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Tag: Kebbi State

  • Gov. Idris releases N714.98m for foreign students’ scholarships 

    Gov. Idris releases N714.98m for foreign students’ scholarships 

    Gov. Nasir Idris of Kebbi, has approved and released a total sum of N714.98 million to support overseas education and training of indigene students.

    The Commissioner for Higher Education, Alhaji Isah Abubakar-Tunga, made this known while briefing newsmen in Birnin Kebbi on Thursday.

    He said the approvals formed part of Gov. Idris’ efforts to revamp tertiary education in the state and align it with global standards.

    He explained that the governor approved N247.5 million for the payment of registration, tuition, visa extension, internship and financial assistance for Kebbi indigenes studying Medicine, Pharmacy, and Medical and Allied Sciences at Subharti University, GD Goenka University and Jaipur National University in India.

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    According to him, the governor approved N117.68 million as upkeep allowances for 25 Kebbi indigenes studying Medicine in seven universities in Egypt.

    The commissioner added that N70.21 million was also released for as financial assistance to Kebbi indigenes studying Pharmacy and Medical Allied Sciences in Jaipur National and GD Goenka Universities in India.

    Abubakar-Tunga further revealed that the governor had approved and released N349.73 million for registration, tuition and upkeep allowances for 35 Kebbi indigenes proceeding to Ethiopia to study Medicine and Pharmacy.

    He said the approvals, all granted in Jan, brought the total financial commitment of the governor to the ministry within the period to N714.98 million.

    The commissioner also announced the the appointment of Dr Muhammed Murtala-Musa as the pioneer Provost of Kauran Gwandu College of Midwifery Sciences, Ambursa.

    He added that the ministry remained committed to sustaining the governor’s educational development initiatives in the state.

    (NAN)

  • Man gets life jail for molesting 10-year-old boy in Kebbi

    Man gets life jail for molesting 10-year-old boy in Kebbi

    From Ahmed Ahmed, Birnin Kebbi

    A Kebbi State High Court has sentenced one Suleiman Jidda, a 30-year-old man to life imprisonment for having sexual intercourse with a 10-year-old boy.

    The convict was arraigned on November 8, 2024, on a one-count charge of unnatural offence, punishable under Section 260 of the Kebbi State Penal Code Law, 2021.

     Justice Shamsudeen Jafar said he had examined the evidence before him and found that the prosecution’s evidence is very cogent and corroborative and the prosecution had proved the ingredients required in proving the commission of unnatural offence against the boy.

    The Judge, citing the testimonies of PW1, PW2, PW3, and medical report, which showed that the convict had committed the offence on three separate occasions.

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    He said: “The defendant, Suleman Jidda, is hereby found guilty of committing the offence of unnatural offence, punishable under Section 260 of the Kebbi State Penal Code Law, 2021.The court has no option than to apply what the law requires. The convict is hereby sentenced to life imprisonment”.

    The defence counsel, Mr. S.M. Dan-Yaro, had pleaded for leniency, citing the convict’s clean record and family background, but the court ruled that it had no discretion in the matter, as the law prescribes life imprisonment for the offence.

    The state Attorney-General and Commissioner of Justice, Junaidu Bello Marshal, led the prosecution team, while the defence was handled by S. M. Dan-Yaro.

  • Army rescues 62 hostages, neutralises two terrorists in Kebbi, Zamfara operations

    Army rescues 62 hostages, neutralises two terrorists in Kebbi, Zamfara operations

    In a renewed offensive against bandits and terrorist groups, the Nigerian Army Northwest Operation Fansan Yamma Sector 2 Joint Task Force has neutralised two terrorists and rescued 62 hostages in separate operations across Kebbi and Zamfara states.

    The operations, conducted in collaboration with allied security agencies and local vigilante groups, demonstrated a coordinated effort against insurgency and banditry.

    A statement on Wednesday by Lieutenant Colonel Olaniyi, Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations, 8 Division Nigerian Army/Sector 2 Operation Fansan Yamma, confirmed the developments.

    He said the hostages were rescued from Munhaye Forest in Zamfara State, a known hideout of the notorious bandit leader Kachalla Alti. In Kebbi State, troops ambushed members of the Lakurawa Terrorists Group near the border between Augie Local Government Area and Binji Local Government Area in Sokoto State, based on actionable intelligence.

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    “The operation in Kerani Village resulted in the elimination of two terrorists and the recovery of two motorcycles used by the insurgents,” Osoba said.

