Kaduna

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini 

Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State has revealed that N4.7 billion is being deducted from the state government’s federal allocation each month to pay off debts he inherited. 

He said, “In Kaduna, we are paying N4.7 billion in debt every month; go and check and see our allocation. You will agree with me that we started paying this debt in June 2023. Currently, what we are receiving is about N8 billion, while we should be receiving around N12 billion compared to what other states are getting within Northern Nigeria. 

“We are trying our best to manage what we have. Yes, I agree with you that governance is about reducing costs. Since I became governor, I have maintained that we have not purchased a single vehicle for anyone—whether myself, the Deputy Governor, or my commissioners. We have also reduced the performance bonuses and salaries of our commissioners and the Deputy Governor. Today, I am only receiving half of my salary because we have to make sacrifices, considering the challenges we face. 

“People may ask about our IGR (Internally Generated Revenue). Our IGR account is with Zenith Bank; you can check it. Every month, Zenith Bank deducts about N800 million at source because I inherited that debt.” 

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

In aggressive, offensive operations against terrorism and insurgency, Nigerian Army troops have obliterated yet another terrorist stronghold, successfully rescuing kidnapped students and seizing a significant cache of arms and ammunition. Troops also eliminated some insurgents, while some others were captured alive.

On 12 September 2024, acting on reliable intelligence, troops stationed in Kaduna State launched a highly coordinated operation aimed at rescuing abducted persons from violent extremist camps. Engaging in an intense firefight at Chigbolu village, Kachia Local Government Area, the troops overpowered the terrorists, forcing them to flee and abandoning their captives. 

A thorough sweep of the area led to the rescue of 13 victims, comprising six males and seven females, as well as the recovery of one AK-47 rifle, 87 rounds of 7.63mm ammunition, four magazines, a locally fabricated rifle and the sum of ₦192,220.00. 

Five solar panels, five mobile phones, dry rations, and clothing items were also recovered. The rescued victims have been evacuated to 1 Division Medical Services and Hospital for medical attention.

In another decisive operation, troops in Kachia Local Government Area have intercepted two notorious terrorist logistics suppliers, Mallam Usman Waikili and Salisu Idris, at Kagarko village. The troops confiscated the sum of ₦1,306,700.00, three SIM cards, two mobile phones, three national identity cards, 8 ATM cards, 2 Moniepoint POS machines, an MTN MiFi and other items from the suspects.

In a separate operation in Suleja, Niger State, troops stormed a terrorist hideout, triggering a fierce exchange of gunfire. The troops’ overwhelming firepower led to the neutralization of 3 terrorists, while three others, identified as Mallam Halalu, Mallam Suleiman, and Mr. Musa, were captured alive. The suspects led the troops to a hidden armoury, where 3 AK-47 rifles, 121 rounds of 7.62mm.

By Wonderful Adegoke

Despite the growing consensus that achieving a first-class degree is increasingly difficult, Helen Ambi has proven that with perseverance and diligence, it’s attainable at any level.

Hailing from Sanga Local Government Area of Kaduna State, Helen Ambi developed an interest in Medical Laboratory Science after researching and reading about its versatility in the health sector. Thus, she applied to Usmanu Danfodiyo University (UDUS) to pursue her newfound passion.

“Initially, I never knew a course like Medical Laboratory Science existed,” she revealed. However, I chose it after researching and reading about its prospects and versatility in the health sector. I applied and was admitted on my first attempt. This convinced and made me glad that I chose this path.”

Like the thousands of students with varying dreams admitted every year, Helen Ambi’s journey to graduate with a first-class degree began, ultimately leading to her remarkable achievement.

The journey in UDUS

The glamour of being confined within the four walls of academia began gradually while Helen steadily pursued her dream of becoming a first-class degree holder. Alas, it began to dawn on her that she’d dreamt too far—hope faltering like the fading of a newly painted mural.

“Not that I didn’t aspire to graduate with a first-class,” she said. “I did. But when I saw my 100-level results, although they weren’t bad, I expected to start with a first-class because it’s often said that the journey begins as a ‘fresher.’

“I have always heard that if you want to graduate with a first-class, then you have to get it from 100-level because as you progress, your CGPA will ‘drop.’ Hearing that made me give up on bagging a first-class degree.”

The 4.3 grade points she obtained in the 100 level left her stressed, worn out, and frustrated and prompted her to re-strategize. “My friend Simnom helped me develop a new reading habit: night reading, which I would say helped me understand what time of the day was most suitable for my assimilation.

“I can’t express how I felt, but I know I was excited because the green lights were beginning to turn up,” she said, in appraisal of how her new strategy boosted her records to 4.47 in the 200-level and 4.46 in the 300-level.

