The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Kaduna state

  • Gov. Yero’s spokesman defects to APC

    …says, PDP’s candidate can’t meet El-Rufai’s standard

    Ahead of the Saturday governorship elections, Director General Media and Publicity to immediate past Governor of Kaduna State, Alhaji Mukhtar Ramalan Yero, Ahmed Maiyaki has dumped the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).

    Maiyaki who gave lack of alleged inability of the PDP in the state and its gubernatorial candidate, Isa Ashiru Kudan to provide an alternative development plan if elected to lead the state, as reason for his action, however disclosed that he has joined the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

    In a statement he made available to newsmen in Kaduna on Saturday, Maiyaki said, “El-Rufai’s vision for Kaduna state is unmatched by any of the candidates seeking to be governor of the state in the March 9th polls.

    He stated that, El-Rufai has raised the bar of governance in the state to an admirably high level, which indigenes of the state have a duty to sustain, and that, the PDP in Kaduna and it’s gubernatorial candidate, have not put in place any plan to sustain or surpass the achievements.

    According to Maiyaki, “Having consulted widely with my political associates, family and friends, l have decided to resign my membership of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).

    Read Also: APC chieftain congratulates Buhari

    “This decision has become necessary in view of the inability of the party at the state and its gubernatorial candidate, Isa Ashiru Kudan to provide an alternative development plan if elected to lead the state.

    “It is on record that the bar of governance in Kaduna State is admirably high at the moment and we as indigenes of the state have a duty to sustain this feat. Sadly, the PDP in Kaduna and it’s gubernatorial candidate, Isa Ashiru Kudan have not put in place any plan to sustain or surpass these achievements.

    “To this end, l have notified and returned the membership card to officials of the PDP at my ward. Accordingly, l have registered as a member of All Progressive Congress (APC) whose candidate, Gov Nasir Ahmad Elrufai has proven competence and vision for Kaduna State.

    “I wish to state unequivocally, that El-Rufai’s vision for my dear state is unmatched by any of the candidates seeking to be governor of the state in the March 9th polls. l believe Elrufai has the capacity, experience and interest to serve Kaduna better. l therefore declare my total support for his candidature and urge other like minds to do so. Kaduna truly deserves a competent leader, we cannot afford anything less.” He said.

  • 100 houses razed, many feared killed in Kaduna

    •El-Rufai condemns attack, visits President

    Barely two weeks after a violent crisis that claimed lives of many citizens in Kajuru Local Government area of Kaduna State, there were reports of fresh attacks in some villages in the Kajuru and Kachia local government areas.

    Kaduna State Governor Nasir El Rufai was at the State House yesterday. He held talks with President Muhammadu Buhari.

    El-Rufai declined to state his mission at the Presidential Villa but it was believed that the governor may have used the opportunity to brief the president on the fresh violent attacks in his domain.

    The attacks, The Nation learnt, occurred in the early hours of yesterday. Bandits were said to have stormed Karamai village in Maro District of the council area, leaving in their trail more than 100 houses and vehicles razed.

    An eye witness said: “The renewed attacks on the villages came as armed bandits, numbering about 100, stormed our village, Karamai community with dangerous weapons, including guns and machetes. As at now, we have counted many dead bodies.

    “As I am speaking with you now, many people have fled the villages, many people have entered bush, running for their lives. There are no security agents in sight to stop the attackers.”

    The military said that troops have already been deployed to restore peace to the affected communities.

    Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, Colonel Muhammed Dole, told reporter that, security agents, have been dispatched Kasuwan Magani to restore peace.

    The Army spokesman, however, warned communities to desist from giving wrong statistics to avoid misconception and distortion of facts and figure before investigation.

    The Kaduna State government condemned the renewed attacks, urging residents to support the security agencies in their efforts to protect the communities.

    In a statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Samuel Aruwan, Governor Nasir El-Rufai expressed sadness over the renewed attacks at a time efforts were being intensified to restore security in areas where scores reportedly killed a few days ago.

    The statement reads: “Kaduna State Government has today received the sad news of renewed attacks in Kajuru and Kachia local government areas. The government condemns this recourse to violence, and calls on all communities to support the efforts to restore calm in the area.

    “Today, the Kaduna State Government was briefed by security agencies of renewed attacks in Kajuru local government area, and in parts of neighboring Kachia Local Government Area.

    “The Kaduna State government has been assured that the security agencies are working assiduously to contain the situation.

