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Tag: Kaduna

  • Kaduna recruits 11,395 teachers

    The Kaduna State government has recruited 11,395 teachers, with plans to recruit another 13,665 primary school teachers soon.

    The government also said it will adopt technology-based teaching in primary schools to enhance quality teaching and learning.

    Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Ja’afaru Sani, said the government would give teachers and pupils tablets and install smart boards in schools.

    Sani noted that of over 40,000 applicants, 27,639 were invited for oral interview; 15,897 were successful and underwent further screening.

    The commissioner added that applications for the remaining 13,665 have been received and the process will begin with Governor Nasir El-Rufai’s approval.

    His words: “At the end of the exercise, 4,562 incompetent ones, believed to have been smuggled in, were fished out, leaving 11,335 competent ones.

    “The 11,335 newly recruited teachers, predominantly degree holders, including a few with masters’ degree, have been deployed in over 4,000 primary schools based on needs. They have all reported.

    “We hope that between now and May ending, we would conclude the recruitment process of the remaining 13,665 teachers.”

  • 2019: Buhari has right to seeks for second term – Textile workers

    The National Union of Textiles Garment Tailoring Workers of Nigeria on Tuesday said President Muhammadu Buhari has the constitutional right to seek for a second term.

    The General Secretary of the union, Comrade Issa Aremu said in a press statement in Kaduna.

    According to the union, the announcement by President Muhammadu Buhari of his intention to seek re-election in 2019 is largely a constitutional matter.

    “For us in the labour movement, the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria allows for two-term tenure for the President if elected; same for governors and open-ended for legislators,’’ Aremu stated.

    Read Also: Buhari salutes Ayo Adebanjo at 90

    He noted that President Buhari certainly has the right, under the 1999 Constitution, to seek re-election for second term in office.

    “Same Constitution allows all eligible citizens to exercise their rights to vote and be voted for.’’

    He said the controversy over why the president is contesting or not, was, therefore, unnecessary.

    The labour leader stated that the labour movement will exercise its constitutional rights to vote in 2019 based on critical assessment of all political office holders.

    NAN

  • Balarabe, Makarfi, others react to Buhari’s decision to seek re-election

    Some Nigerians have welcomed the decision of President Muhammadu Buhari to seek re-election in 2019, saying it was a good decision, as it would help consolidate the gains recorded by his administration, if re-elected.

    However, some members of the opposition political parties said in separate interviews with the News men in Sokoto and Kaduna that the President won’ t find it easy going for second term.

    Alhaji Sidi Ali, Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress ( APC ) in Sokoto State, said, “Buhari has all it takes to re-contest and the decision is a welcome development.

    “He is governing well and has the capacity to continue with the good work, and I am sure more good transformations will happen in the country, if he is re-elected.”

    Malam Kasimu Chiyama, Chairman Dadin Kowa Youth Association in Kwannawa, Sokoto state expressed joy over the announcement.

    “We will support him fully because he is the only candidate that has been good to Nigerians.”

    Two Sokoto residents, Hajia Hauwa’u Magode and Abdullahi Maiyogot expressed excitement over President Buhari’s position and prayed Allah to continue to guide him.

    However, Mr Samson Samuel, a student, faulted the decision, saying the President should consider his age and health status.

    “The APC will surely make a mistake by nominating Buhari to re-contest.

    “Buhari is a good leader but in recognition of his age and health status he should have rested, as he had spent most time during this tenure on medical treatment abroad.”

    Read Also: Buhari secure soft landing for Oyegun, others

    Also, Alhaji Balarabe Musa, former Governor of Kaduna State welcomed the declaration by President Muhammadu Buhari to seek re-election in 2019.

    Musa, a chieftain of the Peoples Redemption Party ( PRP ) said in a telephone interview that his party would, however, come up with a strong candidate to challenge Buhari in the elections.

    “President Muhammadu Buhari is welcome on board, but we want to assure Nigerians that the PRP has a presidential candidate to field in the 2019 general elections,” he said

    Similarly, Alhaji Ahmed Makarfi, former National Caretaker Committee Chairman of the People Democratic Party ( PDP ), said in a text message that: “It’s no news that he is contesting, it would have been news if he had announced the opposite.”

    The Sokoto state Secretary of PDP, Alhaji Kabiru Aliyu, said Nigerians should vote out the APC or prepare for “another four years of hunger.”

    “Buhari’s age and health condition are all in Allah’s hand, but what is more of concern is good governance and ability to transform the country better.

