Sokoto

Insecurity: Sokoto govt equips community guard corps with new vehicles

By Uzair Adam

The Sokoto State Government has equipped the newly established Community Guard Corps with 20 Hilux vans and 710 motorcycles.

The vehicles were handed over on Thursday by Col. Abdul Usman (Rtd.), the Special Adviser to the Governor on Security Matters, during a ceremony at the corps’ state headquarters.

The Daily Reality reports that the move was part of the government’s strategic efforts to address rising security concerns in the state.

Commanders from the 13 local government areas most affected by banditry were present to receive the vehicles.

Col. Usman highlighted that the provision of the vehicles aims to enhance the corps’ reach, particularly in remote areas of their communities.

He also stressed the need for responsible use, reminding the personnel that the vehicles are strictly for official purposes.

“These vehicles and motorcycles are not for personal use. The government has invested significantly in acquiring them, so ensure they are well-maintained and used appropriately,” he advised.

Bandits abduct village head’s family members

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Residents of Galadimawa Village in Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna State are living in fear after bandits attacked the community, abducting the wife and two children of the village head.

The brazen attack occurred on Monday night, with the bandits using gunfire to intimidate residents before breaking into the village head’s residence.

Fatima Aliyu, the wife of the village head, and their two sons, Abdullahi and Kamal Aliyu, were taken by the bandits.

According to eyewitnesses, the attackers had specifically targeted the village head, but when they couldn’t find him, they abducted his family members instead.

Hussaini Umar, a traditional leader in the community, described the situation as dire. “We are not safe here. The whole community is confused and we need help. We appeal to the authorities to save Galadimawa village from these bandits. We are tired of being abducted and attacked daily.”

The community is calling for increased security measures, including the deployment of military personnel, to protect them from further attacks.

Terrorist ambush in Sokoto leaves 4 military personnel dead

By Sabiu Abdullahi 

Troops of Operation Hadarin Daji were ambushed by terrorists in Bachaka Kurya Forest, Gudu Local Government Area, Sokoto State, resulting in the loss of four military personnel. 

Major General Edward Buba, Director of Defence Media Operations, confirmed the incident in a statement released in Abuja, stating, “The ambush took place near the Nigeria-Niger border.

In the ensuing firefight, several terrorists were killed, and troops recovered weapons and ammunition.” The military authorities identified the perpetrators as a terror group from Niger Republic known as Lakurawa. 

“The corpses of the killed terrorist reveal that it was perpetrated by a terror group from Niger Republic known as Lakurawa. Sadly, 4 of our personnel were killed in the encounter,” the statement added. 

The military has vowed to pursue the remaining members of the terror group, who escaped into Niger Republic.

“Troops are however in pursuit to find and destroy the terrorist,” the statement concluded.

Sokoto varsity students raise alarm over dilapidated lecture halls ahead of exams

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Thousands of students at Sokoto University are expressing concerns over the deplorable state of key lecture halls, just a week before exams are set to begin.

Images and footage obtained by SaharaReporters reveal a major facility, built by the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND) to seat 1,000 students, in a state of disarray. 

The building’s roof has collapsed, and ceiling panels are missing, leaving students vulnerable to extreme weather and safety hazards.

Despite the university’s claims that alternative facilities are available, students are worried about the impact on their learning. 

However, the university’s spokesperson, Shehu, downplayed the concerns, saying, “The claim that some students were receiving lectures inside the halls is not true. It is the work of some mischief makers.”

He noted that the management is working to repair the damaged halls and that available halls will be used for exams. 

Shehu added, “Many of the buildings are affected by rainstorms and the management has repaired some. This particular TETFUND hall; we are making efforts to repair it. We have enough classes and lecture halls that will allow us to take our exams from next week.”

Four dead, one missing in Sokoto boat accident

By Uzair Adam Four individuals lost their lives in a tragic boat accident at Dundaye community in Wamakko Local Government Area of Sokoto State.

