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Tag: Kaduna State

  • Gov Sani unravels root causes of banditry in Kaduna

    Gov Sani unravels root causes of banditry in Kaduna

    Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, has identified poverty and unemployment as the root causes of the prevailing banditry and kidnapping challenges in the North-West region.

    Sani made this known on Monday at Government House.

    The Governor emphasized that good governance was crucial for effectively addressing these security issues.

    He acknowledged the ongoing military actions against banditry, with the Defence headquarters supporting the establishment of two Forward Operation Bases (FOBs) in key locations.

    However, Sani highlighted the importance of a non-kinetic approach, emphasizing the role of good governance in addressing the economic problems leading to insecurity.

    The Governor announced a $28 million support from Kuwait to tackle the alarming rate of out-of-school children in Kaduna.

    He stressed that a holistic approach, including educational reforms, support for farmers, and increased productivity, is essential for eradicating poverty and, subsequently, insecurity in the region.

    In addition to military interventions, Gov. Sani revealed plans to establish a Security Trust Fund, allowing private sector collaboration to enhance security efforts.

    He underscored the need for good governance, citing the high number of out-of-school children in the state as a pressing concern that requires urgent attention.

    Meanwhile, the Kaduna Elders’ Forum, led by Gen. Zamani Lekwot (rtd), and Alhaji Abubakar Mustapha, congratulated the Governor on his electoral victory.

    They commended his focus on rural development, noting that positive outcomes have already been observed.

    They said Sani’s advocacy for good governance as a crucial element in the fight against insecurity, reflects a comprehensive strategy that addresses both the immediate military challenges and the underlying economic factors contributing to the region’s instability.

  • INEC takes delivery of sensitive materials for Saturday’s rerun election in Kaduna

    INEC takes delivery of sensitive materials for Saturday’s rerun election in Kaduna

    The Independent Electoral Commission (INEC) said it has taken delivery of sensitive materials ahead of Saturday’s rerun polls and by-election for the State and Federal Constituencies election in Kaduna State.

    Malam Aminu Idris, Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) of INEC in the State, led a team of stakeholders while displaying the materials on Monday at the promises of INEC office in Kaduna.

    The elections will take place in six constituencies covering seven local government areas including; Chikun, Igabi, Kaduna South, Kudan, Kachia, Kagarko and Kauru.

    Total polling units in the six constituencies are 1,114, with the number of registered voters that have collected PVCs of about 639,914.

    The display of the materials was witnessed by the representatives of INEC and stakeholders including; party agents, security agents, Civil Society Organisations(CSOs) and journalists.

    INEC had fixed Saturday to conduct 44 supplementary elections across the country.

    Sam Olumekun, National Commissioner and Chairman Information Voter Education Committee (IVEC) of INEC said this in a statement tagged ‘Timetable and Schedule of activities for bye-elections and Court-ordered Re-run Elections’.

    He said, “The commission has approved the Timetable and Schedule of Activities for conducting bye-elections resulting from the resignation or demise of Members of the National and State Houses of Assembly.

    “These vacancies were declared by the Presiding Officers, that is the Senate President, Speaker of the House of Representatives, and Speakers of State Houses of Assembly.

    “The vacancies occurred across two Senatorial Districts, four Federal Constituencies, and three State Constituencies spanning nine states of the federation.”

  • Insecurity won’t affect Feb. 3 rerun polls in Kaduna – INEC

    Insecurity won’t affect Feb. 3 rerun polls in Kaduna – INEC

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) says insecurity will not affect the conduct of the February 3 re-run polls and by-election for the State and Federal Constituencies in Kaduna State.

    Malam Aminu Idris, Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) of INEC in Kaduna disclosed this in an interview on Sunday in Kaduna.

    Idris said that the commission has been meeting with the various security agencies to coordinate and identify the areas that are likely to be flash points.

    He said, “Based also from the experience of the past elections where some of the cancellations of the exercise were due to violence and over voting, the security agencies especially the police are fully aware of some of these locations and they have assured us of security that would allow people to vote peacefully, collate and announce results.

