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Tag: Katsina

  • Tinubu directs military reinforcement to crush banditry in Katsina

    Tinubu directs military reinforcement to crush banditry in Katsina

    President Bola Tinubu has directed the Armed Forces of Nigeria to deploy advanced hardware and surveillance systems in Katsina State to counter rising attacks on civilians by bandits.‎

    ‎The president gave the directive during a meeting with Katsina leaders, led by Gov. Dikko Radda, at the State House on Tuesday evening.

    ‎According to a statement by Presidential spokesperson, Mr Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu emphasised the urgency of addressing insecurity across Nigeria, starting with vulnerable regions like Katsina.

    ‎The president said the Federal Government would consider the operations of a State Police, and further equip recently deployed forest guards.

    ‎Tinubu criticised those politicising the state police initiative, stressing the need for community-based security outfits familiar with local terrains and culture.

    Onanuga quoted the president as saying: ‎”The security challenges that we are facing are surmountable. Yes, we have porous borders.

    “We inherited weaknesses that could have been addressed earlier. It is a challenge that we must fix, and we are facing it.

    ‎”I have today directed all the security agencies to energise further and look at the strategies. We have approved the additional acquisition of drones.”

    ‎‎Tinubu has also ordered daily operational reports on Katsina to ensure constant oversight and quick responses.

    ‎He said: ‎”I am reviewing all the aspects of security; I have to create a state police. We are looking at that holistically.

    ‎”We will defeat insecurity. We must protect our children, people, livelihood, places of worship, and recreational spaces. They can’t intimidate us.”

    ‎‎Tinubu also assured that former President Muhammadu Buhari would be immortalised, citing his legacy as a foundation for national continuity.

    ‎‎He continued: “The time we lost our brother, President Buhari, is a loss for all of us. It is the will of God Almighty, but he has left in a good way.

    ‎”He didn’t hand over a defeated country, a battered political structure, but a legacy of success, which is the most important thing.

    ‎‎”We just have to continue praying that Almighty Allah should grant him Aljannah Firdausi and give the rest of us the ability to stand very strong and push Nigeria forward. Not to look back in sorrow but move forward with success.

    ‎‎”It would have been regretful if we had lost the elections to the other parties. There are no other wishes he would have had than to have Katsina State and the Presidency intact.”

    ‎‎Radda thanked Tinubu for prioritising Katsina, including appointments of indigenes to strategic roles and ongoing infrastructure development.

    ‎‎”Mr president, I would like to thank you very much, and I want to say before our elders that I never came to the President with a request that he rejected.

    ‎”We thank you, Mr President, for sharing with Katsina. You are a true son of Katsina State. I recall that Katsina was the first state you visited and spent a night in. We thank you for the privilege.

    ‎‎”We are here again, Mr President, I know that you are aware of the problem affecting our state,” he added.

    ‎‎Radda appealed for greater Federal support in security, youths empowerment, and critical infrastructure projects.

    ‎‎The former Governor of Katsina state, Aminu Masari, expressed appreciation for the state funeral accorded to the late president Buhari, calling it a mark of deep respect.

    ‎‎Masari reaffirmed the loyalty of Katsina to the Tinubu administration and its security vision.

    ‎‎The Waziri of Katsina, Sen. Ibrahim Ida, praised Tinubu’s commitment to infrastructure, particularly the Kano-Maradi Rail project.

    ‎‎He also urged for an upgrade of the Umaru Musa Yar’Adua International Airport to enhance functionality and regional connectivity.

    ‎‎Ida stressed that Southern Katsina required heightened security presence from the Federal Government to further protect lives and restore peace.

  • Katsina Govt approves ₦20m for cemetery renovation in each LGA

    Katsina Govt approves ₦20m for cemetery renovation in each LGA

    Katsina State Government has approved ₦20 million for each Local Government to renovate graveyards in its area.

    Gov. Dikko Radda made the disclosure when he received royal fathers from the Katsina and Daura Emirates on Thursday in Katsina.