    “The government is saddened by these attacks, condemns the perpetrators and urges all residents of the area to support the security agencies in their efforts to protect communities.”

  • My victory not accidental – Uba Sani

    Kaduna Central zone Senator-elect and Political Adviser to Governor Nasir El-Rufai, Mal. Uba Sani, has said his victory at the last Saturday poll was not a surprise to him.

    He also assured Governor El-Rufai will win the March 9th governorship election with a landslide.

    The Senator-elect, who defeated incumbent Senator Shehu Sani of the People’s Redemption Party (PRP) and Lawal Usman of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) said, he never saw Senator Sani as a strong contender in the poll because he had failed the people who elected him.

    Uba Sani, in his appreciation message to the people of Kaduna Central Senatorial zone, however promised to be everybody’s Senator in the National Assembly.

    He said, on assumption of office, he will close ranks with his colleagues from the state, including the opposition Senator from Kaduna South Senator Danjuma La’ah to work for the people of Kaduna State.

    He disclosed his priorities would be to get Federal Government’s attention to addressing the security challenges bedeviling Birnin Gwari and Kajuru local government areas of the states.

    Sani also promised to facilitate the $350 million World Bank loan, the 8th Senate denied Kaduna State, saying the loan if gotten will enable the state build hundreds of schools, hospitals and other infrastructures.

    He however expressed appreciation to the people of Kaduna Central, especially those who came out to vote him, and promised not to let them down.

     

  • Breaking: Buhari, el-Rufai meet in Aso Rock

    President Muhammadu Buhari on Tuesday met behind closed doors with Kaduna State Governor, Nasir el-Rufai.

    The meeting was held at the President’s office.

    But the governor didn’t speak with State House correspondents at the end of the meeting.

    Details shortly…

     

  • Updated: Scores dead, 100 houses razed in renewed Kajuru attacks

    Barely two weeks after a violent crisis that claimed lives of many citizens in Kajuru local government area of Kaduna State, a fresh attack has been launched on villages in Kajuru and Kachia local government areas.

    Though, details of the attack were still sketchy at press time, The Nation learnt that over 100 houses and vehicles, including a police van, have been razed in Karamai village of Maro District, while many people have been killed.

    According to an eye witness, the renewed attack on the villages, came as armed bandits close to 100 stormed Karamai community with dangerous weapons, including guns and machetes.

    The eye witness told our Correspondent that villagers have fled Karamai.

    Read Also: Kaduna killings: Fulani groups dispute casualty figure, declare 131 dead

    Meanwhile, Kaduna State government, have condemned the renewed attacks.

    In a statement by the spokesperson to the State governor, Samuel Aruwan assured that the security agencies are working assiduously to contain the situation.

    The government however urged all residents of the areas to support the security agencies in their efforts to protect communities, adding that, the government was saddened by the attacks.

    According to the statement, “Kaduna government today received the sad news of renewed attacks in Kajuru and Kachia local government areas. The government condemns this recourse to violence and calls on all communities to support the efforts to restore calm in the area.

    “Today, the Kaduna State Government was briefed by security agencies of renewed attacks in Kajuru local government area, and in parts of neighboring Kachia LGA.”….

  • El-Rufai votes after four hours on queue

    It took Governor Nasir el-Rufai of Kaduna State four hours on the queue to vote yesterday at Polling Unit 24, Anguwan Sarki, Runfa Ward, Kaduna.

    But the governor said he was relieved to vote at all.

    “When I arrived at the polling unit, the card reader was malfunctioning, so until after two hours before it was fixed and voting commenced,” he told reporters.

    The governor expressed gratitude to the people of the state for their patience and coming out in large numbers to cast their vote at the rescheduled date.

    Read Also: El-Rufai meets foreign observers

    “The people here have been patient even when the card reader was faulty; they didn’t leave, they kept trooping in. This is very encouraging. I, therefore, commend our people for their resilience and commitment to exercise their civic rights.”

  • El-Rufai votes after four hours on queue

    It took Governor Nasir El-Rufai of Kaduna State four hours on the queue to  vote on Saturday at Polling Unit 24, Anguwan Sarki, Runfa Ward, Kaduna.

    But the governor said he was relieved to vote at all.

    “When I arrived at the polling unit, the card reader was malfunctioning, so until after two hours before it was fixed and voting commenced,” he told reporters.

    The governor expressed gratitude to the people of the state for their patience and coming out in large numbers to cast their vote at the rescheduled date.

