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Tag: Sokoto State

  • Governor Sokoto presents N270.1bn budget for 2024, vows to drive 9-points smart agenda

    Governor Sokoto presents N270.1bn budget for 2024, vows to drive 9-points smart agenda

    Sokoto state governor, Aliyu Sokoto on Friday, December 1, presented a budget proposal of N270.1 billion for the 2024 fiscal year to the state Assembly with the education sector topping the allocation with N42.8 billion.

    Accordingly, the health sector got the allocation of over N31 billion with Capital expenditure attracting N172.2 billion while Recurrent gulps over N98 billion.

    Presenting the budget tagged “Budget of Hope and Resilience for Infrastructural Development”, Sokoto said the incoming year would focus primarily on the administration’s 9-point smart agenda to ensure the economic prosperity of the state through the execution of human-oriented projects that would open the horizon for citizens in the state.

    He explained that the budget was driven by the reflection of the views of the people of the state, hence the need for the administration to be focused with determination for the benefit of all.

    Sokoto stressed that “we will do everything humanly possible to transform all sectors for the state’s economic growth.”

    Read Also: My victory, testimony to just, fair judiciary, says Sokoto

    While noting that the year under review was fast challenging occasioned by insecurity and economic downturn, the governor said despite that, his administration made some landmark achievements in sanitising the metropolis by evacuating refuse, repairs, and rehabilitation of township roads,  payment of salaries backlog as well the renovation and beautification of entry points to and government house building.

    The governor, who noted that banditry was fast giving way,  reassured that his administration would emphasise measures aimed at protecting citizens in the state by strengthening responsive synergy with security agencies, “We shall support their course with necessary equipment and logistics as vehicles among others.”

    Receiving the proposal, the speaker Rt. Hon. Tukur Bala Bodinga commended the governor for the timely presentation assuring that the budget will receive the necessary blessing to brace the administration’s desire to achieve its 9-poimts smart agenda with ease.

    He stated: “We will also ensure a harmonious and smooth working partnership for the governor to sustain the tempo of hard work for the benefit of our dear state.”

    However, dignitaries in attendance included the Sultan of Sokoto Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, the immediate past Speaker of the state Assembly, former of Police Affairs, Muhammadu Maigari Dingyadi, former deputy Governor, Abdullah Chiso Dattijo, former speaker Lawali Labbo Maigai, Aminu Manya Achida.

  • Sokoto awards 11.6 km road

    Sokoto awards 11.6 km road

    Sokoto State Governor Dr Ahmed Aliyu Sokoto has awarded contract for the construction of 11.6km Gawo, Darhela, Sifawa road in Bodinga local government area of the state.

    The contract is one of the many awarded, commissioned and executed by the governor to mark his 100 days in office.

    Flagging off the construction work which is expected to link Bodinga town, the headquarters of Bodinga local government with surrounding  communities, former governor of the state and one time minister, Alhjai Yahaya Abdulkarim lauded Governor Sokoto for the giant strides towards improving and impacting the lives of people of the state.

    The contract is initiated as part of the governor’s commitment under his rural development program designed to provide infrastructure to rural dwellers.

    Abdulkarim commended the governor for impacting positively on the lives of the citizens.

    Read Also: Sokoto is a symbol of national unity, says Uzodinma

    “I am not amazed with the remarkable steps of the governor considering the track record and legacies of his mentor and father, former governor Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko who throughout his eight years as governor brought tremendous but positive change in the state,” he said.

    This, the former governor said, would include potable water, fertilizers for farmers, healthcare services, improved road network both rehabilitation and construction to further enhance and boost social and economic activities for the benefit of citizens in the state.

    Abdulkarim expressed optimism that more and better things to be provided for the rural and urban settlements across the state by Dr Sokoto were underway as he described the governor as  development oriented with focus and concerned about developing  infrastructure and ensuring  peoples wellbeing urging other governor’s to take cue.

    He however, remarked that upon completion of the road, rural areas would be opened to beneficial agriculture and economic activities, thus, guarantee smooth movement of farm produce as well people across surrounding communities.

