Kaduna

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 Kaduna State chapter of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has announced a major shake-up, expelling several high-ranking officials and appointing new leaders for its opposition coalition.

The decisions were unveiled at a press conference held at the Golden Orange Gate Hotel in Narayi on Sunday, October 26, 2025.Senator Nenadi Usman was returned as the Chairman of the state’s opposition coalition, with Hon. Bashir Saidu reaffirmed as its Co-Chairman.

The coalition stated that the duo will serve as the “rallying point” for activities aimed at reorganizing the ADC in Kaduna State.

The move comes amidst allegations of infiltration by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). Coalition leaders accused the APC of sponsoring “mercenary politicians” to undermine opposition unity and impede the ADC’s growth.

As part of this alleged scheme, the group claimed that some individuals had illegally attempted to suspend the State Chairman, Elder Patrick Didam Ambut, and had instituted a court case against certain leaders, including former Governor Mallam Nasir El-Rufai and the party’s National Vice Chairman (North-West), Mallam Jaafaru Sani.

In response, the ADC State Working Committee, led by Ambut, endorsed the expulsion of nine party officials. Those expelled include the Deputy Chairman, Alh. Ahmed Tijjani Mustapha; the State Publicity Secretary, Engr. Idris Musa; and the State Legal Adviser, Danlami Dabai.

Furthermore, the coalition announced a blacklist on Hon. Adamu Ahmed Dattijo, Alh. Suleiman Abdullahi, and Senator Musa Bello for their role in initiating the court case.

The leaders accused them of acting with “ulterior motives” and “underhand dealings” with the APC, bypassing the party’s internal dispute resolution processes.

The coalition has called on ADC leaders at the national level and the general public to cease all dealings with the blacklisted individuals concerning the party’s activities in Kaduna State.

The restructuring is framed as a strategic move to build a disciplined leadership capable of uniting the people of Kaduna State to “end the current hopeless APC regime of tyranny” in the 2027 elections.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is scheduled to travel to Kaduna State on Friday, September 19, for a one-day visit that includes a high-profile wedding and a private condolence call.

According to a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President’s itinerary is centered on two key events.

The primary reason for the visit is the President’s attendance at the wedding ceremony of Nasirudeen Yari, the son of former Governor of Zamfara State and current Senator for Zamfara West, Abdul’aziz Yari.

Nasirudeen will be wed to Safiyya Shehu Idris.Following the wedding festivities, President Tinubu will pay a courtesy visit to Aisha Buhari, the widow of former President Muhammadu Buhari, at the family’s residence in Kaduna.

The visit is seen as a gesture of respect and condolence following the passing of the former leader.

The President is expected to return to the nation’s capital, Abuja, on the same day after concluding his engagements.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

The Kaduna State Emergency Management Agency (KADSEMA) has issued a public weather alert following a forecast from the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) predicting a high probability of thunderstorms and significant rainfall across the state from Wednesday, September 10th, through Monday, September 15th, 2025.

Residents are being urged to take precautionary measures seriously to ensure their safety and minimize potential damage to property and agriculture.

According to the forecast, the state will experience repeated morning and evening thunderstorms with heavy rain on Wednesday, 10th, and Thursday, 11th September.

While Friday, 12th September, will start partly cloudy, intense evening thunderstorms are expected, potentially intensified by high evening temperatures of up to 30°C.

The agency warned of several associated risks, including a high risk of flash flooding in urban areas with poor drainage, a gradual rise in river levels that could overflow into low-lying communities, significant disruption to transportation during rush hours, and potential damage to property and farm produce.

In its advisory to the public, KADSEMA strongly recommended avoiding all non-essential travel during heavy downpours.

Residents are also advised to clear drainage channels around their homes, stay away from riverbanks and flood-prone areas, and keep children from playing in floodwater, which may be contaminated.

Farmers have been strongly advised to take steps to protect their crops and storage facilities from water damage.

The public is also encouraged to prepare for possible power outages by having emergency kits ready with torches, charged power banks, and essential medicines.

All emergency response agencies have been placed on high alert.

The public can report any life-threatening emergencies or flash flooding using the following contact numbers: 112, 02012554433, 08032314444 (Zone 1), 08034534321 (Zone 2), or 07062152779 (Zone 3).

Residents are advised to stay informed by monitoring official updates from KADSEMA and other government channels.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

In an act of interfaith solidarity, prominent Christian leaders joined tens of thousands of Muslims in Kaduna to celebrate Maulud, marking the birth of the Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him).

The General Overseer of Christ Evangelical and Life Intervention Ministry, Pastor Yohanna Buru, and church elders were special guests at the main event held at the Murtala Mohammed Square.

Pastor Buru used the platform to extend congratulations to major Islamic leaders across Nigeria and to deliver a lecture on peace.

He emphasized that his participation was a key part of ongoing efforts to strengthen relations between the two faiths and foster national unity.

