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Tag: Kaduna

  • JUST IN: Police nab bandit, 3 car snatchers, weapons in Kaduna

    JUST IN: Police nab bandit, 3 car snatchers, weapons in Kaduna

    Kaduna Police Command has announced the arrest of one suspected bandit and three alleged car snatchers, recovering a cache of ammunition and a stolen vehicle in two separate operations on 16 December 2024.

    In a statement by the Command’s spokesperson, ASP Mansir Hassan, he stated that operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit intercepted a 22-year-old suspect, Aliyu Umar, in Zaria at about 6:00 pm.

    According to the police spokesman, Umar was found in possession of eight AK-47 magazines and 50 rounds of live ammunition.

    Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspect was part of a notorious bandit group operating in Zamfara State and had travelled to Barikin Ladi in Jos to collect the weapons from an accomplice.

    Read Also: Ganduje: Police hunt for governor’s spokesman

    In a related operation, “Police detectives arrested three suspects who were attempting to sell a stolen vehicle under suspicious circumstances. The suspects, identified as Kefas Danladi (24), Usman Salisu (23), and Yusuf Danladi (22), were apprehended after officers posed as potential buyers. Investigations showed that the vehicle, a Toyota Avalon, was stolen from a residence in the Naval Quarters, Asokoro, Abuja.

    “The stolen car has been recovered, and the rightful owner has been notified. The suspects remain in custody as investigations continue, and they will face charges upon the conclusion of the probe.

    “The Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Abdullahi, reiterated the Command’s commitment to maintaining security in the state and urged residents to report suspicious activities promptly,” the PPRO stated.

  • The Nation’s correspondent Alabelewe elected new chairman of Kaduna NUJ

    The Nation’s correspondent Alabelewe elected new chairman of Kaduna NUJ

    The Nation Newspaper’s correspondent in Kaduna, Alhaji Abdulgafar Alabelewe, has emerged as the new chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Kaduna State Council.

    Abdulgafar polled 127 votes to defeat the incumbent, Asma’u Yawo Halilu, who received 81 votes in the Monday poll held at the Kaduna State Council of NUJ.

    Incumbent Council Secretary, Gambo Santos Sanga, was also re-elected for a second term, having polled 133 votes to beat outgoing Council Treasurer, Nicholas Dereka of Daily Asset, who received 73 votes.

    Speaking at the NUJ Secretariat in Kaduna on Monday, shortly after his declaration, the chairman-elect, Abdulgafar, said that the election had been won since the time his campaign was flagged off, considering the massive support they had received across the chapel.

    He added that each ballot paper thrown into the box was a call for change, fresh breath, transparency, and accountability.

    He called on his opponent to maintain the spirit of sportsmanship and join hands with the new administration to move the Council forward.

    “I am overwhelmed and I must say that the massive support that I have received so far.

    “The election has been won since we flag off this campaign considering the massive support that we had received across the chapel. But I must say that each ballot paper that was thrown into the box today is a call for change and it’s a call for fresh breath and accountability.

    Read Also: Minister commends IPI, NUJ on successful election, calls for responsible journalism

    “We have gone round and we have made promises and I want to assure members of the NUJ that the promises are not just mere political promises but blueprints that we are determined to implement and we will try our best because our manifestos are anchored on the tripod of accountability, inclusive leadership, capacity building and welfare for members and we will try as much as possible to deliver these promises.

    “For my supporters, it’s time for celebration and jubilation but for me at the hem of affairs, it’s time for me to roll off my sleeves and go to action. I have to try as much as possible because I just have a few days to deliver on these promises and I pray that God will help me in delivering this tasking assignment that is before me.

    “My call to my opponent and every other person who worked with her is that we are not enemies but members of NUJ and friends. The election and campaigns are over, so it’s time for us to come together and move the Union forward,“ Alabelewe said.

  • Kaduna emerges best state in PHC

    Kaduna emerges best state in PHC

    Kaduna State has emerged the best performing state in Primary Health Care in the North West, underscoring Governor Uba Sani’s strong commitment to transforming the health sector.

    The Deputy Governor, Dr Hadiza Balarabe, who received the international recognition and a cash prize of $500,000 on behalf of the Government, stated that the award is a testimony of the Governor’s exceptional healthcare investments and leadership.

    Read Also: Soludo wins best performing governor in PHC in Nigeria

    ‘’For Kaduna State, the award represents more than just financial recognition. It stands as a testament to the state’s dedicated health team and their tireless efforts to enhance healthcare services for residents,’’ she added.

