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Tag: Zamfara

  • Finally, Appeal Court stops Matawalle from carting away 40 Zamfara govt vehicles

    Finally, Appeal Court stops Matawalle from carting away 40 Zamfara govt vehicles

    The Court of Appeal in Sokoto has upheld the Federal High Court’s decision dismissing the appeal filed by former governor Bello Matawalle challenging the decision that the official vehicles he carted away after he was defeated at the 2023 General Elections were his personal property.

    Recall that in June 2023, based on a complaint by the Zamfara State Government, the Zamfara Police raided the residence of the former Governor Matawalle, seizing more than 40 official vehicles he and his cabinet carted away before handing over power on May 29, 2023.

    A statement by the Spokesperson of the Zamfara State Governor, Sulaiman Bala Idris, said that a three-member panel of the Appeal Court, in a unanimous decision by Hon. Justice A.M Talba on 08 August 2025, dismissed Bello Matawalle’s appeal.

    According to him, the Court of Appeal in Appeal No. CS//S/2024 – Bello Muhammed Matawalle vs Nigeria Police & Others, held that the decision of the Federal High Court Sokoto division on the right of the Police to investigate allegations of commission of crime was correct.

    It further held that Matawalle failed to adduce credible evidence to support his claim of ownership of the 40 vehicles recovered from his residence, as such lacks justification to allege that his fundamental right to own property has been breached.

    The statement reads: “In June 2023, the Zamfara State Government gave former governor Bello Matawalle and his deputy five working days to return all vehicles stolen.

    “However, all attempts to recover these vehicles were unsuccessful, prompting the Zamfara State Government to seek a court order. After the order was issued, police recovered over 40 vehicles.

    “After the vehicles were recovered, Bello Matawalle approached the Federal High Court in Gusau and the court granted an order that the cars be returned to him. Additionally, he filed a separate suit at the same court, seeking to enforce his fundamental right to own property, including the vehicles in question.

    “The Zamfara State Government requested the transfer of the case to the Sokoto division of the Federal High Court.

    “The Federal High Court of Nigeria, Sokoto Judicial Division, dismissed the matter in December 2023 and refused to grant any of the reliefs sought by Bello Matawalle. As a result, the vehicles are still considered the property of the Zamfara State Government.

    Not satisfied with the Federal High Court’s judgment, Bello Matawalle approached the Appeal Court.

    “⁠The Appeal Court last Friday upheld the entirety of the judgment of the Federal High Court, Sokoto, affirming that the police have the power to investigate allegations of the commission of a crime upon receipt of a complaint,

    “It added that the entire procedure followed by the State Government in the retrieval of the stolen vehicles is in line with the law, as such, does not offend the fundamental right of Bello Matawalle, as alleged, and thus cannot shield him from investigation and prosecution.

  • Viral video of 150 Zamfara abductees begging for rescue emerges

    Viral video of 150 Zamfara abductees begging for rescue emerges

    A video showing over abducted residents of Zamfara State, pleading with the state government to engage in peace talks with their captors has surfaced on social media.

    The footage, shared via TikTok by a notorious bandit leader, Ibrahim, Musa (@Ibrahim.Musa99), showed men, women, and children from communities including Cogon Daji, Danabuce, Kuliya, Bayawa, Magulu, and Gidan Garduwa.

    One of the victims who spoke in Hausa described dire conditions in the forest hideout where they have been held for weeks.

    The abductee lamented, “We are people from Cogon Daji, Danabuce, Kuliya, Bayawa, Magulu, Gidan Garduwa, and other areas in Zamfara State. We have been here for weeks. Our leaders are flying around with their families, while we are dying here of hunger.

    “Please, the Zamfara State Government should consider our situation and come to dialogue with our abductors. We are suffering. We are starving. And we are human beings too.”

    In what appears to be a calculated message from the gunmen, the abductee revealed that the bandits holding them have expressed readiness for peace talks but accused authorities of ignoring them.

    The victim said, “We want to tell the Zamfara State Government that what we’ve seen here is that this insecurity is mainly due to a lack of understanding between government and these gunmen.

    “The bandits are saying the government looks down on them, like they don’t know anything or have any rights. But they are saying they’re ready for dialogue. In our camp alone, we are over 150 people. Other camps have over 200. Some are uncountable.”

  • Governor directs 100% increment in corps members’ allowances

    Governor directs 100% increment in corps members’ allowances

    Gov. Dauda Lawal of Zamfara has directed increase in allowances of National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members posted to the state by 100 per cent.

    Lawal disclosed this on Friday in Gusau, while declaring open the orientation course for the 2025 Batch ‘A’, Stream I corps members posted to the state.

