The Nation Newspaper

Category: Northern Report

  • Attack on worshippers: Govt send delegation to condole families

    Attack on worshippers: Govt send delegation to condole families

    Katsina State Governor, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, who is currently on medical leave, immediately consulted with the Acting Governor, Malam Faruk Lawal Jobe, on the urgent need to dispatch a high-powered government delegation to commiserate with the bereaved families and the affected community, in a swift response to the tragic attack on worshippers in Unguwar Mantau, Malumfashi Local Government Area.

    The delegation, led by the Secretary to the Government of the State, Barrister Abdullahi Garba Faskari, was received in Kurfi town by the Village Head and the relatives of the deceased.

    Speaking on behalf of the Governor, the Acting Governor, and the entire Katsina State Government, Barrister Faskari described the attack as a “deeply painful and heartbreaking tragedy.” He assured the community that the government would not relent in its efforts to strengthen security and restore lasting peace.

    “Our hearts are with the families who lost their loved ones in this senseless attack. This administration remains committed to working with all security agencies to ensure justice is served and to prevent such tragedies in the future,” he said.

    READ ALSO: FULL STEPS: How to be a LAGRIDE driver, earn N250,000, above

    During the condolence visit, it was confirmed that 32 people were killed while observing prayers. The number of those kidnapped is still being verified, as a swift air interdiction by the Nigerian Air Force disrupted the bandits while they were moving with captives. In the ensuing confusion, some victims scattered in different directions, while others were rescued and are now receiving treatment in hospitals.

    The delegation conveyed the deep condolences of the Governor, the Acting Governor, and the entire Katsina State Government to the bereaved families. They also assured the community that immediate support had been extended to the victims’ families, while a comprehensive assessment of damages and needs is currently underway.

  • Army, NYSC relations in Katsina excites Army chief

    Army, NYSC relations in Katsina excites Army chief

    The Commander 17 Brigade, Nigerian Army, Katsina, Brigadier General B.O Omopariola, had lauded the existing cordial relationship between the Nigerian Army and NYSC in Katsina state

    The commander who made the commendation in Katsina during the one year anniversary celebration of the tenure of the state coordinator of NYSC, Alhaji Ibrahim Saidu, said Military -NYSC relationship has remained symbiotic since the establishment of the service corps in 1973

    He said ‘’I must say the Military -NYSC relationship has remained excellent and extremely interactive over the years and we relish that ‘

    READ ALSO: FULL STEPS: How to be a LAGRIDE driver, earn N250,000, above

    “Again my relationship with NYSC in katsina over the years has remained extremely cordial and warmth and we shall maintain that, especially in the promotion of a disciplined service corps.”

    The event brought together staff, dignitaries, Corps members, their families, and friends, showcasing the collaborative spirit that has flourished throughout the period.

    The highlight of the ceremony was of the cutting of the one year anniversary cake, attended by the Commissioner of Youth and Sports Development Alhaji Aliyu Lawal Zakari, who stood alongside Alhaji Saidu as a testament to the administrative support and unity of purpose.

  • Army relocates to Malumfashi in renewed onslaught against banditry

    Army relocates to Malumfashi in renewed onslaught against banditry

    The war against the four remaining front line local government areas of katsina state took a fresh dimension few days sgo when the Nigerian army launched an all-out war against bandits and threats to all manner of insecurity in the state beginning with Malumfashi local government area of the state

    The onslaught led by the Commander 17 Brigade, Nigerian Army, Brigadier General B.O. Omopariola, to directly oversee military operations against the growing menace of banditry in the area followed the recent massacre in which armed bandits stormed a village mosque during early morning prayers, killing more than 32 worshippers. The attack left families shattered, deepening fears across communities already grappling with incessant raids.

    During a field visit, The Nation observed Brigadier General Omopariola on the ground, personally issuing directives to soldiers on operational strategies and immediate response measures.

    His presence, military sources say, is expected to boost the morale of troops and reassure residents that the Army is committed to restoring peace.

    READ ALSO; What does Remi Tinubu want?

    The relocation of a brigade commander to a frontline community underscores the gravity of the security crisis in Katsina.

    For many locals, it is both a symbol of hope and a stark reminder of the scale of the challenge. Farmers, traders, and worshippers in the affected areas now live under the constant shadow of attacks, their livelihoods disrupted and their sense of safety eroded.

    Security experts note that such high-level military involvement often signals an escalation of operations, suggesting that Malumfashi could soon witness more coordinated offensives against bandit hideouts.

    However, residents emphasize that beyond firepower, rebuilding trust between security forces and local communities will be key to lasting peace.

