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Tag: Niger State

  • Hunger protest turns bloody as police gun down six protesters In Niger

    Hunger protest turns bloody as police gun down six protesters In Niger

    The Nigerian police, Niger State command reportedly shot six protesters dead, leaving many others with various degrees of injuries in the ongoing hunger protest in Suleja.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) learnt that the policemen who were struggling to dislodge a group of protesters who mounted a barricade on a section of the Abuja-Kaduna highway, shot the victims, killing them at an instant.

    The incident led to an outrage as protesters struggled with the reinforcement team, which was sent to restore sanity to the area.

    A resident identified as Yahaya Nda Isah, was reportedly hit by a stray bullet while on his bike in front of the Suleja Police ‘A’ division, where protesters had assembled.

    A nephew of the deceased told Daily Trust that, the deceased an uncle of his, did not join the protest but was on his bike when the bullet fired to disperse the protesters hit him on his chest, and he died on the spot.

    He said, “He was my uncle. He was not even protesting. He was passing in front of the Police ‘A’ division where some people were protesting when stray Bullet hit him on his chest and he died. As I speak with you, I am in his house alongside other mourners. It’s unfortunate.”

    Another victim identified as Mallam Abu reportedly died on the spot with three other people shot at the same scene while 2 others were shot at the Suleja Junction on Abuja-Kaduna road.

    SP Wasiu Abiodun, a Spokesperson of the Niger State Police Command, said some hoodlums also attempted to set the Tafa LGA ablaze, but security operatives dispersed them.

    He said, “The miscreants attempted to set the Tafa LGA ablaze, they were dispersed by the Police and military. Kaduna road and toll gate was cleared.”

  • Niger state youth leader sacked over protest support

    Niger state youth leader sacked over protest support

    Abdullahi Isah, also known as Biodun, has been dismissed from his role as the Youth Leader of Bosso (Wakilin Matasan Bosso) in the Bosso Local Government Area of Niger State.

    His dismissal is attributed to his support for the #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria peaceful protest, scheduled to occur from August 1 to 10. The protest aims to address dissatisfaction with the government’s handling of economic issues, which many believe have led to increased poverty and hardship.

    An official statement released on July 28, 2024, by Alhaji Mu’azu Adamu Laka Bosso, the District Head of Bosso, announced Isah’s dismissal. The letter stated, “I hereby write to inform you that you have been dismissed from your title as Youth Leader of Bosso (Wakilin Matasan Bosso) with immediate effect from 28/07/2024.” It further instructed Isah not to identify himself as the Youth Leader of Bosso.

    Isah’s removal comes amid growing discontent with the government’s economic policies, which supporters of the #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria movement argue have worsened living conditions for ordinary Nigerians. The protest seeks to demand accountability and push for comprehensive reforms to alleviate the rising cost of living.

  • Gov. Bago announces N20,000 wage award for civil servants

    Gov. Bago announces N20,000 wage award for civil servants

    Governor Umaru Bago of Niger State has announced N20,000 wage award for the state and local government civil servants in the State.

    The Governor stated this during a town hall meeting in Minna on Thursday.

    He also assured members of the public that the youths from the state would not participate in the nationwide planned protest.

    Bago said that dialogue was a better path than protest, adding that youths in the state would not take part in any protest.

    “We have distanced ourselves from the nationwide protest because we are peaceful and want peace and tranquility.

    “You can start a demonstration, but you cannot end the demonstration, to youths who are agitating for protest, end the agitation, let us dialogue on the best way forward,” he said.

    Bago also announced the release of 50,000 metric tonnes of grains such as rRice, maize, gGuinea corn, mMillet and beans to be sold at 50 per cent less than the current market prices.

    He said a committee would be set up to facilitate the comprehensive sales of the food items at designated areas across all the 25 local government areas.

    The governor called on security agencies, religious leaders and traditional leaders to ensure proper monitoring of the sales.

    Bago disclosed that the food items were from the 100,000 metric tonnes of food in the state government’s reserve, adding that his administration intends to slash food prices by 90 per cent in a few months time.

    He, however, supported the local government autonomy and advised council chairmen to utilise the funds judiciously to execute projects that would benefit the people.

    Speaker of the Niger Assembly, Abdulmalik Sarkindaji, commended the efforts of the governor in providing purposeful leadership and assured that the legislative arm would continue to give all the necessary support to the Bago-led administration.

