The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Kano

  • Millions lost to Kano GSM market Sallah fire

    Millions lost to Kano GSM market Sallah fire

    • Another inferno hits hotel housing 480 Nigerian pilgrims in Mecca

    A fresh tragedy befell Kano State on Friday afternoon, seven days after the death of 22 of its athletes and sports officials in an auto crash.

    A section of the Farm Centre GSM market, one of the largest in the state, went up in flames at a time most of the tenants were away from the market for the Eid ek Kabir celebration.

    Gone with the inferno was a significant part of the Dan Sulaika Plaza and the goods contained therein.

    Spirited efforts by fire fighters and security agents to put out the raging fire did little to save the building and the goods.

    However, there was no loss of life.

    The cause of the fire outbreak was not immediately known.

    The Farm Centre GSM Market is one of the multi-million naira markets where both new and second-hand cell phones and computers are sold.

    Engineers and artisans who specialise in repairs of computers and mobile phones also conduct their daily businesses in the busy market.

    The treasurer of the Farm Centre Market Association, Hassan Saminu, said: “The fire started around noon, catching most shop owners off guard.

    “By the time we arrived, the fire had already spread across most of the shops.

    “It started from one of the shops where we suspect a solar battery and electricity connection caused a spark.”

    The 22 athletes and officials were on their way back to Kano from the recently concluded 22nd National Sports Festival in Abeokuta, Ogun State when their bus fell off a bridge penultimate Saturday.

    Read Also: Zulum, Shehu urge FG to fast-track Alau Dam project to avert looming disaster

    Another inferno hits hotel housing 480 Nigerian pilgrims in Mecca

    On Saturday, another fire incident occurred at the Imaratus Sanan Hotel, accommodating over 480 Nigerian pilgrims performing the 2025 Hajj through private tour operators.

    Imararus Sanan Hotel is located in the Sharamansur area of Mecca in Saudi Arabia.

    The inferno, which tore through parts of the building, caused significant damage, but no life was lost.

    The pilgrims were not present at the hotel at the time of the incident, having departed earlier for Mina to partake in the symbolic stoning ritual, a central rite of the Hajj pilgrimage.

    In a statement released by its spokesperson, Fatima Usara, the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), confirmed the incident and expressed gratitude for the swift response of Saudi fire services and hotel staff, whose efforts helped contain the blaze and prevent any casualties.

    NAHCON Chairman Abdullahi Usman promptly visited the site to assess the extent of the damage.

    Visibly shaken by the destruction, Mr Usman offered comfort to the affected pilgrims and praised the prompt intervention of local authorities.

    “Our priority is the safety and comfort of our pilgrims,” he said. “We have arranged immediate relocation to alternative accommodations and will provide every support within our capacity to minimise their distress.”

    Mr Usman also commended the Saudi fire service and the hotel management for their quick response to the incident.

  • Nasarawa Assembly demands justice for DPO killed in Kano

    Nasarawa Assembly demands justice for DPO killed in Kano

    The Nasarawa State House of Assembly has called on the Inspector General of Police and the Kano State Government to identify and bring to justice those responsible for the brutal killing of CSP Muhammad Ali, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Rano in Kano State.

    The lawmakers condemned in strong terms the gruesome murder of the senior police officer, who was a native of Nasarawa State, describing it as unjustified and unacceptable.

    Speaker of the Assembly, Dr. Danladi Jatau, made the call following a motion raised under matters of public importance by Hon. Solomon Yakubu Akwashiki, member representing Lafia Central, during Tuesday’s plenary in Lafia.

    Dr. Jatau stressed that apprehending and punishing the culprits would serve as a deterrent to others involved in similar acts of violence.

    “I commend Hon. Solomon Yakubu Akwashiki for bringing up this issue and thank all members for their contributions on this painful matter,” the Speaker said.

    “First, I want to condole with Nasarawa State Government and Eggon nation over the killing of CSP Ali. He was my classmate in College of Education Akwanga.

    “I am more bereaved than anybody. Look at how he was killed. This is inhuman and devilish.

    “We urge His Excellency, Governor Abdullahi Sule to draw the attention of the IGP and Kano State Government to conduct full investigation into the gruesome killing of CSP Muhammad Ali and bring the perpetrators to book” he said. 

    Earlier, Hon. Solomon Yakubu Akwashiki, member representing Lafia Central constituency, has condemned the killing of CSP Ali by mob in Kano State.

    Read Also: Nasarawa Assembly rejects commissioner-nominee, screen seven others

    “The gruesome killing of CSP Muhammad Ali, the DPO of Rano, Kano State calls for concern.

    “Mr Speaker, when you watch the video you will shade tears. Last year the DPO of Ahoada in River State, Bako Angbashim was killed, they are all Eggon sons.

