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Tag: Kano

  • Forest security receives 111 complaints in Kano

    Forest security receives 111 complaints in Kano

    The Nigeria Forest Security Service (NFSS), Kano State Command, says it received 111 complaints in the month of January.

    The state Commander, Abdullahi Al’ameen, disclosed this in a statement signed by the service Public Relations Officer, Malam Usman Umar, on Thursday in Kano.

    Al’ameen said that most of the cases reported were on bush burning, cattle rustling, car theft, deforestation, motorcycle and tricycle theft, house and shop breaking, thuggery, robbery among others.

    He said that out of the 111 complainants, 29 had been treated, while 82 were pending.

    He further said that the main activity of the service include prevention, detection of crimes and illegal activities perpetrated in the forests.

    Read Also: Rep hails Tinubu for approving forest security guard

    He added that the command would continue to partner with relevant stakeholders on community policing.

    “Our personnel will be trained to gather relevant information on armed robbers, thieves, among others,” he said.

    The commander also said that the NFSS would continue to secure and make forest free crime zones.

    He urged the public to report criminal activities happening in their communities and surrounding.

    (NAN)

  • FG flags off water, irrigation, flood control projects across Kano, Jigawa

    FG flags off water, irrigation, flood control projects across Kano, Jigawa

    The Federal Government has flagged off a series of water infrastructure, irrigation, flood control and human capital development projects across Kano and Jigawa States, reaffirming its commitment to food security, climate resilience and sustainable livelihood.

    The Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Engr. Prof. Joseph Terlumun Utsev, led the inauguration of key projects under the Hadejia Jama’are River Basin Development Authority (HJRBDA), including the Bela Dam Project and a pilot Kaukau Drip Irrigation scheme in Bichi Local Government Area of Kano State.

    Speaking at the foundation-laying ceremony for the Bela Dam in Bela Community, the Minister described the project as a major milestone in sustainable water management and agricultural development. 

    He explained that the multipurpose dam, with a storage capacity of 775,000 cubic metres, is designed to mitigate perennial flooding while supporting irrigation, domestic water supply, fisheries, livestock production and other agricultural activities.

    According to him, the dam will significantly improve livelihoods, boost food production, expand economic opportunities for the host community and strengthen climate resilience. He urged residents to support and protect the project to ensure long-term benefits.

    “As a nation, we can transform our water resources into powerful drivers of prosperity, food sufficiency and national development,” Utsev said.

    During the same visit, the Minister launched a pilot drip irrigation scheme at Kaukau and performed a symbolic planting of crops alongside the Managing Director of HJRBDA, Rabiu Suleiman Bichi, and technical directors from the Ministry, underscoring the Federal Government’s commitment to practical, results-driven agricultural interventions.

    Earlier in Kano State, Prof. Utsev commissioned a modern Conference and Training Centre at the Hadejia Jama’are River Basin Development Authority, describing it as a strategic facility for equipping youths and women with technical and practical skills for climate-smart and innovative agriculture.

    He said the centre was conceived as a hub for grooming a new generation of agripreneurs who would drive productivity, adopt modern technologies and contribute meaningfully to national development through job creation and self-reliance.

    “By empowering our youth and women with practical agricultural skills, we are strengthening the agricultural sector, creating jobs and promoting inclusive economic growth,” the Minister stated.

    Read Also: Flooding: Group to empower 40 Anambra farmers on solar processing, storage

    Graduating trainees at the centre received hands-on training in drip irrigation, hydroponics, greenhouse technology and the “Every Home a Garden” initiative.

    The Minister later proceeded to Jigawa State, where he flagged off the Jahun Drainage and Erosion Control Project in Jahun Local Government Area. 

    He said the intervention marked a decisive response to decades of erosion and flooding that had destroyed farmlands, disrupted livelihoods and threatened lives and property.

    He explained that beyond flood control, the project would enable the harnessing of water for productive agricultural use, supporting year-round farming and stable food production. 

    He called on the benefiting community to take ownership of the project and safeguard it for future generations.

    Representing the Executive Governor of Jigawa State, the Deputy Governor, Engr. Aminu Usman Gumel, commended the Federal Government for the intervention, noting that it would curb perennial flooding, improve living conditions and boost the local economy. He added that the project includes a youth training component in drip irrigation.

    The Managing Director of HJRBDA, Rabiu Suleiman Bichi, expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Minister for their support, describing the projects as part of a holistic approach to modern irrigation, flood management and agricultural development.