“Maulud celebrations offer a golden opportunity for Christians and Muslims to meet, interact, dialogue, and exchange goodwill messages,” Buru stated.

“It’s a platform to promote religious tolerance and peaceful coexistence.”

He noted that his church reciprocates by welcoming Muslims during Christmas celebrations for the birth of Jesus Christ, adding that Prophet Muhammad is a messenger for all humanity.

Highlighting practical acts of unity, Pastor Buru recalled a Muslim woman, Hajiya Ramatu Tijjani, who donated 100 Bibles to his church and supports his humanitarian efforts for widows and orphans.

In response, Muslim scholars praised the gesture. Sheikh Iliyasu Husaine, representing Jama’atul Nasrul Islam (JNI) in Kaduna, emphasized the importance of forgiveness and love, noting he had also attended Christmas services at Pastor Buru’s church.

The event saw a massive turnout, with thousands of Muslims from all 23 local government areas of Kaduna participating in parades and Qur’anic recitations.

Officials expressed hope that such collaboration would continue to pave the way for lasting peace in the region.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

The Kaduna State Government has reinstated the five-day school week across all public schools in the state.

The Commissioner for Education, Professor Abubakar Sani Sambo, made the announcement while receiving members of the Kaduna Government College Old Boys Association in his office.

He explained that the decision is aimed at enhancing students’ learning outcomes and ensuring a more effective education system.

Professor Sambo further disclosed that the state is working on plans to improve teachers’ salaries in order to boost their productivity and commitment.

On the temporary occupation of Kaduna Government College by the Civil Defence Corps and the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), the Commissioner clarified that the move was initially due to security concerns.

However, he stated that both organizations must now relocate to their permanent sites.

Earlier, the National President of the Kaduna Government College Old Boys Association, Alhaji Muhammad Yusuf Sa’in Lere, appealed to Governor Uba Sani to intervene, noting that the NYSC and Civil Defence currently occupy about 70 percent of the school premises, which affects its operations.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

A tragic building collapse, triggered by heavy rainfall, claimed the lives of a mother and three of her young children in the early hours of Wednesday in the Karauka area of Zaria.

The victims have been identified as Mallama Habiba Nuhu, her two daughters, Hauwa’u Nuhu and Aina’u Nuhu, and her granddaughter, Za’uma.

According to a relative, Mallam Ahmed Ibrahim, the disaster occurred between 3:30 a.m. and 4 a.m. when a mud wall from a neighbouring house gave way and collapsed onto the family’s room.

“The victims died on the spot because they were covered by rubble,” Ibrahim stated.

The husband and father, Mallam Nuhu Dogara, was the sole survivor. He was recovered alive from the debris and rushed to a hospital for medical attention.

He was later discharged just in time to attend the funeral prayers for his family.

Local authorities attribute the collapse to the ceaseless rainfall that has been battering the Zaria area, which weakened the structure of the adjacent building.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

A group known as the Concerned Kaduna Central Constituents has initiated a process to recall their Senator, Lawal Adamu Usman, citing poor representation and neglect of duties.

In a statement to the press, the group accused the senator of failing to advocate for the constituency, being persistently absent from legislative duties, and providing no tangible projects for the people.

They claimed he has been disconnected from the realities of his constituents since taking office.

The group has begun gathering signatures from registered voters to petition the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for his recall.INEC has not yet responded.

By law, a recall requires signatures from at least half of the registered voters in the senatorial district before a verification and referendum can be held.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

A passenger train service from Abuja to Kaduna derailed on Tuesday morning, causing multiple carriages to overturn and creating a scene of panic and confusion among travellers.

The incident occurred along the busy transport corridor at approximately 11 a.m., shortly after the train’s departure from the nation’s capital.

Eyewitnesses aboard the train described a chaotic scramble for safety as the carriages left the tracks.

The precise cause of the derailment is currently unknown and is likely to be the subject of an official investigation.

At this time, there has been no official confirmation of injuries or fatalities.

Security sources indicate that military personnel have been deployed to the scene to aid in the evacuation of stranded passengers.

Authorities have not yet released an official statement regarding the incident.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

The Department of State Services (DSS) has arrested a suspected Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) agent, Shehu Fatange, with N30 million allegedly meant for vote-buying ahead of Saturday’s bye-elections in Kaduna State.

Fatange was apprehended Friday evening at a hotel in Kaduna, where he was reportedly coordinating the distribution of cash to influence voters in the Chikun/Kajuru Federal Constituency election.

Security sources confirmed the suspect was caught with a large sum of money intended to compromise the electoral process.

The Kaduna Police Command also verified the arrest, stating that investigations were ongoing.

The incident comes amid rising tensions, with political parties trading accusations of vote-buying and electoral malpractice ahead of the polls.

Authorities have urged the public to remain calm and turn out peacefully to vote.