Kaduna State

By Abdurraman Muhammad

Following the sustained operations against the bandits in Kaduna State, in another success for the security forces, over 50 bandits have been neutralized during a combined ground and air assault in the Saulawa-Farin Ruwa axis of Birnin Gwari LGA.

In a press release on security updates signed by the Commissioner, Ministry of Internal Security and Home Affairs of Kaduna State, Samuel Aruwan who narrated how the operation was successful stated that, “the Command of the Joint Operations, a Nigerian Air Force helicopter gunship provided close air support to ground troops advancing from the Dogon Dawa-Damari-Saulawa axis.”

“Following extensive scans, bandits were spotted on five motorcycles, about 4km east of Saulawa, waiting to ambush the ground forces. They were engaged vigorously by the helicopter gunship, and were wiped out.”

Mr. Aruwan added that, “After armed bandits on about 50 motorcycles were sighted fleeing towards Farin Ruwa, and were struck effectively by the gunship. Fleeing remnants were mopped up by ground forces.”

“A second helicopter gunship joined the operations, and many more fleeing bandits were neutralized by precise strikes. Assessment revealed that more than 50 bandits were neutralized during the joint operation.”

On his part, Governor Nasir El-Rufai expressed his satisfaction at the operational feedback, and congratulated the ground troops and gunship crews on the rout. He urged them to sustain the momentum and bring even more bandits to their bitter end.

By Sumayyah Auwal Ishaq

Governor Nasir El-Rufai of Kaduna State has unveiled a draft budget of 233 billion for the 2022 fiscal year that reflects the government’s commitment to sustainable growth, promoting equal opportunity, accelerate human capital development, and attain fiscal viability.

The governor noted that “when approved, is projected to have the capital to recurrent ratio of 63%:37%. The 2022 estimates are slightly smaller than the proposed 2021 budget estimates of N237.52bn, of which N157.56bn was capital and N79.96bn recurrent expenditure, a 66% to 34% capital to recurrent ratio,” he said.

By Muhammad Sabiu

By Sumayyah Auwal Ishaq

Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir Ahmad El-Rufa’i, on Thursday carried out a major cabinet reshuffle in the state executive council.

A statement issued by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Communication, Mr. Muyiwa Adekeye, said that “the reshuffle is designed to help harness fresh energy for the government’s final lap, bring new insights and enable the commissioners to have more rounded experience of the government.”

The affected ministries include Environment, Public Works and Infrastructure, Education, Agriculture, Local Government, Budget and Planning, Business, Innovation & Technology, and Sports Development.

The Governor, according to Mr. Adekeye, added that “following the passage of the law creating metropolitan authorities to manage Kaduna, Kafanchan and Zaria as organic cities, Governor El-Rufai has nominated the following cabinet-rank administrators: Balaraba Aliyu-Inuwa Administrator, Zaria Metropolitan Authority, Muhammad Hafiz Bayero Administrator, Kaduna Capital Territory and Phoebe Sukai Yayi Administrator, Kafanchan Municipal Authority”.

By Hussaina Sufyan Ahmed

By Sumayyah Auwal Ishaq

At least 30 persons have been killed by unidentified gunmen in Madamai attack in Kaura Local Government Area, Kaduna State. The incident was confirmed by the Kaduna State Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Mr. Samuel Aruwan.

According to Aruwan, “some houses were set ablaze by the attackers at one end of the village. The troops put out the fire at three of the burning houses, and rescued six locals from the infernos”

He further states that “Governor El-Rufai has stated that the Kaduna State Government will bear the full cost of injured victims’ treatment”

By Muhammad Sabiu

Ten of the students abducted at a Kaduna Christian school have been released, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has said.

Rev. Joseph John Hayab, a top CAN official, announced the release to journalists.

He was quoted as saying, “Ten more students of Baptist High School were released this afternoon. We have 11 now with bandits.

“We are thanking all Nigerians for their prayers and support.

“We are trusting God that the rest will be released very soon. All have been reunited with their parents.”

By Muhammad Sabiu

Police in Kaduna State have apprehended three suspects who were alleged to have abducted 136 of Bethel Baptist School, Kaduna.

The suspects were identified as Adamu Bello, Isiaku Lawal and Muazu Abubakar.

The trio told journalists in Abuja on Thursday, that 25 of them perpetrated the kidnap, and that their desperate need for money made them carry out the act.

“Twenty-five of us carried out the operation. We kidnapped 136 students and I got N100,000 share from the money (ransom),” one of the suspects was quoted as saying.

However, there is still no detailed information on how they carried out the kidnap and how they were eventually arrested.

The police paraded them in Abuja at the headquarters of the defunct Special Anti-Robbery Squad.

By Sumayyah Auwal Ishaq

The Vice-President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, has commissioned the newly constructed Kasuwan Magani Modern Market in Kajuru Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

Speaking at the commissioning, Governor Nasiru Ahmad El-Rufa’i said the Kaduna State Government partnered with the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) to deliver the project. He further stated that the Kaduna State Government’s post-conflict assessment after the October 2018 crisis in Kasuwan Magani included a resolve to address the question of markets.

In his remarks, Prof. Osinbajo commended the administration of Governor El-Rufa’i and reiterated that the Federal Government will keep supporting and encouraging investment-centric efforts by providing a stable business environment, providing infrastructure, and ensuring security.