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Tag: Sokoto

  • Sokoto: 2 dead, 9 rescued in fresh boat mishap

    Sokoto: 2 dead, 9 rescued in fresh boat mishap

    The National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) has confirmed another fatal boat mishap for the third time within this month at Jaranja river in Shagari local government area of Sokoto state.

    NIWA Area Manager in Sokoto, Mr Bala Bello, told NAN on Friday in Sokoto that two persons died, while nine survivors were rescued.

    Bello, who said the incident occured in the afternoon of Friday, attributed it to negligence, canoe overloading and safety rules violation.

    He explained that a rescue team that comprised officials from NIWA, National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) and Red Cross Society had been deployed to the scene.

    Bello said the team confirmed the casualty figures while search and rescue operations were ongoing to locate the missing persons.

    The Area Manager reiterated that NIWA had been engaging riverine communities on safety measures, guidelines, use of life jackets and other considerations on water usage.

    Recall that the Sokoto State Government confirmed the death of four passengers, 41 survivors and five  missing persons in a boat mishap on Aug. 17 at Kojiyo Village in Goronyo Local Government Area of the state.

    Another incident occured on Aug. 22, at Faji Community in Sabon Birni Local Government Area of the state, while the present incident was the third  within the month.

    Speaking at the scene, Malam Tukur Abubakar, the NEMA Head of Rescue and Rehabilitation, said search and rescue operations were ongoing in order to locate the missing person.

    A resident, Malam Abubakar Jabbi from La told NAN that 9 persons were rescued by local divers, one body recovered while a female body among the boat passengers is still missing.

  • 26 rescued, 25 missing in Sokoto Boat Mishap – NEMA

    26 rescued, 25 missing in Sokoto Boat Mishap – NEMA

    The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has confirmed the rescue of 26 persons in the boat mishap that occurred in Goronyo Local Government Area of Sokoto State, while search for the 25 missing passengers was still ongoing.

    The Head of NEMA’s Sokoto Operations Office, Mr Aliyu Kafindangi, disclosed this to newsmen on Monday while leading the search team.

    Kafindangi said that the incident occurred on Sunday, adding that the ill-fated boat was carrying 51 passengers, along with goods and motorcycles, when it capsized.

    He said that seven motorcycles were also retrieved from the water and that rescue efforts would continue as authorities race against time to locate the missing passengers.

    “The rescue operation is ongoing. We have also alerted neighbouring communities to assist in the search for more victims,” Kafindangi said.

    Also, the Area Manager of National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Mr  Muhammad Bala, said that the agency had impounded the boat involved in the incident.

    Bala urged boat and canoe operators to always adhere strictly to safety guidelines to prevent future tragedies.

    He attributed the cause of the mishap to wind and overloading, emphasising the need for stakeholders to intensify vigilance on canoe and boat operators business.

    “The safety of passengers must always be a priority.

    “Overloading and ignoring basic safety measures put lives at risk,” Bala said.

    NAN reports that officials of NEMA, NIWA, and SEMA and LG, community leaders (sarkin Ruwa of Kojiyo and Goronyo), as well as local divers were all involved in the operations.

  • EFCC releases ex-Gov of Sokoto, Tambuwal from detention

    EFCC releases ex-Gov of Sokoto, Tambuwal from detention

    The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has released ex- Sokoto State Governor Aminu Tambuwal, a day after he was summoned and interrogated at the agency’s Abuja headquarters.

     

    Tambuwal, a political acolyte of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, was taken into custody on Monday following his arrival at the commission’s office around 11:30 a.m.

    He was grilled over allegations of fraudulent cash withdrawals amounting to ₦189 billion.

    According to EFCC sources, the investigation is centred on possible breaches of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022. The transactions under scrutiny were reportedly carried out during his tenure as governor from 2015 to 2023.

  • Police reacts as woman brutalizes house help in Sokoto

    Police reacts as woman brutalizes house help in Sokoto

    A brutal assault of a teenage house help, allegedly at the hands of her employer, identified as Fauziya Rabo has sparked outrage amongst residents in Sokoto State.

    Following the outrage, the Sokoto State Police Command arrested Rabo, adding that they had  commenced a full investigation into the incident.

     Rabo’s arrest came after concerned citizens and human rights activists submitted a petition detailing a disturbing pattern of abuse and led to the swift intervention of law enforcement.

