The Nation Newspaper

Category: Northern Reports

  • Gunmen kidnap Kogi monarch

    Gunmen kidnap Kogi monarch

    Gunmen have kidnapped a traditional ruler, David Wada, who is the District Head of Bagaji Odo, in Omala Local Government Area, Kogi State.

    Residents said the monarch was kidnapped on Monday evening while returning from a traditional council meeting held at Abejukolo, headquarters of the Omala Local Government Area.

    The paramount ruler of the Local Government traditional council, Boniface Musa, who is the Onu Ife, confirmed the incident to reporters.

    He appealed to security agencies to ensure the traditional ruler’s safe rescue.

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    It was learnt that Wada was abducted at a spot known as Ojuwo Ugweche around 5 p.m on Monday.

    The commercial cyclist conveying him on a motorcycle  when the gunmen waylaid them reportedly escaped by whiskers.

    The spokesman for the state Police Command, Superintendent of Police, Williams Aya, said the command had mobilised operatives to ensure the rescue of the traditional ruler.

    The gunmen were yet to contact the family or any member of the traditional council as at press time.

  • Katsina Signs MoU on waste management solutions with Zoomlion Nigeria Limited

    Katsina Signs MoU on waste management solutions with Zoomlion Nigeria Limited

    Governor Dikko Umaru Radda has witnessed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Katsina State Government, represented by the Climate Change Secretariat, and Zoomlion Nigeria Limited, a leading environmental management company, to implement sustainable waste management projects across the State.

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    The Managing Director of Zoomlion Nigeria Limited, Mrs. Habiba Abubakar, signed on behalf of the company, while Professor Mohammed Al Amin, Special Adviser to the Governor on Climate Change, signed on behalf of the Katsina State Government, with senior officials including, Hon. Khalil Nur Khalil, Economic Adviser to the State Government and Hon. Suleiman S. Ribadu, Senior Special Assistant on Climate Change, present as witnesses.

    This landmark MoU followed the Katsina State Government’s commitment to tackling environmental challenges, promoting climate resilience, and ensuring a cleaner, healthier State. The agreement sets out a framework for public-private partnership aimed at modernizing solid and liquid waste management through innovative and sustainable solutions.

  • Banditry: Katsina approves new security assets, strengthens fight against banditry and Insecurity

    Banditry: Katsina approves new security assets, strengthens fight against banditry and Insecurity

    The Katsina State Government has approved the procurement of Security Arms machines, tactical Carry cases, slings, tools, clearing kits, and manuals for joint operations by the Katsina State Community Watch Corps and the Department of State Services (DSS) and security agencies

     The state government also ratified contract for procurement of 8 Toyota Land Cruiser (Buffalo) Armored Pick-up Trucks

    The purchases were meant as major investment in new security assets to reinforce the ongoing fight against banditry, kidnapping and other criminal activities across the state.

    These approvals were granted during the Executive Council’s 12th Regular Meeting, chaired by Governor Malam Dikko Umaru Radda as part of efforts to ensure seamless governance.

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    Briefing journalists after the meeting, the Commissioner for Information, Dr. Bala Salisu Zango; Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Dr. Nasiru Mu’azu Danmusa; and the Director-General (Media), Alhaji Maiwada Dan Mallam, highlighted the following key approvals:

     Danmusa explained that the decisions align with Governor Radda firm stance that security remains the administration’s first, second, and third priority.

    He said “The government has made its position very clear, security is the topmost priority. We are determined to deal with insecurity in its totality,”

    ‘’ the government carefully considered the state’s geographical challenges, noting that many rural and vulnerable communities are difficult to access with conventional vehicles. To address this, the Council approved the procurement of several hundred motorcycles to enable security operatives to effectively patrol such hard-to-reach areas’’.