    The project inauguration across both states were attended by senior officials of the Ministry, traditional rulers, community leaders, youths, women and farmers, with highlights including the graduation of youths trained in drip irrigation on rehabilitated lands.

  • By-elections to hold in Kano, Rivers Feb 21

    By-elections to hold in Kano, Rivers Feb 21

    • INEC: FCT Area council poll same day

    Ten parties will be fielding candidates to fill vacant seats in the Kano State House of Assembly fixed for February 21 by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

    The All Progressives Congress (APC), the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), the Action Democratic Party (ADP) and eight other parties have shown interest in the by-elections, following an assurance by the electoral umpire to ensure hitch-free polls.

    INEC had earlier served a notice of election into the six Area Councils in the Federal Capital Territory and two state constituencies in Rivers State.

    In Kano, the parties will be jostling to fill vacant seats in Kano Municipal and Ungogo state constituencies. The vacancies were created by the demise of two lawmakers representing the areas.

    The two lawmakers – Aminu Saad Ungogo (Ungogo State Constituency) and Sarki Aliyu Daneji (Kano Municipal Constituency) – died mysteriously within hours on December 24 last year.

    Ungogo passed away after collapsing at the Assembly complex, while Daneji died shortly after, throwing the state into mourning.

    Kano’s Resident Electoral Commissioner, Ambassador Abdullahi Zango, assured that “INEC is fully prepared to conduct a smooth, credible, and hitch-free election.”

    The by-elections aim to restore equitable representation in the Assembly and strengthen grassroots democratic governance.

    INEC is conducting elections into the six Area Councils of Abuja Municipal, Kuje, Kwali, Abaji, Gwagwalada and Bwari as well as the state constituency elections in Ahoado East II and Khana II State Constituencies of Rivers State.

    The Area Council polls will mark the end of tenure for elected officials. The Rivers by-elections are to fill vacant seats as a result of deaths.

    Read Also: Why Southeast APC endorsed Tinubu ahead 2027 elections

    Efforts by the commission to conduct elections in the two constituencies had failed in the past.

    The commission said the publication of the notice of election is in line with the provisions of the Electoral Act 2022.

    Preparations for the conduct of the elections in the affected areas are at an advanced stage, with the distribution of permanent voter cards across the areas

    But the commission is yet to announce a date for the conduct of by-elections into vacant Senatorial seats in Ondo, Enugu and Nasarawa states.

    The three senatorial seats became vacant following the demise of senators Okey Ezra (Enugu) and Godiya Akwashiki (Nasarawa) and the appointment of Senator Jimoh Ibrahim (Ondo) as an Ambassador by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

    Senate President Goodwill Akpabio is expected to officially declare the seats vacant in a communication to INEC before the commission will fix a date for the by-elections.

  • Kano Reps member Bichi rebuilds school, hires 180 teachers

    Kano Reps member Bichi rebuilds school, hires 180 teachers

    Hon. Abubakar Kabir Abubakar Bichi, Member of the House of Representatives for Bichi Federal Constituen-cy, Kano State, and Chairman of the House Committee on Appropriation, has commissioned the reconstructed Hagagawa Mega Primary School in Bichi Local Government Area.

    Hagagawa Primary School, which was established in 1930, had fallen into a state of serious disrepair and was on the verge of collapse before the comprehensive reconstruction.

    In addition to the school project, the lawmaker announced the employment of 180 additional classroom teachers, who will be deployed across primary schools in Bichi Local Government Area to strengthen teaching capacity.

    Read Also: Kano killing and the menace of drugs abuse

    With this latest engagement, the total number of teachers employed by Hon. Bichi has increased to 500, each earning a monthly salary of ₦60,000. This brings his monthly expenditure on teachers’ salaries to ₦30 million, amounting to ₦360 million annually.

    Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, Bichi reaffirmed commitment to improving education infra-structure, pledging to construct similar model schools in Danzabuwa (Bichi North), Saye (Bichi East) and Ci-ranci communities.

    Teachers’ and students’ associations across the local government commended the lawmaker for his sustained investment in education and human capital development.

    As part of the reconstruction, Bichi provided upgraded classrooms, a computer laboratory, a modern library, recreational facilities, and a mini-stadium designed to promote sports and extracurricular activities among pupils.

