Katsina

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

The Federal University Dutsinma (FUDMA) in Katsina State has been closed following violent protests by students over the alleged killing of one of their colleagues.

Reports indicate that two students were shot by members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) operating in the area.

It was claimed that the CJTF members mistakenly shot the students, believing they were bandits’ informants.

One student died on the spot, while the other was injured and has since received medical attention.

In response to the incident, students took to the streets of Dutsinma, protesting violently. They blocked roads, set tyres on fire, and vandalized property.

The protests escalated, reaching the Dutsin-Ma–Katsina highway, where the students clashed with security forces.

Military and police personnel arrived to restore order, using a diplomatic approach to calm the situation without resorting to force.

The university’s Senate announced the closure of the institution, with students directed to go on a one-week mid-semester break starting from Monday, February 24, 2025.

The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Armaya’u Hamisu Bichi, urged students to vacate the campus by 6:00 p.m. the same day.

The Katsina State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abubakar Sadiq, confirmed the incident, stating that an official statement would be issued soon.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

A 400-level student of the Federal University Dutsin-Ma (FUDMA), Saidu Abdulkadir, 25, was fatally shot by a member of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) in Dutsin-Ma, Katsina State.

The incident occurred around 11:06 a.m. when Abdulkadir, a Department of Agricultural Extension student, and motorcycle rider Abubakar Yusuf, 40, were stopped by CJTF personnel.

After allegedly failing to comply, one operative opened fire, injuring both.

Abdulkadir later died at Orthopedic Hospital, Katsina, while Yusuf is receiving treatment.

The Katsina State Police Command has launched an investigation and reinforced security in the area.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

Bandits have placed N540 million ransom on the victims abducted from a General Hospital in Kankara local government area of Katsina State.

The attack on the hospital left a medical doctor and one other with gunshot injuries.

The medical doctor, Dr Murtala Sale Dandashire had sustained gunshot injury when bandits attacked the hospital, Tuesday, during which some staff members were kidnapped.

Yusuf Muhammad Mairuwa, an Assistant Director of Nursing Services and head of the nursing section of the hospital, is one of the kidnapped victims.

A source told Daily Reality that, the attackers had demanded a ransom of N270 million for the release of the nurse.

The bandits have also demanded another sum of N270 million for the other hospital staff and some staff of a fertilizer factory kidnapped close to the hospital during the attack.

Earlier, Governor Dikko Umaru Radda of Katsina State condemned the hospital attack, assuring of his administration’s commitment to ensuring safety and security of the health workers.

He stated that though the state had made noticeable progress in reducing such attacks, the incident reminded them that their mission was not complete.

He assured that the government would implement additional security measures, including enhanced personnel presence at healthcare facilities throughout the state.

According to the Governor in a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Ibrahim Kaula Mohammed, “We are restrategising our security approach to ensure that our medical professionals can perform their vital duties without fear.

“The safety of our healthcare workers and residents remains our paramount concern.”

By Anas Abbas

The Katsina State Commissioner of Police, Aliyu Musa, stated that the police command in the state has apprehended approximately 916 criminals, neutralized 40 bandits, and rescued 319 victims of kidnapping in one year.

This announcement was made on Monday during an end-of-year event in Katsina, where Aliyu celebrated the command’s accomplishments in combating crime and enhancing public safety.

He expressed pride in the dedication shown by the police force throughout the year, which has led to a notable decrease in crime rates across the state.

“Our commitment to fighting crime has been unwavering, resulting in significant achievements that have improved the safety of our communities,” he stated.

The Commissioner listed several key successes, including the dismantling of multiple criminal networks, recovery of valuable evidence, and the successful rescue of numerous kidnapped individuals.

He reiterated that these accomplishments reflect the hard work and bravery of the officers who strive to protect the community.

Among the notable milestone, he explained that,”We rescued over 319 kidnapping victims, reuniting them with their families.”

The police neutralized 40 bandits, which has contributed to safer neighborhoods.

The recovery of 2,081 rustled animals, aiding local farmers and the economy.

While speaking he stated that “we arrested 199 suspected armed robbers, enhancing street safety.”

The prosecution of 23 major drug dealers, disrupting illegal drug activities.

These enhancements have increased operational efficiency and improved emergency response capabilities.

“Our community policing initiatives have also fostered stronger relationships between law enforcement and the public,” he added.

The Commissioner expressed gratitude to other security agencies for their collaboration over the year, underscoring the importance of teamwork in addressing security challenges.

Governor Dikko Radda, represented by the state Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Nasir Mu’azu, acknowledged that Katsina State continues to face significant security challenges but commended the efforts of law enforcement in addressing these issues.

By Uzair Adam

Katsina State police operatives successfully thwarted a kidnapping attempt by bandits on Sunday evening, rescuing 14 individuals and neutralizing one attacker.

The incident occurred at approximately 7:55 PM in Dan’arau village, located in the Magama-Jibia area of Jibia Local Government Area.

Armed bandits, wielding dangerous weapons, ambushed two commercial vehicles, aiming to kidnap the passengers.

Responding swiftly to a distress call, police officers engaged the bandits in a fierce gun battle.

The timely intervention led to the rescue of 14 hostages, while one of the assailants was fatally wounded.

Unfortunately, two victims sustained gunshot injuries during the confrontation.

They were immediately rushed to a nearby hospital for medical attention, but one succumbed to their injuries.

The state police command has commended the bravery of its officers and urged the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the authorities.

By Uzair Adam

The Katsina State Government has unveiled a new initiative aimed at equipping communities with the necessary skills and support to defend themselves against criminal activities such as banditry and kidnapping.

Governor Dikko Umaru Radda, while speaking on the program, noted that the government is ready to train and support communities willing to take proactive measures to secure their areas before the arrival of security personnel.

He stated, “We have come up with an initiative that for any community ready to depend on itself, we will give them the necessary support and training to engage criminals before the security agents arrive.

“The governor recounted a recent visit to Tsamiyar-jino village, where it took him over two hours to reach the settlement from the main road. He pointed out that in such remote locations, the response time of security agents is significantly delayed, leaving the residents vulnerable to attacks.

“If bandits strike in such areas, by the time security forces arrive, the damage would have already been done,” Radda said, stressing the need for immediate community action in the face of insecurity.

By Uzair Adam

Reports coming from northwest Nigeria have shown that bandits attacked the Moriki community in Zamfara State on Wednesday night, abducting over 10 residents and demanding a ransom of N50 million.

The attack has further intensified the sense of insecurity in the area.The Zamfara State Police Command, through its spokesperson ASP Yazid Abubakar, confirmed the incident.

He stated that the Commissioner of Police has ordered immediate action to rescue the victims.

A resident of Moriki community shared with the BBC Hausa Service on Thursday that the bandits have been a constant threat to the community.

He revealed that they previously abducted other residents and claimed their cows were killed by a local commander.

During this latest attack, the bandits reportedly went from house to house, capturing people and setting a deadline for the ransom payment.

According to the resident, this isn’t the first time the bandits have attacked the community for ransom.

He recounted a recent incident where they extorted N20 million from the community, allowing locals access to their farms in return. “The community remains in a state of insecurity,” he said.

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.