Tag: Bauchi

No fewer than three people have reportedly been killed due to severe flooding caused by heavy rainfall in the Bauchi North senatorial district.

The rainfall, which persisted for three days, also resulted in the deaths of domestic animals and the destruction of valuable property worth millions of naira.

In response to the disaster, Bauchi state governor, Bala Mohammed, has established a high-level committee led by the Secretary to the state government, Ibrahim Kashim Mohammed, to assess the extent of the damage in the affected areas.

The committee’s visit included several key officials: the State Commissioner for Humanitarian and Disaster Management, Hajara Yakubu Wanka; the Commissioner for Housing and Environment, Rt. Hon. Danlami Ahmad Kawule; the Commissioner for Works, Hon. Ibrahim Gambo Galadima; the Commissioner for Finance, Dr. Yakubu Adamu; and the Director-General of SEMA, along with representatives from the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA).

They visited Giade local government area to survey the damage, including the Giade-Shira section of the Federal Highway, which was completely washed away and rendered impassable.

The team also inspected the Giade-Azare State Road and the Azare-Jama’are portion of the Kano-Maiduguri Expressway, both of which were severely impacted by the floods.

Read Also: Dogara berates Bauchi governor over attack on Tinubu

On behalf of the Governor, the SSG expressed sympathy to the victims, assuring them that the government would provide relief to help mitigate the impact of their losses.

Addressing journalists in Giade LG, the Director General of the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Mas’ud Aliyu disclosed that thousands of people have been displaced, with their homes and farmlands destroyed.

Aliyu confirmed the deaths of three people, adding that assessments are ongoing across the three affected LGAs.

The DG said the relief materials provided by the state government aim at easing the suffering of the victims, supplying them with essential items to help them survive the disaster.

The caretaker committee chairman of Giade LGA expressed gratitude to the governor for dispatching the delegation, noting that many communities and villages have been submerged by the flood.

Operatives of the Tafawa Balewa Divisional Police Headquarters (C) of the Bauchi state command, have arrested a 30-year-old man, Aminu Mohammed for allegedly impersonating the Nigerian Army personnel for two years.

The arrest occurred on July 22, 2024, following a complaint that Mohammed had collected N210,000 from an individual under the false pretence of securing a job for him with the Nigerian Army.

The suspect, a resident of Magaji Quarters in Bauchi Local Government Area had allegedly directed the victim to meet an accomplice (currently at large) to facilitate entry into a military training school in Zaria.

However, after spending eight days in Zaria, the victim was unable to locate the individual who was supposed to assist him.

Read Also: MSF decries malnutrition surge in Bauchi, says 17,223 malnourished children under admission

The statement issued by the Spokesman of the command on Thursday, July 25, SP Ahmed Wakili, revealed that after preliminary investigations, it was discovered that Mohammed had never served in the military, thereby violating sections 110(1) and 251 of the criminal code.

The suspect Mohammed was said to have obtained a pair of camouflage trousers from a friend who is a serving military personnel.

According to the statement, the Commissioner of Police, Auwal Musa Mohammed has ordered a thorough investigation by the state criminal investigation department to uncover more facts that will aid in prosecution.

The Bauchi state government has firmly declared that no protests will be allowed within its jurisdiction.

This is as the government reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining peace and order in the state.

Speaking at a press conference held at the Government House on Thursday, July 25, the Secretary to the Government of Bauchi State (SSG), Ibrahim Kashim, stated that the government will not stand by and allow any protests to occur in the state.

According to Kashim, the Bauchi state government is neither aware of nor supportive of any plans to hold protests in the state.

He warned those planning to protest in Bauchi to reconsider their intentions.

Kashim said that the government will not tolerate any actions that could lead to a breakdown of law and order.

He also dismissed rumours suggesting that Primary Health Care Centers would be closed to prevent vandalism by protesters.

He clarified that the information circulating about the closure of Primary Health Care Centers on the day of the planned protest was false.

Kashim stated further that the State government has no knowledge of or involvement in such a decision adding that the claims are being investigated.

The SSG assured that all Primary Health Care Centers and public institutions in the state will remain open, despite the rumors of the planned nationwide protest.

In another development, the North East Youths Ambassador has described the planned nationwide protest as an attempt to destabilise Nigeria.

The group said the planned protest is orchestrated by those who do not support the government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The group noted that the aim was to distract the federal government from the remarkable development work it has already accomplished.

Represented by Comrade Haruna Usman, the group in a statement made available to Journalists in Bauchi appealed to the planners of the protest and other Nigerian youths to shelve the plan and embrace dialogue and roundtable discussions to sort the issues.

Read Also: Bauchi govt to promote 2,000 civil servants

The group said: “We urge all youths in the North East to halt their plans for the protest. Our subregion is renowned for our love of peace and respect for our leaders and elders.”

“We encourage the youths to pray to Almighty Allah and trust in His guidance instead.”

“This government has achieved significant progress, and we must support its efforts rather than hinder them. Therefore, on behalf of the North East Ambassadors, we call on all Nigerian youth to cease any plans for protests. This movement is nothing more than an attempt to destabilise our country.

