kaduna and stopped at Corporate Plaza on Isa Kaita Road to run a few errands. Unfortunately, his car, a Pontiac Vibe, was stolen within minutes of parking it around 8:00 p.m.

Shockingly, his younger brother had experienced a similar incident some months earlier at almost the exact location (near Video Max) around 8:30 p.m., when his Toyota Corolla was stolen barely three minutes after stopping to buy shawarma.

About two months ago, I was on the same street around 9:00 p.m. and met a man whose Honda EOD had just been stolen moments before I arrived. While we were still discussing the issue, another person joined and narrated how two cars had been stolen along the same street not long before.

Sadly, this problem is not limited to Isa Kaita Road alone. Other incidents have occurred across Kaduna Metropolis. For instance, about a year ago, one of my elders had his Honda Civic stolen at Sultan Bello Mosque during Friday prayers. Around the same time, my uncle’s Toyota was also stolen at the Dan Fodio Mosque during Juma’at prayers.

A few months ago, a friend who owns a shop at Kaduna Central Market had his Honda Civic stolen from the KASUPDA Car Park. Another friend’s Toyota was taken from Barau Dikko Hospital’s parking area, despite the exit-card security system meant to prevent such occurrences.

I have personally witnessed the trauma many of these victims went through, including how their daily routines and family lives were disrupted. I have accompanied some of them to various police stations to report these incidents, yet none of the cases have yielded any feedback or results.

Please note: no matter the value or condition of your car, it can be a target. These criminals are always on the lookout, and it is important to take every possible precaution to secure your vehicle.

I am not certain how much the Kaduna State Government and relevant security agencies, including the NPF Kaduna and the Nigeria Police Force, are aware of these disturbing trends. Still, I am using this medium to draw their attention to the growing threat. I also urge His Excellency, the Governor of Kaduna State, Uba Sani, to take swift and decisive action to address this alarming situation.

It is worth noting that, in the first two incidents mentioned above, the victims received calls within 12 hours stating that some of their personal identification items (such as ID cards and national ID cards) had been found at Kwanar Dangora. This suggests that many of these stolen vehicles are quickly transported out of Kaduna shortly after the theft.

ADVICE TO CAR OWNERS 

To reduce your risk of becoming a victim, kindly consider the following preventive measures (though not exhaustive):

 1. Install a reliable car tracker if you can afford one.

 2. If not, use mechanical or pedal locks or other simple devices to reinforce your vehicle’s security.

 3. Avoid parking in dark or isolated areas, especially at night.

 4. Do not leave your car engine running while stepping out, even briefly.

 5. Even when your car is properly locked, take extra steps such as locking your steering wheel, using pedal or gear locks, and installing security alarms or tracking devices. Locking alone is often not enough.

 6. When visiting crowded public places such as mosques, markets, or hospitals, try to park in well-secured and well-lit spaces.

DISCLAIMER (PLEASE READ)

This message is not intended to cause fear or panic, but to create awareness and promote vigilance. The rate of car theft in Kaduna is alarming, and the more we discuss it openly, the better our chances are of prompting action from the authorities and encouraging citizens to be more careful.

Let us all remain alert, report suspicious movements, and look out for one another. Together, we can make our communities safer.

Stay vigilant, stay safe.

Suleiman writes from Kaduna and can be reached via suleimanusmanbac@gmail.com.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

The Joint Union of Tertiary Institutions of Kaduna State (JUTIKS) has suspended its indefinite strike, bringing relief to students and staff across the state’s polytechnics and colleges of education.

The industrial action, which began on September 30, 2025, was called off on Monday, October 20, 2025, following a meeting between union leaders and the State Governor.

The strike was initiated to demand the implementation of a new CONPCASS/CONTEDISS salary structure, which had been stagnant for over 16 years, and the extension of the 65-year retirement age to include non-teaching staff.

According to a statement released by JUTIKS Chairman, Comrade Usman Shehu Suleiman, the Governor approved key demands during a meeting on October 17, 2025.

The government agreed to implement 70% of the 2024 CONPCASS/CONTEDISS salary structure, effective from the October 2025 payroll, and to include non-teaching staff in the 65-year retirement age policy.

