Category: North West

  • 3 Dead As Thugs Engage In Supremacy Battle In Kano

    3 Dead As Thugs Engage In Supremacy Battle In Kano

    Three people were killed during a fight which erupted between rival gangs in Darmanawa quarters, Tarauni Local government area of Kano on Sunday evening.

    Trouble started after one Muhammad Barde,59, organise Gangi event (Cultural event for local hunters) to celebrate wedding of his children.

    Thugs had taken advantage of the activity to engage in supremacy battle in the area.

    Many of them brandished dangerous weapons and within minutes, fight broke out.

    Commenting on the incident, Police Public relations Officer in Kano, SP Haruna Kiyawa, said the police responded to a distressed call and dispersed the armed hoodlums.

    However, few hours after the fight continued among the armed thugs, leading to confrontation with the police.

    Kiyawa said this led to the death of one Sadiq Abdulkadir, 23 of Darmanawa quarters and Muhammad Sani, 22, of Sallari quarters.

    Kiyawa said police commissioner Usaini Gumel ordered immediate arrest of the organiser of the event along with two others.

    A teenager Sadiq Abdullahi ,18, of Karkasara quarters was said to have died from bullet wounds when police were trying to disperse the thugs, according to residents.

    Father of the boy, Mallam Abdullahi Yasayyadi, said he was in school when he was called to Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital to confirm the identity of his son who died after bullet hit him in the stomach.

    The bereaved Yasayyadi said he had left everything to God.

    The police said full scale investigation will be conducted and findings made public

  • Zamfara APC Chairman Sacked

    Zamfara APC Chairman Sacked

    The Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in Zamfara State, Tukur Danfulani, has been sacked by the ward executive of the party in Galadima, Gusau Local Government Area of the state.

    The ward executive led by its deputy chairman, Garba Bello, and fifteen others on Saturday sacked the state chairman for alleged lack of good leadership, and discrimination against party members who violate the laws of the APC.

    He was also accused of diverting the activities of the party to some people who were not the leaders of the APC in Zamfara State.

    Speaking with the journalists in Gusau, the Zamfara State capital, the Assistant Youth Leader of Galadima ward, Abuhuraira Ilyasu, said 16 out of 27 executive members of the ward signed for the dismissal of the state chairman

    “On behalf of the leaders of APC Galadima ward in Gusau local government, we are here today 11th May 2024 to impeach the leadership of APC Chairman in Zamfara State, Honourable Tukur Danfulani due to the bad leadership,” Ilyasu said.

    “We have the list of all executive members that have signed for the impeachment of the Chairman, we have sixteen members out of 27 excos in Galadima ward.”

    He called on the party’s national headquarters to take note of their decisions and appoint a caretaker chairman for the party in Zamfara who will lead the APC in the North-West state

  • Court bars Kano DisCo from implementing new tariff

    Court bars Kano DisCo from implementing new tariff

    A Federal High Court in Kano has issued an order restraining the National Electricity Regulatory Commission and the Kano Electricity Distribution Company from implementing the new electricity tariff for Band A consumers.

    The suit marked FHC/KN/CS/144/2024 was filed by Super Sack Company Limited and BBY Sacks Limited.

    Others are Mama Sannu Industries Limited, Dala Foods Nigeria Limited, Tofa Textile Limited, and Manufacturers Association Of Nigeria Limited.

    However, ruling on an ex-parte motion by Abubakar Mahmoud, counsel to the plaintiffs, the presiding judge, Abdullahi Liman, ordered NERC and KEDCO from going ahead with the impending tariff pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice filed before it.

    The order also restrained the defendant from intimidating and threatening to disconnect the applicants’ electricity supply for non-acceptance of the new increased tariff.

    Recall that in April, NERC approved an increase in electricity tariff for customers under the Band A classification.

    With the new tariff, customers under the category, who receive 20 hours of electricity supply daily, would begin to pay N225 per kilowatt, starting from April 3 — up from N66.

    The sudden hike has since been criticized by the House of Representatives and other stakeholders who have asked NERC to suspend the implementation of the new tariff.

  • Three killed, dozens kidnapped as bandits invade Zamfara Emir’s palace

    Three killed, dozens kidnapped as bandits invade Zamfara Emir’s palace

    Armed bandits raided the palace of the Emir of Zurmi, Alhaji Bello Muhammad Bunu, resulting in three fatalities and the abduction of several residents.

    The attack, occurred around 10 pm on Wednesday, also targeted the the residence of former Military Administrator Colonel Bala Muhammad Mande (rtd). 

    According to witnesses, the bandits attempted to gain entry into the palace by firing at the entrance gate. Fortunately, the gate was locked, preventing their access. However, they proceeded to vandalize nearby structures, including a GSM mast, and set fire to two generators.

