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Tag: Kaduna

  • Terrorists chase residents out of Kaduna village for failing to pay tax 

    Terrorists chase residents out of Kaduna village for failing to pay tax 

    Residents of Kidandan community in Giwa Local Government area of Kaduna State were chased out of their ancestral homes in their hundreds over the weekend for failing to pay tax to bandits.

    The bandits had raided their community for hours, shooting indiscriminately, resulting in the killing of many residents and abduction of many others.

    Some survivors told reporters that the bandits, who had previously terrorized the community, increased their aggression after some farmers failed to pay the levies imposed on them.

    The Kaduna State Police Command did not respond to the inquiries made about the incident, as the Command’s spokesman, ASP Mansur Hassan, promised to call our correspondent back but had not done so at press time.

    Read Also: Kaduna bombing mistake: Defence chief begs Nigerians

    A resident, who preferred anonymity, said: “For the past six days, bandits have been frequenting Kidandan. But this attack was particularly devastating. They instilled terror, stole belongings, and abducted our people.

    “Every resident of Kidandan lives in extreme fear. Our women and children are leaving in large numbers. The sudden and unplanned exodus is striking. They seek safety, heading to Zaria and other seemingly secured areas to stay with friends and relatives.”

    It was alleged that instead of a permanent security presence, patrols were the only form of occasional security in the community.

    This, it was alleged, allowed the bandits to strike whenever they sensed the absence of security operatives.

  • Terrorists chase residents out of Kaduna village for failing to pay tax

    Terrorists chase residents out of Kaduna village for failing to pay tax

    Residents of Kidandan community in Giwa Local Government area of Kaduna State have been chased out of their ancestral home after failing to pay tax to bandits.

    The bandits raided their community for hours over the weekend, shooting indiscriminately. Many residents were abducted in the process.

    Survivors told  journalists that the bandits, previously terrorizing the community, escalated their aggression due to farmers’ failure to pay levies imposed on them by the marauding criminals.

    Kaduna State Police Command did not respond to inquiry about the incident, as the command’s spokesman, ASP Mansur Hassan promised to call our correspondent back but he never did as at press time.

    Read Also: Agric revolution will help Nigeria surmount insecurity, poverty – Shettima

    A resident who preferred anonymity said:”For the past six days bandits have been frequenting Kidandan, but this attack was particularly devastating. They instilled terror, stole belongings, and abducted our people. Every resident in Kidandan lives in extreme fear.”

    He further explained:”Our women and children are leaving in large numbers. The sudden and unplanned exodus is striking. They seek safety, heading to Zaria and other seemingly secured areas to stay with friends and relatives.”

  • Kaduna bomb attack: Northern group knocks Senator Yaraduwa over comment

    Kaduna bomb attack: Northern group knocks Senator Yaraduwa over comment

    The Coalition of Northern Groups (CNG) has said that the comments on the military arial attacks on a civilian population in Kaduna by Senator Audu Yaraduwa, lacked compassion, pity, and empathy towards the bereaved community and consequently.

    CNG called for his immediate recall from the Senate.

    The group said: “The recent bomb attack in a Kaduna village has left the nation in shock and mourning after the loss of hundreds of innocent lives. During this difficult time, the Senator’s comments, which displayed a lack of compassion, pity, and empathy towards the bereaved community are  insensitive, self-serving, and irresponsible.”

    CNG said in a statement by its national coordinator, Jamilu Aliyu Charanchi. 

    The CNG lamented that the insensitivity, self-serving, and irresponsible nature of Senator Yaraduwa’s comments have put the blame on the bereaved community while absolving the military. 

    “Such remarks show a severe lack of compassion, pity, and empathy towards the affected families. At a time when the nation should unite in grief and provide comfort to the impacted families, Senator Yaraduwa’s statements have only deepened their pain and sorrow.

    “It is expected that every leader in this period of mourning should show deep empathy, care and sensitivity towards the affected families. Rather than causing any more pain and anguish to the families, political leaders should unite and work together to prevent such attacks from happening again.”

