The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Yobe State

  • Farmer whose wife was delivered of quadruplets after six children cries for help

    Farmer whose wife was delivered of quadruplets after six children cries for help

    Ba’aba Habu and his wife Amina were the focus of congratulatory messages on Tuesday with the arrival of their newborn quadruplets at Fika General Hospital in Yobe State.

    For the couple, however, it was a mixed grill of joy and despair as the blessing came at a time they were experiencing a lot of hardship in their home at Zirki Zanzana part of Fika town.

    Habu, a subsistence farmer, has no other means of livelihood at a time that farming has become a risky venture in that part of the country due to the unwholesome activities of bandits and other anti-social elements.

    Amina, on the other hand, has no trade, skill or vocation to support the family which already had six children before she was delivered of the quadruplets.

    The Nation checks revealed that the newborns required specialised medical attention and had been referred to the Specialist Hospital, Potiskum where they will need to be placed in incubators to ensure their survival and proper care.

    Investigation revealed that this essential treatment, along with mounting hospital bills and the future needs of four infants, present a monumental financial burden for a family that is struggling to make ends meet.

    Habu and Amina, our correspondent gathered, are now in serious despair, their joy overshadowed by the reality of their poor conditions.

    Habu, in a chat with our correspondent, sent a heartfelt appeal to the Yobe State Government and compassionate individuals everywhere to help them navigate the crisis.

    “I don’t have the power to do this alone. But I know that the Allah that has blessed me with these children will not allow them to suffer.

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    “I am calling on the Yobe State Government to come to my rescue. I know Governor Mai Mala Buni will not look away from us Isha Allah,” the father of the quadruplets said.

    Their simple plea is for the assistance necessary to care for their four new babies and to give them a chance at life.

    “We just want our children to survive,” Amina, the mother said.

    The birth of a set of quadruplets in a poor family is a stark reminder of how a happy event can quickly turn into a struggle for survival.

    Our correspondent gathered that the State Emergency Management Agency (YOSEMA), through its Executive Secretary Dr. Mohammed Goje, has deposited the sum of N500,000 to cater for the medical bills of the children.

    YOSEMA has also pledged to provide livelihood support for the family.

  • Yobe emerges best budgetary performing State in 2024

    Yobe emerges best budgetary performing State in 2024

    Yobe has emerged the best budgetary performing State with an impressive 98.6 percent in the 2024 Agora Policy annual performance report of sub-nationals on budgetary performance. 

    Director General Press and Media Affairs to the Governor, Mamman Mohammed, announced this in a statement in Abuja at the weekend.

    According to Mohammed,  the rating agency, Agora Policy is a Nigerian non-profit and policy think tank organization with a focus on economic growth, development, democracy and good governance.

    He said the agency rated Yobe as the best state in the 2024 budgetary performance. Delta and Rivers states emerged as first and second runner-up, respectively. 

    Reacting to the development, the state governor, Hon. Mai Mala Buni was quoted to have said that the emergence of the state with 98.6 percent would spur his administration to achieve higher targets in budgetary discipline and financial prudence this year and beyond. 

    The Governor said the government has been consistent in developing and implementing budgets that are realistic and in tune with the economic realities.

    “We have also been guided by budgetary discipline, transparency, and financial prudence in running the affairs of the state government. 

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    “This recognition would spur us to continue to do more in budgetary discipline, due process and financial prudence,” Governor Buni assured. 

    Yobe State’s policy on financial transparency has continued to earn the state awards and recognition from notable organizations including the State Fiscal Transparency Accontability and Sustainability (SFTAS), a World Bank programme, rating the state as the best in fiscal transparency and accountability.

    Similarly, the Paradigm Leadership Support Initiative (Plsi), an internationally recognised civil society group noted for tracking public accountability and transparency in expenditure of public funds, scored Yobe state as the best performing state in 2023 and 2024 surpassing 35 others in Subnational Audit Efficacy index report on accountability and transparency in public funds. 