    Confirming the arrest, the Public Relations Officer of the Sokoto State Police Command, DSP Ahmad Rufai, said the case is being treated with the utmost seriousness.

    “We received a formal petition concerning the assault on the young girl, Bashariyya Usman, and immediately launched an investigation. The suspect, Fauziya Rabo, was arrested shortly after, and she is currently in our custody,” DSP Rufai stated.

    “The command is committed to ensuring that justice is served. We appeal to the public to remain calm and allow the legal process to take its course.”

    The Commissioner of Police in Sokoto State, CP Ahmed Musa, also condemned the incident in strong terms.

    “The Sokoto State Police Command strongly condemns any form of domestic abuse. We are a law-abiding institution, and this case will be pursued thoroughly and impartially,” CP Musa said.

    “Every individual, regardless of social status, deserves to be treated with dignity. We are committed to protecting the rights of all residents in this state, and no one is above the law.”

    He further urged members of the public to avoid spreading unverified information or inciting comments that could compromise the investigation.

    “We understand the public concern and emotions this case has stirred, but we appeal for restraint. Let us allow the investigation to run its course. We will continue to update the public in a transparent manner,” the Commissioner added.

    As the investigation progresses, the police have promised to ensure that the case is prosecuted diligently, with full respect for the legal rights of both the victim and the accused.

    If found guilty, Rabo may face charges under sections of the Nigerian Criminal Code Act and Child Rights Act relating to physical assault and child abuse.

    The case remains under investigation, and further developments are expected in the coming days according to the police.

  • Political parties’ merger: PDP has capacity to stand alone – Chairman

    Political parties’ merger: PDP has capacity to stand alone – Chairman

    The Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Sokoto State, Alhaji Bello Goronyo, says the party is strong enough to reclaim its position across Nigeria without merging with any other political group.

    Goronyo made this declaration while addressing journalists at a PDP stakeholders’ meeting held on Saturday in Sokoto.

    He described the 2023 General Elections as a litmus test that confirmed the PDP remaind the preferred choice of Nigerians.

    Goronyo stated: “We have the capacity to reclaim our mandate. We are the best choice—tested and trusted by Nigerians.”

    He expressed confidence that Nigerians would not allow a repeat of the 2023 experience in 2027, citing the country’s current socio-economic challenges.

    Goronyo added, “Under PDP leadership, Nigerians experienced better days—economically, democratically, in terms of security and education,” he said.

    “Today, a bag of rice is sold between N90,000 and N100,000, while the minimum wage remains N70,000.

    “In the past, rice costed between N30,000 and N35,000, and the minimum wage was N30,000.

    “Given these comparisons and the current petrol prices, we believe the good days are behind us—and only the right choice can bring them back.”

    He emphasised that PDP was the only survivor among the five political parties registered for the 1999 elections, insisting, “it is deeply rooted and strong, especially at the grassroots level.*

    Commenting on the activities of the All Progressives Congress (APC) administration in Sokoto State, he criticised the state government’s initiatives, describing them as a failure of democratic values.

    “We have witnessed a waste of resources on unnecessary road fencing projects and the destruction of business areas under the guise of beautifying the city.

    “The state government should prioritise empowering citizens, especially since Sokoto is identified as one of the poorest states in the country.

    “They must halt the demolition of commercial areas and instead engage in initiatives that generate income for the less privileged,” he added.

    Goronyo also urged PDP members to remain committed, supportive, and prayerful as the party continues its efforts toward safeguarding Nigeria and improving the lives of its citizens.

  • F!re guts Sokoto INEC office, electoral materials burnt

    F!re guts Sokoto INEC office, electoral materials burnt

     

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has confirmed a fire outbreak at its Gwadabawa Local Government Area office in Sokoto State, causing extensive damage to electoral materials.

    In a statement shared on Friday, February 14, 2025, via its official X page, INEC National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Sam Olumekun, revealed that the incident was reported by the Sokoto State Administrative Secretary, Hauwa Aliyu Kangiwa.

    The fire, which occurred in the early hours of Tuesday, February 11, 2025, completely destroyed the building, along with 558 ballot boxes, 186 voting cubicles, 186 election bags, and several Registration Area Centre (RAC) materials, including 12 large water tanks, 400 sleeping mats, and 300 plastic buckets.

    Preliminary investigations suggest that a power surge may have triggered the fire, though an official probe by security and safety agencies is ongoing.