    The governor was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Malam Abubakar Nakwada, at the event.

    He reiterated his administration’s commitment to ensuring security and welfare of all the 550 corps members
    deployed to the state.

    “I am happy to inform you that I have directed the resumption of payment of state allowances to all corps members in the state.

    “I have also directed the upward increments of corps members’ allowances by 100 percent.

    “My administration is also willing to pay special allowances to the medical corps members serving in the state,” the governor pledged.

    He urged the corps members to respect and learn from the rich history, culture and tradition of the good people of Zamfara.

    “I assure corps members of adequate security and warm hospitality throughout their year of service in the state.

    “I wish to reiterate that we will pay full attention to your security and welfare.

    “We will give you all the necessary support to carry out your duties and will provide everything necessary to make your stay here a memorable one,” the governor assured.

    Earlier, the NYSC State Coordinator, Mohammad Ahmad, thanked Gov. Dauda Lawal for his consistent support to the NYSC scheme.

    “We appreciate the state government for adequate provision of additional facilities as well as approval for the payment of state allowances to corp members,” Ahmad said.

  • Zamfara lawmaker, Aminu Daji is dead

    Zamfara lawmaker, Aminu Daji is dead

    A member of the Zamfara House of Assembly, Aminu Daji, is dead, an official has said.

    The assembly’s Public Relations Officer, Bello Madaro, confirmed the death to newsmen in Gusau on Wednesday.

    NAN reports that Daji represented Kaura Namoda South Constituency on the platform of the All Progressives Congress.

    Madaro said that the lawmaker died in his Gusau residence on Tuesday, following a brief, undisclosed illness.

    “Until his death, the lawmaker was the Chairman of the Assembly’s Committee on Humanitarian Affairs,” Madaro said.

  • FG orders illegal miners out of Zamfara

    FG orders illegal miners out of Zamfara

    The Federal Government has ordered illegal miners to immediately vacate all mining sites in Zamfara following the confirmation of an outbreak of lead poisoning in Bungudu Local Government Area.

    The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr Dele Alake, gave the warning in a statement by his Special Assistant on Media, Segun Tomori, on Tuesday in Abuja.

    Zamfara, known for its rich gold deposits, first recorded a major lead poisoning epidemic in 2010.

    The outbreak was traced to artisanal gold mining activities, which led to environmental contamination and the poisoning of hundreds of residents, particularly children.

    Alake said that all mining activities were still on hold until the release of Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) that would guide the resumption of exploration in the state.

    He expressed concern that the six-year mining ban in the state reversed in December 2024 should have prevented any cases of lead poisoning.

    “The outbreak is an evidence that traditional and local institutions allowed illegal miners to operate in their areas in flagrant violation of the ban.

    “Every citizen should obey the laws and regulations established by constituted authorities.

    “Our revered traditional institutions and local authorities, which are funded from the federation accounts, have an even higher responsibility to enforce government directives.

    “However, where they demonstrate wilful negligence and abdicate their responsibilities, they perpetrate a state of anomie with dire consequences, as we are witnessing in this case,” he said.

    According to him, experts and ministry reports will recommend specific interventions to help the government prevent future calamities.

    The minister, however, commended the Zamfara government for deploying emergency services to the affected area, and called for stronger collaboration between the state and the Ministry officials.

    “We must work together to kick out illegal miners from all corners to protect the lives of innocent citizens endangered by the desperation of a few individuals to make money at all costs,” he said.

    According to him,  the ministry will soon release comprehensive SOP to guide the resumption of mining activities in Zamfara.

    The procedures, he explained, would address cases of existing holders of mining licences and fresh applicants alongside compliance to community development agreements.

    He added that other issues the SOP would address include the beneficiation and remediation efforts to overhaul the mining sector in the state.

    Alake noted  that the recent approval of the deployment of satellite technology to monitor mining sites nationwide will put an end to illegal mining and other sharp practices in the sector.

    NAN recalls that in 2017, an epidemic of lead poisoning resulted in the deaths of more than 300 under-five children in Yar-Galma village of Bukkuyum LGA of the state

  • We’re gradually winning war against banditry in Zamfara – Gov Lawal

    We’re gradually winning war against banditry in Zamfara – Gov Lawal

    Gov Dauda Lawal of Zamfara, assures the World Bank that his administration is gradually winning the war against banditry.

    This is contained in a statement by Lawal’s media aide, Suleiman Idris on Saturday in Gusau.

    Idris said Lawal gave the assurance when he visited the World Bank office in Abuja.

    He said the meeting focused on development projects in education, health, climate resilience, and agriculture adding that it was expected to strengthen cooperation and partnership between the Zamfara government and the bank.