  • Yobe: Sen. Bomai’s healthcare intervention

    Yobe: Sen. Bomai’s healthcare intervention

    • By Kasim Isa Muhammad

    Sir: The approval for the establishment of a Federal Medical Centre in Yobe South is more than just a policy decision—it is a transformative development with the potential to redefine healthcare delivery in the region. This initiative introduces a long-overdue medical institution capable of offering advanced, life-saving services to thousands of people. It represents a critical investment in the health, welfare, and future of communities across Potiskum, Fika, Fune, Nangere, and beyond.

    With a Federal Medical Centre in place, Yobe South is now positioned to benefit from a centralised facility equipped to manage a wide spectrum of healthcare needs. From surgical operations to maternal health, diagnostics to emergency medicine, the presence of such an institution will allow for faster, safer, and more reliable care. It will become the heart of healthcare delivery in the zone—providing essential services close to home and dramatically improving health outcomes across the board.

    Equally important is the centre’s role in strengthening the healthcare workforce in the region. Many trained professionals, including doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and laboratory technicians, often leave in search of opportunities in more urban areas. With the creation of this medical centre, Yobe South can now attract and retain qualified personnel who are eager to serve their own communities. This not only addresses issues of staff shortages but also helps build a sustainable and homegrown healthcare system.

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    This medical centre also stands to play a vital role in public health planning. It will be instrumental in the coordination of immunisation campaigns, the management of communicable diseases, and the implementation of preventive health initiatives. Its presence will make it easier to respond to health emergencies and outbreaks with the speed and structure necessary to save lives. It will become a hub for data collection, disease surveillance, and strategic health interventions—all essential to safeguarding public wellbeing.

    Moreover, the project aligns with broader goals of regional development. A strong healthcare system encourages investment and supports other sectors such as education, agriculture, and commerce. Entrepreneurs and institutions are more likely to thrive in areas where reliable medical services exist. This infrastructure gives the region a competitive advantage, fostering stability and growth from the ground up.

    Now that the legislative groundwork has been completed, attention must turn to effective implementation. Timely release of funds, transparency in project execution, and a commitment to quality must guide the next stages. The promise of this centre can only be fully realised if it is backed by consistent follow-through and accountability at every level.

    Senator Ibrahim Mohammed Bomai’s intervention is a clear demonstration of leadership with vision—one that prioritises the health and dignity of the people he represents. The Federal Medical Centre is not just a building; it is a symbol of progress, a source of hope, and a cornerstone for future development in Yobe South.

    •Kasim Isa Muhammad

    Potiskum, Yobe State

  • Yobe government should intervene in FCET Potiskum land issue

    Yobe government should intervene in FCET Potiskum land issue

    • By Kasim Isa Muhammad

    Sir: Tension continues to rise in Potiskum Local Government Area of Yobe State as residents accuse the Federal College of Education Technical (FCET), Potiskum, of forcefully taking over ancestral lands located in the Mazaga area without proper compensation or adherence to legal procedures. The growing dispute has sparked anger among affected families who are calling for justice and immediate intervention from the Yobe State government.

    The lands, which are part of Mazaga in Jigawa District, have been farmlands for generations of families who claim legitimate ownership supported by original documents. Without consultation or formal acquisition processes, FCET Potiskum began developing the area for new staff quarters and administrative buildings, prompting outrage among the residents.

    Community members say they were never approached or consulted before construction began. Many of them report receiving token amounts—some as low as N3,000—as compensation for land parcels they value in the millions. No valuation experts or government-approved surveyors were brought in, and no explanation was given for the amounts distributed. The compensation process was conducted without transparency, leaving many landowners feeling insulted and sidelined.

    Despite owning the land for decades, residents say their rights have been trampled upon. They insist that proper legal procedures were ignored and that the college commenced construction in secret, using force and intimidation rather than lawful engagement. The use of armed security personnel during construction activities has further alarmed the community.