    ‘’In addition, the Council approved the procurement of essential tactical equipment, including Security Arms Machines, Tactical Carry Cases, Slings, Tools, Clearing Kits, and Operational Manuals. These items will support the Katsina State Community Watch Corps in collaboration with DSS operatives and other security agencies to enhance joint operations across the state’’.

    ‘’ Council also ratified the purchase of eight fully armoured Toyota Land Cruiser Buffalo pick-up trucks, designed to strengthen mobility and provide operatives with secure access to areas prone to ambush by bandits’’.

    “These measures are part of ongoing efforts to reinforce our community-based security initiatives and to provide conventional agencies, including the Police, DSS, and Civil Defense, with the necessary tools to combat insecurity more effectively,”

     “We are fighting these bandits in every corner. We are determined to continue pushing until Katsina becomes a safe state, where economic growth and development can flourish.”

  • Radda meets Katsina, Daura royal fathers, reaffirms security commitment

    Radda meets Katsina, Daura royal fathers, reaffirms security commitment

    Katsina State Governor, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, has reaffirmed his administration’s determination to confront insecurity while also strengthening traditional and religious institutions across the state.

    Speaking at Government House when he received royal fathers from the Katsina and Daura Emirates, Governor Radda emphasized that security remains the foremost priority of his government.

    He recalled that upon assuming office, he pledged to make security his first, second, and third agenda, adding that over 1,500 youths have so far been trained to support security efforts, with an additional 550 already trained and a third batch currently undergoing training.

    The Governor noted that, unlike in the past, these youths are fully kitted with uniforms, life jackets, and operational tools.

    He stressed that insecurity is not limited to those hiding in the forests but also involves collaborators within towns and cities who supply bandits with food, drugs, and markets for stolen cattle.

    Governor Radda therefore urged traditional rulers and community leaders to intensify awareness campaigns, reminding citizens that they must first help themselves before government intervention can yield lasting results.

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    He said “As Chief Security Officer of the state, I do not employ or pay the Army, Police, or Civil Defense, but I have provided them with every support they require. Security is a collective responsibility, not politics. Bandits know no APC, PDP, or APGA—they know only violence. We must unite to protect our people,”

    Unveiling a new welfare package to empower traditional and religious institutions, Governor Radda announced that under a new law passed by the State House of Assembly, all District Heads will now earn salaries not less than Grade Level 16.

    In addition, 6,652 Ward Heads across the state will receive monthly allowances, while more than 3,000 Imams and their deputies from Friday mosques will be supported with stipends. Furthermore, Izala and Darika mosque sweepers in each of the 34 local government areas will also benefit from allowances.

    In furtherance of community service, the Governor disclosed that his administration has approved over N20 million for each Local Government Council to renovate graveyards in their areas. He described the initiative as both a service to the people and a way of seeking Allah’s blessings for the state.

    In his remarks, the Emir of Daura, His Royal Highness Dr. Umar Faruq Umar, represented by the Dan Buram of Daura; District Head of Baure, Alhaji Daha Umar Farouk, conveyed the solidarity of the Daura Emirate following the recent car accident involving the Governor and some government officials. He said the incident caused deep concern across Daura, with many residents unable to sleep until they confirmed the Governor’s safety.

  • Radda unveils special schools admission plans, assures education for all Children

    Radda unveils special schools admission plans, assures education for all Children

    Katsina State Governor, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, has unveiled his administration’s plan for the recruitment of students into the newly established special schools across the state, reaffirming his resolve to ensure educational opportunities for all children regardless of background.

    Speaking at Government House Katsina during a strategic meeting   with education officials including Katsina State commissioners, local government chairmen, sub-committee chairmen, permanent secretaries, local government education secretaries community development officers, and learning officers from 361  Wards, Governor Radda explained the details of the admission process for the three new special schools located in Radda (Katsina Zone), Jikamshi (Funtua Zone), and Dumurkul (Daura Zone).