The game changer

The School of Medical Laboratory Science (SMLS) has the best faculty in UDUS. The 400 level is known to be the toughest due to the bulkiness of the courses offered. Helen’s first-class journey began in her penultimate year.

“My 400-level was the game changer for me. I know it’s known as the most hectic and challenging level and probably the most difficult, but that’s where my story began. I achieved a grade point of 4.50 in my 400-level and 4.53 in my final year.”

In acknowledgement of the encouragement received from one of her lecturers, whom she simply identified as ‘Dr Festus,’ she said, “I became more determined to give my best to achieving a first-class degree.”

“I began having discussions with a few friends to learn new things because no one’s an island of knowledge. When our 400-level results were released, I discovered that it had greatly helped me.”

“Don’t Give Up” – Helen advises students

As a lover of research and volunteering activities, Helen intends to impact society by conducting research to tackle sickle cell disease. She has advised students to hold on to their dreams.

“Regardless of what people say or think, don’t give up on your dreams. Give your best to everything you do, including your academics. Having a good relationship with your colleagues is important because you can never know everything, and we learn from each other.”

By Uzair Adam

Residents of Sabon Birnin Daji in the Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna State have accused soldiers of killing three people and over 100 cows during an incident at a local cattle market on Sunday.

According to eyewitnesses, the soldiers, some reportedly on motorcycles, arrived at the market and opened fire, resulting in the deaths of both humans and cattle.

Villagers are demanding compensation for the damages and losses incurred, claiming over 140 cows were killed and goods worth more than N50 million were destroyed.

One witness, Shamsudeen Sabon Birni, described how the soldiers confronted the Sarkin Pawa, the market leader, before shooting him.

Shamsudeen lamented the indiscriminate nature of the soldiers’ actions, stating they forced traders to lie down before firing at the animals and damaging their goods.

In response, the Nigerian Army has ordered a thorough investigation into the incident.

Major-General Onyema Nwachukwu, the army spokesperson, confirmed that the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, has directed an inquiry to determine the causes of the incident and hold those responsible accountable.

Amnesty International Nigeria and the Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) have called for an independent investigation, expressing concerns about potential bias in the military’s internal probe and emphasizing the need for transparency and accountability in such cases.

The Kaduna State Police Command has yet to comment on the incident, as efforts to reach their spokesperson were unsuccessful.

Meanwhile, the community continues to grapple with the aftermath of the event, seeking justice and answers.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Kaduna State Security Council, led by Governor Uba Sani, has lifted the 6pm to 8am curfew in Kaduna and Zaria towns and their environs, effective immediately. 

According to Samuel Aruwan, Overseeing Commissioner, Ministry of Internal Security and Home Affairs, Kaduna State, the council unanimously recommended the removal of the curfew after an extensive review of the security situation. 

“The removal of the curfew allows law-abiding citizens to move freely and engage in legitimate activities without restriction,” Aruwan said. 

However, the council warned that processions or gatherings must be verified with relevant agencies to maintain law and order, and security forces will continue to monitor potential threats to public peace. 

Governor Sani commended security agencies, religious and traditional leaders, and stakeholders for their roles in containing recent unrest, saying, “I assure them of my commitment to inclusive engagement for peace, unity, and development in Kaduna State.” 

The curfew was initially imposed following a breach of law and order in the aftermath of the #EndBadGovernance protests nationwide.

By Usama Abdullahi 

Just as I was about to have my dinner last night, a call came in at about 9 pm. The name read “Sis. Hassana”. It’s my sister. Without hesitation, I picked the phone – which was jiggling on my bed – and placed it on my left ear. I couldn’t use my right hand to pick the phone because I held a cup of tea with it. Before I could say the usual hello, she sounded unusually tough on the line.

“For how long have you been dodging my calls ?” My sister queried. Right there, I knew I was in for trouble. I missed her calls on many occasions, yet I wouldn’t make any attempt to call back. I was dead guilty. So, I just made up some excuses by citing the shaky network I grapple with in Phase II as the cause. 

Like my brother, sister Hassana is the type who is trusting to a fault. For that reason, I didn’t have the slightest doubt that she wouldn’t believe me. Yes, I fortunately got away with it. Now, back to the real gist. Our conversations centered on my academics and extended to the state of the country. As expected, her major concern was my safety because she told me that she had been keenly following the happenings in Kaduna. That’s why she phoned to hear from me.

