Category: Metro

By Muhammad Ibrahim, Sokoto 

His death was announced by Cardinal Kevin Farrell, the Vatican camerlengo, who described the Pope’s life as dedicated to serving the Lord and the Church. 

Notably, Pope Francis made a surprise appearance in St. Peter’s Square just a day before his passing, where he wished thousands of worshippers a Happy Easter. 

Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio on December 17, 1936, in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Pope Francis had part of his lung removed in his youth due to a severe lung infection. He later suffered from chronic lung disease, knee problems, and other health issues.

As the first Latin American pontiff, Pope Francis was known for his humility, commitment to the poor, and advocacy for social justice. He emphasized the importance of mercy and compassion in the Church’s approach to moral and social issues.

 In February 2025, Pope Francis was hospitalized for bronchitis, which developed into double pneumonia. He spent 38 days in the hospital, his longest hospitalization during his 12-year papacy.

World leaders, including French President Emmanuel Macron and Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof, have paid tribute to Pope Francis, describing him as a man of humility and a role model for Catholics and non-Catholics alike. 

Pope Francis’ body has been dressed in white and placed in his private chapel for a private prayer with the camerlengo, Vatican officials, and the Pope’s family. He will later be dressed in red vestments and placed in a wooden coffin lined with zinc.

The College of Cardinals will convene to begin the process of selecting a new pope, marking a period of transition for the Catholic Church. 

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By Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna 

Kaduna state police command said its operatives arrested six suspected kidnappers in separate operations and recovered four fabricated Ak47 rifles.

Those arrested are Isa Ibrahim, Sani Liman, Murtala Magaji, Bajo Badun, Magaji Abdullahi and Ishiyaku Ali, according to release issued Saturday and signed by the command spokesman DSP Mansir Hassan.

The statement reads in parts: “On the 17th April, 2025, at about 1520hrs, credible intelligence was received from a reliable source regarding the presence of a suspected kidnapper taking refuge at Gida Abe in Kaduna State. 

“Acting swiftly on the information, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Tafa Division immediately mobilized a surveillance team to the location. The team successfully arrest one Isa Ibrahim (male), 30 years old.

‘During interrogation, the suspect confessed to being a member of a kidnapping gang operating in Kwara State, that his accomplices had recently been arrested in Kwara, which led him to relocate to Kaduna with the intent to establish a new gang.

“In the same vein, On 17th April 2025, at about 1330 hours, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Saminaka received credible intelligence indicating the presence of two notorious suspected bandits in Lamido village, Lere LGA. Acting promptly on the tip-off, the DPO mobilized his patrol team to the location.

“The team successfully apprehended two suspects namely, Sani Liman, 23 years old, from Unguwan Fa, Raminkura and Murtala Magaji (alias Seto), 25 years old, from Dambata in Galadimawa village, both of Kauru LGA.

“The suspects confessed to being involved in a series of kidnapping activities within the area.

“Also, On the 18th April, 2025, at about 1800hrs, the DPO Ikara Division received credible information from a reliable source about the suspicious movement of two suspected Gun Runners allegedly in possession of firearms.

“Acting swiftly, the DPO mobilized his patrol team to the scene.

The suspects, identified as Bajo Badun, male, 40 years old, of Vom Quarters, Jos, Plateau State, and Magaji Abdullahi, male, 40 years old, of Bargi Village, Bebeji LGA of Kano State, were both arrested and found in possession of two fabricated AK-47 rifles.

“Additionally, On 18th April, 2025, at about 0430 hours, a police patrol team conducting a routine patrol along the Kauru-Pambegua Road observed a man behaving suspiciously while carrying a sack. The individual was promptly intercepted by the officers for a search.

“Upon searching the sack, the patrol team discovered two locally-fabricated rifles and a long chain, which were carefully concealed within. The suspect was immediately apprehended and taken into custody along with the recovered exhibits.

“The suspect has been identified as one Ishiyaku Ali, male, 30 years old, of Bakin Dutse, Kauru Local Government Area.

“All the suspects are currently in police custody and cooperating with ongoing investigations, providing vital information. Efforts have been intensified to track down and apprehend other accomplices who are currently at large”, it stated.

The Commissioner of Police (CP) Rabiu Muhammad assured the public that the Command remains committed to ensuring the safety and security of all residents and urges the public to continue supporting the police with credible and timely information.

By Israel Adamu, Jos 

Minster of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction Prof Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda on Saturday visited  communities   that were recently attacked by gunmen in Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau state. 

