Tag Archives: Katsina

JUST IN: Armed robbers attack Katsina information commissioner

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Armed robbers believed to specialize in terrorizing people along the Katsina-Kano highway have attacked and dispossessed the Katsina State Commissioner of Information, Home Affairs and Culture Hamza Borodo of some valuables.

The state commissioner of Police Usman Abdullahi who disclosed this, said the robbers who wore Nigerian Army uniform blocked the highway around  Kukar Kwaida Kankia, and carried out the attack.

He said the robbers stole four GSM handsets and N9,000 cash from the commissioner, but that the command was able to apprehend them.

He said the same gang stormed the residence and bakery of one Alhaji Nura Halliru at Kafin Soli Kankia and robbed him of undisclosed amount of money.

“Another was at Soro Daya Kankia Katsina where they shot and killed one Suleiman Adamu, a tanker driver, and stole his belongings,” he added.

He reiterated that the Police had been able to bust the gang, giving the names of those of them arrested as Saminu Ibrahim, Yahaya Ibrahim, Bello Abdullahi, Suleiman Abubakar, Abdurrahaman Dahiru and Hassan Nasiru. Others are Kabiru Isyaku, Surajo Ibrahim, Ibrahim Yunusa,  Usman Isah,  Yusuf Suleiman and Muntari Abu Garba

 

Source: Daily Trust

Traditional ruler suspended for alleged rape of minor in Katsina State

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A traditional ruler, Bishir Bala Kofar-bai, has been suspended by the Katsina emirate council for allegedly defiling a 15-year-old girl.

Bello Ifo, secretary of the council, in a statement on Thursday, said that the suspension was with immediate effect.

Kofar-bai was stripped of his post of ‘Magatakarda’ pending the determination of a criminal litigation against him.

He is standing trial for an alleged rape of the teenage girl in Katsina two weeks ago.

He was alleged to have raped the victim when she was sent to his house by her father, who was one of his servants.

After the incident, the victim informed her parents who took her to the hospital for medical treatment.

Subsequently, her parents reported the matter to police, which led to the arrest and detention of Kofar-bai.

The coalition of civil society organisations in the state have been mounting pressure on the police to ensure justice in the matter.

 

Source: The Cable

JUST IN: Katsina state assembly removes speaker

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Aliyu Muduru, speaker of the Katsina state house of assembly, has been removed.

Members of the assembly replaced Muduru at plenary on Wednesday.

Hanbali Faruk,  majority leader, who represents Katsina constituency, moved the motion for Muduru’s removal, and was seconded by Abubakar Total, member representing Funtua constituency.

Twenty-four of the 34 members voted in favour of the impeachment and removal of the speaker.

The lawmakers elected Yahya Abubakar from Kusada constituency as the new speaker.

He was sworn in during the session.

Bishir Mamman Dutsin-ma, the chief whip, was also removed and replaced with Nasir Yahaya, member representing Daura constituency.

BREAKING: EFCC pick up ex-Katsina governor Shema at court premises

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The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has whisked former Katsina governor Ibrahim Shema, Daily Trust reports.

 

According to the newspaper, Shema was picked up at the main exit of the court premises on Tuesday.

 

Operatives of the anti-graft agency barricaded the exit as Shema was about leaving the court premises.

 

The ex-governor was asked to alight from his car and instructed to join an EFCC vehicle which led to stand off for about an hour.

 

The EFCC operatives later entered Shema’s car as they drove along on their convoy.

 

At the last court sitting, the commission had complained about Shema refusing to fulfilling one of his bail conditions, by making himself available when needed.

 

However, Shema’s spokeman Olawale Jumoke said “Shema was not arrested”.

 

Source: YNaija

Eight killed, 38 injured in Katsina auto crash – FRSC

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The Federal Road Safety Corps, FRSC, has confirmed the death of eight persons in a ghastly accident on Katsina-Kano road in Charanchi Local Government, Katsina State.

 

Abdu Bagadawa, the FRSC Sector Commander, told the News Agency of Nigeria on Monday in Katsina that the accident occurred on Sundayevening at Eka Village.

 

He said that the trailer, with registration number: XA 247 DTS, was carrying cattle and 58 passengers on its way to the southern parts of the country.

 

Mr. Bagadawa said that the trailer had tyre burst which made it to skid off the road and run into a ditch, thereby, killing some passengers and animals.

 

He further explained that the FRSC had to use a towing van to lift the vehicle up and remove some of the corpses.

 

The sector commander explained that eight persons died on the spot, while 38 others sustained various degrees of injuries.

