The Nation Newspaper

Category: Grassroots

  • Kaduna communities laud troops’ onslaught on bandits

    Kaduna communities laud troops’ onslaught on bandits

    Residents of Kauru Local Government Area of Kaduna State have commended the military and the state government following a sustained security offensive that reportedly led to the killing of over 70 bandits and destruction of several criminal hideouts in the area.

    Community leaders said the operation, carried out in recent days, targeted long-established bandit enclaves hidden within forested areas of Kauru, which had served as launch pads for attacks, kidnappings and killings across the local government.

    Among the notorious camps dislodged were Rafin Gora Camp, Agwala Camp, Ruwan Sanyi and Randa, which residents described as major strongholds used by armed groups to terrorise surrounding communities for years.

    The operation was led by the Commandant of the 2 National Mission Force Brigade, Samaru Kataf, Navy Captain I.T. Akaazua.

    During the offensive, several abducted victims were rescued alive. Those freed were identified as Barnabas Zakaria and Hosea Barnabas, both from Doka in Kajuru Local Government Area, as well as Haruna Ummar, Timothy Musa, Hasat Ummar and Balkisu Ummar, all from Kauru Local Government Area.

    READ ALSO; Arewa, this has to stop

    Community leaders, including Alhaji Tukur Kadage, Chairman of the Joint Security Committee of Dokan Karji and Kwassam communities; Mr Barnabas Musa of Chawai Chiefdom; and Aminu Khalid, Youth Leader of Dokan Karji community, praised the military for what they described as a decisive intervention that has significantly weakened bandit networks in the area.

    Musa commended the ongoing military onslaught in Kauru and Kumana Chiefdoms, appealing for the operation to be sustained and extended to parts of Chawai Chiefdom, particularly the Rahman Chawai and Badurum axis, where communities, he said, continue to face serious security threats.

    The leaders recalled that Kauru Local Government Area, in Southern Kaduna, has endured persistent insecurity since 2010, beginning with an attack on Kizachi community in Chawai Chiefdom in which eight persons were killed.

    They said the violence initially remained limited to Chawai Chiefdom but later spread to Kumana Chiefdom and parts of the Kauru Emirate by 2015, resulting in killings, kidnappings and displacement.

    According to them, armed groups over the years established camps within dense forests surrounding Kauru, using the difficult terrain to launch repeated raids, abduct residents for ransom and rustle livestock, forcing many families to abandon their homes and farmlands.

    They added that the prolonged violence left thousands displaced and in urgent need of humanitarian assistance, including food, shelter and medical care.

    The community leaders linked the recent security gains to the peace and security strategy of Governor Uba Sani, which they said combines sustained military operations with intelligence-driven policing, community engagement and reconciliation.

    According to them, the governor’s approach, which promotes collaboration among security agencies, traditional institutions and local communities, has improved intelligence gathering and reduced the operating space of criminals across the state.

    They noted that residents have begun to feel the positive impact of the permanent military barracks established in the area by a former Chief of Defence Staff, saying the presence of the brigade has enhanced rapid response and sustained pressure on bandit groups.

    “The coordination we are seeing is encouraging.The government’s approach has made communities more willing to share intelligence with security agencies,” one of the leaders said.

    The communities appealed to the Federal and Kaduna state governments to sustain the military pressure while scaling up humanitarian support to enable displaced residents to return home and resume farming and other economic activities.

    “We have pledged, as communities, to continue cooperating with security agencies by exposing criminal hideouts and providing timely intelligence to ensure lasting peace and stability in the area,” the leaders said.

  • Langtang North APC youths adopt Mutfwang, Bali for election

    Langtang North APC youths adopt Mutfwang, Bali for election

    Youths of All Progressive Congress (APC) in Langtang North Local Government of Plateau State have adopted Governor Caleb Mutfwang and Senator Napoleon Bali as their candidates for the 2027 general elections.