    He described the initiative as both a service to the people and a way of seeking Allah’s blessings for the state.

    Radda also announced a new welfare package to empower traditional rulers and religious leaders in the state.

    He stated that under a new law passed by the State House of Assembly, “all District Heads would now earn salaries not less than Grade Level 16.

    “In addition, 6, 652 Ward Heads across the state will receive monthly allowances while more than 3, 000 Imams and their deputies from Friday Mosques will be supported with stipends.

    “Furthermore, Izala and Darika Mosque sweepers in each of the 34 local government areas will also benefit from allowances”.

    The governor reaffirmed his administration’s determination to confront insecurity head-on, pointout that security remained the foremost priority of his government.

    According to him, over 1, 500 youths have so far been trained to support security efforts toward taming the insecurity challenge bedeviling the state.

    The youths, he said, were fully kitted with uniforms, life jackets, and operational tools.

    Gov. Radda, therefore, urged traditional rulers and community leaders to intensify awareness, reminding citizens that they must first help themselves before government intervention could yield lasting results.

    “Security is a collective responsibility, we must unite to protect our people,” he said.

    Earlier, the Emir of Daura, Alhaji Umar Faruq-Umar, represented by the District Head of Baure, Alhaji Daha Umar-Farouq, reaffirmed their solidarity following the recent car accident that involved the governor in Daura.

    Also speaking, the Wazirin Katsina, Sen. Ibrahim Ida, who represented the Emir of Katsina, Alhaji Abdulmumini Kabir-Usman, commended the governor for his commitment to repositioning the two emirates for greater hieghts.

    He noted that the reforms introduced by the administration had restored dignity to traditional institutions and strengthened their role in governance and community development.

    The Emirate Council, he added, would continue to support the government through prayers and cooperation to promote peace, unity, and prosperity across the state.

  • Katsina assembly decries increased bandits’ attack

    Katsina assembly decries increased bandits’ attack

    The Katsina State House of Assembly, has expressed serious concern over what it called the recent increase in bandits’ attack on some communities in the state.

    The assembly expressed the concern during its plenary on Wednesday in Katsina, presided over by the Speaker, Alhaji Nasir Yahaya-Daura.

    During the plenary, a motion of urgent public importance was presented by the lawmaker representing Dutsinma Constituency, Alhaji Muhammad Abubakar-Khamis.

    Abubakar-Khamis called on the government to intensify efforts by deploying more soldiers and other security personnel to parts of his constituency in view of the increasing attacks by terrorists.

    The lawmaker who is the Chairman, House Committee on Security, stressed that the people in the area were living in fear, hence the need for urgent intervention, especially from the Federal Government.

    “There’s the need for the government to deploy more security operatives to Makera, Gammo, Karofi and Dabawa wards in Dutsinma Local Government Area.

    “The attack in these areas is increasing daily. The bandits recently killed residents, top security operatives, and also abducted other residents,” he said.

    While commending the effort of the state government, he however called on the federal government to redouble its commitment to complement that of the state government.

    Some of the lawmaker who contributed to the motion, expressed concerns over the situation, calling on the federal and state government to urgently restrategise.

    NAN reports that following series of contributions by the legislators, the house unanimously adopted the motion.

    The house has forwarded the request to the executive for immediate action to enhance the protection of lives and property of the citizens.

  • 3 Katsina PDP lawmakers defect to APC

    3 Katsina PDP lawmakers defect to APC

    Three members of the House of Representatives from Katsina State have resigned from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

    The lawmakers are Rep. Balarabe Dabayi (Bakori/Danja Constituency), Rep. Aliyu Iliyasu (Batsari/Safana/Danmusa Constituency), and Rep. Salisu Majigiri (Mashi/Dutsi Federal Constituency).

    Their defection was announced during a plenary session, where Speaker of the House, Rep. Tajudeen Abbas, formally declared them as the newest members of the APC.

