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Tag: Yobe State

  • Yobe clarifies relocation of Army Special Forces Training School to Nassarawa

    Yobe clarifies relocation of Army Special Forces Training School to Nassarawa

    The Nigerian Army Special Forces Training School in Buni Yadi, Yobe, has been designated as the Nigerian Army Acclimatisation Centre.

    This is contained in a statement by Brig.-Gen. Dahiru Abdulsalam, Gov Mai Mala Buni’s Adviser on Security Matters, in Damaturu on Saturday.

    According to him, the Centre will continue to perform its role of preparing forces for induction into the North- East Theatre of Operations.

    The Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen.- Olufemi Oluyede, had on Friday announced the relocation of the school from Buni Yadi to Doma, Nassarawa.

    The announcement had caused anxiety amongst residents, who felt that moving the school away from the state will undermine the war against insurgency.

    “The Nigerian Special Forces School Buni Yadi has been conducting acclimatisation and pre-induction training for all forces inducted into the Northeast Theatre of Operations, while the Special Forces Training was conducted elsewhere.

    “However, the establishment of the Special Forces Command in Doma necessitates the co-location of the Special Forces School with the Command Headquarters, hence, the foundation laying ceremony conducted in Doma by the Chief of Army Staff.

    “For the purpose of clarity, the school in Buni Yadi is now designated as the Nigerian Army Acclimatisation Centre and would continue to perform its role of preparing forces for induction into the Theatre of Operations,” Abdulsalam said.

    He commended members of the public for expressing their genuine concern on the relocation, and supporting the troops to deliver on their mandate.

  • We’re still on strike – Yobe varsity ASUU

    We’re still on strike – Yobe varsity ASUU

    The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Yobe State University (YSU) chapter, said it has not called off the strike it embarked upon on July 11.

    Its Chairman, Dr Ahmed Karage, made this known in a statement in Damaturu on Monday.

    He said that although the consequential adjustment for the N70,000 minimum wage was implemented in July, the union’s other demands had not been met by the state government.

    Karage listed the unaddressed demands to include the implementation of academic staff promotions as approved by the university council and payment of promotion arrears from 2018 to 2025.

    Others are the payment of arrears for minimum wage consequential adjustment from 2019 to 2024, 35-25 per cent salary award for Professors and other ranks from 2023 to 2025 and arrears of N70,000 minimum wage from January 2024 to June 2025.

    The chairman called on the public to bear with the union, promising that the strike would be called off after a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the union and the state government.

  • Yobe govt bans “marker day” in schools

    Yobe govt bans “marker day” in schools

    The Yobe Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education has banned “marker day” celebrations at public and private schools across the state.

    This is contained in a statement by Dr Bukar Aji, the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, in Damaturu on Thursday.

    Marker day celebrations involve a trending chaotic and disruptive behaviour amongst students at school premises where they usually wear white t-shirts and write notes on them.

    “Disruptive activities, public display of lawlessness, disrespect for societal values, and acts of moral degradation, have no place within the educational environment we strive to uphold,” he said.

    Aji warned the general public against the organisation, promotion and participation in the so-called celebrations at both public and private schools across the state.

    “This decision is informed by the increasing level of indiscipline and unruly behaviour, erosion of moral and cultural values, and security concerns that contradict the core principles of education, discipline, and responsible citizenship,” he said.

    The permanent secretary directed all principals to ensure strict compliance to the ban, saying any principal found wanting would be sanctioned.

  • Windstorm claims 4 lives, destroys 1,637 houses in Yobe

    Windstorm claims 4 lives, destroys 1,637 houses in Yobe

    Windstorm, accompanied by torrential rainfall, has killed 4 persons and destroyed 1,637 mud houses in Yobe since May 9.

    Dr Muhammad Goje, Executive Secretary, Yobe State Emergency Management Agency (YOSEMA), stated this to journalists in Damaturu on Thursday.

    He said that the disaster affected seven local government areas of Bursari, Damaturu, Fika, Fune, Gulani, Potiskum and Tarmuwa.

    Goje said 92 persons sustained various degrees of injuries in the devastating windstorm, which affected 5,022 individuals in 1,264 households.

    The executive secretary said that 83 households, comprising 368 individuals, were displaced by the disaster.

    He said that a total of 48 communities were affected by the disaster, with Fika being the worst hit.

    In response, Goje said that YOSEMA in partnership with Action Against Hunger (ACC), with support from the German Federal Foreign Office (GFFO), distributed life-saving relief materials to 566 households in Fika and Potiskum.

    The executive secretary said that a joint needs assessment by SEMA and ACF, prioritised the most vulnerable families who lost their homes, essential belongings and in need of hygiene services.

    He said that Mohammed Kingimi, ACF’s WASH Project Manager, had affirmed the organisation’s commitment to further assist the victims based on the availability of resources.

    “ACF is also preparing to roll out Food Security and Livelihood (FSL) support for the same 566 households to enhance their recovery,” he said.