 

According to him, the corpses and injured persons were taken to the Katsina General Hospital.

 

“I wants to use this medium to strongly warn people to desist from entering such vehicles that they will be mixed up with animals for safety of their lives,’’ he said.

 

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that many cattle were killed, while others ran into the bush.

 

Source: NAN

Seven killed, thirteen injured in Katsina road crash.

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Seven people have been confirmed dead in a ghastly road accident involving two vehicles at Fanga village along Katsina/ kano road on Wednesday evening.

 

Thirteen other people sustained various degrees of injury in the accident and were receiving treatment at the General Hospital, Kankia.

 

The remains of the dead have been deposited at the hospital.

 

The Katsina Sector Commander of the Federal Roads Safety Commission, Abdu-Sule Bagadawa, who confirmed the accident, attributed it to wrong overtaking and speeding.

 

The two vehicles involved in the accident, according to him, are a Volkswagen Golf 111 with Registration number: RRN 312 XA and “Sharon” with Registration number:KMC 650 AA.

 

Bagadawa said the driver of one of the vehicles wrongly overtook the other while on a top speed, resulting in the fatal accident.

 

He implored road users particularly commercial drivers to be cautious on the road and regulate their speed.

 

Source: Punch

13 people killed in motor accident in Katsina – FRSC

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The Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) has confirmed the death of 13 persons in a ghastly motor accident on Malumfashi-Dabai road in Kafur Local Government Area of Katsina State.

 

Abdu Bagadawa, the FRSC Sector Commander, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Katsina that the accident occurred at Unguwar-Iliya village at about 7 a.m on Tuesday.

 

He explained that the accident involved a Volkswagen wagon, with registration number KAF 608 XA carrying 18 passengers and a trailer belonging to Dangote, registered TRN 130 XA, parked by the road side.

 

According to him, the Volkswagen had a tyre burst, which caused it to skid off the road and hit the parked trailer.

 

He explained that 13 persons were killed instantly, while five others sustained various degree of injuries.

 

Mr. Bagadawa said the bodies and injured victims were conveyed to Malumfashi General Hospital.

Islamic group warns Christians against dragging Emir over forceful marriage.

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An Islamic group, ‘Jama’atu Izalatil Bidah wa Iqamatis Sunnah’, JIBWIS, has warned those dragging the name of the Emir of Katsina, Alhaji Abdulmumuni Usman, into the controversy generated by the marriage between Habiba Isiyaku, the 14-year-old girl who was allegedly converted to Islam and forced into marriage by her alleged abductor, Jamilu Lawal.

The Katsina State branch of the group, on Wednesday, clarified that the royal father had nothing to do with the ‘forceful’ marriage.

Recall that the Emir of Katsina, Abdulmumini Usman had been accused of marrying off Habiba to her kidnapper, although, he dismissed the allegation, saying the girl had indicated interest in the marriage.

Habiba had also dismissed the claims of her forceful marriage, saying that she changed her religion and got married of her own volition.

The Islamic group spoke at a press conference in the state, claiming to have proof that Habiba was born on July 20, 1999, as against the purported date of May 15, 2001, being given as her date of birth.

The group, which spoke through its chairman, Sheikh Yakubu Hassan, said, “In Islam, it is an act of infidelity to force one to a religion. The constitution of the country is, however, in support of any Nigerian who decides to adopt a faith on his or her own wish.

“The allegations recently made by Christian leaders in the state that the Emir of Katsina forcefully converted an underage Christian girl, Habiba Isiyaku, to Islam and then married her, is an insult to Muslims and a deliberate attempt to pollute the peaceful atmosphere that the community enjoys in the state.

“JIBWIS has all the evidence that Habiba is an adult and was neither forced to become Muslim nor to marry Lawal.

“The emir as a father to all Muslims in the emirate only endorsed the marriage of Habiba to a young man she chose for herself, and that is one of the functions of Muslim leaders in Islam.

“It will therefore be a mistake for Christian leaders in the state to connive with outside forces in trading false allegations against such leaders,” the religious group stated.

Meanwhile, Habiba’s her father, Tanko Isiyaku, had said he wants his daughter returned a virgin, and the state Police Command had on Monday, ordered the girl to return to her parent’s house, saying at her age, she was too young to take any decision on religion and marriage.

Police Ask Married Katsina Minor To Return Home

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The Katsina State Police Command has asked Habiba Isa, the 14-year-old girl who was allegedly coverted to Islam and forced into marriage, to return to her parents’ house.The command maintained that at her age, she was too young to take any decision on marriage and religion.