    The people maintain that they are not against the expansion of educational facilities in their area. However, they believe development must be done lawfully and fairly. They argue that taking over land without consent or adequate compensation amounts to exploitation and injustice.

    Frustration is growing as attempts to engage the college have reportedly failed. Residents describe how their initial hopes of resolving the matter through dialogue and state intervention were dashed by the continued silence and inaction of the authorities. There is deep resentment over what many see as a calculated disregard for the rights of peaceful citizens.

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    The manner in which compensation was handled has added to the discontent. Payments were made discreetly, without formal agreements or public records. No community-wide meetings were held, and many affected landowners say they were left out entirely. This lack of transparency has fuelled suspicion and eroded trust in the process.

    Residents argue that the college has acted in bad faith by refusing to follow legal procedures and by failing to treat the community with dignity. They emphasise that ancestral lands hold not just economic value, but cultural and historical significance. The sense of betrayal runs deep, as many believe they have been used and discarded by the same institutions meant to protect them.

    There are increasing calls for the Yobe State government to step in and address the matter with urgency. The land owners are demanding a halt to construction, a proper land valuation exercise by certified government valuers, and fair compensation based on the true value of their land. They are also asking for a transparent process that involves genuine dialogue and written agreements.

    Until these steps are taken, residents say they will continue to resist what they describe as unjust and illegal encroachment. They are appealing to all relevant authorities to recognise the seriousness of the issue and take immediate action to prevent further damage to the relationship between the government, the college, and the host community.

    Development, they insist, must be inclusive and respectful of people’s rights. The current situation in Mazaga stands as a test of how government institutions respond to the grievances of ordinary citizens. The people are not asking for charity—they are asking for justice.

    It is now up to FCET Potiskum and the Yobe State government to correct the wrongs done and to show that no community, no matter how peaceful, should be taken for granted in the name of progress.

    In conclusion, I am imploring the Yobe State government to urgently intervene in this matter before it escalates beyond control. The affected plot owners have exercised remarkable patience, hoping that their grievances would be addressed through dialogue and due process. Unfortunately, the continued silence and inaction from both the institution and the authorities have left them feeling abandoned and betrayed. It is the duty of the government to uphold justice, protect the rights of its citizens, and ensure that no institution is allowed to dispossess law-abiding individuals of their land without following legal procedures.

    •Kasim Isa Muhammad

     Potiskum, Yobe State

  • Yobe ranks among peaceful states, says Buni

    Yobe ranks among peaceful states, says Buni

    Governor Mai Mala Buni has declared Yobe State as one of the safest and peaceful in the country.

    He attributed the feat to the collaboration between his administration and various security agencies.

    He made this known after receiving a Peace Building Award from a Non-Governmental Organisation, Peace Building Development Consult (PBDC), yesterday in Abuja.

    Represented by Commissioner for Justice and Attorney-General, Saleh Samanja, the governor also hinged the success on the government support for the military and paramilitary.

     Commissioner said: “He has been working in cohort with the security agencies. We bought a lot of vehicles and gave them for operational activities. We support them in whatever way we can, and because of that, we have achieved relative peace in Yobe State. And let me tell you that Yobe State is today one of the most peaceful states in Nigeria.

    “This is possible due to the cooperation we give to the security agencies and the untiring efforts of His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Yobe State, Honourable Mai Mala Buni, for being forthcoming with whatever the security may require the government to do.

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    “ As the Chief Security Officer of the state, he (Governor) feels that he has both moral and legal obligations to cooperate with the security agencies to achieve maximum peace in Yobe State.”

    Chairman of the Awards Committee/former Comptroller-General, Nigeria Immigration Service, Muhammad Babandede, called on the Federal Government to create a think-tank pool of retired military officers to advise the government on tackling the security challenges.

    “I am saying that the system, unfortunately—especially in the military—harvests very young generals before they mature. Government spends huge amounts of money to train them, and you find that some of them are being retired at the age of 50, 55, or even earlier, and then they do nothing. You need to have a think tank in every organisation.