  • First Lady’s RHI empowers 500 women in Zamfara

    First Lady’s RHI empowers 500 women in Zamfara

    First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) train had a stopover yesterday in Zamfara State capital Gusau where it lifted 500 female entrepreneurs.

    The empowerment, a part of RHI’s nationwide efforts to support 18,000 women with grants to upscale their small businesses, was done in collaboration with the Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF).

    Wife of the Zamfara State Governor, Hajiya Hurriya Dauda Lawal, who represented Mrs. Tinubu, described the gesture as a testament of her love, passion and commitment to the economic empowerment of women.

    “Today is a day of joy and hope to all women in Zamfara state. The First Lady of Nigeria has shown her motherly care, sympathy and zeal for women’s empowerment. This support will uplift women and restore dignity to families,” she said.

    Each beneficiary got a grant of N50,000 to support or expand their small businesses. In addition, they were given a bag of rice and transportation supports.

    READ ALSO; What does Remi Tinubu want?

    “This programme is not just about empowerment; it is an opportunity to be chosen for a better future. The N50,000 given to each woman is not a loan but an investment in humanitarian service to Nigerian women,” Hajiya Dauda Lawal said.

    Expressing appreciation to the TEF for partnering with the RHI to make the intervention possible, she said: “This shows that when government joins hands with the private sector for a good cause, lives can be transformed, and the nation can be built stronger”.

    Zamfara State Commissioner for Women and Children Affairs Aisha M. Z. Anka and the Secretary of the Ministry of Finance, Hajiya Barira Ibrahim Bagobiri, commended the initiative.

    They described it as a lifeline that would reduce hardship and stimulate women-led economic activities.

    The top officials also noted that the support would serve as a stepping stone for the beneficiaries to strengthen their businesses and improve their families’ livelihoods.

    The 500 beneficiaries were drawn from all 14 local government areas of the state.

  • Kogi activist visits Ododo, addresses insecurity on Itobe-Anyigba road

    Kogi activist visits Ododo, addresses insecurity on Itobe-Anyigba road

    …as governor pledges improves security 

    Kogi State Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to boosting security along the Itobe-Anyigba road, saying efforts are underway to ensure safety across all parts of the state.

    The governor made this known while receiving activist, Austin Okai, who paid a condolence visit following the death of his father. 

    Okai commended the improved security along the Lokoja–Ajaokuta road and urged the governor to give similar attention to the Itobe-Anyigba axis.

    Ododo said his administration is adopting a phased approach to infrastructure projects while strengthening security with new strategies to protect lives and property.

    “On security, we are working on something, and very soon the results will be visible. We have deployed several strategies, just like we did on the Lokoja–Ajaokuta axis,” he said.

    He added that township and intercity roads, including Anyigba, have been captured in the state’s needs assessment and would be rehabilitated in phases.

    READ ALSO: Don’t mistake cash flow for profit, Williams Uchemba cautions business owners

    The governor also thanked President Bola Tinubu for supporting states with resources for critical projects and expressed gratitude for the solidarity shown during his period of mourning.

    Ododo said, “On behalf of my family and the good people of Kogi State, I wish to express my profound gratitude for the love, solidarity and support you have extended to us at this trying moment.

    “Your gesture has not only comforted us but has also reaffirmed the value of true friendship and togetherness. In times like these, one realizes the priceless essence of standing together, and your thoughtfulness will remain indelible in our hearts.

    “We do not take your kindness for granted. Your standing by us has reaffirmed our faith in humanity as we were not left to grief alone.

    “May the Almighty continue to reward you abundantly and grant you and your loved ones peace, good health, and fulfillment.”

  • Army to step up military presence operational assets in Katsina – COAS

    Army to step up military presence operational assets in Katsina – COAS

    The Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Olufemi Oluyede has pledged increased military presence and operational facilities to contain rampaging banditry attacks in Katsina State. 

    He spoke while during a courtesy call on the Acting Governor Lawal Jobe at Government House Katsina where he also commended troops over the rescue of 76 kidnap victims. 

    Oluyede, who led a high-powered delegation including officers from GOC-17 Brigade, stressed that security requires collective efforts.

    He said: ”While we have personnel within a limited operational space, we cannot succeed without active support from the people”

    ”The Nigerian Army belongs to the people. Your cooperation is vital to making Katsina State safer.

    Read Also: Insecurity: Nigeria should shut borders to deal with terrorism, says ex-COAS Buratai

    “Such tragedies strengthen our resolve to secure communities. discussions with the Acting Governor would shape future strategic interventions.”

