Kano

By Uzair Adam

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has increased the pump price of Premium Motor Spirit, commonly known as petrol, across the country.

In Kano, the price has risen to N904 per litre at NNPCL filling stations.

Contrary to some reports, the Federal Government has denied instructing NNPCL to sell petrol at ₦1,000 per litre.

This clarification was made in a statement issued by Nnemaka Okafor, the Special Adviser on Media and Communication to the Minister for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Heineken Lokpobiri, on Tuesday.

The statement dismissed the report as false and intended to cause confusion in the oil industry.

Despite this, an internal message circulating allegedly from NNPCL suggested a different price point.

The message indicated an upward review of the petrol pump price from N617 per litre to N897 per litre, effective September 3, 2024.

The Daily Reality on Tuesday gathered that NNPCL is now officially selling fuel at N904 per litre.

However, the correspondent noted that the station in Hotoro, Nasarawa local government area, was not dispensing fuel to the public, except to familiar individuals, resulting in long queues.

One motorist expressed frustration over the situation, stating, “This is unfortunate; even with the price hike to N904 per litre, only those they know are being allowed to buy fuel. We have been here for over two hours.”

An anonymous staff member at the station revealed that the directive to increase the pump price came from NNPCL on Tuesday.

By Uzair Adam

At least 10 people have died and 40 others are currently hospitalized following a diphtheria outbreak in Kano State.

The state’s Commissioner of Health, Dr. Abubakar Labaran, disclosed this to journalists as reported by The Daily Reality on Sunday.

Dr. Labaran confirmed to journalists that the deaths occurred over the past week, adding that the state government has established diphtheria treatment centers in various local government areas to handle the outbreak.

“We have recorded 10 deaths from the diphtheria outbreak in the last week, and as of this morning, 40 patients are receiving treatment,” Dr. Labaran stated. He urged residents who encounter individuals showing symptoms of diphtheria to visit the newly established treatment centers instead of coming to facilities in the metropolitan area, to help prevent the spread of the disease.

He emphasized that treatment at these centers is free of charge.

Dr. Labaran also refuted figures circulating on social media, stating, “The only official number we have is 10 deaths.” The health authorities in Kano continue to monitor the situation closely as efforts to contain the outbreak are underway.

 By Sabiu Abdullahi

A Kano State court has released 40 minors on bail who were among the hundreds arrested during the recent #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria protests.

The minors were freed following the intervention of Advocate for Justice Alliance, a civic organisation led by Barrister AK Musa. 

The Kano State Police Command had arrested 873 suspects for alleged crimes committed during the protests, which were held to demand solutions to Nigeria’s economic woes and insecurity.

The suspects were arraigned before magistrates and detained in various prison facilities. 

Barrister Musa confirmed the release of the minors, saying, “We’re pleased that 40 minors have been granted bail, but unfortunately, no adults have been released.”

He added that his organisation is working to secure the release and representation of more detainees, with the next court hearing set for September 11, 2024. 

The protests, which took place across the country, saw over 1000 Nigerians arrested and detained, according to Amnesty International.

The global human rights organisation criticized the government’s response to the protests, saying it failed to address the economic issues driving the demonstrations.

By Uzair Adam

The Kano State Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission (PCACC) has arrested several top officials over a significant corruption scandal involving the procurement of drugs and medical equipment for the 44 local governments in Kano State.

The investigation centers on allegations of financial misconduct and violations of procurement laws.

Among those detained are Ibrahim Muhammad Kabara, the Permanent Secretary of the Kano Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, and Abdullahi Ibrahim Bashir, the Chairman of the State Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) and Interim Council Chairman of Tarauni Local Government.

The Daily Reality gathered that additionally, five other officials were also arrested in connection with the case.

The Commission has also summoned Musa Garba, Managing Director of Novomed Pharmaceuticals and a nephew of former Kano State Governor, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, for questioning.

Sources indicate that Abdullahi Ibrahim Bashir confessed to illegally authorizing the payment of N402.6 million for the procurement, with N347.7 million already disbursed by 38 local governments before the Commission’s investigation commenced.

The detained officials, who have been held in custody since Tuesday morning, are undergoing interrogation by the Commission.

By Uzair Adam

A tragic incident has occurred in Karkari village, Gwarzo Local Government Area of Kano State, where a widow and her five children lost their lives after consuming a local Hausa delicacy known as Danwake.

The Kano Police Command confirmed the heartbreaking event, stating that the victims were rushed to Gwarzo General Hospital but were declared dead upon arrival.

According to the Police spokesman, SP Abdullahi Haruna, investigations have begun to determine the exact cause of the deaths.

The Daily Reality gathered that preliminary reports suggest that the widow, Alhakatu Abdulkarim, may have used expired cassava flour in preparing the meal, leading to the unfortunate outcome.

The deceased children have been identified as Bashir, Firdausi, Hafsat, Usman, and Jamilu.

The community and the authorities are now awaiting a detailed medical report from the hospital to confirm the cause of death and prevent future occurrences.

By Uzair Adam

The Kano State Commissioner of Police, CP Salman Garba, has expressed concern over the increasing cases of culpable homicide resulting from fighting, stabbing with knives, drowning, and flood-related deaths in the state.