It could be recalled that that on April 2, gunmen had attacked Zike  community  of Kwall District, Irigwe Chiefdom of Bassa and killed over 50 persons. .

Yilwatda who was accompanied by the  Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru added that the Federal government is determined to end the attacks on rural communities in the state. 

Speaking  to newsmen eartler the minister, commiserated with the families of those who lost their loved ones and expressed the government’s commitment to the safety of lives and propeties. 

I came here to mourn the lives of those we have lost. 

. These are some of the saddest moments we have faced as a people. Our hearts are heavy. Plateau is in the news across the world , but for the wrong reasons. This is not the kind of attention we want.

This is a time for every Plateau citizen — regardless of tribe, religion, or political affiliation to come together.

 Anyone still talking about tribe or politics at this moment is showing disrespect to the lives we’ve lost and to the people of Plateau State.

He added that  Mr President is deeply concerned. He has spoken with me and with the government. He asked what more he can do for Plateau and made it clear that we must work together to restore peace. 

He has promised to support us kinetically  by deploying all necessary security forces to ensure our safety. But we, too, have a role to play. We must engage one another. We must talk  across communities, across faiths, across backgrounds.

This message is to every son and daughter of Plateau: let us unite for peace and progress. The President has pledged to protect us and provide security, but we must also take responsibility. We must talk to one another, identify the sources of this violence, and find ways to end it.

We have traditional rulers, political leaders, religious leaders. We have farmers who can no longer access their land. This affects us all — whether Muslim or Christian, farmer or youth. Everyone on the Plateau must speak up. From the Hausa to the Berom, from the Anaguta to the Yoruba — we must talk to ourselves.

Let us identify those killing us. Let us confront the triggers of this violence and do all we can to end it. One life is too valuable to lose. Whatever it takes to bring peace, we must do it. No sacrifice is too great when it comes to saving a single soul on the Plateau.

The Minister of Defence Mohammed Badaru  who spoke earlier said  We are here on behalf of the Federal Government to identify and share in your grief.

“We want to assure you that security agencies will bring these senseless killings to an end.

He added that  ‘ I have been adequately briefed, and I want to assure you that we will get to the root of this matter. We will capture the perpetrators of this evil act.”

“The president is deeply concerned and has ordered us to find the perpetrators so they can face justice 

We are working with the state government to adopt the structure that will prevent this ugly incident from happening again; it is time to end this madness,” he said

Badaru further said that the government would engage all stakeholders in the affected communities towards curbing the cycle of killings in the state.

Earlier, Retired Rev. Ranka Aku, Brra Ngwe of Irigwe chiefdom, thanked the minister for the visit and also commended the federal and state governments for prompt response to the incidents.

Aku, who decried incessant attacks and destruction of properties in the chiefdom, called on government and security agencies to intensify efforts to end the violence.

He promised to collaborate with the government towards bringing lasting peace to the chiefdom and the Plateau in general.The traditional ruler called on the government to provide support to the victims in order to rebuild their destroyed buildings. 

Our correspondent reports that the ministers were accompanied by  senior military personnel, and other government officials

The Katsina State Police Command has apprehended two suspected drug dealers and confiscated tramadol tablets valued at ₦3.5 million, as part of ongoing efforts to combat drug abuse and trafficking in the state.

In a statement released on Thursday by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Abubakar Sadiq, the arrests followed actionable intelligence received by police operatives.

“On March 20, 2025, around 4:00 p.m., our officers arrested Murtala Salisu, 27, of Bare-bari village, Safana Local Government Area, in possession of 2,084 sachets of suspected tramadol tablets,” the statement read.

During questioning, Salisu reportedly admitted to sourcing the drugs from a supplier in Nasarawa State, identified only as Rabe. He also implicated an accomplice, Tanimu Abubakar of Jibia LGA, Katsina State. Both suspects have confessed, and investigations are ongoing.

Commissioner of Police, Bello Shehu, reiterated the command’s resolve to tackle drug-related crimes and safeguard the well-being of residents. He also called on the public to continue providing timely and useful information to aid in the fight against criminal activities.

*Advice against ethics profiling, *Say’s every govs will give account of stewardship 

By Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna

The Sultan of Sokoto and the Chairman of the council, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar lll made this known in his opening remarks at the 7th Executive Committee Meeting of the council in Maiduguri.

“How many more times do we need to condemn it before our political leaders use our security agencies to bring it to an end or at least to bring to barest minimum the killings in our country,” he quizzed.

