The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Kaduna

  • Abducted Colonel: N1 million reward for useful information

    Abducted Colonel: N1 million reward for useful information

    The Nigeria Army authority has raised the reward for anyone with useful information that could lead to the rescue of its abducted officer, Colonel Samaila Inusa to One Million Naira.

    The Army authority said it will give adequate protection to anyone who provides the required information, just as it assured that the information would be treated with utmost confidentiality.

    Colonel Inusa was whisked away in his Mercedes-Benz car by gunmen suspected to be kidnappers around Kamazo, along Kaduna Refinery Road, in Chikun local government area of Kaduna State.

    Deputy Director, Army Public Relations Officer of 1 Division Nigerian Army, Colonel Abdul Usman disclosed in a statement made available to newsmen in Kaduna on Sunday that, the senior officer was abducted on Saturday night.

    According to the statement, “the abductors dropped off Colonel Inusa’s wife and left with him in his car. The car headed towards Abuja.

    Meanwhile, as part of efforts to successfully rescue the senior officer, Spokesman of 1 Division Nigerian Army, Colonel Usman told newsmen on Monday morning that the Army authority is ready to give the said cash reward to any person with useful information that could lead to the rescue of officer.

    The authority had earlier promised N500,000 cash reward for the informant, but it raised the cash reward to N1million on Monday

  • Army Colonel abducted in Kaduna

    A senior officer of the Nigerian Army, Colonel Samaila Inusa has been abducted in by unknown gunmen in Kaduna.

    The gunmen suspected to be kidnappers whisked away Colonel Inusa in his Mercedes-Benz car around Kamazo, along Kaduna Refinery Road, in Chikun local government area of Kaduna State.

    Deputy Director, Army Public Relations Officer of 1 Division Nigerian Army, Colonel Abdul Usman who disclosed this in a statement made available to newsmen in Kaduna on Sunday said the senior officer was abducted on Saturday night.

    According to the statement, “the abductors dropped off Colonel Inusa’s wife and left with him in his car. The car headed towards Abuja.

    The statement read, “This is to inform the general public that a senior officer of the Nigerian Army, Colonel Samaila Inusa serving in Nigerian Army School of Infantry Jaji Kaduna was abducted around Kamazo near NNPC junction, Kaduna.

    “The abductors dropped off his wife and left with him in his car. The car headed towards Abuja.

    “Anybody with useful information or assistance should please assist in tracking these abductors. They are in a Mercedes Benz GLK Black colour with registration number Abuja, KUJ 154 TZ.

    “This happened at about 7:30pm on Saturday, 26 March, 2016. The following numbers could be reach for further contact; 08033865572, 08030489203, 08023445961, 07038025282 or 08058130703,” the statement read.

  • Honour for ex-lawmaker in Kaduna

    Honour for ex-lawmaker in Kaduna

    A FORMER member of the House of Representatives Hon Sani Sha’aban has been honoured in Zaria with the traditional title of Danburan Zazzau.

    The honour was bestowed by the Emir of Zazzau, Alhaji Shehu Idris.

    Sha’aban, chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kaduna State, is also a philanthropist and businessman. He is reputed to contributed immensely to the development of his community.

    Sha’aban is equally a blue blood, being related to two of the four Ruling Houses in the Zazzau emirate. A direct descendant of the Mallawa Ruling House, he has a maternal relationship with the Katsinawa Ruling House that has ruled the emirate for the last 41 years.

    There was much fanfare at the conferment of the title, which made Sha’aban one of the highest title holders and a member of the inner caucus of the Emir’s council. The event drew a large crowd of supporters from across the world to Zaria town with all the hotels fully booked one week before the event. The Emir’s palace was filled to capacity as early as 7am with dignitaries which included former Defence Minister, General Aliyu Mohammed Gusau, former Permanent Secretary of Defence, Alhaji Ismaila Aliyu, the Dallatun Zazzau, Ramalan Yero, former Kaduna State Governor and former governor of Benue State Gabriel Suswam, and members of the diplomatic corps.

    Speaking at the event, the Emir, who was represented by the Wazirin Zazzau, Alhaji Ibrahim Aminu, said the decision to make Sha’aban the  Danburam Zazzau was in recognition of his selfless contribution to the development of the emirate as well as his genuine concern for the people. He described the former lawmaker as an illustrious son, and a worthy ambassador of the emirate whose immense contributions to the community over the years are invaluable.

    One of his friends who attended the ceremony, former Managing Director of the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria, Alhaji Gimba Yau Kumo, said the event proved to Nigerians that Sha’aban has both national and international connections.