    In response, INEC has begun efforts to secure a temporary office in Gwadabawa to ensure electoral activities continue without disruption.

  • Three arrested for gang-raping 15-year-old in Sokoto

    Three arrested for gang-raping 15-year-old in Sokoto

    Three persons have been arrested by operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Sokoto State Command, over the abduction and gang rape of a 15-year-old girl, Amina Abdullahi, in the Gantsare area of Wammako Local Government Area of the state.

    The command’s spokesman, DSC Mohammad Zayyanu, in a statement on Tuesday disclosed that the culprits lured, drugged and held the victim for three days.

    The statement read, “The suspects include one Halidu Shehu, male, 20 years who is the principal suspect.

    “Others are Jamilu Umar, male, 20 years, and Usama Bello, male, 24 years, who were all arrested on January 23, 2025, after a report was filed by the victim’s parents, who had been searching for their missing daughter.

    “The suspects held the victim captive for over three days in the principal suspect’s room, subjecting her to repeated sexual assaults.”

    Zayyanu  further stated that preliminary investigations revealed that one of the suspect, Rabia’tu, remains at large.

    “Efforts are underway to apprehend her. The victim has received medical attention, and results from the examination are awaited to aid in the ongoing investigation.

    “The Commandant, Usman Ishaq Alfadarai, through his aide, CSC Aliyu Jamilu, strongly condemned the act, describing it as horrific and inhumane.

    “He assured the public of the command’s commitment to ensuring that the suspects face the full weight of the law.

    “This tragic incident reminds us of the need for parents and guardians to remain vigilant and protective of their children. It also highlights the importance of community involvement in promptly reporting suspicious activities to security agencies,” the statement added.

    The NSCDC Sokoto Command has urged stakeholders, including religious and community leaders, to collaborate in creating a society free from heinous crimes.

    “Protecting our children is a shared responsibility, and we must stand united in the fight against all forms of criminality,” the Commandant stressed.

  • Despite Nig’s denial, Niger military presdent insists France Backing Nig to establish terrorist centres in Sokoto, others

    Despite Nig’s denial, Niger military presdent insists France Backing Nig to establish terrorist centres in Sokoto, others

    General Abdourahamane Tiani, Niger Republic Head of State, has accused France of planning to establish a terrorist operational center in Gaba, a forested area in Sokoto State, Nigeria.

    Tiani further alleged that the Nigerian government is aware of these intentions and has been complicit in France’s destabilization efforts in the region.

    According to Tiani, France is also purportedly providing financial backing to Nigerian authorities to set up a military base in Borno State, under the guise of combating terrorism, with the ulterior motive of destabilizing Niger and its neighboring countries.

    Tiani disclosed that Niger’s intelligence had gathered information from arrested terrorists who reportedly disclosed France’s plan to set up a terrorist base in Sokoto with terrorists known as ‘Lakurawa.’

    This intelligence, according to Tiani, was passed on to Nigerian authorities for verification.

    He revealed how Niger officials had contacted Ahmed Rufai Abubakar, the former Director-General of Nigeria’s National Intelligence Agency (NIA), for confirmation.

    He said, despite assurances from Abubakar that his team would investigate, Tiani claims that the intelligence was mishandled, and no further action was taken, as Abubakar is allegedly linked to the terrorist network.

    He alleged that since the French government became involved, knowing that Chadian military had targeted terrorists with airstrikes, they provided the terrorists with sophisticated weapons capable of bringing down military jets.

    “It is France that gave the weapons to Boko Haram terrorists, so that if a Chadian military jet came to strike them, the terrorists could use the weapons provided by the French government to bring it down.

    “They struck on October 16, when France supplied them with the weapons. The information we gathered from the terrorists we arrested indicated that there is an ongoing discussion, and Nigerian leaders are aware of it,” Tiani stated.

    He said, “There is a forest called ‘Gaba’ in Sokoto, where they are planning to establish an operational center for terrorists, named ‘Lakurawa’.

    “We received intelligence on March 4 that France and ISWAP were planning to set up an operational center in Sokoto, Kebbi, and Zamfara to prepare positions for terrorist activities.”

    Tiani further explained that one of the terrorists they arrested informed them that the Nigerian government is well aware of the operational centers for terrorists in Sokoto.

    “However, we dismissed his claim as false because he was unwilling to allow us to share this information with the Nigerian government. As Niger and Nigeria are closely connected, we felt it was our responsibility to report any information that could be harmful.

