Katsina

By Sabiu Abdullahi

A pregnant woman identified as Aisha Najamu has died at the Turai Umaru Musa Yar’adua Maternity and Children Hospital in Katsina State after a health worker allegedly refused to accept a bank transfer for oxygen, insisting on cash payment.

The incident reportedly happened on Monday. The woman was said to have been rushed to the hospital in a life-threatening condition and required oxygen immediately.

A popular Nigerian TV station reported on Friday that an eyewitness claimed the cashier on duty declined to process the payment because the patient did not have cash.

The witness said the cashier told them that “the hospital’s internal rule” did not allow bank transfers.

A man who attempted to intervene allegedly begged the cashier to take a transfer since the woman needed urgent help.

According to the report, the cashier insisted that “hospital policy strictly forbade bank transfers and that staff must abide by the directive.”

The eyewitness added that he offered to add extra money out of sympathy. He later presented a $100 note to settle the bill, yet the cashier still refused to accept the payment. He described the moment as heartbreaking and said the woman cried for help until she passed away around 11:30 p.m.

Hospital authorities, when reached for comment, said they had not received a formal complaint from the public about the matter.

The hospital’s representative, Cashier Aminu Kofar-Bai, extended condolences to the family and stated that management would reach out to them.

He also promised an investigation into the conduct of any staff member who might be responsible.However, hospital officials defended their payment system.

They maintained that the Katsina State Government’s TSA guidelines prevent staff from accepting bank transfers into personal accounts. They also explained that the hospital lacks POS machines and operates strictly on cash transactions.

By Anas Abbas

A newly married woman, Zainab Muhammad, has allegedly killed her husband, Abubakar Abdurrahman, barely 3 days after their wedding in Jibia, Katsina State.

The couple reportedly tied the knot on Thursday afternoon in the Jibia area of Katsina state.

However, according to a neighbor, the tragic incident occurred yesterday afternoon when Zainab allegedly slaughtered her groom.

The neighbor who spoke to The Daily Reality said the shocking incident happened inside the couple’s residence, throwing the community into confusion.

Speaking on the cause, the ward head told our reporter that the suspect had been battling what he described as “jinn/[demons]-related problems,” which he believes may have influenced her actions.

He noted that community members were aware of her condition prior to the incident.

Abubakar’s remains were buried yesterday at about 5 p.m. according to Islamic rites.

Police authorities have taken the suspect into custody for further investigation into the circumstances surrounding the killing.

By Uzair Adam

The Katsina State Government has terminated the employment of 3,488 staff from 34 Local Government Councils and Local Education Authorities following a biometric screening exercise that uncovered extensive fraud.

Governor Dikko Radda, who received the screening report on Wednesday, said the exercise covered 50,172 staff members, verifying 46,380, while the remainder were found with fake credentials, ghost postings, absenteeism, or refusal to participate.

The report was formally presented at a State Executive Council meeting attended by top government officials and members of the Biometric Screening Committee.

The initiative has produced the state’s first-ever unified digital database of all Local Government Council (LGC) and Local Education Authority (LEA) staff, with projected monthly savings of N453.3 million if recommendations are fully implemented.

The 10-member committee identified falsified birth certificates, underage employment, illegal promotions, and instances where staff positions were sublet to others.

Additionally, N4.6 million was recovered from officers drawing double salaries or collecting pay while on leave.

Committee chairman Abdullahi A. Gagare revealed that the exercise also exposed the Education Secretary of Zango LEA for allegedly colluding with others to insert 24 ghost workers, describing the case as a “serious breach of trust.”

Governor Radda said, “We have been in the system for a long time, and we know these issues exist. Many warned me that the Committee’s work could damage my political standing, but I was determined to reform the system and do what is right for Katsina.”

He directed that the committee’s findings be converted into a White Paper for full implementation. Radda noted that local governments currently have about half a billion naira in savings, which could increase to N5.7 billion if the recommendations are applied.

“Despite high revenue allocations, many local governments in Katsina still struggle to pay salaries. Councils such as Kafur, Malumfashi, and Daura carry heavy wage bills, mostly due to staff who are not genuine,” he explained.

The governor emphasised that reducing this burden would free up resources to support grassroots development.

“This reform is aimed at saving the state from the grip of a few, ensuring more funds reach the people in our local governments,” Radda added.

The screening exercise was carried out by a 10-member committee, including four retired Permanent Secretaries and six Directors, supported by 16 co-opted members and security personnel.

By Uzair 

President Bola Tinubu has reiterated that the creation of state police is inevitable in addressing Nigeria’s worsening insecurity.

Speaking at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Tuesday during a courtesy visit by prominent Katsina indigenes led by Governor Dikko Radda, Tinubu assured that his administration is determined to confront the menace of banditry and other security threats.