    He said: “I hope with this title bestowed on him by His Royal Highness, the Emir of Zazzau, Alhaji Shehu Idris, another responsibility has been placed on Sha’aban to take not only the people of Zazzau, but the people of Kaduna in particular and Nigeria in general to the next pedestal in terms of securing employment for the teeming youths: in terms of getting job opportunities for the people of Kaduna and Nigeria; in terms of bringing foreign investors to Nigeria.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

  • Zaria clash: Shi’ites drag Army to International Court

    Zaria clash: Shi’ites drag Army to International Court

    Members of Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN) otherwise known as Shi’ites, on Monday said that they have taken the Nigerian Army to International Criminal Court (ICC) in Hague for alleged war crimes in the December 2015 clash with its members in Zaria, Kaduna State.

    Addressing Journalists, Spokesman of the Islamic group, Ibrahim Musa said the Zaria clash was a war against the Shi’ites where over 1000 of them were allegedly killed by the Army.

    The ICC is believed to be  the court of last resort for prosecution of genocide, war crimes, and crimes against humanity.

    According to Musa,  “International Human Rights Commission (IHRC) has on behalf of Shiites called on the International Criminal Court to open a preliminary enquiry into the events in Zaria last year.

    “In the filing submitted to the ICC today IHRC writes: ‘The crimes committed between the 12th and 14th December 2015 in Zaria, Kaduna State, by the Nigerian army amount to crimes against humanity. The crimes committed by the Nigerian army meet all the necessary legal requirements to warrant a preliminary investigation by the ICC prosecutor’.

    “The International Criminal Court is being urged to investigate the massacre of nearly 1000 civilians in Nigeria last December at the hands of the country’s armed forces.

    “IHRC has called on the international tribunal which has a mandate to prosecute people for war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide, to open a preliminary enquiry into the events in Zaria last year in which soldiers attacked the Islamic Movement of Nigeria’s (IMN) supporters, symbols and property.

    “The assault over two days in the northern Nigerian city left a trail of bloodshed and destruction including the shooting of the movement’s leader Sheikh Ibrahim Zakzaky and his wife Zeenat. Both are currently believed to be in military custody, detained without charge.

    “Information obtained by IHRC indicates that 217 people were confirmed killed in the attacks, another 219 are in detention, and 482 are still missing. The number of injured is believed to run into many hundreds. IHRC’s filing to the ICC is largely based on eye-witness evidence of the army’s assault.

    “The majority of deaths were caused by gunshots fired by soldiers. Cases of people being burnt alive have also emerged. Injuries caused by machetes or other knife wounds have also been found on the corpses, and could be the work of the criminal groups that perpetrated acts of looting and mutilation alongside the military. Signs of torture and electrocution have been evidenced on the body of the IMN leader Sheikh Zakzaky and other detainees, two of whom died as a result thereof.

    “Sexual violence has also been reported, including cases of rape against women affiliates of the IMN. A 14-year old female witness told IHRC that the military shot her in her private parts when she resisted attempts by soldiers to rape her. Some women reportedly had their breasts cut off and others were deliberatelly shot in the pelvic region damaging their uteri.

    “Photographic evidence has been obtained along with testimonies of mass graves where the army is reported to have buried fatalities from the killing spree. Some corpses were allegedly incinerated, apparently in order to conceal any evidence.

    “In its submission IHRC says that the evidence suggests that the army’s assault was a systematic and pre-planned attempt to snuff out the IMN whose growing popularity have made it a thorn in the side of Nigerian governments.

    “A similar army assault in July 2014 during a religious procession led to the deaths of 34 IMN members including three sons of Sheikh Zakzaky who were apparently singled out for execution.

    “During the  December’s violence soldiers were seen celebrating and chanting slogans against the IMN, such as ‘we have finished with the Shia and Zakzaky’ and ‘no more Shias in Nigeria’. Although the IMN has support among Nigeria’s Sunnis and Shias it is often portrayed by its detractors as a Shia organisation.

    “During the violence soldiers used automatic weapons, explosives and armoured vehicles against unarmed civilians. This, along with the destruction of places of worship, graves and other buildings associated with the IMN, appears to support the contention that the attack was aimed at fatally damaging or eliminating the IMN.

    “Although the state government in Kaduna has set up a Judicial Commission of Inquiry IHRC believes it is insufficiently independent and impartial to be able to hold those responsible to account, nor is there any reasonable prospect of any prosecutions.

    “In his speech announcing the inquiry state governor Malam Nasir el-Rufai listed a range of grievances against the IMN, which is indicative of bias against the IMN from the start. He was also responsible for demolishing IMN properties before setting up the commission of inquiry”. He said.

  • Med-View airline flags-off Kaduna-Lagos route

    Med-View airline flags-off Kaduna-Lagos route

    MED-VIEW Nigeria airline Tuesday flagged-off its Kaduna-Lagos to ease stress associated with flying directly to Kaduna from Lagos and vice-versa.

    Head of Engineering of the airline, Engineer Lukman Animashaun, said the airline operators promised to dominate the route with friendly packages without compromising international standard.

