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Category: Sokoto Update

  • Pre-marital examination: Sokoto Assembly passes Bill

    Pre-marital examination: Sokoto Assembly passes Bill

    The law compels would-be couple to subject to compulsory pre-marital medical examination

    The Sokoto State House of Assembly has passed a bill mandating compulsory pre-marital medical screening.

    The proposed law requires intending couples to undergo tests for HIV/AIDS, hepatitis, sickle cell, genotype and other related health conditions before marriage.

    This development followed the presentation of the House Committee on Health’s report by its Chairman, Alhaji Kabiru Dauda (APC- Gada East), during the Assembly’s plenary on Wednesday in Sokoto.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the private member bill, introduced by Dauda, passed its second reading on April 16 and referred to the committee for further legislative procedures.

    Speaking on behalf of the committee, Chairman Dauda explained that the legislation aims to protect public health by ensuring that couples are aware of potential health issues before marriage.

    He warned that anyone who incites or facilitates a breach of the law would face severe penalties, including imprisonment for no less than twelve months or a fine of at least ₦500,000 or both.

    “Furthermore, health facilities or workers who knowingly issue or assist in issuing false test results will be liable to additional fines or imprisonment.

    “In particular, a violating health facility may be fined a minimum of ₦3 million, while a health worker could face imprisonment for not less than three years or a fine of at least ₦1 million, or both, along with further disciplinary action by the appropriate regulatory body,” he said.

    Several lawmakers expressed strong support for the bill, highlighting its significance for public well-being and the positive economic impact it could have on the state’s healthcare development.

    Following a voice vote, the Speaker, Alhaji Tukur Bala, announced that the bill had been unanimously adopted for a third reading and passed.

    In a another development, the Assembly has urged the state government to reconstruct a 49 km road linking several villages in Sabon Birni and Isa Local Government Areas (LGAs).

    The motion was sponsored by Alhaji Habibu Modachi (PDP- Isa), co-sponsored by Alhaji Sa’idu Ibrahim (APC- Sabon Birni South), and seconded by Alhaji Atiku Liman (PDP- Silame).

    Modachi stated that the reconstruction is in recognition of the government’s commitment to providing critical infrastructure.

    He emphasised that well-maintained rural roads are essential for a healthy, secure and thriving rural community, especially amid current security challenges.

    “The proposed link road will serve villages including Garin Malan, Kurawa, Tarah, Garin Zago, Dumkawa, Gatawa, Dan-Gari, Adamawa, Sardauna, Dan Maliki, Turba, Gawakuke, and Kaibaba in Isa and Sabon Birni LGAs.” 

  • Sokoto Judicial commission winds down, Tambuwal shunned invitation

    Sokoto Judicial commission winds down, Tambuwal shunned invitation

    The Sokoto State Judicial Commission of Inquiry has wrapped up its public hearings on the administration of former Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal. 

    The Commission clarified that the investigation was not aimed at tarnishing the former governor’s image but to review his tenure from 2015 to 2023.

    The inquiry, which began in October 2023, sought to examine state properties and governance during Tambuwal’s time in office. 

    Despite repeated invitations, Tambuwal did not appear as a witness, prompting the Commission to close the hearings after multiple extensions.

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    Lead counsel Hassan Liman emphasized that the investigation was not a legal trial but a fact-finding mission. 

    He noted that ample time had been given for Tambuwal to testify, but his absence persisted. 

    The Commission’s chairman, Justice Mu’azu Pindiga, confirmed the decision to end public hearings, citing over a year of proceedings and no further grounds for delays.

    Witnesses have been given 14 days to submit written responses to outstanding memos, with 10 days for replies, before the inquiry formally concludes.

  • Government Raises Alarm As Bello Turji’s Attacks Escalate in Sokoto and Zamfara

    Government Raises Alarm As Bello Turji’s Attacks Escalate in Sokoto and Zamfara

    Many informed analysts across the globe that are well aware of the prowess and gallantry of the Nigerian army at war will marvel at how ragtag militias under the leadership of semi-literate individual like Bello Turji would be creating horrors for villagers within Nigeria.

    It is shocking therefore, that Bello Turji, a notorious bandit leader, will step up his violent campaign in Sokoto, launching attacks across the Zamfara-Sokoto border and remain elusive.

     Former Governor of Sokoto, Attahiru Dalhatu Bafarawa, has called for immediate government intervention, warning that Turji’s actions are wreaking havoc and disrupting local life. 