  • How Yobe communities are embracing transitional justice in post-insurgency

    How Yobe communities are embracing transitional justice in post-insurgency

    In the heart of Yobe State, a quiet but significant transformation is taking place.

    Communities ravaged by years of conflict are now taking ownership of their healing process, ensuring that justice and reconciliation are not left solely in the hands of courts and government institutions.

    Last week in Damaturu, a gathering of community leaders, government officials, and human rights advocates sought to answer a crucial question: how can war-torn communities rebuild trust and ensure justice for victims and perpetrators alike?

    Their answer was simple but powerful—through a locally driven, community-based approach to transitional justice.

    The initiative, spearheaded by the Yobe State Ministry of Youth, Sports, Social, and Community Development in collaboration with UNICEF, was not just another workshop.

    It was a call to action, an effort to equip local stakeholders with the knowledge and tools to resolve conflicts, provide redress for victims, and reintegrate former fighters into society.

    Bukar Mai Modu, the Ministry’s Child Protection Officer, emphasised that this approach places the power in the hands of the people.

    “Communities must decide which methods work best for them to ensure lasting peace,” he explained.

    “We are engaging communities, strengthening grassroots organisations, and empowering them to take charge, so they do not remain dependent on external interventions.”

    The training brought together representatives from the ministries of Justice, Education, Women’s Affairs, Religious Affairs, Local Government, and Humanitarian Affairs.

    It also included religious and traditional leaders from Gujba, Damaturu, and Geidam, as well as members of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN).

    Reverend Ibrahim Kure Abako, Secretary of CAN in Yobe, underscored the importance of religious leaders in the justice and reconciliation process. “Victims come from all religions and backgrounds, and as religious leaders, we have a duty to ensure they receive the justice they deserve,” he said.

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    Traditional rulers, too, have been instrumental in these efforts.

    District Head of Buni Yadi, Abba Hassan Mai Muktar, acknowledged the critical role of traditional justice systems in resolving disputes long before modern courts existed.

    He noted that traditional leaders serve as key advisers to government agencies, ensuring that transitional justice remains fair and locally relevant.

    According to the District Head,  Yobe State has established a committee called  Zauren Sulhuhu with the Commissioner for Religious Affairs as the chairman.

    He explained that through the committee, many disputes have been resolved across the 17 local government areas of the State.

    While the broader community works toward peace, the scars of conflict remain deepest among the most vulnerable—women and children. Samuel Orahii, UNICEF’s National Consultant on Transitional Justice and Reconciliation, explained that these groups often bear the brunt of war’s aftermath.

    “Women and children face the highest risk of stigma and rejection when former fighters return to their communities,” Orahii noted. “Transitional justice programmes aim to bridge this divide by fostering dialogue and ensuring that justice is not only punitive but also restorative.”

    Mr. Orahii added that communities need to take the driver’s seat in settling their disputes especially as it affects them for a more enduring impact through truth and reconciliation.

    Building a future beyond conflict

    The journey toward reconciliation in Yobe is far from over, but the momentum is building.

    As communities take ownership of justice and healing, the hope is that peace will no longer be dictated by outside forces but nurtured from within.

    For the people of Yobe, transitional justice is more than a legal concept—it is a promise to heal, restore, and move forward.

    And as the voices of local leaders, faith groups, and traditional institutions grow louder in shaping this process, a future of peace feels more within reach than ever before.

  • Yobe: Stop politicising our educational sector

    Yobe: Stop politicising our educational sector

    • By Kasim Isa Muhammad

    Sir: The College of Administrative Management and Technology (CAMTECH) in Potiskum Local Government Area of Yobe State is currently facing a myriad of challenges, the most pressing of which is the appointment of unqualified individuals into lecturing positions. This growing trend has raised serious concerns about the integrity and future of the state’s educational system.

