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Tag: Kano State

  • Scores as Bomb explosion rocks Kano

    Scores as Bomb explosion rocks Kano

    A suspected explosion involving a military-grade mortar bomb has resulted in multiple fatalities in Kano.

    While the exact number of casualties remains unknown, several individuals have sustained injuries of varying severity from the blast.

    According to Daily Trust, the incident occurred in the early hours of Saturday, triggering panic in the surrounding area and prompting the arrival of emergency responders, including security forces and medical teams.

    The State Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Adamu Bakori indicated that the blast may have stemmed from military ordnance that was likely mishandled or improperly transported.

    “I received a call that something serious had happened. When I arrived, I found that it was a suspected explosion—possibly a military mortar bomb. Fifteen people were injured, and unfortunately, five died,” Bakori noted, adding that the victims were quickly evacuated, with some taken to nearby hospitals.

    “The situation is still under investigation, but we understand the vehicle involved may have come from Yobe State.

    “Preliminary findings suggest the explosive material was being transported by a trailer, but it remains unclear whether the vehicle was carrying military personnel or contractors,” the police commissioner added

  • Police crack down on thuggery in Kano, nab 51 suspects

    Police crack down on thuggery in Kano, nab 51 suspects

    The Kano State Police Command said it has arrested 51 suspects and recovered dangerous weapons as well as illicit drugs in an intelligence-led clearance operation targeting criminal hideouts across the Kano metropolis.

    The operation, which lasted three days from Friday to Sunday, covered areas in Kano Municipal, Dala, Gwale, and Tarauni Local Government Areas, including Kofar Mata, Zage, Kurna, Rijiyar Lemo, Dorayi, Hotoro, and Sheka Quarters.

    Deputy Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Hussaini Abdullahi, who disclosed this in a statement on Monday, said the operation was part of the ongoing efforts to rid the state of thuggery and related criminal activities.

    “The command is fully determined to decisively tackle thuggery and its associated crimes.

    “Fifty-one suspects were arrested, and dangerous weapons and illicit drugs were recovered,” Abdullahi said.

    He quoted the Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Bakori, as warning against the use of weapons during traditional performances such as “Kidan Gangi.”

    He added that the brandishing of weapons on social media platforms like TikTok, Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), and Instagram has also become a growing concern.

    “Displaying dangerous weapons on social media platforms glamorises criminality and lures teenagers into gang-related activities.

    “Anyone caught engaging in such will be arrested and prosecuted accordingly,” Bakori said.

    He further warned parents, guardians, and blacksmiths who were aiding or concealing the possession of weapons to desist from doing so, vowing that they would also be held accountable under the law.

    Bakori said, “The command urges the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious behaviour,” promising to ramp up the extant efforts to sustain peace and security in the state.

    He said, “Emergency hotlines for the command are: 08032600299, 08032600300, and 08032600301.”

  • UNICEF raises alarm over polio variant in Kano LGs

    UNICEF raises alarm over polio variant in Kano LGs

    The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has raised concern over the detection of a variant of the polio virus in four local governments in Kano State.

    Mr Rahama Mohammed, Chief of the UNICEF Field Office in Kano, disclosed this on Thursday during the June Edition of the Media Dialogue on Polio and Routine Immunisation.

    He said surveillance conducted in 2025 revealed the presence of the virus in Warawa, Bunkure, Kano Municipal, and Nasarawa local governments.

    “This is unacceptable and must be halted. Polio remains a highly infectious disease that spreads rapidly and knows no borders,” he said.

    Mohammed said a single case of polio anywhere poses a threat to children everywhere and called for coordinated efforts to contain the outbreak.

    He urged governments at all levels, traditional rulers, and the media to intensify awareness campaigns and ensure full vaccination coverage, particularly in high-risk areas.

    Mohammed reiterated UNICEF’s commitment to support Nigeria’s polio eradication efforts and called for the timely release of counterpart funding and stronger supervision of immunisation campaigns.

