Kaduna State

By Safiyanu Ladan

In the last couple of weeks, Zazzau Emirate was thrown into a bewildering dilemma after the arrest of one Shehu Umar Ciroman Baraya (Emir’s servant) by the police for sodomising a minor and the arrest of Sama’ila Abubakar Rimini Tsiwa for allegedly gang-raping a would-be bride. Both incidents did not go down well with one of the oldest emirates in the country.

The reports of such an abomination, which occurred within a few days, drew condemnations within and outside the emirate. While commenting on the issue of sodomy, the emirate expressed ‘rude shock’, saying that as an institution that believes in the rule of laws, it will not allow any form of immorality to exist within its ambit.

It also appealed to the police and any other security agencies handling the matter to expedite action and ensure that the accused is prosecuted without further delay to serve as a deterrent to others.

While people are still contemplating the vast degree of damage the case of sodomy would bring to the palace following associating the culprit with the revered institution, another one struck. And it’s the most disgusting and disturbing.

Traditional institutions are the custodian of the people’s norms, values, and traditions. As such, people with questionable characters should not be allowed to associate closely with them because their immoral attitudes will tarnish their image and jeopardise their hard-earned values and norms. Therefore, the prompt action of the Zazzau emirate for the immediate dismissal of the randy palace guard and condemning the heinous act of homosexuality is commendable as it would serve as a deterrent to others.

Sexual exploitation in whatever forms are unacceptable. For these rapists to use their positions to obtain sexual favours from vulnerable victims is callous, and it, therefore, stands condemned. Given the current happenings and the rate at which cases of rape are being reported almost daily in our society, the lack of provision of a coherent and vibrant system that will deal ruthlessly with perpetrators to serve as a deterrent to others has aided its escalation.

While noting that the suspects were reportedly prosecuted and currently languishing in prison custody awaiting trials and judgement, I call on the Kaduna state government and other stakeholders not to relent. Instead, you should ensure that the cases are thoroughly investigated and that justice is served accordingly.

Safiyanu Ladan wrote from Zaria via uncledoctor24@gmail.com.

By Uzair Adam Imam

Kofar Gayan Low Cost, Zaria, was thrown into deep mourning when fire outbreak in the area resulted to the death of a four-member family on Friday.

Multiple sources in the area relayed that the outbreak, which occurred in the early hours of Friday, was as a result of a high voltage supply of electricity.

Muhammad Umar, the Head of Service unit in Kofar Doka, Zaria, confirmed the traumatic incident to journalists in the area.

He disclosed that he could not ascertain the course of the fire outbreak, however, said it was speculated that it was as a result of an electric spark.

The Daily Reality discovered that the deceased were; Alaramma Mohammed Sani, who was an imam at Buhari’s resident, his wife, Raulatu Sani and two of their children, Hashim Sani aged 8 and Fatima Sani aged 1 and half years.

Bello Haruna, who is a member of the vigilante group in the area, told journalist that, “We were on patrol when we saw fire engulfing the resident of Alaramma Mohammed Sani and we all rushed to render assistance.

“I also blamed the sudden restoration of electricity to the area, which came in high voltage as the likely cause of the incident,” said.

The neighbours, who trooped out of their houses for help, could not hide their sadness as they described the incident as traumatic.

By Safiyanu Ladan

The nefarious activities of bandits in Zaria and its environs are walloping. It was in 2019 that, for the first time, I heard about the kidnapping incident in Zaria, which saw the abduction of Malama Rabi Shamaki, a lecturer at the Nuhu Bamalli Polytechnic, Zaria. Since then, several such incidents have been reported in various places in the ancient city. However, on several occasions, the security operatives had been said to have thwarted their evil plans of unleashing mayhem on the people. 

The operatives of Kaduna State Police Command, while on surveillance patrol on 23rd December 2022, intercepted motorcycle riders with suspicious concealed bags in Basawa, Zaria LGA of Kaduna state.

In a bizarre circumstance, upon being stopped for search, one of the riders jumped down and escaped, heightening the operatives’ suspicious minds.

The timely intervention of the police has led to the successful recovery of Four(4) AK-47s, three hundred and forty-four (344) live ammunition, and ten (10) telephone handsets and charms from the other suspect.

