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Tag: Katsina

  • Insecurity: We’ll use outstanding 2023 budget to combat banditry — Gov Radda

    Insecurity: We’ll use outstanding 2023 budget to combat banditry — Gov Radda

    Katsina State Governor, Malam Dikko Umar Radda, has said that the state government will spend the outstanding funds budgeted for the 2023 fiscal year on efforts to restore security to the state.

    The Governor, who disclosed this during a meeting with Katsina elders on the issues of security in the state, said he will forward a request to the state House of Assembly to secure approval to spend all the funds required until normalcy is restored in parts of the state battling with armed banditry and kidnapping

    He noted that the state government will not grant amnesty or enter any form of dialogue with the armed bandits but will support security agencies to bring back a decisive end to the menace.

    Governor Radda however pointed out that those bandits that genuinely repent before security agencies arrest them will be considered for pardon.

    He said besides recruiting vigilante operatives across the affected local government areas, the state government will also form a special committee that will provide valuable information to security agencies to tackle the menace. The elders under the leadership of Senator Abu Ibrahim noted their concern about the leadership crisis in the neighbouring Niger Republic and the tussle between the military Junta and ECOWAS, therefore, called and prayed for a peaceful resolution to the crisis.

  • We won’t dialogue with bandits – Katsina gov, Radda

    We won’t dialogue with bandits – Katsina gov, Radda

    Katsina State Governor, Dikko Radda says the state government is not ready to call or seek dialogue with any bandit across the state, even as it is ready to accept those willing to repent and return to society.

    Radda revealed this during a special prayer session organised on Thursday in Katsina, by the state government for sustainable peace and unity in the state.

    According to reports, different scholars and Imams from across the 34 Local Government Areas (LGAs) attended the prayer session.

    “Our call to bandits, we are not ready for any dialogue with them, but we are ready to accept those that are willing to repent. But, we will not call them or seek dialogue with them,” the governor said.

    According to him, his office is always open, and anyone with useful information that will assist in tackling the security challenges in the state is always welcome.

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    While assuring that the identity of the person will never be disclosed, Radda appealed to the public to assist the government and security agencies with useful information.

    Radda said: “When you go back to your respective communities, you should also copy from Bakori, Dabai and Kurfi, where they have taken measures to depend on their people.

    “The people of these local government areas have been given the security operatives all the necessary support to end the security challenges in their areas.

    “Therefore, you should fear Allah and assist us in our effort to bring an end to the security challenges in our state. We are ready to receive advice and suggestions.”

    Radda added that he had met stakeholders from all the frontline areas in the state to brief him on what they think was the cause of the security problem in their areas and the way out.

    “This effort to end the security challenges in the state cannot be achieved without support from all stakeholders.

    “Therefore, we should fear Allah and provide all the necessary information that will assist in bringing to the end of this problem,” the governor further appealed.

    He also stated that following his appeal, the State House of Assembly has promised to give him the approval to spend this year’s budget on security issues.

    The governor, while assuring to take all the necessary measures in tackling criminal activities in the state, especially thuggery (Yan Daba), he appealed to the people to expose them.

    Radda, who also called for fervent prayers for peace and unity across the state and Nigeria, also called for the inclusion of Niger Republic in such prayers.

  • Katsina: Police rescue varsity students kidnapped by terrorists

    Katsina: Police rescue varsity students kidnapped by terrorists

    Katsina State Police Command has said it succeeded in rescuing two students of Federal University Dutsinma (FUDMA), Katsina State and one elderly man kidnapped on Thursday, August 4, 2023 by terrorists who invaded Bayan Radio Quarters, located at the fringes of Dutsinma LGA of Katsina State.

    ASP Sadiq Abubakar, who disclosed this in a statement on Saturday, gave the identity of the three rescued victims as follows: Ibrahim Abdulwaheed, and Abdulrahman Abdulwasiu, (who are both students of FUDMA) and one 55 years old Malam Dauda Magini.

    According to ASP Sadiq, the hoodlums wielding sophisticated firearms stormed the community in large number at about 02:09 hours on that fateful day and kidnapped the aforementioned victims.

    Upon receipt of the report, the Katsina State Police Commissioner, CP Aliyu Abubakar Musa, swiftly directed the Area Commander Dutsinma, long with the DPO Dutsinma, and the Head of Anti-Kidnapping Unit, Katsina Police Command, CSP Andrew Alphouse, to conduct a search and rescue mission with the view to locate and safely rescue the kidnapped victims.

