TheNewsGuru

Tag: Sokoto

  • Tension in Sokoto as Supreme Court delivers judgement in governorship dispute tomorrow

    Tension in Sokoto as Supreme Court delivers judgement in governorship dispute tomorrow

    …Police deploy 1,000 officials

    No fewer than 1000 police personnel, including plain clothed officials, have been deployed by the Sokoto Police command across Sokoto ahead of Monday’s Supreme Court ruling on the appeal by the Sokoto state governorship candidate on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Ahmed Sokoto on the 2019 general and rerun .

    The development was disclosed Sunday in Sokoto by the Commissioner of Police Ibrahim Kaoje.
    He said the measure was to ensure peace reigns before and after the hearing.

    Ka’oje explained that the command would focus on the Sokoto metropolis and its environs as well as on some strategic locations within their environs.

    ” We are on a 24-hour red alert and we are on standby , round the clock, 24/7. We will not waiver in our sustained routine and surprise tactics to keep the peace.

    ” We will leave no stone upturned in keeping the State safe and secure , for all the law abiding residents to conduct their lawful businesses,” the Police boss assured.

    He vowed the strategy would be maintained until further notice , in line with the recent directive issued by the Inspector General of Police ( IGP), on a 24-hour, nationwide red alert .

    He further expressed delight that zero-violence was witnessed during last Friday’s Congregational prayers across the state .

    ” The massive deployment of our officers and men has by the special grace of God, paid off and we will not relent in our efforts .

    ” This is to ward off any unpatriotic persons from breaching the peace, as well as the unrepentant criminals ,” the CP, added .

    Sokoto had dragged Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal of the Peoples Democratic Party ( PDP) before the Supreme Court over his reelection.

    He challenged the judgements of the Governorship Election Petition Tribunal and that of the Appeal Court that all dismissed his petitions, for lack of merit.
    The Tribunal and Appeal Court had dismissed APC’s petition for lacking in merits on the 2nd of October and 22 of November, 2019, respectively.

  • Police, Shiites clash in Sokoto

    The police and members of the proscribed Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN) otherwise known as Shiites clashed on Friday evening at the old airport area of Sokoto.

    Residents and passers- by had to scamper for safety as motorists and those on foot deserted the area for fear of being hurt.

    There was however noo casualty and confirmation of arrest.

    It was learnt that the sect members, including males, females and children, embarked on a procession rally shortly after Juma’at prayer chanting ” Free El-Zakzakky”.

    The procession took them from Mabera Area through to ‘Masallaci Na Uku ‘ along old airport where the clash occurred before it was brought under control by the police who dispersed them.

    However, confirming the incident that took some time to quell, the Sokoto command PPRO, ASP Muhammad Abubakar Sadiq, said preliminary investigation revealed that a group suspected to be members of the proscribed Shi’ites mobilised themselves along old airport road without intent of carrying out a procession.

    According to Sadiq: “Upon confirmation of intention by security operatives, the gathering was immediately dispersed using minimal force, while the said suspected members got busy pelting stones on operatives and operational vehicles with intent to escalate the situation,” he explained.

    However, the command image maker said the police had brought the situation under control shortly after the situation came to fore by Joint Operatives.

    He added: “The Sokoto state Police Command calls for calm as normalcy has since been restored and urge members of the public to go about their lawful businesses without any fear as the Command has emplaced adequate security arrangements to forestall any reoccurrence of such as the Command wishes all and sundry a crime free season”.

    (more…)

  • Police recover 102 guns from bandits in Sokoto – CP

    The Sokoto State Police Command says it has recovered 102 guns from repentant bandits as a result of the ongoing peace dialogue initiated by the state government.

    The state Commissioner of Police, Mr Ibrahim Kaoje, made this known when he presented the recovered weapons to Gov.Aminu Tambuwal in Sokoto on Thursday.

    Kaoje said the weapons comprised 23 AK47, 7GPMG, 2M4 Magazines and 50 locally made rifles, among others.

    He commended the state government’s initiative, which is being coordinated by the Office of the state Commissioner for Security and Special Duties, Retired Col. Garba Moyi, noting that it was a remarkable and unprecedented achievement.