    “Nigerians should vote PDP to avoid continuous hunger and maladministration that subject people to hardships,” Aliyu said.

    President Buhari had announced his intention to go for second term at the National Executive Council meeting of APC held in Abuja.

    NAN

  • Mop-Up: Police recover 84 arms, ammunition in Kaduna

    The Police in Kaduna state on Friday, said it had recovered 84 arms and 120 live ammunition in the state.

    The Commissioner of Police in the state, Mr Austin Iwar, stated this at a media briefing in Kaduna.

    Iwar said that the recovered arms comprised 20 AK-47 rifles, 42 dane guns, 15 pump action guns, four locally-made pistols and three revolver guns.

    Also recovered, according to him, are three Boxer motorcycles, three military boats, two berates, two bows and arrows, 40 “weaponized’’ clubs and 30 cutlasses and charms.

    Iwar attributed the successes recorded by the command within a few weeks, to the diligence of officers and men of the command.

    He said that the operation that led to the recovery of the arms was in response to the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Mr Ibrahim Idris’ directive, adding that the command was supported by Kaduna State Government Disarmament Programme.

    According to him, following the directive that all Police commands should immediately commence mop-up of all prohibited and unauthorised firearms to solve the problem of proliferation of firearms in the country, the command swung into action.

    Iwar, however, said that recovery of firearms in the state had been gradual as it involved extensive negotiations, adding that the effort was yielding result.

    He said that the command had always collaborated with community leaders on crime prevention in the state, adding that the relationship helped in developing the renunciation of violence and crime and retrieval of firearms programme.

    “This process led to renunciation by a total of 760 criminals, bandits in Anchau Local Government Area in the state.’’

    He said the programme would be sustained in the state as the command was currently engaging with community leaders across the state to bring criminals into mainstream society.

    The police boss said a total of 70 street gangs called “Sara Suka’’ were arrested, with various dangerous weapons around the state.
    “The weapons include daggers machetes, Weaponized clubs and iron bars,’’ he said

    He said that 20 of the suspects had been charged to court while the remaining were still under investigation and were making useful statements.

    Iwar urged residents of the state to remain law-abiding and report to the police or nearest security agency any suspicious activity for prompt action.

  • KASU secures NUC’s accreditation for 20 programmes

    The Kaduna State University ( KASU ), Kaduna, has secured National Universities Commission’s ( NUC ) accreditation for 20 programmes.

    The university’s Public Relations Officer (PRO), Adamu Bargo, said in a statement in Kaduna on Friday that 19 of the programmes were fully accredited, while one was given an interim accreditation.

    Bargo explained that the development was the outcome of the NUC’s accreditation carried out in May, June and November, 2017 for the affected programmes.

    The PRO said that the 20 included 16 undergraduate programmes and four post-graduate programmes.

    He listed the 16 undergraduate programmes with full accreditation as B.A. History, B.Sc. Chemistry, B.Sc. Industrial Chemistry, B.Sc. Architecture, B.Sc. Environmental Management, B.Sc. Estate Management and B. Agriculture.

    Others are B.Sc. Accounting, B.Sc. Business Administration, B.Sc. Mass Communication, B.Sc. Sociology, B.A. Arabic, B.A. Islamic Studies, B.Sc. Physics, B.Sc. Computer Science, while B.Sc. Quantity Survey got an interim status.

    He added that the fully accredited four post-graduate programmes were M.Sc. Accounting, M.Sc. Business Administration, Masters in Business Administration (MBA) and Masters in Industrial and Labour Relations (MILR).

    He explained that with this development, all programmes being run by the university had acquired full accreditation from the NUC.

    Bargo expressed hope that Quantity Surveying with an interim status would be fully accredited in no distant time.

    “The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Muhammad Tanko, thanked NUC for its support and promised to tackle all observations raised.

    “He also thanked the staff and students of KASU for their commitment and dedication to service which contributed to the huge success of the exercise.

    “The vice-chancellor assured members of the university community that no stone would be left unturned to ensure that the course with interim status secured full accreditation,’’ Bargo said.

    NAN

  • Police recover 70 arms in Kaduna, 60 in Kano

    Kaduna State Police Command has recovered 70 arms and ammunition, it was learnt.

    Police Commissioner Austin Iwar, at a stakeholders’ meeting with Hunters Volunteer Association and traditional rulers, said the exercise was part of the amnesty programme of the Federal Government.

