Katsina

By Uzair Adam

A member of the Hunters Association of Nigeria (HAN), Aliyu Yahaya, was brutally killed by bandits in Magamar-Jibia town, Jibia Local Government Area of Katsina State.

The attackers set fire to his home, burning his body inside, and abducted his wife, son, and three neighbors during the raid, which took place on Tuesday, August 13, 2024.

The incident has sparked widespread outrage in the community, with residents calling on the government to take immediate action to address the increasing insecurity in the area.

The Police Public Relations Officer for Katsina State, ASP Abubakar Sadiq, confirmed the incident and stated that an investigation is underway to apprehend the culprits and rescue the kidnapped victims.

Community leaders, including Alhaji Sani Salisu, have expressed frustration over the lack of security in the region and are urging the authorities to increase security presence to prevent such tragic events in the future.

Residents are also appealing for swift action to ensure the safe return of the kidnapped individuals and to help alleviate the trauma faced by their families and the community.

By Uzair Adam Imam

The abductors of Hajiya Hauwa’u Adamu, mother of famous Hausa musician Dauda Adamu (Rarara), have demanded a ransom of N900m for her release.

The abductors initially demanded N1bn but reduced the amount after a brief discussion with a family member.

According to a source close to the family, the abductors called the family with a phone they stole during the abduction and confirmed that Hajiya is in good condition.

The family is still waiting for the abductors’ call to continue with the negotiation.

The abduction was a well-coordinated operation, with the bandits using a photograph of Hajiya to identify her.

They woke up all the women in the bedroom and compared their faces to the photograph before taking Hajiya away.

The entire village of Kahutu is in shock over the kidnapping, as Hajiya is known for her generosity and kindness to many families in the village.

The family is still waiting for the abductors’ call to continue with the negotiation.

No arrests have been made, and the family is still waiting for the abductors’ next move.

The incident has left the community in shock and fear, with many calling for the safe release of Hajiya.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Katsina State Police Command has apprehended two suspects in connection with the kidnapping of Halima Adamu, the mother of popular Hausa singer Dauda Kahutu, known as Rarara. 

According to a statement by police spokesperson Aliyu Abubakar, the suspects are currently being interrogated over the incident, which occurred in the early hours of Friday at the singer’s mother’s residence in Kahutu village, Danja Local Government Area. 

The police responded swiftly to the report, with the DPO Danja leading a team of operatives to the scene to arrest the culprits and rescue the victim. 

Rarara, a well-known political singer and songwriter in northern Nigeria, has gained fame for his support songs for former President Muhammadu Buhari during the 2015 general election.

By Uzair Adam Imam

The Katsina State Hisbah Board has shut down New Palace Hotel in Katsina metropolis for allegedly corrupting the morals of underage girls.

The hotel was found to have violated an agreement with hoteliers across the state by allowing underage girls to stay on the premises.

Despite previous warnings, the hotel management failed to comply with the board’s regulations, leading to the hotel’s closure.

According to Dr. Aminu Usman (Abu Ammar), the Hisbah Commander General, the hotel was found to have lodged two underage girls in the same room during a recent inspection, which contravenes the Hisbah laws.

This is the second time the hotel has committed this offense, despite previous warnings and a promise by the hotel’s management to stop such incidents.

The Hisbah Board had earlier reached an agreement with hotel managers across the state that no hotel would accommodate underage children.

The hotel’s failure to comply with this agreement led to its closure.

The Hisbah Commander General reiterated the board’s commitment to enforcing reforms and instilling discipline that aligns with the state’s religious and cultural values.

The closure of the hotel is part of the Hisbah Board’s efforts to enforce reforms and ensure that hotels in the state comply with moral standards.

The board has been working to prevent the exploitation of underage girls and promote a culture of decency and respect for human rights.

By Uzair Adam Imam

Suspected bandits have unleashed terror in Katsina State, kidnapping at least 28 individuals, including men, women, and children from Zamfarawar Madogara in the Batsari Local Government Area.

The abduction occurred Thursday night, as armed bandits raided the village, according to a reliable source who disclosed the incident to journalists on Saturday.

Batsari, a frontline area, has endured years of banditry, adding to the region’s longstanding security challenges.

In a separate incident within Batsari LGA, suspected terrorists targeted Naduai village, where they kidnapped villagers and set portions of the area ablaze.