    “We reported what France was planning to do to the Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA), Ahmed Rufai Abubakar, as we were unaware of these developments.

    “He assured us that he would send personnel to gather more information. We took on their responsibilities, and there was no location we did not visit or have exclusive discussions with the arrested terrorists,” he said The terrorists disclosed everything about France’s plans to establish a terrorist base in Sokoto.

    The intelligence was then returned to Nigeria. “We later discovered that the person we contacted, Ahmed Rufai Abubakar, is one of the individuals used by the West as a negotiator.

    He supervises the terrorists and is also sent to a country called the Central African Republic. If the terrorists are arrested, he is the one responsible for bailing them out, as well as handling their weapons and providing money for food. He oversees the entire process,” Tiani explained.

    “After learning this, things began to fall apart. We had trusted the wrong people, and once we discovered the truth, we were left unsure of who to trust or confide in about the situation in Nigeria.

    “Meanwhile, Nuhu Ribadu is aware of the entire issue, but everyone involved has kept silent about it. “Having seen how things played out, we decided to take matters into our own hands. If the Lakurawa terrorists are arrested, we are now considering what to do.” Tiani added that France has launched its base in Benin Republic to also monitor neighboring countries that oppose them.

  • Military airstrike: “I watched my parents, 3 siblings burn to death” young girl narrates ordeal

    Military airstrike: “I watched my parents, 3 siblings burn to death” young girl narrates ordeal

    The military strike on communities in Sokoto State, Northwest Nigeria, on Christmas Day, resulted in the loss of lives and destruction of property.

    Hauwa’u, a young girl, witnessed the devastating moment when her parents and three younger siblings were burned to death in the airstrike by the Nigerian military.

    “I see them burning, my mother, my father, and my three younger siblings,” BBC Pidgin quoted her to have said.

    According to eyewitnesses, the airstrike, which occurred around 7 am, targeted the villages of Rumtuwa and Gidan Sama in Silame local government.

    The attack reportedly killed 10 people, injured six others, and destroyed numerous homes and livestock.

    Residents reported that soldiers had surrounded the communities before the airstrike, and later, three aircraft dropped bombs on the area.

    One eyewitness, Malam Muhammad, stated that the soldiers prevented people from nearby villages from accessing the affected areas.

    Muhammad, who lives near the village where the incident occurred, said “later three aircraft believed to belong to the military came dropping bombs on the place”.

    “The soldiers surrounded the communities between 6 a.m and 7 a.m, and shortly after three aircraft began to drop bomb on the residents.”

    He added, “It was later when things started to calm down that we approached the communities to see for ourselves what happened but regrettably, military wouldn’t let us go close.”

    Another villager Usman Manuga said the incident happened after the Asr prayers.

    “After we prayed, we came out. I wanted to go and greet my parents. I heard the people saying, ‘Look, look, look,’ and I came out and saw them with my own eyes.”

    “I was there when one of them (the bombs) hit us.”

    The Sokoto State Governor, Ahmad Aliyu, attended the burial of the victims and attributed the airstrike to a mistake by the military.

  • Army justifies military action in Sokoto, says Gidan Sama, Rumtuwa linked with Lakurawa

    Army justifies military action in Sokoto, says Gidan Sama, Rumtuwa linked with Lakurawa

    The Joint Task Force North West Operation Fansan Yamma has addressed recent reports concerning a military fighter jet allegedly bombing civilian structures in the Silame Local Government Area of Sokoto State.

    According to a statement signed by Lieutenant Colonel Abubakar Abdullah, Coordinator of the Joint Media Coordination Centre, Operation Fansan Yamma, on Wednesday, these reports have raised concerns.

    He said, “However, it is crucial to clarify that all military operations are conducted based on thorough intelligence and reconnaissance missions.

    “This rigorous process is particularly important when targeting groups like the Lakurawa terrorist organisation, as it aims to ensure precision and protect civilian lives.

    “Given the serious nature of these operations, the public is urged to rely on confirmed information to prevent misinformation and unnecessary panic.

    “There is a significant risk that terrorist groups may attempt to undermine military successes through media disinformation, necessitating caution concerning unverified claims, especially in the ongoing fight against terrorism and banditry.

    “Importantly, the targets struck in the vicinity of Gidan Sama and Rumtuwa have been positively identified as associated with the Lakurawa group, reinforcing the justification for the military action taken.”