  • Umar, please don’t kill me, mother of six killed in Kano pleaded with assailant

    Umar, please don’t kill me, mother of six killed in Kano pleaded with assailant

    • How they were murdered, by neighbours

    In Chiranchi, Dorayi area of Kano, noon became night at the weekend. The blood-chilling incident unfurled on January 17.

    The heinous killing of a mother and her six children shattered the community known for its close-knit bonds, warm and peaceful routines.

    Since that dark day, Kano State has remained stiff stunned and hearts heavy with questions hanging.

    Malam Bala Abubakar, a neighbour had pulled off his clothing to bathe when frantic shouts ripped through the air.

    He heard screams for help, a cry of “Umar, please don’t kill me.” Abubakar said he rushed out, with a towel tied around his waist, and joined other neighbours who had already poured into the narrow lane.

    “Some artisans, painting a new building adjacent to the home, where the horror took place, also heard the earsplitting cries and rushed out. They alerted people that “something wrong is going on in that house.” The Ward head, Ahmad Ya’u Yahaya (Gidan Kwari) also rushed to the scene.

    “Together, we rallied to render help,” another eyewitness said. But it was too late. The killers had accomplished their mission. What they saw was a scene of horror. The canvass of blood was wide.

    Read Also:JUST IN: Tinubu in closed-door meeting with Kano Governor, Yusuf

    Thirty-year-old mother Fatima Abubakar, her first and second daughters Maimuna (17) and Aisha (16), alongside four sons – Bashir (13); Abubakar (10); Faruk (7) and one-year-old Abdulsalam were all  lifeless on the ground: gruesomely killed.

    The killers invaded their home  at 12:10pm when the husband Haruna Bashir, had gone to the market, witnesses said.

    “The attackers used a sewing machine head to smash and rip open the skulls of the victims. It was an unbelievably gory sight,” Abubakar told The Nation yesterday.

    Neighbours swarmed the house, held the doors, and called the police.

    Officers, prompted by Police Commissioner Ibrahim Adamu Bakori, arrived at the scene, combing the premises in a sting operation. One of the suspects hidden in a toilet was seized for what would later be a lead to the arrest of other gang members.

    The dead were taken to the hospital, but none was saved.

    Soon, a funeral was held, in line with Islamic rites, during which some of the perpetrators mingled with the mourners, disguising as sympathisers at the funeral.

    They got it all wrong! They were unaware that the watchful eyes of detectives were tracking their moves. The game was up for them.

    Police spokesman Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa gave the names of the three killer-suspects as Umar Auwalu, 23, Isyaku Yakubu, 40 and Yakubu Abdulaziz, 21 – all from Kano.

    Auwalu turned out to be nephew to the slain mother who had begged him to spare her before he killed her.

    The arrest of the suspects, now cooling off in police custody, brought a measure of relief to Kano residents, who spoke with this newspaper yesterday.

    Many have urged Governor Abba Yusuf to sign their death warrant should they be  prosecuted and found guilty  by the court.

  • Kano suspends doctors over scissors found in patient’s stomach

    Kano suspends doctors over scissors found in patient’s stomach

    The Kano State Hospitals Management Board has confirmed that the death of Aishatu Umar, a mother of five, was linked to medical negligence at the Abubakar Imam Urology Centre, a government-owned health facility in Kano.

    In a statement, the Board’s Public Relations Officer, Samira Suleiman, said a preliminary investigation ordered by the Executive Secretary, Dr Mansur Mudi Nagoda, revealed that surgical scissors were inadvertently left inside the patient’s body following a surgical procedure.

    Following the findings, the Board announced the immediate suspension of three medical personnel directly involved in the case from clinical duties. 

    It also disclosed that the matter has been referred to the Kano State Medical Ethics Committee for further investigation and possible disciplinary action in line with professional standards and existing laws.

    “The Board extends its deepest condolences to the family of the late Aishatu Umar and sympathises with them over this painful loss. We assure the public that negligence will not be condoned in any form,” the statement said.

    The incident came to public attention after reports emerged that Aishatu Umar died after experiencing prolonged complications from a surgery carried out at the facility.

    A relative of the deceased, Abubakar Mohammed, said Aishatu underwent surgery at the Urology Centre in September, after which she began suffering persistent and worsening abdominal pain. 

    Read Also: Police intercept explosives, drugs, arrest suspects in Kano 

    He alleged that despite repeated visits to the hospital, she was reportedly given pain-relief medication without comprehensive medical investigations.

