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Tag: Kaduna govt

  • JUST IN: ONSA, DSS, Kaduna govt rescue kidnapped Kajuru worshippers

    JUST IN: ONSA, DSS, Kaduna govt rescue kidnapped Kajuru worshippers

    …Gov Uba Sani visits victims, confirms return of 82

    A joint security operation coordinated by the Kaduna State Government, the Department of State Services (DSS), and the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) has rescued scores of worshippers kidnapped during a church service at Kurmin Wali village in Kajuru Local Government Area on January 18.

    Governor Uba Sani confirmed on Wednesday that 82 of the abducted worshippers have safely returned from captivity.

    However, a credible security source disclosed that the number of those rescued in the operation was over 100, including children and infants.

    According to the source, the victims were freed through a carefully coordinated operation involving operatives drawn from the DSS, ONSA, and security assets mobilised by the Kaduna State Government.

    Bandits had invaded the church in Kurmin Wali during worship and abducted 177 persons, throwing the community into panic and grief.

    In the days following the attack, 11 of the worshippers reportedly regained their freedom, leaving 166 in captivity before the latest rescue breakthrough.

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    Governor Sani made the confirmation during a visit to the victims at the Women and Children Shelter in Kaduna, where they are currently receiving medical attention and psychosocial support.

    The governor sympathised with the victims and their families over the traumatic experience and assured the Kurmin Wali community that efforts were ongoing to secure the release of those still in captivity.

    He expressed optimism that the remaining abductees would regain their freedom within a few days.

    Sani reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to ending banditry and kidnapping across Kaduna State, stressing that no effort would be spared to ensure the safe return of every victim.

    He commended the DSS, ONSA, and other security agencies for what he described as gallantry, professionalism, and swift response in the rescue operation.

    The governor also urged residents to continue to cooperate with security agencies by volunteering timely and credible information that could aid ongoing operations to restore lasting peace in the area.

  • Kaduna govt, UKAID launch PARSULP project to tackle farmers–herders conflict

    Kaduna govt, UKAID launch PARSULP project to tackle farmers–herders conflict

    The Kaduna state government has partnered with UKAID and other development organisations to launch a new initiative aimed at addressing the perennial farmers–herders conflict and strengthening community resilience across four northern states.

    The intervention, known as the Promoting Agropastoralism, Reconciliation and Resilience for Sustainable Livelihood and Peace (PARSULP) project, is implemented under the Strengthening Peace and Resilience in Nigeria (SPRiNG) programme and covers Kaduna, Benue, Plateau, and Katsina states.

    Speaking at the launch, the general manager of the Kaduna State Agricultural Development Agency (KADA), Muhammad A. Rili, said the project aligns with Governor Uba Sani’s commitment to promoting agricultural growth and peacebuilding. He noted that development cannot thrive where communities are plagued by recurring conflict.

    Rili said the intervention will help reduce tensions between farmers and herders, promote dialogue, and strengthen existing community structures for conflict prevention. He stressed that sustainable resource management and the inclusion of women and youth are critical for the success of the initiative.

    Earlier, the Executive Director of Global Peace Development (GPD), Ebruke Onajite Esike, said the PARSULP project seeks to transform recurring agropastoral conflicts into opportunities for cooperation, resilience, and sustainable development. 

    He noted that violent clashes over land and water have displaced thousands and eroded social cohesion across the region.

    Esike said the project, funded by UKAID through Tetra Tech with ActionAid Nigeria providing supervisory support, will directly benefit 4,410 people and indirectly impact more than 19 million others. He disclosed that participatory rural appraisals conducted in 45 wards informed a Community Peace and Resilience Plan unveiled at the event.

    According to him, the plan promotes agroforestry, climate-smart agriculture, and joint livelihood initiatives designed to encourage collaboration rather than competition. 

    He added that the project will strengthen early-warning structures, support reconciliation efforts, and advance forest protection through policy advocacy.

    The event was attended by representatives of the Kaduna State Government, KADA, security agencies, local government officials, community leaders, and civil society organisations.

