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Tag: Katsina State

  • Police confirm 41 killed by terrorists in Katsina State

    Police confirm 41 killed by terrorists in Katsina State

    The Police Command in Katsina State has confirmed the death of 41 members of local vigilance groups, popularly known as “Yansakai”, in an ambush by terrorists in Yargoje forest.

    This is contained in a statement issued to newsmen by the Command’s Public Relations Officer,  SP Gambo Isah on Friday in Katsina.

    “On Wednesday, Feb. 1, 2023 at about 22:00 hours, terrorists in their numbers, shooting sporadically with AK 47 rifles, attacked the house of one Alhaji Muntari at Unguwar Audu Gare, Kandarawa, Bakori Local Government, and rustled 50 cows and 30 sheep.

    “Subsequently, on Feb. 2, at about 10:00 hours, Yansakai groups from 11 villages in Bakori local government regrouped and went after the terrorists with a view to recover the rustled. animals.

    “They traced the footpaths of the hoodlums to a location at Yargoje forest, unfortunately, the terrorists planned and launched a coordinated ambush on the Yansakai.

    “The hoodlums shot and killed 41 Yansakai and wounded two others,” he said.

    Isah said that the Area Commander in Malumfashi, led a team of policemen to the scene and evacuated the corpses and injured persons to Kankara General Hospital.

    The command spokesman said that a joint security operation was ongoing to arrest the culprits and bring them to book.

  • Katsina police confirms killing of 41 persons by gunmen

    Katsina police confirms killing of 41 persons by gunmen

    Katsina State Police Command has confirmed the killing of 41 persons by gunmen during an ambush at Yargoje forest in Bakori Local Government Area of the State.

    The police spokesman, Gambo Isah, explained that the incident occurred on Wednesday,

    Isah said the gunmen had invaded the home of one Alhaji Muntari in Kandarawa, Bakori LGA, and stole 80 animals.

    Members of a proscribed vigilance group, Yan Sakai, were said to have gone after the bandits with a view to retrieving the animals.

    Unknown to the vigilance men, the bandits had laid an ambush and opened fire as soon as the pursuers got within their sight.

    Isah said: “On Wednesday, 1/02/2023 at about 2200hrs, terrorists in their numbers, shooting sporadically with AK 47 rifles, attacked the house of one Alhaji Muntari, at Unguwar Audu Gare, Kandarawa, Bakori LGA, and rustled fifty (50) cows and thirty (30) sheep.

    The statement reads: “Subsequently, on Thursday, 2/02/2023, at about 10:00hrs, Yansakai outlawed group, from eleven (11) villages from Bakori LGA, regrouped and went after the terrorists with a view to recover the rustled domestic animals

    “They traced the footpath of the hoodlums to a location at Yargoje forest. Unfortunately, the terrorists planned and launched a coordinated ambush on the Yansakai.”

    The police spokesperson said two persons in the Yansakai group sustained injuries and were taken to the Kankara General Hospital for treatment.

    “The hoodlums shot and killed forty-one Yansakai and wounded two. Area commander, Malumfashi, led a team of policemen to the scene and recovered the corpses and injured to Kankara General, Hospital,” he said.

  • Buhari reveals choice destination after end of tenure

    Buhari reveals choice destination after end of tenure

    President Muhammadu Buhari has assured the Emir of Daura, Faruk Umar Faruk that he will return to the Daura Emirate and settle down after handing over on May 29, 2023.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports President Buhari made the disclosure on Friday when he visited the Emir of Daura in Katsina State, where he returned all thanks to God for safety in his life’s journey over many years.

    Buhari, who visited the Emir’s palace after inaugurating projects in the State, recalled the years of battle during the Nigerian Civil War and some personal challenges as testimonies of divine protection and guidance.

    According to the president, the destiny of man, country and the world remains in the hands of God.

    Buhari said: “This opportunity to serve the nation comes from God. All over the world, Nigeria is known for its diversity, with different religions and cultures.

    “We are also known because we have a huge population of millions of people. For the President of Nigeria, at this time, to come from Daura is the grace and mercy of God.”

    The president recalled how he secured his first job early after school to manage a co-operative in Daura, but had to escape and join the Army when there was pressure that he should get married.

    ”I told Gov. Aminu Masari the story of how I left Daura to join the army. That was how God planned it. We make choices in life, but eventually, destiny is before God.