    In their separate letters of resignation, read by the speaker, the lawmakers cited the ongoing internal crisis within the PDP as the reason for their departure.

    The highlight of the event was the presence of Katsina State Governor, Umar Dikko Radda, who attended in a show of solidarity.

  • Six killed, 59 abducted as bandits invade Katsina

    Six killed, 59 abducted as bandits invade Katsina

    At least six people have been killed and approximately 59 others abducted in separate attacks across communities in Katsina State. The latest incident occurred around 10:30 p.m. on Sunday at Layin Gara village in Funtua Local Government Area (LGA), where two individuals were killed and 16 others were taken.

    A local resident, who wished to remain anonymous, informed our reporter that the attackers operated for several hours without encountering any resistance.

    Earlier, on Saturday, bandits targeted Maikuma village in Dandume LGA, where they killed four people and kidnapped about 43 others.

    Sources revealed that the assailants, armed with sophisticated weapons and riding motorcycles, raided the village in large numbers. “They went from house to house for hours before retreating into the forest with their captives,” one source said.

    Dandume LGA Chairman Basiru Musa confirmed the attack to Daily Trust, stating, “There were over 100 of them. Their objective was to kill and abduct as many people as they could. They killed four and kidnapped around 43, though some reports suggest the number may be closer to 45 or even higher.”

    He added, “When I was alerted about the potential attack, I contacted the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) and the local military unit. They responded quickly, but the security forces were unable to pursue the attackers beyond their designated areas and had to pull back when the bandits fled into the forest.”

    The chairman expressed his concerns about the ongoing attacks and called on the government to ramp up efforts to tackle the security crisis.

     

  • Hisbah bans nightclubs in Katsina

    Hisbah bans nightclubs in Katsina

    The Katsina State Hisbah Board has banned all nightclub activities across the state, citing Islamic principles and the need to uphold moral values.

    The Hisbah Commander-General, Dr Aminu Usman (Abu Ammar), announced this in a statement issued in Katsina on Wednesday.

    He stated that nightclub owners must shut down their establishments to curb immoral practices, protect societal values, and address security concerns in the state.

    “The board warned that violators would face strict penalties. Security agencies have been instructed to ensure full compliance with the order.

    “We are committed to building a morally upright society and ensuring peace and security in Katsina State,” Usman said.

    He confirmed that the board has informed relevant security agencies, including the state Commissioner for Internal Security, to enforce the directive effectively.

    “This move aligns with Hisbah’s broader efforts to ensure residents continue their lives in line with religious and moral standards,” he stated.

  • APC sweeps Katsina LG polls

    APC sweeps Katsina LG polls

    The Katsina State Independent Electoral Commission (KTSIEC), said that the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidates have won all the 34 Chairmanship and 361 Councilorship positions contested during Saturday’s election.

    The Chairman of the commission, Alhaji Lawal Faskari, made the disclosure at a press briefing on Sunday in Katsina.

    Faskari said that five political parties participated in the election.

    According to the chairman, the parties were: Accord Party (AP), Booth Party (BP), African Action Congress (AAC), African Democratic Party (ADC) and All Progressives Congress (APC).

    He said that the election was free, fair and credible.

    Faskari commended the electorate for their contribution in making the exercise peaceful and credible.

    He further commended the staffers of the commission, ad-hoc staffers, independent election observers and other stakeholders for their roles in ensuring a hitch-free exercise.

    In a related development, the state chapter of the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), has acknowledged the giant strides made by the registered political parties to promote democracy in the state.

    This is contained in a statement signed by its Chairman and Secretary, Alhaji Salimu Lawal and Babangida Kado, respectively.

    “To our esteemed candidates who contested in the election and lost, I salute your courage, determination and commitment towards serving our great state.

    “I also commend your faith in conceding defeat in the system, and your desire to contribute to the development of the state.

    “As we move forward, let us not forget the values that unite us as a people.