    According to him, diagnostic scans conducted only a few days ago revealed that a pair of scissors had allegedly been left inside her body during the initial surgery.

    “She complained of severe abdominal pain for months after the surgery. Each time she returned to the hospital, she was given painkillers,” Mohammed said.

    “It was only recently that scans were done, and that was when doctors discovered that scissors had been forgotten inside her body. Another surgery was planned, but she died before it could be carried out,” he added.

  • Kano to conduct statewide census of tertiary educational institutions

    Kano to conduct statewide census of tertiary educational institutions

    Kano State Bureau of Statistics (KSBS) has announced plans to conduct a comprehensive census of tertiary educational institutions across the state from Jan. 14 to Jan. 23.

    The Statistician-General of the state, Dr Suraj Sulaiman, disclosed this in a statement issued on Saturday in Kano.

    Sulaiman said the 10-working-day exercise was aimed at generating accurate and up-to-date data on Kano State’s tertiary education sector to support effective planning and policy formulation.

    He said data to be collected would include the number and types of tertiary institutions in the state, students’ enrolment, academic programmes, available infrastructure such as classrooms, laboratories and libraries, staffing levels and qualifications, as well as the operational status of the institutions.

    According to him, the census will provide policymakers, education managers and other stakeholders with reliable information for better resource allocation and improved educational outcomes.

    The statistician-general urged all the tertiary institutions in the state to cooperate with trained enumerators and supervisors that would be deployed for the exercise.

    “The cooperation of all tertiary institutions is critical to shaping the future of education in Kano State. The data gathered will play a key role in evidence-based decision-making,” he said.

    He added that the success of the exercise depended largely on the willingness of institutions to provide timely and accurate information.

    Suleiman further said the census would be one of the most extensive data-gathering efforts in Kano State’s tertiary education sector in recent years and would provide a clearer picture of existing capacities and challenges in the system.

    (NAN)

  • Tragedy: 2-year-old boy drowns in well in Kano

    Tragedy: 2-year-old boy drowns in well in Kano

    Tragedy has struck in Kano State as a two-year-old boy, Sa’idu Ahmad, drowned in a well in Kwankwaso town, Madobi Local Government Area.

    This is contained in a statement issued by the Public Relations Officer of the Kano State Fire Service, Alhaji Saminu Abdullahi, on Thursday in Kano.

    Abdullahi said the incident occurred on Wednesday afternoon.

    He said, ” We received an emergency call from the Deputy Director, Fire Service, Rabiu Garba, at about 12:15p.m that a boy has drowned in a well and we immediately sent our rescue team to the scene.”

    Abdullahi said the victim was rescued unconscious and was later handed over to Umar Shehu of  Madobi Police Division, explaining that the cause of  incident was under investigation.

    In another development, a 28-year-old man, Suleiman Sani, has also fallen into a well in Karofawa Yan Kifi Village, Ghari Local Government Area.

    Abdullahi said the incident also occurred on Wednesday evening.

    He said, “We received a call distress at Ghari fire station that a man has drowned in a well.

    “Our rescue team quickly mobilised themselves to the scene.

    “The victim was rescued unconscious and was later confirmed dead by his parents.

    “He was handed over to the Village Head of Karofawa, Alhaji Musa Aliyu and the cause of the incident is also under investigation.

    “The Kano State Fire Service extends its condolences to the families of the deceased and urge the public to ensure that wells are properly covered to prevent such tragic occurrences.”

    (NAN)

  • Kano’s unfolding power game

    Kano’s unfolding power game

    Sir: Kano politics has been thrown into uncertainty following reports that the Kano State Governor, Abba Yusuf, is planning to defect from the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC). For years, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso aspired to be Kano’s undisputed political kingmaker. He only succeeded in realizing this ambition by installing his perceived political godson as the current governor of Kano State. His earlier attempts had failed; notably, the current governor is the only candidate Kwankwaso attempted to install twice.

    The governor’s recent move to cross over to the ruling party has been strongly opposed by the state party leadership and the NNPP’s national leader, Senator Kwankwaso. This development has triggered internal disagreements within the NNPP, particularly between supporters of the governor and loyalists of the Kwankwasiyya movement.

    From a rational political standpoint, the situation reflects a deep and intense struggle—a clear attempt at reclaiming the throne between the Governor of Kano State and the leader of the Kwankwasiyya movement, Senator Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso.