In my attempt to further elicit sympathy from her, I added that a person was reportedly gunned down in Zaria yesterday morning. She heavily sighed and I could feel her heart trembling. Naturally, women tend to be so tender, I imagined. She asked with a sober voice if I had enough provisions and warned that I should stay indoor since academic activities are temporarily on hold. She repeatedly stressed that I shouldn’t move an inch from the school. Even without being cautioned, I know I won’t be going out. I value my life so much. We’re even supposed to have our makeup practicals yesterday, but we couldn’t because of the restrictions in place.

Dear reader, I don’t expect you to read this just for the fun of it. Let it be a cautionary reminder for you to remain in your hostel, house or wherever you may be staying. A curfew has been enforced and violating it may amount to the loss of your life. Make sure you comply to stay safe because the men in uniform are not funny.

Usama Abdullahi is an undergraduate engineering student at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. He enjoys writing and reading in his leisure time, and can be reached via usamagayyi@gmail.com. 

By Anas Abbas

The Kaduna State Security Council, led by Governor Uba Sani, has imposed a 24-hour curfew on Kaduna and Zaria metropolitan cities, effective immediately.

This decision comes after a review of the state’s security situation, which revealed that ongoing protests have been hijacked by criminal elements.

According to the council, these criminal elements have resorted to looting shops and destroying private and public property. To maintain safety and security, citizens are advised to remain indoors while security forces work to contain the situation.

The curfew will be continuously monitored, with the possibility of review as necessary. The Kaduna State Government has urged citizens to cooperate with security forces to restore peace and order in the affected areas.

This development follows a wave of protests that have turned violent, prompting concerns about public safety. The government’s swift response aims to prevent further escalation and protect citizens’ lives and property.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini 

The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, has welcomed the release of two Kaduna-based journalists who were abducted from their homes in the outskirts of Kaduna last weekend.   

Speaking when he received the two journalists, AbdulGafar Alabelewe of The Nation newspapers and AbdulRaheem Aodu of Blueprint newspapers, from the National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, the minister commended security agencies for the timely rescue of the victims. 

The two journalists were released along with Mr. Alabelewe’s wife and two children.  

Mohammed expressed sympathy for the two families.  

“We are most grateful of what you have done. We are aware that this is part of your ongoing effort to ensure that all kidnapped victims are rescued alive and reunited with their families.  

“I want to urge Nigerians to keep faith with the current administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and our security agencies. The security agencies under the coordination of the NSA are working tirelessly to ensure that all those who have been taken into unlawful custody are freed without paying any ransom,” he said.  

Speaking earlier, the NSA said the five victims were rescued following a combined effort of security agencies, which led to swift search and rescue operations.  

Responding, one of the rescued victims, Mr Alabelewe thanked the NSA and his team for the swift intervention.  

“The rescue mission which brough us out of the bush yesterday gave us hope in our country and gave us confidence to believe that the government is serious about tackling this problem of kidnapping. I never thought that within a week of our kidnap we could get out.  

“We are grateful that the government swung into action and ensured that we were released,” he said.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini 

Comrade Shehu Sani, on his X (Twitter) account, said no amount of falsehood and disinformation would change the facts and figures that from 2015–2023, Kaduna State was looted, and our children and grandchildren have been left with a huge burden of debt. 

He was quoted as saying, “They shamelessly left behind a litany of uncomplicated projects and contractual liabilities that has suffocated the economy of our state.

“They pocketed billions for non existent light rail projects, tied our IGR to fraudulent Bank loans.  

“Kaduna is like a woman raped and the rapist wants honour. Every reasonable resident of Kaduna can clearly see and attest to the properties and wealth amassed by those who claimed to have served the state.

“The spirit and the blood of the people they wasted and the lives and livelihoods they destroyed will continue to haunt them. We shall recover every penny of our state funds looted by those rodents and their larcenous head.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini 

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) said no fewer than 25 persons died while 53 persons were injured in an accident that occurred along the Kano-Kaduna highway on Monday. 

The corps’ public education officer, Olusegun Ogungbemide, said this in a statement in Abuja. 

He said the crash involved a trailer conveying about 90 persons at about 03:15 a.m. Mr Ogungbemide said the accident was caused by a speed violation that eventually led the vehicle to lose control. 

“However, the FRSC emergency and rescue team was able to rescue 12 persons without injury from the crash. 

“The rescued victims have been taken to the Murtala Muhammad Specialist Hospital in Kano for proper medical attention,’’ he said. 

Mr Ogungbemide said the truck driver had been arrested and handed over to the police for further investigation and possible prosecution. 

The spokesman, however, quoted the FRSC corps marshal, Shehu Mohammed, as calling on traditional and religious leaders to join FRSC in the campaign against conveying humans, goods, and animals by trailers. 

Mr Shehu also implored them to caution their subjects against travelling on such trailers.