The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Bauchi

  • JUST IN: Many feared dead as bandits attack Bauchi communities

    JUST IN: Many feared dead as bandits attack Bauchi communities

    Armed men suspected to be bandits launched a deadly attack on Saturday night, killing several vigilante members and civilians in a coordinated assault on three villages in Gwana District, Alkaleri Local Government Area of Bauchi State.

    The Nation gathered that the affected communities—Mansur, Digare, Sabuwar Sara, and Yalo—were ambushed while residents were asleep. 

    IMost of the victims were members of local vigilante groups from Gwana and Duguri Districts, who had been safeguarding their communities from repeated attacks along the volatile borders of Gombe, Plateau, and Taraba States.

    Sources reported that the assailants, heavily armed and ruthless, opened fire indiscriminately, catching the villages off guard in the middle of the night.

    This latest attack is part of a troubling pattern of violence in the region, which has included killings, cattle rustling, and growing insecurity. 

    It has drawn the attention of Governor Bala Mohammed and top security officials, who have visited the area for assessments.

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    The Bauchi State Police Command confirmed the incident but has yet to provide an official death toll.

    Police Commissioner Sani-Omolori Aliyu, during a visit to the affected areas, described the assault as “utterly reprehensible” and a significant threat to public safety. 

    He ordered the immediate deployment of tactical teams and vowed a sustained manhunt for the attackers.

    Police spokesperson Ahmed Wakil, in a statement on Monday, said the ambush occurred during a routine patrol by local hunters along the Bauchi–Plateau forest corridor. 

    The confrontation resulted in casualties on both sides, including fleeing civilians and community defenders.

  • Police burst drug syndicate in Bauchi

    Police burst drug syndicate in Bauchi

    The Police in Bauchi have apprehended five suspects for alleged drug peddling in the metropolis.

    The spokesman of the command, CSP Ahmed Wakil, said this in a statement on Monday in Bauchi.

    He said that operatives of the command conducted a raid on April 27, and apprehended the suspects at Bayan Gari area of Bauchi.

    He said the suspects comprised three males and two females.

    “On 27th April 2025, at about 2200 hours, operatives of the Command Monitoring Unit, under the leadership of CSP Abdulrazak Pada, conducted a strategic operation based on credible intelligence report.

    “The operation targeted Unguwar Tudun Wadan Dan’iya, popularly known as Bayan Gari, a notorious hotspot within the Bauchi metropolitan area,” he said.

    Wakil said the police recovered 30 sachets of Tramadol tablets, 22 bottles of syrups, three Penta injections, and 10 sachets of diazepam tablets.

    He urged parents and community leaders to caution their wards against criminal behaviors and drug abuse.

    (NAN)

  • Father, son, two others die in Bauchi water facility cleaning

    Father, son, two others die in Bauchi water facility cleaning

    Tragedy struck at the Bauchi State Government’s Urban Water Supply facility at Gubi Dam yesterday, as four workers lost their lives during a routine cleaning.

    Among the deceased were a father and his son.

    According to a staff member of the agency under the Ministry of Water Resources, who  spoke anonymously with our correspondent,  two of the victims were full-time staff members, while the other two were casual workers.

    “It happened while they were cleaning the water system where water supplying the Bauchi metropolis is treated,” the staff member explained.

     “They were in a reservoir when they spotted some fish in the dirty water. One of them attempted to catch a fish that was swimming deeper into the tank.

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    “In the process, he drowned. A second worker who tried to rescue him also drowned. The third person went in to save the second, followed by a fourth who also attempted a rescue, but sadly, all four lost their lives.”

    The victims—identified as Ibrahim Musa, Shu’aibu Hamza, Jamilu Yunusa, and Abdulmalik Ibrahim Hamza—were laid to rest later that day. It was gathered that one of them had been making plans for his wedding.

    As of the time of filing this report, efforts to reach the Commissioner for Water Resources, Nuhu Zaki, and the General Manager of the Bauchi State Urban Water Supply and Sewerage Corporation, Aminu Gital, were unsuccessful.

    However, it was learnt that the Commissioner was present at the burial rites on Sunday afternoon.

    Spokesperson for the Bauchi State Police Command, Ahmed Wakil, said he would provide further details once available.

  • CASCADE empowers 1,500 rural Bauchi women

    CASCADE empowers 1,500 rural Bauchi women

    Many rural women in Bauchi lack savings due to limited access to financial services, poor financial literacy and the absence of formal documentation—challenges the the Catalysing Strengthened Policy Action for Healthy Diets and Resilience CASCADE have promised to address.

    CASCADE Project Manager, Isaac Ishaya Audu, spoke in Bauchi at a financial linkage worship held to improve access to financial services for women and smallholder farmers in agribusiness.

    According to him, the project is targeting the sensitisation of about 1,500 beneficiaries across the state.