Alhaji Aliyu Kafindangi, the head of the Sokoto Field Operation Office of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), confirmed the incident on Tuesday.

The mishap occurred on Sunday evening, involving 24 passengers.

A rescue team comprising NEMA, the Nigerian Red Cross, Fire Services, State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), and local divers managed to recover the dead bodies on Monday.Kafindangi stated that, “One body was recovered on Sunday, and three more were found yesterday, bringing the death toll to four.”

“Nineteen people were rescued, and one person is still missing. Search and rescue efforts continue,” he added.

The NEMA official expressed gratitude to the state and local governments and the community for their support in the ongoing rescue operations.

Windstorm wreaks havoc in Sokoto, 50 households affected

By Uzair Adam Imam

A windstorm in Sokoto State, Nigeria, has displaced at least 50 households in the Shagari and Wamakko local government areas.

The Director of Disaster Management, Umar Isa, confirmed that some victims have lost their homes entirely and are now staying with relatives or in temporary accommodations.

According to Isa, the ministry had contacted the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) over the issue.

He also noted that there were no reports of flooding in the state, despite predictions that some areas would experience flooding.

The state government has been conducting awareness campaigns to prevent flooding in prone areas.

The windstorm has caused significant damage, and the affected households are in need of assistance.

BREAKING: Gunmen attack Sokoto village on Sallah day, kill over 10, abduct many

By Uzair Adam Imam

Suspected gunmen attacked Dudun Doki village in Sokoto’s Gwadabawa local government area, killing over 10 people and abducting many others in a 1:30 am raid on Sunday.

The attackers stormed the village, leaving a trail of death and destruction.

The motive behind the attack is currently unknown, and authorities are working to gather more information.

Further details will be released as the investigation unfolds.

Outrage trails Sokoto government’s decision to rename road after Tinubu’s son

By Uzair Adam Imam

Sokoto State Governor, Ahmad Aliyu, has faced criticism for naming a road after Seyi Tinubu, son of President Bola Tinubu. The road, formerly known as “Pepsi Road”, was scheduled to be commissioned on June 3 by Katsina State Governor, Umaru Dikko Radda, but was postponed.

A photo of the renamed road, “Seyi Ahmed Bola Tinubu Road,” went viral on social media, sparking outrage.

Residents expressed disappointment, stating that Seyi Tinubu has not made any significant contributions to Sokoto or Nigeria.

“The governor ignored notable indigenes of Sokoto and named a road after someone with no connection to the state or region,” said Salisu Ahmadu.

Social media users also criticized the decision, with one user saying, “This is how Sokoto’s name is being tarnished.” Another user questioned why Sokoto would name a road after Seyi Tinubu when even Lagos, his father’s state, had not done so.

The spokesperson for the Sokoto State governor could not be reached for comment. Despite holding no official position, Seyi Tinubu has accompanied his father on foreign trips and was recently barred from attending a Federal Executive Council meeting.

Sokoto police arrest father for selling six biological children

By Uzair Adam Imam

A father, Bala Abubakar, has been arrested by the Sokoto State Police Command for selling six of his own children, along with 22 others, to human traffickers.

The children have been rescued and taken to a state orphanage.

The police commissioner, Ali Kaigama, announced that Abubakar and other suspects were arrested for their roles in the illegal child trafficking ring.

Abubakar allegedly sold his biological children and 22 others to traffickers for between N150,000 and N250,000 each.

In a separate incident, the police arrested Saifullah Hassan for murdering a woman, Balikisu Garba, in a hotel.

Additionally, three kidnap victims, including Barrister Rukayat, were rescued, and weapons and ammunition were seized from the suspects.

The police commissioner reassured residents of the state’s commitment to maintaining law and order and thanked the state governor for his support.

He urged the public to collaborate with the police to ensure a safer community.

