Category: News

By Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna

Barely a week after the mistaken drone bombing of innocent people in Tudun Biri by the Nigerian Army terrorists have again reportedly raided another community in Kaduna State.

The invasion reportedly happened during the weekend in Kidandan community in the Giwa Local Government Area (LGA), of the State, about 35 kilometers from the state capital.

Nigeria Police Force, Kaduna State Command is yet to respond to attack. When contacted through the command’s spokesman Asp Mansur Hassan.

Information obtained from fleeing locals alleged that hundreds of the residents have already fled from their ancestral homes in the affected community in Kidandan, Giwa LGA of the State.

According to notices also obtained from Kaduna media group chat forum, fleeing natives stated that the group of bandits who invaded the community spent many hours shooting sporadically, killing some locals and abducted many others.

Survivors told journalists that the bandits have been terrorising the community, but became more aggressive because of the failure of the farmers to pay levies earlier imposed on them by the rampaging Bandits.

Recalled that over 120 were reportedly killed in Tudun Biri while more than 70 were hospitalised during the last week error bombing by Nigeria army.

“For the past 6 days, the bandits have been coming to Kidandan, but this attack was devastating. They came and terrified us, still and abducted our people. Every resident in Kidandan lives in extreme fear.,” a fleeing local has said under anonymity, for his security.

”Our women and children were leaving in droves. The number of those who embarked on this forceful and unprepared exodus would surprise you. They are moving to safety areas, perhaps to Zaria and other seemingly safe locations to squat with friends and relatives,” he added.

He also noted that instead of having a permanent security presence in the community, the operatives only came on patrol which had given the bandits opportunity to operate whenever they knew the security operatives have gone.

Vindicates Daybreak’s exclusive report on agency

By Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna

To ensure the success of the 2024 Hajj operations, the Governor of Kaduna State, northwest Nigeria, Senator Uba Sani has appointed Malam Salihu S. Abubakar as Executive Chairman of the Kaduna State Pilgrims Welfare Agency, vindicating Daybreak Nigeria newspapers earlier report on poor 2023 hajj exercise.

This is contained in a statement signed by his media officer, Muhammad Lawal Shehu made available to newsmen on Sunday.

Recalled that the Amirul Hajj 2O23 and Emir of Zazzau Dr Nuhu Bamali had rated the 2023 hajj exercise as a total failure in an interview he granted VOA over the exercise.

The statement partly reads:
“To ensure the success of the 2024 Hajj operations, the Governor of Kaduna State, His Excellency Senator Uba Sani has appointed Malam Salihu S. Abubakar as Executive Chairman of the Kaduna State Pilgrims Welfare Agency with all the powers vested in the Executive Secretary of the Agency.

“The Secretary of the Special Committee on 2024 Hajj will serve as the Administrative Secretary of the Agency. The rest of the committee members will perform the functions of Board Members of the Agency.

“The Executive Secretary, Kaduna State Pilgrims Welfare Agency, Dr. Arrigasiyyu has been redeployed to Kaduna State Environmental Protection Authority (KEPA) as Managing Director.”, it stated.

Recall that Daybreak Nigeria had on September 24, carried an exclusive report on the poor state of the hajj camp in Kaduna, follow attached link to read full report

Kaduna Hajj camp, a national shame, men, women sleep together in overcrowded hall – investigation

The Emir of Zazzau had also expressed disappointment with the preparation and conduct of the 2023 hajj operations in Kaduna, follow link for story.

2023 Hajj Operation: A Total Failure, Say Zazzau Emir

For doing his professional job and holding leaders accountable to the people in line with constitutional provision our reporter suffered untold persecution and intimidation in the hands of the boss of the pilgrims board. He was arrested, humiliated, detained and arraigned over trumped up charges. In a case that has drawn the attention of civil societies groups both within and outside the country, including the Committee for the Protection of Journalists, CPJ.

How Kaduna investigative journalist was arrested, detained by Police

Professor Abubakar Mohammed, former Chairman of the National Examination Council (NECO) Board, has accused the Federal Government and Ministry of Education officials of frustrating the council’s efforts. Mohammed alleged the withdrawal of N6 billion in examination fees by officials who have failed to account for the funds. Speaking at the NECO Award Ceremony in Minna, Niger State, he asserted that government officials are working to undermine NECO’s existence and prefer the West African Examinations Council (WAEC). Mohammed claimed that despite these challenges, NECO has gained international recognition for its examination results. He criticized the government’s stance and referred to the Orosanye report as a tool used against NECO. The former board chairman highlighted the need for transparency in financial transactions and called for support to sustain NECO’s progress.