    The Governor recalled his campaign promise to sponsor the best students to study abroad, which has already been fulfilled. “By the grace of God, we sent students to Egypt to study MBBS and to China to study Artificial Intelligence and Biotechnology. They were selected strictly by merit, and the Katsina State Government fully paid for their tuition, accommodation, feeding, and all expenses,” he stated.

    He said “In our villages, there are children with talent and determination but no means to pay school fees or even buy uniforms’’.

    ‘’Meanwhile, the children of the rich go to private schools and receive quality education. We want to bridge this gap so that the poor man’s child will also study like the rich man’s child, and in 10 to 20 years return to develop Katsina State,”

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    Governor Radda further stressed that admissions will be strictly based on merit and fairness. Each of the 361 wards in Katsina State will nominate six students — two from Primary 6 into JSS1, two from JSS1 into JSS2, and two from JSS2 into JSS3 — making a total of 2,172 students. These students will sit for entrance examinations, after which 996 will be admitted, ensuring every ward is represented.

    He emphasized that children from poor families will benefit the most, adding that anyone who can afford private schools should take their children there.

    He said’’ In these schools, I want the brightest from the poor to be given this opportunity so that tomorrow society will benefit from them,”

  • Physically-challenged persons seek commission, commissioner in Katsina

    Physically-challenged persons seek commission, commissioner in Katsina

    Persons with disabilities, special needs and handicapped in Katsina yesterday begged Governor Dikko Umar Radda, to ease their suffering in the state by  establishing Disabled Persons Commission as well as the appointment of a commissioner for the physical impaired and the disabled

    Spokesman of the disabled persons and Sarkin Makarfin Katsina, Alhaji Garba Mahuta, who made the call during a press briefing address buy the Special Adviser to the Governor, on persons with disabilities, Hudu Usman, also thanked the Governor for funding his medical operation and treatment

    Also speaking on the achievements of the agency ,the Senior Special Assistant to the Katsina State Governor, Hudu Usman said the Office of the Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to the Governor on Disability Affairs, plays a crucial role in advocating the rights and welfare of persons with Special Needs

    He further listed the achievements made by his agency to include empowerment Programs, organization of skill acquisition, vocational training and economic empowerment initiatives to improve the livelihood of  450persons with special needs in Katsina Zone, 150.in Daura and 150 in Funtua zones.

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    He further assured of his office’ preparedness to work towards enhancing accessibility in public buildings,  schools and transportation systems in line with universal design standards.

    Hudu also promised the people of the state that education and awareness: through public campaigns. will be prioritized especially about disability rights and works to reduce stigma and discrimination.

    He said ‘’we fostered Collaboration and Inclusion between government agencies, including: SEMA with 300 persons with disabilities with  food items, Gwagware 100 bags, 200 out of school children and NGOs to ensure inclusive development and representation in decision-making processes’’

    The SSA also commended the efforts of His Excellency who he said contributed significantly to the inclusion, empowerment and protection of persons with disabilities within the state.

  • The task before Benue’s new commissioners

    The task before Benue’s new commissioners

    By Bridget Tikyaa

    When Governor Hyacinth Iormem Alia removed members of the State Executive Council in July 2025, he said it was to give other people from the state the opportunity to bring in fresh ideas to drive the state’s development. In essence, the governor is pushing to fast-track the attainment of his objective of transforming Benue State beyond the pace it is going.

    The governor’s agenda has remained unwaveringly very clear. It is about putting the people first, assuaging their fears, securing their futures, restoring the broken economy, unpgrading the inherited state’s collapsed infrastructure, ending endemic corruption, unemployment, and the general crisis of development the state found itself before his assumption of office in 2023. In essence, his target is to evolve a new Benue where governance works for the people, not any vested interest.

    In essence, the 17 new commissioners who assumed duty on September 1, 2025, have a huge task ahead of them, and the governor mins no word in charting the course he wants them to take.

    First, the Governor, Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia said they must serve with loyalty, be accountable, and maintain close ties to their communities.