    The $500,000 cash prize is expected to further support Kaduna State’s ongoing healthcare initiatives and continued improvements in primary healthcare delivery, she said.

    The Deputy Governor was accompanied by the Commissioner of Health and the Executive Secretary of the Primary Health Care Board to the gala night hosted by the Nigerian Governors’ Forum at the Banquet Hall in Aso Villa, Abuja, where the award was given.

  • Healthcare: Kaduna emerges best state in PHC

    Healthcare: Kaduna emerges best state in PHC

    Kaduna State has emerged as the best-performing state in Primary Health Care (PHC) in the northwest, underscoring Governor Uba Sani’s strong commitment to transforming the health sector.

    The deputy governor, Dr Hadiza Balarabe who received international recognition and a cash prize of $500,000 on behalf of the government, stated that the award is a testimony of the Governor’s exceptional healthcare investments and leadership.

    ‘’For Kaduna State, the award represents more than just financial recognition. It stands as a testament to the state’s dedicated health team and their tireless efforts to enhance healthcare services for residents,’’ she added.

    The $500,000 cash prize is expected to further support Kaduna State’s ongoing healthcare initiatives and continued improvements in primary healthcare delivery, she said.

    The deputy governor was accompanied by the Commissioner of Health and the Executive Secretary of the Primary Health Care Board, to the gala night hosted by the Nigerian Governors’ Forum at the Banquet Hall in Aso Villa, Abuja, where the award was given.

    Read Also: The Kaduna tax reform dialogue

    The PHC Leadership Challenge which gave the award, recognizes Kaduna State’s significant investments and strategic approach to improving public health infrastructure and service delivery.

    It is a flagship programme that was initiated in 2019, following the Seattle Declaration which aims to strengthen the governors’ commitment to primary healthcare.

    The program is a collaborative effort involving the Nigerian Governors Forum, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, UNICEF, Aliko Dangote Foundation, and the National Primary Health Care Development Agency.

  • Kaduna police neutralise bandits, foil kidnap attempt, arrest robbers

    Kaduna police neutralise bandits, foil kidnap attempt, arrest robbers

    The Kaduna state police command has announced a series of successful operations against criminal elements, including neutralising a bandit, foiling a kidnapping attempt, and arresting three suspected armed robbers and gunrunners.

    The command’s public relations officer, ASP Mansir Hassan who made this known in a statement also said several firearms and ammunition were also recovered during the operations.

    He said the operations were carried out between December 8 and 10, 2024, following credible intelligence.

    According to Hassan, on December 8, at about 2:45 a.m., officers from the Kasuwan Mata Division arrested a 35-year-old suspect, Adamu Yahaya, at a brothel in Zaria.  He added that the suspect was found in possession of a locally fabricated pistol, a live cartridge, and a pair of handcuffs.

    He said: “In another operation on the same day, a patrol team from the Barnawa Division intercepted two suspects, Andrew Emmanuel and Mendwas Peter Bulus, during a stop-and-search operation. Recovered items included a service pistol, two Infinix phones, and quantities of suspected Indian hemp. The suspects confessed to armed robbery activities in Kaduna, and investigations are ongoing to uncover their network.

    “On December 9, a surveillance team attached to the Dan Magaji Division intercepted three individuals along the Kano-Kaduna expressway. A search revealed 216 rounds of 9mm ammunition and one round of 7.62x39mm ammunition. The suspects, identified as Buhari Suleiman, Jamil Yakubu, and Aliyu Abdullahi, are believed to be involved in arms trafficking. Preliminary investigations revealed Yakubu had purchased ammunition from Suleiman before being apprehended.

    Read Also: Kaduna Police arrest notorious gunrunner, recover 20 AK-47 rifles

    “Additionally, on December 10, the Damakasuwa Divisional Police Officer (DPO) responded to intelligence about a suspected bandit attack on Tudu Gishere residents. A joint operation involving the Police, Kaduna State Vigilance Service (KADVS), and Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) repelled the attack, neutralizing one bandit while others escaped with injuries,” the PPRO stated.

    The Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Abdullahi, however, commended the officers for their bravery and urged residents to provide timely and credible information to aid the fight against crime in Kaduna state.

  • Teachers’ absenteeism major obstacle to basic education in Kaduna

    Teachers’ absenteeism major obstacle to basic education in Kaduna

    Partnership for Learning for All in Nigeria (PLANE) has identified teachers’ absenteeism as one of the major obstacles to basic education in Kaduna.

    PLANE’s State Team Lead, Diana Agabi, stated this in Kaduna during the Learning Outcomes Data Dissemination Workshop organized by PLANE and the Kaduna State Ministry of Education.