The National Chairman of the Social Democratic Party, Shehu Gabam, expressed deep concern over the insecurity in Zamfara State, particularly the cases of rape, kidnapping, and assaults by bandits. He received an Excellence Award 2023 and urged Nigerians to unite for the country’s peaceful coexistence. Gabam emphasized the need for a collective effort to address the escalating security challenges, stating that the current situation in Zamfara, where people are killed, women are raped, and others abducted into villages, is disheartening. He called for a return to cultural and historical values to bring about positive change and ensure the country’s peace and development. Gabam highlighted the importance of safeguarding Nigeria’s stability for the well-being of its citizens.

Kaduna State Police Command successfully rescues a kidnapped housewife in Sabon Gari Zaria LGA after armed men invaded a residence. The victim, aged 37, was unharmed and has been reunited with her family. Investigations are ongoing, and efforts to apprehend the fleeing suspects are underway. The command urges the public to provide timely and useful information for proactive measures.

The Muslim community in Inisa, Osun State, is facing turmoil due to a crisis surrounding the appointment of the Chief Imam, leading to the closure of the central mosque. The dispute arose in 2020 after the death of the previous Chief Imam, sparking disagreements over succession. Two factions emerged, with one advocating for a restructuring of the selection process, focusing on knowledge of Islam, while the other supported a local cleric, Sheikh Muhammadu Jamiu Abdulhakeem, adhering to traditional succession. The death of key figures, including the Eesa of Inisa, Chief Enoch Ajiboso, added to the complexity. Legal actions ensued, and a violent incident forced the closure of the mosque. Despite interventions, the community awaits a court judgment while the crisis persists.

A civil society group, Network of Concerned Citizens, has reacted to the statement made by the Comptroller-General of the Nigerian Correctional Service, Haliru Nababa on feeding allowance for security dogs and prison inmates.

Recall the CG had on Thursday, responding to a question from Oshiomhole during a joint hearing of the national assembly committee on interior, stated that the the total number of inmates in 2023 is 81,354 nationwide while 53,352 are awaiting trial, and that each inmate are fed with N750 daily and they are fed three times daily (N250 for each meal), while there are 900 security dogs and to feed a dog each day is about N800. This statement has raised so much dust from different persons, including Oshiomhole, the senate committee chairman.

In a statement signed and made available to newsmen today, the executive director, Amb. Kanjal Awal, the group disclosed that within its own discretion, the statement made by the CG, was taken out of malicious context for media clickbaits and to discredit the excellent service of the leadership of the NCoS.

It reads: ” As concerned citizens of this great nation, issues of national interest should be treated and addressed accordingly and appropriately free from bias. We have read and checked the statement of the Comptroller-General, Nigeria Correctional Service, Haliru Nababa, and we do not get the noise and eyebrows it has raised so far.

“The statement, “We feed each inmate with N750 daily, and they are fed three times daily (N250 for each meal). We have 900 security dogs, and to feed a dog each day, we spend N800.”, wasnt meant to put premium to animals than humans but that statement was to buttress the CGs’ concerns on the need to increase the feeding allowances of inmates which according to him, his request to the minister of interior for upward review of the amount to 3,000 per day is yet to be granted.

“It is beyond weird and unthinkable, that a clear statement from a committed public steward, is misconstrued by the media and men with so much wealth of knowledge. Let us reiterate that the CG has a right to make statement but however the statement is taken or manipulated for the self-aggrandizement and malicious intent of the publishers and major for clicks, views and perhaps monetization and to marr/ tarnish images, which we do not understand why, is not and can never be the CGs’ fault to bear.

“Even if the CG, meant it in the context it was taken or reported, taking care of animals is quite more expensive than humans because of their constant need for medications and other care considering the level of job they perform or task required of them. That aside, as watchdogs of the society, we are privy to the astute activeness of CG, Haliru Nababa and his commitment to the service, we know that he is keen to humanity and will never place value on dogs over humans.

“Let us mention, that in the process of this statement, the CG, also stated that they have made provision for the feeding of inmates, dogs and staff on training in six training institutions across the country and the money is grossly inadequate. The main stream media in their reportage didn’t take it from that angle, but took it from an angle capable of creating a scene and raising eyebrows without minding the negative impact it leaves on the person involved.

“We understand that the senate committee chairman, Adams Oshiomhole isn’t so pleased with the fact that dogs get 800, while Inmates receives 750, but like he said, this is a major Policy Issue and no one knows the intention of government to appropriate money to feed animals than to feed human beings. Hence, we are advising that instead of trying to blame issues on people, solutions should be panned to solve them.

“The half way narratives from these medium, goes to show the loopholes in credible journalism, they have the chance as respected news outlets to contact the CG for a balanced perspective in other to go beyond the clichés and name-calling and excavate richer, deeper truths, at a time of profound division. At this point, i think with all this misconstrued art of reportage, value is constantly placed in the ancient power of storytelling, because it feels like we have all reached our collective limitations.