    “We will continue to strengthen our operations and extend cooperation to the state government laudable security initiative in order to rid the state of all kinds of crimes,” he said.

    He also solicited the cooperation of members of the public to achieve more successes.

    Tambuwal called on states affected by the bandits’ activities to embrace dialogue so as to serve as a tool to fight the trend and enjoy a lasting peace.

    “We have to arrive at a common stand to actualise a responsive approach that would bring peace, especially in the North-west axis which is more affected,” Tambuwal said.

    He described the feat as a remarkable milestone which would not have been successful without the cooperation, support and understanding of all security agencies in the state.

    “We will continue to embrace the concept to ensure security of lives and property in Sokoto State, which we hope, other states would embrace the Sokoto model,”

    According to him, the initiative needs a viable working relationship through team work at the state and national levels for the safety of he citizenry.

    “ Nothing can be achieved as a state or nation without security, peace and stability,” he added.

    Tambuwal, however, stressed the need to further evolve a strategic concept for a responsive framework that would provide jobs for bandits who surrendered themselves and regretted their nefarious activities.

    “They should be rehabilitated and supported by a robust welfare package that would engage them in legitimate means of earning a living so that they can be useful to themselves and the society”, he said.

    Mr Abubakar Mustapha, the Assistant Inspector General of Polic (AIG-P) in charge of Zone 10, lauded the commitment of the state government toward ensuring peace and stability in the state.

    Mustapha urged all and sundry in the zone, which comprised Sokoto, Kebbi and Zamfara states, to collectively and individually play proactive roles to encourage synergy by giving information and intelligence as well supporting the police and relevant security agencies.

    He said the momentum of security had considerably increased positively.

    “With this milestone, we need to have a data base of the repentant bandits who surrendered their arms for appropriate monitoring of their movements and activities,” he urged.

    Military officials, members of Department of State Security Service (DSS) and Nigerian Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC) personnel witnessed the hand over.

  • JUST IN: Aliyu, APC appeal Tambuwal’s victory at Sokoto Tribunal

    The 2019 Sokoto All Progressives Congress(APC) gubernatorial and rerun election candidate, Alhaji Ahmed Aliyu Sokoto and the party have formally filed a Notice of Appeal at the Gubernatorial Elections Petitions Tribunal, which sat in Sokoto.

    The Tribunal had penultimate week,in Abuja, dismissed the petition brought before it by Alhaji Ahmed Aliyu and the APC, upholding the election of the candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Aminu Waziri Tambuwal.

    With Wednesday’s development, Aliyu and the Party are contesting the Judgment of the Lower Court at the Court of Appeal, Sokoto.

    Details shortly…

  • Sokoto Guber: Tribunal affirms Tambuwal’s victory

    Sokoto Guber: Tribunal affirms Tambuwal’s victory

    The Governorship Election Petition Tribunal, in Sokoto State on Wednesday in Abuja affirmed the election of Gov. Aminu Tambuwal.
    The three man tribunal dismissed the petition of the APC and its governorship candidate, Ahmed Aliyu, for lacking in merit.
    In delivering judgment, the Chairman of the tribunal, Justice Abbas Bawale said the petitioners had failed to establish their claims to non compliance with the Electoral Act and the issue of over voting.
    Bawale also said the evidences of the petitioners’ witnesses especially witness number ten amounted to hearsay which could not prove any of the allegations.
    News Agency of Nigeria reports that Aliyu had gone to the tribunal seeking to upturn the victory of Tambuwal of the Peoples Democratic Party in the 2019 Governorship election.
    The Governorship Election which held on March 9 was declared inconclusive following cancellation of 75, 403 votes which were higher than the 3, 413 votes margin between the leading candidates.
    The re-run was then conducted on March 23, which led to the victory of Tambuwal who won with a slim margin of 342 votes.
    Dissatisfied with the outcome, Aliyu approached the tribunal challenging the return of Tambuwal as the governor-elect, on the grounds that the election was marred with irregularities.
    Tambuwal and PDP had objected to the petition, which the tribunal unanimously dismissed, saying the petition disclosed substantial cause of action and was properly signed by the petitioners.
    In addition, the tribunal equally ruled that the petitioners duly paid the filling fees.
    It further held that the non joinder of the running mate to the petitioners is not enough to render the petition incompetent.
    On the whole, Justice Abbas Bawale led tribunal held that the application lacks merit and constituted a waste of judicial time.
  • Banditry will soon end in Sokoto -Tambuwal

    Banditry will soon end in Sokoto -Tambuwal

    Gov. Aminu Tambuwal of Sokoto State on Tuesday restated his administration’s commitment towards ending banditry in the state.

