The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Niger State

  • Don’t withdraw military Troops – Niger communities appeals to FG

    Eighty Communities across five local government areas in Niger state have pleaded with the federal government not to withdraw troops deployed to the communities to put an end to kidnapping and cattle rustling.

    The communities which are cut across  Shiroro, Munya, Paikoro, Gurara, Raffin and Chachanga said the withdrawal of the military troops may bring renewed onslaught to their communities calling on the military to establish a barracks for the soldiers.

    The Military is being proposed to be deployed to Zamfara State to stem the activities of arm bandits.

    It would be recalled that the military had deployed the troops to the affected communities cut across the five local government areas on January 27, 2018 following rising cases of kidnapping and other criminal activities.

    Speaking to newsmen in Minna, one of the community leaders, Alhaji Malam Imam Abdulaziz Usman of  Zagzagga Community threatened that they will relocate from the communities if the military troops are removed.

    “We were planning to relocate from our communities when the military arrived; and since they came, we have enjoyed peace and the hoodlums have been chased away. But, as it is now we are already planning to leave again because we heard the military is leaving on Thursday.

    “Just four days ago, some of our youths who are mining, saw eight trucks of these herdsmen entering from Zamfara state and they are presently in the bush.

    “The herdsmen will attack us as a form of revenge on how the military dealt with them. We appreciate the presence of the military, we want to appeal that the planned withdrawal of soldiers should be put on hold and instead we want permanent security presence in the affected local government areas.”

    Abdulaziz said that his community has lost a lot of people before the military troops came on board and they are not ready to lose anybody again.

    The Senator representing Niger East Senatorial District, Senator David Umaru also added his voice to the appeal urging the government and the military authority not to be in haste to withdraw troops from the areas, especially now that there is an on-going military activity in neighbouring Zamfara state.

    He noted that government should provide the much need logistics to ease the operation of the troops on ground in the area adding that the presence of the military in communities saved a lot of lives.

    “We are raising the alarm now so that the government will be proactive. Because if the military leaves there will be attacks on our communities.”

    In a related development, the Niger state Governor,  Alhaji Abubakar Sani Bello has called on the people not to panic.

    According to his Special Adviser on security matters Col. M.K Maikudi, there is need for the people to remain calm as government have not heard of any invasion of herdsmen adding that all security apparatus in the state are ready in the event of any  security challenge.

     

     

  • Bello vows to Stop VVF in Women

     

    The Wife of the Niger state Governor, Dr. Amina Sani Bello has vowed to stop the increasing cases of women with vesicovaginal fistula (VVF)  in the state declaring that there is no reason why women should continue to suffer from the disease.

    Speaking to newsmen at the General Hospital, Kontagora before embarking on VVF surgery boot camp for 30 women, Bello said, “I have seen the damage VVF have done to women, it is my passion to bring an end to it. I do not see why a woman would die or have complications at birth when something can be done to prevent it. I do not see what we should allow our women to have this kind of suffering. Seriously, if you know the kind of suffering these women go through, you will do all you can to help them. ”

    She lamented that there are a lot of women suffering from the disease in the state who are in hiding due to the stigmatization that faces anyone with the disease.

    “We do not have good records on the number of women with VVF in Niger state, a lot of them do not come to the hospital so we do not know the statistics but we do know that they are a lot of women who have it in Niger state. A lot of them are hiding. It is a disease that makes people stigmatize them, so those affect do not come out. We really do not know the statistics but from our outreaches, the cases are very high. ”

    According to the Governor’s Wife, over 80 women have been repaired adding that that in the next two weeks, 30 women with VVF would be repaired.

    She said that over N5 million have been expended for the surgery and treatment of women with VVF across Niger state explaining that the women are also being rehabilitated and taught skills to help reintegrate them into the society.

    Bello who expressed satisfaction with the surgeries done so far said that they have recorded over 80 per cent success, “80 per cent of our patients have been cured and have moved on with their lives. Most of the challenges we have had are with patients who have been operated before, this makes out success difficult but above all, our success have been encouraging. ”

    She stated that her foundation, RAISE Foundation have started high sensitization to ensure that women across the state have antenatal care and deliver in the hospital adding that incentives to ensure these have been introduced.

    The Director General, Sani Bello Foundation, Mr. Zakari Ikani said that the Foundation is collaborating with the RAISE Foundation to equip the women with skills that will reintegrate them into the society and improve on their standard of living.

     

  • Police nab 63 years kidnap kingpin with 35 stolen cars

    Police nab 63 years kidnap kingpin with 35 stolen cars

     

    The police have arrested a self-acclaimed Chairman of kidnappers operating in Niger state, Maitarari Isa Saidu.

