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Tag: Gombe State

  • Minister Alkali mourns victims of fatal LPG accident in Gombe

    Minister Alkali mourns victims of fatal LPG accident in Gombe

    The Minister of Transportation, Said Alkali, has extended his condolences to the families of five persons who died on Monday after a Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) vehicle crashed into them at Lawanti village in Akko Local Government Area of Gombe State.

    The accident, which occurred along the Bauchi–Gombe highway, also left several others injured.

    In a statement issued by his Media Aide, Umar Jibril, the Minister described the tragedy as a significant loss to the bereaved families and to the people of Gombe State.

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    The statement read, “My deep condolences to the people of Lawanti district of Akko LGA, Gombe State, and particularly the families of five who lost their lives in a tragedy that involved a Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) which rammed into them at Lawanti village along Bauchi-Gombe highway on Monday, 12th January, 2026.

    “The incident is a huge loss not only to the bereaved families but to the state as a whole, given the circumstances that led to their death.”

    The Minister who prayed for the repose of the departed souls asked God to grant their families the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.

    He also prayed for the speedy recovery of those who sustained injuries in the accident. 

  • N600m goods lost to timber market fire in Gombe

    N600m goods lost to timber market fire in Gombe

    Goods worth over N600 million have been lost in Monday’s fire that destroyed several shops at Kasuwa Katako Market, Gombe State.

    Chairman, Timber Sellers Association, Gombe State chapter, Mr Mohammed Ahmadu, said this during the visit of the state’s Deputy Governor, Mr Manassah Jatau, to the market yesterday to commiserate with them.

    He said no fewer than 60 shop owners with goods worth millions of Naira were destroyed.

    “At least N600 million worth of goods were destroyed in the fire that started around 7.30p.m on Monday,” he said.

    Ahmadu begged the state and the Federal Governments, through its relevant agencies, to assist them with urgent relief to enable them fend for their families.

     Jatau said the state government in collaboration with relevant agencies would carry out the necessary assessment towards providing urgent relief to the affected persons.

    He urged the traders and their association to evaluate the frequent fire outbreaks, recalling how a fire outbreak had devastated some shops at the other section of the market three weeks ago.

    He also urged them to be more careful in handling electrical installations for their safety and that of their property.

    While thanking God that no life was lost, Jatau said that the administration of Governor Inuwa Yahaya remained committed to the well-being of the citizens.

    He said the state government would assist the affected persons towards getting the necessary assistance needed.

    Executive Secretary, Gombe State Emergency Management Agency, Mr Abdullahi Abdullahi, while commiserating with the affected persons, said assessment was ongoing for immediate intervention.

    Abdullahi said the fire outbreak, such as many others in Gombe, was suspected to have been caused by electrical issues, describing it as unfortunate.

    “We will carry out a thorough assessment of the situation towards ensuring that we tackle any reoccurrence of this in the future.

    “We will also strengthen the awareness drive as we have always carried the leaders of the association along during safety and emergency response training,” he said.

  • Outstanding administrators, emerging athletes honoured  in Gombe

    Outstanding administrators, emerging athletes honoured  in Gombe

    Prudential Sports Limited has honoured outstanding sports administrators and emerging athletes in Gombe State, reaffirming its commitment to sports development and talent empowerment in Nigeria.

    The awards ceremony, which held at the event hall of Matrix International Academy, Gombe, brought together top sports stakeholders, administrators, coaches and young talents from across the state.

    Among those honoured were Mercy Iliya Namarwa of the Gombe State Chess Association, who emerged Overall Best Athlete of the Year,Abdulrahman Mahmoud Baba of Doma United, named Young Athlete of the Season, Chindo Abubakar of Gombe Bulls Basketball Club, awarded Most Improved Player, and Atiku Baitu of FC Yarmalight, recognised as Player with the Most Appearances.

    Other awardees included Bawa Buhari as Referee of the Year, Williams Attah of Daily Independent as Sports Journalist of the Year, All Stars FC Gombe, winners of Senator Haruna Garba’s Fair Play Award, and Hon. Khamisu Ahmed Mailantarki, CEO of Mailantarki Academy, who received Alhaji Baba Manu’s Sports Administrator of the Year Award.