    The Governor emphasised his administration’s commitment to strengthening collaboration with the World Bank.

    “I want to begin by thanking the World Bank for its ongoing support for our state.

    “We have aligned our development objectives with the bank’s mission to alleviate poverty and promote sustainable development.

    “We also recognise the security challenges that have previously impacted project implementation in Zamfara State, particularly those that have hindered the full achievement of targets due to constraints on operational activities.

    “We are, however, making progress as the challenge is being addressed, and things are returning to normal, ” Lawal said.

    He said the government had  enhanced security measures through proactive steps taken through increased patrols and strategic measures that mitigate threats.

    “Our administration is dedicated to ensuring the safety of lives and property by providing adequate logistics and support to security agencies to maintain peace and stability,” he noted.

    Lawal assured the bank staff of their safety during support, supervision, and monitoring visits, including secure accommodations, transportation, and communication protocols.

    “I assure the World Bank that we have established mechanisms for ongoing security assessments to promptly address any emerging threats and ensure a secure environment for all development partners.

    “Banditry attacks on our highways, villages, and cities are under control. We are gradually winning the war against criminals, and life is returning to our communities,” he said.

    According to him, this is evident in the number of incidents reported daily and the increasing project implementation across the length and breadth of Zamfara State.

    “Let me conclude by extending our invitation to the Country Director to visit Zamfara anytime soon and see the implementation of all World Bank-supported programmes and our modest efforts in changing the narrative in our state,” Lawal said.

    The World Bank Country Director for Nigeria, Dr. Ndiamé Diop, commended Governor Lawal for positively advancing Zamfara.

    “I am impressed by the system you put in place. Congratulations on achieving such feats in such a very short time,” Diop said.

    During the meeting, the World Bank Task Team Leader of the NG-CARES project, Dr Lire Ersado highlighted the successes of the implementation model in Zamfara.

    “We are not only adopting the Zamfara model in other states of Nigeria but are also extending it to other countries for implementation.

    ”I must commend the governor and the state government for their efforts,” Ersado said.

  • 17 kids d!e, 17 others !njured in Zamfara Almajiri school inferno

    17 kids d!e, 17 others !njured in Zamfara Almajiri school inferno

    No fewer than 17 Almajiri students have lost their lives in a fire incident which occurred in the Kaura-Namoda Local Government Area of Zamfara State, as a fire outbreak at an Islamiya school.

    The fire which began late on Tuesday night and raged for about three hours left 17 others injured.

    A resident of the area, Abdulrasaq Kaura, informed Channels Television that the fire was reportedly caused by stored sticks, locally known as “Kara.”

    Kaura said, “It happened at Makaranta Mallam Ghali, inside their study hall. There are about 100 of them in the house, after they evacuated the students, they thought none of them remained inside the house, it was when they returned after the fire, that they started seeing their legs and hands, they got burnt beyond recognition.”

    He further revealed that the deceased have been buried on Wednesday.

    The Chairman of Kaura-Namoda Local Government, Mannir Haidara, also confirmed the incident.

    Haidara, however, stated that he was on his way to the scene and would share more details later.

    Speaking with PUNCH Online on Wednesday, the Public Relations Officer for the State Police Command, Yazid Abubakar, confirmed the incident.

    Abubakar, however, noted that 17 students were killed in the fire while 17 others are receiving treatment, adding that investigation is ongoing to ascertain the cause of the fire.

    He said, “Yes, the incident happened. 17 children were linked while 17 are on admission and investigation is ongoing.”

  • CAS sends fact-finding team to Zamfara

    CAS sends fact-finding team to Zamfara

    The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, has dispatched a fact-finding team to Zamfara to investigate reported incidence of civilian casualties in the recent Nigerian Air Force (NAF) airstrikes.

    The Director, Public Relations and Information, NAF, AVM. Olusola Akinboyewa, made this known in a statement on Monday in Abuja.

    Akinboyewa stated that the team was led by AVM Edward Gabkwet, the Director of Coordination and Cooperation (DCC) in the Civil-Military Relations branch of NAF Headquarters.

    He added that the team was expected to investigate the incidence and provide detailed report for further action.

    According to him, the team will liaise and interface with state and local government officials, as well as critical stakeholders, for a holistic assessment of the situation with a view to driving appropriate response.

    “The CAS wishes to reiterate NAF’s commitment to the highest level of professionalism and transparency in the conduct of operations, in line with appropriate global standards.

    “Our absolute value for the life and well-being of every Nigerian remains an integral part of the ethos of the service, as we sustain efforts to defeat threats to our nation’s peace, security and prosperity.

    “We are also mindful of the need to maintain public trust, which is germane to our operational effectiveness.