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    Secondly, he charged them to gird their loins for a race against time, a race to deliver more, to implement policies and programmes that directly improve the lives of ordinary citizens, such as market women, children, workers, and pensioners.

    He also gave them a clear message to reinforce his administration’s core agenda of promoting transparency and accountability. No sharing of state resources to private interests.

    As the government rolls into the second half of its first term, the journey ahead would require greater commitment, and the new commissioners, who were selected based on their proven understanding of governance, transparency, and discipline, are expected to make a huge difference in the realisation of the new Benue envisaged by Governor Alia.

    In doing so, they are expected to abide by their oath of office to place public interest above personal considerations, maintain strong links with their local communities, serve as spokespersons of government programs, and uphold confidentiality in state matters. This is necessary in reinforcing the fact that the Alia administration is people-centered, not driven by political patronage.

    As expected, the new commissioners, through Hon. Dennis Iyaighgba expressed gratitude to the governor for the trust reposed in them and said they were prepared to add value to the administration by working with diligence, creativity, and integrity, so as to collectively deliver tangible results that improve the lives of the people.

    The new commissioners are Dr. Ortese Yanmar, Dr. Fredrick Ikyaan, Michael Oglegba, Tiza Isaac Imojime, Alumo Orpin, Ugwu Odoh, Kunde Aondowase, Kwaghgba Amande, Joseph Ter Jir, James Dwem, Dr. Ornguga Yangien, Theresa Odachi Ikwue, Dr. Benjamin Ashaver, Dr. Adamu Margaret Ijaguwa, Dr. Peter Oboh Egbodo, Dennis Iyaighgba, and Dr. Paul Ejeh Ogwuche.

    All the 17 will work towards achieving milestones in delivering the seven key agenda of the administration, which include addressing insecurity, returning displaced persons home, Industrialization through agriculture and massive rural development, creating opportunities through a revitalized commerce and industry space, building the capabilities of the people through human capital and social development, providing infrastructure to support economic growth, and enabling digital transformation and skills through investment in information and communications technology, ICT.

    So far, it has been two years of excellence, of impactful legacies that have positively touched lives, transformed institutions and pulled Benue State from the brinks of total collapse it was in before Governor Ali stepped in to change the narrative.

    The new commissioners should be part of the next narrative of excellence in service, of concrete and impactful projects that  transform Benue state and positively touch lives.

    • Bridget Tikyaa is the Principal Special Assistant to the Governor on Media Publicity and Communication Strategy

  • A voice from the Villa: Governor Alia’s impactful legacy projects

    A voice from the Villa: Governor Alia’s impactful legacy projects

    By Bridget Tikyaa

    When on May 29, 2023 Rev. Fr Hyacinth Iormem Alia was sworn in as the Governor of Benue State, he made a solemn pledge to provide the required leadership to tackle the appalling situation of the state in all areas of development, from security to infrastructure, welfare of civil servants and pensioners, the collapsed government owned industries, agriculture, health care and education, among others.

    Addressing insecurity, returning displaced persons home, Industrialization through agriculture and massive rural development, creating opportunities through a revitalized commerce and industry space, building the capabilities of the people through human capital and social development, infrastructure to support economic growth, and enabling digital transformation  and the skills needed through investment in information and communications technology, ICT.

    His vision, so far, has been driven through participatory, consensus-driven, accountable, transparent, responsive, effective, efficient, equitable, and inclusive governance and adherence to the rule of law.

    Thus, when on Friday, 29th August, 2025, the Governor Alia and his media team, led by the Chief Press Secretary, Sir Tersoo Kula, unveiled his comprehensive scorecard before the media, it was more of a celebration of two years of excellence, an impactful legacy that has positively touched lives, transformed institutions and pulled Benue State from the brinks of total collapse it was in before he assumed duty.

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    The media team led by veteran journalist and presidential spokesman, Mr Bayo Onanuga, was in the state to appraise first hand, the fruits of Governor Alia’s labour, and to lent credence to the narrative of development, currently unfolding in Benue State.