“In view of the above, the leadership of JUTIKS hereby suspends the indefinite strike action with effect from today,” the statement read, directing all member unions to comply with the directive.

The union also expressed gratitude to its members for their “support and resilience” during the three-week strike.

Academic and non-academic activities are expected to resume immediately across the affected institutions.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

Senator Uba Sani, the Governor of Kaduna State, has approved a new salary structure for three major tertiary institutions in the state.

The approval covers academic and non-academic staff of Nuhu Bamalli Polytechnic, the Shehu Idris College of Health Sciences and Technology, and the College of Education, Gidan Waya.

This decision brings to an end a 15-year-long struggle by the staff of these institutions, who have been demanding a review of their remuneration package.

The new salary structure is expected to align their pay with contemporary economic realities and improve morale.

While the specific details of the new salary scale were not immediately released, the approval is seen as a major victory for the educational sector in the state and a fulfillment of the government’s commitment to the welfare of its workforce.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

A formal complaint has been lodged with the Police Service Commission (PSC) against the Commissioner of Police and other officers of the Kaduna State Command, alleging widespread unprofessional conduct and abuse of office.

The petition, authored by the former Governor of Kaduna State, Malam Nasir El-Rufai, calls for an “immediate, impartial, and exhaustive investigation” into the officers’ activities. It alleges serial violations of the Nigeria Police Act 2020 and its regulations.

In the letter addressed to the Chairman of the PSC, El-Rufai stated he was motivated by a sense of duty as a citizen and former public servant. He highlighted his eight-year tenure as governor and expressed concern for the integrity of the Nigeria Police Force.

The former governor urged the Commission to exercise its constitutional and statutory powers to enforce discipline and promote ethical conduct within the force. The specific details of the alleged misconduct were not immediately disclosed in the petition’s introductory section.

The petition is expected to trigger a formal inquiry by the PSC into the operations of the Kaduna State Police Command under its current leadership.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

The Kaduna State Schools Quality Assurance Authority (KSSQAA) has issued a sweeping set of regulations targeting costly practices and unruly behaviour in schools across the state.

In a public notice signed by its Director-General, Professor Usman Abubakar Zaria, the authority announced immediate bans on compulsory graduation fees for most classes, indecent “sign-out” celebrations by students, and the use of non-reusable textbooks, all in an effort to reduce the financial burden on parents and uphold educational standards.

The key directives from the KSSQAA are as follows:

1. Graduation Ceremonies Restricted Schools are now prohibited from organizing and charging for graduation ceremonies for any class except Basic 9(JSS 3) and Senior Secondary 3 (SS 3). For these two allowed ceremonies, payment cannot be compulsory. If a school insists on a compulsory fee, it must seek approval from the KSSQAA at least four weeks in advance and provide evidence of consent from the Parents-Teachers Association (PTA).

2. Ban on Unruly Sign-Outs The notice condemns the”growing trend of indecent, unruly, and unsafe conduct” by students celebrating the end of exams. This practice is now banned. Schools are instead directed to provide supervised alternative events like farewell assemblies, talent shows, or mentorship sessions to allow for safe and dignified celebrations.

3. Phasing Out Consumable Textbooks To combat waste and reduce costs,the KSSQAA has ordered publishers to stop producing textbooks with answer spaces written directly in them. From September 1, 2026, main textbooks must be reusable, with any exercises placed in separate, optional workbooks. Schools have been instructed to only procure reusable textbooks from that date.

4. Strict Controls on Fee Hikes The authority also reinforced that no school can increase its fees or upgrade its facilities without prior written approval.To get approval, schools must submit a formal application accompanied by PTA meeting minutes showing a quorum was present and agreement was reached, alongside enrolment data and current financial records.

The KSSQAA stated that these measures align with the global Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG 4) of ensuring inclusive and equitable quality education for all.

“The KSSQAA remains committed to ensuring that quality education is accessible and affordable in Kaduna State,” the notice read, directing all schools to comply fully with the new guidelines.

By Malam Aminu Wase

For yet another day, commuters along the Nnamdi Azikiwe Express Bypass in Kaduna were left stranded in long queues of traffic, lamenting the hardship occasioned by the snail-paced road construction. What ought to be a symbol of progress has instead become a nightmare for motorists, traders, and workers who rely on the route daily.