    Sources revealed that the emir had been the primary target of the attack, as he had narrowly escaped a previous abduction attempt. Following the incident, he was quietly relocated to the state capital for safety.

    In their failed attempt to breach the palace, the bandits turned their attention to the former military administrator’s residence, firing shots that damaged the property. During their retreat from the town, they inflicted casualties, killing three individuals and abducting several others.

    A resident of the town who pleaded anonymity told Daily Trust: “We don’t know the number of people abducted because when the bandits started the shooting, residents ran into the bush for safety.

    “No one dared stay back when the bandits were firing shots. The magnitude of the gunshots was scary. Hence, we all ran into the bush for our dear lives.

    “We are calling on the government to provide enough soldiers to the town because the bandits may return again since they know the emir is in town.

    “All they want is to abduct the emir, and we don’t know why they want to kidnap him.”

    While the Commissioner of Police in Zamfara confirmed the attack and the abduction of one palace staff member, there are reports of additional abductions, including the Sarkin Gida of Zurmi Emirate and a local tea seller.

  • After Sacking El-Rufai’s Ally, Kaduna APC Appoints New Woman Leader

    After Sacking El-Rufai’s Ally, Kaduna APC Appoints New Woman Leader

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kaduna State has announced the appointment of Naymarie Musa as the new Acting Woman Leader of the party, following the suspension of the previous office holder, Maryam Sulaiman.

    The change in leadership comes amid a backdrop of political controversy surrounding the state’s debt profile, which had been defended by Sulaiman in support of the immediate-past Governor Nasir El-Rufai administration.

    Musa steps into her new role with a wealth of experience from her previous position as Assistant Woman Leader of the ruling party in the State.

    Speaking to journalists at the party’s secretariat in Kaduna on Thursday, Musa expressed her eagerness to foster unity and strengthen the party’s position ahead of upcoming general elections.

    “I am deeply committed to serving the women of Kaduna State with dedication, integrity, and passion,” Musa stated. She outlined her vision for an inclusive administration, focusing on the interests of women and ensuring accountability and participation within the party’s ranks.

    “My duty and commitment is to consolidate on the ‘Sustain Agenda’ of Governor Uba Sani and to deliver effective leadership to achieve new developmental heights,” she added, emphasising the importance of prioritising women’s interests under her leadership.

  • Zamfara Government Bans Political Officers, Civil Servants From Granting Radio, TV Interviews

    Zamfara Government Bans Political Officers, Civil Servants From Granting Radio, TV Interviews

    The government of Zamfara State has implemented a ban on political office holders and agency heads, prohibiting them from engaging in interviews, issuing statements, or broadcasting programs on radio, television, or social media without prior authorization. 

    Media organizations within the state are also cautioned against airing any programs without approval from the Ministry of Information. 

    The Commissioner of Information, Mannir Haidara, emphasized the ministry’s dedication to overseeing compliance with these regulations, ensuring accurate dissemination of government policies and information through radio stations.

    The statement reads: “The Zamfara state government has observed with dismay the attitudes of some individuals, political groups and heads of MDAs towards conducting radio, television stations and social media platforms interviews and programmes on state government’s policies and programmes without following the right channels”.

    “In an effort to checkmate the unwanted behaviour, the Zamfara state Ministry of Information and Culture hereby announce that henceforth no political office holder, group or head of any agencies is allowed to conduct any interview, issue statement or air a programme on radio, television stations or social media without seeking a permission from the authority”.

    “Moreover, the Ministry of Information and Culture is hereby calling on the media organisations based in the state to desist from conducting or airing any radio or television programmes on government’s policies for any individuals or group of people without the approval of the supervising Ministry or the Ministry of Information“.

    “The information ministry is highly committed to observing and monitoring the radio stations for compliance and ensuring that all Information passed to the general public on government and its policies are true and properly disseminated”.

  • How Late Kannywood Actress Saratu Gidado Fed Hungry Children During Ramadan Fast

    How Late Kannywood Actress Saratu Gidado Fed Hungry Children During Ramadan Fast

    In a heartwarming display of compassion, late Kannywood actress Saratu Gidado, affectionately known as Daso, was captured on video feeding hungry children during the Ramadan fast. 

    Her act of generosity touched many hearts, illustrating her commitment to helping those in need.

    Tragically, Saratu passed away after partaking in Sahur, the pre-dawn meal, just a day before the conclusion of Ramadan. 

    Her sudden demise has left her fans and the entertainment industry in mourning, as they remember her not only for her talent but also for her philanthropic spirit.

    Tributes have poured in for Saratu, with many highlighting her selflessness and dedication to alleviating the suffering of others, especially young children. 