    The achievements paraded were not mere abstract figures or promises, but concrete and impactful projects that are transforming the Benue landscape and positively touching the lives of the people.  From massive roads construction and rehabilitation, to significant strides in Agriculture, Healthcare, Education, ICT, Industrialization, humanitarian sector, land administration and others, the scorecard was a testament to a focused and deliberate approach to governance. It showed a government that understands the fundamental needs of its people and is working tirelessly to address them.

    For Governor Alia, the visit by the Onanuga-led media team was a welcome development, as it will help to counter the misinformation being peddled by political jobbers, who are clearly uneasy by the giant strides recorded by the administration in two years and put to shame their years of wastefulness that had dragged Benue State aground before the coming of his administration.

    He made a solemn pledge to complete more legacy projects before the end of his first term in office. A pledge that attests to the fact that the next two years will be purposeful, and the government will push all boundaries to leave a lasting positive impact on the state.

    The governor harped on the importance of partnership with the Federal Government and development partners to drive more development and deliver more legacy projects in line with his administration’s commitment, which has been built on a foundation of strategic planning, and a clear vision.

    As aptly captured by the governor, the key catalyst for these achievements is the robust and cordial relationship between Benue and the federal government. This synergy has proven to be a significant advantage to the state, as it has been unlocking opportunities and resources that might otherwise have been inaccessible. It’s a clear example of how inter-governmental collaboration can accelerate development and bring about meaningful change for the populace.

    This positive relationship has transformed the dynamics of governance in the state. By aligning with the federal agenda for progress, the Benue State Government has been able to leverage support and expertise, leading to a more efficient and impactful implementation of its policies and projects. It is a strategic partnership that prioritizes the welfare of the people above every other consideration. Governor Alia and his administration have demonstrated its capacity for effective leadership and its unwavering commitment to progress.

    Impressed by the development strides in the last two years, Onanuga said rallying around the Governor, is not just a call for political support, but a collective push for the continued delivery of the dividends of democracy that have already begun to transform the state.

    He expressed profound satisfaction with the tangible progress on the ground, insisting that the visit served as a crucial fact-finding mission that directly counter the often-malicious and unfounded claims made by political detractors, about the Governor’s administration.

    This is indeed the triumph of reality over rhetoric, a stark rebuke to those who have sought to undermine the governor’s efforts through a campaign of misinformation and reckless narratives.

    The Presidential Spokesman media team visit is a powerful validation of the governor’s true leadership and a clear signal that the federal government recognizes and appreciates the genuine development taking place in Benue State. It effectively neutralizes the baseless criticisms by the detractors.

    • Bridget Tikyaa is the Principal Special Assistant to the Governor on Media Publicity and Communication Strategy

  • Kwara govt hails ban on raw shea butter

    Kwara govt hails ban on raw shea butter

    Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has hailed the ban on exportation of raw Shea butter by President Bola Tinubu.

    He said the step would encourage more production and strengthen the local value chain of the prized cash crop. 

    The President’s directive came as Kwara State prepares to launch its 50-tonne Shea processing factory in Kaiama, the second largest in the country and the biggest owned by a state government. 

    The Shea butter factory is one of the many economic projects of Governor AbdulRazaq. 

    AbdulRazaq said the presidential directive will spur local production, improve quality, and generate jobs across the value chain. 

    He said the Shea butter factory in Kaiama is meant to stimulate economic activities in Kwara North, given its potential to hire several local workers, including women farmers and pickers. 

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    “Locating the factory within Kaiama puts the people at the centre of local Shea production, ensures local ownership of benefits, such as job creation, reduced post harvest losses, and value retention in Kaiama,” the Governor said in a statement on Tuesday. 

    “This project exemplifies backward and forward integration as it combines raw material sourcing, processing, and market access in one locality.”

    Kwara and Niger, among others, are the hearts of Shea nut trees in Nigeria.