    Saidu was paraded in Minna by the Force Public Relations Officer (FPPRO) Jimoh Moshood along with 48 suspects including two his children.

    35 stolen vehicles were recovered from him.

    In an interview with Newsmen, 63 years old father of 29 children and three wives stated that the business of kidnapping had become too risky which was the reason he switched receiving stolen cars

    He said that in his last two operations, he received N300m and N170m.

    According to Saidu, he operates Niger, Zamfara, Kaduna,Yobe and FCT adding that the police recovered 28 stolen cars from his depots in Niger and Abuja, 15 others Zamfara and a number of other stolen cars from Kaduna.

    The Kidnap Kingpin ran into trouble when his boys received and paid N400,000 for a car which he quickly took to sell at the cost of N800,000 in Kano.

    The Force Public Relations Officer, Jimoh Moshood said that they were arrested by men of ‘Operation Save Sanity’ deployed to deal with criminals within the five states including Niger state.

    He said that five AK 47 rifles were also recovered from the suspects adding that they will be charged to court as soon as investigations were completed.

     

  • Aliyu Challenges APC to Hold Convention

    Aliyu Challenges APC to Hold Convention

    Former Governor of Niger state, Dr. Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu has stated that the All Progressive Congress (APC) has become too scared to hold its convention.

    Speaking to newsmen after the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) Niger East Senatorial District Mega Meeting at Paikoro in Niger state, Aliyu said that despite its challenges, the PDP had been able to hold its convention challenging the APC to do same.

    “After two and a half years after they came into power, APC is becoming scared of their shadow. They have become too afraid to hold an election convention after the first convention they had that brought the executives. Fear is the reason why APC is unable to hold its convention. ”

    He declared that the PDP is ready to take over power in 2019 adding that the people now understands the difference between both parties.

    The former Governor stated that it would be easy for the PDP to take over in Niger state as the people have seen that the PDP government is much better than any other government in the state.

    Read Also: Aliyu to APC: You can’t match PDP’s achievements

    “2019 will be the year of the PDP. We will not deceive the people, we will ensure that the people are given their right; we will ensure that no Nigerlite goes to bed hungry. We will not receive the people. PDP remains strong in Niger state. ”

    The Niger state PDP Chairman, Barrister Tanko Beji emphasized on the importance of Permanent Voters Card (PVC) calling on any member who have not registered to do so before it is too late.

    “It is with PVC that we can think of outweighing the party in power. PVC is very important. Please go and registered to that we can change the change. ”

    Beji expressed optimism over the victory of the party in 2019 adding that the people can now testify the PDP government remains the best.

  • Niger Assembly Frowns at Bogus N156.3M Spending

    Niger Assembly Frowns at Bogus N156.3M Spending

    The Niger state House of Assembly has frowned over the extra-budgetary and out of budgetary spending of the state Ministry of Transportation.

    The legislators gave their approval over the N156.3 million said to have been expended for the construction of three pedestrian bridges and N8.3 million to block U-Turns in Minna metropolis in 2017.

    The Ministry of Transportation during its budget defence told the Legislators that  yesterday said it expended N156.3 million for the construction of three pedestrian bridges and N8.3 million to block U-Turns in Minna metropolis in 2017.

    Giving an appraisal of projects done in 2017, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Transportation, Abdullahi Usman Imam said that the pedestrian bridges which were 100 per cent completed were located at the College of Education junction,  Mobile roundabout and Kure Ultra-modern market.

    The Permanent Secretary also disclosed the installation of traffic lights in six locations across the state capital at N103.4 million adding that the ministry accessed N260 million out of N460 million budgeted for 2017.

    However, the House Committee on Transportation frowned at the high cost and inflation of contracts by the Ministry accusing the ministry of extra-budgetary and out of budgetary spending.

    According to the House Committee Chairman, Honorable Umar Mohammed Jiya, the pedestrian bridges were approved to be constricted at N81 million while N25 million was approved for the installation of traffic lights adding that the blockage of U-Turns was not approved in the 2017 budget.

    He added that the contract for the close up of U-Turns was awarded at N6.8 million while the ministry presented N8.2 million as the amount at which the contract was awarded.

    A member of the Committee,  Abdullahi Adamu Mamagi said that there is no moral justification for the construction of pedestrian bridges adding that the bridges are not being utilized adding that the money should have been used for other needs.

    The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Transportation also disclosed that the ministry intends to expend N87 million for street identification marks in Minna, Suleja, Bida and Kontagora and N98 million for the construction of road billboards.