The state police commissioner, Usman Abdullahi, gave the advice at a press conference in Katsina on Monday, while explainig the police’s position on the development.

The commissioner also said the command was not aware of any marriage between Isa and her alleged abductor, Jamilu Lawal.

Abdullahi said the police became aware of the matter last month (September) after a petition was submitted at the command headquarters by a legal chamber, Bawa, Bawa &Partners, which accused Lawal of abduction and forced marriage.

The petition was said to have been written by the chamber on behalf of Isa’s parents.

The Commissioner of Police said the command thereafter invited Lawal, adding that investigation into the case absolved him of any criminal act.

He added that the command had no choice, but to release him on bail.

Abdullahi said,  “It was gathered that the girl was neither “kidnapped, abducted nor procured,” as she was the one who willingly left her parents’ house to the house of the Chairman of Hisbah, who took her to their village head and later to the district head of Kankara, where she explained that she had converted to Islam.

“This was contained in the statement she gave willingly to the police. It was on this note that the suspect (Lawal) was released since the case of alleged kidnapping and abduction could not be established against him.”

Read More:

http://punchng.com/police-ask-married-katsina-minor-return-home/

I Want Buhari To Help Me Get My Daughter Back! Father Of 14-Year Old Forced Into Marriage

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Seventy-year-old Tanko Isiyaku in this interview with Friday Olokor tells the story of his daughter, Habiba’s marriage to one Jamilu Lawal said to be an aide to the Emir of Katsina, Alhaji Abdulmumini Kabiru Usman. Habiba is believed to have been forced into marriage despite her parents kicking against it. she is 14.

Kindly tell us about yourself.
My name is Isiyaku Tanko. I am from Warkaza community in Kudun Kankara Local Government Area of Katsina State. I am a Christian and belong to the ECWA denomination. I am 70 years old.

When did you hear about the marriage of your daughter to Jamilu Lawal, believed to be an aide to the Emir of Katsina?
It was when she left home that we heard about it. She left home on August 16.

When was the last time you saw her?
It was when I went to see the state commissioner of police about the matter that I saw her last. I have forgotten the date.

Did you marry her off to him?
I did not do that. She was forced into marriage.

Do you know Jamilu Lawal?
Yes, he lived close to us in the community.

When you said he lived close to your family, was he a friend to your family?
No, not at all.

Do you know if there was an affair between him and your daughter?
Honestly, I do not think anything like that happened.

Before she was taken away, did you notice any change in your daughter’s behaviour especially her religious beliefs?
No, there was no such thing. She did not change in any way, not even in her religion. She is a very dedicated Christian who believes in the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Is it true that you wrote the emirate council to apologise for any embarrassment you might have caused it on the issue of your daughter?
No. I was given a prepared form. I was only told to sign on it and with a threat that if I did not do so, they would kill me.

Did your family receive any money, precisely N50,000, as the bride price for her marriage to Lawal?
(Laughs).It is a lie from the pit of hell.

What would you want the government to do?
They should please help me and bring back my daughter. I want her to remain as she was before she was forcefully taken away from us. My daughter was a virgin before her abduction to the emir’s palace.

Is there a threat to your life and that of your family members because of the development?
I believe that I am fine. I believe that everything is alright; if God is for me, nothing can be against me.

What are you doing to get your daughter back since you said you did not give her out in marriage to Lawal or anybody?
I was forced to sign the form. I would not have allowed them to take her away from me. I was forced. I really want the Federal Government to support me because if they leave this battle for me, I won’t be able to do anything.

How old is she?
She is 14 years old.

Your daughter was asked three questions by the Kaora Katsina on behalf of the Katsina Emirate Council on whether she was forcefully converted to Islam, whether the emirate council or any other person forced her into the marriage and whether she was already menstruating at the time she met Lawal. She answered yes to the questions. Were you in the palace on that day?
Yes, I was. When they asked her to stand up and follow me, she refused to say she would not follow me. I believe that my daughter was charmed. The way I saw her that day was not the way my
daughter was. She has never disobeyed me.

Is it true that when you went to the palace you were threatened?
Yes, I was molested. I faced the serious threat, they even wanted to beat and mob me.

Did you go to the palace alone?
No, five people accompanied me there. They included Yahaya Umaru, Jiamakan Gabriel, Yusuf Haruna, Reverend Bankuru and Lubulumu.

How many children do you have?
I have eight children.

Are they all from the same woman?
Yes, from one woman. Habiba is my seventh child. I have four boys and four girls.

Has there been any of case of abduction of  young female children for forced marriage in your community?
I have never seen any in my community. This is why I am very disturbed.