    Beyond the awards, Prudential Sports Limited announced major interventions aimed at supporting sports welfare in the state. Over 1,000 retired athletes and their dependents were enrolled into the Gombe State Contributory Healthcare Scheme (GoHealth) at a cost of N10 million. Additionally, 100 active athletes were enlisted into a contributory pension scheme in partnership with Premium Pension Limited.

    The company also donated sports equipment including footballs, basketballs, volleyballs, handballs, chessboards, scrambled boards and football nets to 15 public and private schools, and presented similar kits alongside customised jerseys to Gombe State University.

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    According to the CEO of Prudential Sports and pioneer Chairman of the Gombe Sports Commission, Mallam Farouk Yarma, the organisation spent over N65 million to host the awards and acquire sports equipment distributed across the state.

    In a highlight of the evening, former governor of Gombe State and president of the Nigeria Chess Federation, Senator Ibrahim Dankwambo, presented the Overall Best Athlete Award to young chess prodigy Mercy Iliya.

    He further pledged to sponsor her trip to Zimbabwe to join Nigeria’s national chess team for an upcoming continental championship.

    Also speaking, the Vice-Chancellor of Gombe State University, Professor Sani Ahmed Yauta, praised Prudential Sports for its consistent support and assured that the donated sports kits would be put to effective use in enhancing sports activities on campus.

    The ceremony was attended by several high-profile guests, including the Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Mallam Shehu Dikko, represented by his Special Assistant on General Duties, Alhaji Ahmad Muhammad Muazu,Emir of Gombe, Dr. Abubakar Shehu Abubakar III, represented by Madakin Gombe, Alhaji Umar Abubakar, former Director-General of the NSC, Dr. Al-Hassan Saleh Yakmut, Chairman of ALGON Gombe State, Hon. Sani Ahmad Haruna, and Nigerian Olympian, Mary Onyali.

    Others present were veteran sports journalist Godwin Enakhena, Toyin Ibitoye, former BBC Hausa head Alhaji Aliyu Abdullahi Tanko, and former Enyimba FC Sporting Director, Jude Anyadufu.

  • Gombe H\A begins public hearing on creation of 13 Devt Areas

    Gombe H\A begins public hearing on creation of 13 Devt Areas

    The Gombe State House of Assembly has begun public hearing on a bill seeking the establishment of 13 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs).

    The executive bill sent to the House by Gov. Inuwa Yahaya barely three days ago, has passed first and second reading.

    The Speaker, Abubakar Luggerewo, said the exercise was to gather stakeholders’ inputs to strengthen it.

    Luggerewo described the bill seeking to create 13 LCDAs out of the existing 11 local government areas of the state, as people-oriented aimed at fast tracking grassroots development.

    According to Luggerewo, the bill also aims to ensure effective utilisation of state resources.

    He said the legislators passed the bill through the first and second reading the same day in view of its importance.

    “The Bill will bring government services closer to the people, promote development and enhance the quality of life of residents of the state,” he said.

    Musa Buba, the Chief Whip and Deputy Chairman, House Committee on Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, said the bill was anchored on the executive powers within the constitutional framework.

    Buba said, “While the constitution recognises only local government areas as listed in Part I of the First Schedule to the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the proposed LCDAs are to be established by State legislation.

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    “These are as administrative units operating under their respective parent local government councils.

    “Their purpose is to facilitate good governance, maintain peace and order, bring governance closer to the people, promote equitable development, and enhance service delivery at the grassroots.

    “This is in line with the powers granted to states under Sections 4(7), 5(2)(a) and (b), 100(1)-(3) of the Constitution (As amended),” he said.

    Raising concern about the bill, Umar Gurama, a retired permanent secretary in the state civil service and legal practitioner, who attended the hearing, said the bill has a lot of contradictions that needed to be looked into. Gurama said the bill aiming to devolve the powers of the LGAs to smaller levels had been tested in 1989 and 1991 by the military government and it worked well.