    “I was at the war front during the civil war and saw how many died. Some fell right beside me. God kept me.

    “Many bridges were blown just before we arrived at some places, and after we crossed. I arrived at some places to see the bodies of my own colleagues that we were fighting together. I am alive today only by God’s grace,” the president added.

    Buhari noted that the Daura Emirate and community gained international recognition by divine purpose, not man’s efforts.

    He assured the Emirate that he would return and settle down in Daura, after handing over on May 29, 2023.

    “The Emir has spoken extensively and I don’t have much to add. I have three of my classmates that are here today in the Emirate Council.

    “I also hear of how the Emir has been giving recognitions and titles to my staff and family members. I am grateful for all the support,” he stated.

    The Emir of Daura noted that the survival of the president when his car was bombed in 2014 was a divine act, which happened shortly before he won elections in 2015.

    “The visit of the president is historic. He was invited by the governor to inspect and commission development projects.

    “The governor has performed exceedingly well, beyond the projects that had been spotlighted. Close to seven years, he has been working for the people and he has made a big impact.

    “Gov. Masari is not a thief. The governor has done his best with available resources. He has showcased his record of service by inviting the president to witness progress in the state.

    “The president has seen a lot in two days, but he has not seen all. We know the good works of the governor and really commend him,” Faruk said.

    The Emir thanked the president for Federal Government projects in the state, and extoled the governor for creating an enabling environment for many to thrive.

    “As a state, Katsina benefitted a lot from your position, Mr President and the Daura community remains grateful for all. For a long time, we will be talking about the blessings of God in our domain,” he added.

  • Buhari is Nigeria’s most reliable leader – Masari

    Buhari is Nigeria’s most reliable leader – Masari

    Gov. Aminu Masari of Katsina State has described President Muhammad Buhari as the most reliable leader Nigeria ever had.

    The governor stated this in a statement on Saturday in Katsina, by his Director General (DG) New Media, Malam Al-Amin Isa, to felicitate with the President on his 80th birthday.

    He said that within the last seven years of President Buhari’s administration, infrastructure developments recorded in the country had placed him above all.

    According to Gov. Masari, “We celebrate your life of sacrifice, patriotism, service to humanity and the progress of Nigeria over the years.

    “Your integrity and dedication to duty had made you stand out among all the leaders Nigeria ever had.

    “Millions of people all over the world are inspired by your truthfulness, steadfastness, and passion for making a difference in the lives of all citizens of this nation.

    “Your Excellency, once again, on behalf of the government and good people of Katsina State, we wish you happy Birthday and many more years in good health and in Allah’s guidance and protection.”

  • 2023: Abusive language not allowed during campaigns – INEC tells politicians

    2023: Abusive language not allowed during campaigns – INEC tells politicians

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has cautioned politicians and political parties to avoid using provocative and abusive words during campaigns.

    Alhaji Abdullahi Ibrahim-Umar, the Head of the Commission’s Election and Party Monitoring (EPM) gave the caution at a stakeholders forum on Friday in Katsina State.

    According to the INEC official, political campaigns should be conducted in a peaceful, orderly and matured manner.

    He explained further that, “Electoral Act 2022 section 92 (1-6) stipulates how political campaign should be conducted.

    He said the law provided that “a political campaign or slogan shall not be tainted with abusive language directly or indirectly, especially such is likely to injure religious, ethnic, tribal or sectional feelings.

    “Also, Electoral Act 2022 section 92 (1) says political campaigns, rallies and processions should not be conducted in places designated for religious worship, police stations, and other public offices.”

    Ibrahim-Umar warned further that political campaigns should also not promote, propagate or attack political parties, candidates, their programmes or ideologies.

    “Political parties and contestants need to internalise what constitutes campaign regulations or restrictions as contained in the Electoral Act 2022, to avoid committing an offence that is liable to conviction to fine, imprisonment, or both.

    “As the saying goes, ‘ignorance of the law is not an excuse’. Transparency in these areas boosts confidence in the election processes on the part of contestants and voters.

    “This may serve to shed light on any unfair practices or potential abuses of state power where they exist.” Ibrahim-Umar said.

    He said the Electoral Act directed and empowered the Commissioner of Police in each state and the FCT to provide adequate security for proper and peaceful conduct of political rallies and processions in their jurisdictions.

    He said, “And for this purpose, the police may be supported by the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and any other security agency of the Federal Government.