He directed security agencies to review their strategies in Katsina, which has recently witnessed a surge in banditry, and announced plans to deploy advanced military equipment and surveillance technology. 

The president also disclosed that newly recruited forest guards in the state would receive enhanced training and support.

Tinubu acknowledged Nigeria’s security challenges, including porous borders and long-standing weaknesses, but stressed that with determination and a strategic approach, they could be overcome.

“The security challenges we are facing are surmountable. Yes, we have porous borders. We inherited weaknesses that could have been addressed earlier. It is a challenge that we must fix, and we are facing it,” he said.

He revealed that the federal government had approved the acquisition of additional drones and instructed him to receive daily updates on security operations in Katsina.

“I am reviewing all aspects of security; I have to create a state police. We are looking at that holistically,” Tinubu added.

The president reassured Nigerians that insecurity would be defeated, emphasising the need to protect children, places of worship, and livelihoods from criminal intimidation.

He reminded the delegation that in February 2024, the federal government established a committee to develop a framework for state policing, which has since garnered widespread support. 

However, by March, 20 states were yet to submit their reports, according to Vice-President Kashim Shettima.

Tinubu also paid tribute to former President Muhammadu Buhari, praising him for leaving behind a legacy of success.

Governor Radda and other members of the delegation, including former Governor Aminu Masari and Ibrahim Ida, the Wazirin of Katsina, commended Tinubu for his commitment to security and infrastructural development in the state. 

Ida urged the federal government to prioritise upgrading the Umaru Musa Yar’Adua International Airport and bolstering security in southern Katsina.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

President Bola Tinubu has authorized a major security overhaul for Katsina State, promising a fierce military blitz involving drone technology and tactical troop redeployments to crush banditry.

The decisive move comes after a high-powered Katsina delegation, fearing the state was under siege, stormed the State House to demand urgent action.

The delegation, a who’s who of Katsina’s political, traditional, and religious leadership, was led by Governor Dikko Umaru Radda.

It included the Emir of Daura, former Governor Aminu Masari, all three state senators, and two federal ministers.Confronted with the grave situation, President Tinubu issued immediate orders to security chiefs.

“I have directed all the security agencies to energize further… Additional deployment of air drones, and if they have to shift movement between Katsina and other boundary areas, they should do so,” the President declared.

He promised that ground forces would intensify operations to “smoke them out.”

The President also backed the growing call for sub-national policing, revealing plans are underway to establish state police as a critical part of a holistic security strategy.

Governor Radda expressed profound relief, thanking the President for his unwavering support and labeling him “a true son of Katsina.”

During the meeting, the Emir of Katsina’s representative, Senator Ibrahim Ida, disclosed the state’s massive financial commitment to the crisis, having already invested over N40 billion in security logistics.

He pleaded for federal reimbursement and the establishment of a permanent military presence in the vulnerable southern part of the state.

The meeting signifies a significant escalation in the federal government’s response to the security crisis plaguing the Northwest.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

Katsina State Governor, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, PhD, CON, has announced a three-week medical leave to focus on his health.

The leave will begin on Monday, August 18, 2025.

In a press release by the State Ministry of Information and Culture, Governor Radda expressed gratitude to the people of Katsina for their support and prayers.

He stated that prioritizing his health would enable him to return to office with renewed energy and continue serving the state effectively.

“Taking the necessary steps to address my health is crucial so I can make the best decisions for our state,” he said.

During his absence, Deputy Governor Malam Faruk Lawal, HCIB (Sarkin Fulanin Jobe), will act in his capacity.

Governor Radda expressed confidence in the Deputy Governor’s ability to oversee state affairs smoothly.

The government assured residents that all ongoing projects and programs under the “Building Your Future Agenda” will proceed without disruption.

The administration looks forward to the Governor’s return in good health.

By Anas Abbas

The Katsina State High Court has sentenced two individuals to death for the murder of Dr. Rabe Nasir, a former Commissioner for Science and Technology in the state.

The verdict was delivered by Justice Ibrahim Mashi at High Court 9 in Katsina.

The convicted men, Shamsu Lawal, who previously worked as a security guard for the late commissioner, and Tasi’u Rabi’u, his cook, were found guilty of poisoning Dr. Nasir in his residence at Fatima Shema Quarters in 2021. The prosecution revealed that the pair resorted to poisoning after their attempts to rob him had failed.

Evidence presented during the trial included a joint autopsy conducted by police and medical officials, which confirmed the presence of poison in Dr. Nasir’s body.

In addition to the death sentences, another former guard of the deceased, Sani Sa’adu, received a five-year prison term for withholding information regarding the murder. Meanwhile, a female suspect, Gift Bako, was acquitted due to insufficient evidence linking her to the crime.