    Kwara North alone is credited with over 250,000 nature and producing trees spread across 6,000 hectares of land.

  • Allegations of ransom payment against NSA baseless – Northern group

    Allegations of ransom payment against NSA baseless – Northern group

    The Northern Alternative Forum (NAF), a Northern interest group, has strongly condemned allegations that the Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA), led by Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, is coordinating payment of ransom and negotiating with bandits.

    In a statement by its National Chairman, Mallam Gidado Ibrahim, the Forum called on relevant security agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) and the Directorate of State Services (DSS) conduct an investigation into the allegations, saying those making such claims must show proof of their allegations.

    NAF warned against smear campaign against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the NSA, noting that it has become a recurring pattern for the opposition to resort to baseless accusations against any government in power that is doing all it can to turn around the country’s economic fortunes.

     “These claims are not only preposterous, lousy and unfounded but also part of a pattern of behaviour aimed at undermining the current administration. Now that the nation’s economy is recovering following ongoing reforms by the Renewed Hope administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the opposition appears threatened because of the selfish political interests ahead of the 2027 polls,” the statement noted.

    Ibrahim urged Nigerians to ignore the tantrums of some opposition leaders and focus on the government’s progress in addressing security challenges and promoting national development.

    “The NSA, under Ribadu’s leadership, has achieved significant successes in protecting the nation, and his efforts deserve recognition and support,” he stated, insisting that “the campaign of calumny against the Tinubu administration are driven by a desire to create confusion and undermine the government.”

    The Forum continued: “We must dismiss baseless claims and focus on the progress being made towards a better future for all. These unfounded  allegations are a clear attempt to distract Nigerians from the government’s achievements and create unnecessary tension.

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    “But coming from those who were in the corridors of power, either as ministers, governors of heads of agencies, smacks of Bureauphobia (morbid fear of the government) and desperate attempts by opposition elements in the country return to power and continue another round of looting,” Ibrahim stated.

    NAF further described the allegations against the NSA and the Tinubu-led government as a way of getting back at the Tinubu led administration, and fallout of the inability of some of its members “to measure up with the integrity test of the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration. 

    Ibrahim said some of the opposition leaders had been in the corridors of power since the beginning of the Fourth Republic in 1999, and despite having opportunities to contribute positively to Nigeria’s development, their actions have been marred by primordial sentiments and poor decision-making.

    “Some of these so-called opposition leaders had the opportunity to set Nigeria’s industrialisation drive on proper footings by bringing in competent investors. Instead, they allowed primordial sentiment to becloud their sense of judgment. The sugar and the textile industries were the worst hit in their perverted misguided choices.

    “These are politicians who sold Nigerian’s sugar industry. Now, a cup of sugar cannot be guaranteed at an affordable price. Funds were allocated to revamp the textile, Cement, and Power sectors, including Nitel, but no one can account for the said funds. Instead of the noise, they should have gone to their wards to see how President Tinubu is giving Nigerians a listening ear to move our country’s economy forward. The opposition should show us even one person they have impacted positively, including their paid attack dogs. None,” he stated.

    The Forum concluded that some opposition members are morally defeated, adding however that their manipulative antics will not fool Nigerians. 

    “Men are not idiots. Nigerians know these manipulative antics. We will not fall for it this time around,” Ibrahim stated, quoting the late legendary reggae musician, Bob Marley, who said ‘you can fool some people sometime, but you can’t fool all the people all the time.’

    “We urge Nigerians to support the government’s efforts to build a safer and more prosperous nation. These allegations are a clear attempt to distract from the government’s achievements and create unnecessary tension. 

    “Nigerians must dismiss baseless claims and focus on the progress being made towards a better future for all. The Northern Alternative Forum stands in solidarity with the NSA, Mallam Ribadu, and urges Nigerians to support the government’s efforts to build a safer and more prosperous nation,” Ibrahim added.