    Read Also: El-Rufai clarifies his comments

    “The people here have been patient even when the card reader was faulty; they didn’t leave, they kept trooping in. This is very encouraging, I therefore, commended our people for their resilience and commitment to exercise their civic right.”

    El-Rufai urged INEC to extend the voting time since the exercise started late generally across the state.

    “I have made a case for that already; the time should be extended so that people will not be disenfranchised due to INEC’s logistical failings.”

  • Aisha Buhari donates relief materials to survivors of Kaduna killings

    Wife of the President, Hajia Aisha Muhammadu Buhari has donated relief materials worth millions of naira to survivors of the recent killings in Kajuru Local Government area of Kaduna State.

    This was as she described the violent crisis that claimed lives of many citizens of Adara and Fulani communities as unfortunate, praying that such does not occur again.

    Presenting the relief materials to the survivors at Maraban Kajuru and Railway Crossing, all in Kajuru Local Government Area, Mrs. Buhari assured that, the perpetrators of the crime will be fished out and be made to face the full wrath of the law.

    Represented by one of her close associates, Hajia Binta Muazu, the First Lady told both the Fulani and Adara communities affected in the crisis that, God in His wisdom has reasons for bringing them together, therefore, they must live together in peace and harmony.

    According to her, “Her Excellency, wife of the President, Dr. Aisha Muhammadu Buhari feels your pain. She is touched by the unfortunate incident that happened here in Kajuru. She has asked me to express her condolences to you and bring to you some relief materials.

    ”We understand what you are going through, you have lost loved ones, property and you have been displaced. We know that, what we have brought is nothing compared to what you have lost, but because Her Excellency feels your pain, she has asked us to bring these relief materials, which include food items and clothing materials.

    “She also asked me to tell you that, God in His wisdom has reasons for bringing us together in different tribes and religions, therefore, we must learn to live together in peace and harmony.

    “She also asked me to assure you that, the perpetrators of this heinous crime will be fished out by the authorities and will be made to face the most severe punishment according to the law of the land”.

    Also speaking at the event, wife of the  Kaduna State Governor, Hajia Aisha (Ummi) Garba El-Rufai expressed appreciation to the President’s wife, and admonished the people of Kajuru Local Government to live in peace.

    Receiving the items on behalf of the people of Kajuru, Chairman of Local Government Council, Hon. Kafra Caino Boaz expressed dismay that, the image of Kajuru was being soiled by incessant crises.

    He however told the people of the area that, the crises have a denied the local government area meaningful developments and progress.

    One of the beneficiaries, Mrs. Halima Augustine thanked the President’s wife for the gesture and appealed to the government to help them aprehend killers of their kinsmen.

    Items donated included trucks load of 25 kilograms bags of rice and other food items, as well as clothing materials.

  • Kaduna killings: Fulani demand probe panel

    Put casualty figure at 131

     

    A coalition of Fulani groups is demanding the setting up of a panel by the Federal and Kaduna State governments to investigate the recent alleged killings in Kajuru local government area of Kaduna State.

    Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore Fulani Socio-cultural Association, Mobgal Fulbe Development Association (MOFDA), Gan Allah Fulani Development Association (GAFDAN) and Fulbe Global Development and Right Initiative at a joint press conference in Kaduna on Friday also asked the security agencies to  commence “the process of detailed documentation of the violence, including collection of exhibits and all relevant information to isolate the perpetrators of the violence, arrest and prosecute them for genocide.”

    They said their verification showed that 131 Fulani were killed during the mayhem,one more than the 130 figure given by Governor Nasir El-Rufai.

    The groups claimed that while 66 bodies were recovered, many other bodies could not be found apparently because they have been burnt by the perpetrators of the killings.

    Their spokesman, Engr. Saleh Alhassan of Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore said: “In terms of human loss, 131 persons have so far been killed.

    “The bodies of 66 persons were recovered as earlier stated, where mass burials were performed, with the highest being 37 persons buried in a single, shallow grave in a valley.

    “The dead bodies of 65 pastoralists are yet to be recovered. It is important to state here that, survivors had seen when the members of their families were captured by the Adara youths and moved in the directions of the forest for cold-blooded execution in the most brutal of ways.”

    Read Also: Death toll hits 130 in Kaduna killings

    Alhassan condemned what he called attempts by some people and organizations to deny the killings.

    His words: “Since the news of the carnage first broke, some people without any iota of evidence began discrediting the reports from the security authorities.