    The youths said they campaign for the election of both candidates.

     The endorsement was made during the stakeholders’ meeting on Sunday in Langtang North Local Government Area of Plateau State, which brought together party mobilisers, youth leaders, from across the local government.

    In a statement, the youths, which under the umbrella of the Langtang North APC Door-to-Door Mobilisation Group, said: “We have endorsed the Governor of Plateau State, Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, for the governorship race, as well as Distinguished Senator AVM Napoleon Binkap Bali (rtd), for Plateau South Senatorial seat.”

    Leaders of the group expressed confidence in Mutfwang’s leadership, describing it as people-oriented, inclusive, and development-driven.

    READ ALSO; Arewa, this has to stop

    According to the group, the governor has demonstrated commitment to good governance through policies and interventions aimed at improving the welfare of the citizens.

    They noted that his administration has recorded visible progress in infrastructure renewal, community engagement, conflict management, and administrative reforms, despite prevailing economic and political challenges.

    Members also said Mutfwang’s acceptability across party lines had positioned him as a unifying figure in Plateau politics and added that his anticipated defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the APC would represent the path to electoral victory for the ruling party at both the nation and state, strengthening party cohesion and broadening its support base ahead of the next general elections.

    The group also passed a vote of confidence on Bali, endorsing him as their preferred candidate for the Plateau South Senatorial District.

    The group recalled Bali’s brief but impactful tenure in the National Assembly, which they described as marked by accessibility, humility, and strong advocacy for the interests of Plateau South. According to the forum, his representation reflected genuine concern for grassroots development and inclusive governance.

    They lamented that his tenure was cut short by judicial intervention, a situation they said left a vacuum in the district. The group maintained that the people of Plateau South had continued to miss his quality representation and effective leadership.

    Consequently, they called for political support across communities to ensure his return to the Senate in 2027, describing his reinstatement as a moral obligation and a democratic necessity.

    The motion for the endorsement was moved by Mr Rimbam Venkur of Keller Ward and seconded by Mrs. Maryamu Pangtim of Pajat Ward, after which the decision was subjected to a voice vote. The resolution was adopted, with members affirming their support through a collective voice response.

    The forum emphasised that the endorsement was based on performance, credibility, leadership capacity, and public acceptance, rather than personal interests or political sentiment.

    The group reaffirmed its commitment to intensive grassroots engagement ahead of the 2027 elections. According to the leadership, door-to-door mobilisation remains one of the most effective tools for voter sensitisation, party consolidation, and election victory.

    The group stressed that early political alignment would help eliminate internal divisions and provide a clear sense of direction for party members as the electoral season approaches.

    They expressed optimism that the combined leadership qualities of Mutfwang and Bali present a balanced political formula capable of delivering stability, development, and responsive governance to the people of Plateau State.

    The group called on APC stakeholders at all levels to embrace unity, internal democracy, and collective responsibility. They urged party members to place the interest of Plateau above personal ambition and to avoid politics of division. They further appealed to traditional leaders, women groups, and community-based organisations to support credible leadership that prioritises development, peace, and accountability.

  • Radda begins distribution of 1,100 motorcycles, drilling machines

    Radda begins distribution of 1,100 motorcycles, drilling machines

    Katsina State Governor, Dikko Umaru Radda, yesterday in Katsina, kicked off the distribution of 1,100 motorcycles to Community Development Officers (CDOs), Community Support Officers (CSOs),and Community Learning Officers (CLOs), and inaugurated six tube-well drilling machines and three wheel air compressors to strengthen grassroots service delivery and irrigation farming across the state.

    The governor said the intervention reflects his administration’s strategy of strengthening ward-level institutions, investing in productive infrastructure and placing communities at the centre of planning and development.

    He  further said the Community Development Programme (CDP) was established to deepen government presence at the grassroots, with CDOs, CSOs and CLOs mobilising communities, supervising projects, ensuring accountability and serving as the vital link between the government and people.