    According to the CNG, the irresponsible remarks on the Kaduna killings by Senator Yaraduwa were driven by excessive greed for favours from the Senate leadership at the expense of the lives of innocent Northern lives.

    The CNG called on voters to be vigilant in the future to guard against returning the likes of Yaraduwa who are unreliable, untrustworthy to any position of responsibility. 

    “By shifting blame onto the bereaved community, he not only disrespects their suffering, but also fails to acknowledge the magnitude of the tragedy. 

    “This insensitivity breaches the trust and confidence that the people of Katsina placed in him as their representative. It is imperative that elected officials demonstrate sensitivity and understanding, particularly in times of crisis.

    CNG then called for Yaraduwa’s recall from the Senate saying while political leaders should use this period of national mourning to show leadership, compassion, and sympathy to their fellow citizens, Senator Yaraduwa’s comments have only served to deepen the wound of an already grieving nation.

    CNG warned political leaders to remember that their words hold great weight and can have a significant impact on the morale of the nation. 

    “In times of tragedy, it is important for leaders to show empathy and compassion towards those who have been affected. This is not the time for blame or finger-pointing, but rather a time for unity and support.

    “The people of Kaduna are in mourning, and it is imperative that they receive the support they need from their leaders.

    The call for Senator Yaraduwa’s recall from Senate is a clear indication that his comments were unacceptable and lacked the necessary sensitivity required at this time.

    “The reputation of the Musa Yaraduwa family has long been associated with integrity, honor, and ethical conduct. However, recent events have brought to light a shocking betrayal of these values by one of its members, Yaraduwa. 

    Read Also: BREAKING: Northern lawyers to sue FG over Kaduna drone mishap

    “By descending so low as to lick the boots of the Chief of Army Staff to curry favors in the form of contracts and financial inducements, Yaraduwa has not only tarnished his own name but also betrayed the integrity of the reputable Musa Yaraduwa family. 

    “The actions of one member can have a significant impact on the reputation of an entire family, and in this case, Yaraduwa’s actions have brought disgrace upon the Musa Yaraduwa family. 

    “Yaraduwa’s actions have wider implications for society as a whole. Corruption and unethical practices erode the foundations of a just and fair society. When individuals in positions of power abuse their authority for personal gain, it undermines the trust citizens place in their leaders and institutions. 

    “Yaraduwa’s actions perpetuate a culture of corruption and nepotism, which hinders progress and development. By betraying the integrity of the Musa Yaraduwa family, Yaraduwa has also betrayed the trust of the people who looked up to the family as a symbol of honesty and integrity.”

  • BREAKING: Northern lawyers to sue FG over Kaduna drone mishap

    BREAKING: Northern lawyers to sue FG over Kaduna drone mishap

    Lawyers representing the Concerned Northern Forum have issued a threat to take legal action against the federal government if it fails to provide adequate compensation for the victims of Tudun Biri, which was bombed by military aircraft in Kaduna state.

    Over 80 villagers were killed during the celebration of Maulud last Sunday night.

    Speaking on behalf of the lawyers’ forum, Nafi’u Abubakar, stated that the forum would make sure the families who lost everything due to this regrettable event received justice.

    He told reporters in Kaduna on Saturday, December 9, that the federal government must act swiftly and decisively to guarantee a comprehensive and impartial inquiry into this occurrence.

    Read Also: Kaduna bombing: Gov kicks over DHQ’s statement, demands retraction

    He said: “It is imperative that those responsible are held accountable for their actions, and measures are put in place to prevent any recurrence of such incidents in the future.

    “We also urge the Nigerian Army to reevaluate its rules of engagement and training procedures to prevent the loss of innocent lives during military operations. It is vital that the Nigerian Army, as a defender of the nation, exercises utmost caution to avoid any further instances of collateral damage and civilian casualties.”

    The over 600-member forum sent its sincere sympathies to the families who lost loved ones in the unfortunate event.