    He said a more rewarding programme would be organised to engage the youth rather than participate in the planned protest.

    The town hall meeting was attended by the Deputy Governor,.Yakubu Garba, Chief Judge of the state, Police Commissioner and Heads of security agencies.

    Others in attendance were the members of National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) students’ unions, National Association of Niger Students (NANISS), traditional and religious leaders amongst others.

  • Bago earmarks N5bn for new camp, donates N320m to corps members

    Bago earmarks N5bn for new camp, donates N320m to corps members

    Niger State Governor, Umaru Bago of Niger has approved N5 billion for the construction of a new NYSC permanent orientation camp in the state.

    He disclosed this during the swearing-in ceremony of the 2024 Batch B, Stream Orientation Course in Paiko in Paiko Local Government Areas of the state.

    Bago also announced a N200, 000 bonus for all the 1,600 corps members of the 2014 Batch B, Stream 1, 20 cows and a truck of rice to make them comfortable.

    “We want to build a brand new NYSC camp. So, today we are putting N5 billion for a new NYSC camp and sinks five boreholes and toilets in the temporary camp,” he said.

    Bago called on the corps members posted to the state to key into his agricultural revolution to address the food crisis, adding that his administration had invested heavily in the agriculture sector.

    Bago assured them of adequate security as well as welfare and promised that the corps members who key into agriculture would  be given a house and a vehicle.

    In her address, Dr Jemila Ibrahim, Minister for Youth Development, announced the Ministry’s initiative to empower 5,000 NYSC members with N10 million each for entrepreneurial ventures upon completion of their service.

    She said that the ministry was launching the ‘National Youth Skills Programme (NYSP)’, to train more than one million young people across diverse fields in technology and agriculture,  amongst others.

    Ibrahim added that the ministry has started receiving applications for the restructured ‘Nigerian Youth Investment Fund (NYIF)’ that would commence from July for young people to access financial support.

    She advised the youths to utilise the NYIF to bring their business ideas to life and engage fully with the NYSP to gain new competencies and embrace their  NYSC year to develop a well-rounded skill set.

    In his remarks, the Director-General of NYSC, Brig.-Gen. Yushau Ahmed, appreciated the governor for approving N5 billion for the construction of a new NYSC permanent orientation camp.

    He added that the N200, 000 announced by the governor for each of the corps members was a welcome development and urged other governors to emulate the gesture to encourage them.

    Ahmed assured the corps members of adequate security, adding that the scheme was  collaborating with security agencies and advised the corps members to adhere to instructions on security.

    Earlier, Mrs Abdulwahab Olayinka, NYSC Coordinator in Niger, disclosed that 100 corps members were serving with Niger Foods as part of the scheme’s contribution to the governor’s green economy initiative.

    She advised the corps members to participate in the ‘Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED)’, programme to acquire skills that would make them self-reliant.

  • Residents, farmers flee Niger community as bandits wreak havoc

    Residents, farmers flee Niger community as bandits wreak havoc

    Residents and farmers of Bassa community in Niger State have fled the community in droves following a attack from bandits that claimed the lives of twenty persons.

    Sani Musa, the senator representing Niger East Senatorial District, disclosed the tragic news on Friday while commenting on the beheading and killing of 20 youths and members of Bassa, a community in Shiroro Local Government Area.

    According to the senator, the attackers had beheaded 10 youths and killed another 10 residents for allegedly resisting the bandits’ demands to join their group.

    “Only three weeks ago, a group of bandits invaded Kuchi Community, killing seven security agents and went away with about 150 people.

    “Up till this moment, the entire Kuchi community remained deserted. These latest attacks are coming when the people are preparing to return to the farm, which is their only occupation,” he said.

    It was gathered that the recent attack on Bassa took place on Thursday. The bandits rounded up about 20 people, intending to conscript them into their ranks. When 10 of the youths resisted, they were beheaded. The remaining 10 were shot dead.

    Recall that in April, the same group reportedly attacked Allawa community, killing nine residents after overpowering soldiers stationed in the area.

    The Niger state police command is yet to make a comment as at the time of filing this report.

  • NSEMA gives update on building collapse in Niger

    NSEMA gives update on building collapse in Niger

    The Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA), has said that no life was lost in a building collapse at Sabon-Gari area of Minna metropolis in Niger.