    Earlier, the Director-General of the Kano State Primary Health Care Management Board, Dr Nasiru Mahmud, reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to eradicate polio by December 2025.

    He also pledged to drastically reduce the state’s maternal mortality rate within the same period, describing the fight against both health challenges as top priorities.

    Mahmud stressed the government’s resolve to work closely with traditional rulers and the 44 local government chairmen to address the issues.

  • GSM market fire devastating – Kano Dep. Gov. reacts

    GSM market fire devastating – Kano Dep. Gov. reacts

    The Deputy Governor of Kano State, Alhaji Aminu Abdussalam, has commiserated with the traders affected by the fire outbreak at the Farm Centre GSM Market in Kano.

    The incident, which occurred on Sallah day, affected Dan Sulaika Plaza, destroying several shops and properties in one of the state’s busiest commercial centres.

    In a statement issued on Saturday by his Press Secretary, Ibrahim Garba , the deputy governor described the incident as devastating, expressing sympathy on behalf of Gov. Abba Yusuf and the state government.

    “This is a deeply saddening event. Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf is extremely concerned, and we stand in solidarity with those who have lost their means of livelihood,” he said.

    He assured the affected traders that the government would explore ways to support them and help cushion the impact of their losses.

    Abdussalam further stated that the Yusuf’s administration was committed to strengthening fire safety measures across markets in the state to prevent future occurrences.

    The market is a major hub for cell phones and computer accessories, employing thousands of traders.

  • Eid: Kano govt cautions against slaughtering unhealthy animals

    Eid: Kano govt cautions against slaughtering unhealthy animals

    Kano State Government has urged the residents to ensure animals intended for sacrifice during the forthcoming Eid-el-Kabir are healthy and safe for consumption.

    This is contained in a statement issued on Wednesday in Kano by the Public Relations Officer of the Ministry of Health, Mr Nablusi Ahmad.

    He quoted the Commissioner for Health, Dr Abubakar Labaran, as saying that the advice was aimed at safeguarding public health and preventing the spread of zoonotic diseases.

    Labaran emphasised the need for the residents to be vigilant and only purchase and slaughter animals certified to be healthy.

    He warned that some animal-borne diseases could be transmitted to humans, especially when meat is not properly handled or cooked.

    “Special attention should be given to how the meat is cooked. Thorough cooking is crucial to eliminate harmful microorganisms and pathogens that may be present in the animal,” he said.

    The commissioner particularly urged mothers and food handlers to ensure safe preparation of meat to prevent food-borne illnesses.

    Labaran also stressed the importance of hygiene during meat preparation, advising households to wash meat thoroughly with clean water before cooking or storage.

    He reassured the residents of the government’s readiness to respond to any public health emergencies during the Sallah celebrations.

    According to him, the state government, under Gov. Abba Yusuf, had adequately stocked health facilities with essential drugs and emergency supplies to provide prompt medical assistance.

    He reiterated the ministry’s commitment to preventive healthcare and called on the public to adhere to health advisories, especially during festive periods.

    Labaran extended warm Sallah greetings to the residents and wished them a peaceful, joyful and healthy Eid-el-Kabir celebration.

  • Eid-el-Kabir: Police ban durbar activities in Kano

    Eid-el-Kabir: Police ban durbar activities in Kano

    The Police Command in Kano has reiterated its ban on all forms of Durbar activities across the state during the forthcoming Eid-el-Kabir celebrations.

    The command in a statement jointly signed by sister security agencies on Tuesday, said the ban, earlier announced during the 2025 Eid-el-Fitr festivities, remains in force and will be strictly enforced.

    It said the directive follows credible intelligence reports indicating possible plans by miscreants and their sponsors to use the occasion to disrupt public peace and security.

    The statement noted that the police, in collaboration with other sister security agencies, had put in place adequate security measures to ensure peaceful and hitch-free celebrations across the state.