  • Kaduna govt, Kaka Foundation launch free health insurance for vulnerable residents

    Kaduna govt, Kaka Foundation launch free health insurance for vulnerable residents

    The Kaduna State Government, in collaboration with the Kaka Foundation, has launched a one-year free health insurance scheme for 200 vulnerable residents in Kaduna North Local Government Area.

    The initiative, executed through the Kaduna State Contributory Health Management Authority (KADCHMA), was unveiled during a formal ceremony at Arewa House, in partnership with the Kowa Namu Ne Foundation. It prioritizes access for women, especially pregnant mothers, who constitute over 70 percent of the initial beneficiaries.

    Deputy Governor Dr. Hadiza Sabuwa Balarabe described the programme as a “life-saving and poverty-reducing intervention,” highlighting its alignment with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and Governor Uba Sani’s commitment to inclusive healthcare.

    Dr. Balarabe, a seasoned public health expert, expressed concern that over 75 percent of healthcare expenses in Nigeria are still paid out-of-pocket, placing a significant financial burden on low-income households during medical emergencies.

    “This initiative is not only commendable, it is truly transformative,” she said. “It brings relief to the underserved and proves what can be achieved when government and communities work in synergy.”

    She added that the state government is expanding health insurance coverage for the elderly, pregnant women, persons with disabilities, and other vulnerable groups, alongside investing in infrastructure, personnel recruitment, and digital health solutions to enhance access in both urban and rural areas.

    “Our understanding is simple: health is wealth. A healthy population is a productive, secure, and empowered population,” the Deputy Governor added.

    The initiative was championed by Abdulazeez Abubakar Kaka, Chairman of the APC Stakeholders Forum and Founder of the Kowa Namu Ne Foundation. He disclosed that the programme initially aimed to cover 100 beneficiaries, but following discussions with KADCHMA’s Director-General, the figure was doubled.

    “I was inspired by the agency’s impact and knew we had to reach more people,” Kaka said. “The majority of our beneficiaries are pregnant women, because data shows they require the most care. The high rate of maternal mortality in poor households is unacceptable—this is our response.”

    He credited the success of the initiative to the strong collaboration with KADCHMA and the support of Governor Uba Sani, who he said has demonstrated consistent commitment to healthcare and social welfare.

    “This could not have happened without the Governor’s vision,” Kaka noted. “We urge other individuals and organisations to step in. Government alone cannot carry the burden.”

    Kaka also hinted at plans to scale up the programme, with a vision to reach 1,000 beneficiaries in future phases and potentially replicate the model across the country.

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    “If we get the right support—financial, mental, even spiritual—we can do more. Today is just the beginning,” he said.

    Dr. Balarabe commended KADCHMA’s efforts to deepen community engagement and expand coverage among informal sector workers, stressing that such approaches are vital to achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC).

    “What we are witnessing today is a shining example of what can happen when government, citizens, and institutions unite for the common good,” she said.

    The one-year scheme will provide comprehensive primary healthcare services to some of the most underserved communities in Kaduna, the foundation confirmed.

  • NSA hands over 58 rescued victims to Kaduna govt

    NSA hands over 58 rescued victims to Kaduna govt

    The National Security Adviser (NSA) Mallam Nuhu Ribadu on Saturday handed over 58 people rescued during joint security operations to the Kaduna State Government.

    The victims were presented by the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa, to the Kaduna Chief of Staff, Sani Limankila, who represented Go Uba Sani during the ceremony. 

    Gen. Musa emphasised that no ransom was paid for their release.

    “This rescue was achieved through the combined efforts of the military and other security agencies”, Musa said, adding “the operation utilized both kinetic and non-kinetic methods, underscoring the need for collective effort, not just military actions.”

    He highlighted the importance of collaboration at all levels, from the presidency and the Office of the National Security Adviser to the Ministry of Defence and the Kaduna State Government. 

    According to him, such synergy enabled the successful rescue of the victims.

    Musa reiterated that every Nigerian has a role to play in ensuring security, saying “if we do not work together, it will be extremely difficult to succeed. It’s a whole-of-society approach”.

    He also warned against sabotage by individuals attempting to undermine government efforts, stressing that security agencies are working tirelessly to ensure the safety of all Nigerians.

