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Tag: Public Safety

  • KASUPDA Concludes 2025 Awareness Week, Urges Residents to Obtain Proper Building Approvals

    KASUPDA Concludes 2025 Awareness Week, Urges Residents to Obtain Proper Building Approvals

    By Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna

    The Kaduna State Urban Planning and Development Authority (KASUPDA) has successfully concluded its 2025 Sensitisation and Awareness Week, held from December 8 to 10, 2025, across Kaduna State. The programme, the first of its kind in the Authority’s history, focused on promoting safe and lawful urban development under the theme: “Build Right, Live Safe – Obtain Proper Approvals.”

    In a statement released by the Deputy Director, Public Affairs Unit, Nuhu Garba Dan-Ayamaka, KASUPDA highlighted that the awareness week featured rallies, media engagements, football competitions, town hall meetings, professional site inspections, and sensitisation visits. The event also marked the launch of the Certificate of Fitness and Habitation and the inauguration of a KASUPDA Ambassador.During the rally, KASUPDA Director General, Bldr. Abdurrahman Yahya, Ph.D, led staff and management across major parts of Kaduna metropolis. Residents were educated on the importance of obtaining proper development approvals before commencing construction or land-related activities. Flyers were distributed to reinforce key messages on urban planning compliance.

    The Director General participated in media programmes across multiple platforms, including Freedom Radio (92.9 FM) and DITV Alheri Radio (97.7 FM) in Hausa, as well as KSMC and Invicta FM in English, to further engage residents on safe building practices.In collaboration with allied professionals, KASUPDA conducted site inspections at Nurus Siraj Estate, Millennium City, Asa Estate, Namadi Sambo Close, Kagoro Road developments, Unguwan Rimi, and Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Way. Challenges identified included encroachment, blocked access roads and waterways, inadequate parking, and poor ventilation, with professional recommendations provided to address the issues.A football competition was held to promote collaboration and community engagement, with the Director General officiating key matches. Additionally, a town hall meeting in Rigasa—the largest district in Nigeria—educated residents on KASUPDA’s mandate, distributing flyers to ensure widespread awareness.Speaking on behalf of the community, Chairman of the Rigasa Action and Awareness Forum (RAAF), Malam Yusuf Wada Muhammad, pledged support for KASUPDA initiatives and was subsequently appointed KASUPDA Ambassador for Rigasa Area.

    The event also featured the official launch of the Certificate of Fitness and Habitation**, aimed at ensuring compliance with safety standards to protect lives and property.Bldr. Abdurrahman Yahya, Ph.D, expressed satisfaction with the increasing public compliance, noting a rise in applications received by KASUPDA in 2025 compared to previous years. He emphasised that the sensitisation drive aligns with the people-centred leadership of His Excellency, Sen. Uba Sani, and urged residents to secure proper approvals before initiating any development projects.The Director General reaffirmed KASUPDA’s commitment to orderly urban development, public safety, and the protection of lives and property across Kaduna State.

  • Kogi Police Debunk Rumoured Bandit Invasion of Lokoja Communities

    Kogi Police Debunk Rumoured Bandit Invasion of Lokoja Communities

    By Noah Ocheni, Lokoja

    The Kogi State Police Command has dismissed widespread rumours suggesting a bandit invasion in the Zango, Crusher, and Felele communities of Lokoja, describing the claims as false and capable of inciting unnecessary fear. Police Public Relations Officer, Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP) William Aya, made this known in a statement on Wednesday. He urged residents to disregard what he called “fake news” being circulated across social media and other informal platforms.According to him, the State Commissioner of Police, CP Naziru Bello Kankarofi, has issued a strong warning to those spreading unfounded security alerts, stressing that the Command will arrest and prosecute anyone found responsible for causing panic within the state.

    Aya reaffirmed that the Police Command has already deployed tactical teams—including the Police Mobile Force and counter-terrorism units—to strategic locations to maintain peace and security across Lokoja and its environs.“Residents are urged to go about their daily activities as usual and report any suspicious activities to the authorities,” he stated, adding that security remains a shared responsibility requiring cooperation from all stakeholders.

    In a related development, Kogi State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo, also reassured members of the public—particularly students, parents, and residents—that there is no threat of bandit attacks or kidnapping at the Kogi State Polytechnic or any other school in the Lokoja metropolis.

    Fanwo condemned the rumours, describing them as “satanic panic” being spread by mischief-makers for reasons unknown.“The baseless reports should be completely dismissed,” he said. “We urge our people to go about their lawful businesses without fear. The government is working round the clock with all security agencies to guarantee the safety and security of every Kogite wherever they reside.”Authorities reiterated their commitment to ensuring sustained peace and urged the public to rely only on verified information from official channels.