The Nation Newspaper

Category: Northern Reports

  • PENGASSAN foundation picks medical bills of 13 patients in UniAbuja teaching hospital Gwagwalada

    PENGASSAN foundation picks medical bills of 13 patients in UniAbuja teaching hospital Gwagwalada

    The Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) Foundation has paid the medical bills of 13 patients at the University of Abuja Teaching Hospital Gwagwalada, Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.

    The Chairman of the foundation, Comrade David Owan disclosed this in an interview after visiting patients in some wards of the hospital.

    David who was accompanied by the Secretary of the Foundation and Chairperson of PENGASAN Women Commission (PWAC), Engr. Ada Mbanaso and other members visited the Paediatrics Ward, Male orthopaedic ward, Gynaecology, and female surgical ward to empathise with patients receiving treatment at the hospital.

    Owan said the foundation was on a mission to empathize with the patients and to assist indigent ones with payment of their hospital bills.

    Last week, it visited the General hospitals in Karshi and Bwari as well as Nyanya.

    Read Also: PENGASSAN Foundation donates relief items to victims of Yelewata attack in Benue

    Owan said the foundation earmarked N15 million in payment of hospital bills for poor patients in the affected hospitals.

    He said: “Mostly, we try to touch lives of those who cannot their treatment so that, you know, the women, children, some of them don’t have, literally, the children. So we try to get to those people that this thing can actually reach out to them. We equally visited the male ward to extend our assistance.”

    Acting Chief Medical Director of the Teaching Hospital, Prof. Bob Ukonu said the hospital has a daily influx of over 650 patients coming to receive treatment.

    He said the Teaching Hospital serves as both secondary and tertiary health institution covering the growing health needs of residents of FCT and neighbouring states.

    Ukonu spoke of the challenges facing the hospital which includes shortage of hospital personnel to attend to growing number of patients trooping to the facility for medical care .

    On the average, he said that Gwagwalada Teaching Hospital receives, “close to 500 Out-patients and over 150 others on admission daily.”

    He added: “This number differs because there are those who are coming as an outpatient, averagely, on a daily basis, you see close to 500 outpatients and over 150 patients on admission daily.

    “The hospital’s manpower has been stretched, and that is why you can see people crying out to government, please we need more recruitment. We need more waivers. You know, with the Japa syndrome, a whole lot has left. Government has been doing a lot in terms of replacing them but more needed to be done.”

  • Bauchi Gov flags off cybernation program, targets 100,000 citizens on digital skills

    Bauchi Gov flags off cybernation program, targets 100,000 citizens on digital skills

    Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed has flagged off the Cybernations program, an intensive cybersecurity training initiative, positioned to set the state as a hub for digital innovation and a technologically driven state.

    The program, known as the Digital Literacy and Skill Framework Bauchi Initiative, the project, developed in collaboration with the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), will provide basic digital skills training to more than 100,000 citizens by 2027.

    Speaking at the launch in Bauchi on Tuesday, the governor said the initiative “marks a turning point for our state’s economic future” and will ensure that citizens, especially young people, can participate fully in the global digital economy.

    He added that DL4ALL will integrate digital education into schools and workforce development policies, creating a talent pipeline for both local and international employers.

    He also said it will offer advanced training to 2,000 youths in high-demand technology fields such as software development, artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity, among others.

    He said, “We acknowledge that Information Technology is today and in the foreseeable future the fastest growing industry and one with increasing capacity to absorb young people with skills. Its advantage is such that everyone can undertake training and acquire skills, be certified and create a sustainable source of livelihood leveraging on its power.

    “Our vision is clear: to transform Bauchi into a digitally inclusive, economically vibrant, and innovation-driven state. We aim to harness technology not just as a tool, but as a catalyst for economic diversification, human capital development, and social transformation.

    Also, the Managing Director. Galaxy Backbone, Professor Ibrahim Adeyanju in a goodwill message, harped on the importance of cybersecurity awareness in today’s digital age.

    He highlighted the need for collective efforts to equip Nigerians with the knowledge and tools necessary to thrive in a digital society.

    He added that through visionary leadership of Bauchi State Governor, Senator Bala Muhammed, Galaxy Backbone has successfully extended its digital infrastructure to Bauchi via fibre optic connectivity and deployed 3 eLTE base stations to deliver true broadband internet access.