  • Sokoto agog as Sultan’s daughter, ex-gov’s son wed

    IT was a roll call of who is who in the traditional institution, the political class  and the business community on Saturday in Sokoto when a daughter of the Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad  Sa’ad Abubakar and a son of a former governor of Bauchi State, Isah Yuguda, were united in marriage.

    A Federal Government delegation was led by the Chief of Staff to the president, Abba Kyari and Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha to honour Fatima and the groom, Mahmoud.

    Also in attendance at the wedding fatiha held at famous Sultan Bello mosque, opposite the Sultan’s palace were Governors Aminu Waziri Tambuwal (Sokoto), Bello Matawalle (Zamfara), Emeka Ihedioha (Imo), Gboyega Oyetola (Osun), Ahmadu Umar Fintiri (Adamawa), Bala Muhammed (Bauchi) and  Ifeanyi Okowa (Delta).

    The Emir  of Kano, Muhammadu Lamido Sanusi, the Emir of  Gwandu, Muhammadu Iliyasu Bashar, the Emir of  Bauchi, Alhaji Suleiman Adamu,  the Emir of Argungu, Samaila Mera were also there as were frontline businessman  Alhaji Aliko Dangote, prominent Islamic clerics and other well-wishers.

    The programme was conducted by the Sarkin Malaman Sokoto, Shiekh Buhari Siriddawa after the payment of N50,000 as dowry .

    The wedding Fatiha was followed by special prayers to commemorate the 63rd birthday of the Sultan.

    The prayers were  led by the Chief Imam of Ghana, Sheikh Usman Sharubutu.

    President Muhammadu Buhari also felicitated with the Emir on his birthday and the wedding.

  • Tambuwal warns against harassing, killing innocent Fulanis

    Governor Aminu Tambuwal of Sokoto State on Friday cautioned local vigilantes against harrassment and killing of innocent Fulani over bandits attacks in the state.

    The governor gave the warning while commiserating with families of the 29 people killed by bandits in Kamitau, Malafaru and Ololi communities in Shinaka District of Goronyo Local Government Area.

    Tambuwal reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to ending all forms of banditry across the state.

    He described bandits attacks on innocent people as wicked, but said it was no justification for local vigilantes and civilian JTF to also target innocent Fulani people.

    He assured that state government in collaboration with security agencies were making efforts to finding lasting solution to the menace.

    The governor prayed to Allah for forgiveness of the deceased persons and called on the bandits to drop their guns and embrace dialogue for the prevalence of peace and stability in the state.

    Tambuwal disclosed that a window of discussion had been opened with leaders of the bandits and assured that by the grace of God,  lasting peace would prevail in the state.

    He expressed gratitude to district heads and other community leaders in the state for their sustained support to the government and urged them to remain calm as government was making efforts to stem the incident.

    Responding on behalf of the families of the deceased persons, the District Head of Goronyo, Alhaji Sambo Usman, thanked the governor for the condolence visit and prayed Allah to reward him abundantly.

    Usman told the governor that they had  since embarked on public enlightenment on the importance of peaceful co-existence.

    The monarch urged various communities to intensify prayers for peace and stability in the state and country as a whole.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the governor was accompanied to the condolence visit by the state Deputy Governor, Alhaji Maniru Daniya and other government officials.

    NAN report that the incident occurred on Thursday as hundred of bandits on motorcycles raided the communities firing guns indiscriminatly on residents.

    Read Also: Tambuwal promises to make Sokoto ‘great’

    A source in the area told newsmen that the assailants arrived the villages at night,  armed with sophisticated weapons and started shooting sporadically.

    He explained that they killed villagers and destroyed houses and other property.

    According to him, many people have fled their homes to seek refuge in nearby communities within Goronyo and Isa local government areas of  the state.

    Earlier, Mr Muhammad Sadiq, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) Sokoto state command,  confirmed the incident but could no provide the casualty  figure of  and places affected.

  • Troops arrest 25 bandits in Zamfara, Sokoto

    Troops have arrested 25 bandits in the forests of Sokoto and Zamfara States, the Nigerian Army announced on Saturday.