Are you not afraid your daughter could have been impregnated?
God will take control. I really do not know what to say as I am very disturbed at the moment. I pray such does not happen. She is still a small child. Before my daughter was taken away, she was a virgin but I do not know what is happening now. I want them to return my daughter to me as a virgin. That is what I want.

Has she started menstruating as the emirate council claimed before she met Lawal?
Honestly, I have never noticed anything of such.

What do you seek from President Muhammadu Buhari who is also from Katsina State regarding the matter?
I want President Muhammadu Buhari to assist me to get my daughter back. I desire nothing more.

Where is your wife?
She has travelled out of the community because the abduction of her daughter traumatised her. She has not been feeling well. I am also not feeling well at the moment because of the issue.

How did your other children receive the news of what happened to their sister?
Everybody is worried especially the last child who is a boy.

How old is your last child?
He clocked 12 years on Friday.

What class was your daughter before she was taken away?
She was in Junior Secondary School 3.

What has been the role of the police in the  matter?
The Katsina State commissioner of police tried. He spoke strongly about the matter, telling them to give me back my daughter because she is a minor and still under her parents. He told them to allow her to go.

2 Shi’ia members ‘slaughtered’ in Kaduna, 9 in Katsina during Ashura procession

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Two people were slaughtered in kaduna state while another nine were killed in Katsina as security agencies prevented Shi’ites from performing the Ashura festival, the Islamic Human Rights Commission (IHRC) has said.

According to the commission, security agencies are hellbent on preventing members of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN) from taking part in annual processions.

The processions mark the martyrdom of a grandson of the Prophet Muhammad.

In Kaduna, the IHRC late on Tuesday said a horde of soldiers surrounded the Markaz mosque filled with worshipers.

It said it was in possession of credible evidence that the worshipers were “trapped” inside the mosque, and called on the Nigerian authorities to withdraw the soldiers and “allow the worshippers to continue to exercise their constitutional right to freedom of assembly and worship”.

“The worshippers have gathered to commemorate historical events associated with the Islamic month of Muharram that are particularly significant in the Shia calendar”, the advocacy organisation said.

“Shortly before the the Kaduna Markaz mosque on Zango Road was encircled armoured military vehicles carrying heavily armed soldiers and also an ambulance were among a convoy of 18 military vehicles seen nearby.”

Vehicles of security agencies around the Muslim centre | Photo: Mansur Nasir

Vehicles of security agencies around the Muslim center | Photo: Mansur Nasir

Nasir Mansur, an eyewitness at the scene of the Kaduna incident, revealed to TheCable that in spite of the tension generated by the activities of the security agencies, Monday’s event took place and Shia members dispersed.

According to Mansur, the siege laid on the Markaz mosque and surroundings continued on Wednesday, which ultimately led to the burning of the building.

“Today being the tenth day of Muharram, we usually have the annual Ashura procession, which initially took place peacefully,” he said.

The Kaduna Markaz mosque set ablaze | Photo: Mansur Nasir

The Kaduna Markaz mosque set ablaze | Photo: Mansur Nasir

“The attacks started when the security besieged the IMN centre shooting teargas after which they invited hoodlums who burned down the Muslim centre in Tudun Wada.”

Mansur said the security operatives were a combination of soldiers, police and civil defence while claiming that the agencies enlisted the help of thugs to carry out attacks on Shia members.

“Two people were killed by hoodlums invited by police who have also ordered them to kill any IMN member at sight. They were slaughtered in the presence of police. There are several other people injured.

“Yesterday, we were at the centre at Zango road in the afternoon for the usual mourning event. The joint military and police had earlier besieged the area since noon, taking over the Fudiyya primary school which was located about 100 meters away from the centre.

Fudiyya primary school - owned by IMN - being demolished | Photo: Mansur Nasir

Fudiyya primary school – owned by IMN – being demolished | Photo: Mansur Nasir

The IHRC also reported fatalities from other northern states where the Ashura processions are taking place.

“At least nine people are reported killed after security forces opened fire with live rounds on followers of IMNthe Islamic Movement of Nigeria taking part in a procession in Funtua in Katsina state.

The UK-based organisation said a similar occurrence is taking place in Jos, Plateau state.

“Troops are currently attacking the IMN centre with tear gas and live rounds in the city of Jos in Plateau state, inside which several people including a leader of the IMN, Sheikh Adamu Tsohos, are trapped.

“Sheikh Adamu Tsohos’s house in Jos was also reportedly under attack. Earlier people were stopped and arrested or turned back as they made their way into Jos to participate in the religious procession”, said IHRC.