    “The terrorists were wearing camouflage uniforms, and the motorcycles were equipped with thick blankets and tools for long-range movement, including hand tyre pumps.”

    He added that the Munhaye Forest mission led to the safe rescue of 62 kidnapped victims, who are now in secure custody, with efforts underway to reunite them with their families.

  • Kebbi govt reopens school, months after pupils’ abduction

    Kebbi govt reopens school, months after pupils’ abduction

    • From Ahmed Baba Ahmed, Birnin kebbi

    The Kebbi State government has reopened Government Girls’ Comprehensive Secondary School (GGCSS), Maga, months after it was shut, following the abduction of 24 schoolgirls by bandits.

    Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Dr. Halima Bande, made this known at a press conference shortly after a security meeting with principals and heads of schools in Birnin Kebbi yesterday.

    She said confidence had been restored among parents and students through counselling and deployment of security personnel in the school for the resumption of academic activities as the government had put in place security measures to guarantee the safety of students and workers.

    The school was shut after bandits abducted 24 students and killed the vice principal of the school in November, last year.

    Bande said Governor Nasir Idris had directed the conduct of security awareness programmes for principals and staff members to prevent a recurrence of the incident.

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    “Similar sessions had earlier been held in Zuru, Yauri, Jega, Bunza, and Argungu, with the final session conducted in Birnin Kebbi on Tuesday,” she added.

    She said the principals, vice-principals, staff members, and students have vital roles to play in maintaining school security.

    “We must not allow our collective psyche for peaceful living to be taken away by bandits,” she said.

    Bande urged schools to maintain good relationships with their host communities, describing them as critical stakeholders in the security architecture of their locations while principals must maintain regular contact with security agencies for professional guidance on security matters for proactive measures.

    She commended the governor for approving the deployment of security personnel to schools, noting that the move has strengthened the confidence of teachers and students to pursue their academic activities peacefully.

    She commended the police, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and Department of State Services (DSS) for educating school principals on security awareness and proactive safety measures.

  • Maga slip on intelligence

    Maga slip on intelligence

    It is horrible that terrorists chose a soft spot like Government Girls’ Comprehensive Secondary School in Maga, Kebbi State, to strike last week. And all efforts by government are rightly focused on getting kidnapped girls back from their abductors unharmed. But there’ve been questions about the handling of intelligence that need be addressed, if only to plug lapses in security operations against future occurrence.

    Kebbi State Governor Nasir Idris, who is the man on the man on the spot, raised the query. He demanded immediate probe into sudden withdrawal of military personnel from the affected school shortly before armed men stormed in to kidnap several students. Those security operatives had been posted at the school on the strength of Intel alert obtained ahead of the incident.

    Speaking on Friday in Birnin-Kebbi, the governor described the incident as particularly unfortunate because the state government had received intelligence on a planned attack and immediately took remedial steps. “As a responsive government, when we received intelligence on a possible attack, we summoned a security meeting. The security agencies assured us that all was well and that personnel would be mobilised to the school,” he said, adding: “The military was deployed, but they later withdrew by 3a.m. and by 3:45a.m. the incident happened.”

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    Governor Idris spoke while receiving Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) President, Joe Ajaero, who paid him a sympathy visit over the incident. But he made the same case during a meeting with the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, who arrived in Kebbi on the orders of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to coordinate rescue efforts. According to him, the state wants full investigation into circumstances surrounding the security personnel’s withdrawal. “Who authorised the military to withdraw? How did security personnel pull out at such a critical hour? That is our concern. We have asked the military to investigate and identify who gave that order,” he said.

    The governor made clear that both the state and federal governments were working tirelessly to ensure safe return of the abducted girls. “Our duty as leaders is to ensure that our daughters return home safely, and we are doing everything possible to achieve that,” he said. “We thank President Bola Tinubu for directing Vice-President Kashim Shettima to visit us, and for ensuring that the Minister of State for Defence, Alhaji Bello Matawalle, has relocated to Kebbi,” he added.

    There is a local saying about the uncanny coincidence of a witch making a threat yesterday and a child dying today. The natural inference, according to that saying, is that the witch’s threat is linked to the child’s death. The reported withdrawal by troops shortly before the bandits struck signposts grievous operational lapse or, worse, internal compromise that needs to be unmasked.

