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Tag: Zamfara

  • Bandits murdered in Zamfara airstrike

    Bandits murdered in Zamfara airstrike

    Defence Headquarters on Wednesday said that the Air Component of Operation Hadarin Daji has destroyed a bandits’ camp in Kagara Forest in Zamfara State, killing several hoodlums.

     

    The airstrike was carried out on July 20, Coordinator, Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. John Enenche said in a statement on Wednesday in Abuja, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports.

     

    Enenche said the air interdiction mission was conducted after intelligence reports indicated heavy presence of the armed bandits, along with a large number of rustled livestock, in a portion of the forest.

     

    He said the intelligence was later confirmed by series of aerial surveillance missions, leading to the air bombardment of the location.

     

    He said the component dispatched Nigerian Air Force fighter jets to engage the location, with their ammunition hitting targets, leading to the killing of some of the armed bandits.

     

    “Some of them who were seen attempting to escape camouflaged in between the livestock were taken out in follow-on attacks.”

  • Zamfara chiefs resign, protest ”Sadaukin Shinkafi” honour on Fani-Kayode, give emir 24-hour ultimatum to withdraw title

    Zamfara chiefs resign, protest ”Sadaukin Shinkafi” honour on Fani-Kayode, give emir 24-hour ultimatum to withdraw title

    Former aviation minister Femi Fani-Kayode may lose the traditional title ”Sadaukin Shinkafi” conferred on him by Emir of Shinkafi, Alhaji Muhammad Makwashe of Zamfara state.

    The Emir has gotten a 24-hour ultimatum to withdraw the traditional title following the resignation from two top chiefs.

    FFK got the title on Monday, July 20 in recognition of his support and contributions to the development of Shinkafi emirate.

    Dr Sulaiman Shuaibu Shinkafi who resigned as the Sarkin Shanun Shinkafi and Dr Tijjani Salihu Shinkafi who resigned as ‘Sarkin Marayun Shinkafi’, called on other traditional title holders in Shinkafi emirate to equally resign because Fani Kayode does not deserve the title conferred on him.

    According to Dr Suleiman Shuaibu Shinkafi, Fani-Kayode insults and abuse leaders and forefathers of the region at will.

    “We the citizens of Shinkafi rejected the title of Sadaukin Shinkafi conferred on Femi Fani Kayode by the Emir of Shinkafi in Zamfara State, Mohammed Isah Maikwashe because he does not deserve the title.

    “This is a man known to always disrespect and abuse our leaders and forefathers in the region.

    “On this, I resigned the appointment conferred on me by the same emir as Sarkin Shanun Shinkafi and also a colleague, Dr Tijjani Salihu of Danfodio University also resigned as Sarkin Marayun Shinkafi.”

    He added that they will be heading to court if the Emir refuses to withdraw the title.

    “We are also expecting six additional title holders today who are resigning their titles. This decision is uncalled for and unacceptable, we were not consulted on this and it is null and void.

    “After 24 hours if the decision is not reversed, then the emir should expect the wrath of the law and he should also resign.

    “We are going to the take to the street for protest against his decision; Kayode doesn’t deserver any title in the North and anyone who tries to give him, we are going to protest against that. Fani-Kayode has no respect for Northern leaders.

    “He always disgraces the north, insults our leaders.”

  • Troops raid bandits’ hideouts in Borno, Benue, Zamfara

    Troops raid bandits’ hideouts in Borno, Benue, Zamfara

    Troops have raided alleged bandits’ hideout at Ginde in Guma Local Government Area (LGA) of Benue State.

     

    Air Task Force (ATF) of Operation Lafiya Dole also launched airstrikes on terrorists’ locations at Bula Bello and Ngoske on the fringes of the Sambisa Forest in Borno, the Defence Headquarters said yesterday.

     

    It said troops conducted precision airstrikes on bandits’ hideouts at Munhaye and Keta in Tsafe LGAs of Zamfara.

