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Zamfara: Bandits Kill 16, Injure 14 In Sallah Day Massacre …Gov Suspends Emir, District Head Over Killings
No fewer than 16 people have been confirmed killed, and 14 others injured in suspected bandits’ attacks in Kanoma community in Maru Local Government Area of Zamfara State while celebrating Sallah.
The Director General, Press Affairs to the Zamfara State Government House, Yusuf Idris, confirmed the incident to newsmen, yesterday in Gusau, the state capital.
Also confirming the report, the District Head of Kansas, Alhaji Yahaya Mohammed said the bandits came in large numbers and shot indiscriminately at whoever crossed their way, which resulted to the death of 16 innocent people while 14 others sustained injuries.
Among those killed, according to a resident of the area, who pleaded anonymity, were the village oldest man who is over a 100 years and his two children.
The Zamfara State Governor, Dr Bello Muhammad Matawalle has paid a condolence visit to the people of the area.
The governor said he was aggrieved by the news of the attack which resulted in the death of innocent souls with others sustaining various degrees of injury.
The governor assured people of the area of the provision of adequate security measures that will bring an end to armed banditry and other criminal activities in the state.
His administration, according to him, is poised to collaborate with all well-meaning citizens of the state to end the security challenges facing the state.
He called on the locals to provide government with accurate intelligence reports that will assist the security agencies in apprehending the criminals.
The governor also prayed Allah to reward the souls of those who lost their lives with Jannatul firdaus and give their families the fortitude to bear the loss.
Matawalle also called on the bandits to surrender their arms and embrace peace before it is too late.
He then directed the immediate transfer of all the victims that were admitted at Kanoma Hospital to the Federal Medical Centre, Gusau for better medical attention while promising that all medical bills will be shouldered by the state government.
The governor also directed the security agencies to move swiftly in order to arrest the perpetrators of the act.
As a measure to tame the worsening situation, the Zamfara State Governor, Bello Muhammad Matawalle approved the suspension of Emir of Maru, Alhaji Abubakar Cika Ibrahim and District Head of Kanoma, Alhaji Ahmed Lawal.
This is contained in a statement signed by the Director General, Press Affairs to the Zamfara State Government House, Yusuf Idris, a copy of which was made available to newsmen in Gusau, yesterday.
Their suspension, according to Idris, is as a result of series of complaints from the community over their alleged involvement with bandits that unleashed inhuman attacks in different communities in the state.
Idris revealed that the duo will remain suspended pending the outcome of an investigation panel which will be set up by the state government soon.
The Emir has, however, been directed to hand over his official vehicles and all other government properties in his possession to the Senior District Head, while the District Head of Kanoma is to hand over same to the most senior village head.
The suspensions are with immediate effect.
This confirmed the allegation of former minister of defence, Lt. General Mansur Dan Ali over the involvement of some monarchs in the activities of bandits in Zamfara State.
Meanwhile, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Tukur Yusufu Buratai has concluded a tour of areas affected by the activities of armed bandits in North-West region.
It would be recalled that a visit by the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) to felicitate with troops on Tuesday during the commemoration of the 2019 Eid-El-Fitr celebration marking the end of the holy month of Ramadan had been reported.
Buratai’s visit to the North-West reached a climax, yesterday, as he continued operational tour of the troubled areas in Zamfara and Katsina states, respectively.
Represented by the Chief of Training and Operations, Army, Major General Lamidi Adeosun, the COAS combed the affected areas by touring the borders and likely bandits’ approaches between Nigeria and Niger Republic.
The convoy of the COAS came to a halt along the Gusau — Jibia — Zurmi road, a border location close to Maradi in Niger Republic where he interacted with a detachment of Nigerien troops patrolling the borders of Niger and Nigeria.
The detachment, upon interaction led by one Capt Mamadu Yousuf, disclosed that it was a joint patrol security arrangement between Nigeria and Niger aimed at fighting armed banditry at the borders of the two nations.
The COAS and his entourage later moved into the hinterland where they had a brief stopover and interaction with troops and local vigilantes at Yar’Gamji village in Katsina State.
Recall that about 14 locals were reportedly recently killed during an encounter with armed bandits in Yar’Gamji village.