Meanwhile, Sani Usman, army spokesperson, promised to find out the true state of things.

“I have no idea about that but I will find out and get back to you. This is not the first time we have been victims of campaigns of calumny,” he said when TheCable contacted him on Tuesday night.

N68bn scam: I am not running from EFCC – Shema

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The ex-governor of Katsina state, Ibrahim Shema, has responded to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission , EFCC’s move to declare him wanted.

Recall that the EFCC had declared the ex-governor wanted over alleged diversion of funds running into N68 billion.

Mr. Shema in response to the latest development has denied the allegations levelled against him by the anti-graft agency.

Speaking to an online medium, Shema denied acknowledging the agency’s letters through his lawyers.

Shema who spoke through his spokesperson, Oluwabusola Olawale, said: “The EFCC sent another invitation and Mr. Shema agreed to honour the invitation with his lawyer, Wole Olanipekun.

“But the meeting with the EFCC could not hold because the officials were engaged elsewhere.

“Subsequently, Mr. Olanipekun wrote EFCC in July this year requesting for a date to be given and up till date, no date has been fixed by EFCC for the meeting.”

Shema’s spokesman further alleged that his boss was being victimized by the incumbent state governor, Aminu Masari.

“From all indications, it appears like the same issue which Governor Bello Masari had petitioned EFCC about.

“He has equally set up a Commission of Inquiry to investigate which is underway in Katsina and there’s also a pending court case on the matter.

“The allegations made by Mr. Masari are false, malicious and targeted to tarnish the image of Mr. Shema who served creditably well under the platform of PDP.”

Troops Kill Suspected Cattle Rustler, Armed Bandits In Katsina

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Troops of 35 Battalion, 1 Brigade Nigerian Army on Friday killed a suspected cattle rustler and armed bandits on Tsambe-Fafare road, Jibia Local Government Area of Katsina State.

This is contained in a statement issued by Col.Sani Usman, Acting Director, Army Public Relations on Saturday in Abuja.

He said the troop were in a joint patrol with Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Katsina State, under operation “SHARAN DAJI”
He said the operation followed information received from well patriotic citizens that three gunmen were sighted on motorcycles in the area.Usman said that the team swung into action and pursued the suspected armed bandits towards Dumburu forest in Zamfara.

The spokesman said during the encounter, the team killed one of the suspected cattle rustlers and armed bandits, while the other two escaped with gun shot wounds.

He said that items recovered included an AK-47 rifle with registration number 1985PS6288, additional AK-47 rifle magazine and 3 rounds of 7.62mm (Special) ammunition.

In a related development, a combined team arrested a suspected notorious cattle rustler and armed bandit, Abubakar Mohammed and his boys, Ana’s Gora and Bello Sani.

He said items recovered from them included 49 cattle and 25 sheep.

Usman said that the special raids were carried out along Faskari-Sheme-Mairuwa road, Katsina State.

Read More:

http://guardian.ng/news/troops-kill-suspected-cattle-rustler-armed-bandits-in-katsina/

Hungry Villagers Steal Poisonous Grains Which Was Meant For Destruction, In Katsina

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Members of Ladanawa village in Katsina state stole bags of poisonous grains meant for destruction in the state. Speaking to journalist on the recent development, the state Commissioner for Local Government, Abdulkadir Ahmed Zakka, said a truck carrying 300 bags of grains from the state Agricultural and Rural Development Agency (KTARDA) main store to another location for destruction, broke down in the village while on its way. The hungry villagers came out in their numbers and began to steal from the grains which had poured out of the bags.

Zakka who paid a visit to the community, appealed to the villagers not to consume the grains and that
they should return it immediately so they can be destroyed. He said security operatives have been mandated to conduct house to house search and that anyone found with the poisonous grains will be punished

FG Earmarks N600m To Boost Irrigation, Farming In Katsina

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The Federal Government has earmarked about N600 million in 2016 budget to boost water supply and irrigation farming at Zobe Dam in Katsina State.

Kurfi, a member of House of Representatives from Dutsin-ma/Kurfi Federal Consistency, stated this during an interview with newsmen to mark the All Progressives Congress’ (APC) one year in office in Katsina.

Kurfi said contract for the supply of water from the Zobe Dam to communities of Dutsin – ma and Kurfi would soon be awarded.

The lawmaker said about N300 million out of the amount had been set aside for irrigation at the dam to boost food production.

Kurfi said that the dam would be used for irrigation farming to generate income for unemployed youth from his constituency.