In a statement issued by his spokesperson, SP Abdullahi Haruna, CP Garba noted that the alarming trend has resulted in significant loss of life, leaving families and communities devastated.

The police command has responded by increasing patrols and surveillance in high-risk areas and engaging with community leaders and stakeholders to address the root causes of these incidents.

CP Garba urged residents to exercise caution and avoid violent behavior in their daily interactions.

He stated the importance of parents and guardians counseling their children and wards on the dangers of engaging in violent behavior and the consequences of such actions.

He advised the public to avoid physical altercations, refrain from carrying dangerous weapons, and be mindful of their surroundings, especially in flooded areas.

“The Kano State Police Command is working tirelessly to address this issue and ensure public safety,” the statement said.

The police commissioner also encouraged anyone with information on such incidents to report to the nearest police station, noting that community cooperation is crucial in preventing loss of life and maintaining peace in the state.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini 

A commercial motor vehicle driver has returned a lost bag containing a substantial amount of money to the Kano State Police Command. 

The driver, Safiyanu Mohammed, ‘m’, 36 Years old resides at Rangaza Quarters, Ungogo LGA, Kano State, a driver indigene of Katsina State, found the bag on Friday, 9th August 2024, at Hadejia Road by Dakata Junction, and handed it over to the Police Command.

The bag was found to contain a large sum of money, but no unique identification or contact information of the owner. 

The Kano State Police Command is now calling on the rightful owner of the bag to come forward and claim their property.

To facilitate the return of the bag, the owner is required to provide proof of ownership and identification. 

The Commissioner of Police, CP Salman Dogo Garba, commended the commercial driver for his exemplary honesty and urge anyone with information about the owner’s identity to come forward.

By Abbas Datti

Peaceful demonstrations turned deadly when security forces used live ammunition against unarmed civilians in Kurna, Rijiyar Lemo and Kofar Nassarawa, Kano. That resulted in the loss of innocent lives and left many others injured and traumatised.

This brutal response has sparked outrage within the state and across the country as concerned citizens demand accountability and professionalism. An image of a well-armed police officer who allegedly opened fire on innocent victims of Kurna is now circulating on social media. 

Reports indicate that the police fired indiscriminately to scatter the protesters, resulting in the death of innocent young children.

Consequently, it’s up to the Inspector General of Police to probe the unfortunate incident.

The protesters had reportedly assembled themselves and marched to express their grievances over deteriorating hardships, hunger, economic inequalities, corruption and other social injustices, exercising their fundamental right to peaceful assembly and free speech. However, what began as a lawful and largely non-violent demonstration quickly escalated into a scene of chaos and bloodshed, as security forces resorted to excessive force and unprofessionalism 

Families of the victims are now left to mourn their loved ones, grappling with the devastating loss and an overwhelming sense of injustice. Our sons went out to make their voices heard, to fight for a better future for themselves, and now they are gone. As a result, we demand justice for their senseless deaths.

We are calling on human rights organisations and civil society groups to condemn the brazen actions of the security forces, calling for an independent investigation into the incident. The use of live ammunition on peaceful protesters is a gross violation of human rights, which is a fundamental right given by the Constitution. 

Abbas Datti wrote from Kano via comradeabbasdatti@gmail.com.

 By Sabiu Abdullahi 

Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has declared a 24-hour curfew throughout the state, effective immediately, in response to the escalating violence and disruptions that have emerged amid civil demonstrations. 

According to a statement issued by the governor’s spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, the decision was made unanimously during an Emergency State Security Council meeting. 

The governor stated that the curfew is necessary to restore order and ensure the safety of communities, following the hijacking of peaceful protests by thugs and hoodlums who engaged in looting, destruction of property, and violence against innocent citizens. 

“The imposition of this curfew is a necessary measure to restore order and ensure the safety of our communities,” said Governor Yusuf.

“It is paramount that we protect our citizens from further harm and preserve the sanctity of our state’s institutions and businesses.” 

The governor called on citizens to remain vigilant and united, saying, “Let us not allow the actions of a few selfish individuals to divide us. Together, we can navigate these challenges and fortify our resolve to build a stronger, more resilient Kano State.” 

All security agencies in the state have been directed to ensure full compliance with the curfew, and citizens are urged to heed this directive for their safety and well-being.

By Uzair Adam

Dr. ‘Bosun Tijani, Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, has condemned the senseless destruction of the NCC’s Digital Innovation Park in Kano.

The facility, poised for launch next week, was ravaged by fire and looted during the protests on Thursday.

This cutting-edge hub was designed to turbocharge Nigeria’s technical talent accelerator program (3MTT) and host various initiatives, including a buildathon holiday maker program for secondary school kids commencing next week.

Dr. Tijani expressed his dismay on social media, stating, “Devastated to learn that our Digital Innovation Park in Kano, slated for launch next week to supercharge our technical talent accelerator (3MTT), has been reduced to ashes and plundered by protesters.”

The minister stated the devastating impact of this destruction on planned initiatives, saying, “In addition to #3MTT, this facility was set to host our buildathon holiday maker program for secondary school kids starting next week.”

He also lamented the loss, saying, “A staggering amount of resources, worth millions of Naira, have been squandered.”

This incident unfolded amidst widespread unrest in Kano, where protesters targeted the yet-to-be-commissioned NCC Industrial Park.