    “Absolutely, the people of Kaduna state should have confidence to come out and exercise their franchise because unlike the general elections, these are isolated elections in which security would be much more than the general elections when security was dispersed across the State.

    “By the way, INEC relates with all the stakeholders. The police is the principal security agency for elections and may invite the army to assist only where and when necessary.”

    The REC said already, the non sensitive materials had been deployed to all the seven affected local governments   while the sensitive materials were expected to arrive at the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) in Kaduna on Wednesday prior to the election and deployment would commence afterwards.

    Idris said that all the stakeholders including the media would be invited to witness the process, adding, “INEC is logistically ready for the exercise as necessary arrangements had been made with NURTW to provide vehicles projected to be about 3,000 to move materials and personnel”.

    He said elections would take place in six constituencies covering seven local government areas including; Chikun, Igabi, Kaduna South, Kudan, Kachia, Kagarko and Kauru.

    “Total polling units in the six constituencies is 1,114 with the number of registered voters that have collected PVCs of about 639,914.

    “So far, we have started with recruitment and training of ad hoc staff especially those of Supervisory Presiding Officers then to those of Presiding Officers officers and Assistant Presiding Officers

    “The commission projects to have about 4,000 staff including about 3,000 had hoc staff with the categories drawn from members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) as Presiding Officers and institutions like the Kaduna Polytechnic, NYSC and INEC staff,” Idris said.

    INEC has fixed Saturday to conduct 44 supplementary elections across the country.

    Sam Olumekun, National Commissioner and Chairman Information Voter Education Committee (IVEC) of INEC said this in a statement tagged ‘Timetable and Schedule of activities for bye-elections and Court-ordered Re-run Elections’.

    He said, “The commission has approved the Timetable and Schedule of Activities for conducting bye-elections resulting from the resignation or demise of Members of the National and State Houses of Assembly.

    “These vacancies were declared by the Presiding Officers that is the Senate President, Speaker of the House of Representatives, and Speakers of State Houses of Assembly.

    “The vacancies occurred across two Senatorial Districts, four Federal Constituencies, and three State Constituencies spanning nine states of the federation.”

  • Notorious terrorist meets waterloo in Kaduna

    Notorious terrorist meets waterloo in Kaduna

    The air component of the special joint military taskforce, “Operation Whirl Punch’’ neutralised a notorious terrorist and kidnap kingpin, “Janari’’ and several members of his syndicate on Saturday.

    Spokesman of the Nigerian Air Force, AVM Edward Gabkwet, stated in Abuja on Sunday that Janari and his cohorts had been responsible for attacks and abductions within Kaduna State and along the Abuja-Kaduna Highway.

    He stated that the airstrikes were authorised and executed after Janari and his gang were sighted at a location near Gadar Katako in Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

    Gabkwet added that reconnaissance trips showed that the gang was massing up for a likely attack or kidnapping of vulnerable civilians, hence the need to immediately attack the location.

    “Intelligence report received after the strike revealed that Janari was indeed eliminated alongside several other terrorists and kidnappers.

    “Similar airstrikes were also carried out on Saturday on confirmed terrorists and kidnappers’ hideouts near Chukuba in Niger with various degrees of success.

    “Feedback after the strikes was also positive as it confirmed that the targets were neutralised and their mobility destroyed.

    “Collaborative efforts by the NAF and other security agencies will continue across all locations suspected to be harbouring terrorists and kidnappers,’’ Gabkwet also stated.

  • Governor Uba Sani reacts over Supreme Court victory

    Governor Uba Sani reacts over Supreme Court victory

    Gov. Uba Sani of Kaduna State says Friday’s historic Supreme Court’s judgement that affirmed his election has officially sealed the mandate bestowed upon him by the citizens of the State.

    Sani expressed gratitude to the Justices for their sound judgement and praised his opponent, Isa Ashiru, for embracing the legal process.

    In a statement, Sani emphasised the importance of democratic values, urging all the citizens and groups committed to Nigeria’s democracy to follow legal channels in addressing grievances.

    He said, “With the legal disputes over, it is time for us to join hands to take Kaduna State to a higher level.”