“For the betterment of Nigeria, we must stand together, support our government, and continue to pursue peace and progress,” the statement added.

A Humanitarian organisation, Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), has raised the alarm over a surge in malnutrition in Bauchi State, revealing that 17,223 children were admitted for malnutrition in the first quarter of 2024.

This is as the humanitarian organisation raised concern over a significant rise in malnutrition cases in Nigeria, reporting a 40% average increase in admission, compared to the same period last year.

It urged immediate support to address the escalating crisis.

It further revealed that Bauchi, along with much of Northern Nigeria, is facing a malnutrition crisis.

MSF made the alarming revelation during a press cafe tagged “Doctors without Borders” in Bauchi State on Friday.

The Project Coordinator for Bauchi, Rabi Adamou, expressed concern over the drastic rise in admissions, noting the strain on resources as the peak malnutrition season approaches.

Read Also: IGP assures Nigerians of improved security

She disclosed that in Bauchi, 5,787 children were admitted to the ITFC and 17,223 children to three local Ambulatory Therapeutic Feeding Centers (ATFCs), which support malnourished children before they need inpatient care.

According to her, MSF has scaled up its response in the area by increasing bed capacity at the Inpatient Therapeutic Feeding Center (ITFC) in Ganjuwa Local Government Area of the state.

She added that between January and June 2024, the number of admissions increased by 127% for the ITFC and 123% for the ATFCs compared to the same period in 2023.

“We are only just entering the peak season for malnutrition, and our facilities are over capacity and having to expand.”

 “We are very concerned by the catastrophic increase in malnutrition admissions we have seen in Bauchi in the first half of 2024. Although there may be many factors compounding this increase, the numbers we are seeing are incredibly high” She stated

Also speaking, the acting head of the mission, Dr Thierry Boyom, revealed that the MSF is launching an integrated community care management plus (ICCM) in Ganjuwa Local Government Area to train identified personnel to diagnose and treat malnutrition at an early stage.

Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, has declared  Monday, July 8, 2024, a work-free day to commemorate the first day of the Islamic Calendar, Al-Muharram.

The declaration of the holiday is in recognition of the significance of the Islamic calendar and the beginning of a new year.

In a statement issued on Sunday, July 7, the special adviser to the governor on media affairs, Mukhtar Gidado, said: “The gesture underscores the administration’s respect for the religious and cultural values of our Muslim community, offering an opportunity for reflection, prayer, and celebration.

Read Also: Governor Mohammed pledges to address infrastructure deficit in Bauchi

“The government acknowledges the significance of Al-Muharram as a time of renewal and spiritual growth for our Muslim brothers and sisters.

“Bala Mohammed extends his best wishes to all citizens observing this important day, encouraging everyone to engage in activities that promote peace, unity, and understanding within our diverse society.”

He stated further that government offices, schools, and banks should observe this work-free day, with normal activities resuming the following day.

Bauchi state governor, Bala Mohammed, has pledged to tackle the infrastructure deficit in the state.

He promised a new leadership approach to bridge gaps in services and development.

 Speaking to journalists shortly after receiving an award of Excellence at the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa, Abuja at the weekend, Mohammed said his developmental plans for Bauchi will go a long way in modernizing the state for national and international investment.

This is as he expressed gratitude to members of his team and the entire people of Bauchi state for the  continuous support of his administration.

Nation reports that the governor was conferred with the prestigious award for Urban Renewal by The Best Strategic (TBS) Media in collaboration with the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation at the 2024 Nigeria Excellence Awards in Public Service (NEAPS).

Read Also:67-year-old offers two teenagers N500, defiles them in Bauchi

Mohammed described the honour as a State’s recognition, especially in its transparent conduct in governance.

He dedicated the award to the members of the State Executive Council  working with him as well as all the citizens of Bauchi state.

Prominent personalities at the ceremony organised by the Office of the Secretary to Government of the Federation include;  Nigeria’s Vice President , Senator Ƙashim Shettima, Former SGF, Alhaji Yayale Ahmed, Emir of Bauchi, Dr. Rilwanu Suleiman Adamu, State PDP Chairman, Hamza Koshe Akuyam, Senator representing Bauchi central senatorial, Abdul Ningi, among others. 

A 67-year-old man in Bauchi has been accused of defiling two teenagers and offering them N500.

The fathers of the teenagers was said to have reported the rape incident at the A’ Divisional Police Headquarters on June 22, 2024.

They reported that Mohammed lured their daughters, 17-year Safiya (not real name) and 16-year old ( not real name) of the same address into his room and had carnal knowledge of them.

Spokesman of the Command, SP Ahmed Mohammed Wakil revealed in a statement on Friday that , during interrogation , the suspect voluntarily confessed to the crime and corroborated the victims’ statement.

Read Also: Bauchi records decrease in out-of-school children rate

He added the victims further revealed that the suspect had carnal knowledge of them each, up to five times and gave them N500 each, adding that investigation was ongoing.

In a related development , another suspect, one Suleiman Musa aged 28 , was arrested by the police for allegedly luring one Amina ( not real name) aged 9, into his room while she was on errand before he forcefully had carnal knowledge of her without her consent.