    “Many of us have sacrificed weekends and holidays, working day and night to achieve these successes. We assure Nigerians that we will continue until every captive is freed and every Nigerian can move freely across the country,” Musa said.

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    The CDS noted that some individuals involved in banditry were forced into it, but the military remains determined to hold perpetrators accountable for their crimes.

    The National Coordinator of the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), Maj.-Gen. Adamu Laka, provided details about the victims. 

    He said they were kidnapped from Gayam, Sabon Layi, and Kwaga villages in Dan Musa council area of Katsina State.

    Laka revealed that the joint operation, conducted by troops of 1 Division on Nov. 14, led to their rescue. 

    The victims included 35 males and 23 females.

    “Preliminary investigations revealed that they were kidnapped by armed bandits under the command of a notorious criminal known as Janbros. The victims were forced to trek hundreds of kilometers through the Birnin Gwari forest”, Laka said.

    He added that following their rescue, the victims received medical care and necessary assistance to stabilize them, explaining that six victims who required hospitalization have now recovered and were reunited with the others for the handover.

    Sani Limankila, representing the Kaduna State Governor, expressed gratitude to the security agencies for their efforts and called on Nigerians to support ongoing operations to end kidnapping and insecurity.

  • Kaduna Govt lifts curfew imposed on Kaduna, Zaria

    Kaduna Govt lifts curfew imposed on Kaduna, Zaria

    The Kaduna State Government ,(KDSG) said Its has lifted the current 6pm to 8am curfew imposed on Kaduna and Zaria cities.

    The Overseeing Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Mr Samuel Aruwan, announced this in a statement issued on Tuesday in Kaduna.

    Aruwan said, “After an extensive review of the security situation in Kaduna and Zaria towns and their environs, the State Security Council under the leadership of Gov. Uba Sani has removed the current 6pm to 8am curfew completely.

    “The removal of the curfew is effective immediately, from today Tuesday,  August 13.

    He said with this development, law-abiding citizens were free to move and engage in legitimate activities in Kaduna and Zaria towns and their environs with no restriction.

    “The State Security Council during the extensive assessment held last night unanimously recommended the removal of the curfew and reiterated its commitment to the security and safety of the citizenry in Kaduna State.

    “The Security Council also warned that  processions or gatherings must be verified with the relevant agencies to avoid any breakdown of law and order, and for the overall security of the general public, ” Aruwan said.

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    He said that the council further disclosed that security forces would continue to be on the lookout for threats to public peace, and would  prosecute persons or groups posing such threats.

    “Gov. Sani, presiding over the briefing, commended the leadership of the security agencies, religious and traditional leaders, and all critical stakeholders for the roles they played in containing the unfortunate events which followed the protest in Kaduna and Zaria.

    “The Governor assured the critical stakeholders of his inclusive and participatory stance, and that he would continue to engage them towards ensuring the peace, unity and development of the state, “Aruwan said

    (NAN)

  • Kaduna govt to set up inquiry commission on Kajuru killings

    The Kaduna State Government plans to set up a judicial commission of inquiry into the killings in Kajuru and Kachia Local Government Areas of the state, Governor Nasir el-Rufa’i said yesterday.

    The commission will be made up of security experts and chaired by a senior High Court Judge to investigate the root causes of the crisis.

    El-Rufa’i also said the committee would look at what could be done to address the issues, how many people were arrested and under investigation over the killings and their states, and why none had been convicted by the courts.

    The governor spoke during an assessment/sympathy of the area.

    No fewer than 40 people were killed in  Maro, Karamai and Sakiya communities in the LGA in alleged reprisal attacks last Tuesday.

    He said:”I am here to sympathise and commiserate with you and to pray for the repose of the souls of the departed.”

    Over a hundred people have been killed in the area in the last two weeks in suspected ethnic religious attacks.

    The governor visited the mass grave where 15 persons were buried in the area after the Tuesday attacks.

    “It is very sad that people that have lived together side by side for hundreds of years have suddenly started killing each other,” he said.

    According to him the cycle of violence particularly in Kajuru and Kachia must stop.

    “It is not in our culture, our religion to permit anybody to kill; all those who engage in these are not godly people, but godless people, they are neither Muslims nor Christians,” the governor said.

