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Tag: SOKOTO STATE

  • U.S. Strike on ISIS in Sokoto Sparks Questions Over Motive and Target Selection

    U.S. Strike on ISIS in Sokoto Sparks Questions Over Motive and Target Selection

    Abuja — As security analysts question the true motive behind recent U.S. military action in Nigeria, U.S. President Donald Trump has said American forces carried out strikes against Islamic State (ISIS) targets in the country’s northwest, citing attacks on Christians amid worsening insecurity.

    In a post on his Truth Social platform late Thursday, Trump said the operation targeted ISIS fighters he accused of “viciously killing, primarily, innocent Christians.”

    “The United States launched a powerful and deadly strike against ISIS Terrorist Scum in Northwest Nigeria,” Trump wrote. He added a Christmas message that included a warning that further attacks would result in additional U.S. military action.

    Motive Under Scrutiny

    The stated rationale for the strike has drawn skepticism from Nigerian security experts and residents, particularly in Sokoto State, where the targets were reportedly located.

    Retired Nigerian Air Force officer and security analyst, Group Captain Sadeeq Shehu (rtd), is among those questioning the true motive of the operation. He called for urgent clarification from relevant authorities, especially regarding the reported selection of Jabo, a community in Sokoto State.

    He urged authorities to provide:

    • A transparent explanation—within security limits—of the intelligence basis for the strike
    • Clear assurances on civilian harm mitigation
    • Verification and accountability mechanisms to assess potential collateral damage

    “People in Sokoto are not dismissing security threats,” Shehu said. “They are asking for logic, evidence, and accountability.”

    Across the state, a recurring question continues to surface:
    Why Jabo? Why Sokoto, of all places in a country grappling with terrorism in multiple regions? Was this a symbolic strike on what some consider the historical ‘seat of the Caliphate’?

    Pentagon Releases Video

    The Pentagon later released video footage appearing to show a missile being launched from a U.S. warship. Officials did not immediately disclose details on casualties or the extent of damage caused by the strike.

    According to the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM), the targets were located in Sokoto State. U.S. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth said he was “grateful for Nigerian government support and cooperation” following the operation.

    Rising Violence in Nigeria

    The strike comes amid growing security challenges in Africa’s most populous country, particularly in the north and northeast, where Islamist militant groups remain active.

    Boko Haram, which originated in Nigeria, along with Islamic State–affiliated factions, has intensified attacks in recent weeks. Mass abductions from churches and schools have heightened fear and unrest among local populations.

    Earlier this month, Trump warned that Washington could intervene if attacks on Christians continued, urging the Nigerian government to prevent further bloodshed or risk reduced U.S. aid.

    Despite those warnings, violence has persisted. On Thursday, a suicide bombing in northeastern Nigeria killed at least five people and injured 35 others, according to a police spokesperson.

    Limited Details on Casualties

    U.S. officials have not released figures on the number of militants killed in the strike, and Nigerian authorities have yet to issue a comprehensive public response.

    As questions linger over intelligence, targeting, and civilian impact, the situation remains fluid, with Nigeria continuing to battle multiple insurgent groups across several regions.

  • 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.” 

  • Bafarawa foundation distributes N13.8 m to 276 indigents in Sokoto

    Bafarawa foundation distributes N13.8 m to 276 indigents in Sokoto

    The Attahiru Bafarawa Foundation, Giving Back Initiative on Sunday inaugurated the distribution of N13.8 million in grants to 276 orphaned mothers and people living with disabilities in Sokoto State to support small-scale businesses.

    Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, Malam Lawal Maidoki, Chairman of the initiative, stated that the gesture aligned with the founder’s commitment to alleviating economic hardship among the less-privileged.

    “Today, we are beginning the distribution across six local government areas: Sokoto North, Sokoto South, Wamakko, Kware, Dange-Shuni, and Bodinga,” Maidoki announced.

    He explained that 12 beneficiaries were selected from each of the state’s 23 local government areas (LGAs), comprising 10 widows or orphaned mothers and two individuals with disabilities per LGA.