    Its spokesman, Col Sagir Musa, said in a statement that arms and ammunitions were recovered from them.

    He said: “Following reinvigorated operational strategies and robust anti banditry operations injected into the activities of Operation HARBIN KUNAMA III, troops have in renewed efforts arrested several gangs of bandits terrorising Isa, Rabbah and Burkusuma communities around Sububu Forest in Sokoto State as well as in Batsari, Safana and Kankara in Dumburum Forest of Katsina state.

    “Similarly, troops deployed in Super Camp covering Bena, Jega, Danko and Wasagu encountered and annihilated unconfirmed number of bandits and destroyed five ( 5) bandits’ camps in Gando Forest of Kebbi State.” Col. Musa quoted the General Officer Commanding (GOC), 8 Division, Maj. Gen Hakeem Otiki, as saying that five camps and 25 motorcycles were destroyed during the operation. He said the operation which covers Katsina, Kebbi, Sokoto and Zamfara states witnessed series of successful simultaneous ground operations activities involving raids, ambushes, cordon and search with the occasional support of the Air Task Force component which the troops are poised to sustain.

    The GOC further stated that items recovered during the operation include: 8 x AK 47 rifles, 2 x General Purpose Machine Guns, 2 x G3 rifles and 3 x dane guns. Others are 9 x AK 47 magazine and 48 x rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition. According to him, “The operation is to facilitate the return of refugees and Internally Displaced Persons back to their homes, creating enabling environment for economic activities to strive and instill confidence in the locals to remain in their villages and continue their normal lives unmolested.

    Read Also: Troops neutralise several bandits in Sokoto, lose a soldier

    He assured the residents of the Nigerian Army readiness to provide adequate security and improve synergy and collaboration with other security agencies within 8 Division Area of responsibility with the aim of combating banditry, cattle rustling, kidnapping and other security challenges.

    He used the opportunity to commend the gallant officers and soldiers of the Division for their resilience and patriotism in the ongoing operation even as he commended members of various vigilante groups and local hunters for their supportive roles to troops.

     

  • Troops kill eight bandits, arrest 17 collaborators in Sokoto

    No fewer than eight bandits have been killed and 17 other collaborators arrested by troops of Operation Harbin Kunama III under the 8 Division of the Nigerian Army, Sokoto.

    The General Officer Commanding (GOC) the Division, Maj.-Gen. Hakeem Otiki, told newsmen in Sokoto yesterday that arrested suspects were informants and logistics suppliers.

    Otiki said five bandits’ camps and 25 motorcycles were destroyed in the operation.

    He commended members of the various vigilance groups and local hunters for their support to troops operating in their villages and communities.

    Otiki explained that the operation, which was flagged off on April 1, 2019 in Zamfara, involved military activities in Katsina, Kebbi, Sokoto and Zamfara States.

    According to him, the exercise has instilled confidence in the locals to remain in their villages and continue with their normal lives as well as facilitated the return of refugees and Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) to their homes.

    He added that troops and logistics were deployed from various divisions of the Nigerian Army to checkmate bandits activities and those fleeing from Zamfara into neighbouring states.

    He said the efforts of the Nigerian Army and their Niger Republic counterparts, as well as other security agencies in the country, especially in the areas of joint border patrols and the dynamics of the operation, has been yielding positive impacts.

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    According to him, the collaboration had  culminated into several encounters and defeat of bandits in Isa, Rabah and Burkusuma general area around Sububu Forest in Sokoto State.

    “In Katsina State, troops operating super camp in Batsari, Safana and Kankara also made contact with bandit gangs and denied them freedom of action in Dumburum Forest.

    “In Kebbi State troops deployed in super camp in Bena, Jega and Danko Wasagu also encountered and defeated bandits in Gando Forest,” Otiki said.

    He further explained that the military operations have facilitate the return of refugees and IDPs to their homes and created enabling environment for farming activities in villages.