    Radda also stated that the motorcycles would enhance mobility, monitoring and access to rural and hard-to-reach areas. He said the motorcycles were being provided under a hire-purchase scheme, with the government paying 50 per cent of the cost while beneficiaries would repay the balance over five years, to promote ownership, responsibility and sustainability.

    READ ALSO; Arewa, this has to stop

    He said: ‘’These motorcycles are tools for service, not gifts. Any sale or misuse will attract sanctions in line with the Civil Service Rules.”

    On agriculture, he recalled the earlier distribution of 4,000 solar irrigation pumps and 100 bags of fertiliser per ward, which boosted dry-season farming. He added that this year, irrigation wards also received gasoline pumps, knapsack sprayers, as well as free fertilisers, herbicides and pesticides.

    The governor said the new drilling machines and air compressors would expand access to groundwater, support dry-season irrigation, reduce dependence on rainfall and strengthen climate-resilient agriculture.

    He described the combined provision of irrigation equipment, farm input, drilling capacity and improved mobility for frontline officers as an integrated approach to community empowerment and results-driven governance.

    The governor commended the Ministry of Agriculture, the programme, the Katsina State Irrigation Development Authority and development partners, and urged beneficiaries to use the equipment responsibly and in strict accordance with CDP guidelines.

    Earlier, the Coordinator of the CDP, Dr. Kamaladdeen, thanked Radda for his support, describing the day as historic for the CDP and the 361 wards of the state.

    He said the distribution of the motorcycles would improve mobility, supervision and monitoring of projects, and strengthen service delivery at the grassroots.

    He stressed that the motorcycles are for official use only and must not be sold, warning that any misuse would attract sanctions under the Civil Service Rule

    The coordinator assured of their continued commitment to accountability, effective project delivery and strong partnership with MDAs, while appreciating the Governor for prioritising community-driven development and rural empowerment.

    Also, the Commissioner for Agriculture, Aliyu Lawal Zakari Sahrgalle, said the event marked another milestone in strengthening agriculture, rural development and grassroots service delivery.

    He noted that with the challenges of climate change and irregular rainfall, the new irrigation equipment would support year-round farming, increase yields, raise farmers’ income, create jobs and improve food security.

  • Jos North Council shuts private school over safety concerns, poor infrastructure

    Jos North Council shuts private school over safety concerns, poor infrastructure

    Jos North Local Government Chairman, John Christopher, has shut a private school, Abu Sinan High School, in Sabon Layi community

    The order was issued during an inspection led by council’s Vice Chairman, Sani Muhammad Garkuwa, who noted that the school’s structure did not meet approved building plan standards.

    In a statement, the Chief Press Secretary to the chairman of Jos council, Mercy Kachollom Chuwang, said  cracks were observed in the beams and walls, posing a serious risk to pupils.

    He added that some of the structures in the school indicate compromised structural integrity that could trigger a sudden collapse, especially under the weight of use and during examinations.

    The statement added that it appeared that some substandard materials were used in construction of the school.

    “We are directing the school authorities to cease operations and send the students home.

    READ ALSO; Arewa, this has to stop

    “This action is to ensure that schools remain safe and conducive for learning and to prevent any building collapse that could lead to loss of lives..

    “A  glaring name discrepancy also raised credibility concerns: the signboard reads ‘Victory High Science School’,” while the pupils’ uniforms bear the name “Abu Sinan High School.”

    In addition, the premises lack proper cross‑ventilation, adequate doors and windows, and toilet facilities, rendering the environment substandard.

    He further admonished school owners in Jos North to adhere strictly to building specifications, warning that more inspections would be carried out and any substandard school closed to safeguard pupils’ lives.

  • Bwari community decries lack of potable drinking water

    Bwari community decries lack of potable drinking water

    Residents of Dokuma community in Kawu Ward in Bwari Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have decried lack of potable drinking water in the community.

