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Tag: Kaduna State

  • Kaduna is how for all – Gov El-rufai says

    Kaduna is how for all – Gov El-rufai says

    Governor Nasir El-Rufai has said that apart from the Federal Capital Territory Abuja and Lagos state, there is no other state in Nigeria where every citizen can feel at home like Kaduna state.

    The governor who said that he is proud of Kaduna state’s hospitality, further disclosed that, “this the only state which, in the last seven years, there is no government form that has provision for indigene, or tribe or religion because we don’t think those things matter. What matters is our common humanity.”

    El-Rufai who spoke at the opening ceremony of the Kaduna Book and Arts Festival (KABAFEST) last Wednesday, said that “anyone that chooses to live here, works here and pays his taxes, he is indigenous to Kaduna.’’

    He recalled that “this is what Kaduna was in the beginning. It lost that innocence at some point but I’m happy to see it coming back.”

    Also Read

    2023 Elections: 13,000 dump APC for PDP in Kaduna state

    The governor recalled that the idea for KABAFEST occurred when he went to Abeokuta to attend the Ake Arts and Book Festival, on the invitation of Lola Shoneyin, the founder.

    “So, I thought that we needed something like this in Northern Nigeria to provide our artists and creatives the platform because Abeokuta is very far away from Maiduguri and Sokoto. Kaduna is a little bit closer,” he added.

    According to him, discussions began with Lola, a Nigerian writer and poet and founder of Ake Festival and Book Buzz Foundation, which resulted in holding the first edition of KABAFEST in 2017.
    El-Rufai disclosed that ‘’Sterling Bank has been very supportive, many other partners have supported us but at the end of the day, it is the willingness of the participants that has sustained the event.

    “The willingness of people like you from within and outside Nigeria, to come and share your experiences, that will inspire our young people to know that this is possible,” he added.

    “I’m really happy to see many of our young people doing so well in poetry, writing painting and everything. This is what we hope to achieve,” the governor added.

    El-Rufai noted that ‘’this is the last edition of KABAFEST that I will be attending as a sitting governor. So, it is very important for me to say thank you. Some of you have been attending the event very consistently since 2017.”

    The governor promised that “I hope to attend KABAFEST in September 2023. It will be the first time that I will come to Kaduna after I hand over.”

  • 2023 Elections: 13,000 dump APC for PDP in Kaduna state

    2023 Elections: 13,000 dump APC for PDP in Kaduna state

    No fewer than Over 13,000 members of the All Progressives Congress, (APC) has defected to the opposition Peoples Democratic Party, in Southern Kaduna.
    The PDP treasurer in Kaduna North-West region, Hon. Rabiu Bakori,  received the new members on behalf of the North-West Zonal PDP Chairman, Sen. Hayyatu Gwarzo, in Zonkwa, area of Kaduna.
    Bakori noted that for the party to come out victorious in the 2023 general elections, all hand must be in deck by all actors in the state.
    “The ruling party had on 2015 promised to enhance security, but have ended up enhancing fears in the minds of Nigerians. Kaduna residents must work hard to ensure that PDP wins at the polls in order to ensure justice, fairness and true democratic values,” He said.
    On his part, the Kaduna State PDP Chairman, Hon. Felix Hassan Hyat, described the defection as symbolic and historical, adding that it would take the PDP to Sir Kashim Ibrahim House, in 2023.
    He explained that the only PDP stronghold in the entire North-west Zone was in Southern Kaduna.
    According to him, “no other party, except the PDP has ever won an election in Southern Kaduna, and come 2023 no other party will win,” Hyat vowed.
    He lamented that Southern Kaduna under the ruling party, had experienced infrastructural deficit and high level of insecurity, noting that the region only enjoyed  federal appointments and infrastructural development during the PDP administration.
    Also, the PDP National Youth Leader, Hon. Mohammed Kadede, said the new members realised that PDP was the party that Nigerians needed come 2023, to rescue them from the APC’s regime.
    Kadede expressed confidence that the PDP will win the elections from the state level to the national level come 2023.
  • Why I appointed 32 aides – Kaduna Councillor

    Why I appointed 32 aides – Kaduna Councillor

    The councillor representing Saminaka Ward in Lere Local Government Area of Kaduna State, Abubakar Sadiq has said he appointed 32 aides as a reward for loyalty.

    A flyer containing the names and portfolios of the appointees has been circulating on Facebook with many expressing surprise.

    But speaking on the matter, Sadiq said that those appointed stood by him during the campaigns, and deserved to be a part of the administration.