    Country Representative of Protexxa’s Abi -Hafsat Abubakar, described the initiative as a gateway to over 3.5 million global cybersecurity jobs

    “The Cyber Nation programme, in partnership with Protexxa Inc, is the first of its kind in Nigeria and second in Africa, whereby 500 youths will be trained as certified cyber security experts with direct pathway to local and international employment, including opportunities to earn foreign currency”.

    Speaking in the same vein, the Director General Bauchi State Bureau for Information and Communication Technology (BICTDE), Hayatudeen Babamaji, noted that the Bauchi State Cyber Nations Program, in partnership with Protexxa Inc., under the leadership of Governor Balance Mohammed, is a pioneering initiative, the first of its kind in Nigeria and second in Africa.

    Read Also: Federal Polytechnic Bauchi shut indefinitely as students protest robbery attack

    Babamaji added that the program will train youths to become world-class cybersecurity professionals, equipping them with the skills to protect critical infrastructure and participate competitively in the global digital economy.

    “As we launch these programs, I want to reaffirm that this is not random. Our vision is clear, our direction is set, and with collaborative programs such as these, we will achieve our goal of making Bauchi State an ICT hub not just for the North East region but the whole of Nigeria and beyond”.

    Other critical stakeholders include the Chief Operating Officer, Protexxa Inc. Canada, Rick Huijbregts, Executive Vice Chairman, Nigerian Communication Commission (NCC) Dr. Aminu Maida, National Commissioner, Nigeria Data Protection Commission, Dr. Vincent Olatunji and MD, Nigerian Communication Satellite Limited, Mrs Nkechi Idehen, among others.

  • WOFAN-ICON2 project distributes hearing aids to PWDs, farmers, others

    WOFAN-ICON2 project distributes hearing aids to PWDs, farmers, others

    The Women Farmers Advancement Network (WOFAN), in partnership with the MasterCard Foundation, has begun distributing hearing aids to youths, farmers, and other persons with hearing disabilities under its WOFAN-ICON2 Project.

    The initiative kicked off in Abuja with the distribution of the first batch of 50 devices, out of 1,100 earmarked for beneficiaries across project states. Speaking at the flag-off, WOFAN-ICON2 Project Country Director, Dr. Salamatu Garba, said the effort was restoring hope to people who had lived with hearing loss from birth, early childhood, or adulthood, with many losing jobs and self-worth due to their condition.

    “There’s nothing more heartwarming than seeing people who thought life was worthless respond to conversations because they can now hear,” she said, noting that high costs had kept many from accessing the devices even after medical screening.

    WOFAN’s Business Development Manager, Mr. Taiwo Olawale, said the distribution now includes same-day screening, fitting, and training by Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) specialists to ensure proper use and maintenance.

    The project also prioritises inclusivity, targeting women of all backgrounds, including those with disabilities such as visual impairment and albinism.

    ENT Specialist at Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, Dr. Munir Anka, explained that beneficiaries underwent medical screening and audiological tests before receiving rechargeable hearing aids, a more sustainable option for unemployed recipients.

    The MasterCard Foundation aims to reach 30 million African youths, including 10 million in Nigeria, with one million young people with disabilities benefiting from various empowerment programmes.

    Chairman of the WOFAN Technical Board, Professor Sani Miko, described the initiative as timely, saying it would bridge communication gaps, improve quality of life, and restore dignity to beneficiaries.

    Professor Sani Miko, Chairman, WOFAN Technical Board, in his remarks, while outlining that the program is timely, said the beneficiaries were challenged to acquire the hearing aid because of the resources.

    Read Also: WOFAN trains farmers, others on first aid, conflict resolution

    “We want to use this opportunity to express our gratitude to the donors of this aid to you, particularly the MasterCard Foundation through the WOFAN ICON2 project. We hope and believe the beneficiaries of this tool will have a change in their life cycle and also improve their chances of leading a normal life in society.

    “We thank the entire project team and communities, especially the community facilitators who stimulated positive actions for this laudable support issue, taking very cogent measures to involve even people who have some special needs in supporting smallholder farmers as they move within the country. This is a very rare opportunity to get this support”, he noted.

    One recipient, Precious Usman, expressed gratitude for the device, saying it would help her return to farming and provide for her family.

     “I can now hear with the help of the hearing aid. Thank you for remembering persons living with disabilities,” she said.

  • IYD: Shun irregular migration, embrace skills for national growth, NTAC DG tells Nigerian youths

    IYD: Shun irregular migration, embrace skills for national growth, NTAC DG tells Nigerian youths

    The Director-General of the Nigerian Technical Aid Corps (NTAC), Rt. Hon. Yusuf Buba Yakub has urged Nigerian youth to reject irregular migration and instead acquire sustainable, lifelong skills that will enable them to contribute meaningfully to national development.

