The Nation Newspaper

Category: Northern Report

  • We are facing persecution, depopulation by armed bandits – Minority Christian groups

    We are facing persecution, depopulation by armed bandits – Minority Christian groups

    A group of Churches of minority ethnic nationalities in North Central Nigeria have alleged that they are facing persecution and depopulation by armed bandits.

    The churches are Universal Reformed Christian Church (NKST), Church of Christ in Nations (COCIN), Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA) and Christian Association of Nigeria Youth Wing (YOWICAN), Tafawa Balewa (Bauchi), Kaduna and Plateau States.

    “We are disturbed by the continuous killing, destruction of farmland and forceful occupation of our ancestral land in our states.

    “We have realised that bullets, machetes, swords don’t recognise denominational boundaries. Catholic, COCIN, ECWA, Anglican, NKST are not immune from the attacks by the jihadists. It is on this premise that we have come to speak out. Because what we are experiencing is not just insecurity.”

    The groups pointed out that contrary to the narrative that what has been happening in our communities is a case of two people fighting (farmers and herdsmen)…; we believe that they are coordinated and religiously motivated attacks against us the indigenous Christian Communities to forcefully take over our ancestral land and further impoverish the people.

    “These are a part of a broader scheme targeted at depopulating, subjugating, disenfranchising, impoverishing and silencing our people.

    “We have carefully observed the coordinated and systematic way and manner the attacks are carried out on our communities. This points to us that these attacks are religiously motivated. If not so, why the chants of ‘Allahu Akbar’ during such attacks? We also view it as persecution, because the targeted communities are mostly Christian communities (with women and children being most vulnerable).

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    “We are convinced that the word that aptly describes the reality on ground is persecution. This persecution has manifested in acts of violence such as killings, kidnap for ransom, robbery, rape, abduction, forceful conversion of Christian minors etc.”

    “The destruction of homes, farmlands, and other sources of livelihood has deprived our people of the sources of survival. Displacement of our people from their ancestral lands through forceful takeover and occupation of their lands.”

    They also alleged systemic marginalisation through the denial of opportunities within the public/civil service. Deliberate refusal to implement an already gazetted chiefdom (e.g Zaar Chiefdom) in Bauchi State is a case in point; imposition of a Muslim traditional leader on a predominantly Christian community etc.

    They therefore demanded the immediate return (and NOT just resettlement) of our people who have been displaced from their ancestral lands (homes). We demand that state governments in all affected states issue certificates of occupancy to all displaced persons over their ancestral lands to recognise their genuine titles.

    “We demand that the right of farmers to cultivate their farmlands without harassment from cattle rearers be recognised by law and protected; speedy trials for indigenous Christian youths in detention by security forces. We call on the government at all levels to always ensure the equal distribution of the commonwealth of the people irrespective of religious inclinations.”

  • Ododo to appointees: return to LGAs for grassroots engagement

    Ododo to appointees: return to LGAs for grassroots engagement

    Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Ododo, has directed all commissioners and the highest-ranking political appointees in each local government Area as well as all appointed government officials under his administration to immediately return to their respective LGAs to carry out official duties and lead grassroots mobilisation in the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise.

    The directive, which takes effect from Monday, September 1, 2025, was issued via a circular from the office of the Secretary to the Government of Kogi State, Mrs. Folashade  Ayoade

    According to the circular, all the appointees of government are to participate in the exercise under the coordination of the highest ranking appointee from each local government.

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    All appointees are expected to coordinate registration mobilisation efforts at the ward level and submit a comprehensive report at the end of the mobilisation period, detailing the number of new voters registered in their respective wards and local government councils.

    The Governor emphasised that the era of governance being conducted solely from the state capital must give way to direct engagement with the people at the grassroots.

    He noted that government officials must remain accessible and responsive to the needs of their communities.

    The directive also stipulates that any appointee who wishes to leave their LGA during this period must obtain prior written approval from the Secretary to the State Government, or face disciplinary action.

    The directive was contained  in a statement  made available to newsmen on Saturday by the Kogi State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Femi Fanwo.

    The commissioner reaffirmed Governor  Ododo’s administration’s commitment to deepening grassroots governance and ensuring massive voter participation in the electoral process.

  • Police foil assassination plot in Niger

    Police foil assassination plot in Niger

    An alleged plot to kill a man in Beji, Bosso Local Government Area of Niger State, has been uncovered by the police, following the arrest of two suspects who confessed they were hired to carry out the assassination.

    The suspects, 40-year-old Muhammad Mohammed and 35-year-old Mohammed Usman, both of Beji community in Bosso local government area of Niger State were intercepted at about 12:45 a.m. on August 23, 2025, by a police patrol team working with local vigilantes at the Beji railway crossing.

    A search on them led to the recovery of a locally made pistol, a live cartridge, and the sum of N13,000.

    During interrogation, the men admitted they were contracted by one Dogo, also of Beji, to assassinate a man who had married his former wife revealing that Dogo promised to pay them N100,000 for the operation.