    “Therefore no registered political party in Nigeria, its aspirants or candidate shall be prevented from holding rallies, processions or meetings at any time for their constitutional political purposes.

    “And also, the police shall in a consultative manner, resolve any conflict of time and venue between and amongst parties where such arises.

    “A political party shall for the purpose of political rally or procession, issue in writing notice to the commissioner of police of the state, indicating the exact venue and time of the rally or procession and pledging peaceful conduct and control against violence or public nuisance.

    “Political parties shall transmit to the commission, through the Electoral Officer at the Local Government Area and the Resident Electoral Commissioner at the state.

    “Both should be in hard and soft copy, details of the schedule of their political rally or procession, at least 10 days to the date of the procession or rallies.”

    He pointed out that the notice shall be jointly signed by the National Chairman and National Secretary of the political party for national campaign rallies and procession.

    According to him, in case of state campaign and procession, the notice should be jointly signed by the state chairman and secretary of the party.

  • 100 youths in Katsina state receive training-upgrade in fashion design & business expansion skills

    100 youths in Katsina state receive training-upgrade in fashion design & business expansion skills

    The on-going nationwide youth empowerment and training programme by the Federal Government through the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure(NASENI) moved to Katsina State as about 100 youths including women were given new skills in modern methods of tailoring and fashion design and its applications.

    Advanced sewing machines including modern equipment used for tailoring, design, trending embroidery machines worth millions of naira were handed over to the beneficiaries of the scheme with other starter packs to help them expand their businesses.

    Speaking at the event, held in Daura, Katsina State, today, the Executive Vice Chairman /CE of NASENI, Engr. Prof. Mohammed Sani Haruna, while declaring the training opened said that tailoring and fashion design as a vocation had evolved over time and the trade had embraced advancements in technology and innovation, therefore, practitioners in the trade needed constant upgrade of their skills in order for them to keep pace with modern trends and to continue to be relevant in business. He said because the profession of fashion and design are closely tied to supply of daily needs of clothing, therefore, the profession is very lucrative, thereby encouraging the youths to continue to embrace it.

    According to Prof. Haruna, the only missing link for the practitioners is “the absence of application of modern tools, techniques, creativity and capacity to deploy modern design techniques and use of advanced sewing machines and other modern tools for growth and business expansion” He said that these gaps observed with the operations by the practitioners were the areas that President Muhammadu Buhari directed NASENI to fill for the women and youths in Daura, Katsina State and the environs.

    One of the focal points of the Buhari Administration and promise to the youths was the creation of 10 million jobs before the end of tenure of his Administration. Prof. Haruna told the training participants that “it is important to note that the business of fashion and design is both lucrative and volatile, because it is about style, trend and human taste that are constantly changing by the day. Any tailor that is not updating his or her knowledge with modern system of patterns, trends, embroidery and fashion will be thrown out of business. He said this particular negative outcome was what President Buhari did not want for the tailoring and fashion vocation, hence, the president directed NASENI to carry out this training for the selected women and youths in Daura, katsina State.

    Also speaking at the occasion, the Executive Governor of Katsina State, Aminu Bello Masari, represented by Usman Nadada, Commisioner for Land and Survey, commended President Buhari on the initiative to directly train the youths. He said through the “deployment of these modern equipment and upgrade of their skills, the beneficiaries would keep their jobs and their work also become interesting and sustainable and possibly find new customers beyond Katsina State”

    The Member, House of Representatives, Nasiru Sani Zango Daura, representing Zango/Baure Federal Constituency also applauded the President for using the upgrade of equipment and giving of new skills to empower the youths and women who are engaged in fashion and design in Daura, katsina State, saying that the training was viable because it would not only affect positively or directly the youths and women but also commended NASENI Chief Executive for the establishment of the new Engineering Materials and Equipment Development Institutes (EMEDI) in Katsina State, and soon to be followed by the proposed establishment of silicon production factory in Katsina State. He said “all these are positive activities of NASENI that are bringing actual development to the State”.

    The Executive Vice Chairman of NASENI urged the trainees to utilize judiciously and guard jealously the expensive machines because they are the starter packs to launch them into modern ways and means in fashion and design, and to become more successful in their chosen vocation.
    The training targets to improve the hands-on experience of the tailoring and design professionals in katsina State with advanced training tools like motorized straight Sewing Machine, Weaving Machine, pattern design, steaming pressing iron and many more occupational resources required to undertake all kinds of simple and complicated cloths design, homes fabrics to satisfy their customers and also to remain in business.