    Sani outlined his administration’s people-centered, inclusive, and pro-development approach, inviting all the stakeholders to contribute to the Kaduna Project.

    He emphasized the collective responsibility to reflect on the extant challenges and work towards the betterment of the state.

    “Today’s verdict is a reminder that our mandate is about improving the lives of our people rather than engaging in wild celebrations,” Sani stated.

    He called for a focus on the tasks ahead, expressing confidence in delivering on the SUSTAIN Agenda to make the state a model of development in Nigeria.

    How Uba Sani won at Supreme Court

    The Supreme Court on Friday affirmed the election of Gov. Uba Sani of Kaduna State.

    Delivering judgement, Justice Tijjani Abubakar, dismissed the appeal against the governor by the PDP and it’s candidate, Ashiru Isa.

    The court of appeal in Abuja had on Nov.  24 last year in a unanimous judgement affirmed the election of Uba Sani as Kaduna state governor.

    The PDP and Ashiru had challenged the outcome of the governorship election held in the state on March 18.

    They alleged that Uba was not duly elected by a majority of valid votes cast in the election, adding that the election was invalid by reason of corrupt practices and non-compliance with provisions of the Electoral Act 2022.

    They further alleged that some polling unit results were wrongfully cancelled, insisting that there were inconsistencies in accreditation records from INEC.

    However, in a judgement delivered on September 28, two of the three judges on the Tribunal dismissed the petition on technical grounds.

    Victor Oviawie, who led the panel said that the petition was deemed abandoned because PDP and its candidate did not file their pre-hearing application within the time prescribed by law.

  • Kaduna Electric opens up on electricity tariffs hike

    Kaduna Electric opens up on electricity tariffs hike

    Management of Kaduna Electric has disclosed that electricity tariffs are expected to rise when the federal government ends the subsidy regime.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports this was contained in a statement by the company’s head of corporate communication, Abdulazeez Abdullahi, on Friday in Kaduna.

    Kaduna Electric distributes power to customers in Kaduna, Sokoto, Zamfara and Kebbi States.

    Abdullahi, however, disclosed that Kaduna Electric has decided to maintain its tariff in spite of the new tariff order.

    He stated that the current rates being paid by customers would remain.

    “Customers should note that the new tariff order contains two components; the appropriate Cost Reflective Tariff that Distribution Companies (Discos) should have  charged customers in the light of prevailing economic conditions.

    “And the Allowed Tariff, which is the amount Discos are allowed to charge their customers based on the government’s policy to continue with the tariff subsidy regime.

    “Tariffs are expected to rise when the federal government ends the subsidy regime,” Abdullahi said.

    He explained that the company would continue to charge both postpaid and prepaid customers under their franchise States the Allowed Tariff which is the subsidised current tariff rate.

    Abdullahi called on customers to settle their bills promptly to avoid disconnection and allow the company to settle its market invoices and improve service.

  • Fire guts popular Panteka market in Kaduna

    Fire guts popular Panteka market in Kaduna

    The Kaduna State Fire Service on Wednesday confirmed a fire incident at the popular Panteka market in Kaduna.

    Mr Paul Aboi, Director, Kaduna State Fire Service, disclosed that the fire incident affected the timber section of the market.

    Aboi said that the fire department received the first distress call from Mr Sadiq Mohammed who rushed to the fire department at 1 a.m. on Wednesday.

    He said several calls were also received.

    Aboi, however, said the fire incident did not result in any loss of life or injuries to the traders.

    According to him, the cause of the fire is still unknown as investigations is ongoing.

    He said that the fire was put out in a collaborative effort by men of the state and  Federal Fire Services.

    Mohammed Abubakar, Chairman of the wood section of the market, said the fire incident started by 1:10 am and commended the fire service for the prompt response.

    “The Fire Service did well in putting out the fire and after the fire was put off, the firemen still remained behind to assist traders’ salvage what was left until the early hours of 8am.”

    Abubakar said that the estimated total loss to the fire had yet to be ascertained, adding that a committee had been set up to determine the exact lost in monetary terms to the fire incident.

    “We are appealing to government agencies and well-meaning Nigerians to come to our aid,’’ he said.