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    According to the suspects, the N13,000 found on them was part of a transport fee given in advance by Dogo as they claimed they were on their way to collect the full balance before carrying out the task when they were apprehended.

    Police immediately took them into custody at Maikunkele Division and later transferred them to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for discreet investigation and prosecution.

    The Niger State Police Public Relations Officer, Abiodun Wasiu, who confirmed the incident said that security operatives have intensified efforts to arrest Dogo, who is said to be on the run.

    In another development, the command said its operatives arrested nine suspected thugs with dangerous weapons in Minna.

    According to the News Agency of Nigeria NAN, PPRO Abiodun said their arrest is in continuation of the fight against thuggery and other vices in the state.

    The spokesperson added that based on credible information, on Aug. 26, between the hours of 2 am and 5am, the command’s Anti-thuggery Squad stormed the areas of Soje A, Soje B and Kpakungu.

    “During the sting operation, nine suspects were arrested and found with two suspected stolen solar batteries, five knives, cutlasses, and a digger.

    “They have been detained and being investigated by State Criminal Investigation Department of the command,” he said

  • 900 mothers to benefit from health initiative in Niger

    900 mothers to benefit from health initiative in Niger

    At least 900 mothers across Niger State are set to benefit from this year’s ‘Support a Mother’ health initiative organised by the Zainab Mohammed Bima Initiative (ZMBI).

    The founder, Hajiya Zainab Mohammed Bima, disclosed at the flag-off ceremony in Minna that the programme will cover mothers in Zones A, B, and C of the state, adding that the project, which distributes maternal kits and provides support, is designed to promote dignity and ease the burden of women during childbirth.

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    According to her, the initiative complements the efforts of Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago and the First Lady, Hajiya Fatima Umaru Bago, in improving the welfare of women and families.

    She commended partners and volunteers for their contributions and urged more stakeholders to support the initiative, stressing that investing in mothers translates to healthier families and stronger communities.

    Some of the beneficiaries applauded her support saying that it will go a long way in easing their challenges especially in the face of economic hardship.

  • NUJ FCT condemns alleged harassment of NTA journalist by NRC MD, demands public apology

    NUJ FCT condemns alleged harassment of NTA journalist by NRC MD, demands public apology

    The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Council has strongly condemned the alleged harassment and intimidation of Comrade Ladi Bala, former President of the Nigerian Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) and Transport Reporter with the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), by the Managing Director of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), Mr. Kayode Opeifa.

    According to a statement signed by the Council’s Secretary, Comrade Jide Oyekunle, the incident occurred on August 27, 2025, while Bala was on assignment covering the aftermath of a train derailment along the Abuja-Kaduna rail line.

    The NUJ said the NRC boss disrupted Bala’s live reporting, hurling derogatory remarks at her, including “you are stupid, your management is stupid, foolish woman,” and other demeaning language.

    He allegedly ordered security operatives to bundle her out of the scene and threatened to report her to security agencies, the Presidency, and NTA management with the intention of getting her dismissed.

    Other journalists present at the scene confirmed that Opeifa verbally assaulted Bala, questioning her appearance, professionalism, and right to cover the incident.

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    “When NUJ officials contacted the Managing Director, he claimed he was acting on security grounds but went further to threaten that Comrade Bala would never again be allowed to cover NRC events,” Oyekunle said.

    The NUJ FCT Council described the conduct as a flagrant violation of the journalist’s fundamental rights and an affront to press freedom as guaranteed under Sections 22 and 39 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

    “This behaviour is not only dehumanising but also undermines democracy and the rule of law. It represents growing hostility against the media in Nigeria and the increasing intolerance of some public officials to accountability and scrutiny,” the Council stated.

    The union expressed solidarity with Bala, insisting it has zero tolerance for the harassment and intimidation of journalists, especially women in the profession.

    “The NUJ demands an immediate and unreserved public apology from Mr. Kayode Opeifa and calls on the Nigerian Railway Corporation to take decisive steps to prevent a recurrence. We also urge relevant authorities to support a safe and respectful working environment for media practitioners,” the statement added.

  • Experts validate social protection draft bill for Adamawa

    Experts validate social protection draft bill for Adamawa

    Experts across various sectors are reviewing and validating a draft bill aimed at establishing a law to guarantee social protection for the people of Adamawa State.

    The proposed Adamawa State Social Protection Bill seeks to provide sustainable interventions for the poor and other vulnerable groups, empowering them to live more secure and dignified lives.

    Technocrats in the state civil service, lawmakers, representatives of NGOs, civil society organisations, faith-based groups, and members of vulnerable communities converged for a week-long workshop to scrutinise and refine the bill. 

    By Thursday, the fourth day of deliberations, participants agreed the draft was ready for presentation before the Adamawa State House of Assembly for possible passage and executive assent.

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    The bill, developed under the Supporting Sustainable Social Protection, Participation and Economic Resilience in Northeast Nigeria (SEPIN SUSI) project, is being implemented by the German Development Cooperation Agency (GIZ) with funding from the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and the European Union, which also convened the validation workshop.