     

     

    Defence Media Operations Coordinator Maj.-Gen. John Enenche, in a statement on Sunday, said the troops, operating under Operation Accord, acted following reports of bandits activities in Ginde area.

     

    Enenche said the camp was destroyed, the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports.

     

    According to him, troops deployed at Tunga also arrested two suspects who were linked to the kidnap of a local teacher in Foga LGA.

     

    He added that one locally made rifle was found in their possession, adding that the suspects had been handed over to the police in Awe for investigation.

     

    “The Defence Headquarters commend the troops for their offensive actions against the bandits and other criminal elements in their area of operation,” he said.

     

     

     

    On the Borno operation, Enenche said the airstrikes destroyed Boko Haram terrorists’ facilities and killed several fighters.

     

    He said the successes were as a result of subsidiary Operation Long Reach being conducted in the push to end the activities of the terrorists in the Northeast.

     

    He said the air interdiction missions were executed on June 18 and June 19 sequel to credible intelligence reports that revealed the presence of the terrorists in the area.

     

    Read Also: Military airstrikes destroy bandits’ camps in Katsina forest

    According to him, the terrorists used the closely linked settlements as staging points to launch attacks against friendly forces’ locations and surrounding civilian settlements.

     

    “The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar, commends the ATF for their dedication and professionalism.

     

    “The Defence Headquarters equally urges them to intensify the air offensive against the terrorists and all other criminal elements threatening the peace and security of our beloved country,” he said.

     

    The Coordinator said the troops of Operation Hadarin Daji recorded successes in the Northwest theatre of operations to curtail the activities of bandits in Katsina and neighbouring states.

     

    He said troops yesterday killed several of them in an encounter, and are in pursuit of the fleeing bandits.

     

    According to him, the troops destroyed five major bandits’ camps and recovered four empty magazines, five motorcycles, one bandolier and two pairs of military uniforms, among others.

     

    “Furthermore, six kidnap victims were rescued by troops while 21 suspected bandits’ collaborators were arrested during the operation.

     

    “On the same day, troops also conducted an aggressive clearance operation to identified bandits’ enclaves at Biyaka, Randa, Ruma, Garin Inu, Shekewa, Gurbin Tsauni and Garin Buda villages, all in Batsari LGA.

     

    “The gallant troops, cleared suspected bandits hideouts, neutralizing one bandit while several others fled with gunshot wounds.

     

    “Troops recovered one dane gun and four mobile phones, amongst other items,” he said.

     

    Enenche further disclosed that the Nigerian Airforce helicopter gunships on June 19, conducted precision airstrikes on bandits’ hideouts at Munhaye and Keta in Tsafe LGAs.

     

    He said the gunships recorded accurate hits on the bandits’ locations, killing scores of bandits in the process while others fled into the surrounding bush.

     

    According to him, the ground troops in blocking position equally engaged the bandits, inflicting further casualty while several suspected rustled livestock were recovered from the surrounding area.

     

    “The animals were subsequently handed over to appropriate quarters for identification and hand over to their owners.

     

    “The Military High Command congratulates the troops for this notable feat and urges them to remain committed and sustain the onslaught against the criminals,” he said.

     

    Special Adviser to Zamfara Governor Bello Matawalle on Public Enlightenment, Media and Communications, Mr Zailani Bappa, said the state would use the carrot and stick approach in tackling banditry.

     

    “Those who refuse to accept the peace process and those who renege on it are being faced with the wrath of the state’s ‘Operation Hadarin Daji’.

     

    “We must not forget the successes recorded in the last few months including the rescue of 12 abducted persons, which included the District Head of Wuya, the killing of nine bandits and arrest of 12 others.

     

    “It also included the recovery of 67 rustled cattle in separate operations in Gidan Usman, Gidan Baba Goji, Gadauna, Gidan Janari, Kekuwaje, Gidan Sarki, Gardi and Bingi, all in Bungudu LGA.