  • Northwest APC youth league disowns Kebbi ‘coalition’, reaffirms support for Bagudu

    Northwest APC youth league disowns Kebbi ‘coalition’, reaffirms support for Bagudu

    The North West APC Youth League on Wednesday firmly disowned a purported coalition of APC support groups in Kebbi state, describing it as “unregistered, unrecognised, and lacking legitimacy” within the party. 

    The league, speaking at a press briefing in Kaduna, reiterated its full support for Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, whom it described as an invaluable asset to the APC, the President, and the people of Kebbi State and the wider North West.

    Comrade Aliyu Suleiman, the league’s national coordinator, said the coalition has no foundation in the party’s structure at any level — ward, local government, state, or national. 

    “This so-called coalition has never contributed to party activities, never mobilized a voter, and has no record of grassroots engagement. Its only function is to exploit Senator Bagudu’s reputation for personal gain,” Suleiman said.

    The group praised Bagudu’s leadership as a unifying force in Kebbi State and across the North West, highlighting his track record of strengthening APC structures, fostering cohesion, and delivering policies that have transformed communities. 

    “Senator Bagudu has consistently prioritized governance, youth development, and inclusive progress. He is approachable, committed, and focused on advancing policies that improve the lives of ordinary citizens. His experience and vision are indispensable to the APC and to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration,” Suleiman said.

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    The youth league condemned the coalition’s press release as an attempt to sow division within the party. 

    “These claims reflect the desperation of political opportunists who seek to destabilize the progress achieved under Minister Bagudu’s stewardship,” Suleiman added.

    Beyond defending the minister, the league called on APC members and supporters to remain united behind Governor Nasir Idris, emphasizing that party cohesion is essential for sustaining developmental gains and advancing the APC’s agenda in Kebbi and the North West. 

    “The APC has achieved significant milestones in governance, infrastructure, and youth empowerment thanks to the leadership of Senator Bagudu and other committed party figures. Party members must focus on consolidating these achievements rather than being distracted by unfounded claims,” he added.

    The press conference, attended by senior officials of the North West APC Youth League and political observers, concluded with a firm commitment to uphold party unity and ensure that Bagudu continues to play a strategic role in strengthening the APC, supporting government policies, and promoting the welfare of citizens in Kebbi State, the North West, and beyond.

  • Police confirm abduction of Kebbi Deputy Speaker

    Police confirm abduction of Kebbi Deputy Speaker

    The Kebbi Police Command has confirmed the abduction of the Deputy Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Alhaji Muhammad Sama’ila-Bagudo, by suspected bandits in Bagudo Local Government Area of the state.

    The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), CSP Nafi’u Abubakar, made the disclosure in a statement issued in Birnin Kebbi on Saturday.

    Abubakar said the incident occurred on Friday night at about 8:20 p.m., when a gang of armed men stormed Bagudo town and kidnapped the lawmaker shortly after observing Isha’i prayer on his way home.

    He said that the command had since deployed a combined team of police tactical unit, military personnel and vigilantes to track down the abductors and ensure safe rescue of the deputy speaker.

    “The joint team is currently combing the bandits’ routes and nearby forests with a view to rescuing the lawmaker unhurt and arresting the perpetrators of the dastardly act,” Abubakar said.

    He added that the Commissioner of Police in the state, Mr Bello Sani, had reiterated the command’s determination to protect the lives and property of residents across the state.

    “The CP has also appealed to members of the public to remain vigilant and continue to support the police and other security agencies to ensure peace and stability in the state,” the PPRO pleaded.

    (NAN)

  • Kebbi federal lawmakers accuse Malami of peddling falsehood, seek arrest

    Kebbi federal lawmakers accuse Malami of peddling falsehood, seek arrest

    The Kebbi caucus in the National Assembly has accused former Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, of engaging in falsehood capable of breaching the peace in Kebbi state in particular abd the nation at large. 

    Former Governor and leader of the caucus, Senator Adams Aliero asked security agents to arrest and prosecute the former Minister of trying to create an atmosphere of chaos in the state. 

    Speaking on behalf of the caucus at a news conference in Abuja, Aliero accused Malami of importing political thugs into the state capital from Sokoto and other neighboring communities to attack the secretariat of the All Progressives Congress, leading to a violent clash between his supporters and APC members in the state. 

    He described as baseless a petition dated 10th September , 2025 by Malami and pledged support for Governor Nasir Idris of Kebbi State on his tiredness efforts to maintain law and order in the State.