The courageous efforts of police and other security agencies in taming the security challenges in Zaria and its environs have undoubtedly yielded the desired result. However, much still needs to be done to arrest the deteriorated and fragile condition.

Collaborating with security agencies to weed out the criminals in the communities is paramount. Hence, the need for people to be security conscious and proactive in reporting criminal elements to the appropriate authority.

In the meantime, I would like to appeal to the residents of Zaria to report any suspicious characters to the police or other security personnel. Helping security personnel in intelligence gathering will go a long way to nip in the bud the intended evil activities of bandits and other outlaws roaming in the nooks and crannies of the community.

Safiyanu Ladan wrote from Zaria via uncledoctor24@gmail.com.

By Uzair Adam Imam

Unknown gunmen Friday launched a fresh attack on Kagoro, a community in Kaduna state, amidst mourning of mass killing in Mallagum-Kagoro, Kaura Local Government Area of the state.

The Daily Reality learned that the incident occurred at night when most people were sleeping.

However, a resident who spoke to the journalists disclosed that the gunmen stormed the community around 9:00 pm.

He added that the gunmen started shooting sporadically immediately as they roamed the community.

A resident who pleaded anonymity said the attackers arrived fully armed and started shooting, forcing people to run for their lives.

He stated, “but thank God there was no loss of life because the military repelled the attackers,” he said.

But no official statement from security agencies or the government has been made when filling this report. 

By Sumayyah Auwal Ishaq

With less than 48 hours to the end of his five months tenure as the Acting Vice-Chancellor of the Kaduna State University (KASU), Professor Abdullahi Musa Ashafa, has continued to receive commendations for remarkable successes recorded during his brief tenure as the Chief Executive of KASU.

During a mini-ceremony organized by the Kaduna State University’s Alumni Association (KASUAA), the Chairman of KASUAA, Alhaji Abdulhadi Abdullahi said that Prof. Ashafa has performed wonderfully well in the last five months. “The five months was like 5 years. It was like the tenure should not come to an end”

The University’s Advancement Director, Professor Bashir Ali commended the outgoing Vice-Chancellor for his achievements and leadership style. Prof. Ali prayed to God Almighty to grant Prof. Ashafa success in his future endeavours. An alumnus, Dr. Philibus Audu said “The success story which KASU has become under the leadership of this quintessential scholar, enig­matic and energetic personali­ty is worth celebrating”.

In his own remarks at the event, the outgoing Acting Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Ashafa said even though he had a very challenging tenure, he will remain thankful to Allah Almighty for everything. He said “As young people, remember to challenge yourself, face challenges to solve challenges. Remain kind, and never settle for being anything less than your best and the best you have learnt from our KASU. Thank you for your ideas, support, and most importantly, for sincere wishes and prayers. Allah knows best how to handle our situations and to Him we all defer our affairs”.

By Sumayyah Auwal Usman

Amidst public outrage, the Kaduna State Executive Council, under Governor Nasir Ahmad El-Rufa’i, has rescinded its decision on the collection of nominal fees in senior secondary schools across the state.

In a statement signed by the Special Adviser to the Governor (Media & Communication), Mr Muyiwa Adekeye on Tuesday said, “the Council observed that the circular issued by the Ministry of Education to school principals on collection of nominal fees is not consistent with government policy, and is thus invalid. The circular from the Ministry of Education to the heads of schools, dated 1st November 2022, is therefore rescinded with immediate effect, and all monies that may have been collected should be refunded forthwith”.

Adekeye further reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to providing free primary, secondary and technical/vocational education to every child resident in the state.

It would be recalled that a memo emanated from the State Ministry of Education imposed the payment of nominal fees to all students of senior public secondary schools in the state.

By Abba Muhammed Tawfiq

ProfessorAdamuAhmad Rufa’i, the Dean, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Kaduna State University (KASU) and the first and presently the only Professor of Physiotherapy from the North of the (river) Niger, becomes Fellow of the Nigeria Society of Physiotherapy (FNSP). The highest and most prestigious honour of Physiotherapy in Nigeria was meritoriously conferred on him for selfless service and support in advancing the cause of training and practice of the profession and society.