The project, awarded years ago to construction giant Dantata and Sawoe under the supervision of the Federal Government, remains far from completion. Instead of providing relief, the road has degenerated into a corridor of pain, littered with potholes, construction delays, and traffic disorder.

Residents and road users have accused both the Federal Government and the contractor of negligence and insensitivity to the plight of ordinary Nigerians. Every day, we waste hours here. Government officials don’t pass through this road, so they don’t care. The contractor is not even serious about the work.

The Nnamdi Azikiwe Bypass is a critical artery in Kaduna, designed to ease traffic pressure and promote economic activity. Yet, the slow pace of work reflects poorly on the government’s commitment to infrastructure delivery and raises questions about accountability in contract execution.

As things stand, Kaduna residents are left to bear the brunt of abandoned promises. If urgent measures are not taken to fast-track the project, the bypass will remain a monument of inefficiency, another reminder of how governance failures continue to suffocate the lives of ordinary Nigerians.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar

Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani, has appointed Mr. Ben Solomon Dalhatu Kure as the new Managing Director of the Kaduna State Media Corporation (KSMC).

He takes over from Mr. Ahmed Maiyaki, who was recently appointed Commissioner for Information.

The governor expressed confidence that Kure would build on Maiyaki’s achievements in transforming KSMC into a strategic platform for effective public communication.

Kure, a seasoned public communication expert and political strategist, brings extensive experience from both the public and private sectors.

He previously served as Chairman of Jaba Local Government (2016–2017), Executive Secretary of the Kaduna State Emergency Management Agency (2018–2019), and Special Adviser (Political Matters) to the governor (2019–2021).

Before his public service career, Kure held key roles in banking, including Branch Manager at Oceanic Bank/ECOBANK and Team Leader at Zenith Bank and Broad Bank.

He holds a Master’s in Conflict, Peace, and Strategic Studies and a B.Sc. in Geography and Planning.

He is also a member of the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN) and the Institute of Management Consultants (IMC).

Governor Uba Sani congratulated Kure on his appointment and wished him success in his new role.

By Saifullahi Attahir

In his article, titled “Yar’adua: Great Expectation, Disappointing Outcome,” Mallam Nasir El-Rufa’i wrote that the late Umaru Musa Yar’adua graduated from ABU in 1975 and did his youth service (NYSC) at Holy Child College in Lagos as a chemistry teacher.

After the service year, Yar’adua took a government job at the College of Arts, Science and Technology (CAST), Zaria, as a chemistry lecturer. He later obtained his MSc in 1978, while continuing his teaching career at the same CAST until 1983, when he joined his brother’s business after the latter resigned from the National Service as second-in-command to General Olusegun Obasanjo during the handover to civilian rule in 1979.

The above narrative can attest to the clear moral right Yar’adua has over Mallam Nasir, despite the latter’s constant attacks. I’m sure that in the years between 1976 and 1983, the late Umaru could have accessed all the privileges a graduate could have as a brother to a senior military officer and son of the establishment. His service year in the grammar school and his continued lecturing job at CAST Zaria can testify to a great deal about the individual Yar’adua, his brother Shehu, and the regime.

As a young and well-connected chemistry graduate, Umaru Yar’adua could have access to serve in the newly established NNPC, top agricultural firms, top Lagos banks, or even become a legislative aide in the green or red chamber.

Securing a job through connections is a common and sometimes effective method. Networking, which involves leveraging personal and professional relationships, can significantly increase your chances of finding a job. Indeed, many talented and industrious individuals can be harnessed through this process, although it may be perceived as nepotistic. Hadiza Bala Usman got her start at BPE by El Rufa’i through a similar path.

Of course, time has changed; it’s now normal that specific places, such as CBN, FIRS, NPA, BPE, top private firms, and Federal MDAs, are not accessible to ordinary corps members. We can still recall a time when a brother of Nigeria’s second-in-command opted to attend a grammar school and later took a teaching job at a college in Zaria. But still, that doesn’t prevent him from becoming Nigeria’s president.