    Flanked by two Senators and members of the House of Representatives, Senator Aliero said: “The attention of the Kebbi State APC National Assembly Caucus has been drawn to a petition authored by the former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami SAN, dated 10th September 2025, in which he alleged that His Excellency, Comrade Dr. Nasir Idris (Kauran Gwandu), Governor of Kebbi State and other political actors are involved in Importation of political thugs, Foreign Mercenaries and Clandestine Arms Deals in the state.

    “We wish to categorically state that these allegations are false, unfounded and politically motivated. They represent a desperate attempt by Mr. Malami, now leader of an imaginary opposition party in Kebbi State, to undermine the peace, progress and stability that our people currently enjoy under the leadership of Governor Nasir Idris.

    “Ironically, it is on record that during Malami’s recent condolence visit to Birnin Kebbi, he hired thugs from Sokoto, Koko and Rara to accompany him into the state capital. These thugs, under his watch, attacked the APC State Secretariat with stones while chanting ‘One term’ against the Governor.

    “Their actions led to violent clashes with APC supporters — an unprecedented development in Kebbi politics, which has always been known for its peaceful nature and culture of mutual respect. This incident alone speaks volumes about who is truly attempting to sow chaos and disrupt the peace of our state.

    “At no time has the Kebbi State Government, nor the APC family, been involved in clandestine activities or linked with terrorist groups, as mischievously signed personally by the former Chief Law Officer of the Federation and a Senior Advocate of Nigeria.

    “Kebbi remains one of the most peaceful states in Nigeria today, owing to deliberate investments in security, collaboration with security agencies and the overwhelming support of our patriotic citizens. It is important to note that the state Governor has demonstrated great Capacity and performance in the Security sector above all expectations and this is responsible for the Peace that the state has enjoyed compared to other states since the Governors assumption of Office

    “We call on Nigerians to see Malami’s petition for what it truly is — a smear campaign laced with dangerous rhetoric intended to incite fear and distract from his dwindling political relevance. Resorting to alarmist narratives and unverified claims about foreign mercenaries and terrorism is not only irresponsible but also reckless, especially coming from a former top law officer of the federation.

    “The Caucus further urges security agencies to focus their efforts on genuine threats to national security and not be drawn into partisan theatrics.

    “We reaffirm our unwavering support for all security agencies working tirelessly to keep our borders safe and our communities peaceful and this sort of negative narratives are designed to undermine the efforts of the security agencies. We urge you not to be deterred. We also urge you to invite to invite Malami to substantiate his allegations.

    “As elected representatives of the people of Kebbi State, we stand solidly behind Governor Nasir Idris and the APC administration. Together, we remain committed to delivering good governance, strengthening democracy and protecting the peace and dignity of our state.”

    Also speaking, Senator Garuba Musa Maidoki(Kebbi South) described the APC as a peaceful party, saying “We want to put it on record that Malami’s house is less than 50 meters from the APC state headquarters, and if APC is a violent party, we would have had so much clashes between him and our people. But it had never happened until this incident came with a convoy, campaign style, and that sequence to that convoy.

    “The national chairman of the INEC has warned that the political campaign has not started. It’s a campaign style moving in order to provoke our people. And we challenge him to produce the evidence that our party is importing weapons. He says he has the evidence. We are not a dangerous people.”

  • Nasara Foundation celebrates third anniversary, launches official journal

    Nasara Foundation celebrates third anniversary, launches official journal

    The Nasara Women Development Foundation, also known as Nasara Foundation, will celebrate its third anniversary on Sunday, April 6, 2025, in Kebbi State.

    As part of the milestone event, the foundation will also unveil its official journal, The Nasara Chronicle.

    Since its establishment three years ago, Nasara Foundation has been dedicated to community development, empowerment initiatives, and supporting youth, women, and the girl-child. This anniversary marks a significant step in its ongoing mission.

    The launch of The Nasara Chronicle will serve as a platform to document the foundation’s activities, share insights, and provide stakeholders with updates on its impact and advocacy efforts.

    Edited by veteran broadcast journalist and public relations expert Segun Adebowale, the inaugural edition of the journal will be presented during the anniversary event at the Convocation Arena, Polytechnic, Kebbi State.

    Commenting on the occasion, the foundation’s founder and First Lady of Kebbi State, Hajiya Zainab Nasare Nasir Idris, emphasized the importance of both the anniversary and the journal launch.