Three other women were also abducted which necessitated the Nigerian Army to deploy some soldiers to the community.
While in Yar’Gamji, Adeosun read the goodwill message of the COAS to the troops, and urged them to sustain the tempo against the bandits.
The General Officer Commanding (GOC), 8 Division of Nigerian Army, Major General Hakeem Otiki promised an enhanced welfare package for the troops as contained in the COAS goodwill message, while urging them to crush any criminal element in the area.
“Ensure you do your job diligently without delay because as soldiers, you have the license to kill criminals but you must not be killed.
“It is your responsibility to safeguard this nation from every form of security threat. Make sure you patrol the flashpoints both day and night. Do not hobnob with any locals to avoid distractions”, he instructed.
The COAS and his team proceeded to the Palace of the District Head of Batsari where issues bothering on security challenges around the jurisdiction of the traditional ruler were discussed.
The Chairman of Batsari Local Government Area, Alhaji Mannir Mu’azu was also in the palace to receive the COAS during the visit.
Representative of the COAS later moved to the front line, to address troops of 17 Brigade at the outskirts of Batsari town in Batsari Local Government Area of Katsina State during a Sallah Day luncheon organized by the Chief of Army Staff in honour of the troops.
Adeosun advised the troops to be professional and responsive in the discharge of their constitutional roles.
According to him, “As professionals, you are constitutionally tasked to protect Nigeria and her citizens. You must use your weapons legally to ensure that criminals operating in this region are decimated immediately”.
In his remarks, the GOC 8 Division, Major General Hakeem Otiki applauded the commitment of the troops while tasking them to do more because “much has been given to you so much is expected accordingly”.
Representative of the COAS and his entourage later paid an operational visit to Tashan Modibbo – a local border community in Batsari axis, where a route often used by the bandits is located.
The representative of the COAS and his entourage proceeded to Katsina State Government House where the team was received by the Governor, Aminu Bello Masari, the Secretary of the State Government and other top government officials.
Adeosun posited that the purpose of the visit was to interact with the troops as well as assess the security situation in the state and the North-West region.
“This visit is in line with the tradition of the COAS to pay homage to the executive governor of the state and assess the disposition of troops, and the security situation in the region”.
He noted that security situation in Katsina State recently escalated through the inimical activities of armed bandits but was curtailed by the gallant troops.
He also informed the governor that peace has returned to the once troubled areas, especially in Batsari Local Government.
He acknowledged the efforts and support of the state government, urging them not to be tired.
Reacting to the gesture, Governor Aminu Bello Masari prayed that the visit will be historic in curbing the menace of armed banditry in the state.
The Rivers State Chief judge, Justice Simeon Chibuzor Amadi has granted pardon to six inmates standing awaiting trial at the Port Harcourt maximum correctional center.
The six lucky inmates granted pardon on Tuesday by the state Chief Judge included Nwekeala Chizoba, Samuel Emmanuel, Aniete Kelvin, Ebube Fubara and Goddey Okpara who were on awaiting trial as murder suspects and have all spent between 10 years to seven years in the custody without a proper information filed against them in the court.
Justice Amadi during a special gaol delivery exercise last Tuesday at the Port Harcourt Maximum Correctional Centre opined that the special gaol delivery was part of activities lined up to commomerate the 2024/2025 legal year in the State and restated the commitment of the state judiciary in decongesting the correctional centre and ensuring that those inmates who are not supposed to be there are removed from the custody.
The state chief judge stressed the need for all stakeholders to work together to build a society that supports rehabilitation and gives a second chance to anyone or group of people who have fallen short of the expectation of the law and have been punished accordingly.
He stressed that the National Judicial Council(NJC) encourages judges to pay more attention to criminal matters to enable them to decongests the correctional facilities, noting that since his assumption into office, his administration has been able to reduce the number of inmates in Nigerian Correctional Centres and the Port Harcourt Correctional Centre in particular, to less than 2,000 as against the over 4,000 inmates previously in the faculty.
According to him, “as they release the deserving inmates, they affirm their commitment to justice, compassion and rule of law but that they must not forget the fundamental principles of justice delivery system which is truth and fairness, integrity and equality before the law.”