    He reiterated the state government’s commitment to protecting vulnerable communities through proactive emergency response initiatives.

  • NAPTIP sends strong warning to parents after rescuing abducted 5-year-old in Yobe

    NAPTIP sends strong warning to parents after rescuing abducted 5-year-old in Yobe

    The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has warned parents against entrusting their children to casual acquaintances, unvetted neighbours, or service providers.

    The agency stressed that such actions can expose children to trafficking and abduction.

    The caution was issued by NAPTIP Director-General, Hajia Binta Adamu-Bello, in a statement in Abuja on Friday.

    According to Adamu-Bello, the warning followed the successful reunion of a five-year-old trafficking victim, with her parents in Damaturu, Yobe State.

    The victim was reportedly abducted in Damaturu a few months ago by a commercial driver suspected to be involved in a child-theft ring.

    She was later rescued in Abuja by operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS).

    The NAPTIP D-G, represented at the reunification by Mr Saleh Zakar, Commander of the agency’s Yobe State Command, noted that the suspects had been arrested and were currently facing prosecution in Abuja.

    “The handover of the child took place at the Yobe Government House in Damaturu, in the presence of the state Deputy Governor, Mr Idi Barde Gubana, and officials of the DSS.”

    Adamu-Bello expressed gratitude to the DSS for its continued collaboration with NAPTIP, which she said led to the swift recovery and safe return of the child.

    “It is dangerous to leave children in the care of strangers or send them on errands alone, especially at odd hours.

    “Parents must remain vigilant and ensure the safety of their children at all times,” she cautioned.”

    She reassured the public of NAPTIP’s commitment to protecting Nigerian children from trafficking and abuse.

    Speaking after being reunited with his daughter, the victim’s father, Malam Ibrahim, lauded NAPTIP for its role in rescuing and caring for his daughter.

    “When I saw my daughter, she looked neat and well taken care of. I sincerely thank the Director-General and the entire NAPTIP team. This agency is doing a wonderful job,” he said.

    Also speaking at the event, Deputy Governor, Idi Gubana commended NAPTIP for its proactive counter-trafficking efforts and promised continued support from the Yobe State Government.

  • Yobe PDP passes confidence vote on Damagum

    Yobe PDP passes confidence vote on Damagum

    The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Yobe Chapter, has declared its loyalty to its Acting National Chairman, Alhaji Umar Damagum, and the National Working Committee (NWC) of the party.

    This is contained in a communique issued by the state PDP Chairman, Sen. Umar El-Gash, at the end of the party’s expanded executive committee meetings held in Damaturu on Saturday.

    He said the chapter fully aligned with the vision, policies and strategic direction of the party, and remained a committed partner in the collective effort to rescue and rebuild Nigeria.

    He refuted a baseless and mischievous rumour suggesting that the chapter’s structures had collapsed into the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

    “The party remains intact, focused, and loyal to its identity as a proud and enduring pillar of Nigeria’s democratic process.

    “Any such speculation is the handiwork of political mischief makers aimed at sowing confusion and disunity within our ranks,” he said.

    He charged members to show unity from the wards to the national level by promoting peace, inclusion, and collaboration.

    He cautioned members of the party against indiscipline, saying discipline remained the bedrock of any organised political structure.

    “The State Executive Committee, in consultation with local government chairmen, resolved to uphold party rules and discourage acts of indiscipline, anti-party behaviour and disloyalty.

    “Mechanisms will be strengthened to ensure compliance with the party’s constitution and code of conduct,” he said.

    The PDP chapter resolved to embark on a massive and inclusive membership mobilisation with a strong focus on women and youths.

    He said that each local government chapter had been tasked to inaugurate a structured grassroots campaign to attract new members and re-energise existing structures.

  • No PDP exco-member has joined ADC in Yobe – Group

    No PDP exco-member has joined ADC in Yobe – Group

    The People’s Democratic Party Support Group in Yobe has said that no any executive member of the party in the state has joined the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

    A trending online media report claimed that the state PDP structures have collapsed into the ADC, following the recent defection of Adamu Waziri, a former member of the PDP Board of Trustees (BoT), into the ADC.

    Waziri, who announced his exit from the PDP at Dogo Tebo Ward Centre in Potiskum on Monday, claimed that “ the current PDP leadership and the party’s tone no longer aligned with the vision of a credible opposition party”.

    Alhaji Lawan Munkaila, who led the group, stated this at a news conference in Damaturu on Wednesday, while reacting to the report.

    “Let it be known loud and clear; the PDP in Yobe is not dead. It is not divided and not weakened. Rather, it remains the most organised, experienced, and people-oriented political platform.

    “We are here today to debunk the baseless rumour that our party structure has collapsed into the ADC. That is a lie. No official executive of the PDP-from ward to state level -has joined the ADC,” he said.