  • Gombe lethal surge

    Gombe lethal surge

    There was a lethal power surge in Tudun-Wada Pantami area of Gombe metropolis recently that caused the death of five persons and severely injured 13 others. Among the dead was the Permanent Secretary for Special Duties and Regional Coordination in Gombe State government, Mohammed Yusuf Kulani.

    Reports said the electricity surge occurred in a major transformer in the community, leading to electric wires snapping, sparking wildly and electrocuting victims. The incident occurred in the early hours of Saturday, 14th June, when power was restored after a period of blackout. Eyewitnesses said there was initially very low voltage of restored power, then a surge, resulting in unhinged voltage that burnt out domestic appliances and electrocuted whoever came near electricity wire. Emergency responders rushed persons affected to hospital, but five persons died instantly. The incident sparked outrage and grief in Riyel community in the state capital.

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    The Nigerian Electricity Management Services Agency (NEMSA) blamed the Jos Electricity Distribution Company that covers the area for the mishap. In a statement, agency spokesperson Ama Umoren, said investigation uncovered several systemic and infrastructure-related lapses like use of aged, untreated/deteriorated wooden cross arms in the distribution network, absence of standard protective devices such as circuit breakers in consumer installations, aged low-tension conductors, poorly maintained substations, and inadequate clearances between high-tension lines and residential structures. “From the report of preliminary investigations, it can be said this is an unfortunate but preventable incident the Jos DisCo heeded previous warnings from NEMSA to rectify and correct observed faults on the network,” the statement said inter alia.

    The mishap that reportedly occurred at about 12:45a.m. on the fateful day was linked to a high-tension power line that snapped and made contact with low-tension wires, leading to a wild surge of electricity sparks across the local distribution network. “Eyewitness accounts and technical evaluations revealed that the incident was triggered by structural failure of a high-tension (11kV) wooden cross-arm support, which led to the detachment of the red phase high-tension conductor. This conductor made direct contact with a low-voltage (400V) line below, causing a dangerous voltage surge into residential houses. The impact resulted in widespread electrical sparks, severe electric shocks, and the electrocution of five individuals,” NEMSA said, adding: “Several residents sustained varying degrees of injuries while trying to disconnect power supply to their homes and electrical appliances, including televisions, refrigerators and meters, which were extensively damaged.”

    Jos DisCo, in its statement, said it was “deeply saddened” and was “closely monitoring the situation, particularly in light of palpable tension within the affected community.” But how does that mitigate the loss of lives, injuries and extensive damage to property? Whoever was directly responsible for the lapses should pay a heavy price, so also should the DisCo.

  • 2027: North Central APC Forum condemns disruption of Gombe meeting

    2027: North Central APC Forum condemns disruption of Gombe meeting

    The North-Central All Progressives Congress (APC) Forum has expressed disappointment over the disruption of the recent North-East APC stakeholders’ meeting in Gombe State, where President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was endorsed for a second term in 2027.

    In a statement on Monday, Chairman of the Forum, Saleh Zazzaga, described the disruption, which reportedly stemmed from the perceived omission of Vice President Kashim Shettima’s name during the endorsement, as regrettable and unwarranted.

    He said such grievances should have been channelled through the party’s internal mechanisms, not through public disorder or threats to party leadership.

    According to the Forum, resorting to intimidation and confrontation undermines the principles of internal democracy that the APC stands for.

    “Disagreements are normal in politics, but the use of thuggery or disruptive tactics violates the decorum and civility expected within our party,” the Forum stated.

    The Forum expressed particular concern over the treatment of the APC National Chairman, Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, who had to be escorted out of the venue under tight security, noting that he was merely carrying out his constitutional duties and should not have been subjected to such hostility.

    “The selection of a Vice Presidential candidate is entirely the prerogative of the President. It is not the role of the National Chairman to endorse or nominate a running mate. Dr. Ganduje has always maintained neutrality and respect for party processes,” it said.

    The Forum further called on Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Zulum, to address concerns regarding the alleged involvement of non-state actors in the protest, noting, “Allowing such precedent sends the wrong signal and risks eroding the culture of dialogue and consensus-building the party has worked hard to instil”.

