Nigeria

By Shamwil (Justice)

It all began in Sabon Gari Market, Kano, inside our small but busy pharmaceutical shop, Kuka Medicals. That afternoon was bright and dusty, filled with the usual noise of traders calling out prices and customers bargaining for goods. 

I was behind the counter, arranging boxes of medicines, when she walked in, Christiana. I never imagined that moment would change the rest of my life. She was dressed simply, yet there was something about her that captured attention instantly. Her presence was calm, graceful, and confident. 

When our manager called me to write her sales invoice, I didn’t think much of it. But as I wrote her name on the receipt and looked up, our eyes met for the first time. A strange spark passed between us, silent yet powerful, one that words could never describe.

“What’s your name?” she asked softly. “Shamwil”, I answered. Her voice was clear and warm, the kind that stays in your mind long after you’ve heard it. I told her, and she repeated it slowly, as if she wanted to remember it forever. Then I asked for hers, and she said, “Christiana.” The name itself felt like poetry when she said it.

We spoke briefly about medicines, antibiotics, syrups, and how counterfeit drugs were becoming a problem in the market. I was amazed by how much she knew. She talked with the precision of a trained pharmacist, mentioning drug names, compositions, and even the companies that produced them. Our manager watched her with admiration, nodding in respect. That day, I realised she was not only beautiful but also incredibly brilliant.

When she finished shopping, she smiled, waved at me, and left. That simple wave stayed with me for days. Her scent lingered in the air, soft, pure, and unforgettable. That night, I found myself thinking about her voice and the calm expression in her eyes. I didn’t realise then, but a new chapter of my life had just begun.

Weeks passed before I heard from her again. One evening, my phone rang with an unknown number. I picked it up, and there it was, that same gentle voice. “You didn’t expect me to call, did you?” she said, laughing softly. That first call lasted for hours. From that day on, Christiana became a part of my daily life. We talked every day, laughed together, and shared stories that slowly tied our hearts closer. What began as a friendship soon turned into real, deep, and pure love.

Christiana was unlike anyone I had ever known. She had a beauty that didn’t depend on makeup and a confidence that didn’t need pride. Her skin was smooth and glowing, her height perfect, her movements graceful like flowing water. Her voice was calm and musical, and her pointed nose gave her face an angelic glow. Everything about her was elegant and natural. She was the kind of woman who didn’t need to try to be special; she simply was.

Our love grew stronger with each passing day. We called each other every morning and night, exchanged sweet messages, and dreamed about the future. Sometimes she visited me at the shop, bringing food or simply sitting beside me while we talked about life. Time always flew whenever she was around. She made everything around me feel peaceful and alive.

But love, as beautiful as it was, came with its battles. When her parents found out about us, their reaction was harsh and painful. To them, I was not good enough. I was a poor Hausa Muslim boy, and she was their only daughter, an Igbo Christian from a wealthy family. They couldn’t accept our love. They called her names, scolded her, and forbade her from seeing me again. Yet Christiana refused to give up. She told them love has no tribe, no religion, and no boundary. Her father stopped speaking to her for months, but she remained strong, fearless, and loyal.

Christiana’s love was the purest I’d ever known. She cared for me when I was sick, worried whenever I didn’t answer her calls, and even risked sneaking out at night just to see me for a few minutes. We would stroll quietly under the streetlights of Sabon Gari, talking about our dreams, the home we’d build, the children we’d raise, and the life we’d live together. I believed we had forever. I believed nothing could come between us. But life has a way of breaking even the strongest hearts. 

I never thought Christiana could die for my love. The news came like thunder in a clear sky. Death took her suddenly, without warning, without mercy. The moment I heard it, I felt something inside me collapse. The world went silent. My hands went cold. I couldn’t breathe. The love of my life was gone, just like that.

Even now, I can still hear her laughter in my mind, smell her perfume in the air, and see her smile in my dreams. Sometimes, I wake up in the middle of the night thinking she’s still alive, that she’ll call, that she’ll visit, that I’ll see her walk through the shop door again. But every morning reminds me that she is gone, forever.

Christiana didn’t just leave me; she took a part of me with her. She left behind love, memories, and silence, the kind of silence that breaks a man from the inside. Love can be the sweetest thing on earth, but it can also be the most painful. Christiana was both my blessing and my heartbreak. She was the light that entered my life, and the darkness that refused to leave when she passed away! 

I will never stop speaking and penning about you, Christiana. History will be so kind to you!  

Shamwil (Justice) wrote via ibrahimshamawilu@gmail.com.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

The Sultan of Sokoto and President General of the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, has declared Friday, March 20, 2026, as the first day of Shawwal 1447AH, marking the celebration of Eid-el-Fitr.

According to a statement released by the Sultanate Council Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs in conjunction with the National Moon Sighting Committee, no credible reports of the new moon sighting were received from various committees across the country on Wednesday, March 18, which corresponded to the 29th day of Ramadan.