    The GOC added that within the short period of the operation, eight AK 47 Rifles, two G3 Rifles, two GPMGs, three Dane Guns, nine AK 47 Magazine and 48 rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition were apprehended from the bandits.

    Otiki added that the 8 Division was also effectively collaborating with troops of Operation Hadarin Daji as a blocking force against fleeing bandits from Zamfara.

    He noted that improved synergy with other security agencies and greater understanding enjoyed from traditional institutions and state authorities had facilitated enhanced security of the civil populace in the affected areas.

  • One soldier killed as troops neutralise scores of bandits in Sokoto

    TROOPS have neutralised scores of bandits and kidnappers in Sokoto State.

    Ransom collectors as well as informants working for them were also arrested, the Army said on Monday.

    Its spokesman, Col. Sagir Musa, in a statement on Monday, however, said a soldier was killed during the encounter.

    He said: “In continuation of ongoing offensive operations against armed banditry and other criminal activities within Sokoto State and its environs, troops of Operation Harbin Kunama III on June 23, 2019 while on routine aggressive patrol to Danboa village intercepted some notorious bandit’s informants and logistics suppliers at Burkusuma market in Sabon Birni Local Government Area of Sokoto State.

    “The troops acting on credible intelligence report, raided the location and apprehended the criminals, who were transacting in the market.

    Read Also: Gunmen abduct final year student in Sokoto

    “Notable among them were:  Mallam Ibrahim, confirmed to be a notorious bandits informant and collaborator renowned for collecting ransom on behalf of the bandits; Mallam Ashiru Goni, confirmed to be another notorious bandits courier agent who specialises in transporting logistics for bandits within and outside Sokoto State; and Mamman Taratse,  a confirmed logistician for the criminals, who specialises in the sale of rustled cattle at various markets within and outside Sokoto State.

    “Similarly, troops in response to complaints of bandits’ activities at Magira village, stormed and raided the location and engaged the bandits in a fierce battle.

    “Consequently, the troops pursued the bandits to their hideouts, killing scores, while several others escaped with gunshot injuries. Unfortunately, one soldier paid the supreme price during the encounter.”

  • Tambuwal buries 25 killed in fresh bandit attacks

    Governor Aminu Tambuwal of Sokoto State on Sunday attended the funeral of 25 persons killed by bandits in a fresh attack which occurred on Saturday in three communities in Rabah local government area of the state.

    Tambuwal, together with heads of security agencies, traditional rulers and government officials later condoled the families of the victims after the burial held at Gandi town.

    The bandits who were in large numbers raided Kalhu, Tsage and Geeri villages near Gandi and killed the 25 persons.

    The attackers were said to have engaged in indiscriminate shooting from around 5pm on Saturday till Sunday morning, after which they carted away hundreds of cows, sheep and other valuables.

    Rabah has been experiencing bandits’ attacks in recent time, with people losing their lives while many others who were rendered homeless now taking refuge at an Internally Displaced Persons camp in Gandi.

    Read Also: Tambuwal promises to reposition Sokoto

    Tambuwal pledged that the government would take more measures “to end such uncivilized and barbaric attacks”, and urged community members to assist security agencies with useful information to track the bandits.

    Speaking to newsmen, Sokoto state Commissioner of Police, Mr Ibrahim Kaoje, said four persons including a woman informant who pretended to be a lunatic were arrested.

    Kaoje said that a joint security operation was in progress to contain banditry and other crimes in the state.

    The state Chairman, IDPs’ Welfare Committee, Malam Lawal Maidoki said relief materials had been delivered to the victims.

    With the 25 killed in the latest attack, the total number of persons killed by bandits in Sokoto state has risen to 108 from 2018 to date.

    Other places affected by armed bandits’ attacks were Dalijan, Rakkoni and Tabanni communities within the period.

    NAN

  • Police parade 23 suspected criminals

    The Sokoto State Police Command on Monday paraded 23 suspected criminals arrested for banditry and other offences.

    They included a notorious kidnapper, Mohammed Dangaladima, aka “Bajini”.

    Briefing reporters, Police Commissioner Mr. Ibrahim Ka’oje said Dangaladima, who was arrested at Mailalle village in Sabon Birni Local Government, had been on the police wanted list for the past one year.