    “There is nothing a determined mind can’t achieve. These people were together with me during the campaigns, so in order not to be power drunk, I had to reward them. So this is a reward for loyalty, and there’s no big deal about it,” he told Daily Nigerian.

    Sadiq who is also the majority leader of the Lere Local Government Legislative Council, added that funding his aides would not be an issue as he has made adequate provisions for their welfare.

    Some of those appointed are; Ibrahim Munir, Special Adviser Media and Publicity; Muhammad Abdulkadir, Muslim Youth Development; Sunday Daniel, Poverty Alleviation; among others.

  • 2023: NNPP drags INEC to court, seeks disqualification of APC candidates in Kaduna

    2023: NNPP drags INEC to court, seeks disqualification of APC candidates in Kaduna

    The New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) has dragged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) before Justice Hadiza Shagari of a Federal High Court sitting in Kaduna.

    The party is challenging the list of the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidates for Governorship and State Assembly seats published by INEC on July 22, for the General Election.

    The NNPP alleged that the candidates did not emerge through a legal process or due process as prescribed by the Electoral Act and other extant laws.

    The party, is therefore, asking the court to compel INEC to do the right thing by removing the candidates of the APC from the list of eligible candidates for the 2023 General Elections in Kaduna State.

    The case which came up for mention in Kaduna on Friday, was adjourned to Sept. 15 for hearing.

    Justice Hadiza explained that the case was adjourned on grounds that all the parties were yet to be served by INEC the critical documents and processes it filed to the court.

    The NNPP Lead counsel, Wole Agunbiade, SAN, had told the court that he was yet to be served by INEC.

    On his part, APC Lead Counsel, Sule Shuaibu said he was served, adding however, that he needed more time to process all the documents and thereafter appealed for time to file his motions.

    Counsel to INEC, Halima Gachi, had earlier told the court that she was not certain that all the parties were served, explaining that she took over the case from her colleague in the office.

  • Housewife runs back to parents’ home over bedroom duties after one year in marriage

    Housewife runs back to parents’ home over bedroom duties after one year in marriage

    A housewife, Zainab Yunusa has ran back to her parent’s home just after one year of marriage over what she has described as unusual s3x demands from her husband, Alhaji Ali Garba.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports that Yunusa has also approached a Sharia Court in Magajin Gari, Kaduna State to dissolve the marriage to Alhaji Garba, over the matter.

    The plaintiff told the court on Wednesday that Garba demands sex even while she is menstruating, adding that he even demanded s3x during the Ramadan fast.

    Yunusa said they lived together only for a year as a couple, adding that she has since moved back to her parent’s house over the matter.

    The plaintiff explained that during their stay together, Garba usually come home in the afternoon when she was on her menstrual cycle to demand s3x, which she said is against Islamic doctrine.

    “During Ramadan fasting, he usually comes back home in the afternoon and demands for s3x, and whenever I refuse, he gets angry and always gets offended.

    “And when I ask him for food, he usually replies that I should go and meet my boyfriend to feed me. He never trusted me to the extent that he never allowed anybody including my male or female relatives to visit me,” she told the court.

    The woman said she run away from her matrimonial home, as she could not satisfy her husband’s appetite for sex. She, therefore, prayed the court to dissolve the marriage, as she was not ready to succumb to her husband’s unusual sex demands in disobedience to God.

    The husband, however, denied the claims, saying that Yunusa had filed many allegations against him in different courts. Garba, told the court through his counsel, Mr M.A Sambo, that his wife’s mother went to his house in his absence, packed and sold his properties, before leaving with her daughter.

    He said that the mother had promised to return all that they took from his house during a settlement meeting. He listed items removed to include a set of chairs worth N100,000, television set, two refrigerators, N35,000 worth of plates and other kitchen utensils, 20 yards of leather carpet and mattress worth N15,000.

    Garba prayed the court to consider his request for the return of his properties as a precondition for his acceptance of the divorce request. The Judge, Murtala Nasir, after listening to both parties, ordered the plaintiff to come to court with her mother on the next hearing date. He adjourned the case to Sept. 27, for continuation of hearing.

  • ASUU should be scrapped, it’s totally useless – El-Rufai’s Son

    ASUU should be scrapped, it’s totally useless – El-Rufai’s Son

    Bashir, one of the sons of Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, on Monday, described the Academic Staff Union of Universities as a ‘useless union’ that should be scrapped and replaced with educators who care about students.

    This comes after ASUU decided to extend its ongoing strike.