     Some of the villagers, who spoke when our correspondent visited the community last weekend, said pipe-borne water supply had been their major challenge over the years.

     They said they depend on stream water, which they said comes from under the rock, adding that cows sometimes come around to drink from it.

     Mrs Abigail Markus, a housewife, said she wakes up around 4:am to fetch water from the stream, saying residents queue up to fetch the water.

     “Because the water is coming out gradually under the rock, which women have to queue up and wait for some times when the water has gathered, they now use calabash to fetch one after the other, “ he said.

     Another resident of the community, David Ayuba, said the community has written severally to the authorities of the council on the need to provide a borehole, which he said has not yielded any positive result.

    READ ALSO; Arewa, this has to stop

     He said the community has no functional hand pump or overhead tank borehole, saying the only source of water in the community is only the stream.

     “In fact, one can’t count the number of times we have written to the authorities of Bwari Area Council to provide a borehole for this community but up till today, nothing has been done, “he said.

     He said the community usually has a sigh of relief during the rainy season, saying the residents face water problems whenever dry sets in.

     “It is during the rainy season our people always have a sigh of relief and the moment the dry season sets in, our people have to go far to the stream to fetch water, “he said.

     Ayuba, therefore, appealed to the authorities of the council to come to the aid of people of the community to provide a borehole in order to ameliorate the suffering of residents over water problems in the community.

     An official in the Works Department of Bwari Area Council who preferred anonymity told our correspondent that a council had captured in its budget to sink boreholes in some communities of the councilM including Dokuma.

     “Actually, Dokuma community is among the villages that were captured to be provided with boreholes in this year’s budget, God willing, “ he said.

  • Bayelsa residents protest alleged government demolition plan

    Bayelsa residents protest alleged government demolition plan

    Residents of Biogbolo community in Yenagoa Local Government Area of Bayelsa State have protested state government’s plan to demolish their houses or risk being fenced inside plots of land belonging to the government.

    No fewer than 111 homes were served notice of eviction, an order ignored by those affected, The Nation has learnt.

    Under the aegis of a group, Concerned Landlords, including an octogenarian, the protesters recently took to the streets in Yenagoa.

    They carried placards with inscriptions such as: ”Governor, your commissioner has misinformed you, sack him”, “Governor you are a sincere father, we need your help now”, “We are in pains and agony, come , come, come, before we are rendered homeless by the commissioner for agriculture”.

    Their spokesman, Dimepre Torukeregha, narrating their ordeal to The Nation, said residents at Tenacious Road, behind the School-to-Land, bought land from Biogbolo community and have lived there for over 20 years and were surprised to see the Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources, Prof. Beke Sese, who sent government officials to start fencing their land.

    He said: ‘’When we approached them, they said their exercise would encroach on our land too and we told them that we bought the plots of land from Biogbolo community 20 years ago and had developed them to our taste and the matter was addressed politically, after it was taken to court initially.’’

    Torukeregha said earlier in the new year, the state government began fencing of its land.

    He added: “Early this month, government officials started fencing its land and we learned they equally wanted to fence 111 buildings belonging to us. We are a community here and will not take it.”

    Another protester, Saint Ikpokpo, said they purchased the land from Biogbolo community and developed them with relevant documents from government agencies, adding that they were shocked to see government officials sent by the Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources with the intention of demolition.

    He appealed to Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri, whom he claimed they voted for in the last election, saying: “Diri should not allow us to be fenced inside like prisoners. He should intervene for us to have peace.”

    An Octogenarian, Madam Rose Gbekebor, who hails from Torugbene in Ekeremor Local Government, appealed to Governor Diri to temper justice with mercy.

    Reacting, Prof Sese warned against attacking government officials or interfering with the ongoing fencing of the school-to-land premises.

    He said the piece of land measuring 16.19 hectare was acquired by the government upon the creation of the state to replicate the hitherto school-to-land premises created by the former administrator of old Rivers State, Mr Fidelis Oyakhilome, to train manpower for agricultural purposes in the state.