    He said: “The suspect has been operating within the axis, using arms. We are still investigating to recover from him an AK47 rifle believed to be used by him.”

    Ka’oje also confirmed the arrest of a suspect, saying kilograms of a substance suspected to be Indian hemp were recovered from him.

    He said the suspected main dealer, Hali Customs, had fled.

    The command’s crack team, Ka’oje said, had arrested Alhaji Zakks, a shop owner who specialised in burgling stalls and stores at the Sokoto Main Market.

    “He operates under the guise of a shop owner. After the close of business, he remains behind and locks himself in his shop after everyone must have left. He burgles shops and carts away goods and money,” the police boss said.

    He said the suspect had before his arrest, burgled shops and stole items and cash worth over N6 million.

    “Investigation shows that the suspect used part of the proceeds from the crimes to acquire landed property,” Ka’oje said.

    Read Also: Police threaten to deal with trouble-makers

    Items recovered from him include a Honda Accord car, cash and others.

    Also recovered from by the police crack team during the operations were weapons, mattress, Keke NAPEP, blinds, woolen mats among others.

    He said the command would sustain its proactive tempo to ensure the success of the newly introduced “Puff Adder” operations, adding that the public should cooperate by providing the police with information to enable them tackle crimes and chase criminals out of the state.

  • Army arrest suspected drug peddlers, others in Sokoto

    The Nigerian Army said Wednesday that the collaboration and synergy developed by security agencies to stamp out criminal acts in Sokoto state and its environs have started yielding results.

    According to a statement signed by Lt. Abayomi Oni- Orisan, Assistant Director Army public relations, a number of criminals including suspected drug dealers have been arrested by security agents in the axis.

    The statement reads: “Synergy between 8 Division Nigerian Army and sister security agencies in Sokoto state is yielding positive results in the fight against armed banditry and other forms of insecurities especially in Sokoto State.

    “Consequently, between the 19 to 21 of May 2019, 22 criminals were arrested for various offences ranging from armed robbery, banditry, possession and trafficking in hard drugs, and illegal possession of firearms amongst others.

    “On the 21st may 2019, a joint patrol team comprising of troops of 8 Division and other security agencies based on credible information conducted a Cordon and Search operation in Didan Dere Bypass area and apprehended a suspected drug peddler who in turn, led the troops to the hideout of a notorious drug kingpin at Kofa Kware.

    “A search conducted in the premises, the following items were discovered:

    1. 10 laptops
    2. 22 different sizes parcels of substance suspected to be Indian hemp

    “Similarly, based on intelligence report another cordon and search operation was conducted Wednesday at Nakasari Barebare area that led to the arrest of suspected drug baron. Items recovered from his compound included:

    1. A Toyota camry car with registration number KUJ 658 AP
    2. Two Tecno phones.

    “Earlier on 19th May 2019, a joint patrol team on patrol in Sokoto metropolis, busted a notorious armed robbery gang led by one Zayyanu aka ‘Dankane’ which hitherto terrorised residents of Sokoto township and environs.

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    “Similarly on 20th May, 2019, another joint patrol team, while on routine Patrol in Sokoto town arrested 6 suspected robbers with assorted weapons and other illegal substances. The following were recovered from them:

    1. 5 knives
    2. 5 cutlasses
    3. 4 mobile phones
    4. 8 sim cards of various Service providers
    5. 8 packs of Indian hemp
    6. 10 packets of hard drugs
    7. Assorted charms
    8. 30 pieces of various keys.

    “Again, a patrol team along Gusau – Sokoto road intercepted highly suspicious illegal aliens in a Toyota Avensis car conveying 8 Cameroonian nationals on their way to Niger Republic via Ilela border. The individuals were without any valid identification and could not explain their mission in the area.

    “The General Officer Commanding uses this medium to encourage citizens to promptly report suspicious movements and activities in their localities.

    “The GOC equally wishes to reaffirm the determination and resolve of the Division to ridding the state of all forms of criminality.”