    The workshop underscored the collaborative efforts between the Kaduna State Government and PLANE, reinforcing their shared commitment to providing quality education for all children across the state.

    While highlighting the workshop’s core focus on enhancing teacher capacity and providing essential learning materials, Agabi said, “Our focus is to improve learning outcomes from day one by equipping teachers with effective pedagogy and providing learners with books, guides, and mentorship.

    She however identified the major obstacles, particularly in the northern senatorial district, as low attendance and absenteeism among both teachers and learners, describing it as critical challenge.

    Agabi noted that many teachers posted to rural areas face economic hardships, including high transportation costs, limiting their ability to attend school regularly.

    According to her, “Some teachers can only afford to be present two days a week, leading to serious learning gaps.”

    “The irregularity in teacher attendance has eroded parents’ confidence in the education system. When parents are unsure if teachers will be present, they often stop sending their children to school altogether,” Agabi said,

    He however called for collective action to ensure consistent teacher presence and regular student attendance.

    In her presentation, Agabi disclosed that, there is an ongoing efforts to train 1,758 teachers on inclusive instruction and gender-sensitive education, the distribution of teaching materials to 698 schools, and the development of Braille resources for visually impaired learners.

    She further noted that, Kaduna State government is committed to ensuring continuous capacity building through data management training for local education officials.

    Also speaking at the Workshop, Deputy Director of Planning, Abbas Shehu, who represented Kaduna State Commissioner for Education, Prof. Muhammad Sani Bello emphasized the state’s dedication to using data for educational improvement.

    Prof. Bello while reiterating the State Government’s commitment to improving the quality of education, noted that, data-driven decision-making is crucial for identifying areas of strength and addressing gaps.

    Prof Bello however commended PLANE for its support in organizing the workshop, which provided a platform to review progress in improving learning outcomes.

  • GBV: Kaduna secures 11 convictions in 2024, ranked 3rd in reporting cases

    GBV: Kaduna secures 11 convictions in 2024, ranked 3rd in reporting cases

    Kaduna state government has secured 11 convictions of offenders of Gender Based Violence (GBV) in 2024.

    This was disclosed by the Commissioner for Human Services and Social Development, Hajiya Rabi Salisu in an interview with newsmen in Kaduna.

    She, however, disclosed that that state was ranked the 3rd in reporting GBV in the country and the first in the North according to the National DashBoard.

    She however explained that the state has reported a 30 percent increase in GBV reporting and not GBV cases as earlier reported.

    According to her, “In the state government efforts to address GBV, four operational Sexual Referral and Assault Centers, one in each senatorial zone, supported by a dedicated budget from the state government.”

    These centres, she said, now focus on preventive measures rather than merely responding to cases, ensuring a proactive approach to tackling GBV.

    Hajiya Rabi highlighted that the Ministry of Justice has streamlined the judicial process for GBV cases, enabling advisory opinions to be issued within three days adding, “This has curtailed delays and led to swifter justice for victims.”

    She noted that in 2024, Kaduna state secured convictions in 11 GBV cases a remarkable milestone, particularly in northern Nigeria, where securing even two convictions annually was a challenge in the past.

    “Most of the convictions resulted in life imprisonment, with some cases carrying the death penalty and convicted individuals cannot benefit from prison decongestion programs, ensuring justice is served.

    Read Also: Kaduna LG boss vows to tackle polio resurgence with renewed immunization 

    “This is a significant achievement for Kaduna state, especially when compared to other states in the North. It all happened under this administration,” she stated

    The commissioner credited the increase in GBV reporting to the efforts of the state government and Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) and also the growing trust in government institutions.

    She added: “Before, many GBV cases were reported anonymously, but now, victims and their families come forward to make formal complaints.

    “For the forced marriage where many victims run away from their homes we have recorded only eight this year, we used to get more than 300 in a year, so this is a very great achievement for the state government in its proactiveness to address GBV.”

  • Kaduna LG boss vows to tackle polio resurgence with renewed immunization 

    Kaduna LG boss vows to tackle polio resurgence with renewed immunization 

    The Chairman of Soba Local Government Area, Kaduna State, Hon Muhammad Lawal Shehu has reiterated his commitment towards ensuring the Council is certified free from polio virus after a reported case.

    Speaking while flagging off the vaccination exercise at Marwa town in Kinkiba ward, the chairman stated that people should understand that poliomyelitis is a virus that spreads rapidly to attack children beyond curable level if not timely arrested.

    He further asserted that scientific research in the Muslim world had proven that polio is a virus not caused by the spirits being speculated, saying that observing personal and environmental hygiene is the safest and protective way against contracting the disease.