    The100 trainees in the exercise were carefully selected from those already in the field of Fashion and tailoring design and who have been making their living from it. This training therefore is to make them globally competitive and as matter of fact to equip the participants in katsina State with modern equipment machines and design for fashion so that products from the State would find both ready and more markets not only in Katsina but other parts of the country or beyond and also to generate more income in sustaining their families or to expand their businesses.

  • No State Govt has approval for automatic weapons – Presidency

    No State Govt has approval for automatic weapons – Presidency

    The Presidency says there is no State in the federation that has been authorised to procure automatic weapons for its security outfits.

    Malam Garba Shehu, the President’s media aide, who made the clarification in a statement on Tuesday in Abuja, dismissed reports that Katsina State Government had been granted licence to procure and operate automatic weapons.

    According to him, President Muhammadu Buhari has repeatedly made it clear that nobody is allowed to illegally carry AK-47 or any other automatic weapons and that they must surrender them.

    ”Where they fail to do so, the law enforcement agencies have been given clear directives to deal with any such outlaws.

    ”Under the existing regulations, only the Office of the National Security Adviser can issue such authorisation.

    ”This is upon proper clearance by the President and Commander-in-Chief and as it is at this moment, no such approvals have been issued to any state government.

    ”In the specific Katsina State often cited, Gov. Aminu Masari wrote to explain that the administration invited the Provost of the Civil Defence Training College in Katsina to train their Vigilantes for a five-day period in the handling and operations of Pump Action Rifles.

    ”The Vigilantes were not trained to take over the responsibilities of the security agencies of the Federal Government of Nigeria but to assist them,” he explained.

    Shehu affirmed that the presidency appreciated the active involvement of states with security matters.

    He, therefore, commended the state governments for assisting security agencies in the ongoing fight against terrorists and other criminals across the country.

    Shehu noted that the collaborative efforts of the state governments with law enforcement agencies had continued to yield good results.

    This, he said, had been thwarting attempts of terrorists to wreak havoc and destruction on communities.

    ”The president in particular has expressed happiness that in the last couple of years, security outfits mandated by state governments have been associated with several important initiatives.

    ”And reports have reached him of acts of utmost bravery and professionalism.

    ”He thanked them for their alertness that is helping to defeat nefarious plots against targets at grassroots levels. He, however, cautioned against the politicisation of security.

    ”Government at the centre with a national mandate cannot afford to alienate Ondo State or any other state for that matter on the important issue of security,” he said.

    The presidential media aide quoted the president as urging leaders at various levels to ”exercise restraint in their speech, even as we are in a political season”.

  • 2023: PRP Guber candidate challenges contestants to undertake drug test

    2023: PRP Guber candidate challenges contestants to undertake drug test

    Alhaji Imran Ja’afar-Jino, the People’s Redemption Party (PRP) Gubernatorial Candidate in Katsina State, has challenged contestants to present their drug integrity test results to the public.

    Ja’afar-Jino, who gave the challenge while displaying his certificate before newsmen on Saturday in Katsina, said it was important for all candidates to subject themselves to the test.

    He said that he was tested and declared drug-free by the National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).

    He pointed out that after the NDLEA test, he also tested free at the General Hospital, Katsina.

    He called on all the other candidates to do likewise, to ensure that drug addicts are not elected.

    Ja’afar-Jino reminded the public that NDLEA has since called on politicians seeking political offices to present themselves for such test, but many had failed to comply.

    “I wish to inform you that I honoured the call by the people of Katsina that any candidate contesting for any office should be tested for drug abuse. I have done mine and I tested free.

    “I am calling on other contestants to also subject themselves for the drug test.

    “It is nothing to worry about. If one is found to be addicted, he will go for rehabilitation,“ he said.

    According to Ja’afar-Jino, a good leader must be free from drugs, saying that it is only when a leader is free from drug abuse that he can focus and do the needful.

    He assured Katsina people that if elected as the governor of the state in 2023, he would steer the affairs of the state with honesty and sincerity.

    Ja’afar-Jino said that the people of the state could testify to his loyalty, capacity and capability to lead the state to a better and greater position.

    According to him, if elected as the governor, he has plans to move the state to a level that it can compete with any city in the world in terms of development, empowerment and infrastructures.