    The Director-General of the agency, Alhaji Abdullahi Baba-Arah, confirmed this in a statement in Minna on Saturday.

    Baba-Arah said the agency received a distress call at about 3:15 p.m. on Friday of a building collapsed at Sabon Gari area of Minna.

    He said the agency alerted the emergency responding agencies for search and rescue operations.

    “The search and rescue operations were conducted by officials of NSEMA, National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), State Urban Development Board, and State Environmental Protection Agency in conjunction with the Federal Fire Service.

    “The police, NSCDC, NDLEA, the Red Cross, vigilant groups and some volunteers also joined,” he said.

    He said that five persons had been rescued with varying degree of injuries while two others escaped unhurt, adding that, “no one was trapped”.

    According to him, preliminary investigation shows that the story building is meant for residential purpose and later converted to a warehouse.

    The director general said the owner of the building had no approval to convert it to a warehouse as the building was poorly constructed with substandard materials.

    Baba-Arah said the warehouse was stocked with soft drinks of about 25 trucks, which overpowered the structure resulting to its collapse.

    He said the state’s Urban Development Board has ordered complete demolition of the building, adding that those injured were receiving treatment in a hospital within Minna metropolis.

  • Niger Speaker denies engaging 100 girls into forceful marriage

    Niger Speaker denies engaging 100 girls into forceful marriage

    Speaker of Niger House of Assembly, Mr Abdulmalik Sarkin-daji, has denied forcing 100 orphaned girls into marriage as part of his constituency project.

    The Minister of Women Affairs, Mrs Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye, had petitioned the Inspector General of Police on the matter.

    The Minister had sought for a court order to restrain the speaker from engaging 100 orphaned girls into forceful marriage.

    Addressing a Press conference on Tuesday in Minna, Sarking-daji said the purported story was untrue and mere speculations.

    “I didn’t force any child into marriage and I didn’t arrange the marriage of anybody,’’ he said.

    The speaker explained that recently he announced plans to support orphan girls, especially victims of banditry attacks to get married following an appeal by religious and traditional leaders from his constituency.

    Sarkin-daji said he was approached by religious and traditional leaders in his constituency to support less privileged parents, whose children were due for marriage.

    “They appealed for my support on behalf of the less privileged parents whose children are of maturity age with suitors of their choice but cannot afford marriage expenses.

    “They wanted my support and I felt that instead of allowing the girls fall into fornication because of the marriage expenses, I decided to respect the appeal and support them,” he said.

    The speaker further explained that apart from Women Affairs Minister, he also received a message from Senior Special Assistant to President on Community Engagement, Mrs Abiodun Essiet, on the issue.

    “The honorable minister should have got across to me directly to share ideas and work out initiative on how to develop the gesture and serve as guidance rather than making a topic out of it,’’ Sarkin daji said.

    He urged the minister to be confirming issues from reliable sources as against relying on social media fake stories.

    Sarkin daji said about 200 JAMB candidates of which majority were orphans and Internally Displaced Persons from his constituency have benefited from his support programme.

    The Speaker, however, said he withdrew the marriage support to the orphans following the ministers’ petition, pledging to communicate the action to his constituency soon.

  • Police fortify Kwara in aftermath of jailbreak in Niger State

    Police fortify Kwara in aftermath of jailbreak in Niger State

    The Police Command in Kwara has reinforced security measures, deployed additional manpower to key locations in response to a recent jail break in neighbouring Niger State.

    This is contained in a statement signed by the Command Spokesperson, DSP. Toun Ejire-Adeyemi, on Sunday in Ilorin.

    She said that the command is working closely with the relevant agencies to ensure the safety and security of the state.

    “On the 24th of April, 2024, there was a heavy rainstorm which occurred at night and extensively damaged part of the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Suleja, Niger State, leading to the escape of 118 inmates.

    “The breach in the perimeter fence caused by the downpour facilitated the escape, as reported by an official of the Nigeria Correctional Service, ACC Abubakar Umar.

    “In response to this incident, the Nigerian Correctional Service promptly activated its recapturing protocols and so far has successfully recovered 13 of the escaped inmates. Collaborative efforts with other security agencies are ongoing to recapture the 105 fleeing inmates.

    “As a neighbouring state, the Kwara state police are fully aware of the security implications of such an incident, and the Commissioner of Police, CP Victor Olaiya, has assured that the command is on high alert and is working closely with the relevant agencies to ensure the safety and security of our state.