    Bashir made the statement on Twitter, saying, “ASUU is a very useless union. They should be scrapped and replaced with educators that actually give a damn about students and how that translates to the future of this country.”

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  • Marry her or leave her – Angry mother tells daughter’s boyfriend

    Marry her or leave her – Angry mother tells daughter’s boyfriend

    Mrs Rayila Lawal on Wednesday dragged one Salisu Salele, the boyfriend of her daughter, Bilikisu Lawal to a Sharia Court judge in Kaduna State for the court to compel him to marry her daughter or leave her alone.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports that Bilikisu’s mother dragged Salele before the court asking it to compel him to marry her daughter if he truly loves her or to leave her alone if he was not ready for marriage.

    Mrs Lawal told the court that she had met with Salele’s mother on the matter but that she told her that her son was not ready for marriage yet.

    “We live in the same area and he has been coming to meet my daughter without our consent as her parents. I met his mother to notify her about the issue and she said her son was not ready for marriage.

    “Salele changed tactics and stopped visiting my daughter but continued calling her on phone to meet him at appointed places.

    “I don’t want him to spoil the good upbringing I gave my daughter over the years, hence my decision to bring him to court,” Rayila said.

    She reiterated that she was ready to give her daughter out in marriage if Salele was ready.

    However, in defence, Salele said he loved the girl but that he would not be ready for marriage until two years’ time.

    “I am an undergraduate studying in one of the federal universities and will not want to be distracted by marriage. Besides, I don’t have dowry and I am still living with my parents,” Salele told the court.

    After hearing from both parties in the case, the court judge, Malam Salisu Abubakar-Tureta offered to pay N100,000 dowry to assist Salele to marry his heartthrob Ms Lawal.

    He told Salele to go and think about the offer and appraise the court about his decision on September 6, the adjourned date of his case.

  • Revealed: Terrorist planning to marry 21-year-old victim of Abuja-Kaduna train attack

    Revealed: Terrorist planning to marry 21-year-old victim of Abuja-Kaduna train attack

    It has been revealed that one of the leaders of the ISWAP terrorists that attacked the Abuja-Kaduna train on March 28 is planning to marry 21-year-old Azurfa Lois John.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Miss John is one of the youngest victims of the Abuja-Kaduna train attacked by the ISWAP terrorists.

    A member of the negotiating team, Tukur Mamu, who is media consultant to popular Islamic cleric, Ahmad Gumi, confirmed the development on Friday, stating that the marriage could take place any moment from now.

    He called on Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) not to politicize the issue or reduce it to mere press releases.

    Mamu urged the religious body to work closely with relevant authorities to engage the abductors in the case of Miss John before it is too late.

    “This is to alert the federal government and especially the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) that I can confirm through credible information at my disposal that if urgent action is not taken to immediately secure the release of the youngest victim of the train attack, a 21-year-old Azurfa Lois John, the abductors as they have done in the case of Leah Sharibu, are planning to marry her any moment from now.

    “One of the top commanders is said to be in love with her. This important information should be treated with the urgency it deserves.

    “Even though I know that releasing this information will not only unsettle her immediate family and loved ones, but Nigerians as a whole, it is necessary to do so to avoid the repeat of Leah Sharibu’s case.

    “I advise CAN in particular not to politicise this issue or reduce it to mere press releases as I have seen in the past but to work closely with relevant authorities to engage the abductors on her case as soon as possible before it is late.

    “I pray that in view of the uncertainties which are becoming alarming, the federal government will also act very fast to ensure the release of all the remaining victims,” Mamu disclosed.

    He also confirmed that the oldest victim of the attack, an 85-year-old Hajiya Halimatu Atta, and her 53-year-old daughter, Adama Aliyu have been released.

    The duo were part of the four more hostages released by the terrorists on Friday.

    Recall that on March 28, a train on its way from Abuja was attacked by bandits in Kaduna state. Several persons were killed, while many were abducted during the attack.

    Since the incident, the abductors have been releasing the captives in batches, while some are still in captivity.

    Mamu noted that the health condition of the 23 remaining victims is pathetic and requires urgent medical attention.

    He called on the federal government and the CAN to act fast in securing the release of all the victims.

  • Train Attack: Buhari receives victims’ families, assures safe return of abductees

    Train Attack: Buhari receives victims’ families, assures safe return of abductees

    President Muhammadu Buhari says the Federal Government is doing everything within its powers to ensure the safe return of the remaining abducted passengers of ill-fated Abuja-Kaduna train.