    For an institution meant to nurture the next generation of administrators, managers, and technocrats, the presence of unqualified lecturers is an alarming setback. It is a matter of grave concern that individuals who lack the requisite academic qualifications and teaching experience are being appointed to lecture at CAMTECH solely due to their political connections. This blatant disregard for merit and competence threatens the quality of education being imparted to students and ultimately affects the development of the state.

    A functional educational system thrives on professionalism and academic excellence. The continuous recruitment of politically connected but incompetent individuals into lecturing positions at CAMTECH is a direct assault on these principles. The importance of qualified educators in shaping students’ academic and professional futures cannot be overemphasised. How can we expect students to excel when those meant to teach them lack the knowledge and skills required for the job?

    The consequences of politicising the educational sector are far-reaching. If this trend is not addressed urgently, the state’s workforce will eventually be dominated by half-baked graduates who lack the necessary skills to contribute meaningfully to society. This will, in turn, affect productivity, economic growth, and overall development. The long-term effects will be devastating, not just for Yobe State, but for the nation as a whole.

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    Countries that prioritise education invest heavily in human capital development, knowing that a knowledgeable and skilled workforce is the backbone of a thriving economy. Unfortunately, in Yobe State, the educational sector is being treated as a platform for political patronage, where jobs are handed out based on political loyalty rather than competence. This is an abominable practice that must be stopped immediately.

    It is high time the Yobe State government took decisive action to address this problem. The government must establish clear guidelines and strict criteria for the recruitment of lecturers and other academic staff. These guidelines should be based on merit, academic qualifications, and teaching experience. There should also be a transparent recruitment process to ensure that only the best candidates are appointed to teach at CAMTECH and other institutions in the state.

    Furthermore, there is an urgent need for periodic assessment of lecturers to ensure that they are performing their duties effectively. A monitoring body should be set up to evaluate lecturers’ performances, provide necessary training where needed, and remove those found incompetent. Without such measures, the rot in the system will continue, and the state’s educational sector will further deteriorate.

    Students and parents must also raise their voices against this alarming situation. The responsibility of ensuring quality education does not rest solely on the government; the public must also demand accountability. Institutions of learning must not be allowed to become dumping grounds for political appointees who lack the competence to teach.

    The leadership of CAMTECH should take the necessary steps to uphold academic standards. If the management of the institution truly values education, it will resist external pressures that seek to impose unqualified individuals on the school. Upholding educational excellence should be the primary concern of every academic institution, and CAMTECH must lead by example.

    The Yobe State government must rise to the occasion and salvage the educational sector from the grip of political interference. Governor Mai Mala Buni has a duty to ensure that meritocracy prevails in the appointment of academic personnel. A failure to address this issue now will result in a bleak future for the state’s youths and, ultimately, the entire state. Let us prioritise education, for it is the key to sustainable development and prosperity.

    •Kasim Isa Muhammad,

    Potiskum, Yobe State.

  • Yobe government should rethink N22.3 billion flyover

    Yobe government should rethink N22.3 billion flyover

    Sir: The recent announcement by the Yobe State government that it wants to construct a flyover in Damaturu at the cost of N22.3 billion has generated quite brouhaha among residents and concerned citizens. While infrastructure development is exceedingly important for progress, the choice of priorities begs for urgent answer. Given the current state of Yobe’s education sector, where thousands of children remain out of school and learning environments are in desperate need of rehabilitation, is a flyover the most pressing need for the state? 

    Yobe is among the states with the highest number of out-of-school children with the population estimated at about 500,000. Schools across the state, particularly in rural areas, are in deplorable conditions. Just recently, on February 20, tragedy struck at Government Girls Science Technical College, Potiskum, when a classroom building collapsed, killing a student and injuring five others.