    Engr. Lukman said the 150 sitting capacity Boeing 737-400, which arrived Kaduna from Lagos at about 9:00 am Tuesday, is scheduled to fly Lagos-Kaduna and Kaduna-Lagos four times in a week; Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays. The Aircraft will depart Lagos 7:30 and depart Kaduna by 9:15 on those days

    According to him, “Med-View is one airline that has taken the area of making sure that we give the best opportunity to fly around the country comfortably and safely. As you can see from our opening, we are airline of Nigeria and as such we should be seen all over the country which is what has taken us to Kaduna.

    “We are having four flights weekly; Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays. The Aircraft will depart Lagos 7:30 and depart Kaduna by 9:15 on those days.

    He urged Nigerians not to be afraid of flying because of maintenance problem, saying “Nigerians who will fly will continue to fly and we at Med-View will encourage them to fly because it remains the safest means of transportation all over the world.

    “Med-View Airline doesn’t compromise on maintenance and definitely we will not compromise on safety. We maintain our aircrafts according to regulations and as at when due.

    On security of passengers, he said “we take proper check of every single thing that entering the plane. Apart from electronic checking equipment, we also don’t compromise our manual checks and that is why you see female security personnel checking female passengers while male are checking males. All this is to ensure safety while on board the plane.

    “What makes Med-View different is on time departure. No other Nigeria airline has been able to beat that as at today and we will continue to do that in Kaduna. So, Med-View is here to dominate Kaduna.

    “Most people believe that between Kaduna and Abuja by road is just two hours. But between kaduna and Lagos is about an hour flight. When people know that when they get to the airport and see that there is a flight directly to Kaduna or directly to Lagos, they will be encouraged to fly with us and that will also increase the number of people that will be coming to Kaduna,” he stressed.

     

  • Ocholi: Fake drivers’ license not valid, FRSC insists

    Ocholi: Fake drivers’ license not valid, FRSC insists

    The Federal Road Safety Commission, FRSC has stated that a fake drivers’ license is not acceptable by the Commission.

    The FRSC Director of Media and Strategy, Bisi Kazeem in an interview on Sunday in Abuja maintained that the driver of the late Minister of a State for Labour, James Ocholi had no license with the Commission.

    According to him, reports in the social media that Mr Taiwo Elegbede, driver of the ill-fated vehicle that claimed the lives of Ocholi and his family members has a driver’s license is not true.

    “Elegbede is not captured in our driver’s licensing data, so the license he claimed to have expired must be a fake one.

    “Our license procedure includes physical presence and biometric capturing of applicants which is permanently stored in our data bank, for the purpose of verification.

    “We always tell members of the public to visit our licensing centres spread across the country and desist from patronizing touts while applying for their driver’s license.

    “Elegbede cannot be called a competent driver if he does not have a genuine driver’s license, which he can only acquire showing mastery of basic driving principles.

    Also, reacting to the claim that the vehicle was not originally that of the Ministry of Labour, Kazeem said “A good driver must perform a routine check on his vehicles before driving out. It is not an excuse to say because the vehicle was provided by another office and he should ignore a check on it.
    ” Infact, the maintenance department could not claim in-culpability as a result of receiving the vehicle from another agency or department, the more reason , why proper check should be carried out as the vehicle is changing hands.”

    Kazeem said the commission wished the driver speedy recovery and urged members of the public to only engage the service of a genuinely licensed drivers to avert road carnages.

    Ocholi, his wife and a son died in an accident along Kaduna-Abuja Highway on Sunday,March 6, while the driver and the orderly sustained serious injuries.

    The FRSC Boss, Boboye Oyeyemi had said the driver was not captured in the commission’s data during his briefing to President Muhamammadu Buhari on Wednesday.

  • Lassa Fever: Health worker infected, patients on the run in Kaduna

    Another health worker has been infected with the Lassa fever virus in Kaduna State and is currently being  isolated at the Infectious Disease Centre (IDC), Kakuri‎, Kaduna South Local Government Area of the state.

    Chairman Nigeria Medical Association (NMA) Dr. Muhammed Sani Ibrahim who disclosed this said the whereabouts of   two patients suspected of having the virus, a male from Kachia Hospital and a female from Kawo General Hospital ‎who were referred to Barau Dikko Specialist Hospital cannot be ascertained.

    The NMA Chairman while briefing newsmen on Monday  on the Lassa Fever outbreak ‎ which has so far claimed the lives of three persons called on the public to observe a good community hygiene including food hygiene and food protection practices.

    As part of measure to address the situation, Dr Ibrahim said, the association is creating awareness on preventive measures, sensitizing the clinicians both in public and private set up to observe a. Very high index of suspicion and to observe universal precautions as they handle patients in all facilities.

    He assured that the medical association intend to sustain their sensitization and awareness creation efforts as a sure way to forestall spread and reduce death from infection.