    “Each beneficiary will receive N50,000, along with transportation support ranging from N3,000 to N5,000, depending on their distance from the distribution centers,” he added.

    READ ALSO: Tax reform bills: the verdict of Nigerians

    Maidoki emphasised that the initiative aimed to provide the recipients with the capital needed to sustain their daily needs and generate income, strengthening the grassroots economy.

    Speaking at the event, Sarkin Malaman Sokoto, Malam Yahaya Boyi, commended former Governor, Alhaji Attahiru Bafarawa for his generosity.

    He conveyed the beneficiaries’ appreciation and urged them to pray for the donor, Sokoto State, and Nigeria, especially in this blessed month of Ramadan.

    Boyi also encouraged the recipients to make good use of the funds by engaging in productive ventures rather than resorting to begging.

    One of the beneficiaries, Shehu Gwiwa, expressed gratitude on behalf of others, thanking the foundation for its support and prayed for Allah’s blessings upon all those involved in the initiative.

  • Bafarawa Leaves PDP to Focus on Youth Empowerment Initiative

    Bafarawa Leaves PDP to Focus on Youth Empowerment Initiative

    In a gesture that demonstrates his commitment to walk the talk, former Sokoto State Governor, Attahiru Bafarawa his quit partisan politics to focus on youth empowerment.

    Towards this end, Alhaji Bafarawa, yesterday in Abuja, turned in his letter of resignation from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). 

    The letter dated January 13, 2025, addressed to the acting National Chairman of the party, Umar Damagum, Bafarawa stated that his decision was motivated by his dedication to a new initiative aimed at empowering the youth.

    He explained that his vision for uplifting humanity through youth development no longer aligned with his role in the party.

    Bafarawa expressed his gratitude for the opportunities he had during his time in the PDP, acknowledging the party’s contributions to Nigeria’s political scene.

    However, he emphasized that his new focus would be on supporting and inspiring the country’s youth, who he sees as crucial to the nation’s future.

    The term governor of Sokoto State noted that his resignation would prevent any potential conflicts of interest.

    The challenge posed by a ballooning youth population in Nigeria has been a trending talking point on national development discourse.

    However, many are of the opinion that the Nigerian youth challenge is essentially a phenomenon that is most rife in Northern Nigeria.

    This arises from the fact that the region accounts for most of the negative indices that characterise the youth population.

    Such indices include high out-of-school population, drug abuse, violent crimes, destitution and unemployment.

    Danladi Ibrahim, an agricultural economist and youth empowerment advocate told Nigerian Anchor that the move by Alhaji Bafarawa may be the game changer that the north has being waiting for.

    He urged other accomplished individuals to join the move by the former governor as, according to him, “it was high time we taught our young people how to fish rather than hand them bowls of fish meals.”

  • Fire Outbreak claims lives of Sokoto SSG’s daughter, others 

    Fire Outbreak claims lives of Sokoto SSG’s daughter, others 

    A tragic fire outbreak in the early hours of Monday has claimed the lives of daughter of the Secretary to Sokoto State Government (SSG), Alhaji Bello Sifawa, her three children and a house help.

    A statement from Malam Abubakar Bawa, Press Secretary to Gov. Ahmed Aliyu listed the unfortunate casualties to include Rabi’atu Sifawa and her three children—Fatimatu, Maryam, and Abubakar—as well as their house help, Aishatu Muhammad.

    It was confirmed in the statement that the fire occurred at around 3:00 a.m. at the family’s residence.

    It was also disclosed that all the victims had been buried after funeral prayers held in Sifawa town, Bodinga Local Government Area.

    Inferno Sokoto SSG Residence, 4 Died

    “Dignitaries in attendance included the Minister of Labour and Employment, Maigari Dingyadi; Sokoto State Deputy Governor, Idris Gobir; and Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Tukur Bala.

    “Other notable attendees were representatives of Senator Aliyu Wamakko, the state Chief Judge, the state Grand Khadi, members of the State Executive Council, and legislators,” he said.

    Bawa extended condolences to the family, praying for Allah’s mercy on the departed and for strength to the bereaved family to bear the loss.