    “Following extensive consultations with relevant security stakeholders and based on available intelligence, the ban on all Durbar activities will be strictly implemented.”

    It warned that activities such as horse or animal riding, car racing, reckless driving, unlawful possession or display of firearms and dangerous weapons, as well as the carrying of suspicious objects, are strictly prohibited during the festive period.

    The command further urged parents and guardians to caution their wards against involvement in any unlawful acts, stating that the police and other agencies were fully prepared to enforce the law.

    It also warned the public to desist from any conduct likely to cause a breach of peace or a breakdown of law and order.

    While congratulating Muslims and law-abiding residents of the state ahead of the celebration, the command appealed to all worshippers to be law-abiding and conduct themselves peacefully during the celebrations.

    It also urged residents to pray for the peace and prosperity of the state and the nation, and in memory of the state’s athletes who lost their lives while returning from the National Sports Festival.

  • NSF 2025: Kano govt told to immortalise 22 deceased athletes

    NSF 2025: Kano govt told to immortalise 22 deceased athletes

    Kano State Government has been urged to immortalise the 22 athletes that died in a fatal accident on their way back from the 22nd National Sports Festival (NSF) in Ogun.

    The Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Kogi Chapter, made the call in a condolence message signed by its acting secretary, Mr Olatunde Odimayo, in Lokoja.

    The 22 fallen heroes were amongst 39 persons who boarded the ill-fated bus but lost their lives after their bus fell off a bridge on Saturday.

    Odimayo described the incident as tragic and painful, saying immortalising the fallen heroes was imperative in view of the sacrifices.

    “The sports writers in Kogi hereby mourned the demise of the 22 Kano state athletes and officials, who lost their lives in such a tragic road accident while returning to their base from the just-concluded NSF.

    “We are really traumatised by this tragic incident. Information reaching us indicates that these people were young, vibrant, and promising individuals who were determined to make Kano proud both nationally and internationally.

    “SWAN Kogi is using this medium to call on the Kano state government to, as a matter of urgency, immortalise these fallen heroes who sacrificed their lives for the state,” he stated.

    NSF tragedy: Abiodun sends delegation to Kano, supports victims’ families with N31m

    Meanwhile, Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State on Sunday dispatched a high-powered delegation to commiserate with the Kano State Government and its people over the tragic loss of athletes and officials.

    The sad incident reportedly occurred on Saturday, at about 9am in the Kura Local Government Area of Kano State.

    The athletes and officials were returning from the just-concluded National Sports Festival (NSF) held in Ogun.

    In a statement issued in Abeokuta by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Strategy, Mr Kayode Akinmade, Abiodun also announced a financial support package of ₦1 million to each of the bereaved families, totaling ₦31 million as an initial assistance.

    The delegation, led by the state Deputy Governor, Mr Noimot Salako-Oyedele, included the Secretary to the State Government, Mr Tokunbo Talabi, and Commissioner for Sports Development, Mr Wasiu Isiaka.

    Others were, the Executive Secretary of the Local Organising Committee for the Gateway Games 2024, Dr Kweku Tandoh; and the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Sports, Lanre Ogunyinka.

    Also part of the delegation were Team Ogun’s coach, Idris Oguntayo, as well as two athletes from the state’s team—Ms Atinuke Onabiyi and Mr Ayomide Oyegbade.

    According to the statement, the delegation arrived in Kano at about 9:00 a.m. and was received by officials of the Kano State Government, led by the Deputy Gov. Aminu Gwarzo.

    Salako-Oyedele conveyed the governor’s deep sorrow and condolences.

    “We are here to express the heartfelt sympathies of the Government and people of Ogun State.

    “We understand that His Excellency Gov. Abba Yusuf is currently away on Hajj, but we felt compelled to be here to show our solidarity with him, the bereaved families, and the people of Kano State during this difficult time.