    Tambuwal spoke on Tuesday when he hosted the acting General Officer Commanding (GOC) 8th Division Nigeria Army, Sokoto, Brig. Gen. Aminu Bande who paid him a courtesy visit.

    He said that negotiations are ongoing between government and the bandits to address banditry in the state.

    “God willing, the acts of banditry being perpetrated in Sokoto State will soon be nipped in the bud.

    “Our ongoing negotiations with bandits is yielding good result, as the menace is generally reduced across the affected areas in the state,” Tambuwal said.

    The governor assured the Acting GOC of government’s continuous support and cooperation with security agencies for effective discharge of their duties.

    Tambuwal expressed optimism that the Acting GOC’s vast experience would come handy in finding lasting solution to the current security challenges confronting the zone.

    Earlier, Bande assured the governor of the division’s resolve to end kidnapping, cattle rustling, and banditry in the zone.

    He thanked the state government for its support to the Nigerian Army as a result of which the 8th Division became a reality.

  • Bandits massacre 20 villagers in Sokoto

    Bandits massacre 20 villagers in Sokoto

    Suspected armed bandits have killed over 20 persons in Dan Tatsako Village, Goronyo Local Government area of Sokoto State.
    A source in the local government told Channels TV that the assailants arrived in the village at night armed with sophisticated weapons and started shooting sporadically.
    He said apart from the 20 persons killed, houses and other properties were destroyed by the bandits.
    The source explained that survivors of the attack fled the village to seek refuge in nearby communities within Goronyo and Isa Local Government areas of Sokoto state.
    The Sokoto state police public relations officer, Mohammed Sadiq who also confirmed the attack, saying the casualty figures were yet to be ascertained.

  • Banditry: Troops kill 8 bandits, arrest 17 collaborators in Sokoto

    Banditry: Troops kill 8 bandits, arrest 17 collaborators in Sokoto

    No fewer than eight bandits have been killed and 17 other collaborators arrested by troops of Operation HARBIN KUNAMA III under the 8 Division Nigerian Army, Sokoto.

    The General Officer Commanding (GOC) the Division, Maj.-Gen. Hakeem Otiki, told the newsmen in Sokoto on Saturday that those apprehended were bandits’ informants and logistics suppliers.

    Otiki said five bandits’ camps and 25 motorcycles were destroyed in the operation.

    He commended members of the various vigilante groups and local hunters for their support to troops operating in their villages and communities.

    Otiki explained that the operation which was flagged off on April 1, 2019 in Zamfara, involved military activities in Katsina, Kebbi, Sokoto and Zamfara states.

    According to him, the exercise has instilled confidence in the locals to remain in their villages and continue with their normal lives as well as facilitated the return of refugees and Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) to their homes.

    He added that troops and logistics were deployed from various divisions of the Nigerian Army to checkmate bandits activities and those fleeing from Zamfara into neighbouring states.

    He said the efforts of the Nigerian Army and their Niger Republic counterparts as well as other security agencies in the country, especially in the areas of joint border patrols and the dynamics of the operation, has been yielding positive impacts.

    According to him, the collaboration had culminated into several encounters and defeat of bandits in Isa, Rabah and Burkusuma general area around Sububu Forest in Sokoto State.

    “In Katsina State, troops operating super camp in Batsari, Safana and Kankara also made contact with bandit gangs and denied them freedom of action in Dumburum Forest.

    “In Kebbi State troops deployed in super camp in Bena, Jega and Danko Wasagu also encountered and defeated bandits in Gando Forest,” Otiki said.

    He further explained that the military operations have facilitate the return of refugees and IDPs to their homes
    and created enabling environment for farming activities in villages.

    The GOC added that within the short period of the operation, eight AK 47 Rifles, two G3 Rifles, two GPMGs, three Dane Guns, nine AK 47 Magazine and 48 rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition were apprehended from the bandits.