    By all political indicators, the governor’s effort to reclaim the throne appears aimed at securing absolute control and liberating himself from total submission to the national leader of the Kwankwasiyya movement.

    Read Also: JUST IN: FG secures release of Nigerian pastor jailed in Benin

    Although no official statement has been issued by the governor’s office since reports of the planned defection emerged, the body language of prominent government officials suggests that the plan is already in motion and that it is only a matter of time. So far, only the Speaker of the State Assembly, Yusuf Falgore, has publicly endorsed the governor’s planned defection. Sources also indicate that a significant number of local government chairmen have joined the governor’s defection train.

    The Kwankwaso–Abba conflict is, at its core, politics in its truest form—a search for solutions and self-determination. There is a clear distinction between betrayal in politics, the pursuit of solutions, and the quest for independence from total submission.

    If Governor Abba succeeds in taking the bulk of NNPP’s structure to APC, it’ll be a major blow to Kwankwaso’s influence. It seems Kwankwaso’s biggest fear is Abba taking the state with him, leaving him with a movement without a state.

    No doubt, the planned defection would reshape Kano’s politics significantly- APC regains dominance in Kano, strengthening its position ahead of 2027, while NNPP’s national relevance takes a hit, struggling to recover from losing its only governor. Kwankwasiyya faces a tough test without state power, potentially losing influence. New alliances might emerge as Yusuf’s move triggers political recalibrations across the North.

    •Abba Dukawa,Kano

  • 2027: Kano support groups vow to support Gbenga Hashim’s presidential ambition, renew strategies

    2027: Kano support groups vow to support Gbenga Hashim’s presidential ambition, renew strategies

    Ahead of the 2027 presidential election, four support groups backing the ambition of Dr. Gbenga Hashim have converged in Kano, pledging to strengthen grassroots mobilisation to ensure his emergence as President.

    The groups, which held separate meetings before a joint session, declared that they would no longer support politicians who use loyalists as mere stepping stones to power and abandon them afterwards.

    They affirmed an unwavering commitment to Dr. Hashim’s candidacy, insisting that his leadership would place Nigeria on the path of development, peace, and progress.

    The organisations include the Gbenga Hashim Solidarity Movement led by Hajiya A’isha Mustapha; the Gbenga Hashim Group (Party Structure) led by Miko Isyaku; the Gbenga Hashim Support Group led by Khalifa Muhammad; and the Gbenga Hashim Vanguard.

    According to a statement issued by Abdurazak Hamzat, National Coordinator of the Gbenga Hashim Solidarity Movement, the groups passed votes of confidence on Dr. Hashim and urged members to return to the grassroots to mobilise broad-based support for his presidential aspiration.

    Addressing supporters, the National Coordinator, Abdulrazaq Hamza, expressed appreciation to all loyalists backing Dr. Hashim, describing him as a prepared and capable leader ready to serve the nation.

    “We should continue to mobilise support for Dr. Gbenga Hashim. He has advised and assisted governments of many countries to achieve economic growth and development. He will definitely provide the leadership Nigerians are yearning for if he becomes our president in 2027,” Hamza said.

    Similarly, the North-West Coordinator of the Gbenga Hashim Vanguard, Aminu Bala, stressed the need for inclusiveness, urging support groups to relate with and welcome individuals across party lines to broaden the support base for Dr. Hashim.

    He underscored the strategic political importance of Kano, describing it as a major political hub whose support could significantly influence other states in the region to rally behind Dr. Hashim’s presidential aspiration.

    Chief of Staff to Dr. Gbenga Hashim, Mr. Kamaldeen Sani Adebayo, said the aspirant’s track record as a successful global businessman with enterprises in Nigeria and across several countries qualifies him for the nation’s highest office.

    He conveyed Dr. Hashim’s goodwill message to the various support groups and assured them that he would remain committed to them, adding that they would not be abandoned if he eventually emerges as the democratically elected President of Nigeria.

    In her remarks, the Kano State Coordinator of the Gbenga Hashim Solidarity Movement, Hajiya A’isha Mustapha, charged coordinators from all local government areas of the state to intensify their mobilisation efforts to ensure victory for Dr. Gbenga Hashim in 2027.

    The convergence also featured goodwill messages from leaders of the various support groups, all reaffirming their resolve to work collectively towards the success of Dr. Hashim’s presidential ambition.