The Northern Traditional Rulers Council on Tuesday also expressed its determination to help their governors with new options in tackling the lingering insecurity in the region.

Sultan, the theme of the meeting, “Enhanced Security As A Panacea for Stability and Development of the North” said: “We will be speaking with one voice to say enough is enough of this senseless killings of innocent people, across the north, across the country”.

“We have never and we will never support it. We never feel happy about it; we are also sad whenever we heard such things. And we have received so many statements of condemnation.

“How many more times do we need to condemn it before our political leaders use our security agencies to bring it to an end or at least to bring to barest minimum the killings in our country,” he asked?

The sultan said that traditional rulers would not get tired of calling the leaders to do what they believed must be done to upload the borden of responsibility given to leaders by the Almighty God.

“Every governor will account for what he did in his tenure and Sultan will not be there to defend him before God,” Abubakar said.

He, however, said it was not good enough for the people to be trading blame over the insecurity challenges and other related problems in the region.

“I think it’s high time we stopped making comments that insinuate that certain people are the cause of our problem, no.

“We are the cause of all our problems. If we want to resolve the problem in the north as leaders we can do so.

“How? We’ll sit together and take the issues up and solve them one by one from the governors, the traditional leaders to religious leaders to the common man on the street what he should do to help the security agencies, the governors and political leadership and all to bring to the barest minimum these killings.

“I believe we can do so, we have to look at other options. If we try one, two, three and we have not succeed then let us try four, five, six, seven and then definitely we will succeed.

“What I mean is that bring in traditional institutions from day one and share with them what you want to achieve, then you will see how successful you will be in your governance for any state or local government.

“I believe we know the importance of some of these things. And I believe we have what it takes to bring to barest minimum insecurity in our country.” Abubakar insisted.

The sultan said that the security problem was not limited to Nigeria but a global problem which could only be addressed through dialogue and diplomacy and by using arms.

“For example what happened in Plateau yesterday (April 14) and also within the week, over 100 people were killed in Plateau.

“Many people just appeared from somewhere and then killed people and went away and they were never arrested.

“Before then people where killed in Sokoto on Sallah day; People where killed in Kebbi; people were killed in so many other places.

“The number of people killed in the last one month is so high and not only in Plateau, and not only in Borno and not only in Sokoto but in so many other places.

“We are more concerned with the situation in our country than every politician because before the 1914 Amalgamation, bringing the North and the South to form Nigeria our fore-fathers where running the affairs of the present day Nigeria.

“Everybody knows the Kanem-Borno empire; of course the Sokoto Caliphate; of course the Oyo empire; of course the Benin Kingdom all of them existed before Nigeria and that is why we as traditional leaders we feel bad, we feel saddened when we see our people being killed by other people whom we don’t know” he said.

“I think it is important for us to work harder and talk to ourselves and in the close session we will do that and we must come out with what we believe will give advice to our political leaders,’” Abubakar said.

He prayed to God to guide the political leadership to tow the right path toward restoration of the past glory of the olden days of the peaceful northern states and promised to work with them to ensure peace and tranquility in the entire northern states.

Vice-President Kashim Shettima while declaring the meeting open, expressed the Federal Government’s determination to work with the sub-national governments and the traditional institutions to address security challenges in the country.

Shettima, who was represented by Gov. Babagana Zulum of Borno, also commended the efforts of the security agencies in tackling the security challenges as it were and urged them to redouble their efforts.

Earlier, in his remarks, the co-host, Zulum, highlighted security and peacebuilding, agriculture and youth empowerment as the critical pillars of sustainable development in the region.

“Our youth population is large, energetic and eager to contribute, but many are without opportunities.

“This vacuum is dangerous. We must invest heavily in skills acquisition, vocational education, digital innovation, and entrepreneurship.

“Empowered youths are not only less vulnerable to crime or radicalization, they become active agents of development,” he said. End

By Israel Adamu, Jos 

The Plateau State Coordinator for the Child Protection Network (CPN), Mrs. Sandra Chikan, has strongly condemned recent attacks on communities in Bokkos and Bassa local government areas of the state.

Over the past 10 days, more than 100 people, including children, have been killed in these attacks across both local government councils.

In a press release issued to journalists in Jos, Mrs. Chikan expressed deep concern that such attacks are becoming increasingly frequent.

 The Non-Governmental Organization highlighted that many victims are innocent children who are specifically targeted.

“It is tragic that these senseless attacks continue to occur, where individuals, including children, are brutally killed,” she stated. 