    “Reaching our third anniversary reflects the sustained effort of our team and the invaluable support of our partners and the communities we engage with. 

    The launch of ‘The Nasara Chronicle’ is a deliberate step towards enhancing our communication and accountability. 

    This journal will serve as a formal platform to chronicle our journey, share evidence of our impact, and contribute to the broader discourse on sustainable development and social empowerment.”

    Adding to this, the Chief Executive Officer of the foundation, Hajiya Bilkisu Muhammad Nasir commented on the operational significance:

    “Marking three years provides a moment to reflect on the tangible impact of our initiatives. ‘The Nasara Chronicle’ emerges from this, offering a structured platform to share not only our successes but also the valuable lessons learned through our programs. We believe this transparency is necessary for continuous improvement and deeper engagement with our stakeholders.”

    Nasara Foundation is a non-profit organization established in 2022. Through Nasara Foundation, a number of impactful programs have been designed and implemented to enhance the lives of the girl-child, women and youths in Kebbi State, encompassing skill development programs, medical outreach efforts ensuring access to essential healthcare services, educational support programs offering opportunities for quality education, and empowerment projects that foster personal and financial growth.

  • Kebbi, MSM Group sign $2.4bn cement plant agreement

    Kebbi, MSM Group sign $2.4bn cement plant agreement

    The Kebbi State Government and MSM Group have signed a landmark agreement for the construction of a three-million-ton-per-annum cement plant in the state, a project valued at $2.4 billion and expected to create 45,000 direct and indirect jobs.

    The signing ceremony, held in Abuja on Friday, was attended by officials from the Kebbi State Government, the Federal Government, and the MSM Group.

    The initiative is expected to significantly boost industrialization, job creation, and economic growth in the region.

    Kebbi State Governor, Dr. Nasiru Idris, described the project as a privilege for the state, noting that many other locations had sought such an opportunity.

    “You have added value to us as the people of Kebbi State by reducing the number of unemployed youths,” he said.

    He assured MSM Group of the state’s full support in providing an enabling environment for smooth operations.

    “The Federal Government will benefit, the State Government will benefit, and our people will also benefit,” he added.

    Governor Idris also praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to development, stating that Kebbi State has witnessed remarkable transformation under his leadership.

    “We are the first government to openly declare support for Mr. President’s reelection because of the tangible progress he has brought in less than two years,” he said.

    Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, emphasized the strategic location of the plant, which positions it for exports under the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA).

    “Given Kebbi’s border location, this plant will be well situated to take advantage of manufactured exports across Africa,” he noted.

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    He highlighted that the project aligns with President Tinubu’s economic policies aimed at attracting private sector investment, boosting productivity, and reducing poverty.

    “This is exactly the type of transaction that Mr. President has been working to bring to fruition,” Edun said, adding that the government looks forward to groundbreaking, commissioning, production, and eventual expansion of the plant.

    Minister for Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, who is also the immediate past governor of Kebbi State, lauded the state’s efforts in attracting investors.

    “This investment wouldn’t have been possible without confidence in the economic measures taken by Mr. President,” he stated.

    Bagudu described the agreement as a testament to the success of the Renewed Hope Agenda, which fosters a level playing field for investors and ensures long-term sustainability for businesses.

    “This is Renewed Hope creating jobs and energizing the sub-nationals,” he said.

    Chairman of MSM Group, Alhaji Muazzam Mairawani, credited Governor Idris and the people of Kebbi for providing an environment conducive to investment.

    “For every successful business, there must be great partners, and we have seen that in the governor and the people of Kebbi State,” he said.

    He outlined MSM’s ambitious expansion plans, stating that the cement plant will be developed in four phases, with each cluster attracting over $600 million in investment.

    “From now to production, our timeframe is a maximum of two years,” he said, adding that MSM plans to expand to other states after Kebbi.

    A Game-Changer for Kebbi’s Economy

    The project is expected to drive industrial development, reduce unemployment, and attract further investments in Kebbi State.

    With strong backing from both the state and federal governments, stakeholders are optimistic that the cement plant will accelerate economic transformation and position Nigeria as a key player in the regional cement market.

    Also at the signing ceremony were other members of the Federal Executive Council (FEC), including Minister of State for Industry, Mr John Eno; Minister of State for Finance, Dr Doris Uzoka-Anite; Minister of State for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Alhaji Tanko Yusuf Sununu; members of the Kebbi State executive council; officials of MSM Group, as well as technical partners in the project.