The defense attorney for the convicted men, Ahmad Murtala Kankia, requested leniency from the court, highlighting that both men have families and dependents who rely on them.

Dr. Rabe Nasir was not only a former commissioner but also a retired anti-graft officer and had served as a federal legislator representing Mani and Bindawa local governments in 2003 during the administration of former Governor Aminu Masari.

By Uzair Adam

Government has revealed that the majority of bandit attacks in the state are being aided by informants and some members of affected communities who supply food, fuel, drugs, and other essentials to the criminals.

The Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Alhaji Nasir Mu’azu, made this known while briefing journalists on Thursday in Katsina, lamenting that about 80 per cent of attacks are linked to insider collaboration.

Mu’azu said some community members act as informants or conduct illicit trade with the criminals at highly inflated prices inside the forests, thereby enabling their operations and profiting from the insecurity.

“In one of the communities affected by the insecurity, a man was found selling a bottle of Coca-Cola for N3,000, and another sold fuel to the bandits for N5,000 per litre,” he disclosed.

He added that drugs and illicit substances are also being supplied at high prices, creating a profitable business for the collaborators.

“Some people even connive with bandits to facilitate abductions of specific victims, including family members,” he said.

Citing a shocking example, the commissioner narrated a case where a man colluded with bandits to kidnap his diabetic father.

“When the bandits brought him to their hideout, they already had diabetic medication ready for his daily treatment. The family eventually paid N30 million in ransom, and the man received N8 million for facilitating the abduction,” he explained.

Mu’azu also said that some informants tip off bandits when Nigerian Air Force (NAF) jets take off for operations, enabling the criminals to evade airstrikes by taking cover within civilian populations.

“This has made it difficult for the military to succeed in some of their missions,” he said.

According to him, only about 20 per cent of the insecurity challenge in the state can be attributed directly to bandits, while the remaining 80 per cent is driven by the actions of insiders who aid and abet them.

While noting that the state government has made significant progress using kinetic approaches in some local government areas, he stressed the need for community cooperation and non-kinetic solutions to address the root of the problem.

He urged the public to provide credible information that could support security efforts, assuring that all such reports would be treated with the utmost confidentiality.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

Armed bandits have killed at least 130 security personnel, including police officers, soldiers, and members of the Katsina Community Watch Corps, in a series of violent attacks.

Nasir Muazu, the state’s Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, confirmed the casualties in a statement on Monday.

He said over 100 officers of the state-backed Community Watch Corps and more than 30 policemen had been killed, alongside several soldiers.

Muazu condemned social media mockery of the fallen officers, stating that their sacrifices demonstrated the government’s commitment to tackling banditry.

He assured that the state was providing support to victims’ families and rescued persons.

The commissioner urged citizens to remain calm and avoid spreading unverified reports, emphasizing that security operations in remote forest areas require time and coordination.

He noted that the Katsina Community Watch Corps was established to assist in such challenging terrains.

While acknowledging improvements in security since Governor Dikko Radda took office in 2023, Muazu admitted that bandit attacks persist in some areas, including Faskari, Kankara, and Matazu.

He called for public support and prayers to sustain the fight against insecurity.

By Anas Abbas

Saudi Arabia’s leadership has extended heartfelt condolences to Nigeria in the wake of the death of former President Muhammadu Buhari.

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, along with Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, both conveyed their sympathies through formal messages to Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Their messages reflect deep sorrow over the loss of the former leader.

In a statement released on Monday, King Salman expressed his “deepest condolences and sincere sympathy” to President Tinubu, the Nigerian populace, and Buhari’s family.

Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman echoed these sentiments in a separate message, emphasizing the enduring respect and historical connections between Saudi Arabia and Nigeria.

He stated, “I extend to Your Excellency, the people of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and the family of the deceased my deepest condolences and sincere sympathy.”

The Crown Prince commended Buhari for his decades of public service, particularly noting his role in enhancing Nigeria’s political stability and national security.

Muhammadu Buhari, who served as Nigeria’s president from 2015 to 2023 and previously led as a military ruler in the 1980s, passed away on Sunday at the age of 82 following a brief illness.

Known for his staunch anti-corruption measures and efforts to combat insurgency in northeastern Nigeria, Buhari leaves behind a legacy characterized by strong governance and national pride.

President Bola Tinubu, who succeeded Buhari, referred to him as a “patriot and statesman who prioritized national interest above all else.” In honor of the former president, the Nigerian government has declared a period of national mourning.

A state funeral is set to take place on Tuesday in Buhari’s hometown of Daura, Katsina State, with dignitaries and representatives from around the globe anticipated to attend.