    “This call for concern, if security personnel were killed and nothing happened, Nasarawa State and Eggon nation are worried” he said.

    It would be reported that CSP Muhammad Ali, the DPO of Rano Division in Kano State was attacked by youths leading to his death in hospital.

  • BREAKING: 19 Kano athletes feared dead in crash after National Sports Festival

    BREAKING: 19 Kano athletes feared dead in crash after National Sports Festival

    Tragedy struck the Kano State delegation returning from the National Sports Festival in Ogun, as several members were confirmed dead in an accident.

    According to reports, the bus transporting the athletes crashed at Dakatsalle Bridge, about 50 kilometres from Kano, after passing through Kaduna State.

     A viral video from the scene indicates the vehicle skidded off the bridge, leading to the devastating incident.

    Read Also: Ahmed Musa marries fourth wife in private Kano ceremony

    Confirming the heartbreaking development, Umar Bala Fagge, Chairman of the Kano State Sports Commission, said the bus was transporting around 30 athletes at the time of the crash.

    “Yes, it’s true. The coaster bus was conveying about 30 athletes when the accident happened,” Fagge stated.

    Although official casualty figures are yet to be released, rescue operations are ongoing and the death toll is feared to rise.

    Details shortly…

  • Immigration arrests 127 foreigners for cybercrime, irregular migration in Kano

    Immigration arrests 127 foreigners for cybercrime, irregular migration in Kano

    The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has arrested 127 foreign nationals in the Hotoro Ring Road of Nasarawa Local Government, Kano State for their involvement in cybercrimes and irregular migration.

    According to the state Comptroller of Immigration, Kabir Danja, they were arrested during an operation, which was based on credible intelligence, targeting a hideout where the suspects were taking cover to defraud innocent Nigerians.

    Read Also: Senate passes N1.8trn 2025 FCT budget

    He said a total of 206 individuals were arrested, including 86 Nigeriens, 41 Chadians, and 80 Nigerians. Of the 206 suspects, 185 were males and 21 were females between 25 and 35.

    He said their interrogation showed that most of the foreign nationals had entered the country through unauthorised entry points and did not possess residence cards or travel documents.

    He added that the 80 Nigerians among them have been handed over to the police.

    He also said NIS Comptroller-General, Kemi Nandap, had directed that the irregular migrants be repatriated after the conclusion of investigation.

  • MSF treats 5,076 babies free, as malnutrition cases rise in Kano

    MSF treats 5,076 babies free, as malnutrition cases rise in Kano

    The Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) is treating about 5,076 patient-children aged between six and 59 months, who are suffering from malnutrition in Kano.

    The treatment, which includes medication and feeding, are free.

    When The Nation visited the Ambulatory Therapeutic Feeding Centre (ATFC) at Ugwan Uku Primary Healthcare Centre, along Zaria Road, the admissions this year had increased by 65 percent when compared with the first quarter of last year when 3,401 patients were admitted.

    “The In-patient Therapeutic Feeding Centre (ITFC) admitted 3,691 patients last year. In the first quarter of 2024, we admitted 352 patients, and in the same period this year, we have admitted 732 – about 48% increase.

    “Mortality in ITFC for the first quarter is 5 percent. In the ATFC, the cure rate is 89 percent while mortality is 0 percent,” Dr Anthony Mbarga, the Project Medical Referent MSF, Kano Project, said.

    The MSF, also referred to as doctors without borders, had one centre for both ATFC and ITFC when the medical humanitarian organisation first came to Kano in 2022. But the increase in malnutrition cases has forced it to now have three ATFC centres and two ITFC centres.

    They started with 55 beds, but as at last month, they had to increase the hospital beds to 178.

    Read Also: 11 things Nigerians should note when applying for a five-year Schengen visa

    Dr. Mbarga explained that the ATFC is where children who are malnourished but are without complications are treated for the management of malnutrition, while the ITFC handles malnourished patients with severe cases.

    Dr. Mbarga said MSF is not standing alone for the medical project; it is also supporting the state ministry of Health, while giving advice to mothers about hygiene and what to give their babies to prevent malnutrition.

    At the Ungwan Uku centre, The Nation visited the Green Ward (non-emergency cases), Yellow (priority cases for admission) and Red Ward, where emergency cases with severe ailments are stabilised.

  • PalmPay to empower 5,000 Kano women, youths

    PalmPay to empower 5,000 Kano women, youths

    PalmPay Limited, a fintech company, will empower 5,000 residents in Kano state, particularly women and youths, on financial literacy this year as part of it corporate social responsibility.

    Managing Director of the company, Chika Nwosu, disclosed this at the palace of the Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, during a courtesy visit on Wednesday. The visit to the monarch was to seek his royal blessing before embarking on the programme, Nwosu said.

    He said the initiative targets women, youths, university students and NYSC corps members in the state.