    For years, students have been forced to learn in overcrowded, poorly ventilated, and structurally unsafe classrooms. Many schools lack basic facilities such as chairs, books, and functioning laboratories, while boarding students endure appalling living conditions. Despite the practical deficiencies, the government has chosen to prioritise a flyover project in Damaturu over addressing the deteriorating state of education in the state. 

    Instead of investing in a flyover, which is arguably unnecessary in a city with minimal traffic congestion, the Yobe State government could channel the N22.3 billion towards revamping the education sector. 

    Hundreds of schools across the state require urgent renovations. Modernising these schools with safe classrooms, proper roofing, and adequate furniture would create a conducive learning environment. Additionally, the quality of education in Yobe is hampered by a shortage of qualified teachers. The funds could be used to recruit and train more teachers, ensuring students receive quality instruction. 

    Many schools lack basic educational materials, including textbooks, science equipment, and ICT facilities. Investing in these resources would enhance learning outcomes. Furthermore, with thousands of children out of school due to poverty, a portion of the N22.3 billion could be used to sponsor students, particularly girls and those from disadvantaged backgrounds. 

    Boarding schools in Yobe, like Government Science Technical College, Potiskum, require urgent attention. Many students live in deplorable conditions, with overcrowded hostels and poor sanitation. A proper investment in hostel facilities would improve students’ welfare. 

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    Flyovers are typically constructed to ease severe traffic congestion in major cities. However, Damaturu does not experience the kind of traffic gridlock that would warrant such an expensive project. Unlike Lagos, Abuja, or Kano, the state capital remains relatively uncongested, with smooth vehicular movement on most roads. 

    One must question the rationale behind this decision. Is this project truly in the best interest of the people, or is it another instance of misplaced priorities? The government must understand that governance is about meeting the most pressing needs of the people, and in Yobe, education should be a top priority. 

    Governor Mai Mala Buni and his administration must reconsider this decision. Leadership comes with responsibility, and every action taken in governance has long-term implications. The people of Yobe deserve better. Instead of investing billions in a flyover that offers little benefit, the government should focus on education, healthcare, and other essential sectors that directly impact the lives of citizens. 

    Moreover, accountability remains key. The state’s resources should be spent wisely, ensuring that every naira is used to improve the living standards of the people. As leaders, it is essential to remember that every action taken today will be accounted for in the hereafter. 

    The construction of a flyover in Damaturu at the cost of N22.3 billion is a misplaced priority. At a time when schools are crumbling, students are learning in harsh conditions, and thousands remain out of school, such expenditure cannot be justified.

    In a nutshell, the Yobe State Government must have a rethink. Investing in education is investing in the future of Yobe, and no amount of infrastructure can replace the value of a well-educated population.

    •Kasim Isa Muhammad.Potiskum, Yobe State.

  • Out-of-school children: Yobe must wake up

    Out-of-school children: Yobe must wake up

    • By Kasim Isa Muhammad

    Sir: The rising number of out-of-school children in Yobe State is a ticking time bomb that demands urgent government intervention. Despite various education policies and interventions, the streets of Yobe remain flooded with children who are supposed to be in school. These children, often left to fend for themselves, become vulnerable to social vices, child labour, and other dangers that could hinder the state’s progress. 

    According to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), over 427,230 children in Yobe State are out of school, representing 43 percent of the child population. This alarming figure raises serious concerns about the effectiveness of the state’s educational policies. If the government does not act swiftly, the future of these children—and by extension, the future of the state—will remain uncertain. 

    One key question is whether the Yobe State government is truly aware of the gravity of this crisis. In his 2019 inauguration speech, Governor Mai Mala Buni declared a state of emergency in the education sector, a move that was widely welcomed. However, five years down the line, the out-of-school crisis remains unresolved. Was the declaration merely a political statement, or was it meant to tackle the root causes of the problem? 

    One of the major contributors to this challenge is poverty. Many parents in Yobe State struggle to make ends meet and cannot afford to send their children to school. In some cases, even when education is free, families still find it difficult to provide basic school supplies, uniforms, and transportation for their children. This economic hardship forces many children to engage in street hawking and begging instead of sitting in classrooms. 