While the 5th May remembrance has been immortalised in the hearts of Nigerians despite Yar’adua’s short stint as president, Mallam El-Rufa’i was still battling and settling past scores and fights.

Saifullahi Attahir wrote from Federal University Dutse via saifullahiattahir93@gmail.com 

By Kabiru Danladi Lawanti, PhD 

I cannot recall any incident where a vehicle or travellers were targeted simply because they were from Plateau State, in retaliation for the atrocities being committed by these savages.

Please, I challenge anyone to provide a single example—since 1914—where innocent travellers were attacked in Kebbi, Sokoto, Zamfara, Katsina, Niger, Kano, Jigawa, Bauchi, Gombe, Yobe, Adamawa, or Borno simply because they were seen as the “other.” 

Yet, we have countless documented cases from Tinno, Mambilla, Takum, etc., in Taraba; Riyom, Barikin Ladi, Jos, Mangu, etc., in Plateau; Agatu, Makurdi, etc., in Benue; and Gonin Gora, Koi, etc., in Kaduna, where innocent travellers were blocked, maimed, and killed—dismembered and buried or even burned alive—solely because of their identity as “others.”

These are normalised atrocities. The perpetrators are getting away with it because there have been no consequences. Only God knows how many lives have been lost in this manner between 2002 and 2025. 

Many of these crimes are well documented—some even recorded and posted by the criminals themselves, proudly sharing selfies while committing barbaric acts. Remember the Eid day massacre in Jos? Or the genocide in Mambilla? These incidents are documented by security agencies.

Tragically, these criminal gangs enjoy the backing of some politicians and community leaders. Take, for instance, the disturbing justification offered by the Chairman of Mangu Local Government Area regarding the killing of wedding-bound travellers from Zaria. Is that how a leader is supposed to speak?

Even more worrying is how these barbaric acts are celebrated on social media. Look at the screenshot of Kefas Gyang Pam that went viral yesterday, or the posts from a Facebook group in Bokkos openly celebrating the gruesome attack on the innocent Zaria travellers.

These individuals are not ghosts. They are known. And they can be easily traced.

Kabiru Danladi Lawanti, PhD, wrote from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria.

By Muhammad Umar Shehu 

I read with deep shock and sorrow about the gruesome murder of innocent travellers from Basawa in Zaria LGA of Kaduna State. It is heartbreaking and disturbing. 

What is happening to our society? When did we become so heartless that taking a human life no longer moves us? When did we start watching these tragedies unfold without reacting, without speaking, without demanding justice? This is not normal. We are clearly losing our sense of humanity and conscience.

The killing of these travellers is wicked, and it must be condemned in the strongest terms. No matter the excuse, mob action is mob action. Whether it happens in Plateau, Uromi, Kaduna, or anywhere else, it is lawlessness. It is cruel. And it has no place in any society that wants to grow, that wants peace, that wants justice. The moment we begin to justify the unjustifiable, we open the door to more bloodshed and deeper division.

The Federal Government, Plateau and Kaduna State Governments, security agencies, traditional rulers, religious leaders, and all other concerned stakeholders must rise to the occasion. This crime must not go unpunished. It is not enough to issue statements. Action must follow. Those behind this evil must be arrested, investigated properly, and brought to justice. That is the only way this act can serve as a warning to others. We cannot continue to act as if all is well when innocent lives are being wasted with no consequences.

It is painful to admit, but we have become a society where people record killings with their phones instead of stepping in to stop the madness. Where is our sense of community? Where is our compassion? The silence and indifference from many quarters are just as dangerous as the violence itself. We must speak up, we must act, and we must demand better from those who claim to lead and protect us.

The media, civil society, and the public must not let this incident be buried under the weight of the next trending story. These lives mattered, and these families deserve answers. We must keep the pressure on until justice is served. A society that fails to protect the innocent will one day be a danger to everyone, including those who look away.

May the Almighty Allah forgive the victims, grant them eternal peace, and give their families the strength to bear this painful loss. And may we, as a people, wake up before it is too late.

Muhammad Umar Shehu is a writer and social commentator from Gombe and can be reached via umarmuhammadshehu2@gmail.com.