    Members of the association are from four councils, namely Kudan, Lere, Soba and Kubau.

    The police in Kano State said they have recovered 60 illegally-acquired arms and ammunition in the nationwide recovery of prohibited and illegal firearms.

    Police commissioner Rabiu Yusuf, who spoke yesterday in Kano while displaying the arms and ammunition, said the weapons were 37 rifles, 23 pistols, 127 cartridges, 309 rounds of .6mm live ammunition, 86 rounds of .3mm live ammunition, US-made magnum bow and sniper.

    He said most of the arms and ammunition were surrendered by their owners to the task force set up by the command for the exercise.

  • Troops kill two bandits in Kaduna

    •Two soldiers injured  •Three killed in Kogi

    The Army yesterday said troops on Operation Ayem Akpatuma (Cat Race) killed two suspected bandits on Dogon Dawa-Damari Road in Kaduna State.

    Director of Public Relations, Brig.-Gen Texas Chukwu, in a statement, said two soldiers were injured when another group of bandits ambushed soldiers on patrol on Rigasa/Airport Road.

    The statement reads: “Troops on Exercise Ayem Akpatuma, while on patrol on Dogon Dawa-Damari road in Kaduna State, killed two suspected criminals and recovered two AK-47 rifles. Other items recovered include three magazines and 88 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition.

    “Also, troops deployed on Rigasa/Airport road, on April 2, ran into an ambush by suspected bandits. Two soldiers were injured in the encounter and are receiving treatment.

    “Similarly, troops successfully repelled an attack by another suspected bandit in Buruku, Benue State.”

    Two policemen and a detainee were killed yesterday when gunmen invaded Gegu Police Station in Lokoja, Kogi State.

    It was gathered that the gunmen invaded the police station, about 2.15 am, on a motorbike, and shot sporadically to scare people away.

    They stole weapons and ammunition.

    Motorists travelling during the hour were said to have turned back.

    Police spokesman William Aya, who confirmed the attack, said two policemen were killed and a suspect injured, adding that investigation has begun.

    The bodies were deposited at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC) Lokoja mortuary while the injured is receiving treatment at the same facility.

  • Kaduna Reps fault senate’s rejection of $350m loan

     

    Fifteen members of the House of Representatives from Kaduna state have faulted the Senate’s rejection of the $350m World Bank loan request by the Kaduna State Government.

    The Senate had on Thursday rejected the request by the State for the $350m loan, saying it would worsen the debt profile of the state.

    The rejection was based on the recommendation of the Senate Committee on Local and Foreign Debt and the three senators from the state.

    However, the caucus members of the House of Representatives from Kaduna State thought otherwise.

    The caucus comprises of members drawn from the All Progressives Congress and the main opposition Peoples Democratic Party in the House of Representatives from the state.

    The Leader of the House of Representatives Caucus, Datti Babawo, (representing Sabon Gari Federal Constituency,Kaduna State), insisted that all the fifteen members out of sixteen, actually approved the $350m for the state because of the enormous benefit the state would derived from the loan.

    Babawo noted that the Senate’s rejection of the loan was purely political which would at the long run, do the state no good.

    Speaking in an interview with newsmen on behalf of the fifteen other members on Tuesday in Kaduna, the lawmaker added that his colleagues supported the government’s plan to access the loan because they believe it would boost infrastructural development in the state.

    He described the Senate’s rejection of the loan as not only political but a reflection of the abuse of power by the three senators from the state who are supposed to put the interest of the people above their personal interests.

    He said: “On a monthly basis, the Governor, Malam Nasir el-Rufai whenever he comes to Abuja we always call for a meeting; the national assembly caucus, both the House of Representatives and the Senate; and tell about this loan. Initially, the three senators do attend the meeting but the two stopped coming, leaving only Senator Suleiman Hunkuyi to attending. But later, he too decided not to come.

    “We as caucus of the House of Representatives, about 15 of us out of 16 have approved the loan because we were fully briefed by the governor. He told us why he is looking for the loan. He is so passionate with the issue of education. He told us how he would want to revive education.

    “He had renovated more than 480 primary schools. When they found out that it was not easy after renovating over 480 schools. And the renovation was a full one; with chairs, toilet, water and many facilities and he had invited development partners, including telecommunication giant, the MTN, to assist.

    “But you find out that it was not that easy for the government alone to renovate the over 800 primary schools in the state. That led  the governor making proposal of $100m  to the World Bank. But the World Bank was impressed and asked that after the renovation of primary schools, what about the secondary schools, tertiary  the comatose industries and so on in the state.