    Otiki added that the 8 Division was also effectively collaborating with troops of Operation Hadarin Daji as a blocking force against fleeing bandits from Zamfara.

    He noted that improved synergy with other security agencies and greater understanding enjoyed from traditional institutions and state authorities had facilitated enhanced security of the civil populace in the affected areas.

  • Gunmen abduct final year student in Sokoto

    Gunmen abduct final year student in Sokoto

    A final year student of Microbiology of Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, Aliyu Maidamma, has been reportedly kidnapped by gunmen some days to the first semester examination.

    The Nation gathered the victim was attacked Friday evening on his way back to Sokoto after the Sallah break.

    The victim’s brother, Ibrahim Sanni Maidamma, confirmed the attack in a phone chat with The Nation.

    He said: “The last time we talked, he (Aliyu) said he was on his way back to school and we were in touch with each other along the way.

    “But around 3pm his contact could no longer be reached, I thought it was due to poor network until they (the kidnappers) called our elder brother later in the evening that Aliyu has been held captive.”

    Saddened, Ibrahim relayed that the kidnappers had called and requested a N3million ransom for his release.

    “First, they requested N3million before they could release him. Another one called shortly after, warning that if we don’t pay the money, they would kill him.

    “We are trying our best to secure his release. Our elder brother has taken charge of the situation,” Sanni added in a gloomy tone

    However, efforts to reach the elder brother proved futile as he neither responded to call nor texts on his mobile line.

    The Students’ Union President, Comrade Faruk Barade, confirmed the kidnap, adding the union has not yet met with the family to get a full knowledge of the incident.

    “Yesterday (Monday), we called his family. One of his brothers (Ibrahim) said he has been instructed not to speak on the incident. He also advised that we should wait for their elder brother to arrive before we could get anything from them”

    He, however, lamented the increasing wave of kidnapping in the country.

    “Actually, the high rate of insecurity, especially kidnapping in the country is becoming unbearable.

    “Imagine, a student? How much does a student have? This is a slap on the face of the government

    “We pray to Almighty Allah to safeguard and return him unharmed,” he stated.

    The university’s Dean of Students’ Affairs, Prof Aminu Mode, denied management’s knowledge of the incident.

    “I am unaware of the incident. Maybe the parents are trying to reach out to the abductors on a personal level. Moreover, no complaint has been made to us so far. May Allah protect him,” he added.

    Similarly, the Sokoto State Police Command is yet to comment on the incident.

  • Tambuwal buries 25 persons killed in fresh bandits attack

    Tambuwal buries 25 persons killed in fresh bandits attack

    Sokoto State Governor, Aminu Tambuwal on Sunday attended the funeral of 25 persons killed by bandits in a fresh attack which occurred on Saturday in three communities in Rabah local government area of the state.

    Tambuwal, together with heads of security agencies, traditional rulers and government officials later condoled the families of the victims after the burial held at Gandi town.

    The bandits who were in large numbers raided Kalhu, Tsage and Geeri villages near Gandi and killed the 25 persons.

    The attackers were said to have engaged in indiscriminate shooting from around 5pm on Saturday till Sunday morning, after which they carted away hundreds of cows, sheep and other valuables.

    Rabah has been experiencing bandits’ attacks in recent time, with people losing their lives while many others who were rendered homeless now taking refuge at an Internally Displaced Persons camp in Gandi.

    Tambuwal pledged that the government would take more measures “to end such uncivilized and barbaric attacks”, and urged community members to assist security agencies with useful information to track the bandits.

    Speaking to newsmen, Sokoto state Commissioner of Police, Mr Ibrahim Kaoje, said four persons including a woman informant who pretended to be a lunatic were arrested.

    Kaoje said that a joint security operation was in progress to contain banditry and other crimes in the state.

    The state Chairman, IDPs’ Welfare Committee, Malam Lawal Maidoki said relief materials had been delivered to the victims.

    NAN reports that with the present 25 killed in the latest attack, the total number of persons killed by bandits in Sokoto state has risen to 108 from 2018 to date.

    Other places affected by armed bandits’ attacks were Dalijan, Rakkoni and Tabanni communities within the period.