As a result, Thursday, March 19, will complete the 30 days of Ramadan, with the crescent of Shawwal officially sighted on Friday.

The Sultan, in the declaration, congratulated the Nigerian Muslim Ummah and urged them to continue praying for the nation’s peace, progress, and development.

He also extended his warm wishes for a happy and blessed Eid-el-Fitr celebration, praying that Allah accepts the religious deeds of the faithful.

The statement was signed by Prof. Sambo Wali Junaidu, Wazirin Sokoto and Chairman of the Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs, Sultanate Council, Sokoto.

The number of ISWAP fighters killed during a failed attempt to overrun a military position in Malam Fatori, Abadam Local Government Area of Borno State, has increased to 75. Security analysts have described the outcome as one of the most significant recent setbacks for the group.

According to Zagazola Makama, a security expert, initial figures had placed the death toll at 61 after troops of Operation Hadin Kai, with support from the Nigerian Air Force, responded to the attack. Fresh battlefield reviews and follow-up clearance operations now show that at least 75 insurgents were eliminated. Several others are believed to have fled with serious injuries.

The incident took place in the early hours of Wednesday when ISWAP fighters advanced on foot toward the 68 Battalion base. They reportedly used armed drones in a bid to break through the defence. The movement, which came from the Duguri axis toward the Bravo Company position, was quickly identified and repelled.

Military sources linked the success of the defence to strong coordination between ground forces and air support. They noted that this reflects improved joint operations in the North-East counter-insurgency campaign.

Air components carried out four targeted strikes on routes used by the attackers to withdraw. These strikes disrupted their movement and reduced their fighting strength. Sustained aerial pressure forced the fighters into a disorganised retreat toward the Arege axis.

Additional air support from the Niger Republic targeted fleeing insurgents. Although a full assessment is still ongoing, security sources said the joint effort contributed to the higher casualty figure.

Troops also recovered a significant quantity of weapons and ammunition from the scene, a development expected to further limit the group’s activities around the Lake Chad area.

On the side of the military, four soldiers suffered minor injuries and have received treatment.

By Uzair Adam

Twenty-eight Islamic and social organisations in Kano State have received food items and cash support from the state government to assist thousands of residents during the Ramadan period.

The Daily Reality reports that the items were presented to representatives of the organisations during the “Kano First End of Ramadan Support” programme held at the Government House in Kano on Monday.

The initiative, organised by the Kano State Government, is aimed at enabling the groups to support their members and other vulnerable persons observing the Ramadan fast.

Officials said the intervention is expected to reach more than 6,000 beneficiaries across the state, drawn largely from vulnerable groups including women, youth and other less-privileged members of society.

Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, represented at the event by the Commissioner for Religious Affairs, Sheikh Tijjani Auwal, said the intervention reflects the administration’s commitment to supporting residents, particularly during the holy month.

“The Ramadan period is a time of compassion, charity and reflection. This support is part of our government’s effort to ease the burden on families and ensure that more people benefit during the fasting period,” Auwal said.

He further noted that the state government has established about 160 Ramadan feeding centres across Kano, where around 1,000 people benefit daily from prepared meals to break their fast.

He said the initiative is expected to reach about 1.5 million beneficiaries throughout the Ramadan period.

He urged the beneficiary organisations to continue praying for peace, unity and sustained development in Kano State and the country at large.

Speaking during the programme, the Commissioner for Land and Physical Planning, Alhaji Abduljabbar Muhammad Umar, said the initiative was designed to strengthen collaboration between the government and religious as well as community-based organisations.

“This support is meant to complement the efforts of religious and social groups that are already working to assist the less privileged in our communities,” he said.

He explained that each beneficiary would receive one bag of rice, one carton of noodles and a cash support of N20,000 during the distribution exercise.

According to him, the programme is being conducted over two days, with about 3,480 beneficiaries receiving support on the first day, while an additional 2,600 people were expected to benefit on the second day, bringing the total number of beneficiaries to 6,080.

Umar added that the initiative involves the distribution of over 21,000 bags of rice and more than 21,000 cartons of noodles, alongside cash assistance, as part of efforts to cushion the impact of economic hardship on vulnerable residents.

Some of the organisations that benefited from the intervention include the Kano State Council of Imams, Jama’atu Izalatil Bid’ah Wa Iqamatus Sunnah, Jama’atul Nasril Islam, the Kano State Hisbah Board and the Zakkat and Hubsi Commission.

Others are the Council of Qur’anic and Islamiyya Schools, Fityanul Islam First Aid Group, the Nigerian Association of the Blind (Kano chapter), the Association of the Deaf, as well as groups representing widows, divorcees and orphans.

The Commander-General of the Kano State Hisbah Board, Sheikh Aminu Ibrahim Daurawa, who spoke on behalf of the beneficiaries, thanked the state government for the gesture.