  • We’ll get enough forces to deal with miscreants in forests, says Minister

    We’ll get enough forces to deal with miscreants in forests, says Minister

    The Minister of Environment, Alhaji Balarabe Abbas says the Federal Government will get enough forces to deal with various types of miscreants that have taken over some Nigerian forests.

    Abbas spoke on Thursday while declaring the ministry’s top management retreat holding at the Fifth Chukker Resort, Maraba-Jost Road, Kaduna State.

    The retreat has as its theme, ” Policy Embedment and Prioritization of Key Action for a Renewed Hope in Environmental Management”.

    He lamented,”It is quite unfortunate that most of our forests have been taken over by bandits, kidnappers and other terrorists that have been unleashing mayhem on innocent Ngerians.

    ”This is an issue that is of much concern to President Bola Tinubu and the Federal Government will  soon set up enough forces to beef up security in   the forests.

    ”We are liaising with the Military, DSS, Police and other security agencies in this direction so as to remedy the ugly trend.”

    Abbas added that efforts were being intensified by the  Federal Government to cleanse up the forests of porchers, illegal loggers and other sundry criminals making life miserable in the forests.

    According to the minister, the various tree species in the country must be adequately protected, while the Federal Government is also doing everything humanly possible to address all environmental challenges.

    Abbas further said that the Federal Government was pondering on  introducing Coastal Guards in the country to boost security in Nigeria ‘s coastal waters.

    ”We will also look at other issues like perennial flooding, coastal and gully erosion and other related environmental challenges plaguing parts of Nigeria,” the minister said.

  • Kidnapping: Police rescue couple in Kaduna

    Kidnapping: Police rescue couple in Kaduna

    The Police Command in Kaduna, says it has foiled a kidnap attempt of a man and his wife in Rigasa area of Igabi Local Government Area of the State.

    The Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Mansir Hassan, who confirmed the development on Saturday in Kaduna, said that operatives of the command rescued the couple at about 2:05 a.m. on Saturday.

    Hassan said the operatives on patrol foiled the kidnap attempt between Train Station to Mando Junction and Mahuta village of Igabi.

    “At about 02:05 hours, our operatives intercepted a call that bandits invaded a house.

    “The operatives immediately mobilised to the area and engaged the whole area, as a result of that the bandits abandoned their captives.

    “The rescued husband sustained injuries on his shoulder and head but rushed to Yusuf Danstsho Memorial Hospital for medical attention.

    “The wife has since been reunited with her family,” he said, adding that police had intensified patrol to arrest the culprits.

    “Generally, Rigasa area remains relatively calm”.

    While reiterating the Command commitment to rid the state of crimes, Hassan urged the residents to provide credible information to the police and other security agencies.

  • Kidnappers demand N1m ransom for retired ECWA pastor

    Kidnappers demand N1m ransom for retired ECWA pastor

    Gunmen, who kidnapped retired Rev. Filibus Bamai of ECWA Church, Matuak Rimi, in Moro’a Chiefdom of Kaura Local Government Area of Kaduna State, have demanded N1 million ransom for his release.

    A source close to the church gave this indication in Manchok on Tuesday.

    The source said that Bamai, who retired from service on Dec. 17 after clocking 65 years of retirement age, was kidnapped on Sunday at 12:50 a.m. in his house.

    The source said that the cleric was whisked away with only boxers on him while his wife was severely beaten with a stick and left her with a cut on her head and bruises on her back.

    It said that the kidnappers first demanded N5 million for his release, adding that as at Monday, they reduced the ransom to N1 million.

    A cleric said that so far, about N300,000 have been mobilised and called on security agencies to beef up security in the area to protect lives and properties.

    The spate of kidnappings is on the increase in rural communities where kidnappers take advantage of the porous security situation to pick victims at will.

    Mr Sunday Bage, a prominent farmer in Pari village in the Chawai chiefdom of Kauru Local Government of Kaduna State, was kidnapped barely a week ago along with his wife, Listu.

    When contacted, the State Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Mansir Hassan, said he was going to call the District Police Officer in the area but hasn’t returned the call.