    Backing its stance with data from the 2023 general elections, the Forum argued that the North-East has less justification to claim marginalisation, as the region delivered fewer votes for the APC compared to other zones.

    “The PDP secured 1.74 million votes in the North-East, while the APC got 933,000. Even in Borno State, the APC’s lead over the PDP was not overwhelming.

    “In contrast, the North-Central delivered over 1.76 million votes for President Tinubu, one of the highest regional tallies nationwide. If any zone were to raise concerns about recognition or reward, the North Central would have a stronger basis,” it noted.

    The Forum clarified that its caution was not about rivalry among zones but about fostering fairness and strategic thinking rooted in electoral performance.

    It also noted that the Muslim-Muslim ticket adopted in 2023 was a calculated political strategy relevant to that election cycle and may not necessarily apply in 2027.

    “Whether or not the same configuration remains viable will be a matter for party leaders to determine in due course, guided by national sentiment and electoral realities.

    “President Tinubu, as a seasoned statesman, will make the appropriate call, and we trust and support whatever decision he deems best,” it said.

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    The Forum dismissed suggestions that the Gombe disruption signals deeper unrest within the APC. Rather, it described the incident as isolated and not reflective of the overall health of the party.

    “The APC is larger than any single episode. Our party remains united, focused, and guided by clear leadership under President Tinubu and Dr. Ganduje.

    “Members must rise above personal grievances and work towards the common goal of progress,” the Forum cautioned.

    Reaffirming its support for President Tinubu’s second term bid, the Forum pledged to mobilise at least six million votes from the North-Central region in 2027.

    It also reiterated its full confidence in Ganduje’s leadership as National Chairman, saying the party is in safe and capable hands.

    “We urge party members to avoid actions that could destabilise our shared progress. Let us stay committed to unity, discipline, and strategic focus as we prepare for future victories,” the Forum warned.

    The Forum also called on political leaders to caution their followers against divisive conduct and promote internal reconciliation, stating, “Now is the time to build bridges, not burn them.

    “Let us put the interest of the party and the country above personal ambitions. Together, we can sustain the APC’s legacy and move Nigeria forward.”

  • Tinubu is repositioning Nigeria for sustainable growth – Gov. Yahaya

    Tinubu is repositioning Nigeria for sustainable growth – Gov. Yahaya

    Gov. Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State has lauded President Bola Tinubu for the implementation of viable social and economic reforms geared towards repositioning Nigeria for sustainable development.

    The governor felicitated with the President and his deputy, Vice President Kashim Shettima on the occasion of their second anniversary in office.

    Yahaya, in a goodwill message by his media aide, Mr Ismaila Uba-Misilli, said Tinubu’s bold reforms would reposition Nigeria on the path of sustainable growth.

    He described Tinubu’s two years in office as those of courage, bold reforms, and purposeful governance under its Renewed Hope Agenda.

    “President Tinubu has taken decisive steps to reposition Nigeria on the path of sustainable growth,” he said.

    Yahaya said that Tinubu had initiated viable infrastructure development projects such as the Lagos – Calabar Coastal Highway and the Sokoto-Badagry Road, as landmark efforts to bridge developmental gaps and stimulate the economy.

    According to Yahaya, these projects, along with other strategic interventions in energy, agriculture, transportation, and the digital economy, are gradually laying the foundation for a more prosperous and resilient Nigeria.

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    He acknowledged Tinubu administration’s renewed drive to tackle security challenges, describing the intensified campaign against insurgency, banditry and criminality as “commendable.”

    Yahaya, who is also the Chairman, Northern Governors’ Forum (NGF), also applauded the president’s inclusive and consultative leadership style, fostering national unity and renewed confidence in governance.

    “The Northern region is already feeling the ripple effects of Tinubu’s policies through the improved Federal Government collaborations, increased access to social investments, and targeted empowerment programmes for youths, women and vulnerable groups.”

    He further prayed for continued divine guidance, good health and greater wisdom for Tinubu as he steers the nation toward peace, equity and development.