    Mr Femi Adesina, the president’s media aide, in a statement on Thursday in Abuja, said Buhari gave the assurance when he met with representatives of victims of Kaduna train abduction in Abuja on Thursday.

    He said since the “terrible and cowardly attack by the criminal elements” on  March 28, the nation had joined them to endure a period of difficulty and emotional pains.

    The president, therefore, condoled with the families of the victims and those who lost their loved ones.

    He told representatives of the families that in the immediate aftermath of the incident several actions had been taken by government to bring succour to the affected families and to prevent a recurrence in the country.

    He also explained his reason for discarding the use of lethal military force in extracting the remaining abductees.

    ‘‘I have been informed that at last count, there remain about 31 people in the hands of the kidnappers, and our determination is to work towards returning these 31 people to their families.

    ‘‘It is understandable that emotions typically run high, we have received several suggestions about the deployment of lethal military force in extracting those still being held in captivity.

    ‘‘This option has indeed been considered and evaluated.

    ‘‘However, the condition to guarantee a successful outcome and minimise potential collateral damage could not be assured and therefore that course of action had to be reluctantly discarded.

    ”My primary concern is to get everyone released safe and unhurt,’’ he said.

    On his recent instruction to security and law enforcement agencies to bring an end to inhumane action against innocent Nigerians, the Buhari expressed delight, saying:

    ‘‘Judging by the available reports to me and news that have begun emerging in the last few days, I will say they have heard this instruction and are responding appropriately.

    ‘‘In the past couple of days, you must have heard about the number of terrorists neutralised by the military, and number of hostages freed. These efforts will not stop or reduce.

    ‘‘We must take the fight to the terrorists and demonstrate that there is no hiding place for them within the borders of our country.

    ‘‘Each one of them will be hunted, and pursued and spoken to in the language that they understand,’’ he stated.

    The president also used the occasion to commend the bravery and gallant actions taken by members of the Police Force who were onboard the train on that fateful day.

    ‘‘It is clear that their actions saved many lives and by making the ultimate sacrifice, they must be recognised for their bravery,’’ he said.

    Buhari added that he had never doubted the ability or confidence of those who had presented themselves to defend the country and the Kaduna train incident had reinforced the belief and faith of the nation in this special group of Nigerians.

    ‘‘I also would like to use this opportunity to say that we are cognizant of events that have unsettled our citizens in various parts of our nation and in the Capital.

    ‘‘I would like to comfort those who were traumatised by these tragic events and pledge that our response is to protect all Nigerians wherever they are.

    ‘‘My dear country men and women, we thank God that none of the released prisoners died due to the severe trauma they passed through in the hands of the terrorists,’’ he maintained.

    This, according to him, has shown that the efforts of government in securing their release were not in vain as government continues to do its best to secure the release of the remaining abductees.

    He assured that government would continue to ensure the overall security of all citizens in the country.

    The Minister of Transportation, Mr Jaji Sambo, said in the first week of his resumption in the ministry, he met with the relatives of the victims of the Kaduna train attack.

    According to him, he updated them of all the efforts the government is making to ensure safe return of their loved ones.

    He described the audience with the President as a manifestation of the efforts by this administration to secure the release of all captives and proof that ‘‘government is not resting on its oars’’.

    A representative of the victims of the train abduction, Alhaji Sabiu Mohammed, however appealed to the federal government to assist the families in the release of their remaining loved ones still in captivity.

    ‘‘Please, we want to see our loved ones and many have found themselves in very critical situations.

    “We do not have the money that they (kidnappers) are demanding.

    “Please, Mr President, we know you are doing your best…please, please we want to see our loved ones,’’ he said.

  • BREAKING: NAF eliminates well known terrorist leader operating in Kaduna

    BREAKING: NAF eliminates well known terrorist leader operating in Kaduna

    The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) says its Air Component of Operation Whirl Punch has eliminated a well-known terrorist leader, identified as Alhaji Shanono operating in Kaduna State.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet, NAF’s Director of Public Relations and Information made this known in a statement on Wednesday following a visit of Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Oladayo Amao to the State.

    According to Gabkwet, the Chief of Air Staff was in Kaduna to review ongoing operations and give further directives.

    He disclosed that the elimination of Shanono followed receipt of intelligence on 9 August 2022, who had scheduled a meeting with his foot soldiers at Ukambo, a village about 131 km from Kaduna.

    Gabkwet stated: “…the Air Component of Operation Whirl Punch dispatched aircraft for interdiction mission at the location.

    “Overhead the location, terrorists were sighted under clusters of trees at the foot of Ukambo high ground and after ensuring the absence of civilian settlements within the location, the crew received the authorization to strike.