He said the Federal Government would also established two power sub-stations in Dutsin-ma and Kurfi Local Government Areas to boost electricity supply to the two areas.

Kurfi promised to continue to attract Federal Projects to his constituency to improve the living standard of the people.

The lawmaker disclosed that he was working to launch poverty alleviation programme as part of the move to assist youth from the two councils to become self employed.

“W have planned to distribute empowerment items and cash to our youth from Dutsin – ma and Kurfi Council Areas in an effort to minimise unemployment problem” he said.

Kurfi further said his consistency office had introduced scholarship programme to encourage youth to further their studies, especially in universities and other tertiary institutions. (NAN)

Masari Urges Wealthy Individuals To Invest In Katsina

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Gov. Aminu Masari of Katsina State has urged wealthy citizens of the state to invest their funds by setting up companies that would generate employment.

Masari spoke at an interactive session with Katsina industrialists and business moguls on Monday.

‘’The setting up of industries and companies by the well-to-do individuals would assist to reduce the menace of unemployment.

‘’Today, 70 per cent of the Katsina youths including graduates and NCE holders are roaming the streets without jobs,’’ he said.

The governor lamented that majority of the youths are unskilled and untrained who only resort to crimes as a way out.

Masari advised the prominent Katsina citizens to show sign of commitments by striving hard to establish companies so as to motivate others from outside the state to do same.

‘’As citizens of Katsina, you must show signs of patriotism before outsiders will invest in the state,’’ he said.

He said that the state government on its parts would provide specious land to those willing to establish companies in the field of agriculture and mineral resources.

 

(NAN)

Katsina Hospital Treats 13 Rape Victims In 4 Months

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No fewer than 13 rape victims have been treated at Funtua General Hospital in Katsina State from January to date, the hospital’s Medical Director, Tijjani Bakori, has said.

Mr. Bakori told the News Agency of Nigeria in an interview on Thursday in Funtua that most of the cases were severe.

He disclosed that some of the victims had to undergo surgery in the hospital.

The medical director lamented that three of the rape victims were admitted by the hospital in the last four days.

“This signifies the magnitude of the problem in Funtua and environs, and it is important for all stakeholders to intensify efforts to address the menace.”

According to him, all the victims were below the age of 13 and mostly from less privileged families.

He noted that there was no presence of International and National Non Governmental Organizations in the area to support the victims, noting that respective families of the victims were left to shoulder the burden.

He urged the Katsina State Government and local councils in the area to ensure that the perpetrators were traced and severely punished.

“A victim was admitted on Monday, and another, aged 12, had undergone surgery in the hospital on Wednesday because of the severe injuries she sustained,’’ Bakori said.

Credit: PremiumTimes

Mustapha Saddiq: ‘Half A Billion For The Upgrade of Old Government House? Governor Masari, No Please’!

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It was quite long since I wrote on my beloved state -Katsina, since before the 2015 general elections. Of course that is not because I have nothing to write about or no opinion to express as many things happened (both good and bad) since the inception of H.E. Governor Aminu Masari’s administration. But as many optimists are quick to sing (or rather cry or wail) anytime an issue of incompetence or ineptitude is raised about this government -not withstanding wherether it is born out of genuine patriotism and the desire for the governor himself to step up or in some cases initiate or stop certain policies that are believed to bring positive change to the common man or otherwise – that ‘it is too early to judge’. So I decided to keep calm and just observe as things unfold.

Today, I will like to voice (or penned) my opinion on the recent contract for the upgrade and renovation of the old government house to the tune of a whooping sum of N496million awarded last week at the weekly state executive council meeting.
To the common man, N496million may appear like just figures but we’re talking about almost half a billion Naira.

To set the record straight, I was a critic to the last administration on many of her unnecessary projects like fencing the Hassan Usman Katsina Polytechnic even as the student wanted more of hostels and classes that is why I felt oblique not to keep mute on this too.

Upto the time of writing this, I still believe that this is not true because if what went viral on this issue is really true then to say the least, this is a typical project of misplaced priority. Not only because the said money is too much but also because the said structure is irrelevant and unnecessary even as it is useless to the life of a common man in Dankama or Damari.

With all heppening around, this is coming when His Excellency says almost on daily basis and at the slightest opportunity to speak publicly that Katsina State don’t have money or that the state don’t get half of what it use to get from the federal government or that the previous administration has stolen and squandered the state resources.

H.E. May have forgotten but many of us noticed that during his electioneering campaigns, he openly criticized the previous administration for opting to built new government house rather than investing such monies to Education or Health sector. Now if building a new government house was a waste then (when the state gets more of federal allocation than now), I wonder what rehabilitation of old government house to the tune of half a billion is.
Is it not now that we should be more prudent in spending our scarce resources?