    He said: “We stand united with them in their grief and pledge our unwavering support in ensuring justice is served. The Concerned Northern Lawyers Forum will work tirelessly to pursue legal means to claim the compensation that is owed to the victims.”

  • Kaduna Drone Mishap: Such mistake will not repeat itself again – CDS

    Kaduna Drone Mishap: Such mistake will not repeat itself again – CDS

    The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa, has assured that the unfortunate drone incident that killed and injured many people at Tudun Biri village in Kaduna State, will not be repeated.

    Musa gave the assurance while speaking with newsmen at the 4th Edition of the Chief of Defence Staff Armed Forces and Security Agencies Half Marathon Championship 2023, on Saturday in Abuja.

    He said the nation and the armed forces were mourning those that died during the incident, adding that the accident was regrettable.

    The defence chief said the military would take every measure to ensure that the mistake never occur again.

    “We pray for the repose of those that have died and those that are injured; we will make sure that they are provided for.

    Read Also: Lawyers to CDS: judiciary not to blame for terror war setback

    “The Federal Government and everyone is putting hands on deck to ensure that we take care of the community, take care of those that have been injured and to also ensure that this doesn’t happen again.

    “I want to thank all the Nigerians for understanding with members of the armed forces and other security agencies.

    “It was not deliberate, it was something that should not have been.

    “We are going to move forward and we are using this competition to appreciate Nigerians for all their support and love for members of the armed forces and to assure them that we will continue to work very hard.

    “We want to restore peace and tranquility in Nigeria and God willing, all of us together, will achieve that,” he said. (NAN)

  • Popular Sokoto cleric slams military over Kaduna bombing

    Popular Sokoto cleric slams military over Kaduna bombing

    A Sokoto-based prominent Islamic scholar, Sheikh Muhammad Bello Yabo, has alleged that the northern area of the country is in pain.

    The cleric was reacting to the accidental bombing of some people during the Maulud festival in Tudun Biri village, Kaduna state recently.

    He said that not a single mistake bombing took place in the southern region but in the northern region.

    He made the allegation in a video clip posted on social media.

    He said: “It was not the first time the bombs were dropped on innocent people by security agencies, and they would claim it was a mistake. They once targeted IDPs in Borno. Same in Yobe, they also dropped a bomb in Nasarawa, and now it happened in Kaduna.

    “Till date, the military has not made any error bombing in Southern or eastern parts of this country. It always happens in the north because of our lack of unity.

    “North is bleeding, bandits kill us, hunger kills us, and the military that are supposed to protect us are also killing us. This is too much for us. Who do we report to if not Allah, and we are telling him to have mercy on us and protect us.”

    Shaikh Yabo further stated that the reason the killings continued was that the interests of the northern leaders are not united.

    He, therefore, called the Nigerian government to release Boko Haram negotiator, Tukur Mamu, who is now in detention.

    Sheikh Yabo said that Sunday Igboho, the agitator for the Yoruba Nation, had perpetrated more horrific crimes against the Fulani people in the southern region of the nation than Mamu had, despite the fact that Igboho was freed from prison following his arrest in the Benin Republic.

    He said: “His Yoruba kinsmen intervened on his behalf, and he was later released. If it were a northerner who did what Sunday Igboho did, his northern kinsmen would have been the ones calling for his death by sacrificing him. Today, where is our brother Tukur Mamu? His only offense was to intervene between the terrorists and the victims’ families.

    Read Also: Yari, Ningi lead northern senators to visit Kaduna airstrike victims

    “He was not the only person doing the same because even the security agencies are involved in playing an intermediary role. Today, they tagged him a terrorist for playing an intermediary role between the terrorists and the victims’ families.

    “Till date, he is in detention, and we have not heard any northern figure talking about Tukur Mamu. Everybody knows that Mamu’s continuous detention is pure injustice. We know Tukur Mamu better than you because he is our brother.”

    In addition to pleading with the military to stop killing innocent people in the North, he exhorted northerners not to be envious of one another and to stick together.

