Kaduna

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.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini 

The military high command has established new commands in Kaduna State to address insecurity. 

The three new commands are located in Samaru Zango-Kataf, Giwa, and Birnin-Gwari. Additionally, the Air Force will establish a base in Millennium City, in Chikun local government area. 

The Southern Kaduna Journalists’ Forum (SKJF) has praised the collaboration between the State governor, Uba Sani and the Chief of Defense Staff, General Christopher Musa, for their efforts in addressing insecurity in the State. 

In a statement issued by SKJF chairman, Ango Bally and Secretary, Lilian Silas, the forum expressed joy over the establishment of the military bases. 

The statement read in part: “These strategic moves will significantly help in addressing the protracted banditry, kidnapping and other security threats in the region and enhance agricultural activities in the State”. 

The Forum expressed optimism that the deployment of additional military personnel will significantly improve security and enable farmers to access their lands without fear, especially in communities like Maro-Kajuru, Kauru, Sanga, Giwa and Birnin-Gwari, which have been witnessing persistent banditry attacks.

By Uzair Adam Imam

Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has responded to the Kaduna State House of Assembly’s recommendation to probe his 8-year tenure as governor.

El-Rufai’s Special Adviser on Media, Muyiwa Adekeye, issued a statement expressing disgust at the “show of shame” exhibited by the State House of Assembly during the sitting of the ad-hoc committee.

El-Rufai is confident in his records, assures integrity and competence during his tenure, and dismisses the probe as a politically motivated witch hunt.

According to the statement, El-Rufai led a government of integrity and competent governance, and he is immensely proud of his record of governance and the legacy he left in Kaduna State.

The statement also mentions that many officials who served in the El-Rufai government appeared before the ad-hoc committee, confident in the quality of their service and the rectitude with which they served Kaduna State.

The statement concludes by assuring discerning Nigerians that El-Rufai has served Kaduna State with integrity and to the best of his capacity, assisted by a hardworking and patriotic team, and that he complied with all extant laws in all his activities while he was governor.

By Uzair Adam Imam

A newlywed woman, Habiba Ibrahim, has been arrested for allegedly cutting her husband’s manhood while he was asleep.

The incident occurred in Kaduna State, Nigeria, on May 26.

The husband, Salisu Idris, 40, a commercial motorcycle rider, said the attack came without warning and that he was rushed to several hospitals for treatment.

Idris stated that they had been married for four months and that he could not understand the reason for her action, as they loved each other and had no prior misunderstandings.

His mother, Rabi Salisu, said her son had never complained about his wife, and that the wife’s parents are willing to settle his medical bills.

The police have arrested Habiba Ibrahim, and the case is under investigation.

The reason behind the attack is still unknown.