    This was overruled by the Committee who said that the concept do not have direct impact on the people adding that the proposed amount would be directed to other uses that would be beneficial to the people.

    The House Committee had to postpone the budget defence due to some discrepancies they discovered which could not be substantiated by the staff of the Ministry of Transportation.

     

  • NYSC donates 10 wheelchairs to persons with disabilities in Niger

    NYSC donates 10 wheelchairs to persons with disabilities in Niger

    The National Youths Service Corps ( NYSC ) in Niger State, on Tuesday, presented 10 wheelchairs to 10 physically challenged persons in the State.

    The State’s NYSC Coordinator, Mrs Theresa Arokoyo, presented the wheelchairs to the beneficiaries selected from some of the local governments at the NYSC Secretariat in Minna.

    Arokoyo said that the scheme gave out four wheelchairs in 2017, and that the gesture was part of their corporate social responsibility to such persons.

    She said the donation was in conjunction with an NGO, Grace Project International, under its Health Initiative for Rural Dwellers ( HIRD ).

    “This is indeed a direct reflection of the objectives of the NYSC scheme that addresses the most felt needs of host communities.

    “This is achieved through its Community Development Service Initiative with relevant developmental partners like the Grace Projects International.

    “It is our sincere hope, that these wheelchairs will ease the daily endeavours of the beneficiaries,” she added.

    According to her, the beneficiaries were drawn from Chachanga, Bosso, Paikoro, Lavun, Wushishi and Shiroro Local Governments Areas of the state after careful selection.

    She assured of more support and assistance to host communities, saying the NYSC will always be alive to its responsibilities.

    She appealed to the beneficiaries to make proper use of the wheelchairs as it would reduce the challenges they face in terms of their movements.

    Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Jamila Ibrahim commended the NYSC for identifying with them, adding that the wheelchairs will go a long way in improving their lives.

    She prayed God to grant the scheme the enablement to reach out to more people like them.

    “I am grateful to the NYSC for the kind gesture. I pray God to grant the scheme the grace to assist more people,”he added.

    NAN

  • Air Force deploys troops against bandits in Niger state

    Air Force deploys troops against bandits in Niger state

    The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) said on Tuesday that a substantial number of troops has been deployed by the service in support of the on-going Operation Karamin Goro, targetted at bandits, cattle rustlers and kidnappers in Niger state.

    Its Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Vice Marshal Olatokunbo Adesanya, said in a statement that the one month joint operation with the army is at the behest of the Niger state government.

    AVM Adesanya said : “As part of efforts to curb the menace of kidnapping, armed banditry, cattle rustling and other forms of criminalities in Niger State, the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has contributed a substantial number of troops to the ongoing Joint Operation codenamed, OPERATION KARAMIN GORO.

    “The NAF personnel are participating in the one month Joint Operation, which is at the behest of the Niger State Government, in collaboration with personnel of the Nigerian Army, the Nigeria Police and Department of State Services.

    Read Also:  Air Force offers free medical care in Enugu

    “The operation commenced on 18 January 2018 and is part of the efforts by the Niger State Government to enhance security of lives and properties in the State.

    “The NAF, as part of its statutory responsibilities of defending the territorial integrity of Nigeria, has been involved in various Internal Security operations across the country. These include the fight against insurgency in the North East, cattle rustling, kidnapping and armed banditry in the North West, militancy in the South-South and pipeline vandalism in the South West.

    “Only recently, the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar announced the establishment of additional Forward Operational Bases (FOBs) in Taraba as well as the Benue-Nassarawa States Axis, as part of plans to further tackle the incessant herdsmen-farmers clash in the country.

    “It is also recalled that the NAF has been training personnel of its Regiment Specialty in Special Warfare, a major part of which is aimed at enhancing their ability to protect the lives and properties of civilians during Internal Security situations.

    “This is in recognition, by the NAF leadership, of the mostly asymmetric nature of the security challenges confronting the nation in recent times. OPERATION KARAMIN GORO could come to an end by 21 February 2018 unless situation demands otherwise”.