  • Sultan vows justice for victims of Kaduna error bombing

    Sultan vows justice for victims of Kaduna error bombing

    Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar lll has vowed to seek justice for victims of the accidental bombing in Tundun Biro Kaduna.

    The Sultan spoke at the Silver Anniversary of the 11th Emir of Jama’a, Alhaji Muhammad Isa-Muhammad, at the Emir’s Palace in Kafanchan, Kaduna on Friday.

    Abubakar noted that the occasion was not only meant for celebration but to offer prayers for those killed during the accidental bomb attack on the people of Tudun Biri while celebrating Maulud.

    “We are here not only to celebrate the emir but to also pray for the emirate and the lives of those killed in Kaduna State. We are going to push for it until justice is served to the people,” he said.

    Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, said the incident was regrettable.

    “Our duty is to protect the citizens. We are going to take serious action to make sure something like this is not going to happen again anywhere in the country. The president has ordered a thorough investigation on it,” he said.

    Emir of Zazzau and Chairman Council of Chiefs and Emirs in Kaduna State, Ahmed Nuhu Bamalli, said he was working and pushing for a constitutional role for traditional rulers because of their closeness to the people of grassroots.

    Read Also; Five African countries with weakest passports

    According to the monarch, the occasion of the 25th anniversary of the Emir was an opportunity for the people of Southern Kaduna to unite for peace to reign in the part of the state. An elated Emir of Jama’a, Alhaji Muhammad Muhammad, thanked the state government and all those who supported and prayed for his success.

    During his visit to the bombed community, the National Security Adviser Mallam Nuhu Ribadu stated that his visit to Tudun Biri was part of the measures being put together by President Bola Tinubu to address the situation.

    Addressing efforts to combat insecurity in the North West and North East, Mr. Ribadu acknowledged significant progress while urging Nigerians to be patient with the current administration, which inherited a deplorable security situation.

    Accompanied by Governor Uba Sani, senior security officials and religious leaders, the NSA reassured the people of the government’s commitment to rebuilding the affected community.

    He also emphasised that those found culpable at the end of the government investigation would face appropriate punishment.

    Former Kaduna Governor Nasir El-Rufai, and the 14th Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, also visited Tudun Biri where they jointly donated N10 million to the community.

    Sanusi who described the incident as shocking prayed for the reposed of the victims’s souls and quick recovery gode the injured.

  • Kaduna drone attack: We remain focused against terrorists, says DHQ

    Kaduna drone attack: We remain focused against terrorists, says DHQ

    The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) says despite the recent mishap in Kaduna, the military remains focused on its mission of creating a safe and secure country.

    It said the ongoing military operations across the country are based on national security interests and “integral to the plan of focussing military pressure on the terrorists, insurgents, and extremists to dismantle and destroy them or force them to submission.”

    The Director of Defence Military Operations, Maj.-Gen. Edward Buba said this in a statement on Thursday, December 7.

    Over 85 villagers were killed when the Nigerian Army drone accidentally struck the Tudun Biri community in the Igabi local government area of Kaduna state.

    The military high command condoled with the families of victims of the drone attack, adding that the incident was being investigated.

    Buba said: “The outcome of the investigation would go a long way in identifying areas of improvement to forestry future occurrences.

    “The military stands with all those grieving as a result of the drone strike and expresses our heartfelt condolences as a force over the losses. We pray for eternal peace for their souls.

    “The armed forces is very concerned about the issues of civilian casualties in operations, a situation which it views as tragic and unwanted. The military is determined to deal with the situation properly and make improvements from our experiences.

    “The military will continue to take great measures to prevent civilian casualties. Protecting civilians remains a vital part of our operations to promote greater security for all Nigerians.”

    Giving an update on troops’ operations across the country in the past week, the defence spokesperson said troops killed 80 terrorists and arrested 304 others.

    He also said that troops of Operation Delta Safe, a military operations against oil thieves in the Niger Delta region, arrested 152 oil thieves and rescued 44 kidnapped hostages.