    He said: “ Many women in rural communities face barriers such as low financial literacy, lack of registration documents, and limited access to financial information. 

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    “This workshop helps bridge those gaps by connecting women-led groups with  banks and other providers, so they can understand and access the right products.”

    He explained that each participant represents a group of 25 women, adding that the knowledge shared at the event will reach around 1,500 women across Bauchi.

    “After the training, these women are expected to return to their communities and train others”.

    Audu said the project is also working on long-term solutions, including partnerships and agreements with financial institutions to expand their presence in rural areas. 

    He revealed that the Netherlands has committed €10 million to the initiative for over five years with nearly half of the funds already invested- with focus on four northern states .

    Audu said further that the workshop is part of ongoing efforts to boost rural incomes, promote financial inclusion, and strengthen the state’s economy through women empowerment.

    The Nation reports that the CASCADE project, implemented by CARE and the Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN), is supported by the Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

    Bauchi Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr. Iliyasu Gital, commended CASCADE’s efforts  pledging the state’s support in mobilizing beneficiaries and ensuring security for smooth implementation.

    One of the beneficiaries, Ladi Abdullahi  said the workshop afforded them the opportunity of financial education and also gave them access to financial institutions ready to support their businesses.

  • One dead, two Injured as trucks collide, burst into flames in Bauchi

    One dead, two Injured as trucks collide, burst into flames in Bauchi

    A fatal road accident involving two trucks on Sunday has claimed the life of 23-year-old Usman Magaji in Magama Gumau Town, Toro Local Government Area of Bauchi State.

    The incident occurred when a truck loaded with sharp sand and carrying four passengers rammed into a stationary truck that had broken down by the roadside. 

    The collision sparked a fire that engulfed both vehicles and their contents.

    Emergency responders, including officers from the Magama Gumau Divisional Police Headquarters and other security agencies, swiftly arrived at the scene to extinguish the fire and rescue the victims.

    Police spokesperson, CSP Ahmed Mohammed Wakil, confirmed the accident in a statement, adding that two injured victims were taken to Toro General Hospital for treatment.

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    Sadly, Magaji was confirmed dead by a doctor at the hospital.

    The State Commissioner of Police, CP Sani-Omolari Aliyu, has extended his condolences to the bereaved family and wished the injured victims a speedy recovery.

    He also urged motorists to always observe traffic safety regulations, especially the use of warning signs such as reflective triangles, placed at least 45 meters behind any disabled vehicle to prevent avoidable accidents.

    CP Aliyu further directed the Command’s Central Motor Traffic Department to commence.

  • Bauchi schools to reopen April 6 after Ramadan break

    Bauchi schools to reopen April 6 after Ramadan break

    The Bauchi State Ministry of Education has confirmed the school resumption date after a five-week Ramadan break.

    In a statement released on Thursday by the ministry’s information and public relations officer, Jalaludeen Usman, parents and guardians were informed that both day and boarding schools will reopen on Sunday, April 6, for the continuation of the second term.

    The statement read, “The Honourable Commissioner for Education, Dr Lawal Mohammed Rimin Zayam, wishes to remind parents and guardians that the resumption date for the continuation of the second term is Sunday, 6th April, for both day and boarding schools in Bauchi State.

    Read Also: Bauchi government condemns arrest of Accountant General

    “As education remains a top priority for the Bauchi State Government under the leadership of Governor of Bauchi State, Bala Mohammed, the Ministry of Education is committed to ensuring the success of all students.

    “To this end, the ministry will soon commence JAMB CBT training for all sponsored JAMB students, empowering them to excel in all examinations sponsored by the Bauchi State Government.”

    The ministry also warned that late resumption will not be tolerated.

    “Parents and guardians are advised to ensure their wards resume on the stipulated date to avoid any disruptions to their academic progress,” the statement added.

    The ministry also warned that late resumption will not be tolerated.

    “Parents and guardians are advised to ensure their wards resume on the stipulated date to avoid any disruptions to their academic progress,” the statement added.

    Schools were initially closed on March 1, 2025, for the Ramadan break, as stated in the 2024–2025 academic calendar.

    However, the extended closure sparked criticism from religious groups and civil society organisations, who raised concerns over its impact on the education system.

  • EFCC arrests Bauchi accountant general over alleged N70 billion fraud

    EFCC arrests Bauchi accountant general over alleged N70 billion fraud

    Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) have arrested Sirajo Jaja, the Accountant General of Bauchi State, over an alleged N70 billion fraud.

    Jaja was apprehended in Abuja on Wednesday, March 19, 2025, alongside Aliyu Abubakar, an unlicensed Bureau de Change (BDC) operator linked to Jasfad Resources Enterprise, and Sunusi Ibrahim Sambo, a Point of Sale (PoS) operator.

    The trio is under investigation for alleged money laundering, diversion of public funds, and misappropriation. 