  • Gbajabiamila wants stringent conditions for new universities

    Gbajabiamila wants stringent conditions for new universities

    Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila has called for introduction of stringent conditions for establishment of universities in the country, to ensure high standard.

    Gbajabiamila said this at Wednesday’s plenary in Abuja. He was speaking on a report of a bill for the establishment of Federal University, Daura, Katsina State.

    He said that the conditions would prevent the proliferation of universities in the country.

    “There is a balance between demands by constituents and what is good when we know what is right.

    “I think this matter will be resolved when we pass the National University Commission (NUC) bill, where perhaps, we can make establishment of universities more stringent.

    “Otherwise, you will run into a situation where a state government or whoever will just come, get a building or three buildings together and say they want a university,” he said.

    According to him, the stringent measures will be in place until such a time when the government is no longer funding universities, then you can have 200 in a state.

    Earlier, Deputy Speaker Ahmed Wase, faulted the speaker’s position on the matter, saying that many lawmakers have promised their constituents that they would attract tertiary institutions to their areas.

    According to him, this is because some lawmakers have promised their constituents a tertiary education.

    Also, Minority Leader, Ndudi Elumelu (PDP-Delta) said that the lawmakers were under pressure from constituents on the establishment of university.

    “In my opinion, I think it is not wise to shut down every voice or every member on this floor as it relates to sponsoring a bill for the establishment of either college of education or polytechnic or university in their various communities.

    “I said this because when you go tot he constituencies and you are talking to the constituents, most often, the first thing they ask you is; why are you not bringing any school to your constituency?

    “And when you say it is not possible and they see your colleagues sponsoring same bills for the establishment of universities, it becomes a negative for you as an individual who is representing them

    “So, whether it is assented to by the President or not, it is not the issue; the issue is that member is able to show that he has the interest of his or her constituents at heart,” he said.

    Rep. Ifeayi Momoh (APGA-Anambra) faulted the transport university, Daura, establishment bill, saying that the National Institute of Transportation Technology (NITT), Zaria should be upgraded rather than establishing a new university.

    “I am just thinking aloud because we have the NITT -Nigeria Institute of Transport Technology – in Zaria

    “When there is an institute of transport technology, which deals with the science of transportation itself, why are we now looking at establishing a Federal University of Transportation?

    “We can amend the enabling law and upgrade NITT to a federal university; the constant proliferation of universities in our country is not helping us,” he said.

  • Anxiety over continuous ‘snowfall’ in Katsina community

    Anxiety over continuous ‘snowfall’ in Katsina community

    There is palpable anxiety among residents of the Gozaki community in Katsina State’s Kafur Local Government Area over the continuous dropping of ice pellets that have been dubbed snowfall in the community.

    The residents of the community who are majorly farmers showed apprehension about the snowfall because of the adverse effect its had on their crops. The farmers were apprehensive that crops such as millet, rice, soybeans, maize, and pepper grown in large quantities could be destroyed by the heavy downpour of the snowfalls.

    Already, the Chairman of Kafur Local Government Area, Alhaji Garba Kanya has complained that the heavy downpour accompanied by ice pellets has destroyed more than 300 farms in eight communities in the area.

    Alhaji Kanya, along with the District Head of Kafur, Alhaji Abdulrahman Rabe, and top council officials visited the affected area and the affected farmlands at the weekend for an on-the-spot assessment of the situation.

    He sympathized with the farmers and encouraged them to continue farming but that they should employ caution in the meantime,

    The Chairman on Monday in Katsina said that the heavy rain and ice pellets lasted for over three hours and affected farms and houses in Dutsen-Kura, Kanya and Gozaki wards.

    The affected communities are Gidan Sabo, Kabalawa, Unguwar Tsamiya, Dandabo, Unguwar Maigarma, Unguwar Danwada, Unguwar Wanzamai and Unguwar Fulani.

    Kanya said that several crops mostly Maize, Millet, Rice, Soya beans and Pepper were destroyed. According to him, the crops destroyed by the disaster are worth millions of naira.

    “After the incident, myself in company of some officials of the Council and the District Head of Kafur, Alhaji Abdulrahman Rabe, were there to sympathize with the people.

    “We were conducted round the affected farmlands to see the level of destruction, it was disturbing because many farms and crops were destroyed. I urged them to take the incident in good faith and seek God’s intervention,” he said.

    Kanya said that the local council has reported the incident to the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) for its intervention.