“What is happening in Plateau State is a catastrophe that must end immediately.

 The bloodshed of innocent civilians, particularly children who are vulnerable targets, is unconscionable and has no place in any civilized society.”

The CPN called on security agencies to take immediate and decisive action to apprehend the perpetrators and ensure they face justice. 

The organization also urged all levels of government to implement proactive measures to protect vulnerable communities and prevent further loss of life.

The Child Protection Network reaffirmed its commitment to supporting and advocating for children’s rights in Plateau State.

 The organization pledged to address cases of child trafficking, molestation, abuse, and other harmful practices.

This is the time to strengthen our resolve. It is the time to collaborate, unite, and confront the pressing issues affecting our children.

 *Urges heavily investment on youth skills acquisition, others

By Achadu Gabriel, kaduna

Following increased in security challenges despite efforts, Borno State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum, has hosted Northern Traditional Rulers Council for its 7th Executive Committee Meeting on Tuesday in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital. The meeting aims to tackle the rising insecurity plaguing Northern Nigeria.

The meeting, with the theme, “Enhanced Security As A Panacea For Stability and Development of the North”, was declared open by the Vice President, Kashim Shettima, who was represented by Governor Babagana Umara Zulum.

In his remarks earlier, Governor Zulum highlighted security and peacebuilding, agriculture and youth empowerment as the critical pillars of sustainable development in the northern region.

The Governor also called on all stakeholders to focus on providing opportunities for the youth in northern Nigeria, according to statement signed by his media aide Abdurraman Bundi.

He said, “Our youth population is large, energetic and eager to contribute, but many are without opportunities. This vacuum is dangerous. We must invest heavily in skills acquisition, vocational education, digital innovation, and entrepreneurship”.

“Empowered youths are not only less vulnerable to crime or radicalization, invest heavily in skills acquisitisation, they become active agents of development”, he said.

Governor Zulum also stressed that agriculture had remained the economic lifeline for the north, hence a deliberate effort is needed to enhance farming activities across the region.

“With vast arable land and a population well-versed in farming, agriculture is our greatest opportunity. However, insecurity has displaced farmers and halted rural productivity. 

“We must secure our farmlands and support modern agricultural practices to restore livelihoods and reduce dependency. In Borno, we are expanding access to inputs, mechanised farming and irrigation despite the challenges, and the results are promising,” Zulum said.

He added that, “On behalf of the government and good people of Borno State, I assure you of our commitment to peace, justice and shared progress. Together, with faith and determination, we will rebuild the north physically, socially and economically.”

In his remarks, the Chairman of the Northern Traditional Rulers and Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, explained that the meeting in Borno was to strengthen unity among states in the north and to deliberate on the situation in the region to support the political leadership in addressing series of problems across the north.

The National Security Adviser, Chief of Defence Staff and Inspector General of Police were all represented. 

Also in attendance were the Chairman of Northern Governors Forum and Governor of Gombe, Mohammed Inuwa Yahaya, represented by his Deputy, Manassah Daniel Jatau, Senator Kaka Shehu Lawan, Shehu of Borno, Abubakar Umar Garbai, among many other Emirs across the 19 states of the northern region. END 

By Abel Zwànke, Lafia 

The Zumunta Association USA Inc., a pan-Northern Nigerian diaspora group based in Washington, D.C., has strongly condemned the ongoing spate of killings in Plateau State and other parts of Northern Nigeria, calling on the Federal Government to take immediate and decisive action to end the bloodshed.

In a statement issued on Tuesday and signed by the National President Mr. Bitrus Sunday stated that the association described the killings as senseless and brutal, expressing deep concern over the increasing frequency and scale of the attacks that have claimed the lives of scores of men, women, and children.

“This disturbing trend has become a national crisis,” the association said. “We are compelled to ask — is there a functioning government in place? Are we at war?”

The group lamented the apparent lack of effective security response and accountability from authorities, stating that the victims are more than just statistics.

“These are human lives — lives cut short without cause, leaving behind grieving families and shattered communities,” the statement read.

Zumunta Association emphasized that the violence must be investigated thoroughly, with root causes such as land disputes, political manipulation, religious tension, or reprisals identified and addressed.

“The nation demands answers, and more importantly, action,” the association stressed, while reaffirming its commitment to non-violent conflict resolution.

“Peace cannot be achieved if the perpetrators of violence are not held accountable, and if justice continues to elude the victims. Dialogue, mediation, and proactive community engagement must replace silence, neglect, and impunity,” the statement added.