     

    “Moreover, a large number of bandits were killed in an air raid on Tungar-Duba road, where six kidnapped persons were rescued from the fleeing bandits, while over 200 bandits in Zurmi council area were also neutralised recently.”

     

    “The governor, who is under oath to protect the lives and property of the people of the state, will not relent until peace is fully achieved in Zamfara State,” he said, according to NAN.

  • Military airstrikes destroy bandits’ camps, weapons in Zamfara

    Airstrikes conducted by the Air Component of the Operation Hadarin Daji, have destroyed bandits’ camps and weapons at Tsibiri and Manya in Zurmi Local Government Area of Zamfara State, the Armed Forces of Nigeria has said.

    Scores of the armed bandits were killed in the Operation, which is part of the newly launched Operation Accord, according to a statement by the Coordinator Defence Media Operations, Major General John Enenche.

    According to the statement: “The air interdiction mission at Tsibiri, which is located 15Km East of Zurmi, was executed on the heels of credible Human Intelligence (HUMINT) reports indicating that the camp, with its clusters of thatched huts nestled close to a group of trees, was being used by the bandits to house their fighters and store their weapons and ammunition.

    “Accordingly, two Nigerian Air Force attack helicopters were dispatched to engage the location scoring accurate hits on the target area leading to the destruction of the structures and the weapons and ammunition stored in them as well as the neutralization of bandits in the huts and surrounding bushes.

    “The attack helicopters later conducted an air strike on another camp South of Manya, which also resulted in the killing of more armed bandits, including some of their leaders, as they gathered for a meeting at the location.

    “The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar, commends the Air Component of Operation HADARIN DAJI for their professionalism and directs them to remain resolute whilst continuing to provide close air support for ongoing ground operations, towards accomplishing the directives of the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) to restore normalcy in the North West and North Central Zones of the country”.

  • Eight doctors test positive for Coronavirus in Zamafara

    No fewer than eight doctors are confirmed to have tested positive to coronavirus disease in Zamfara, the state’s branch of the Nigeria Medical Association (NMA) has said.

    The NMA Vice-Chairman in the state, Dr Mannir Bature, made the disclosure during a chat with journalists in Gusau on Wednesday.

    He said: “Out of about 80 confirmed cases recorded so far in the state, 10 per cent are doctors who came into contact with the virus in the line of duty while trying to save lives especially at emergencies.

    “We are however happy to note that out of the number, sixty per cent have been discharged from hospital while the remaining are fast responding to treatment,” he said.

    Bature also said 30 other doctors who came into contact with their infected colleagues went into self isolation in order to curb further spread of the virus in the state.

    “This situation has seriously caused negative impact on the performance of doctors in the state, especially in this period of the pandemic because we only have a total of about 300 doctors in the state, including those at the Federal Medical Center, Gusau, those at state government health facilities and those in private practice.

    “This is partly why as an association we proposed to the state government under the leadership of Governor Bello Matawalle to engage more doctors and other health personnel as well as sponsor the training of indigent students in medicine so as to boost the number of doctors and improve the healthcare indices of the state,” he stated.

  • Zamfara attacks NCDC over ‘hike’ in COVID-19 cases, demands public apology

    Zamfara attacks NCDC over ‘hike’ in COVID-19 cases, demands public apology

    The Zamfara State Government on Tuesday said the figure of 10 new COVID-19 cases in the state announced on Monday by the Nigeria Center for Disease Control (NCDC) was wrong, as the state had only recorded two new cases.

    Alhaji Yahaya Kanoma, the state Commissioner of Health told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Gusau that the state government had alerted the NCDC of the error and demanded that it be rectified.

    “We were shocked and bewildered by this latest figure from the NCDC which said 10 new cases were confirmed when we know it was only two.