    He urged the residents to join in condemning the killings while calling on religious leaders to always preach peace.

    “We must remember that this cycle of violence will never end as long as we believe in revenge and reprisals.

    “We have community leaders, we have law enforcement agencies that you should report everyone that has done wrong, you should not take laws into your hands.

    “Because if you don’t do so, anyone can take laws into his hands and the cycle of killings will never end,” he said.

    The governor assured the communities that the government would continue to work towards ensuring peaceful coexistence and urged them to work with government and security agencies to restore lasting peace to the area.

    He urged residents to be law abiding, reminding them that irrespective of their ethnic and religious differences, they were all creations of God and would account for the evil they committed.

    On the complaints of the community of lack of communication network, the governor said the government would take it up with relevant agencies.

    “Suggestions have been made to get satellite phones for the community leaders so that where ever they are, they can make calls in times of emergencies; Nigeria Air Force has helicopter that can get here in 20 minutes,” he said.

    According to him, there are so many isolated vulnerable communities which the government is working on ways to respond quickly to whenever attacks occur.

    Earlier, the Chief of Karamai, Maika Musa, expressed worry over the attacks and called on the government to bring the perpetrators to book.

     

     

     

     

  • Kaduna Govt relaxes curfew

    Kaduna State Government has announced a relaxation of the 24-hour curfew it imposed on Kaduna metropolis with effect from Thursday.

    Mr Samuel Aruwan, Senior Special Assistant to the state Governor on Media Publicity said in a statement on Wednesday that residents are now free to pursue their legitimate businesses from 6 am to 5 pm.

    He however said that the curfew would remain in force between 5pm and 6 am daily till further notice.

    “The Kaduna State Government took the decision to review the curfew hours following a meeting today of a select committee of the State Security Council.

    “The heads of the security agencies reported significant progress in restoring calm and commended residents for the peaceful manner in which they conducted themselves during the 4-hour relaxation of the curfew in parts of Kaduna on Tuesday.

    “Government is grateful to the citizens for their cooperation while withstanding the unintended inconvenience.

    “Government expects normal banking and other services to resume, and markets to open as from tomorrow.

    “Also the security agencies will remain vigilant and continue to protect residents. Intensive surveillance of known pockets of potential trouble areas is also continuing by troops on ground and by helicopter patrols.

    “It is obligatory on residents to scrupulously observe the night time curfew hours to keep the peace, and to cooperate with the security agencies to keep our state safe.

    “Community leaders are enjoined to ensure that hoodlums and other potential threats to peace are promptly reported to the security agencies.

    “Government therefore urges all residents to report any suspicious activity to the security agencies and to refrain from spreading rumour and unverified information.

    “The Security Council advises that there will be no hesitation to reimpose a 24-hour curfew in the event of any breach of the peace,” he stated.

    The 24-hour curfew was imposed on the state capital and environs following outbreak of violence on Sunday in which scores of people were killed and properties burnt.(NAN)

  • Kaduna Govt wants Eagles, Libya tie on Oct 12

    Another shift in date is set to hit the Africa Cup of Nations qualifier between Nigeria and Libya, as feelers indicate that the government of Kaduna State has proposed that the first leg should hold on October 12, according to reports reaching footballlive.ng.

    With the first leg between both countries having been confirmed by Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) for Ahmadu Bello Stadium, Kaduna, the host state has now proposed that the best way of having a large crowd turn out is to stage the match on a Friday.

    Libya leads the way in Group E of the AFCON qualifying series with four points from their opening two games, same as South Africa, while Nigeria is third with three points from the same number of matches.

    The first leg in Kaduna, therefore, provides the Super Eagles with a golden opportunity to overtake both Libya and South Africa, then seek a decent result from the reverse fixture and stay top of the table, heading into their home game with Seychelles.

    Dramatically, Confederation of African Football (CAF) appears to be in the know about the development already, as the continental soccer body stated on Wednesday that the first leg will hold on Friday, October 12.

    Being a Friday, work is always bound to end early in Kaduna, and the NFF has scheduled kick-off for 5:30 pm, which would be some three hours after the week’s Jumat service.