The group also expressed the emotional toll on its members abroad who are frequently confronted with questions from their host communities about the recurring violence in Nigeria.

“It is disheartening and embarrassing that we must explain why these killings continue in a country that claims to uphold democracy and rule of law,” the association noted.

Zumunta Association called on the Federal Government, security agencies, traditional leaders, civil society organizations, and religious institutions to prioritize the protection of lives and property.

“This crisis must not be allowed to fester any further. Enough is enough,” the association declared.

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APC Senator Slams Tinubu: Say’s govt that fails to protect citizens can’t remain in power 

*Criticizes Tinubu/Shettima administration for failing to protect citizens

By Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna 

Apparently drawing from the nation’s constitution, an All Progressives Congress (APC) Senator representing Borno North, Senator Mohammed Monguno, has declared that any government that failed to ensure the safety and security of its citizens does not deserve to remain in power.

Senator Mongunu, Senate Chief Whip’s comments come on heels of continuous growing concerned over the deteriorating security situation in Nigeria, particularly in the northeastern region plagued by insurgency and violence.

In a recent press conference, Senator Monguno expressed his discontent with President Bola Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima’s handling of critical security issues. 

“Our people are suffering; they are living in fear, and the government’s inability to protect them is unacceptable,” he stated, emphasizing the urgent need for effective governance and accountability.

The government must prioritize the safety of its citizens above all other things else. If they cannot fulfill this basic responsibility, then they have no right to govern.

The senator’s remarks resonate with many Nigerians who have witnessed a rise in attacks from Boko Haram and other militant groups, leading to loss of lives, displacement of communities, and a general sense of insecurity. 

“The government must prioritize the safety of its citizens above all thing else. If they cannot fulfill this basic responsibility, then they have no right to govern,” Monguno added.

The senator’s statements have ignited a firestorm of reactions, with political analysts suggesting that this could signal a growing rift within the APC as dissatisfaction with the administration mounts.

Critics of the Tinubu/Shettima administration are likely to seize on Monguno’s comments to highlight perceived failures in governance and security.

As the security situation continues to unfold, the pressure is mounting on the Tinubu administration to take decisive action to address the concerns raised by Senator Monguno and other stakeholders.

The upcoming months will be crucial for the administration as it seeks to regain the trust of its citizens and ensure their safety.

With calls for accountability growing louder, the political landscape in Nigeria may face significant shifts as leaders grapple with the challenges of governance amid pressing security threats.

Recalled that Borno APC critical stakeholders meeting held on Monday 14th April 2025, restated its loyalty and commitment to president Tinubu administration and that of VP Kashim Shettima, declaiming their undoubted APC support’ for their second term ambition.

Gov Zulum orders prosecution of man molesting minor in viral video

*Meets victim who’s father killed by B/Haram, offers him house, scholarship

By Achadu Gabriel, kaduna 

Borno State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum, has ordered the immediate prosecution of Bukar Modu, a man shown in a disturbing viral video allegedly molesting a minor (Bashir Gaji).

Following the Governor’s directive, Bukar Modu was arrested by the security operatives on Saturday night at Umarari in Maiduguri.

Zulum gave the prosecution order on Sunday when he received little Bashir Gaji, who’s father was killed by Boko Haram, at Government House, Maiduguri, according to statement by his media aide, Abdurraman Bundi.

The video which sparked outrage across social media platforms, highlights a grave violation of children’s rights and the urgent need for a robust response from law enforcement and judicial authorities. 

Governor Zulum has emphasized that his administration will not tolerate any form of abuse or exploitation of minors and directed swift action to bring the perpetrator to justice.

“This heinous act is an affront on our values and a betrayal of our duty to protect our children, students and minors who are under our guardianship,” Governor Zulum said. 

“We cannot tolerate such actions perpetually repeating itself. I am directing the relevant authorities to move swiftly and ensure that this individual faces the full extent of the law. Our children deserve a safe environment to grow and become meaningful members of society”, he said.

The Governor, however, directed the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development to devise modalities for increased community awareness programmes to educate families and local traditional teachers and guardians on the proper means of enforcing discipline on children.

Meanwhile, Governor Zulum met with the little Bashir Gaji on Sunday at the Government House. He announced that he would provide a fully furnished house for Bukar and his family and a scholarship to cover his education.

“Little Gaji’s family currently live in an IDP camp in Monguno after his father was assassinated by Boko Haram insurgents”, it stated.