    Her legacy of kindness will continue to inspire and uplift communities during this difficult time.

    Daso who died at the age of 56 was born on 17 January, 1968 in the city of Kano.

    She was particularly known for the comical roles she played as an aggressive and mischievous woman.

    She made her debut in 2000 in a movie titled Linzami Da Wuta, produced by Sarauniya Movies.

    Other hits that led to the late actress’s stardom include Nagari, Gidauniya, Mashi, and Sansani followed.

  • Kwankwaso Eyeing Governorship Seat for His Son – Political Scholar Alleges 

    Kwankwaso Eyeing Governorship Seat for His Son – Political Scholar Alleges 

    A political scholar in Kano state has raised concerns over former governor Rabiu Kwankwaso’s alleged plans to pave the way for his son to become the next governor in 2031.

    Speaking some journalists, the scholar highlighted Kwankwaso’s efforts to establish a political dynasty, citing the recent appointment of his son, Mustapha, as a commissioner by Governor Abba Yusuf.

    The scholar emphasized Kwankwaso’s significant influence in the current administration, from its conception to policy implementation, noting his close relation to the governor through marriage.

    Speculating on Mustapha’s political trajectory, the scholar suggested he could be groomed for governance and potentially succeed the current leadership or become a gubernatorial candidate’s running mate in the future.

    However, the scholar acknowledged the uncertainty of political outcomes, noting that unforeseen circumstances could alter these projections.

    His words: “We must not ignore the fact that this is the early days in an attempt to control power by a single family or associates of the same political group.

    “It is an open secret that Kwankwaso is very influential in the present administration. He has been pivotal to its conception, electoral victory, appointments, policy selection and policy implementation.

    “It is also incontestable that Kwankwaso is closely related to the state governor by marriage. The governor is his in-law. The political permutation is that Mustapha will be nursed in the act of governance and will come of age by 2031. By this time, he will be 47.

    “With the Kwankwaso that we know, chances are high that he will ensure that Mustapha, his son, succeeds the present arrangement or becomes the running mate to the governorship candidate of the party in the general elections.

    “Should that happen, it means that the governance of the state would have resided within the same clan or family for about 16 years or more, and will remain there for a longer time, depending on how Mustapha plays his cards in the years to come.

    “But, like I said, these are all potential possibilities. They are not yet realities. The future, especially in politics, is often bounded by uncertainties. Anything can still happen to change these calculations.”

    Mustapha Kwankwaso, born on March 24, 1984, in Kwankwaso village, completed his education in Cyprus before entering the political arena.

  • Kano State Governor Appoints Nine New Special Advisers

    Kano State Governor Appoints Nine New Special Advisers

    In a move to bolster his administration, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano State has announced the appointment of nine additional special advisers, alongside key heads of government agencies. 

    The appointments were disclosed in a press statement issued on Tuesday by the governor’s spokesman, Sanusi Tofa.

    Among the appointees are Prof. Ibrahim Barde, appointed as Special Adviser for Internally Generated Revenue (IGR); Dr. Abdulhamid Danladi, named as Special Adviser on Diaspora II; Bello Kiru, assigned as Special Adviser on Water Resources; and Yusuf Shuaibu Imam (Ogan Boye), who has been reappointed as Special Adviser on Youths and Sports.

    In further restructuring, Dr. Nura Shanono has been shifted from Special Adviser for Water Resources to the role of Managing Director at the Water Resources Engineering and Construction Agency (WRECA). Similarly, Baba Umar has been reassigned from Special Adviser to Executive Secretary at the Private and Voluntary Institutions Management Board.

    Additionally, Nasir Muhammad has been appointed as Director General of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), Aminu Na’isa as Deputy Managing Director of the Kano Agricultural and Rural Development Authority (KNARDA), and Mukhtar Yusuf as Deputy Managing Director of the Water Resources Engineering and Construction Agency (WRECA).

    These appointments are effective immediately.

  • Katsina Government Declares Friday Work Free Day 

    Katsina Government Declares Friday Work Free Day 

    The Katsina State Governor Dikko Radda has declared Friday 12th April 2024 as work free day for the Eid-El-Fitr celebrations.

    According to Governor Radda, his government has also taken this step to enable workers in the state to fully enjoy the Sallah celebration with their families.

    The decision to declare the day also followed the good gesture of the Federal Government for extending the Eid-El-Fitr public holidays to Thursday 11th of this month.

    In a Tuesday statement, the Katsina State Commissioner of Information and Culture Bala Zango quoted the governor as wishing the good people of the state a happy and peaceful Sallah celebration.

    He further urged the good people of the state to be security conscious and pray for peace to reign in the state and the nation at large as they celebrate this year’s ED-FITR.