    Delivering the keynote address at the 2025 Educational Summit to mark International Youth Day, held at the National Human Rights Commission, Yakub emphasised that education and innovation are the most effective tools for addressing the root causes of irregular migration.

    The summit, attended by representatives of the Minister of Youth Development, the Chief of the Air Staff, the Executive Secretary of the National Human Rights Commission, and other dignitaries, also featured papers from Dr. Umar Tanko Yakasai, DG of the Tinubu Support Group, and broadcaster-activist Dr. Adaora Onyechere Sydney-Jack.

    Citing data from the International Organisation for Migration (IOM), the NTAC DG, who was represented by his special assistant on media and publicity, Nkem Anyata-Lafia, highlighted the dangers of irregular migration, which include drowning, extortion, police brutality, forced prostitution, and arbitrary detention.

    “Since 2014, over 28,000 deaths have been recorded on the Mediterranean Sea, with some of the most tragic incidents occurring off the coasts of Libya, Greece, and Italy.

    “These grim statistics should be enough to dissuade anyone from attempting such dangerous journeys,” Buba warned, recalling specific tragedies such as the 2011 Libya shipwreck that killed 600 people and the 2013 Lampedusa disaster in which 359 lives were lost.

    According to him, factors driving irregular migration include misinformation, conflict, political instability, poverty, and climate change.

    Arguing that only by addressing these root causes through robust education and vocational training can Nigeria stem the tide, Yakub commended President Bola Tinubu’s administration for providing platforms to support youth development, citing the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFund), National Office for Technology Acquisition and Promotion (NOTAP), National Directorate of Employment (NDE), and the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) as key agencies linking education with wealth creation.

    He explained that NELFund, for instance, was created to support access to higher education while promoting Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), thereby equipping young Nigerians with employable skills.

    Read Also: As people defect in and out, Kwara PDP remains intact, strong

    Highlighting NTAC’s role, the DG said the Corps continues to provide opportunities for skilled Nigerians to work in Africa, the Caribbean, and the Pacific under bilateral technical aid agreements, helping young professionals migrate with dignity and contribute to national development through skills export.

    The DG disclosed that discussions are underway with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, other Ministries, and the National Assembly to transform parts of NTAC’s services into revenue-generating ventures, enabling the country to earn foreign exchange from its export of technical expertise.

    Yakub called on all stakeholders to invest in education, skills training, and innovation as strategic tools to curb irregular migration and empower Nigerian youth.

    “To banish ignorance, poverty, and hopelessness, we must light our path with education, creativity, productivity, and innovation,” he said.

  • NASENI’s initiatives, catalyst for domestic content development, says Oduwole

    NASENI’s initiatives, catalyst for domestic content development, says Oduwole

    The Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, has described the initiative of the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) as a catalyst for domestic content development and strengthening the country’s industrial base.

    Oduwole made this known after inspecting NASENI facilities, including the agency’s Innovation Hub, technology site at the Abuja Technology Village, the Troment facility and another facility at Abuja Technology Park, Idu Industrial Area, respectively.

    The visit was part of a broader effort by the ministry to assess local industrial capacity and see high-impact projects that are accelerating the Federal Government’s Nigeria First Policy, an agenda focused on boosting domestic production, encouraging local consumption, and creating jobs through industrialisation.

    At each stop, she commended the foresight and commitment of Mr. Halilu in promoting Made-in-Nigeria products. She was accompanied by the Permanent Secretary Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, Ambassador Nura Abba Rimi; the Managing Director of Nigerian Export Processing Zones Authority, Dr. Olufemi  Ogunyemi, as well as directors of the Ministry and the Directors of NASENI.

    Read Also: NASENI, tech village partner on tech hub

    Speaking during a chat with the media after the tour at the Agency’s headquarters, the Minister said the EVC of NASENI had earlier visited her ministry and briefed her on the activities of the Agency, and invited her to come and see. 

    While commending the NASENI’s Executive Vice Chairman, Mr. Khalil Halilu, for his visionary leadership, Oduwole urged him to sustain the agency’s momentum in knowledge sharing, inspiring the younger generation, and advancing its commercialisation drive.

    “I have come and I have seen many things. What I am seeing today is not in terms of intentions, not in terms of MoUs, not in terms of agreement or prospective investors, but I have seen actual 100 per cent made-in-Nigeria products.