    Describing how the kidnapped victims were rescued ASP Sadiq said: “In an extraordinary demonstration of teamwork, professionalism, and unwavering dedication, the rescue team combed through the bush, successfully located the kidnapped victims, and rescued them unhurt during the meticulously executed operation. The victims were immediately rushed to the hospital for medical attention.”

    Consequently, the Katsina Police Commissioner commended the rescue team for their display of uncommon bravery and gallantry, stating that the command remains committed towards ensuring the safety and security of the lives and properties of people in the state.

    CP Aliyu in the statement further enjoins the good people of the state to continue to support the command and other security agencies with credible and timely information on criminal activities to enable the command take prompt and decisive action.

     

  • Katsina governor orders implementation of TSA

    Katsina governor orders implementation of TSA

    The Katsina State Governor, Mallam Dikko Radda has announced the commencement of Treasury Single Account (TSA) in the state with immediate effect.

    The governor in a circular issued on Monday in Katsina tagged, ‘Treasury Single Account Direction Notice 2023’, said the implementation takes effect from July 3.

    According to him, the measure is in the exercise of the powers conferred on him by the provisions of Section 5(2) of the 1999 Constitution, as amended.

    “Without prejudice to Section 120 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), all revenues and monies accruing and forming the Consolidated Revenue Fund, including funds from excess crude account, grants or donation for Katsina State shall be paid into a unified account to be referred to as TSA.

    “Out of which all expenditure incurred or approved to be incurred shall be defrayed or paid.”

    He directed the Accountant General of the state to prescribe the framework within which Ministries, Departments and Agencies will henceforth conduct their bank and cash management under the TSA regime.

    The governor also directed the Commissioner for Finance, Accountant General and the Auditor General of the state to ensure total compliance.

  • Police reacts to viral video depicting invasion of Katsina by aliens

    Police reacts to viral video depicting invasion of Katsina by aliens

    The Katsina State Police Command has dismissed as false and malicious, a viral video circulating in the social media depicting the invasion of Katsina by unknown creatures (aliens).

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

    “The attention of the Katsina State Police Command has been drawn to a viral video making the rounds in the social media depicting the invasion of Katsina by some unknown creatures (aliens).

    “The command wishes to categorically state that the content of the viral video is in its entirety fake.

    “It is an attempt to disrupt the relative peace enjoyed by the good people of the state by some mischievous element,” he said.

    The PPRO, therefore, urged the public not panic and disregard the fake video and its malicious content.

  • Katsina NNPP sacks deputy guber candidate, party executives

    Katsina NNPP sacks deputy guber candidate, party executives

    The New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) in Katsina State, has sacked its deputy gubernatorial candidate, Muttaqa Rabe-Darma, the state party Chairman, Alhaji Sani Liti, and other top executives.

    Alhaji Nasiru Usman-Kankia, the Director, media, and publicity of the NNPP, disclosed this while briefing newsmen on the decision of the party on Friday in Katsina, saying they were sacked for anti-party activities, including Thursday’s endorsement of the All Progressive Congress (APC) candidate, Dr Dikko Radda.

    “As you are already aware, a section of the state executive leadership of the party convened an unauthorised meeting on Thursday, March 9, the decision of which almost rocked the party.

    “An emergency exco meeting comprising 19 out of 29 members was conveyed to discuss the immediate and remote causes of the illegal meeting.

    “Facts have emerged that the illegal meeting was unconstitutionally convened without the consent of the state executive committee.

    “It was also discovered that even when invitations were sent for the illegal meeting to state and local government exco members and ward chairmen, they were informed that the purpose of the meeting was to discuss and disburse funds for the settlement of polling unit agents and ward coordinators.

    “However, at the illegal meeting, the APC gubernatorial candidate was ushered in and the NNPP state Chairman, Liti, the party’s gubernatorial running mate, Rabe-Darma, and other top executives introduced other members present as decampees to the APC.

    “Almost immediately, the entire arena turned chaotic with shouts of NNPP slogans and chants of no, no, no, by the party’s loyalists,” Usman-Kankia narrated.

    According to him, the APC candidate, Dr Radda, then immediately stated that what he discussed with the NNPP members was on alliance not defection.