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    Recent reports reveal that Turji, angered by the detention of his relatives by security forces, had demanded their release by January 1, 2025. 

    Failing to meet this ultimatum, he and his militia have launched a series of brutal assaults, particularly in Shinkafi Local Government Area, forcing hundreds to flee.

    Governor Dauda Lawal Dare of Zamfara has firmly stated that his administration is not seeking peace talks with the bandits, instead focusing on strengthening support for military and local security forces to regain control of the state.

    Previously, on Christmas Day, Turji had threatened to start the new year with a violent rampage, including kidnappings and killings, targeting Shinkafi and its neighboring communities. 

    Following through on his threats, bandits abducted passengers from Gusau, setting their vehicle ablaze and taking the victims into the wilderness. 

  • New Terror Group Emerges In Sokoto

    New Terror Group Emerges In Sokoto

    Sokoto State is facing a fresh security concern with the emergence of a militant group called Lakurawas, which is reportedly operating in five local government areas.

     The state’s deputy governor, Idris Mohammed Gobir, revealed this development while addressing officials from Nigeria’s National Defence College, who are on a study tour in Sokoto. 

    Lakurawas, described as a faith-oriented group, is known for its idealistic leanings and advanced weaponry.

     The presence of this group compounds existing security challenges in a state already troubled by ongoing bandit activity. Authorities are working closely with federal security forces to contain the threat and protect residents.

    In response, the deputy governor outlined the government’s initiatives to manage the security situation, while expressing optimism that the study tour would provide additional strategies for maintaining peace in the region.

    “This unsettling development has emerged at a time when the state is already grappling with persistent banditry.

    “The state government is collaborating closely with federal security agencies to tackle the many threats to the lives and property of the residents of Sokoto,” he said.

  • Sokoto Offers Food Relief at 55% Discount Amidst Economic Hardship

    Sokoto Offers Food Relief at 55% Discount Amidst Economic Hardship

    Sokoto State has launched a new relief initiative aimed at providing residents with food and essential items at a 55% discount, as announced by Governor Ahmed Aliyu.

     This programme, introduced on Monday, is a response to the economic hardship intensified by the recent subsidy removal and global financial downturns.

    Governor Aliyu highlighted the inclusive nature of the initiative, ensuring that all residents, regardless of political affiliation or social status, have access to the discounted goods. 

    He emphasized the government’s dedication to distributing these items across all 244 wards in the state, making them accessible to families who need them the most.

    Additionally, the Sokoto government has taken other measures to ease the economic burden on residents. Mass transit services have been subsidized to reduce transportation costs and ensure that people can move around the state affordably.

     The governor affirmed that these palliatives are part of a broader strategy to support the population during this challenging period.

    Governor Aliyu also appealed to affluent community members and corporate organizations to support the program by providing food and essentials to the less privileged in their localities.

     This collaborative approach, he believes, would amplify the impact of the state’s efforts and create a wider safety net for those most in need.

    Chiso Dattijo, who leads the committee overseeing this initiative, expressed support for the governor’s actions, commending the approach as a proactive solution for the economic challenges faced by Sokoto residents.

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  • Youths Protest Sokoto Emir’s killing

    Youths Protest Sokoto Emir’s killing

    As President Tinubu and the political elite reduce governance to the pursuit of personal fancies, life in Nigeria has become nasty, brutish and short.
    In Sokoto for instance, a large group of youths from Sabon Birni Gobir Local Government Area has protested against the abduction and brutal killing of Alhaji Isa Muhammad Bawa, the Sarkin Gobir of Gatawa District.
    The demonstration erupted following Bawa’s death, which occurred on Wednesday after he was kidnapped and violently killed by his captors.
    Footage obtained shows the protesters marching toward the residence of Sokoto’s deputy governor, Alhaji Idris Muhammad Gobir, setting tires and other objects ablaze along their route.
     Their protest reflects their demand for justice and greater action to address escalating violence in the region.
    The protest comes amid reports that Alhaji Bawa was buried without his body present due to the circumstances of his death.
    A video surfaced showing Bawa pleading for help before his death, which was confirmed after the terrorists’ demand for a ransom of N60 million and five motorcycles for his body.
    The kidnappers initially sought N1 billion for the release of Bawa and his son, who were abducted in July.
     The distressing video of Bawa, captured in captivity, shows his desperate pleas for assistance.
    In response, President Bola Tinubu has condemned the attack, calling it a grave and unforgivable act.
    He has extended condolences to Bawa’s family, the Gobir Emirate, and the Sokoto State government.