    Ejire-Adeyemi quoted CP Olaiya as assuring the public that adequate measures have been put in place to prevent any attempt by the escaped inmates to enter or cause harm within the State.

    “Patrols have been intensified along the border areas, and surveillance has been increased in vulnerable locations.

    “We urge all citizens to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the nearest security agency.

    “Together, we can maintain peace and security in our communities.

    “The Kwara State Police Command remains committed to its mandate of protecting lives and property and assures the citizens of its readiness to respond swiftly to any security challenges,” Olaiya added.

    According to Ejire-Adeyemi, the command control room is available 24/7 everyday of the week, urging residents  to please call any of the numbers if they notice any suspicious person(s) or movements on the numbers –  07032069501 or 08125275046.

  • Troops eliminate scores of terrorists in Niger ambush

    Troops eliminate scores of terrorists in Niger ambush

    Troops of 1 Division of the Nigeria Army eliminated several terrorists who ambushed them on Friday while on fighting patrol to Karaga Village in Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger.

    Two officers and four soldiers were lost to the ambush, however, Director, Army Public Relations, Maj.-Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, stated on Sunday in Abuja.

    He stated that some of the terrorists’ equipment were recovered.

    Nwachukwu added that the General Officer Commanding 1 Division and Commander “Operation Whirl Punch’’, Maj.-Gen. Landers Saraso, had sent condolences to the families of the deceased personnel on behalf of the Chief of Army Staff.

    He stated that Maj.-Gen. Saraso had assured that the unfortunate loss of personnel would be avenged as troops were currently trailing terrorists who fled from the encounter.

    Saraso also urged the people of Niger to go about their legitimate and lawful activities and reassured that the Nigerian Army and other security agencies would ensure their protection at all times.

    “In line with customs and traditions, the Nigerian Army has contacted the Next-of-Kin of the fallen heroes while burial has been conducted for the deceased Muslim personnel with the approval of their family members.

    “The Chief of Army Staff (COAS) was represented at the burial which took place at Minna Military Cantonment Cemetery by the Commander, Training and Doctrine Command, Maj.-Gen. Kelvin Aligbe.

    “Niger State’s Deputy Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Ketso, Maj.-Gen. Aligbe, Maj.-Gen. Saraso and other senior officers visited the two soldiers wounded in the ambush as they were receiving treatment at a military hospital.

    “They also paid condolence visits to the families of the deceased.

    “We urge the people of Niger and contiguous states to continue to avail the Nigerian Army and other security agencies with actionable and timely information to enhance the operations of the troops,’’ Nwachukwu stated.

  • Niger State: Pandemonium in Madaka village as bandits kill 30 persons, burn over 50 houses

    Niger State: Pandemonium in Madaka village as bandits kill 30 persons, burn over 50 houses

    Madaka village in Niger state was thrown into pandemonium as about, thirty persons were killed and  50 houses  wee reportedly burnt down by bandits.

    Findings show that the attack occured on Thursday and it resulted in an unspecified number of casualties, including the Village Head, Saleh Ahmad Kakuri, the Commander of the vigilante, and his Deputy, under the Madaka District of Rafi local government area of the state.

    It was further gathered that the bandits also targeted Majanjan District in the same local government on the same day. During this attack, Alhaji Salihu Immahuri, the Maianguwan (Village Head) of Anguwan Bala, and his two wives were also killed.

    A traditional ruler from the area confirmed the incidents, saying that the bandits operated for several hours without any response from security agencies.

    According to him, the bandits stormed the village around 3:30pm on Thursday.

    He said, “The bandits invaded the village around 3:30pm on Thursday. Over 30 bodies have already been recovered by the villagers. They operated for several hours without response from security agencies.”

    He added that the attacks resulted in significant casualties due to the timing, which coincided with the peak of trading in the market.

    Another source from the village said over 50 houses, including commercial shops, were burnt down during the assault.

    “Over 50 houses including commercial shops, a number of cars and motorcycles were burnt down during the attack.

    “The suspected armed men stormed the village shooting sporadically, killed several people and burnt down the market.

    “They also abducted an unspecified number of the villagers to an unknown destination. For now, we cannot say the exact number of people killed or abducted.” The source stated.

    This incident recalls a similar attack that occurred in the same village a few years ago, resulting in significant loss of life.

    As of now, the Niger State government has not issued a statement over the reported attack.