    (NAN)

  • Gombe extends curfew ‘until normalcy returns’

    The Gombe State Government on Monday announced an extension of the curfew imposed in Gombe metropolis, to ensure full return to normalcy.

    This is contained in a statement by Mr James Pisagih, Secretary to State Government, in Gombe.

    The statement said the newly pronounced curfew would last between 6 pm and 6a.m daily until normalcy was fully returned.

    It would be recalled that the government had approved the imposition of curfew in Gombe metropolis for between Saturday 3 pm and Sunday 6 am following the eruption of violence in the city.

    Meanwhile, the statement said the government’s decision to extend the curfew was as a result of security intelligence report.

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    It said that security reports indicate that some hoodlums took advantage of the lapse of the earlier curfew to perpetrate crime and violence.

    “In order to ensure relative peace in the state metropolis, Gov, Ibrahim Dankwambo, has directed that the curfew be extended from 6p.m to 6a.m daily until normalcy is fully returned,” the statement said.

    The statement called on security operatives to ensure strict compliance to the directive and ensure improved surveillance within the metropolis.

    It also urged traditional and religious leaders in the state to create more awareness on the need for peace in the state.(NAN)

  • Gombe to establish Hippopotamus colony

    The Gombe State Government says it is working on establishing a Hippopotamus colony at Dadin Kowa to save the animals from attacks and the threats they pose to fishermen.

    Alhaji Sa’ad Hashidu, the state Director of Forestry and Wildlife Management said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday in Gombe.

    Hashidu said the issue of persistent attacks between the hippos and fishermen in Dadin-Kowa was discussed by the National Council on Environment in 2017 and agreed that a hippo colony be established as a permanent solution.

    The director added that the meeting mandated the National Park Service Board to liaise with the state government to work out the modalities.

    “With regard to the outcome of the council’s decision reached in Abeokuta, Ogun State in 2017, we wrote a memo to the state government requesting for funding to bring the National Park Officials for a feasibility study.

    “ We are expecting that as soon as the fund is made available, we will bring the officials to do the needful so that the specie can be protected too.

    “Also, a consultant from the United Kingdom visited last week for a feasibility study. She held a meeting with the Yamaltu Emirate Council, officials of Dadin-Kowa dam, fishermen and farmers on the issue.

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    “ She is working out modalities too to get international donors to synergise with the state government to establish hippo colony,” he said.

    Hashidu explained that by colony the species would be confined within a particular area in Dadin-Kowa dam, adding that as conservationists, it was their duty to protect the hippos from extinction.

    He stressed that the measure would end the clashes and boost socio-economic activities of the area, as there would be no challenge of hippos grazing or destroying crops or fishing equipment.

    According to him, it will also be a source of revenue to the state government as tourists and researchers will be visiting the hippos colony.

    Hashidu, however, noted that in the interim, forest and game guards had been contacted to help chase back the hippos to the dams whenever they made attempts to graze on farmers’ crops.

    He agreed that the guards have not been active of recent due to paucity of funds, but assured they would  resume soon.

    NAN reports that Malam Sa’adu Adamu, leader of the fishermen in Dadin-Kowa had on March 28, raised an alarm over threats that the animal pose to their lives and business.

    Hippopotamus, referred to in anciest Greek as the ‘river horse’, is a large, mostly herbivorous, semi-aquatic mammal.

    It is the third largest living land mammal after elephants and white rhinos.

    NAN

  • Buhari wins in Gov. Dankwambo’s polling unit

    President Muhammadu Buhari of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has defeated Atiku Abubakar, the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Gov. Ibrahim Dankwambo polling unit in Gombe in Saturday’s Presidential Poll.

    Mr Ahmed Makko, the Presiding Officer of Hassan Manzo 005, announced the result amidst jubilation by APC supporters.

    Buhari scored 453 votes to defeat Atiku, who scored 80 votes.

    However, in the senatorial election, Gov. Dankwambo won in the unit scoring 325 votes to defeat the APC candidate Alhaji Saidu Alkali who scored 212 for the Gombe North Senatorial seat.

    NAN reports that Buhari’s supporters took to the streets to celebrate the victory.