    Sese said the state invested in the land by building structures such as feed mill, plantain and banana multiplication plants, two block of classrooms, two warehouses, a broiler housing 500,000 capacity, ‘’but unfortunately, there hasn’t been proper fencing and all these facilities, including the 350KVA generator, were vandalised and for government to avoid further vandalism and theft, the premises have to be fenced and approval was given by the state government and work was resumed.’’

    He said the centre was established for research and to train agriculture workers, Agricultural Development Programme (ADP) extension workers and operational and practical workers.

    Read Also: Nigeria’s crude production peaked at 554.4mb in 2025, says NUPRC

    He added: “Nobody should obstruct the fencing or attack the workers. We have an extremely benevolent governor and will look into the matter. The land belongs to the government and much has been invested and government does not want further vandalism and theft. All concerned persons are ‘Bayelsans’, they have their rights, but should allow government to continue the fencing without interference. We don’t just compensate, there is rule of law.”

    Last December, thieves attempted to vandalise the rice mill that was donated by the Korean government, as a result of absence of security. The site is vulnerable to vandalism. The 350KVA generator was vandalised.

    Sese said contrary to speculation, the state government had not given any order of demolition, but of eviction, adding that the property being fenced had been earmarked for agricultural purposes.

    He noted: “Government has not given any order for demolition, but notice of eviction. The protesters are blatant liars. My warning to them is that they should not dare government workers or harass staff anytime they go to site. Government will look into the merits of their occupation. The property being fenced is for agriculture purpose, which is meant for common good of all Bayelsans.”

  • Plateau council APC okays Tinubu, Mutfwang for second term

    Plateau council APC okays Tinubu, Mutfwang for second term

    Stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Pankshin Local Government have endorsed President Bola Tinubu and Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang for re-election.

    The endorsement was made at a special stakeholders’ meeting of the party at the Pankshin Youth Centre.

    The motion for the endorsement was moved by the former Speaker, state House of Assembly, Emmanuel Go’ar and seconded by the Chief Medical Director of the state Specialist Hospital, Prof. Christopher Yilgwan, who described the decision as courageous and strategic.

    Prominent stakeholders at the meeting included a member representing Pankshin South at the House of Assembly, Denty Laven, Chief Maichibu Vwarji, Chief Emmanuel Magni, Salome Wanglek, Samuel Go’ar, Audu Kak’mena, Hart Bonkat, former State PDP women leader, Chief Pedro, Pefun, Hin Dan-Philip Hirkop, and Nanle Gujor.

    The stakeholders vowed to mobilise votes forTinubu and Mutfwang.

    READ ALSO; Arewa, this has to stop

    They also endorsed the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda to continue in office.

    Senator Diket Plang expressed delight that the APC had resolved to work together as one family to deliver  Tinubu and Mutfwang for a second term.

    Plang, who is also the leader of the APC in the Central Zone, said the decision to support President and governor’s re-election was rooted in facts, vision, and the tangible benefits already accruing to the state and the local governments from alignment with the centre.

    The Senator commended Mutfwang for his maturity, saying his inclusive leadership style would help the party achieve its objectives.

    Also, the Chairman of Pankshin Local Government, Felix Gonung, described the endorsement as a step in the right direction.

    The chairman urged party members to imbibe the spirit of forgiveness and humility, and to rise above bitterness and divisive tendencies in the interest of peace, development, and progress of the local government and the state.

    Gonung urged party members to participate in the party’s electronic registration to revalidate their membership cards.

     Laven praised the decision of the stakeholders to endorse President and governor Mutfwang for a second term, adding that he would mobilise votes for the party in the next general election.

    The Chairman, APC,  Pankshin Local Government Area, Yakubu Damulak, urged party members to remain united to enable them to canvass votes for the party ahead of the 2027 general elections.