    “Feedback from local sources disclosed that over 30 rifles and 20 motorbikes were destroyed while about 18 terrorists, including Alhaji Shanono, were neutralized while others sustained various degree of injuries.

    “Sources also revealed that not less than 26 kidnapped victims earlier held by the terrorists were released as a result of the airstrike”.

    The NAF’s Director of Public Relations and Information also stated that similar strikes were also undertaken in the Northeast as well.

    “There, the Air Component of Operation Hadin Kai had their tasks well cut out for them as they have been fully engaged in conducting air interdiction missions on terrorists’ targets in Borno State.

    “One of such operations was conducted on 6 August 2022 at Gazuwa, about 1.2 kilometers to Gargash, after intelligences revealed that infighting for relevance and supremacy was underway between terrorists of the Shekau faction and terrorists aligned to Islamic State of West Africa (ISWAP).

    “The state of confusion and disorder among the 2 terrorists’ factions thus presented an opportunity for a surprise strike by NAF pilots which was carried out using 2 aircraft types.

    “It should be noted that though the map coordinates led the pilots to the exact site of the infighting, the location also had an ISWAP flag hoisted on the structure and 3 solar panels on the rooftop.

    “Intelligence received and corroborated by local sources revealed the strike was a success as the terrorists did not anticipate it with several eliminated and others injured”.

    Read the full statement below:

    CAS REVIEWS ONGOING AIR OPERATIONS IN KADUNA AS TERRORISTS’ KINGPIN ALHAJI SHANONO, OTHERS ARE NEUTRALIZED IN AIRSTRIKES

    The Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Oladayo Amao, was back to Kaduna earlier today 10 August 2022 to review ongoing operations and give further directives. This is even as intensive air operations endured in the entire military theatres of operation as NAF aircraft continue to seek and decimate enemies of the state in their attempts to make life unbearable for innocent Nigerians. From the briefings received by the CAS, it is evident that so far, the directives given to the operational commanders is yielding the requisite outcome. Air Marshal Amao, in addressing the commanders, reminded them of the need to remain steadfast and focused on the task ahead. ‘We can’t afford to let down our guards’, he said.

    In the Northwest specifically, the effect of strikes undertaken by NAF aircraft have revealed that several terrorists’ have been eliminated and their enclaves destroyed. One of such strikes which occurred yesterday, 9 August 2022 resulted in the elimination of a well known terrorist leader operating in Kaduna State. Indeed, following receipt of intelligence on 9 August 2022 that a well known terrorists’ kingpin, Alhaji Shanono, had scheduled a meeting with his foot soldiers at Ukambo, a village about 131 km from Kaduna, the Air Component of Operation Whirl Punch dispatched aircraft for interdiction mission at the location. Overhead the location, terrorists were sighted under clusters of trees at the foot of Ukambo high ground and after ensuring the absence of civilian settlements within the location, the crew received the authorization to strike. Feedback from local sources disclosed that over 30 rifles and 20 motorbikes were destroyed while about 18 terrorists, including Alhaji Shanono, were neutralized while others sustained various degree of injuries. Sources also revealed that not less than 26 kidnapped victims earlier held by the terrorists were released as a result of the airstrike.

    Similar strikes were also undertaken in the Northeast as well. There, the Air Component of Operation Hadin Kai had their tasks well cut out for them as they have been fully engaged in conducting air interdiction missions on terrorists’ targets in Borno State. One of such operations was conducted on 6 August 2022 at Gazuwa, about 1.2 kilometers to Gargash, after intelligences revealed that infighting for relevance and supremacy was underway between terrorists of the Shekau faction and terrorists aligned to Islamic State of West Africa (ISWAP). The state of confusion and disorder among the 2 terrorists’ factions thus presented an opportunity for a surprise strike by NAF pilots which was carried out using 2 aircraft types. It should be noted that though the map coordinates led the pilots to the exact site of the infighting, the location also had an ISWAP flag hoisted on the structure and 3 solar panels on the rooftop.

    Intelligence received and corroborated by local sources revealed the strike was a success as the terrorists did not anticipate it with several eliminated and others injured. The impact of the strikes is said to have reverberated through the remaining terrorists’ camps who are beginning to realize that they are fighting an unjust and lost cause that will no doubt lead to their death. Most are said to be contemplating surrendering just like others before them.

    Edward Gabkwet
    Air Commodore
    Director of Public Relations and Information
    Nigerian Air Force
    10 August 2022