    Buba said troops recovered 81,000 litres of stolen crude oil, 239,500 litres of illegally refined diesel, 5,000 litres of kerosene, and 10,500 litres of petrol.

    “Troops also destroyed eight dugout pits, 11 boats, 46 storage tanks, seven vehicles, 84 cooking ovens, 356 drums, one outboard engine, one pumping machine and 20 illegal refining sites,” Buba said.

    According to the Defence spokesperson, troops recovered 112 assorted weapons and 898 assorted ammunition, comprising two GPMG, one HK21 gun, 14 AK47 rifles, eight pump action guns, four locally fabricated rifles, eight locally made pistols, five dane guns, 239 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 431 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 4 rounds of 9mm ammo, 52 live cartridges.

    Other items seized from criminals, according to him, are five magazines loaded with 128 rounds of 7.62mm special, six vehicles, 28 mobile phones, 12 motorcycles, one laptop, and a sum of N782,790.00.

  • Condolence: Shettima, Abbas, Badaru, Ganduje arrive Kaduna

    Condolence: Shettima, Abbas, Badaru, Ganduje arrive Kaduna

    Vice-President, Kashim Shettima has just arrived the Air Force Base, Kaduna to condole the people and  Gvernment of Kaduna State over the tragic drone attack on the Tudun Biri community, Igabi Local Government of the state on Sunday.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the vice-president was being accompanied by the Speaker, House of Representatives,  Abbas Tajuddeen, Minister of Defence, Badaru Abubakar and APC National Chairman, Dr Abdullahi Ganduje.

    Read Also: Protesters demand Minister’s resignation over Kaduna bombing

    NAN recalls scores of  Muslim faithful observing the Maulud celebration were mistakenly killed and many others injured following mistaken military drone attacks reportedly targeting terrorists and bandits in Tudun Biri Village.

    The quadruplets and the members of their entourage were received at the base by Gov. Uba Sani, en route the affected community.

    (NAN)

  • Defence Minister visits victims of Kaduna accidental bombing

    Defence Minister visits victims of Kaduna accidental bombing

    The Minister of State for Defence, Dr Bello Matawalle, has visited victims of the recent accidental bombing by the Nigerian Army in Agabi Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

    Matawalle, alongside the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Dr Ibrahim Kana, led a high-level delegation to visit and express the Federal Government’s condolences to the victims, people and government of the state.

    This is contained in a statement in Abuja on Wednesday by Mr Henshaw Ogubike, Director, Press and Public Relations of the ministry.

    The minister, while condemning the unfortunate incident, said in spite of what had happened, the fight against insurgency and terrorism would continue.

    According to him, the unfortunate incident will not deter the government from the fight against terrorism.

    “We are not going to relent in our fight against terrorism because these criminals must be defeated.

    “We are going to continue fighting the criminals till we succeed against banditry and other criminalities in this country.”

    Matawalle, who was also at the Barau Dikko Teaching Hospital, Kaduna, where the injured victims were receiving treatment and the Government House, said the visit was on the directive of President Bola Tinubu.

    He assured the Kaduna State Government of the Federal Government’s commitment to support the families of the victims.

    He added that the government was going to set up a panel of inquiry to ascertain the cause of the incident in order to prevent future occurrence.

    In his response, Gov Uba Sani, represented by the Deputy Governor, Dr Hadiza Balarabe, offered heartfelt sympathies to the affected families and pledged unwavering support to the families of the victims.

    Read Also: Kaduna seals hospital for doing surgery without theatre

    Sani stressed that while they awaited the findings from the panel of inquiry, the Federal Government’s support in taking care of the victims was needed as the state government alone could not meet their needs.

    “The state government on its part has been able to maintain calm in the state in the face of the terrible incidence.

    “We have had engagements with clerics in the state to seek their support in talking with the affected communities for their understanding in order to douse the heated tension caused by this sad event,” he said.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), reports that the minister had in his entourage, top military leaders, including the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa, and the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, among others.

    (NAN)