    The Acting Governor and the Army Chief jointly thanked President Bola Tinubu for deploying a strong delegation to assess Katsina’s security situation and provide additional support.

    The Chief of Army Staff was accompanied by Major-General Uhu Shote, Commander of the Division of Farsan Yanma; Major-General I.A. Ajose, General Staff Commanding, 8th Division; Major-General A.A. Idris, Chief of Military  Intelligence; Major-General M.O. Erebelu, Provost-Marshal Army; Air Commodore G.I. Jibia, Commander of the Nigerian Airforce; Brigadier-General B.O. Omapariola, Commander of the 17th Brigade

  • Abdulrazaq meets Ifelodun stakeholders, speaks on development, security efforts

    Abdulrazaq meets Ifelodun stakeholders, speaks on development, security efforts

    Kwara Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq on Monday held a meeting with Ifelodun stakeholders, detailing his efforts to scale up infrastructure development and keep the people safe for shared prosperity. 

    Led by the chairman of the council Hadji Femi Yusuf, the stakeholders were drawn from various layers of the local government, including serving and former public officers, monarchs, clerics, politicians, youth and other community leaders. 

    Acknowledging constant collaboration with the Office of the National Security Adviser and all security agencies, the Governor said everything is being done to eliminate all security threats in the state, including in Ifelodun, Patigi, and Edu. 

    He also itemised some of the ongoing and proposed projects in Ifelodun to include the Ajase-Ipo-Oke Ode-Sagbe road; Alabe-Oreke Road; Oro Ago Road; Ora township road (which is to be reawarded); and Orisa bridge. 

    He said the Akamo bridge is also on the radar as well as spot rehabilitation of the Share-Babanla road, and commended the various community-led initiatives in Ifelodun such as the ICT Centre in Igbaja. 

    He thanked the stakeholders for the visit, urging citizens to consider the implications of exaggerated claims regarding security issues on investment and development. 

    “I assure you of our efforts to eliminate the threats. As we work together to make our communities safer, I want to advise that investments may be affected if we don’t strike a balance in how we project our communities to the outside world,” he said. 

    He said other developmental initiatives are also in the pipeline, charging the stakeholders to continue to engage the government in a constructive way.

    The stakeholders took turns to commend the “proactive” efforts of the Governor on security and his developmental strides in the region. 

    Hadji Femi Yusuf commended the seriousness with which the government has tackled the issues in the area as well as the many projects of the state government. 

    “We appreciate the swift response and unwavering support of the state government in collaboration with the office of the National Security Adviser, in adopting multi-layered strategies to dismantle criminal networks and restore peace to our affected communities,” he said.

    Read Also: Bandits’ attacks: AbdulRazaq assures residents of safety

    “Your commitment to development in our local government is evident in many state-driven projects currently ongoing, particularly the Ajase to Sagbe road project and other strategic interventions that have further boosted public confidence in your administration and in the All Progressive Congress (APC).”

    Former House of Representatives member Alhaji Kola Yusuf and Elder Oyin Zubair, who spoke on behalf of the delegation, said Ifelodun leaders appreciated the efforts of the Governor on security and development. 

    “We are very grateful to Your Excellency for your visible efforts. We can see it, and we thank you. After chasing these criminals away, we need to also get their promoters and informants,” Yusuf said. 

    Oyin Zubair urged the government to support those affected in the recent incidents, expressing confidence that the recent security deployment would permanently restore calm.

  • 200 Niger East students depart for overseas studies on Senator Musa’s scholarship

    200 Niger East students depart for overseas studies on Senator Musa’s scholarship

    …as families, community leaders laud historic human capital investment

    A landmark moment unfolded at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, on Monday as 200 students from the Niger East senatorial district departed for India and China under the Senator Mohammed Sani Musa International Undergraduate Scholarship Scheme.

    The initiative, described by parents and community leaders as a “defining investment in the future of Niger East,” is the largest overseas scholarship ever facilitated by an elected representative from the district.

    Represented at the send-off by his wife, Hajia Saadatu Sani Musa, the senator said the programme aims to bridge educational gaps, expose young people to global standards, and nurture a new generation of professionals who will return to transform Niger State and Nigeria.

    Hajia Saadatu, who also leads the Future Pathway Foundation, urged the beneficiaries to uphold discipline, remain focused, and see the opportunity as a mission rather than a privilege.

    “You are going as ambassadors of Niger East. Remember, our tomorrow must be better than today, and that begins with education,” she told the students.