    “Furthermore, many others began to politicise this gruesome crime, where innocent lives were lost.

    “Our organisations had taken time to interact with the victims and ascertain the level of death, killing of animals, loss of properties.

    “It is established that the attackers applied maximum violence, adopting total annihilation where all members of families attacked were killed irrespective of age and gender. For this reason, nobody was spared, except those who survived through the miracles of the Almighty God.

    “This is the third time that these forms of crimes are committed by the Adara communities against the pastoralists, now becoming a recurring phenomenon since 2017.

    “I believe every Nigerian will recall the brutal murder of about 100 innocent pastoralists, mostly children, women and the elderly by the Adara militia youths at Angwan Aku and environs in June 2017.

    “That episode is yet to be investigated, and to date, nobody is held accountable.”

    “We recognize the effort of the security agencies in rescuing some of the victims, but hasten to add that, there intervene came too late after the brutal murder of many.”

    The coalition released a list purportedly containing the names of the victims of the mayhem.

    The casualties include 70 children under the age of 10 and 16 others between the ages of 11 and  20 years.

    Sixty-six of the victims were females.

     

  • Culpable descent

    •The Kajuru killings, in which communities trade blames instead of mutual empathy, is a descent into bestiality

    The meltdown last week in Kajuru, Kaduna State, is a crying shame on our dear country.  We demand that those in positions of authority should stop the spiral down to narcissism; and save the community before it is too late.

    Instead of mourning the tragic deaths of their fellow citizens, in circumstances that should make us all hide our heads in shame, commentators appear more concerned about the ethnic make-up of the dead. That is unacceptable.

    Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, the Kaduna State governor, announced that the death toll in the community had risen to 130; and these deaths, in a state not at war with external enemies. The implication is fellow citizens in Kaduna State are killing one another.

    Though the governor had appealed to the Fulani, that bore the brunt of the 130 casualty figure, not to resort to reprisal attacks, an earlier casualty figure of 11, mainly of Adara locals of southern Kaduna, seemed to have triggered off the latest bout of killing and maiming.  Thus, it would appear, yet again, killings and counter-killings.  These periodic orgies of violence are absolutely condemnable.

    On February 20, the governor reported the death toll in Kajuru had risen to 130, after the initial announcement of 66.  But the Southern Kaduna People’s Union (SOKAPU), the umbrella body of the area’s indigenes, as distinct from the other “Hausa-Fulani” bloc, buffeted the governor for allegedly keeping mute about the Adara 11, only to thunder over the Fulani 66.

    SOKAPU alleged the governor was playing a dangerous ethnic game, in the run-up to the crucial general elections.  But the governor had retorted that SOKAPU, and allies beyond the community, were playing politics with security matters, adding such alleged blackmail wouldn’t stop him from state duty, as Kaduna’s chief security officer (CSO) – and it shouldn’t.

    Unfortunately, however, the latest Kajuru killings mark what has become a murderous routine.  In the interest of our common humanity, these blood-letting must stop.  It is especially culpable that instead of mourning lost lives which can never be regained, the two blocs are trading blame, in a bizarre tale of complicity and counter-complicity. Such a murky relationship is unhelpful, as the parties need one another to achieve peace in the state. While the constitutionally recognised powers of the governor make him the CSO of the state, such powers become meaningless, if they are not exercised conscientiously.  Still, all these questions pale into insignificance, when we appreciate our compatriots are killing one another.

    So the governor, after taking measures to douse tension, must seek out why peace has eluded that area of the state. What could motivate indigenes to go after the settlers and vice versa? Are there factors that fuel up the hatred amongst those living in southern Kaduna? If there are, what can the state legitimately do to change the narrative? That will be the only justification to answer a government.

    A government turns a farce if it cannot provide the most fundamental essence of its existence – security of lives and property.  But citizens too, no matter what, must remember their shared humanity, not to talk of citizenship.  In moderating tempers in these challenging circumstances, the governor must tone down on rhetoric, which could be misinterpreted as aiding one side of the dispute.  But SOKAPU too must learn to eschew a siege mentality, which reads motives to even the most innocuous of actions. Dwellers of southern Kaduna, indeed, the whole of the country, must learn to live in peace with one another.  But the surest guarantor of peace is justice.  That is what the government must secure for everyone.

    Kaduna State has had enough bloodshed. Those in authority, at the local, state, community, and even religious and social levels, must eschew their differences and work to restore peace, founded on justice. The Federal Government must also support the state to ensure the safety of life and property.