    The NNPP spokesperson recalled that the party had on March 5, warned its members, officials, and candidates against forming an alliance with any political party.

    “Accordingly, party officers, members and candidates at all levels are not authorised to discuss, negotiate or form any alliance with any political party for the purpose of winning the upcoming gubernatorial and legislative polls.

    “Anyone who endorses a candidate of another political party will be sanctioned in line with the NNPP Constitution, ranging from suspension to expulsion.

    “Our emergency meeting considered and decided to expel the officials and members involved in the illegal meeting, subject to approval of the national executive committee of the party.

    “They are Alhaji Sani Liti, state Chairman, Umar Jibril, state Secretary, Mustapha Basheer, youth leader, Dauda Kurfi, Katsina zonal Chairman, Abdulhadi Mai-Dawa, Funtua Zonal Chairman, Dr Sale Mashi, Daura zonal Chairman, Rabe-Darma deputy gubernatorial candidate and Sen. Audu Yandoma,” according to Usman-Kankia.

  • Atiku defeats Tinubu in Katsina with 489,045 votes

    Atiku defeats Tinubu in Katsina with 489,045 votes

    The Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar has defeated his counterpart from the All Progressives Congress APC, Asiwaju Ahmed Tinubu in President Muhammadu Buhari’s home state, Katsina after polling the highest number of votes from the 34 LGA in the state.

    1. Atiku polled 489,045 votes to beat his closest contender, Tinubu who scored 482,283.

    The NNPP Presidential Candidate, Rabiu Kwankwaso came third with 69,385 votes followed by Peter Obi of the Labour Party with 6,376 votes.

    Atiku was declared winner of the poll by the Returning Officer of the state, Professor Mua’zu Abubakar Gusau, who is also the Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University Gusau, at the INEC Presidential Election Collation Centre in Katsina.

  • 2023 elections: INEC loses 8 BVAS to thugs, recovers 3

    2023 elections: INEC loses 8 BVAS to thugs, recovers 3

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) says eight of its Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) were snatched by thugs in Delta and Katsina States in the ongoing presidential and National Assembly elections.

    INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, disclosed this while briefing newsmen on the ongoing general elections on Saturday in Abuja.

    He, however said that the snatched BVAS were immediately replaced for the election to continue, while three were later recovered by security agencies.

    “Based on the reports we have received from our offices, there have been some challenges in the process.

    “One of the challenges is the inability of the commission in some locations to open the polling units at 8:30 am.

    “Some of the reasons for this include the perennial problem of logistics in spite of our best efforts.

    “Generally speaking, we have delivered hundreds of ballot papers and result sheets that we were supposed to deliver.

    “For instance, we couldn’t deploy early in Alawa in Shiroro LGA of Niger State because bandits launched an attack, not necessarily on INEC officials, within the area.

    “So, on the advice of security agencies we tarried awhile and I’m happy to say that we are able to deploy, and voting in that location is ongoing as we speak.“

    Yakubu said that similarly in Oshimili local government area of Delta, thugs attacked polling units during which two BVAS machines were lost.

    “Again, determined that election must continue, we were able to replace the stolen machines, restore security and voting continued in that location.

    “Similarly, in Safana LG area of Katsina state, thugs attacked one voting location and snatched six of our BVAS machines.

    “But again, we were able to use the spare BVAS machines and restore security for voting to continue.

    “The security agencies have recovered three BVAS machines, but three are still held by the thugs.

    “In these locations, the target of attacks were the BVAS machines. It is no longer the ballot boxes,” Yakubu siad.

    On the functionality of BVAS, the INEC chairman said that the device has been performing optimally.

    “So far so good; generally speaking, the BVAS deployed nationwide for the first time has been functioning optimally in most parts of the country.

    “We are hearing less complaints about the functionality of the BVAS.”

    He linked the inability to commence election at 8.30am in some polling units to perennial problem of logistics and insecurity.

    Yakubu, however, assured Nigerians that no voter would be disenfranchised because of that.

    “Based on the reports that are received from the various states of the federation and our office in the Federal Capital Territory, some challenges were identified.

    “One of which is the inability of the commission in a number of places to open the poll units at the appointment of 8:30am.

    “Some of the polling units opened late, but in line with our policy any Nigerian on the queue will have the opportunity to vote no matter how long it takes, until the last on the queue before 2.30pm votes, no matter how long it takes.”