Fellow Katsinawa! Hear me out, N496million approved for this project is over 0.4% of the total 2016 budget presented by the governor. Again, the said amount for this upgrade (or whatever) is more than the money budgeted for the capital projects in the 2016 budget for the Science and Technical Education Board, Hassan Usman Katsina Polytechnic and Bala Usman College of Legal Studies which constitute to 0.2%, 0.24% and 0.22% respectively. If this is not wrong, then I wonder what else would be.

It doesn’t matter who you voted for or which party you supported, this is about morality, this is about what is right and wrong. This is about our future and that of our children. I believe this whole issue is fraud and deceit of the highest order and I urge the governor to reconsider this unpopular move.

Mustapha Saddiq
Email: mustaphasaddiq@gmail.com
Twitter: @mustysaddiq
Mustpha Saddiq

Views expressed are solely that of author and does not represent views of www.omojuwa.com nor its associates

NLC Laments ‘Artificial’ Fuel Scarcity In Katsina

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Katsina State chapter of the Nigerian Labour Congress, NLC, has expressed concern over activities of petroleum marketers who create artificial scarcity of petrol in the state.

 

The state’s NLC said some of the petroleum marketers were in the habit of selling the product above the officially approved price. It therefore, called on the government to strengthen the state’s Petroleum Task Force Committee to deal with such unscrupulous petroleum marketers.

 

The state’s NLC chairman, Comrade Tanimu Saulawa, made the call over the weekend when he led other executive members of the organisation on a courtesy visit to the governor.

 

Saulawa said some greedy petroleum marketers have created artificial scarcity of the commodity, thereby creating untold hardship on the people.

He said as labour leaders, they had traveled far and wide and had observed a difference in price and availability of the commodity elsewhere.

“We call on the state government to strengthen the petroleum task force to be more reliable, effective and responsive so as to monitor, ensure and compel marketers to seek petrol at official price.”

Saulawa said it is necessary for the government to take action against the marketers so as to make life easier for people of the state.

He said as labour leaders, it was necessary to set up agenda for the government to address problem facing the state.

The chairman however called on the state government to always cross-check information filtering from political and critic sources before taking decisions.

He said this was necessary as there were politicians and bureaucrats that may have contributed in one way or the other to the problem of the past.

“We wish to advise you to observe and take note of such self-serving individuals and encourage your lieutenants to tell the truth and advice towards good industrial harmony that would lead to peaceful atmosphere for development.”

 

 

Responding, Governor Aminu Bello Masari expressed his administration’s readiness to work with labour leaders to achieve for a vibrant civil service. Masari however called on the NLC to complement his government’s efforts for excellent service delivery in public schools and health institutions.

 

 

Credit: Today

Auto Accidents Claim 170 Lives In Katsina

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No less than 170 people lost their lives in road accidents across Katsina State’s 34 council areas last year. Of the number, 147 were adult males, 16 females, and seven children.

Also last year, 717 sustained injuries from accidents, including 680 adults and 37 children, with a total of 1,217 involved in accidents. The state sector commander of the Federal Road Safety Commission, FRSC, Abdu Sule, said the accidents were mostly due to reckless driving by motorists.
Sule said 3,661 vehicular offenders were apprehended in 2015, while 3,899 offences were treated, with same number educated on importance on road safety. He said the command produced and issued 3,742 drivers’ licences, while 16 road traffic signs were installed within and outside the state metropolis.
He said zebra crossings were made on road leading to eight schools, while sensitisation was carried out in 240 radio, and 48 television programmes. He also said rallies were conducted 53 times at motor parks, while several road audits were carried out in the year under review.

Credit: NationalMirror

Students Set School Buildings Ablaze In Katsina Because Of Poor Performance

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There was pandemonium at the Federal Science and Technical College Dayi, Malumfashi LGA of Katsina State, yesterday, where yet to be identified students reportedly set school store, clinic and two other structures ablaze.

It was gathered that the suspected students, in an act that defied logic, set fire on the building which houses foodstuffs worth hundreds of thousands of naira.

Our source listed other structures set ablaze by the students to include a library building said to have been built and donated to the school by Parents Teachers Association (PTA).

There were however two different versions of the reasons for the students’ action with one source saying the students embarked on the heinous crime to register their displeasure over the ban on use of handsets in the school.

“You know this principal is strict and has directed that no student should be seen with handsets as it disrupts their learning. Some students who violates the directive had their phones seized. We suspect the students did this to protest that” a source who doesn’t want to be named said.