    “On this basis, he then made another proposal to increase this loan to $350m to Kaduna State. The governor truly briefed us. It was that submission that the Minister of Finance saw and took it to her own governor(Ogun State) because of the enormous benefit to her state.

    “Her governor also applied for the same $350m. It was the same senate, condition and the same amount of money they approved but refused that of Kaduna State.

    “It is strictly political. It has nothing to do with development. The interest of those who were opposed to it were strictly for their own personal and selfish reason and for the benefit of the people of this state.”

    Babawo added, “People that don’t want to see the development of the education sector. The governor had planned to revived the education system. He has also made provision to build a comprehensive health centres for each of the 255 wards in the state with partnership with General Electronic of the USA.

    “They are the ones to equip these hospitals. And he has comprehensive plans for road development and Metrolines within the Kaduna Metropolis and how to revive the comatose industries. So, it is exactly what has happened.

    “That’s why we in the House of Representatives, are so enthusiastic and pass this without only one opposition, including the Peoples Democratic Party member. We sat, looked at all the agreement and we discovered that the loan is almost free. Even the interest is half percent and has a repayment period of 50 years. That’s why we supported the governor.

    “Anybody who knows our governor knows him as somebody that us hard working and straight forward. He is somebody that is not given to pretence. Whatever he wants to do, he goes straight and do it. We are convince and we positive on our side and that is why we supported that the loan be obtain by Kaduna State. Why is it that all the states’ loan were approved with the exception of Kaduna State. It is politics.” He argued.

  • Security in Sokoto, Kaduna, Katsina, Zamfara collaborate to tackle crime

    Security agencies in Sokoto, Katsina, Kaduna and Zamfara states say they are collaborating to tackle criminality in their areas of operation.

    The formations that include; Army, Police, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps ( NSCDC ) and NDLEA, told the News men that they were conducting joint security operations and sharing intelligence information on criminals to enable them to effectively combat crime.

    The Commissioner of Police in Sokoto State, Mr Murtala Mani, said his command had effective collaboration with all security agencies in the state.

    Mani said through the command’s Spokesman, Cordelia Nwawe, that although the state was largely peaceful, it was working with other agencies on crime mapping and surveillance.

    “We have working synergy with Army, NSCDC, NDLEA, DSS and vigilance groups on tackling incidences of cattle rustling, kidnapping, armed robbery and other crimes.’’

    He said armed robbery, cattle rustling and kidnappings occurred mostly in Raba, Goronyo, Isa and Illela local government areas of the state.

    He, however, said that the cases were being effectively curtailed with combined efforts of other security agencies and communities.

    Also, Mr Babangida Dutsinma, State Commandant of NSDC in the state, said four security agencies were jointly conducting a special operation code-named ‘Operation Harmony’, in areas with high crime records in the state.

    Dutsinma said the NSCDC enjoyed massive support from the Army, Police, the Prisons Service and Immigration Service, using their facilities and officers for the training of its personnel.

    On its part, the police said a joint operation between security agencies in the state had resulted in dismantling many criminal gangs.

    The Spokesman of  the Police Command in the state, DSP Mohammed Shehu, said all the security agencies in the area were partnering to curtail crime.

    Mr David Abi, Commandant of NSCDC in the state, told the News men that the inter agency cooperation shared in the state was “marvellous,’’ adding that they ran “joint patrols with strong sense of patriotism, understanding, discipline and respect for one another.”

    Similarly, the Public Relations Officer of the NSCDC in Kaduna State,Mr Orndiir Terzengwe, said collaboration between the various security agencies had helped to tackle incidences of kidnapping and armed robbery along Kaduna – Abuja Express way, Kaduna- Birnin Gwari Road, Kaduna-Zaria and Kaduna – Jos Road, and within some urban centres across the state.

    “Continuous joint raids of suspected black spots by NDLEA, NSCDC, Police and others, are gradually reducing consumption of hard drugs among youths, which is believed to be largely responsible for youth indulging in different crimes.

    Read Also: USAID partners Sokoto, Bauchi on primary health care

    “In situations where conventional security operatives are not available, vigilance groups’ effect arrest or assist security agencies with information on the whereabouts of suspected criminals, they render intelligence assistance.

    “The Espirit de Corps is commendable but there is need to improve on what is obtainable,’’ Terzengwe.