Malam Jabir Maihula: A hero archetype

By Abdulrahman Sani (philosopeace)

The German psychologist Carl Jung proposed archetypes as universal themes within the collective mental frameworks of humans. They represent the primary human drives, impulses, hopes, and desires that shape behaviours, perceptions, and actions. While he identified approximately seven archetypes, my interest lies in the Hero archetype, which symbolizes the relentless pursuit of excellence, growth, and overcoming challenges. I believe Malam is a living example of the Hero archetype.

Malam had a modest upbringing in Sokoto before gaining admission to major in Hadith Sciences at the Islamic University of Madina. After graduation, he furthered his studies with a postgraduate Civil and Criminal Justice diploma at the same university. Upon his return, he began teaching in Islamic schools. His breakthrough came through deputizing for his mentor, Professor Mansur, in his Sahih al Bukhari class.

Malam  as an Academic 

Malam’s primary training was conducted in Arabic. Still, due to his daring pursuit of excellence, he chose the unconventional route of pursuing a Master’s in Law at the University of East London instead of following the familiar path taken by others within his academic circle, which typically involves going to Sudan or Egypt for a Master’s in Islamic Sciences. Malam had to work on his English fluency to pave the way for a more multifaceted academic journey. His PhD journey was equally challenging, pushing the limits of his capabilities. Malam’s PhD was supervised by one of the foremost Taymiyyan scholars in Western academia, Professor Jon Hoover.

I recall calling Malam upon hearing that he had started his PhD and recommending that he look into Professor Hoover. Malam was pleasantly surprised that I knew about Hoover and informed me that Hoover was actually his supervisor. I became acquainted with Hoover through his book, Ibn Taymiyya’s Theodicy of Perpetual Optimism. In less than three years, Malam completed his PhD. He later published a portion of his research as a book titled Ibn Taymiyyah in the Literature of Contemporary Jihadists, an excellent book with a title I have reservations about, but that’s a topic for another article.

Malam’s work ethic as the Head of the Department of Islamic Studies at Sokoto State University was commendable. Despite his popularity and significant social influence, he never allowed these factors to impact his primary duties to his academic constituents negatively.

Malam as a Scholar 

Malam has mastered the social landscape in his relentless pursuit of excellence. The most important lesson from his scholarly life is to stay away from controversies and unproductive verbal spats while remaining true to one’s principles and beliefs. Although Malam is non-confrontational, it doesn’t prevent him from engaging in polarized intellectual discourse. He once wrote a booklet engaging with and critiquing a pamphlet written by one of the Sokoto scholars on a polarizing theological issue. Still, in his characteristic fashion, that discourse didn’t translate into conflict.

Apart from his scholarly rigour and eloquence, an even more impressive trait is his accessibility to all and sundry. He is not merely an ivory tower scholar buried in the dust of books, shielded from his immediate realities. Malam is a Hero archetype who is not afraid to take the road less travelled. He constantly evolves his da’wah to fit the spirit of the times while staying true to tradition.

Malam as a Public Servant 

Malam has just started his journey as a public servant and is making a significant impact with his meticulous approach to public service. I know for a fact that he had no financial incentive to take that job. It was purely out of giving back to his society. He occupies a sensitive position as the commissioner for religious affairs because of the sectarian divides but has been able to navigate those tricky waters and gain confidence across the religious divide.

A good documentary on his official Facebook page delves into his incredible accomplishments within just a hundred days in office. Still, beyond that, I am particularly interested in how he has made Almajiri Education a priority, laying a groundbreaking blueprint and even seeking international partnerships. It is an impossible challenge to overcome for so many reasons, but if there is anyone for it, it is Malam.

I have a lot more to say, but the Arabs have a saying that “the best of speech is that which is concise.” You might have noticed that I have purposefully refused to use the honorifics “Dr” or “Honorable” to describe Malam. It’s because Malam is more important than anything else. Finally, and even more importantly than positive appraisals, is prayer: May Allah guide him throughout this challenging journey of incidental public service.

Abdulrahman Sani (philosopeace) wrote via philosopeace@yahoo.com.