  • Security expert cautions Kogi govt against negotiating with bandits

    Security expert cautions Kogi govt against negotiating with bandits

    A security expert has implored the Kogi State government to reject overtures from bandits seeking peace, describing any negotiation with them  as counterproductive, dangerous, and a threat to long-term security.

    The security expert, who is the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Absolute Security and Advance Protocol Limited, Seyi Babaeko, gave the advice  yesterday in Lokoja in response to reports that bandits operating in and around Kogi were  reaching out to the government  for dialogue amid intensified military operations.

    Babaeko insisted that such moves by bandits signal the effectiveness of ongoing security efforts rather than genuine remorse.

    His words: “Negotiating with bandits, directly or indirectly risks legitimising criminality and sends a wrong signal that violence can be rewarded with dialogue or concession.”

    He argued that history and intelligence show armed groups often exploit peace talks to regroup, rearm, and restrategise, thereby weakening security momentum and endangering lives.

    READ ALSO; Arewa, this has to stop

    “Communities view negotiations without justice as a betrayal. Sustainable peace must be rooted in accountability, not appeasement,” he added.

    The expert praised Governor Ahmed Ododo’s initiatives, including technology deployment, intelligence gathering, vigilante recruitment, and joint military operations.

    He called on the state government to sustain pressure on the bandits to get rid of them in the state.

    He outlined key recommendations such as sustaining and intensifying military and Joint Task Force operations; fast-tracking legislation banning illegal forest habitations, strengthening intelligence-led policing and community surveillance.

    He suggested other options including  transparent prosecution of arrested bandits and collaborators, and rehabilitation of those who have totally been disarmed.

    ”Bandits seeking peace is not a call for negotiation; it is proof that pressure is working.This is the time for consistency, strength, and justice,” Babaeko emphasised.

    He concluded that true peace stems from the rule of law and security dominance, not deceptive deals with criminals.

    The expert urged the state government to take a cue from the Minister for Defence, Gen Christopher Musa (rtd) who has consistently cautioned against negotiating with bandits. A security expert has implored the Kogi State government to reject overtures from bandits seeking peace, describing any negotiation with them  as counterproductive, dangerous, and a threat to long-term security.

    The security expert, who is the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Absolute Security and Advance Protocol Limited, Seyi Babaeko, gave the advice  yesterday in Lokoja in response to reports that bandits operating in and around Kogi were  reaching out to the government  for dialogue amid intensified military operations.

    Babaeko insisted that such moves by bandits signal the effectiveness of ongoing security efforts rather than genuine remorse.

    His words: “Negotiating with bandits, directly or indirectly risks legitimising criminality and sends a wrong signal that violence can be rewarded with dialogue or concession.”

    He argued that history and intelligence show armed groups often exploit peace talks to regroup, rearm, and restrategise, thereby weakening security momentum and endangering lives.

    “Communities view negotiations without justice as a betrayal. Sustainable peace must be rooted in accountability, not appeasement,” he added.

    The expert praised Governor Ahmed Ododo’s initiatives, including technology deployment, intelligence gathering, vigilante recruitment, and joint military operations.

    He called on the state government to sustain pressure on the bandits to get rid of them in the state.

    He outlined key recommendations such as sustaining and intensifying military and Joint Task Force operations; fast-tracking legislation banning illegal forest habitations, strengthening intelligence-led policing and community surveillance.

    He suggested other options including  transparent prosecution of arrested bandits and collaborators, and rehabilitation of those who have totally been disarmed.

    ”Bandits seeking peace is not a call for negotiation; it is proof that pressure is working.This is the time for consistency, strength, and justice,” Babaeko emphasised.

    He concluded that true peace stems from the rule of law and security dominance, not deceptive deals with criminals.

    The expert urged the state government to take a cue from the Minister for Defence, Gen Christopher Musa (rtd) who has consistently cautioned against negotiating with bandits.