    “Polio vaccine had been tested at various laboratories in many Muslim countries and found out that it contains nothing harmful. I had vaccine while young and I could still locate my vaccine card, and all my children get vaccinated against this virus. If it leads to infertility I would not patronize it, but it is safe. I therefore urge you to give maximum cooperation by allowing your children to be vaccinated in the ongoing campaign.

    “I want staff and ad-hoc staff to utilize the vaccine tools and other materials provided for the smooth conduct of the vaccine exercise. I will not tolerate report of truancy among you. Please ensure the local government is certified free from polio”, the chairman remarked,” he said.

    Read Also: Kaduna records 30% surge in GBV cases

    The chairman added that Soba Local Government is committed to the total eradication of the disease under his watch as recorded in some years back when the local council was certified as polio free.

    Hon. Lawal frowned at the reported case of the virus that reversed the success recorded, urging parents and guardians to present their wards for the routine exercise.

  • Kaduna records 30% surge in GBV cases

    Kaduna records 30% surge in GBV cases

    …experts call for action

    Kaduna State has witnessed a sharp rise in Gender-Based Violence (GBV), with over 1,259 cases reported by November 2024—a 30% increase from the previous year—according to the Kaduna State Ministry of Human Services.

    Kano State also reported 244 cases in 2023, underscoring a regional challenge that demands urgent attention.

    This troubling trend was a central topic at a meeting of Women Muslim Preachers from Kano and Kaduna States, held in Kaduna as part of the 16 Days of Activism Against GBV.

    The event, organized by the development Research and Projects Centre (dRPC) in partnership with the Centre for Islamic Civilisation and Interfaith at Bayero University, Kano, and supported by the Ford Foundation, called for stronger community engagement and collaborative efforts to combat GBV in the region.

    Dr. Taufiq Abubakar, Director of the Centre for Islamic Civilisation and Interfaith, emphasized the role of Muslim Opinion Leaders (MOLs) in using Islamic teachings to combat GBV. He highlighted the influence religious leaders wield in shaping attitudes, noting that the MOLs project is designed to challenge harmful cultural norms perpetuating violence against women and girls.

    Project coordinator, Malam Ahmad Abdullahi Ahmad, revealed that the initiative included a Peer-to-Peer Study Tour to Egypt, where participants engaged with leading Islamic institutions such as Al-Azhar and the Grand Mufti.

    Read Also: Accept your posting to Kaduna in good faith, Gov. Sani urges Corps members

    He stressed the importance of integrating Islamic teachings into GBV prevention strategies and equipping Da’awah leaders with the necessary tools to challenge harmful practices.

    Participants were also trained on fostering dialogue within households, using Qur’anic verses and Hadith to advocate for the protection of women, and incorporating Islamic principles into their community outreach efforts.

    The meeting underscored the urgent need for faith-based approaches to curbing GBV and enhancing advocacy efforts, aiming to foster stronger collaboration between MOLs and Da’awah leaders in northern Nigeria.

  • Village head, 14 others kidnapped in Kaduna

    Village head, 14 others kidnapped in Kaduna

    The village head of Ungwan Babangida, in Kauru Local Government Area, Kaduna State has been reportedly kidnapped by suspected bandits alongside 14 others.

    The attack, which occurred late Thursday night, saw the bandits storm the community with sophisticated weapons, shooting sporadically before abducting their victims.

    Among those kidnapped were three women, nine men and two labourers who had travelled to the area for farming activities from Jigawa State and Ikara Local Government Area of Kaduna.

    A youth leader from Dokan Karji, Aminu Khalid, confirmed the incident, explaining that the attack occurred at midnight.

    He added that the attackers appeared well-coordinated, taking positions to avoid resistance before whisking their victims away.

    This latest incident follows a similar attack about 48 hours earlier, during which four farmers were kidnapped in Libere community also in Kauru Local Government Area.

    Read Also: Kaduna’s one-day governor, Hussaina Adam, pledges commitment to children’s rights

    Khalid called for urgent military intervention to tackle the rising wave of banditry in Kauru, lamenting that many breadwinners in the area had been killed while bandits continued to occupy several villages.

    “Kauru communities need serious military action against these bandits. The Federal Government and security operatives must intensify efforts to cripple the activities of these criminals who have made life unbearable for villagers,” he said.

    He, however, commended local vigilantes for their proactive efforts, noting that they had foiled numerous kidnapping attempts in nearby villages.

    Efforts to reach the state’s Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Mansir Hassan, for comments were unsuccessful as he was unreachable at the time of filing this report.