    Mr. Nwosu recalled how Palmpay Nigeria started operation five years ago and has grown to over 35 million users with recognition from the Financial Times as the second fastest-growing company in Africa and the fastest-growing FinTech in Africa.

    According to him, the company is expanding its impact in Northern Nigeria, especially in Kano, as to make financial services more inclusive and accessible, especially to underserved communities.

    Read Also: PalmPay pushes for contactless payments

    He said the company will promote financial literacy campaigns, particularly among the youth and women and also support individuals and female-led micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), through capacity building and access to affordable digital payment tools.

    “As part of the women empowerment programme, we will be launching our pilot initiative in Fagge local government area. There, we plan to engage directly with market women, providing them with practical training and essential tools design to improve support and accelerate their business growth,” he said.

    Emir Sanusi thanked Palmpay for the CSR and assured them of the emirate support, noting that, fintech is a crucial element of the financial system architecture.

    The monarch, a former CBN governor, further directed his district heads to give the company all the needed support to ensure the success of the programme in Kano.

  • NDPHC, NASENI, Haier partner to deliver 20MW to Kano

    NDPHC, NASENI, Haier partner to deliver 20MW to Kano

    The Nigerian Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC), National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) and Haier Technologies—NDPHC’s development partners are collaborating on a 20MW embedded solar generation facility aimed at supporting vulnerable businesses in the Challawa area of Kano State.

    NDPHC, Managing Director, Engr. Jennifer Adighije, led a high-level management team on a site survey and assessment of the Challawa Industrial District in Kano. 

    Accompanying her were the Executive Director of Generation, Engr. Kassim Abdulahi, and the Executive Director of Corporate Services, Engr. Omoregie Ogbeide-Ihama.
    NDPHC Head, Corporate Communications and External Relations, Mr. Emmanuel Ojor disclosed this in a press statement yesterday.

    According to the statement, the team’s first stop was at the Kano Electricity Distribution Company (KEDCO), where they were received by the Managing Director/CEO, Dr. Abu Jimeta. 

    During strategic discussions, both CEOs reaffirmed commitment to collaboration in developing viable models to enhance electricity access in Kano and its environs.

    Speaking during a meeting with business owners in Challawa, Engr. Adighije described the visit as both significant and emotional, noting the critical role the industrial area plays in national revenue generation and socio-economic development.

    Addressing the delay between the Vice President’s directive and the current visit, she explained: “You may wonder why it took us from December until now. It took us a few months to come because I engaged development partners to come up with a cost effective solution that will offer affordable tariffs for the Challawa community.”

    Read Also: NDPHC has invested N500b in transmission infrastructure-Adighije

    Adighije noted that NDPHC engaged NASENI and Haier Technologies to develop a project framework that leverages Kano’s abundant solar potential to deliver reliable, renewable, and affordable electricity to businesses in Challawa.

    She continued: “I was emotional seeing businesses with the capacity to generate revenue and drive economic growth suffer losses simply due to a lack of affordable electricity. We must turn our solar potential into actionable solutions that unlock opportunities, boost productivity, and serve the greater good of all Nigerians.”

    Highlighting the broader national context, she added: “The output of the manufacturing sector should directly translate into job creation, wealth generation, and poverty reduction. Kano is symbolic and strategic to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.”

    She assured business owners that NDPHC and its partners are fully committed to deploying embedded solutions that will significantly benefit manufacturers in the area.

    “As a generation company, NDPHC primarily supplies power from its gas-fired plants to the national grid. However, with the power market now transitioning to a bilateral trading structure, Engr. Adighije explained that the company is able to sell directly to off-takers, distribution companies, or registered buyer groups”.

    “As an association, you can come together to register a trading company and purchase electricity directly from NDPHC,” she advised. “You can be assured that our electricity pricing will be highly competitive—better than what is currently available from distribution companies.”

  • Yusuf gives free JAMB forms to 10,000 Kano students

    Yusuf gives free JAMB forms to 10,000 Kano students

    Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has distributed free JAMB forms to 10,000 secondary school students in Kano State.

    To enhance their studies, the beneficiaries are being trained to use computer-based tests at various designated centres across the state.

    The State Commissioner for Education, Ali Haruna Makoda, who represented the governor, launched the training programme over the weekend.

    Alhaji Tajuddin Gambo, the governor’s special adviser on education, spoke at the inauguration of the JAMB forms distribution. He conveyed the governor’s promise to provide other incentives, including transport fares and meals for the beneficiaries throughout the training period.

    Governor Yusuf requested, “Ensure you pass the examination in flying colours,” he told the students, disclosing that the state government would select the best schools that would produce the best results for the benefiting students.

    “We shall not disappoint you, ” Fatima Mukhtar Umar, one of the benefiting students, told the governor, expressing gratitude for the free JAMB forms.