“The CG, Haliru Nababa is a performing public steward and should not be rewarded with such controversies that could affect his mental health and his image.” The statement added.

By Achadu Gabriel. Kaduna

After spending 18 months in prison remand for condemning the killing of university student Samuel Deborah, in Sokoto State by mobs attack over alleged blasphemy,, Mrs. Rhoda Jatau regained her freedom as Bauchi State High Court granted her bail.

A human rights activist, told journalist in confidence that the reason for keeping Mrs Rhoda in remand for that long was for her safety and security considering the religious coloration of the matter .

It was also gathered that the High Court presided over by Justice Fatima Jibrin, heard and granted the bail application brought before it by the Legal practitioner representing Mrs Rhoda, Barr Danboyi.

The sitting of the Court was done away from public notice, considering the hype and cries that her matter had generated, particularly in recent months.

It was further gathered that the release, through the order of the court, was facilitated by an executive order (directive) by the state Governor, Sen Bala Mohammed Abdulkadir.

The source, a human rights activist, disclosed that there were a series of meetings, consultations, and discussions leading to the granting of the bail.

He stated that the reason for keeping her in detention for that long was for her safety, considering the religious coloration, a reason he said was not tenable.

The Activist said that the important thing is that, finally, Rhoda Jatau has been released and reunited with her family.

As of the time of filing this report, all efforts to get a reaction from her immediate family members and the legal practitioner representing her failed, as neither her husband nor the Lawyer could be reached on the phone. Daily independent.

By Sawa Wilfred

Air strike undertaken by the Air Component of Operation Whirl Punch in Shiroro Local Government Area (LGA) of Niger State has neutralized scores of terrorists including the dreaded terrorist and kidnap kingpin, Yellow Jambros.

This is contained in a statement by Nigerian Air Force Spokesperson
Air Commodore EEdward Gabkwet

According to the statement the terrorists met their end while attempting to cross Jikudna River in Galadima Kogo District, heading towards Wurukuvhi axis of Chikun LGA.

Prior to the strike, Yellow Jambros and his cohorts were trailed from Zamfara State into Niger State riding 13 motorcycles along the Kaduna-Niger State border, precisely heading towards Kusasu in Shiroro LGA of Niger State.

At Kusasu, 5 other motorcycle-riding terrorists joined Yellow Jambros’ convoy, bringing the total number of motorcycles to 18, which then headed to the bank of River Jikudna. At the river bank, the terrorists and their 18 motorcycles boarded a large motor-powered canoe in an attempt to cross and link up with other terrorists across the river.

It was at this point that the authorization to undertake a strike was given. The precision strike was adjudged effective as it neutralized Yellow Jambros and his colleagues, destroyed their motorcycles and sank the boat.

Though it was unusual for terrorists riding in a convoy of 18 motorcycles to travel in broad daylight, it was apparent that Yellow Jambros and his cohorts had assumed that air strikes were suspended following the unfortunate incident at Tudun Biri in Kaduna State and wanted to exploit the perceived window of opportunity.

Yellow Jambros and his cohort have been responsible for several kidnappings and killings along the Abuja-Kaduna Road and in several communities in Kaduna, Niger, Katsina and Zamfara States.

In October 2020, a kidnapped kingpin known as Mohammed Sani, arrested by the Police in Zamfara State for murdering over 50 of his victims due to their inability to mobilize ransom claimed that he worked for Yellow Jambros, who usually supply him with fake military and police uniforms, guns and other weapons needed to execute his operation.

President Bola Tinubu extended his condolences on Saturday to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman of Saudi Arabia, and the Royal House of Saudi following the tragic passing of Prince Talal bin Abdulaziz bin Bandar Al Saud in a jet crash on Thursday.

The Saudi Royal Court announced the demise of Prince Talal Bin Abdulaziz in the crash of a Saudi Arabian Air Force F-15SA fighter plane in Dhahran on December 7. The circumstances leading to the prince’s death were not disclosed, and the 62-year-old prince was on a training mission along with another pilot.

The last rites for Prince Talal will be conducted at the Imam Turki bin Abdullah Mosque in Riyadh.

In a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, President Tinubu expressed sorrow at the loss, acknowledging the prince’s dedicated service to Saudi Arabia in both the Royal Saudi Air Force and the Saudi Intelligence Agency.

The statement, titled ‘President Tinubu Mourns Saudi Prince Talal Bin Abdulaziz Bin Bandar Al Saud,’ conveyed the President’s prayers for the repose of the departed soul and comfort for the Royal House of Saud, the Kingdom, and all mourning this irreparable loss.

Prince Talal joins a list of Saudi Royals involved in or losing their lives in aviation accidents, with incidents dating back to a 2017 helicopter crash that claimed the life of Prince Mansour bin Muqrin and seven others near the Saudi-Yemeni border.