    “Our records have shown that when results from the center returned, we had a total of 76 cases made up of 45 discharged persons, 26 in isolation and five dead, so we didn’t know where NCDC got the additional eight.

    “We approached the center which could not give a convincing explanation, and so we demanded for a written apology which they promised to send as well as withdraw the media publicity that we had 10 new cases,” the commissioner said.

    He said the state government had recently procured all the necessary tools and equipment to set up a COVID – 19 sample testing centre and was waiting for facility visit by officials of the NCDC so that the centre can take off.

    “This will save us from unnecessary delays, the risks of traveling to Sokoto daily as well as provide such services to our neighbouring states that require such services,” Kanoma said.

  • FG identifies reasons for high death rate in Kano, Zamfara, others

    FG identifies reasons for high death rate in Kano, Zamfara, others

    The Federal Government is worried that there might have been a rise in the number of deaths not associated with coronavirus (COVID-19) since the outbreak of the disease in the country.

    Many of the deaths, it said, could be attributable to the phobia some Nigerians have developed for hospitals where they are supposed to receive qualitative care for fear that they might be diagnosed with COVID-19.

    It is also believed that many health workers are now reluctant to attend to patients for fear that they might have contracted the virus.

    The Minister of Health, Dr. Osagie Ehanire, who made this known during the daily briefing of the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19 in Abuja yesterday, said antenatal, immunization, out-patient visits and skilled birth attendants have all dropped by more than half.

    He said: “There has been some reduction in routine health cases because of fear of COVID-19.

    “As a result of that, we do worry that some deaths may have occurred not directly in connection with the coronavirus.

    “If a person couldn’t go to get help in a hospital because of the fear of coronavirus or doctors refusing to attend to such persons.

    “Latest statistics from the National Health Management Information System (NHMIS) indicates that out-patient visits dropped from 4 million to about 2 million; antenatal visits from 1.3 million to 655,000; skilled birth attendance from 158,374 to less than 99,000, while immunization services dropped to about half.

    “All these have as yet undetermined consequences which the easing of the lockdown should hopefully address.

    “However, the downside of easing the restrictions needs to be balanced of with a collective determination by all of us, not only to comply with protective and prophylactic advisories, but to encourage relatives, friends, neighbours and customers to do same.

    “The use of facial covers like masks in places where social distancing may be difficult or impractical should be supported and emphasised through donation of masks to the population as an act of goodwill.

    “Face masks should become commonplace and I look forward to all cooks and food vendors, for example, wearing masks or risk losing customers.”

    Concerning the cases of unexplained deaths in Kano and other states, the minister said: “Pathologists from eight states have been invited for training.

    “There are reported cases of deaths in Kano and Zamfara states, as these are the ones that have been mentioned openly.

    “The situation in Kano has largely stabilised, thanks to the good relationship between the visiting federal task force team and the Kano State Task Force on COVID-19, one manifestation of this being the high number of new cases recorded daily from the fact that all labs in Kano are now functioning and clearing the sample backlog, with over 350 tests done daily.

    “The state government has been doing well in opening up more treatment and isolation centres.

    “A strategy document of National Primary Healthcare Development Agency is being developed and repurposed for application to Kano, but also to similar high density, high burden metropoles like Lagos to respond more specifically to the challenges of COVID-19 tracing, tracking, testing, isolation and treatment in congested communities. If implemented, it could go a long way in addressing many challenges looming before us.

    “A Federal Ministry of Health team has been assembled to proceed to Sokoto and Bornu on fact finding and support missions to engage with state authorities and determine material and technical needs.

    “Part of the mission in Kano is to assist state pathologists and scientists to unravel the mysteries around unexplained deaths in some states. The tools for forensic investigation have been jointly developed for a uniform approach and balanced results.”

    Ehanire explained that the ministry has been able to persuade the controversial index case in Benue State, Mrs. Susan Idoko-Okpe, to allow a test sample to be taken to the laboratory for testing.