    Munkaila said the only one that left the PDP was Waziri whom, he alleged, was never truly loyal to the party that offered him so much,  including minister, senator and a governorship candidate.

    “Instead of remaining loyal and contributing to the progress of the party that made him politically relevant, he chose to engage in anti-party activities, and when exposed, he jumped ship to the ADC – a party with no structure or grassroots acceptance in Yobe,” he said.

    Munkaila claimed that the PDP was not rattled by Waziri’s defection in any way.

    “In fact, it is a relief. The PDP is now cleaner, more united, and more focused without elements of betrayal within,” he said.

    Munkaila, therefore, urge the public to disregard the “noise” from ADC, saying PDP remained the most credible political force in the state.

  • Yobe Govt approves expansion of security outfit

    Yobe Govt approves expansion of security outfit

    Governor Mai Mala Buni of Yobe State has approved the expansion of “ Operation Haba Maza,” a security outfit, to cover Potiskum, Geidam, Nguru, Buni Yadi and Gashua towns.

    Retired Brig.-Gen. Dahiru Abdulsalam, Buni’s Adviser on Security Matters, stated this to newsmen shortly after the state’s security council meeting in Damaturu.

    He also said the operation which previously comprised of mobile policemen, would now include personnel from all other sister agencies.

    “Operation Haba Maza” security outfit has been expanded to a joint security outfit to include all other security agencies.

    “From now on, we shall also have the Operation Haba Maza outfit in Potiskum, Gashua, Nguru, Geidam and Buni Yadi,” Abdulsalam said.

    The official said that the expansion was aimed at strengthening internal security in all parts of the state.

    He said Buni also approved an increase in logistics to various security agencies in the state to boost efficiency.

    On the recent temporary closure of three weekly markets in the state, he explained that the decision was a proactive measure to safeguard lives and property.

    “There are ongoing operations in those areas, and the security agencies are working ahead to avoid surprises,” Abdulsalam said.

    He solicited for the support and cooperation of the general public to the government and security agencies.

  • Yobe residents in military zones asked to relocate

    Yobe residents in military zones asked to relocate

    The Yobe State Government has appealed to people living in areas east of  Gujba-Buni Yadi road, under security operations, to relocate to the western part of the road for safety.

    Brig.-Gen. Dahiru AbdusSalam (rtd), the Special Adviser to Gov. Mai Mala Buni on Security Matters, made the appeal on Wednesday in Damaturu during a security meeting with leaders of herders’ organisations, traditional institutions, and local government authorities.

    He warned that the eastern flank of the Gujba–Buni Yadi corridor remained an active military operation zone that posed serious risks to the civilian populace living there.

    “I want to use this medium to advise all people living east of the road to quietly relocate to the west of the road. This is in the interest of their safety and our collective security.

    “That area is the Nigerian military’s operational zone, and we do not want innocent civilians becoming casualties in the crossfire,” he said.

    He stressed the urgency of the matter, citing past incidents where innocent lives were lost due to military operations targeting insurgents.

    AbdusSalam said the meeting was part of broader consultations aimed at addressing the recurring farmers-herders conflict, which tends to escalate during the rainy season.

    The adviser said the state government was also considering measures to control the indiscriminate use of cutlasses, which has been linked to violent altercations during disputes in rural communities.

    “People are losing their lives over minor disagreements. In some cases, someone picks up a cutlass and attacks over trivial issues. We are looking into regulating the use of such weapons to prevent further loss of life,” he said.

    AbdusSalam also disclosed that recent intelligence reports prompted the closure of three markets due to threats to public safety and fears that such markets were being exploited by insurgents.

    “We aim to develop concrete modalities for safeguarding these markets to ensure they do not serve as sources of oxygen for insurgent elements.”

    He urged residents to remain vigilant, security conscious, and cooperate with security agencies.

    In his remarks, Mr Khalil Bello, National President of the Kulen Allah Cattle Rearers Association of Nigeria (KACRAN), pledged the support of herders to the government’s peacebuilding initiatives.

    “Our presence here today, myself and other pastoralist leaders, is a clear indication of our readiness to give the government maximum support and cooperation to achieve its goal of lasting peace,” Bello said.

    The meeting is part of the State Government’s ongoing multi-stakeholder strategy to prevent violent conflict, enhance public safety, and support the efforts of security agencies operating in the state.

  • Gov Buni appoints new Head of Service for Yobe

    Gov Buni appoints new Head of Service for Yobe

    Governor Mai Mala Buni of Yobe State has appointed Alhaji Tonga Betara as the new Head of Service (HoS) for the State.

    This is contained in a statement by Alhaji Shuaibu Abdullahi, Press Secretary of the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), in Damaturu on Wednesday.

    According to him, the appointment follows the retirement of the former HoS, Mr Hamidu Alhaji, who attained the mandatory 60 years of service.

    Abdullahi said the appointment of the new HoS was with immediate effect. Betara was before his appointment the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Environment.