    “I have seen happy investors. I have seen investors who were pushed to work quickly. I have seen investors setting the pace in the country, in the region and on the global stage, laying the way, “she added.

    During her tour of NASENI facilities, the minister was shown round the NASENI product showroom at Abuja Technology Park, the NASENI Troment factory that will be producing world-class drugs including HIV vaccines, the NASENI Innovation Hub and several products delivered by the Agency.

     She took a ride alongside the EVC/CEO in NASENI’s anti-ballistic missile armoured vehicle.

    Earlier in his remarks, Halilu disclosed that NASENI currently has over 40 market-ready products capable of competing favourably in the global market, with more innovations underway.

    He also appealed to the media to embrace developmental journalism.

    He, however, called for stronger collaboration with the Ministry to further boost productivity.

  • Kwara Gov inspects multistorey hospital

    Kwara Gov inspects multistorey hospital

    Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq on Sunday inspected ongoing construction work at the multistorey Oluremi Tinubu Hospital in Ilorin, the state capital, a few days after he approved N20bn additional funding for statewide public school infrastructure in the state. 

    In an interview with reporters at the site, the Governor said the hospital project is one of his administration’s investments in public health, education, road networks, and social investment across various demographies. 

    Last Tuesday, the Governor inspected different rural road projects in Asa Local Government, including 23.23 kilometres Oko Olowo Express-Sokoto-Tafatafa-Elere-Owode Oja Baba Kudu-Akopari-Otte Oja road and 17.7km Madi Peeke road. 

    Governor AbdulRazaq said the government has constructed many roads within and outside the capital city Ilorin, while many others are ongoing. 

    He said that many other states of the federation are also doing well in project execution, citing massive hospital projects in Lagos, Kaduna, and many other states. 

    He tied the surge in project executions across the states, including in road, school, and health sectors, to the rise in allocation that followed the removal of fuel subsidy.

    He also commended President Bola Tinubu for his support for the state.

    The Governor told reporters: “The First Lady of Nigeria Senator Oluremi Tinubu was here six months ago to lay the foundation of this world-class hospital. 

    “And work has progressed tremendously. Hopefully, in the second quarter of next year, we’ll be done with it. The majority of the equipment have been ordered already: radiography machine, a CT scanner, MRI, PET scan machines, and all sorts of equipment have been ordered.”

    He added that the administration is also working on other projects, including in other parts of the state such as the International Conference Centre,  ICT Centre Shonga, Patigi (Regatta) Motel, Sheabutter Factory in Kaiama, and Ibrahim Taiwo Road in Offa.

    “This is not the only thing going on in the state. We have other major infrastructure projects ongoing, and this is not just in terms of healthcare all over Nigeria,” he said.

    “A lot of infrastructural projects are also going on in different states of the federation. We were recently in Kaduna with the President to commission a hospital (built by the Kaduna State Government).

    Read Also: Kwara governor, Ashiru for N200m Endowment Fund launch

    “Lagos State is building a huge hospital (New Massey Clinic), I believe, children’s hospital. Katsina is doing the same. So, all over the country, healthcare has been improved by the sub-nationals. All this is due to the increased funding from the federal revenue. 

    “Work will continue in all other major aspects. What people see majorly is road infrastructure, but in terms of education, a lot of investments are going on. I have recently approved another N20bn spending on education infrastructure. Education is not part of what you call a low-hanging fruit. So people don’t quickly see investments in that. They mostly only see investments in roads. But a lot is going on in agriculture and other sub sectors. And we’ll continue to do more and deepen investment in all these areas. 

    “For example, if you go to Kwara South, we’ve done the Oro to Arandun Road. Ajase-Ipo to Oke Ode is still ongoing, done in phases. We’ve done Omu-Aran to Oko. We have done Orisa Bridge along Oro-Ago. We are doing the road to Owu waterfall as well. We’ve done road in Offa. We’re also about to do the Ilemona bypass, among others.”

  • Kaduna governor appoints Kure as KSMC MD

    Kaduna governor appoints Kure as KSMC MD

    The Governor of Kaduna State, Uba Sani, has appointed Ben Solomon Dalhatu Kure as the new Managing Director of the Kaduna State Media Corporation (KSMC).

    Kure succeeds Ahmed Maiyaki, who was recently appointed Commissioner for Information. 

    He is expected to consolidate and build upon the remarkable achievements of his predecessor, whose tenure transformed KSMC into a strategic platform for effective public information dissemination and management.