    Special Adviser to the governor on Information, Ibrahim Adam, elaborated on the achievements of the administration in reforming the education sector over the last 22 months.

    Read Also: MAAUN founder hails Gov Yusuf for appointing Gwarzo Sa’adatu Rimi COE Provost

    “These include the re-introduction of foreign and domestic scholarships, reopening of 21 skills acquisition institutes, general renovation of primary and secondary schools, construction of new classrooms, provision of classroom furniture and writing materials, and distributing free uniforms to primary school pupils,” Adam said.

    According to the Special Adviser on Information, Governor Yusuf deserves commendations for reducing registration fees by 50 percent in state-owned tertiary institutions, providing cash conditional transfers to support girl-child education, and settling registration fees for NECO, NABTEB, and NBAIS, among other interventions.

    “The future belongs to those who work tirelessly to turn dreams into realities,” Adam said, urging all the benefiting students to make the best use of this opportunity and strive for excellence in their academic pursuits.

  • Notorious serial killer ‘Abba Dujal’ surrenders, confesses to multiple murders, robberies in Kano

    Notorious serial killer ‘Abba Dujal’ surrenders, confesses to multiple murders, robberies in Kano

    The Kano State Police Command has confirmed the voluntary surrender of a 20-year-old suspect, Umar Auwal, popularly known as ‘Abba Dujal,’ who confessed to a string of violent crimes, including multiple homicides across Kano and Jigawa states.

    In a statement released on Wednesday, the command’s spokesperson, SP Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa, said Auwal’s surrender followed intensified clearance operations targeting criminal hideouts across the state.

    According to the statement, the ongoing raids were part of efforts to eliminate criminal elements and enhance public safety. Auwal turned himself in and admitted to his crimes during this operation.

    A resident of Wudil Local Government Area of Kano State, Auwal confessed to being involved in several cases of culpable homicide, armed robbery, and theft of motorcycles and mobile phones in different locations.

    He disclosed that in Sabon Gari, Kano, he stabbed a man nicknamed ‘Boka’ to death and stole his Infinix Hot 40i phone, which he later sold for N40,000.

    Read Also: Niger, Kano, Jigawa splash N43.5bn on pensioners

    In a separate incident at Kurna Quarters, he claimed to have killed another individual and sold the victim’s Samsung S26 phone for N160,000.

    In Jigawa State, Auwal admitted to killing a man in Ringim Local Government Area and fleeing with his motorcycle, which he sold for N300,000.

    Auwal is currently in custody at the Homicide Section of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) for thorough investigation and necessary legal action, Kiyawa said.

    The Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Adamu Bakori, commended Auwal for surrendering and called on other individuals involved in similar crimes to follow suit and embrace peace.

    “Criminals will have no hiding place in the State. They should repent and surrender, as no stone will be left unturned in curtailing criminal activities in the State,” the CP said.

  • Kaduna, Borno, Kano, ten others prone to meningitis

    Kaduna, Borno, Kano, ten others prone to meningitis

    The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has alerted Nigerians of the outbreak of meningitis in thirteen states of the country.

    The 13 states prone to meningitis according to the agency are; parts of Sokoto, Kebbi, Zamfara, Katsina, Kano, Jigawa, Bauchi, Yobe, Gombe, Adamawa, Kaduna and Borno states.

    The agency in its meningitis and heat stress watch released on Friday, stated that some parts of the country would also experience heat stress.

    For meningitis, the agency stated: “There is an increased chance of outbreak of Meningococcal meningitis over the country. 

    This prospect is heightened with the fresh dust haze that came into the country early hours of 11th of April. Areas most prone to the outbreak includes Parts of Sokoto, Kebbi, Zamfara, Katsina, Kano, Jigawa, Bauchi, Yobe, Gombe, Adamawa, Kaduna and Borno States.

    The agency while stating that the most vulnerable groups include infants, young children, the aged, and those with weak immune systems, advised them to get vaccinated against meningitis, practice good hygiene by washing hands regularly and avoid close contact with those affected. 

    It called on relevant bodies responsible for public health to take note of the alert and take necessary preventive actions. 

    Read Also: Eyes on  Ibadan, Kaduna as polo tour resumes next month

    On the heat stress, it noted that the discomfort levels are expected to increase for 12th of April.

    “This is coming after three consecutive days of rainfall over the country. Maximum temperatures over the north are within 40 ℃ . Clear skies and moisture will aid this heat and attendant discomfort.

    “Discomfort levels should be highest over parts of Borno, Adamawa, Taraba, Gombe, Yobe, Bauchi, Jigawa, Kano, Katsina, Kaduna, Zamfara, Sokoto, Kebbi, Niger, Kogi, Nasarawa and Benue states including the Federal Capital Territory”.