  • Plateau gets acting Grand Kadi

    Plateau gets acting Grand Kadi

    Kadi Tijanni J. Zololo has been sworn in as the Acting Grand Kadi of the Sharia Court of Appeal, Jos.

    The ceremony took place at the New Government House, Little Rayfield, Jos.

    Governor Caleb Mutfwang reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to building a robust, independent, and efficient justice system.

    The governor emphasised that justice must remain anchored on truth, describing it as the bedrock of fair adjudication.

    “Justice is always a challenge to dispense, but one guiding principle is to stand on the truth. When truth becomes our cardinal objective, it becomes our guiding compass,” he remarked.

    Highlighting the vital role of the Sharia Court in matters of family life, inheritance, and asset distribution within the Islamic faith, Mutfwang cautioned judicial officers against allowing personal interests to obstruct the course of justice.

    READ ALSO; Arewa, this has to stop

    He reminded the Acting Grand Kadi of the solemnity of his oath of office. “Your oath places on you the responsibility to discharge your duties with honesty and integrity. Every judicial officer who upholds these principles ensures that the court fulfills the mandate for which it was established,” he said.

    Mutfwang also spoke on ongoing reforms in the judiciary, adding that the National Judicial Council had recently recommended six High Court judges for appointment.

    “We look forward to filling existing gaps and reducing the heavy workload on our judges. Our judges are truly overstretched, and we must transition from the longhand writing of judgments to modern, technology-driven processes,” he noted.

    He pledged to collaborate with the Chief Judge and Attorney-General to reposition Plateau’s judiciary for the demands of the 21st century through digital innovation and institutional reforms.

    The governor further noted the progress toward the establishment of the Plateau State Law Reform Commission.

    “Most of our legislation is 40 to 50 years old, and there is an urgent need to review them to align with contemporary realities. By the grace of God, we are committed to achieving this,” he affirmed, while also expressing appreciation to retired judges for their years of dedicated service.

    Zololo expressed profound gratitude to God and to Mutfwang for the confidence reposed in him.

    “Glory be to God who has made this day possible, and I sincerely thank the governor for this honour,” he said. He acknowledged the judiciary for facilitating the process and appreciated the support extended to him following the demise of the previous Acting Grand Kadi.

    The ceremony was attended by the Deputy Governor, Ngo Josephine Piyo, senior government functionaries, members of the judiciary, as well as traditional and religious leaders.

  • FRSC rescues 17 children from suspected traffickers in Abuja

    FRSC rescues 17 children from suspected traffickers in Abuja

    The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has rescued 17 victims from suspected child traffickers in Nyanya, Abuja.

    Spokesperson of the FRSC, Assistant Corps Marshal Olusegun Ogungbemide, in a statement said the traffickers were intercepted with the victims last Saturday by a patrol team from the Nyanya Unit Command, in a white Sharon vehicle with registration number SHD 253 YU.

    He said preliminary investigation showed that the vehicle was travelling from Shendam, Plateau State, to Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State.

    Ogungbemide said the interception followed the alertness and professional judgment of the team, whom he said “observed an unusually high number of passengers, comprising 17 young boys and girls crammed into the vehicle, with two minors concealed in the vehicle’s boot.

    According to him, the situation raised suspicion of possible human trafficking.

    READ ALSO; Arewa, this has to stop

    “Subsequently, the Commissioner of Police, Nasarawa State Command, Shetima Jauro Mohamed, ordered that the rescued young persons be taken into protective custody at the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Lafia.

    “The CP directed a comprehensive investigation to dismantle any network connected to the suspected trafficking attempt,” Ogungbemide said.

    The Corps Marshal of FRSC, Shehu Mohammed, said rescue of the victims clearly demonstrates that the Corps was not only about traffic control, “but about saving lives in every sense of the word, as officers of the Corps are trained to be vigilant, humane, and responsive to suspicious movements on the highways.”