    Read Also: Kaduna debunks stadium contract allegations, pledges transparent overhaul

    In a statement by Ibraheem Musa, the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, the seasoned public communication expert and political strategist, Kure brings to the role, a rich blend of experience from both public service and the banking sector.

    In public service, Mr. Kure has held several key positions, including Chairman of Jaba Local Government from 2016 to 2017, Executive Secretary of the Kaduna State Emergency Management Agency between 2018 and 2019, and Special Adviser on Political Matters to the Kaduna State Governor from 2019 to 2021.

    His banking career is equally distinguished, according to the statement as he served as Branch Manager with Oceanic Bank PLC/ECOBANK Nigeria PLC from 2010 to 2012, Team Leader at Zenith Bank PLC between 2005 and 2006, and earlier, Team Leader for the Public Sector at Broad Bank from 2003 to 2004.

    Kure who holds a Master’s degree in Conflict, Peace and Strategic Studies, and a Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Geography and Planning, is a Corporate Member of the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN) and a Member of the Institute of Management Consultants (MIMC).

    Governor Sani congratulated the new appointee on his well-deserved appointment and wished him divine guidance and protection in discharging his new responsibilities.

  • Atiku Abubakar foundation awards full scholarships to TeenEagle champions

    Atiku Abubakar foundation awards full scholarships to TeenEagle champions

    The dreams of three brilliant Nigerian girls—Nafisa Abdullahi, Rukaiya Mohammed Fema, and Khadija Kashim Kalli, have soared higher as they secured fully-funded scholarships from the Atiku Abubakar Foundation (AAF) following their triumph at the TeenEagle global finals.

    The trio, who emerged as global winners in the prestigious international academic competition, will have their education fully funded from secondary school through to university at any institution of their choice.

    According to a letter from the Foundation, the scholarship is a long-term commitment that will cater to the rest of their secondary education and their entire university journey—an investment in their future and a reward for their outstanding academic achievement.

    Read Also: No crisis in PDP after Atiku’s exit, says Wike

    The scholarship, the AAF said, reflects its unwavering dedication to advancing quality education and empowering young Nigerians, particularly girls from underrepresented or vulnerable backgrounds.

    “For these girls, their victory at the TeenEagle competition is a testament to their hard work, and this scholarship is a recognition of their potential and a promise of what they can achieve,” the Foundation stated.

    The Atiku Abubakar Foundation, founded by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, has consistently supported educational causes across Nigeria. 

    Atiku has been a strong advocate for girl-child education, once stating: “When you invest in the education of a girl child, you are invariably investing in the education of a prospective family and community.”

    The gesture not only affirms the Foundation’s commitment to education but also sends a powerful message: with the right support, academic excellence can break barriers and turn aspirations into reality.

  • 2027: Shun zoning, field candidate with national appeal, Wudilawa tells PDP

    2027: Shun zoning, field candidate with national appeal, Wudilawa tells PDP

    The coordinator of the Gbenga Hashim Vanguard in the North West, Hon. Aminu Bala Wudilawa, has urged the leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to resist blackmail and pressure to hand over its 2027 presidential ticket to any regional political heavyweight under the guise of zoning or power rotation.

    Speaking through a statement issued on Wednesday Mallam Wudilawa warned that zoning has inflicted significant damage on Nigeria’s national psyche, stressing that democracy should be driven by popular choice, not a “turn-by-turn” mentality.

    He maintained that the PDP’s path to victory in 2027 lies in presenting a candidate with broad-based national appeal who can attract votes from both the North and South, rather than relying on regional sentiment.

    “Any candidate that cannot win an open, competitive primary by building national consensus has no chance of winning the general election,” he asserted.

    Read Also: 2027: Ogun PDP affirms support for Tinubu

    Wudilawa described Dr. Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim as the kind of leader Nigeria needs—one with the character, competence, and values to lead the nation at this critical point in its history.

    “Liberal and patriotic forces in the North are rallying around Gbenga Hashim not because of political sentiment, but because of his broad national appeal, integrity, and long standing commitment to democracy and unity,” he said. “He is a candidate both the North and South can trust.”

    Highlighting Gbenga Hashim’s track record, Aminu noted that in the past eight years, no aspirant across PDP or APC has demonstrated deeper insight into national security and economic reform than Dr. Hashim.

    He also dismissed the often repeated claim that the PDP presidential ticket in 1999 was zoned to the South, clarifying that General Olusegun Obasanjo emerged not by zoning, but by his strong reputation for national unity following military rule.