    “We are aware of the various efforts of the Federal and state governments in the creation and circulation of management protocols as well as supply of the antiviral drug( Ribavirin)‎ which if given early can reduce morbidity and mortality.

    “We are also aware of the efforts of the state Epidemiology Unit and the State Rapid Response team who have ensured a timely response to all reports in the state.”

    He also urged all to ensure that they avoid contact with rats as well as food or objects contaminated with rat secretion/excretions, “people must avoid drying food in the open and along the road side and also to cover all food to prevent contamination,” he added.

    “Family members and health care workers are advised to always exercise caution and avoid contact with blood fluids while caring for sick persons, while suspected cases should be reported immediately because the treatment outcome is best if the treatment is commenced early.”

    Meanwhile, he said the 10 primary contacts and 28 Secondary contacts of the Doctor and Nurse that died as a result of the lassa fever virus are currently placed on surveillance.

  • Minister of State for Labour dies in car crash

    Minister of State for Labour dies in car crash

    The Minister of State for Labour and Productivity, Hon James Ocholi (SAN) reportedly died on Sunday.

    The news of his death broke on the social media handle of Hon. Hadi Sirika.

    Ocholi was said to have died in a motor accident along Abuja – Kaduna road while travelling with two other passengers.

    Sources say the accident which involved his vehicle, a Prado jeep and another Lexus jeep left his wife and driver in critical conditions.

    Ocholi was from Dekina Local Government area of Kogi state.

     

  • Kaduna finance ministry’s Director kidnapped

    A senior Director in the Kaduna State Ministry of Finance, Alhaji Aminu Sambo has been reportedly kidnapped by unknown gunmen.

    The Nation gathered in Kaduna Wednesday that, Sambo was abducted by unknown armed gang in his Kan Gimi farm, located in Igabi local government area of the state last Saturday.

    A source in the Sambo’s family revealed that, Sambo who resided in Unguwan Dosa area of Kaduna metropolis has so far spent five days in the kidnappers’ den since he was whisked away to unknown destination.

    The family source while begging kidnappers for Sambo’s unconditional release further explained that, the armed men were demanding huge amount of money before his release.

    According to him, “I was not there but our brother Aminu Sambo was kidnapped last Saturday in his farm in Kan Gimi. We are praying and begging kidnappers to release him unconditionally. Sambo is gentle man to the call who loves peace. We are pleading with kidnappers not to harm him wherever he is.”

    Although, it was gathered that, security operatives whom were said to have launched thorough search for the release of the Director were making progress.

    Meanwhile, when contacted Kaduna State Police Command spokesman, Abubakar Zubairu, on telephone, over the incident he did not answer nor return the calls.

  • Lassa fever: Pregnant woman, two others die in Kaduna

    Three persons including a pregnant woman have been confirmed dead of Lassa Fever disease in Zangon Kataf Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

    The state Commissioner for Health, Professor Andrew Nok who disclosed this on Monday said the two other people who lost their lives include a nurse and a Medical Doctor in the state.

    Professor Nok said the nurse and Medical Doctor contracted the disease after administering medication on the pregnant woman at Saint Loius Hospital, Zonkwa in Zangon Kataf Local government area of the state.

    In a related development, Kaduna State Commissioner of Agriculture and Forestry, Dr. Manzo Maigari said the state has no case of anthrax disease.

    Dr. Maigari disclosed this at a one day workshop organized by the Nigerian Veterinary Medical Association, (NVMA) in collaboration with Africa Media Development Foundation, AMDF to train Journalists on reporting Zoonosis diseases (Animal related diseases) and sponsored by the Ministry.

    Represented by his Permanent Secretary, Abdulkadir Kassim, Dr. Maigari said the association has taken proactive measure of acquiring 150,000 doses of vaccines in the state.

    It has already stationed doctors and other veterinary staffs to monitor movement of livestock coming in from borders to the state.

    He urged the breeders of animals to report cases especially with symptoms of animals bleeding from nose, anus or ears immediately to appropriate authorities.

    Dr. Maigari said anthrax disease is deadly, saying the animals and also human who contract this disease die within one or two days just as he said zoonosis related diseases are serious and needs all hands on deck to combat it.

    Presenting a paper titled “Overview of Zoonoses,” a Professor of Veterinary Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Ahmadu Bello University, Prof. Junaidu Kabir said poverty and ignorance predisposes people to zoonosis.

    He said the people out of poverty and ignorance eat improperly cooked foods, unhealthy animals and consume unconventional animals among others.

    Chairman of Nigerian Veterinary Medical Association, Kaduna State chapter, Dr. Yila Umar said there are cases of zoonosis in the state, hence the needs for the training of the journalist.

    Earlier, AMDF Program Officer, Sekyen Dadik said the essence of the workshop is to train the journalist to report from well informed position.