    “We enjoin stakeholders to be rest assured that NAF will continue to refine its operational procedures to ensure mission accomplishment, while protecting civilians and civilian infrastructure,” he said.

  • NAF expresses ‘worry’ over alleged airstrike misfire over death of civilians in Zamfara

    NAF expresses ‘worry’ over alleged airstrike misfire over death of civilians in Zamfara

    The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has expressed worry over reports that its airstrikes on terrorist hideouts, including areas linked to notorious bandit leader Bello Turji, led to the death of civilians in Zamfara State.

    Recall reports had said the airstrike on the Tungar Kara community under the Gidan Goga district of Maradun Local Government Area, Zamfara State, on Saturday evening, mistakenly hit members of the Zamfara Community Protection Guard (ZCPG), local vigilantes and residents, leaving at least 16 people dead.

    A lawmaker representing Maradun II Constituency in the Zamfara State House of Assembly, Maharazu Salisu Gado Faru, who confirmed the report had described the airstrike as an accident, stating that it targeted local vigilantes who mobilised to counter the bandits.

    In a response to the incident, NAF spokesperson AVM Akinboyewa in a Sunday statement titled, “NAF Conducts Decisive Air Strikes in Zamfara, Investigating Vigilante Casualty Reports.” said its operations were usually conducted with caution for human lives.

    While confirming an investigation is underway to ascertain the truth of these claims, Akinboyewa emphasised that no credible evidence supports reports of civilian casualties.

    “The Nigerian Air Force, the recent airstrike at Tungar Kara in Zumi Local Government Area of Zamrafa State, dealt a decisive blow to bandits terrorising villages in the area.

    “However, while the operation successfully eliminated several bandits and led to the recovery of some kidnap victims, the NAF views with great concern reports of the loss of civilian lives on the course of the operation.

    “A responsible and professional custodian of airpower for the security of the nation, the NAF believes in the absolute value of the life of every Nigerian.

    “Accordingly, a comprehensive investigation is in progress, to ascertain the veracity of the report, the outcome of which will be duly communicated to inform and reassure the public.

    “Please be rest assured that, while our mission in the North West remains to combat banditry and restore peace, the safety and well-being of all Nigerians are of utmost importance.

    “We will therefore, work closely with relevant authorities to unravel the facts and take appropriate steps, as part of our unwavering commitment to prevent, minimise and mitigate any harm to civilians and civilian infrastructure in the course of our operations,” the statement said.

  • Again, Zamfara on fire as bandits linked to Bello Turji abduct passengers, burn vehicle

    Again, Zamfara on fire as bandits linked to Bello Turji abduct passengers, burn vehicle

    After notorious bandits leader, Bello Turji vowed to launch attacks in response to the arrest of his relatives, some bandits have abducted passengers and burnt their vehicle in the Shinkafi Local Government Area of Zamfara State.

    Although it is unclear if this development is related to the threats, the incident occurred at Kwanar Jalab village in Zungeru Ward, Shinkafi LGA.

    Quoting a resident of Shinkafi, who asked for anonymity, the bandits ambushed the vehicle around 8am, on Tuesday, while conveying passengers to Shinkafi from Gusau, the state capital.

    “The bandits abducted all the passengers on board the vehicle before they set the car ablaze. We are suspecting that the 10 people, including the driver, were abducted.”

    “This is a strange method of operation in this area. Before this incident, bandits have never set a car ablaze after abducting its passengers. Of course, they do kidnap people along the road, but they have never burnt vehicles after an operation,” the source lamented.

    Earlier the bandits had planted bombs on roads in Dansadau axis, Maru local government.

    This resulted in the killing of scores of travellers and injuring others, a situation that calls for urgent government attention.

    The development forced travellers to suspend their journeys to Shinkafi from Gusau due to uncertainty.

    One of the residents, Sulaiman Shinkafi said, “My mother warned me not to travel to Shinkafi after she heard about the unfortunate incident.

    “I was in Gusau when the news of the incident broke, so Hajiya called me on phone and instructed me not to go back to Shinkafi until tomorrow (today).

    “I don’t know the actual number of people abducted by the bandits but we are suspecting they were 10 because most times drivers carry 10 people in their Gulf model vehicle as against the usual six.”

    “I am sure by tomorrow (today), the exact number of abducted persons will be known. We hope the government will take serious action to check the reoccurrence of the unfortunate incident.”

    The development comes as the Nigerian military promises to deal with Bello Turji calling him a dead man walking.

    The military threatened to ensure that terrorists are neutralized in the country, citing an instance of wins recorded in 2024 as a sign for successes to be recorded in 2025.