The fellowship award was conferred on  Friday, October 14th,  2022 in Enugu State during the 62nd Scientific conference and 63rd Annual General Meeting of the Society, held from 9th to 15th October 2022, at the  Amodeo Event Centre, Enugu, Enugu State, Nigeria.

The ceremony was graced by the presence of the National President of the Nigerian Society of Physiotherapy, Dr.(Mrs) Nina Nnenna Chigbo and members of her executive council, Chairperson, Medical Rehabilitation Therapists Registration Board of Nigeria, Dr (Mrs) Umo Udom Registrar, Medical  Rehabilitation Therapists Registration Board of Nigeria, Dr(Mrs) Olufunke Taibat Akanle, Past NSP Presidents in persons of; Dr Felix Olukayode Faniran, Dr Taiwo Oyewumi, Dr Rufa’i Yusuf Ahmad and other important dignitaries. 

Professor Adamu Ahmad Rufa’i has consistently demonstrated impeccable quality leadership in various capacities and showed a high level of professionalism in all of his dealings.

The erudite Professor is a member of the Board of Trustees (BOT), Nwuga Physiotherapy Foundation, Dean of the Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Kaduna State University, the pioneer Faculty to reach international standard by commencing the  Doctor of Physiotherapy DPT program in Nigeria. He was also the Chairman of the Education Committee of the NSP from  2016 to 2020.

Along with the erudite Professor are three (3)other eminent Physiotherapistsconferred with this prestigious award. They are Dr Saliu G. Akinwale, Director and Head of the Department of Physiotherapy, University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, Ilorin, Kwara State. The Chairman, Establishment Committee of the Nigeria Society of Physiotherapy, Dr Alhaji Abdul Wasiu Jimoh. A former General Secretary of the Society of Physiotherapy. Dr Olaniyi Oladire, Director and Head of Department of Physiotherapy Federal  Medical  Centre Owerri, Imo State.

Congratulations to the silent achiever and man of several firsts as you add yet another feather to your cap of success.

By Sumayyah Auwal Ishaq

The Governor of Kaduna State, Malam Nasir Ahmad El-Rufa’i, has appointed Prof. Abdullahi I. Musa as the substantive Vice-Chancellor of the Kaduna State University (KASU).

A statement made available to journalists in Kaduna shows that Prof. Musa is the current University’s librarian.

He holds a PhD in Library Science from Emporia University, Kansas, and an MBA from Bayero University, Kano (BUK).

The new vice-chancellor also obtained his bachelor’s degree in Library Science from BUK and a master’s in Library Science from Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria.

By Uzair Adam Imam

A woman who regained freedom from bandits’ captivity said her abductors gave her N2,000 as transportation fare after collecting N6 million ransom from her husband.

The woman, Hajiya Fatima Ibrahim, said this when she appeared before a High Court in Zaria as prosecution witness (PW).

She was testifying as PW two at the resumed hearing of the case at Kaduna State High Court 1, Dogarawa Zaria.

Hajiya Fatima recounted, “On Jan. 2, 2021, in the night, I heard some strange noises in the house. As I woke up and switched on the lights, I saw the four defendants with a gun and machetes.

”They wanted to know where my husband was. I told them he was away. They kidnapped me and took me to Galadimawa Forest in Giwa Local Government Kaduna state after they had taken away money, children’s clothes and other valuables from the house.

”They called my husband and negotiated a ransom of N6 million to be paid in two instalments. The money was paid in my presence and the fourth Defendant (Usman) gave me N2,000 out of the money as transportation fare,” she told the court,” she stated.

She added that the defendants directed her on where to board a vehicle that will take her home and assured her that nothing will happen to her.

The police charged the arrested Dalhatu Shehu, Lawal Aliyu-Bullet, Nuhu Ismaila and Nura Usman with criminal conspiracy, armed robbery, illegal possession of a firearm and kidnapping.

The police said the offence contravenes the provisions of sections 59 (1), 246 (a-b) of the Penal Code and section 6 (b) of the Fire Arms Special Provision Act.

By Sumayyah Auwal Ishaq

The popular shopping center in Kaduna metropolis, Ramat Shopping Mall is currently on fire.

For now the cause of the fire outbreak is yet to be ascertained.

More details later.