I encourage you all the released inmates to return to your families and become better citizens. You must not engage in action that will return you all back to prison. Let me say that while the judges show empathy to you all, it does not absolved individuals from being held accountable for actions against individuals, corporate organisations and state which the law frowns at, ”he stated
The Chief Judge thereafter stood down the exercise to enable the DPP to intervene to case files following the fact that majority of the persons listed to benefit from the exercise are facing murder charges and adjourned to a date that will come before December.
Earlier in his goodwill message, the outgoing state Comptroller of Nigerian Correctional Centre, Port Harcourt, Felix Lawrence, who was recently promoted to the rank of Assistant Controller General, commended the state judiciary led by Chief Judge, Justice Simeon Chibuzor Amadi for their continuous effort aimed at ensuring justice and decongesting the facilities.
Other activities lined up for the event included special church service at St Paul’s Cathedral , Anglican Communion, Rebisi Port Harcourt, inspection of guard of honour by the state Chief Judge mounted by officers of the Nigerian police and a special court session held at the ceremonial court hall.
By: AkujobiAmadi
The Director General of Rivers State Bureau on Public Procurement (RBoPP), Dr. Ine Briggs, has explained that the Sir Siminalayi Fubara administration plans to enforce transparency in governance through public procurement.
Speaking at a one-day Public Procurement Enlightenment workshop organised in collaboration with the State Local Government Service Commission for newly elected chairmen, vice chairmen, secretaries and leaders of legislative assemblies, Dr. Briggs said it is key for grassroot development.
She stated that the Sir. Fubara administration plans to reduce wastage and at same time infuse efficiency in public expenditure.
The RSoPP DG said the local government political office holders remain key drivers in the new vision hence the workshop is to arm them with knowledge on how to execute projects in tandem with needs of the people.
“ Your role in the prudent management of public resources is, therefore, not just administrative it’s the cornerstone of delivering the dividends of democracy. Every procurement decision you make must reflect a commitment to fairness, transparency and accountability” Dr. Briggs submitted.
One of the key goals of the administration she further reminded the participants was to use their offices to foster economic growth through public procurement.
She warned that the law establishing the agency empowers it to penalise defaulters, but that what is more important is voluntary compliance to the laws.
In addition to that, she said urged the local government council leaders that champion the practice and implementation of public procurement law.
On his part, Acting Chairman of Local Government Service Commission, Pastor GoodLife Ben Iduoku averred that the aim of the workshop is to arm key stakeholders in the local government system to generate new ideas, innovation and strategies in tandem with government policies and programmes.
The workshop dealt on various topics on procurement planning, methods, Understanding Bid Process, including types of Construction Contracts and law.
Some participants were awarded excellence and meritorious awards as part of the programme.
By: Kevin Nengia
The 19th anniversary of the National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools (NAPPS), Rivers State Chapter, recently ended in Port Harcourt in grand style, with participants from various schools including proprietors, the academia, civil society groups and top government functionaries charting the way forward for educational improvement.
The 19th NAPPS anniversary christened, ‘Innovation and Adaptation: Transforming Challenges Into Opportunities’ was held at Casoni Hotels, Port Harcourt.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the Rivers State Chapter of the association, Dr. Jaja Adafe Sunday expressed gratitude to the members and executives for their untiring efforts towards the achievements of the body.
He sought the intervention of government on the lingering crisis on the economy as it is affecting the running of schools.
He decried high cost of things including fuel and raw materials which has adversely affected the running of schools and payment of teachers.
Dr. Sunday hinted that the current economic situation in the nation is biting hard on the operations of schools, saying inflation, removal of fuel subsidy, fuel scarcity, poor electricity supply, tariffs and lack of government grants are some of the challenges faced by schools, and urged the members to brace up to the challenges, as it is the panacea to building a brighter future.
Guest speakers from the health sector and the academia thrilled the gathering on the essence of basic education which they said is the key to national development.
Former Dean of the Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, Professor Azuru and the Chief Medical Director of Meridian Hospitals, Dr. Odo Iyke were some notable guest speakers who delivered lectures at the occasion.
Some distinguished proprietors also got special recognitions and awards.
The 19th anniversary cake was cut by the Rivers State NAPPS Chairman with representatives of the state government assisting.