    Consequently, the first leg is now set to be staged under floodlights at Ahmadu Bello Stadium in Kaduna on October 12, not October 10 as had been bandied all along, but it also means the second leg in Tunisia would also have to be shifted again.

    After the first leg in Kaduna on October 12, the reverse fixture, which had already been shifted from October 13 to 14, will now hold on Monday, October 15 in Tunisia.

    CAF is yet to name match officials for the game, which will be the second time the two countries will meet this year after the home-based Eagles defeated Libya 1-0 at the 2018 Championship of African Nations (CHAN) in January.

  • Kaduna govt imposes curfew on Jema’a, Kaura councils

    Kaduna govt imposes curfew on Jema’a, Kaura councils

    •Union kicks against 24-hour restriction

    The Kaduna State Security Council has imposed a 24-hour curfew on Jema’a and Kaura Local Government.
    The government said the curfew became necessary to protect life and property and avoid a further breakdown of law and order following the recent attacks.
    A statement by Governor Nasir El-Rufai’s media aide, Samuel Aruwan, said: “All security agencies on special operation in the two councils have been directed to ensure strict compliance. Only essential workers and those on humanitarian services are allowed movement after due clearance by security agents.”
    A traditional ruler in Kaninkon, a community under attack on Monday, Mallam Tanko Tete, said his chiefdom would expose enemies of unity in the land and restore peace.
    He spoke when he received officials of the Global Peace Foundation Nigeria at his palace in Bakin Kogi, following the attacks on Bakin Kogi, a community in his chiefdom.
    Tete called on relevant agencies to ensure the perpetrators were apprehended and prosecuted.
    Northern Co-coordinator of Global Peace Foundation Nigeria Rev. John Joseph Hayab said the visit was to condole with the people of Kaninkon and Southern Kaduna for the attack on Bakin Kogi.
    He condemned the attack, saying the foundation would spread its vision of “One Family Under God” by brokering peace and harmony among the people of Southern Kaduna.
    The Southern Kaduna Peoples Union (SOKAPU) has kicked against the 24-hour curfew, saying it had done more harm than good in the past.
    President Musa Kaptain Solomon said: “I want the position of SOKAPU to be clear. We are in support of any lawful measure that would bring peace. We are not against any curfew if it would make us more secure, but our experience in the past few weeks has shown that anytime a curfew is imposed, it keeps our people at home for the marauders to attack easily.
    “It was under a curfew and the heavy presence of police that Goska, a short distance from Kafanchan, was attacked last December. It was also a 24-hour curfew that some youths were killed in Samaru Kataf in January.
    “The curfew in Zangon Kataf lasted for two weeks. People stayed indoors, markets and schools were shut. The victims of the violence were further punished while the killers roamed freely. It became very difficult for many to feed their households. If this latest curfew will lead to arresting the murderers, good and fine. But if it is just to add to our suffering by being forced to stay at home, then we beg to differ,” he said.

  • Why we must demolish structures, by Kaduna govt

    The Kaduna State government has said its decision to demolish illegal structures erected under ‘High Tension National Grid Lines’ in Barkallahu community, Igabi council, is to prevent disaster.

    A statement by the government said contrary to reports, the eviction notices to residents  was to protect them.

    The statement by Governor Nasir El-Rufai’s media aide, Samuel Aruwan, said: “We wish to clarify some misrepresentations in the media about the directive to residents of Barakallahu living under High Tension National Grid Lines.

    “The government’s intention is to first protect the lives of its people and ensure that laws regarding acquisition and development of residential or commercial buildings are adhered to.

    “But it was observed that some residents have illegally built houses under high tension national grid lines, thereby exposing themselves to harm. This action contravenes Section 29 of the Kaduna State Urban Development Agency (KASUPDA) Law No. 12 of 2015.

    “The State Executive Council, in its July 18 meeting, directed KASUPDA to “issue eviction notices to those who have structures within a 30 metre radius from the high tension national grid line in view of the looming danger.”

    Aruwan reiterated that the action was done “purely on humanitarian grounds and in compliance with Section 48 (2) of the above law” and that the government will not watch residents violate building laws and put lives and property on the line.