“This intervention has come at the right time. It will go a long way in supporting many families during the Ramadan fast,” Daurawa said.

Meanwhile, the distribution exercise continued on Tuesday with additional community groups receiving the support under the programme.

Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, represented by his Political Adviser, Alhaji Hamza Buhari, commended the Commissioner for Land and Physical Planning for initiating the intervention aimed at supporting vulnerable residents and community organisations.

He said the programme would help ease economic hardship for many families and strengthen solidarity among residents during the Ramadan period.

Officials said the intervention involved the distribution of food items and cash support valued at over N42 million.

Among the groups that benefited on the second day were APC Media Forum, APC Marshals, APC Youth and Women groups, Kano First Movement, Abba Door-to-Door supporters and the Kannywood association.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State has dismissed six political appointees and placed another official on suspension.

The development was made public on Tuesday through a statement issued by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Samuel Jatau, according to NAN.

Jatau explained that the action forms part of efforts by the state government to improve performance and strengthen service delivery across various offices.

Those removed from their positions include Timothy Golu, the governor’s special adviser on strategic communication, and Fom Gwottson, liaison officer for Jos South. Others are Nanbol Rimvyat and Nannim Langyi, who served as liaison officers for Langtang North.

Also affected are Paul Datugum and Nimchat Rims, who held similar roles in Qua’an Pan and Langtang South respectively.

In a related move, the governor approved the suspension of Johnbull Shekarau, chairman of the Plateau State House of Assembly Service Commission, over alleged actions said to be inconsistent with the expectations of his office.

The SSG did not disclose specific reasons for the dismissal of the six appointees. He, however, instructed them to return all government property in their possession to the appropriate authorities.

Jatau added that the governor appreciated the contributions of the affected officials during their time in office and wished them success in their future pursuits.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has called on political parties in Osun State to promptly notify the commission of any concerns or irregularities observed during the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise.

The Resident Electoral Commissioner in the state, Mutiu Agboke, said the move would enable the commission to take appropriate action where necessary.

Agboke spoke with journalists on Monday during an inspection tour of registration centres across the state. He led a team of INEC officials to assess the conduct of the exercise and engage with party representatives at the various locations visited.

The monitoring exercise covered centres such as Ilare Methodist Primary School in Ward 7, Obokun Local Government Area; Saint Andrew Primary School in Ada 1 Ward 7, Boripe Local Government Area; and Holy Michael Primary School in Olonde, Ikirun, Ward 8, Ifelodun Local Government Area.

He explained that the visit was designed to confirm that the registration process was orderly and transparent. He added that the commission needed direct feedback from its staff and party agents involved in the exercise.

“Many people are not aware that the registration exercise has been moved to the Registration Area level, and we must monitor what our staff are doing there,” he said.

Agboke noted that it was important for the commission to observe activities on the ground rather than rely solely on reports.

“There may be issues that we are not aware of and that may not be brought to my attention. That is why we decided not to remain in the office but to come to the field and hear directly from the party agents.

“When we come out like this, they will see that we are following up on what our staff are doing. The essence is simply monitoring, nothing more, nothing less,” he stated.

On political campaigns, the REC described them as internal matters of the parties. He, however, said INEC would continue to keep track of developments to ensure compliance with electoral rules.

“Campaigns are internal arrangements of the political parties. We may monitor them, but for now there has not been any formal invitation to us. However, we are tracking the activities of the parties and will carry out oversight where necessary,” he said.

Agboke also addressed the timeline for the voter registration exercise. He disclosed that the process is expected to continue until close to the election period, after which it will be paused to allow for the production of Permanent Voter Cards.

“The totality of the exercise may run until around August, but before the election in Osun the registration will stop so that all cards can be printed and distributed to voters,” he explained.

At the centres visited, representatives of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Accord Party were present. Security personnel were also on ground to maintain order throughout the exercise.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

A tragic ordeal has taken a turn for the worse for a kidnapped National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member, simply identified as Abba, who remains in the clutches of his abductors despite the payment of a substantial ransom.

According to sources close to the victim’s family, the terrorists had initially demanded a significant sum for the release of the corps member, who was seized in Zamfara State. After weeks of agonizing negotiations, the family and associates managed to raise the funds to meet the captors’ demands.

Reliable sources disclosed that the ransom payment, amounting to ₦10 million in cash, was delivered to the bandits. In addition to the monetary payment, the terrorists also insisted on, and received, two brand-new motorcycles as part of the agreed-upon terms for Abba’s release.

However, in a cruel twist that has left the family devastated, the armed group reneged on the agreement immediately after collecting the ransom and the motorcycles. It is understood that the terrorists are now making fresh demands, insisting on an additional motorcycle before they will free the hostage.