    Yakubu added that the perennial problem of logistics and security challenges also led to late commencement of voting in some places

    He said that the security challenges include thugs attack in Delta and Katsina states and banditry in Niger.

    He said there were also unfolding situations in Abia and Imo states.

    “In Abia, the deployment is taking place late to the polling units.

    “The commission is aware and we are assuring voters in Abia that no matter how late we deploy to the polling units, if voters are on the queue before 2:30pm, they will vote no matter how long it takes.

    “We are also aware of the situation in Imo, in respect of four LGAs — Okigwe, Oguta, Osu, and Olu.

    “There were issues in all 11 wards in the whole of Osu. In the whole of Orlu, six wards out of 11. In the case of Okigwe, five wards out of 11. In the case of Oguta, it is more widespread,” Yakubu added.

    Yakubu said that he had a discussion with the Inspector-General of Police and the military to escort INEC officials to all four locations.

    “I take it that voting would have commenced in some of these difficult places.

    “But if it doesn’t, I will assure voters in those locations that elections will hold and they will not be disenfranchised.”

    Yakubu said that INEC have been observing and receiving reports on the election nationwide and was determined to ensure that the elections held are credible.

    He said that the commission would continue to brief Nigerians on the elections, until the collation of results commenced.

  • President Buhari campaigns for Tinubu in Katsina, says he’ll consolidate on my achievements

    President Buhari campaigns for Tinubu in Katsina, says he’ll consolidate on my achievements

    Nigeria’s president Muhammadu Buhari has urged Nigerians to vote for the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential candidate, Bola Ahmed Tinubu and other candidates of the party in the forthcoing general elections in the country.

    Buhari added that Tinubu will consolidate on the achievements of his administration.

    The President made the plea at the APC mega rally held at Muhammadu Dikko stadium in Katsina.

    He regretted that from the inception of his administration, the revenue that accrued to the federal government dropped significantly due to the activities of criminals that engaged in crude oil theft and vandalization of oil pipelines and other installations.

    Continuing, he said that his administration has executed several infrastructural and human development projects across the country.

    Buhari also condoled with the government and people of the state over the killing of one hundred vigilante operatives by armed bandits in Kankara Local Government Area of the state over the weekend.

    He said the federal government will not relent in its fight against armed banditry and other acts of terrorism while citing some efforts in the ongoing fight against Boko Haram insurgents in the north east.

    In his remarks, the APC Presidential candidate, Chief Bola Ahmed Tinubu, said he was poised to bring about socio-economic transformation of the country as he did when he served as Lagos State governor from 1999 to 2007.

    He urged the electorate in the state, the North west zone and other parts of the country to mobilize support and vote for APC candidates in all elective positions to sustain good governance at all levels.

    According to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) the presidential and National Assembly election  will hold on the 25th of February 2023, while Gubernatorial and state Assembly election will hold on March 11 2023.

     

  • Govt investigates killing of 41 by terrorists in Katsina

    Govt investigates killing of 41 by terrorists in Katsina

    Katsina State Government says it will investigate the killing of 41 people by terrorists at Yargoje forest, Kankara Local Government Area of the state.

    Alhaji Ahmed Ibrahim-Katsina, the Special Adviser to Gov. Aminu Masari on Security Matters made the disclosure on Saturday in Katsina after a review of the incident.

    According to him, the incident that also left two people injured jolted everybody, including Gov. Masari.

    “The governor is very sad and has directed immediate reinforcement of security in the area.

    “He has also directed that a commission of inquiry be instituted on the incident.

    “We want to unravel the full circumstances surrounding the incident apart from what the preliminary investigation has revealed,” the adviser said.

    He added that Masari also directed that relief materials be immediately despatched to the families of the victims.

    “The government is already on top of the situation in the area and we want to assure residents of the state that the government places high priority on their security and safety.

    “From the strategies that we are adopting, we strongly believe that this incident will be the last in the state.” Ibrahim-Katsina said.

    The security adviser said preliminary investigation had shown that the 41 victims who died in the ambush included some of the terrorists.

    “The outcome of the commission of inquiry would assist us in taking far-reaching decisions in preventing future occurrence of such ugly incident,” Ibrahim-Katsina said.

    The victims, who were members of local security groups,  run into an ambush on Thursday when they went after some terrorists who rustled some livestock.