But another source said the destruction which is the first of its kind in the history of the school was caused by some aggrieved students who were asked to repeat classes following poor performance.

Credit: Leadership

Katsina Govt Orders Public School Teachers To Withdraw Their Children From Private Schools

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In a bid to revamp the education sector in the state, the Katsina State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) today directed primary school teachers and all head teachers in the state to withdraw their children from private schools for immediate enrollment in public schools.

While giving the directive, the chairman of the state SUBEB, Lawal Buhari Daura said the directive was in line with the state governor, Aminu Bello Masari’s directive that public officers under his administration must ensure they make use public infrastructures including public schools. He however did not say whether or not defaulters of the directive will be penalized.

Guests Panic, As 10 Die After Meal At Katsina Wedding

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There was confusion yesterday at Nadangoro area of Katsina metropolis as no fewer than 10 persons were feared dead and many others hospitalised after a wedding meal.

The incident, Vanguard learned, is already causing panic among residents of the area, as most of the guests, who ate or drank anything at the ceremony, are being contacted by friends.
They are all now undergoing treatment in various hospitals in the town. It was learned that most of the affected victims had complained of stomach ache shortly after leaving the ceremony, while some died hours after being admitted in the hospitals.

A staff of Federal Medical Centre, who pleaded anonymity, said the hospital had received a number of cases relating to the incident.

“I think, from the information gathered so far, the case of some of the victims has to do with food poisoning,” the staff said.

Gov. Shema Leaving N4bn For Incoming Administration In Katsina

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Governor Ibrahim Shema of Katsina State has said that his administration will leave four billion naira in the state treasury for the incoming administration. Shema made the disclosure when he received management staff of the Federal University, Dutsin-ma in Katsina on Thursday.

He said he would release N8.5 billion to the 34 local government councils to continue with projects implementation next week. The governor further said his administration spent N55 billion in completing projects inherited from the late President Umar ‘Yar’adua’s administration during his tenure as governor in 2007.

Some of the projects inherited and completed, according to him, include the Umar Musa ‘Yar’adua University, Katsina, the Katsina Airport, and Turai ‘Yar’adua Child and Maternal Hospital, among others.

He said that when he assumed office in 2007, the state was receiving N2.8 billion from the Federation Account, out of which, N1.2 billion went into salary payment.

The governor said the state monthly Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) was N132 million. Shema noted that through his administration’s efforts the state internally generated revenue increased to one billion naira monthly. He, however, expressed regrets that from January to April 2015, the IGR dropped by N300 million.

The governor said his only regrets was the non-completion of the Lambar Rimi Windmill Power project. He further said: “so far at least five turbines at the site were raised”.

Credit- NAN

See Gobe As Police Corporal Rapes Deputy Commissioner of Police Daughter In Katsina

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A Police Corporal, Hamza Aliyu, has been remanded in prison for allegedly raping the 15-year-old daughter of a Deputy Commissioner of Police.

National Mirror reports that the suspect Aliyu, with force number FP/No 237399 is attached to the Transport/ Workshop Department of the Katsina Police Command.  The prosecuting police officer, Inspector Hashimu Musa, told the Senior Magistrate’s Court that the suspect lured the victim to the old Berger Quarters opposite Mashasha filling station along Daura road, where he forcefully had sexual intercourse with her. Adding that the action is contrary to Section 283 of the Penal Code.

The judge, Nafisa Bagiwa, ordered that the suspect be remanded in prison and adjourned the case to March 26.

PDP Accuses APC/ Buhari Over Attack on Jonathan in Katsina

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The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, and President Goodluck Jonathan Campaign Organisation have accused the All Progressives Congress, APC, and its Presidential candidate, General Muhammadu Buhari (rtd), of allegedly masterminding the attack on President Goodluck Jonathan, Tuesday, in Katsina State and asked the APC and Buhari to call their supporters to order.

Addressing newsmen in Abuja, yesterday, Director, Media and Publicity, PDP Presidential Campaign Organisation, PCO, Chief Femi Fani-Kayode, described the action of the APC supporters at Buhari’s home state as despicable, barbaric, shameful and highly reprehensible, warning that Buhari would be held responsible if anything untoward happened to Jonathan. They also warned that the consequences of a repeat of such an act would be grave.

In his address, Fani- Kayode said: “Let us take this opportunity to also serve them notice that if anything untoward happens to our candidate or his supporters during the course of this campaign we shall hold Buhari and his party responsible and the consequences would be grave, unimaginable and far-reaching.

Read More: vanguardngr.com