    “Opportunistic politicians often distort history, but the truth is that Obasanjo was chosen in 1999 because of his commitment to the unity of Nigeria. Today, we see that same spirit in Gbenga Hashim.”

    As the political terrain shifts toward 2027, the Gbenga Hashim Vanguard has reaffirmed its commitment to mobilizing support nationwide for a pan-Nigerian presidential agenda, one that prioritizes unity, development, and democratic values above ethnic or regional calculation.

  • Banditry: Katsina rallies communities

    Banditry: Katsina rallies communities

    • Govt set to engage on town hall meetings

    The Kastina State Government has rallied community support and solidarity in her determination to crush banditry attacks in the state.

    The Commissioner, Internal Security and Home Affairs, Nasir Muazu, who made the clarion call while addressing newsmen in katsina. also lamented the continued security challenges bedeviling some parts of the state, saying some communities and informants were responsible for 80 per cent of the increasing security situation in the state.

    Muazu said that some community members who own shops were in the habit of selling their products to bandits at exorbitant prices, making it difficult to obtain their cooperation in addressing the security challenge.

    He said: “In one of the communities affected by insecurity, a man was found to be selling a bottle of Coca-Cola for N3,000; another sold fuel for N5,000 per litre to bandits.

    “Hard drugs that are usually sold for little amounts of money at pharmacies and other related centres are sold in millions of naira by community members to the bandits.

     “Some community members often connive with bandits to abduct hapless victims, including family members.

    “In another case, we found a man who connived with bandits to abduct his biological father, who was diabetic. When the bandits brought him to their hideout, they had already bought him diabetic tablets for his daily consumption.

    “The sum of N30 million was paid as ransom for the man, and N8 million was given to the man for compromising and allowing his father to be abducted.”

    Muazu also said informants are known to alert bandits whenever Nigeria Air Force, NAF, jets leave the airport with the aim of bombing their hideouts.

    He said the jet fighters often fail to acquire their target and frequently have to return to base due to unsuccessful missions.

    Read Also: Agitators seek creation of Karadua State from Katsina

    “The jet fighters have now devised a tactic to pretend they are flying to neighboring Kano or Kaduna state, then fly back to the target destination in Katsina.”

    The commissioner further revealed that the activities of bandits constitute only about 20 per cent of the security challenges in the state, lamenting that tackling insecurity in the state can only be addressed with cooperation from affected communities.

    He further stated that arrangements were in place to stage town hall meetings at various wards and local governments to harness the viewpoints and suggestions from the communities on the way forward and called on the public to come forward with sensitive information that would lead to viable solutions in addressing insecurity, assuring that such information would be treated with utmost confidentiality.

    Governor accuses opposition of spreading falsehood

    Governor Dikko Umar Radda of Katsina State, have noted with concern the deliberate attempts by some individuals to create panic and incite fear among residents through what he described as the ‘’spread of false and misleading information on social media’’,

    The governor through Muazu, dismissed the move by the opposition as narratives aimed at downplaying  the significant progress made in the fight against banditry and insecurity by the state government

    The Commissioner said: “When Governor Radda assumed office in 2023, all 24 local government areas of the state were affected by banditry. Today, with focused strategies and enhanced collaboration with security agencies, notable improvement has been achieved across many parts of the state.”

    “The following LGAs have been largely insulated from banditry attacks: Jibia, Batsari, Danmusa, Katsina, Batagarawa, Charanchi, Bindawa, Ingawa, Kafur, Danja, Kusada.

    “Other Improved Areas with few Remote Pockets of Insecurity include: Malumfashi, Kurfi, Dutsinma, Kankia, Musawa, Bakori, Funtua, Sabuwa, and Dandume.”

    According to the state government however, the areas still experiencing ongoing attacks needing state Government’s Intervention were Faskari, Kankara, Safana and Matazu.

    The state government further insisted that despite persistent challenges in a few LGAs,it is not relenting but  fully remained committed to restoring peace and order.

    He said: “It is unfortunate that certain social media voices, rather than support these efforts, continue to spread misinformation for political gain or attention.

    “This not only undermines the sacrifices of our security forces but also weakens community morale.

    “It’s important to remind the public that the fight against banditry is complex, many of the attacks occur deep in the forests, where response operations require time, coordination, and local intelligence.

    “That is why the Katsina Community Watch Corps was established — to assist in these difficult terrains. They are working side by side with the Army, Air Force, Police, and local vigilantes’’