    “They include peaceful coexistence, respect for one another and the pursuit of the common good,” the statement said.

  • Police eliminate 11 terrorists, rescue 85 victims in Katsina

    Police eliminate 11 terrorists, rescue 85 victims in Katsina

    The Police Command in Katsina State has eliminated 11 suspected bandits and saved 85 kidnapped victims in January 2025.

    The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) of the command, DSP Abubakar Aliyu, revealed this to newsmen while reviewing the achievements of the command.

    He said that the police also recovered 213 suspected rustled animals during the period under review.

    According to him, the command apprehended 45 suspects in connection with 52 reported major crimes.

    He said that those apprehended included four suspected kidnappers, six culpable homicide suspects, seven suspected armed robbers and three suspected informants to bandits.

    Aliyu added that the other 32 suspects were apprehended in connection with other offenses.

    The crimes they allegedly committed, according to him, included armed robbery, culpable homicide, kidnapping, and rape, among others.

    The PPRO revealed that the items recovered included four rounds of AK 47 live ammunition, three motorcycles, five vandalized street solar lights, two machetes and two sharp knives.

    Our achievements in the month are a testament to our tireless efforts in ensuring a safer Katsina state.

    “I want to commend our officers and men for their hard work and dedication to duty.

    “I would like to express our sincere appreciation to the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, Katsina state government, members of the press for their objective reporting,” he said.

  • 9 dead, 21 injured in Katsina road crash

    9 dead, 21 injured in Katsina road crash

    The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has confirmed nine people dead and 21 others injured in a road crash in Dankama, Kaita Local Government Area of the state.

    This is contained in a statement issued by the Sector Commander, Mr. Aliyu Ma’aji, through the Command’s Public Relations Officer, Shamsudeen Babajo, on Thursday in Katsina.

    He said that the incident occurred when a trailer carrying cows and humans on top, separated from the main body and fell on a pavement.

    According to him, the trailer driver was trying to prevent crushing a woman that fell from the top of a Golf car overloaded with beans.

    The Commander revealed that the trailer driver, while trying to avoid crushing the woman, lost control of the vehicle and caused the trailer to separate from the main body.

    He said that nine people lost their lives, while 21 others got varying degrees of injury.

    Ma’aji said that the injured passengers were rushed to the Primary Healthcare Center, Kaita, for medical attention.

    He stated that some victims were referred to Katsina General Hospital and the Federal Teaching Hospital, Katsina, due to the nature of their injury.

    The Sector Commander, therefore, warned drivers to desist from carrying animals with passengers because of the danger associated with the ugly practice.

    He also urged passengers to always speak up against overloading and dangerous driving as part of measures to reduce road accidents on the highways.

  • Christmas Eve: Two die, 4 others injured as police foil kidnapping attempt in Katsina

    Christmas Eve: Two die, 4 others injured as police foil kidnapping attempt in Katsina

    No fewer than 10 kidnapped victims are said to have been rescued from the hands of kidnappers by operatives of the Katsina State Police Command

    No fewer than 10 kidnapped victims are said to have been rescued from the hands of kidnappers by operatives of the Katsina State Police Command.

    He recalled that on December 24th, 2024, at about 2030 hrs, some suspected bandits, armed with dangerous weapons and shooting sporadically, attacked a commercial vehicle at Kwanar Makera along the Katsina to Magama Jibia road in Jibia LGA, Katsina State, in an attempt to kidnap 10 occupants of the said vehicle.

    Upon receipt of the distress call, the Divisional Police Officer in charge of the Jibia, swiftly led a team of operatives to the scene, engaging the bandits in a gun duel, successfully foiled the kidnap attempt and rescued all the 10 victims.

    The Commissioner of Police, Katsina State Command, CP Aliyu Abubakar Musa, while commending the officers exceptional display of gallantry and dedication to duty, charged officers to sustain the tempo.

    He further urged members of the public with useful information on suspected criminal activities to report to the nearest police station for prompt and decisive action.