This further compounds the plight of residents already reeling from insecurity.Meanwhile, in Na-Alma village, Malumfashi Local Council, gunmen on motorcycles abducted at least 20 individuals, predominantly women, in an early morning attack earlier in the week.

Describing the harrowing ordeal, a resident who narrowly escaped abduction recounted how the assailants not only kidnapped women and children but also looted homes, taking valuable possessions.

Despite these distressing events, inquiries made to the Katsina State Police spokesperson, ASP Abubakar Sadiq Aliyu, regarding the incidents remained unanswered at the time of reporting, leaving the community anxiously awaiting updates on the situation.

By Sabiu Abdullahi 

Dogo Gide, the notorious bandit leader responsible for spreading terror across the North, has met his end.

The demise of Dogo Gide marks the conclusion of his reign of terror that had plagued the region for an extended period. 

Dogo Gide succumbed to gunshot wounds sustained during a fierce confrontation with Operation Hadarin Daji (OPHD) forces.

The encounter occurred amidst the rugged terrain of Madada Forest, located within the Maru local government area, on March 12, 2024. 

Despite sustaining severe injuries during the clash, Dogo Gide was reportedly transported clandestinely to a hospital in Mabera, Sokoto, Sokoto State.

However, his injuries proved fatal, leading to his demise. The demise of Dogo Gide, a fugitive wanted for a string of atrocious crimes in the region, was followed by his burial in Dandalla Village on March 24. 

Nevertheless, concerns have arisen regarding the circumstances surrounding Dogo Gide’s hospital admission.

It has come to light that a security official, now under detention, allegedly facilitated his access to medical care, raising apprehensions about potential collusion within the security apparatus. 

The successful elimination of Dogo Gide stands as a significant accomplishment for the Nigerian security forces.

By Uzair Adam Imam 

The Chairman of Faskari Local Government Area in Katsina State, Musa Faskari, has confirmed a tragic incident where two worshippers were killed during Ramadan prayers in the Mairua community of the council. 

Speaking in an interview with BBC Hausa Service, as reported by Vanguard, Faskari disclosed that the attack occurred during Tarawih prayers on Saturday night.  

He recounted how the assailants barged into the home of Alhaji Lado Mairua during prayers, demanding his compliance.  

When Mairua refused, they fatally shot him. Additionally, a neighbor who arrived at the scene on a motorcycle was also killed after witnessing the incident and raising an alarm. 

Faskari sadly confirmed that the attack resulted in the abduction of Alhaji Lado Mairua’s wife and their 15-year-old daughter.  

This marks the second time Mairua’s wife has been kidnapped by bandits, highlighting the dire security situation in Faskari. 

Expressing deep concern over the escalating boldness of the bandits, Faskari recounted another incident earlier on Saturday where they attacked Malalai village, killing two individuals and abducting two women.  

Tragically, a soldier was also killed in Ruwan Godiya on the same day. Faskari urged the Federal Government to intervene urgently, stating that the state alone cannot effectively address the escalating security challenges.  

He stressed the necessity for security forces to launch decisive actions against the bandits, including invading their hideouts to neutralise their operations and ensure the safety of residents. 

The recurring attacks by bandits have plunged Faskari and its residents into a state of fear and insecurity, demanding immediate and robust measures to restore peace and stability to the area.

By Muhammad Isyaku

I closed late in the shop the other day at around 11:00 pm and went straight to our plaza’s parking space to take my bike since our shop was upstairs. I drove earnestly home, knowing it was already night and there was nothing I had to buy. From Malumfashi’s township market to our community is a journey. I have to pass many communities before reaching ours. 

Along my way down home, around the Gwamutsawa community, I saw a small boy of 7 to 8 years crying loudly and terribly on the other side of the road. The road has a long-cemented expressway that divides it for motorists’ passage. I had to stop by and call the boy to cross the road by climbing the expressway to come and meet me where I parked. He did as I instructed but still kept on crying, which utterly moved me. I have to overpower the pity and emotions to interrogate him. 

What was the matter, and from where is he? He told me he is an Almajiri of one Malam at Hawan-Usman-Lado. He added that he was hungry and didn’t want to go to school because their Malam would beat him. I asked what you did to him. He answered that he didn’t return to school for the evening lesson, for which the offence attracts a penalty. 