  • [BREAKING] COVID-19: Zamfara emir dies in isolation centre

    [BREAKING] COVID-19: Zamfara emir dies in isolation centre

    The Emir of Kaura-Namoda in Zamfara State, Alhaji Mohammed Ahmad Asha is dead.

    Asha reportedly died in the early hours of Sunday.

    He was said to have died of suspected coronavirus-related complications.

    The Emir, according to the Publicity Secretary for the Control and Prevention of COVID-19 in the state, Alhaji Mustafa Jafaru Kaura, had been in isolation at the Yariman Bakura Specialist Hospital, Gusau three days ago.

    Mustafa stressed that his blood sample had been sent to Abuja for the COVID-19 test, explaining, however, that “the result is still being awaited”.

    He said the remains of the late Emir were still in the hospital waiting for burial by officials of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control.

    Aged 71, the late Emir was appointed in 2004 by the first civilian Governor of the state, Alhaji Sani Yariman Bakura.

    Until his appointment, he was an accountant, Auditor, and Director of Finance at Kaura Namoda, Gusau, Bukkuyum local government councils respectively, and a Village head of Nasarawar Mai-layi in the year 1975.

    He became senior District Head (Chief) of Kaura Namoda in the year 2000, a position he held until his appointment as the second Emir of Kaura Namoda.

  • Police rescue district head, 13 others kidnapped in Zamfara

    Police rescue district head, 13 others kidnapped in Zamfara

    The police in Zamfara State have rescued the district head of Wuya, Alhaji Umar Usman, and 13 others kidnapped on March 21.

    Unknown gunmen stormed Wuya and Yartasha Wuya villages in Anka Local Government Area (LGA) and whisked away the victims.

    They were rescued at the early hours of Tuesday by a joint team comprising the police, repentant bandits, community leaders and government officials.

    According to reports, the command recorded this feat few days after arresting suspected kidnappers who killed a man and abducted his two wives.

    According to the spokesman for the command Mohammed Shehu, the rescue of the victims was made possible as a result of the peace and reconciliation initiative introduced by Police Commissioner Usman Nagogo.

    Shehu said the victims were handed over to Zamfara State Governor Dr. Mohammed Matawalle by the police chief who assured that more victims will soon be freed.

    In his remarks, the governor lauded the timely rescue, assuring that his administration would continue to sustain ongoing peace process in the state.

    He warned YANSAKAI to desist from extrajudicial killing of Fulanis or face the wrath of the law, just as he vowed to take decisive action against unrepentant bandits who have refused to embrace the peace pact.

  • Bandits kill seven in fresh attacks on Zamfara community

    Bandits kill seven in fresh attacks on Zamfara community

    Zamfara Commissioner for Security and Home Affairs, Abubakar Dauran on Thursday, confirmed the killing of seven persons by bandits at Malele village, Mutunji District of Dansadau emirate in Maru Local Government Area of the state.

    Dauran told reporters in Gusau that the incident occurred on Tuesday at Malele village.

    The commissioner said: “The Emir of Dansadau, Hussaini Umar had informed me on Tuesday that Malele village attack by the bandits left seven persons dead.

    “We had earlier received reports by locals that they noticed the incursion into the state by suspected armed bandits who we believe are those running away from the neighbouring states of Kebbi, Kaduna and Niger after been pursued by the security from those states.

    “We are, however, lucky that after the attack on the Malele community, the bandits had disagreements between them and they killed each other, but we have no information of an attack on any other community around Dansadau.”

    However, Mahammadu Malele, an eye witness told reporters that the bandits had on the day of the attack, blocked the Gusau-Dansadau road, close to Malele village where they killed three persons including a 15-year-old girl, before they entered Malele.

    He said the bandits also wreaked havoc at Babban Kwari; a neighbouring village where they killed scores and burnt their houses and properties.

    He said that 16 bodies of 14 males and 2 females were recovered after the attacks.