    “This is a devastating loss—not only for Kano state but for the entire sporting community. We also extend our prayers for the swift recovery of those currently receiving medical treatment,” she said.

    She also acknowledged the prompt response from emergency services including the police, the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), and others who rushed to assist the victims.

    In response, Gwarzo expressed profound gratitude for the visit and the governor’s show of compassion.

    He confirmed that Gov. Abiodun had personally reached out by phone on Saturday to commiserate with the government and people of Kano state, noting that the gesture underscored his genuine concern.

  • Kano govt declares Eid break for schools

    Kano govt declares Eid break for schools

    The Kano State Government has announced the Eid-el-Kabir holiday for all primary and secondary schools across the state.

    Commissioner for Education, Dr Ali Makoda, made the announcement on Sunday in a statement by Ministry of Education’s Public Enlightenment Director, Mr Balarabe Kiru.

    Makoda said the holiday begins on Wednesday, June 4, with boarding students observing the break until June 15. Day students are expected to return on Monday, June 16.

    Parents and guardians of boarding students have been asked to collect their wards on the morning of June 4.

    The commissioner confirmed that all other parts of the 2024/2025 academic calendar remain unchanged, including all official holidays.

    Makoda urged parents to ensure timely return of their children after the break.

    He also thanked residents for their ongoing support and wished all students a peaceful and joyful Eid celebration.

  • NDLEA raids drug dens in Kano, arrests 36 suspects

    NDLEA raids drug dens in Kano, arrests 36 suspects

    The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) Kano State Command, has arrested 36 suspects with different quantities of illicit substances in the State.

    Sadiq Muhammad-Maigatari, the command’s spokesman disclosed this in a statement on Sunday in Kano.

    Muhammad-Maigatari quoted the State Commander of the agency, Mr Abubakar Idris-Ahmad, as saying that the arrest was made during a raid.

    He said that the coordinated effort was to ensure a safe and drug-free environment ahead of the  Eid El-Kabir celebrations.

    “On May 30 and May 31 the agency dislodged several key areas across the state. These areas are located in Makabartar Dan’agundi, Kwari, Kofar Na’isa, and Kano Line,” he said.

    He said that the command successfully recovered  cannabis sativa, suck and die, diazepam, rubber solution, and other illicit substances.

    Idris-Ahmad expressed gratitude to the dedicated officers involved in these operations and emphasised the agency’s commitment to maintaining peace and security in Kano State.

    “On behalf of the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the Agency, Brig.-Gen, Mohamed Buba-Marwa, we extend our warm wishes to the people of Kano for a drug-free Sallah celebration” he said.

    He urged all citizens to celebrate responsibly and refrain from engaging in any form of drug trade or consumption.

    “The NDLEA is determined to rid all communities of the scourge of drug abuse and trafficking.

    “The NDLEA remains vigilant and will continue in  its efforts to combat drug-related offences in the state,” he added

    He encouraged the public to report any suspicious activities to help maintain a safe and healthy environment for all.

  • Buhari mourns Niger flood victims, Kano athletes’ death

    Buhari mourns Niger flood victims, Kano athletes’ death

    Former President Muhammadu Buhari has condoled with the victims of the Niger flood and the Kano athletes that died in an auto accident.

    This followed the death of more than one hundred persons in flash floods that destroyed homes and displaced thousands of residents last week in Niger.

    The death was also recorded of 22 young athletes, coaches, and officials in a ghastly auto crash in Kano state after the Ogun games in Abeokuta.

    Buhari, in a statement by his spokesman, Garba Shehu, sympathised with the bereaved families, governments and the people of Niger and Kano states over the incident.

    The former president said that the tragic incidents, happening in a quick sequence had left him shocked and devastated as it did many people in different parts of the world.

    “I am deeply pained  by the loss of lives due to the floods in Niger state and the road accident in Kano state.

    “The deaths are painful and devastating. Condolences to the families and friends of all those who have lost their loved ones. May the injured recover soon.”