I admonished him to return to school on time so that he would not miss any lessons that would make their Malam flog him. He obediently said, “Okay, I would.” I asked him where he was from, and he said Maraban Jos. I further asked if his parents were alive, and he answered no. His answer nearly made me shed tears, as I thought only an orphan who is abandoned by his family and a child born by a careless parent could be sent to a traditional Qur’anic school in such a faraway place at this tender age. 

Two passers-by also met us on the spot and joined me in sympathy and condemnation. One of them even cursed the teacher (Malam) the child mentioned. The other person who didn’t curse the teacher, as his ally did, put his hand in his pocket and brought out some change, which he gave to the boy. I gave him my change, too, and asked him to climb my bike to take him to school and apologise to the teacher on his behalf. 

Upon hearing that, he continued to cry by firmly refusing to climb my bike. Those two people asked to follow me, and he said their teacher would flog him after I left. We insisted he climb, assuring him we would not allow him to flog him. He had no option but to climb, and he did, so I made a U-turn and headed to the community where he alleged their school was located.

Unfortunately for the boy, he started asking me to drop him off before I reached the roundabout, saying he would go by himself. I ignored him and continued moving until I reached the roundabout and saw a group of Almajirai by the other roadside. I asked them if they knew him and were from the same school; they said yes. I then asked him to use the money we gave him to buy food and eat after he should then follow them to school. 

They all started shouting ‘Dangari ne fa’, meaning he’s an indigenous boy! I was shocked by their confession. When I turned to him, he was nowhere to be found. They asked, “How much did you give him?’ I told them it was a small amount just for food.

I bid them good night and went home. However, I still questioned the kind of home training that boy was given and the level of his smartness for mischievously looking innocent and faking his identity. If a boy of such age could lie that way, then I wonder what he might be capable of doing if he grows into a full-fledged man.

In Allah, we seek rectitude!

By Sabiu Abdullahi 

The Nigeria Customs Service issued a press statement today in response to the tragic loss of a young man in the Jibia Border Area of Katsina State on Saturday, February 3, 2024, to provide clarity on the incident and express deep sympathy to the family of the deceased teenager. 

The Chief Superintendent of Customs and National Public Relations Officer, Abdullahi Maiwada, stated, “Our attention has been drawn to the devastating loss of a young life… We extend our heartfelt condolences to the family and loved ones of the innocent teenager whose life was tragically cut short.” 

Addressing media reports, Maiwada clarified, “It is pertinent to address the misinformation circulating in the media regarding the reported killing of the teenager by a reckless driver of a J5 vehicle.”

He stated that Customs operatives were not involved, saying, “Our operatives neither drove the J5 vehicle nor intercepted it during the reported incident, contrary to some press allegations of the involvement of our Officers.” 

Maiwada shared preliminary findings, noting, “Preliminary reports suggest that the J5 vehicle was transporting soya beans, and the driver is currently in Police custody pending further investigation.” 

The press statement conveyed the sentiments of the Comptroller General of Customs (CGC), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, stating, “The CGC, alongside the officers and men of the service, expresses profound sympathy with the bereaved.” 

Reiterating the commitment to community relations, the CGC said, “He also urges members of the public to adhere to Government directives and cooperate with law enforcement agencies to maintain peace and security in our communities.”

The customs spokesperson appealed for calmness, further expressing gratitude for ongoing cooperation from border communities and stated the importance of working together to address challenges and promote safety and prosperity for all.

By Sabiu Abdullahi 

Armed bandits on Sunday attacked a religious gathering in Kusa Town, Musawa Local Government Area of Katsina State.

The attackers, armed with AK-47 rifles, stormed the Maulud procession, firing indiscriminately at attendees. 

The Katsina State Police Command confirmed that seven people lost their lives and 16 others sustained gunshot injuries during the attack.

A swift response from law enforcement agents led to the repelling of the attackers.

In the wake of the assault, injured victims were rushed to nearby hospitals for medical treatment. 

Katsina State Governor, Dikko Radda, visited the affected community to express his condolences and assure residents of the government’s commitment to restoring peace.

The governor’s visit was met with gratitude by the villagers, who appreciated his support during this difficult time. 

As investigations continue, the community mourns the loss of their loved ones, noting the need for increased security measures to prevent future tragedies.