    Parents and community leaders at the airport hailed the initiative as life-changing, describing it as a pathway out of poverty and a platform for youth empowerment.

    Read Also: Senator Musa mourns victims of tragic tanker explosion in Niger

    Traditional and religious leaders also commended Senator Musa for turning campaign promises into tangible opportunities.

    India and China were chosen for their globally recognised universities, particularly in medicine, engineering, technology, and management sciences.

    Beyond academics, the exposure is expected to broaden the students’ perspectives and prepare them for leadership roles on their return.

    Senator Musa has pledged to sustain and expand the scheme, reaffirming education as the cornerstone of his legislative and philanthropic agenda.

  • Niger students threaten mass protest over scholarship, poor school structures

    Niger students threaten mass protest over scholarship, poor school structures

    The National Association of Niger State Students (NANISS) has issued a seven-day ultimatum to the Niger state government over what it described as neglect of the education sector and the non-payment of student scholarships.

    In a statement signed by the association’s public relations officer, students can no longer remain silent in the face of dilapidated school structures across the state and the continued denial of their rights and privileges.

    The association explained that it has waited patiently for more than a year, holding consultations with state representatives, traditional rulers, and other stakeholders, but has not received any positive response from the government.

    “We engaged Niger State representatives, traditional leaders, held emergency student engagements, and even organised special fasting and prayers, among many others, but nothing has been done,” NANISS said.

    Read Also: Nigeria police repatriate wanted Chinese gang kingpin

    The group stressed that if, within seven days, the state government fails to address its concerns, it would mobilise students for a peaceful mass protest across Niger State to press home its demands.

    According to NANISS, the key issues include the urgent need for government investment in education infrastructure and the prompt payment of student scholarships.

    The association, however, assured that its planned protest will remain peaceful, noting that its objective is to ensure the rights of Niger State students are respected and protected.

    Copies of the notification were sent to the Niger State Government, the House of Assembly, security agencies, student bodies, labour unions, and several media organisations.

    NANISS said it remains committed to dialogue but warned that its members are prepared to take to the streets if the ultimatum expires without action from the government.

  • AbdulRazaq visits Babanla, other communities as new security deployments boost public safety

    AbdulRazaq visits Babanla, other communities as new security deployments boost public safety

    Kwara Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq at the weekend toured communities in Ifelodun to reassure the people of government’s commitment to strengthen public safety and economic activities.

    In Babanla, as in Oke-ode, where he touched down, Governor Abdulrazaq commended the community folks and security forces for standing firm. 

    He commiserated with families who lost dear ones, reassuring them of sustained efforts to prevent further security breaches and pledging social safety supports for those affected in the recent incident.

    The Governor was received in Babanla by the Oba of Babanla, Oba Aliyu Adegboyega Yusuf Arojojoye ll, and his chiefs.

    Read Also: AbdulRazaq gets report on ending farmers-herders clashes

    On the Governor’s entourage were the Commander, 22 Armoured Brigade, Brigadier General Ezra Barkins; Commissioner of Police, Adekimi Ojo; and Senior Special Assistant on Security Muyideen Aliyu. The Chairman of Ifelodun, Hon. Femi Yusuf  also joined the trip to the community. 

    “We are here in Babanla today to commiserate with you over the recent incident. We reassure you and other communities and our people that we will ensure this doesn’t happen again. It is a sad incident which we are working hard to curtail,” the Governor said.

    “You can see that the security commanders are also here, and you have seen activities (return to normalcy) over the past one week or two. 

    “It had never happened like this before. Obviously, there has been pressure on those criminal non-state actors in other regions. And that has forced them into this peaceful location. But surely they will be flushed out of this area.”

    AbdulRazaq expressed satisfaction with the return of calmness to the areas, saying: “We will make sure everything is in order and you live in peace.”

    The Governor said he has directed the Kwara State Social Investment Programme (KWASSIP) to extend support to the affected persons. 

    Oba Aliyu appreciated the Governor for the visit, and commended him and the Federal Government for their efforts to restore normalcy in the community and environs.

    He said the attack in Babanla resulted in snatching of nine motorcycles, food items and phones.

    “I wish to thank Your Excellency profoundly for this on-the-spot assessment of the aftermath of the events. We especially appreciate Your Excellency for all the actions to guarantee peace and security of the state in general and this community in particular,” the monarch said.

    He appealed to the government to consider putting the massive land in Babanla into use for economic benefits.

    “It is our strong belief that putting these wide expanses of land into use will not only boost the economy of the state and provide massive employment, but also help flush out and deny the criminals of any hiding places,” the monarch said.