The development has plunged the family into deeper despair, having exhausted their resources to gather the initial ransom. Abba, a corps member serving his fatherland, has now spent an extended period in captivity.

Authorities in Zamfara State have repeatedly advised against the payment of ransom to bandits, arguing that it fuels further abductions. Nonetheless, desperate families often resort to private negotiations and payments in a bid to secure the freedom of their loved ones.

As of the time of filing this report, there was no official confirmation from the police regarding the latest development in the case. The family is reportedly at a loss, unsure of how to meet the new demand.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Security operatives have taken into custody a suspected bandit identified online as Sule Yellow, following a viral TikTok livestream that allegedly showed kidnapping activities and ransom proceeds.

Sule Yellow gained widespread attention after appearing in a livestream on March 4. In the footage, he was seen alongside another suspected bandit known as Auta, as well as other members of their group. The individuals were alleged to have spoken openly about their operations and made claims about involvement in kidnappings.

A separate video now circulating on X shows the suspect in handcuffs while surrounded by soldiers. The officers are seen questioning him about weapons believed to be linked to his group.

The clip also captures security personnel displaying a polythene bag said to contain ransom money. The funds are believed to have been recovered from a recent kidnapping associated with the gang.

Authorities are yet to issue an official statement that provides full details surrounding the arrest.

The development comes amid ongoing military efforts to dismantle bandit networks responsible for attacks on communities and abductions for ransom.

In a related move on Monday, the police command in Ondo state arrested four individuals accused of supplying logistics to kidnappers. According to the police spokesperson, those arrested have made “useful confessional statements that are currently aiding ongoing investigations”.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Several passengers were injured on Monday morning after a train travelling along the Kaduna–Abuja route was involved in a collision.

The incident happened while the train was on its way from Kaduna to Abuja. During the journey, it ran into another train on the same track. The impact forced the service to come to a sudden halt.

Witnesses said the force of the crash caused a sharp jolt inside the coaches. Some passengers were thrown against seats and metal parts within the compartments. A number of them suffered cuts and bruises.

One of the passengers, Sada Malumfashi, recounted his experience in a post shared shortly after he disembarked from the train.

“Just dropped from the Kaduna-Abuja train. We heard a loud bang and the train jolted to a stop flinging people across. Passengers got hit and most are bleeding and severely injured. Train delayed for some 30 minutes and resumed to Kubwa. No communication from @info_NRC on anythin,” he wrote.

The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) confirmed the incident in a statement. It said the collision occurred around 10:30 am near Asham. According to the agency, the accident involved a rear locomotive and a passenger coach. Early findings suggest that a coupling fault led to the crash.

The NRC stated that injured passengers were “quickly” attended to before they were moved to a nearby hospital for further treatment. It also confirmed that no lives were lost.

The corporation added that technical teams were sent to the scene. It said officials from the safety investigation bureau were also present to carry out a detailed probe in line with safety procedures.

Rail incidents have occurred on the route in the past. In August 2025, a train heading from Abuja to Kaduna derailed. Several coaches left the track after the train reportedly missed a point. Footage from the scene showed stranded passengers and bystanders along the railway line.

By Uzair Adam

An eight-year-old girl, Siyama Idris, has died after falling on an exposed iron rod at an ongoing road and drainage construction site in Tudun Wada quarters of Nassarawa Local Government Area of Kano.

An eyewitness, Abdulrashid Yusuf, said the incident occurred on Saturday near Tudun Wada Primary School, where reconstruction and expansion of the road, including drainage construction, is currently ongoing.

Yusuf explained that the girl had been sent to a nearby provision shop to buy something for iftar when the tragedy happened.

According to him, residents usually cross the drainage through a makeshift wooden plank bridge because there is no proper pedestrian passage at the construction site.

“The girl was sent to buy something at a shop for iftar,” Yusuf said, noting that people in the area normally rely on a wooden plank, locally called gadar katako, to cross the drainage.

He said while attempting to cross close to the construction area, the girl slipped and fell onto an exposed iron rod used in the drainage structure.

“The iron rod was not covered. When she fell, it penetrated her stomach,” he said, adding that the child died at the scene before she could be rushed to a hospital.

Residents blamed the incident on poor safety measures at the construction site, questioning why dangerous materials such as exposed iron rods were left uncovered in an area frequently used by pedestrians, including schoolchildren.

They warned that open drainage edges and uncovered construction materials pose serious risks to residents and called on authorities to enforce stricter safety precautions at project sites.

The incident comes days after another accident on Friday when a teenage boy, believed to be about 15 years old, fell into a drainage along Badawa Road off Lamido Crescent shortly after Juma’at prayers.

The boy reportedly sustained injuries and had to break his fast while receiving treatment.

Residents have urged the authorities and contractors handling road and drainage projects in Kano to provide safer crossings and cover exposed metals to prevent similar incidents in the future.