The mother of the victim , one Hajiya (not real name) was said to have reported the rape incident at A’ Divisional Police Headquarters, Bauchi on July 4,2024, same date her daughter was allegedly raped by the suspect.

Wakil revealed that during interrogation, the suspect confessed to have committed the crime.

He said that investigation is still ongoing, after which the suspect will be charged to court for prosecution for the established offence.

A violent clash between rival groups over a girlfriend has resulted in the death of 21-year-old Rabiu Shehu popularly called Rambo and another person in Gwallameji, Bauchi.

Spokesman of the Bauchi Police Command, SP Ahmed Wakili, in a statement made available to journalists yesterday, said the incidents occurred in Gwallameji on the outskirts of Bauchi metropolis, and Bakin-Kura within the metropolis on Thursday.

According to Wakili, in the first incident, police received a distress call from Gwallameji reporting that a group of hunters led by 49-year-old Commander Saidu Musa, armed with machetes and Dane guns, were mistaken for armed robbers by residents.

The statement revealed that the residents overpowered and injured the hunters, resulting in severe injuries to 27-year-old Nasiru Adam, who later died at Abubakar Tafawa-Balewa Teaching Hospital (ATBUTH), while three motorcycles were also burnt.

“On June 25, 2024, a reprisal attack by the rival group ‘Yan Tokara’ led to the death of Rabiu Shehu in Bakin Kura.

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“He was fatally stabbed in the stomach and neck by an unknown person suspected to be from the rival group”

However, investigations by the police revealed that the conflict arose from a dispute over a girl who was involved with leaders of both groups, leading to violent confrontations.

“During one altercation, a member of one group had his hand severed, escalating the tension.”

“Rabiu had been in hiding and contacted the girlfriend to reveal his location, which she then shared with the rival group.”

“This led to his fatal ambush, where the group attempted to decapitate him in retaliation, but police intervention prevented further violence,” the statement reads

An angry mob in Bauchi has killed a man identified as Yunusa for allegedly making blasphemous comments against Prophet Muhammad.

The incident was said to have occurred on Wednesday around 3:00 pm in Nasaru community in the Ningi local government area.

According to an eyewitness, Umar Abubakar, an argument erupted between Yunusa and another individual during which Yunusa allegedly made the blasphemous remarks, which quickly escalated to a mob action.

“The victim was a member of the Faira Islamic Sect. When he insulted the Prophet, some young men challenged him to retract his statement. He refused and repeated it, which led to the beating,” Abubakar recounted to the Nation on phone.

Read Also: Bauchi governor laments NAHCON’s poor welfare

Another eyewitness, who wished to remain anonymous due to the tense situation, said the police initially rescued Yunusa and took him to their outpost in the community.

He said the mob however overpowered the police and killed him.

Efforts to get the reaction of Bauchi police spokesman, SP Ahmed Muhammad, proved abortive. He did not reply to SMS for confirmation.

The Nation reports that Yunusa’s death echoes a similar incident in May 2021 in Sade village, Darazo Local Government Area, Bauchi State.

Some angry youths set ablaze a water vendor named Talle Mai Ruwa for allegedly blaspheming Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).

Mai Ruwa was detained at a local police station before the mob seized and killed him.

Another incident occurred in May 2022 when a Christian woman named Rhoda Jatau, a 40-year-old mother of four and health worker with the Warji Local Government Area, narrowly escaped being lynched in Katanga, the headquarters of Warji LGA after being accused of posting a video on her office’s WhatsApp platform considered disrespectful to Islam, inciting the Muslim community.

Bauchi state governor, Bala Mohammed, has asserted that democracy remains the best form of government.

He also urged all stakeholders to work together to sustain democracy in Nigeria.

In a goodwill message on the occasion of Democracy Day on June 12, Mohammed stated: “Celebrating the 25th Democracy Day is a testament to the fact that democratic governance is firmly rooted and enduring in Nigeria. There is no better alternative to democracy, which allows people to choose their leaders and determine their governance.”

He pointed out that democracy provided him the legal platform to deliver on his promises to the people. 

Reflecting on his tenure, he said: “It has been a year since my re-election, which signifies the confidence the people of Bauchi State have in our administration.”

The governor assured that these efforts would continue in his second term, stating, “We will not only sustain but also improve upon our performance. 

“The projects executed in our first term were guided by ‘My Bauchi Project,’ a blueprint developed before our 2019 election. A technical committee has reviewed this blueprint to enhance the delivery of democracy’s dividends and address any gaps.”

Read Also: Bauchi gov pardons 96 inmates

The governor also outlined ongoing and new projects focusing on infrastructure, education, healthcare, water supply, agriculture, and human capital development. 

Mohammed stressed the need to diversify Nigeria’s economy beyond oil, advocating for boosted agriculture, solid minerals, and tourism. 

He also promised an enabling environment for business growth and support for small and medium enterprises.

Mohammed reiterated his administration’s commitment to accountability and transparency, ensuring judicious use of resources for the state’s socio-economic development.

He also pointed out measures taken to mitigate the economic hardship caused by fuel subsidy removal, including providing palliatives.