    Muhktar Aliyu, spokesman of the state Police Command, identified some security breaches in the state to include kidnapping, cattle rustling, armed robbery, activities of thugs and bandits.

    Aliyu said such crimes were being handled through effective joint patrols and operations.

    In Katsina State, the security agencies said they were holding regular meetings under the chairmanship of the Police Commissioner where they were appraising security issues and adopting strategies to confront them.

    Isah Gambo, spokesman of the state police command in the state, said they were conducting joint security patrols and operations, and sharing intelligence information to safeguard lives and property.

    Gambo disclosed that the command had set up a community policing unit to coordinate and set guidelines for communities engaged in providing security for their localities.

    According to him, a community policing committee has been going round the 34 local governments areas and discussing with community leaders on their security challenges with a view to addressing them.

    Sanusi Muazu, the Comptroller, Nigeria Prisons Service in the state, also said that the service had developed a strong synergy with all the security agencies operating in the state.

    Muazu said that they were working with the military, police and other security agencies, sharing intelligence information to ensure full protection of lives and property.

    NAN

  • DSS arrest major financier, armourer of kidnap gang in Kogi

    The Department of State Services ( DSS ) said it had arrested Lawal Mohammed, a suspected major financier and amourer of the dreaded Basalube kidnap gang in Kogi.

    A statement issued by an operative of the service, Mr Tony Opuiyo, on Tuesday in Abuja, said the suspect was arrested on March 23, at Japama in Obajana Local Government Area of Kogi.

    Opuiyo said that the suspect was apprehended with two other members of the gang, Mohammed Tukur and Abubakar Ibrahim, by the joint team of the Service and the Military during the operation.

    He said that Tukur was identified as the Chief surveillance officer of the gang who coordinated the gang’s movement across Rivers, Edo, Delta, Kebbi, Zamfara, Kaduna, Kogi and the Federal Capital Territory, preparatory to the execution of their operations.

    The operative said that items recovered from the suspects include: three cell phones and 25 bottles of psychotropic inducers.

    In a related development, the DSS said it had also arrested five suspected members of the Basulube kidnap gang at Ughelli North Local Government Area of Delta.

    The suspects are: Ali Abubakar, a top ranking member of the gang, Abubakareem Idrisa,Bashir Tsoho, Sanusi Abubakar, Nuhu Muhammadu and Abubakar Abdulhammeed.

    “This arrest was effected while Abubakar was perfecting plans to carry out kidnap operations in Obajana, Kogi,“he said.

    He said that in its determination to decimate the gang, the Service on on March 26 arrested Abubakar Danlansu, driver and weapon courier of the group at Dikko area of Niger.

    “The suspect was arrested enroute Edo from where he was to convey weapons to Obajana in Kogi for the gang’s planned kidnap operations.

    He said that the service had arrested Matthew Ekam, 39, in connection with the kidanap of Obianuju Onyema in Yenagoa on March 12 and later released by the kidnappers on March 18.

    Opuiyo said the suspect is a native of Ogoja, Cross River and a driver of a heavy duty truck operating between Bayelsa and Rivers.

    He said that on March 24, the service arrested a suspected Boko Haram terrorist, Mohammed Bello on the outskirt of Wudil Local Government Area of Kano State.

    Read Also: How we secured Dapchi schoolgirls’ release —DSS

    He said Bello was believed to be carrying out surveillance activities for the extremist group in the area.

    “At the point of his arrest, several handsets, multiple identity cards including those of a Police Constable and neighbourhood vigilante member and N37,857.00 were recovered from him,“he said.

    “The arrest of these suspects hold major significance for law and order and safety of persons.

    “It is instructive to note that the activities of kidnappers and armed robbers on the Lokoja-Okene and Abuja-Kaduna corridors have relatively reduced as a result of sustained counter operations of the Service and sister security agencies,“he said.

    Opuiyo said that the recent arrest of Abubakar and other members of the dreaded Basalube kidnap gang would apparently result in the complete elimination of violent and other allied crimes in those regions.

    “The successes so far recorded by the Service are geared toward providing a safe and peaceful environment for law abiding citizens to pursue their legitimate endeavours.

    “We wish to reassure the public that the tempo of these operations will be continually reviewed, strengthened and sustained.

    “The Service, therefore, wishes to reiterate its stance that all perpetrators of violence and criminality against the Nigerian State and its law-abiding citizens will be made to face the full course of law no matter how long it takes, “he said.

    NAN