    The EFCC is also probing Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed in connection with the case.

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    According to the anti-graft agency, an estimated N59 billion was withdrawn from various government accounts operated by the Accountant General and transferred to Abubakar and Sambo, who allegedly distributed the funds to party agents and associates of the governor.

    Abubakar, who had previously jumped bail, has now been rearrested.

    Confirming the arrests, EFCC Spokesman Dele Oyewale stated, “Investigations showed that cash withdrawal of N59 billion had been made through various bank accounts opened and operated by the Accountant General on behalf of the state government.”

  • Bauchi residents decry two-month blackout as businesses, students struggle

    Bauchi residents decry two-month blackout as businesses, students struggle

    For nearly two months, residents of Rafin Zurfi and Gwallameji in Bauchi metropolis have been plunged into darkness, which has crippled businesses, disrupted students’ academic activities and intensified unbearable  heat.

    With no sign of relief from the Jos Electricity Distribution Company (JED), affected residents called for urgent government intervention.

    For small business owners, the blackout has been nothing short of economic sabotage.

    Malam Hussaini Hassan, a grinding machine operator, described his ordeal. He said: “I rely on my machine for survival. Without electricity, I have no source of income.”

    Madam Hannatu shared she had to take her maize outside the community for grinding after waiting weeks for power restoration. 

    Beverage shop owner Opeyemi Philip is also feeling the pinch, forced to buy ice daily to keep drinks cold, adding extra costs to his struggling business.

    Despite multiple complaints and written appeals to the Jos Electricity Distribution Company (JED), residents say no action has been taken.

    A frustrated resident, speaking anonymously, accused the government of neglect, stating, “We voted for this administration, but now we are left to suffer in darkness while our businesses collapse.”

    The Rafin Zurfi Community Youth Forum has intensified calls for intervention, urging the Bauchi State government and Chairperson of Bauchi Local government , Mahmoud Babamaji, to take immediate action before the situation worsens.

  • Seputagarian killed in Bauchi over alleged witchcraft

    Seputagarian killed in Bauchi over alleged witchcraft

    The Bauchi Police Command has confirmed the gruesome murder of 70-year-old Talatu Joshua,  by four men in Gobir village, Kirfi Local Government Area over alleged witchcraft.

    Bauchi Police spokesman  CSP Ahmed Wakili in a statement on Wednesday, explained the assailants—Rilwanu Usman, Ali Isa, Ila Alhaji Marafa, and Jamilu Malam Usman—ambushed the elderly woman on March 2, 2025, inflicting multiple injuries, including a severe wound beneath her left ear.

    The victim was rushed to the General Hospital in Kirfi where she was later pronounced dead. 

    Following an investigation, the Command arrested the four suspects on March 8, 2025, and detained them at the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) for further questioning.

    The statement revealed that the attack was  triggered by a traditional healer’s claim that Talatu was responsible for the illness of Ramatu Yusuf, the wife of one of the suspects. 

    Acting on this accusation, the suspects allegedly confronted Talatu, accused her of witchcraft and threatened before attacking her with sticks, leading to her death.

    A  petition submitted by ADA-LIGHT KWALTINGS, SAMUEL & PARTNERS alleged  that officers at the Kirfi Division failed to arrest the suspects despite being aware of their identities.

    Responding to the allegations, CSP Wakili refuted the claims, saying that the police followed due process and assured the public that a thorough investigation is ongoing.

     He urged residents to avoid spreading unverified information that could disrupt peace in the State.

    The  Command also reiterated its commitment to ensuring justice for Talatu Joshua and restoring order in the community.

  • 20-year-old beats mother to death with pestle in Bauchi

    20-year-old beats mother to death with pestle in Bauchi

    Tragedy struck in Abujan Kwata, Bauchi State when a young man identified as Safiyanu Dalhatu, 20, was arrested for allegedly killing his mother, Salama Abdullahi, 40, with a pestle.

    According to a statement  by the spokesman of the Bauchi Police Command, Chief Superintendent of Police Ahmed Wakili, members of the Peace and Security Committee reported the incident to the ‘A’ Divisional Police Headquarters around 3:00 pm on February 24.

    Dalhatu is accused of attacking his mother with a heavy pestle, fracturing her hands and causing other injuries.

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    Upon receiving the report, the Divisional Police Officer,  Chief Superintendent of Police  Abdullahi Muazu, led a team of detectives to the scene and rushed the victim to Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Teaching Hospital (ATBUTH) for urgent medical attention. However, despite efforts to save her, a medic confirmed her death.

    Preliminary investigations indicate that an altercation between the suspect and his mother led to the attack. The police have since recovered the pestle. The statement stated further that the state Commissioner of Police, Auwal Musa Mohammed, has ordered the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) to wade in.

    The CP reassured the public that the case would be handled diligently.