    Highlighting the importance of the legislation, GIZ Just Transition and Inclusion Cluster Coordinator, Duke Benjamin, said the bill was designed with a clear understanding of the urgent need to transform lives across the state.

    The Adamawa Social Protection Bill, like similar frameworks worldwide, aims to reduce poverty and vulnerability, protect households from shocks that could plunge them into destitution, and promote equity and inclusive growth by addressing long-standing social and economic inequalities.

  • Insecurity: Acting governor seek military’s assistance, meets Chief of Defence Staff

    Insecurity: Acting governor seek military’s assistance, meets Chief of Defence Staff

    Katsina State Acting Governor, Malam Faruk Lawal Jobe, yesterday in Abuja called for stronger military support to step up ongoing  security operations and curtail banditry attacks in the state.

    Jobe who made the appeal during a side meeting with the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, at the International Organization for Migration (IOM) function, said the call is an urgent one for enhanced collaboration between security agencies and the Katsina State Government

    He further noted that banditry attacks has escalated and threatened the peace and safety of rural communities in katsina

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    He said ‘’the situation requires a more coordinated response and stronger synergy between state authorities and the military high command’’

    “Many rural dwellers have suffered displacement, loss of livelihoods, and disruptions to farming activities due to the menace of banditry, ensuring their safety is not just about restoring peace, but also about reviving the socio-economic fabric of the state’’

    The Acting Governor also assured that his administration is determined to work tirelessly with all security stakeholders until the crisis is brought under control.

    He said “Our people deserve to live in safety and dignity. We will continue to work hand in hand with the Armed Forces and other security agencies until this menace is defeated,”

    In response, General Musa assured the Acting Governor of the Nigerian Armed Forces’ total commitment to the fight against banditry. He emphasized that restoring security in Katsina and across the country remains a shared priority, one that the military is fully invested in achieving.

  • Katsina revokes licenses of private, community schools

    Katsina revokes licenses of private, community schools

    • Govt orders fresh registration across 34 local govt areas

    Katsina state government has revoked  all school licenses, directing private and community schools to reapply under revised fees and conditions.

    The Katsina State Government has revoked the operational licences of both private and community schools across the 34 local government areas of the state.

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    In a statement by the Public Relations Officer of the state Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, Sani Danjuma Suleiman, the government ordered fresh applications for all the affected schools.

    The government also reviewed the license application, registration, annual renewal and school upgrade fees, but warned that the revised fees should not lead to increment in school fees of the affected schools without the ministry’s approval.

    It, however, noted that the affected schools are expected to resume normal operations while the process of registration and renewal of the school licenses is ongoing.

  • Govt launches training for Katsina teacher, distributes 20,000 tablets

    Govt launches training for Katsina teacher, distributes 20,000 tablets

    Katsina State Government has launched an ambitious training programme for 18,000 teachers and began distributing 20,000 tablets to boost teaching quality across the state.

    Acting Governor Malam Faruq Lawal Jobe, who flagged off the initiative at the Local Government Service Commission Conference Hall, Kaita Road, described it as a strategic investment in children’s future.

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    “These are not just statistics but a strategic investment in the future of our children. By equipping teachers with modern tools and necessary training, we are aligning our educational system with global standards to prepare our students for 21st-century competitiveness,” Jobe declared.

    The programme forms part of the state’s comprehensive education reform, which includes distributing 30,000 uniforms to underprivileged children and installing CCTV cameras in 130 schools for enhanced security.

    Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Hajiya Zainab Musa Musawa, hailed the initiative as “a significant milestone” in restoring educational excellence in the state.

  • Acting Governor Jobe condoles Kogi Governor Ododo on father’s passing

    Acting Governor Jobe condoles Kogi Governor Ododo on father’s passing

    The Acting Governor of Katsina State, Malam Faruk Lawal Jobe, today paid a condolence visit to the Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Usman Ahmed Ododo, following the passing of his beloved father.

    Leading the delegation on behalf of the government and people of Katsina State, the Acting Governor described the loss as deeply painful not only to the Ododo family but also to the people of Kogi State, who had long benefitted from the late patriarch’s guidance, wisdom, and life of service to the community.

    In his message, Malam Faruk Jobe prayed to Almighty Allah to forgive the shortcomings of the deceased, grant him Jannatul Firdaus, and comfort the family with patience and strength. He reminded the Governor and his family that losing a father is never easy, but his legacy of discipline, faith, and service to humanity will continue to live on through the lives he touched.

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    “We pray that Allah (SWT) grants the late Alhaji eternal rest, forgives his sins, and rewards his good deeds. May He grant you, Governor Ododo, and your entire family the fortitude to bear this great loss. Surely, to Allah we belong and to Him we shall return,” the Acting Governor prayed.

    Responding, Governor Usman Ododo expressed gratitude to the Acting Governor and his delegation for their solidarity and compassion during this period of grief. He prayed for Allah’s blessings upon Governor Radda, the Acting Governor, and the people of Katsina State.