    Cultural and religious beliefs also play a role in the rising number of out-of-school children. In some communities, parents prioritise Islamic education over Western education, leading to a large number of Almajiri children roaming the streets. While Islamic education is important, there is a need for a balanced approach that ensures these children receive both religious and formal education. 

    The dilapidated state of many public schools in Yobe further worsens the situation. Reports have emerged that some boarding schools in the state are struggling with a lack of food, forcing students to leave school to find meals at home. If students in school are not properly fed, how can those still on the streets be encouraged to enrol?

    Beyond infrastructure, there is also a serious shortage of qualified teachers in the state. For instance, in Nangere Local Government Area, schools such as Biriri, Dugum, and Amayi Primary Schools each have only one teacher controlling the entire school. How can one teacher effectively educate and manage an entire school? The situation is not only discouraging for pupils but also undermines any efforts to improve education quality in the state. 

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    The issue of teacher welfare has further compounded the crisis. Recently, primary school teachers in the state protested over the government’s failure to implement the new minimum wage of N70,000. Many teachers have long endured poor salaries and delayed payments, making the teaching profession unattractive. The government must prioritise teachers’ welfare by ensuring timely salary payments, incentives, and better working conditions to retain and motivate educators. 

    The lingering effects of insurgency in the northeast have left many communities devastated, with schools destroyed and teachers displaced. While some progress has been made in restoring peace, there is still much work to be done in rebuilding schools and regaining public confidence in the safety of education. 

    The importance of community involvement in addressing this crisis cannot be overlooked. Parents, traditional rulers, and religious leaders must work together to sensitise communities on the value of education. Many parents who resist sending their children to school do so due to misconceptions about Western education. A well-coordinated awareness campaign could help change this mind-set. 

    The government must also strengthen its school feeding programme. Studies have shown that providing free meals in schools significantly increases enrolment and retention rates. If children are assured of at least one meal a day in school, more parents will be encouraged to enrol them. Proper monitoring and transparency in the distribution of school feeding resources are necessary to ensure the programme achieves its desired results. 

    Furthermore, policies that promote compulsory and free basic education must be strictly enforced. It is not enough to declare education free on paper; the government must ensure that all hidden costs are eliminated, and defaulters—whether parents or school administrators—are held accountable. A legal framework should be put in place to mandate school enrolment for all children within the school-age bracket. 

    The Yobe State government must take decisive action before the situation worsens. The future of the state depends on the education of its children. If nothing is done now, Yobe risks raising a generation of uneducated youths who may become a burden rather than a productive force in society. 

    •Kasim Isa Muhammad,

    Potiskum, Yobe State.

  • Immigration intercepts 21 minors being illegally taken out of Nigeria

    Immigration intercepts 21 minors being illegally taken out of Nigeria

    Yobe State Command, Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has intercepted a Toyota Hiace bus, (with registration number 10B-87GM, Gombe State) carrying 21 minors from Labule and Ibeto towns of Magama Local Government in Niger State to Maine Soroa in Niger Republic.

    The minors aged between seven and 15 were intercepted by immigration border post officers, a little distance from the Geidam control post in Dunari of the state.

    According to the Comptroller of the NIS state Command, Mr. S. S. Jega, the minors, who are suspected to be victims of human trafficking, have no idea of their intended destination.

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    Jega also said they had no travel documents or identification to justify their mission and journey.

    He added that their guardian, Abubakar Saidu, 28, who claims to be a teacher in an islamic school, is an indigene of Anaba in Magama Local Government of Niger State.

    Jega also said the Comptroller-General (CG) of Immigration, K. N. Nandap had directed that the  suspects be handed over to the appropriate government agency for further actions, as soon as the NIS concluded its preliminary investigations on them.

    He added that the CG has put the machinery in place to ensure that the borders are secured, so as to mitigate against such acts and occurrences.