  • Court convicts 205 Boko Haram members

    Court convicts 205 Boko Haram members

    The special sitting of the Federal High Court in Wawa Cantonment, Kainji, Niger State has ended with the conviction of 205 Boko Haram members, who were sentenced to various terms of imprisonment.
    One of the convicts, identified as Alhaji Bukar Jindi got the longest term of imprisonment.
    A statement issued by the Federal Ministry of Justice yesterday revealed that 19-year old Jindi got a totla of 66 years upon being convicted on a two count charge.
    Media Aide to the Justice Minister, Abubakar Malami, Salihu Isah said, in the statement, that Jindi got 16 years on the first count and  and 50 years on the other.
    Jindi, Isah added, was convicted for admitting to be a member of Boko Haram and  carrying out several attacks leading to loss of lives and properties.
    “The unremorseful and unrepentant convict vowed to go back to crime if he is released.
    “He was arrested in 2015 at the age of 17 years. He will have to spend 50 years in prison with effect from the date of his arrest.”
    Isah said only one of those tried, Modu Maina, a native of Bama LG, Borno State was  discharged and acquitted.
    He was arrested in Ketu, Lagos State where he worked as a gateman.
    “Maina confessed that he was forcefully initiated into the Boko Haram group but relocated to Lagos to avoid being arrested in Bama.
    “He said that all the confessional statements he made to Joint Task Force (JTF) was under alleged torture.
    “The presiding judge, having reviewed the defendant’s written confessional statements, found him not guilty,” Isah said.
    He added that a total of 526 Boko Haram “suspects were discharged for want of evidence, under aged and persons suffering from mental illness.”
    Isah said most of the 205 that were convicted were found guilty of admitting “to belonging to the terrorist group; concealing information about the group which they knew or believe to be of material assistance that could lead to the arrest, prosecution or conviction of Boko Haram members.
    “Their jail term ranges from 3 to 60 years.
    “Most of the convicts said the fear of being killed prevented them from reporting to the JTF (Joint Task Force) or any security agencies coupled with the fact that most villages had been ravaged by the Boko Haram including the security posts.
    “They insisted that it was difficult and a dangerous venture for them to travel a long distance to make a report.”
    The Federal High Court had to move its sitting to the Wawa cantonment, which served as a detention facility for Boko Haram suspects, to ensure prompt disposal of the cases.
    According to Isah, the court, during its latest sitting, which ended last Friday tried 301 cases, convicted 205, discharged and acquitted 1 and adjourned 73  for continuation of hearing.
    The cases involving the freed 526 were not tried because the prosecution could not charge them for lack of sufficient evidence, among other reasons.
  • Niger CJ frees 21 prison inmates in Minna

    Niger CJ frees 21 prison inmates in Minna

    The Chief Judge of Niger State, Justice Maria Dzukogi, has freed 21 inmates at the Minna new prison.

    Dzukogi released the inmates on Tuesday during her visit to the detention facility as part of efforts to decongest the prison.

    Freed inmates were mostly convicts who had been of good behavior or nearing the end of their jail terms and those with serious health challenges.

    She also ordered the summary trial of 16 inmates.

    The Chief Judge enjoined those released to be of good conduct and shun criminal acts, adding that a lot of good things awaited them outside the prison.

    “I want you to maintain your good conduct even after you leave this place.

    “I am releasing you on the recommendation of the officer in charge so make sure you stay away from anything that will bring you back here.

    “And I must commend the prison officials for training you people and keeping you engaged in one way or the other,” she said

    She, however, frowned at the large of number of inmates who have been languishing in prison for years without trial.

    According to her, the Police and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) in the Ministry of Justice must hasten up action in all cases in the interest of justice.

    She gave the police and the DPP two weeks to conclude work on certain cases that had lingered for too long without any progress and get back to her.

    Earlier in his remarks, the officer in charge of the prison, DCP Garba Abubakar, said the facility had a population of 393 inmates and 259  are awaiting trial.

    The CJ had on Feb 6 released 13 inmates at the old Minna prison.

    NAN

  • Gov. Bello refers to rift with legislators as ‘technical fault’

    Gov. Bello refers to rift with legislators as ‘technical fault’

    Niger state Governor, Alhaji Abubakar Sani Bello has confirmed that the Executive had a rift with the State House of Assembly which stalled the confirmation of some Commissioner nominees.

    He described the rift as a ‘technical fault in the engine of government’.

    Speaking during the swearing in of new Commissioners and Permanent Secretaries into his Cabinet in Minna, Bello affirmed that some technical fault occurred between the Executive and Legislators.

    Read Also: Buhari unstoppable, says Bello

    “You should have been sworn in but we had some technical fault but I believe the technical fault have been resolved. Sometimes, when you have machines, you can have technical fault with the machines. The engine of government had some technical fault and it have been resolved.”

    There have been some animosity between the executive and legislative arm of government in the state but each arm have continuously denied it. 

    The animosity led to the rejection of the list of Commissioner nominees sent to the Assembly in November before they finally agreed to screen some of the Commissioner nominees in December while some were not screened under the guise that they had pending petitions and one was rejected.

    The Governor had to resend the name of the rejected Commissioner nominee who was later screened and approved along with three others.