Nation

THE STATES

Published

13 years ago

April 3, 2013

Adamawa

No fewer than 20 out of the 127 inmates freed during last week’s attack on Ganye Prison in Adamawa State have returned.

Gunmen attacked about 17 places, including the prison in Ganye, headquarters of Ganye local government, set free 127 prisoners, and killed the senior officer in charge of the prison, Assistant Controller Baba Musa.

Confirming the development in Yola, last Saturday, nm Adamawa State Controller of Prisons, Mr Andrew Barka, who did not give details, said some of the prisoners were re-arrested while some returned on their own.

Also giving update on the incident, the Chairman of Ganye Local Government, Alhaji Mohammed Farouk, said normalcy had returned to the town and business activities had resumed in full.

FCT

The African First Ladies Peace Mission (AFLPM) has donated 16 plane-load of relief materials to victims of violent conflict in Mali.

A statement signed by the Special Assistant (Media) to the First Lady, Mr Ayo Osinlu, stated that the aid, which included food items, clothing, drugs, beddings and other essential items, were received at a brief ceremony in the Malian capital, Bamako.

The President of the AFLPM, Dame Patience Jonathan, who was represented by the Minister of State, FCT, Oloye Jumoke Akinjide, presented the aid to the First Lady of Mali, Madame Mintou Traore.

She said: “In fulfilment of the resolve of First Ladies of Africa to contribute their quota to checking the wind of violence spreading across Africa, the Mission has taken its peace advocacy to Mali where several insurgent groups have been fighting the Malian government for independence or greater autonomy.

Gombe

The Police in Gombe State have confirmed the killing of two people when gunmen attacked Kumo Police Division in Akko local government area last Friday night.

The Commissioner of Police in the state, Mr Mohammed Sule, said in Gombe, that the dead were among the attackers.

Sule said the police recovered one AK 47 rifle and two motorcycles from the attackers. “As far as I am concerned, none of my men was killed.

“What I know is that two of the attackers were killed and we recovered one AK 47 rifle and two motorcycles,” he said.

Sule, however, said he was expecting details of the incident since it occurred in the night and he decried the lack of information from the public to enable the police to prevent such attacks.

Some residents of Kumo said they could not sleep in the night because of the exchange of fire between the police and the attackers.

Kaduna

Farmers in Zaria, Kaduna State, last Friday, jubilated as the city recorded its first rainfall of the year. The rain which started at 4.30p.m, lasted for 30 minutes.

A farmer, Malam Musa Dogara, thanked God for His blessings, and said that the rain would encourage farmers to start preparation for the farming season.

“We are happy with this rain and very soon we will get set for clearing of our farmlands as a prerequisite for crop cultivation,” he said.

Another farmer, Mutawakkilu Rafinyashi, also expressed gratitude to God for the rain and prayed for a blissful farming season.

A resident of the town, Alhaji Mohammed Sani-Babbangwani said the rain was a source of succour for everyone, especially as it had lowered the temperature and relieved the people of intense heat.

Kano

Kano State Zakkat and Endowment Commission said it disbursed N16.1 million as Zakkat (alms) to 1,794 indigent persons last year.

The Director-General of the commission, Alhaji Sufiyanu Gwagwarwa in Kano last Sunday, that N10 million was given to 1,000 needy persons in the first phase of the programme.

According to him, the sum of N2.5 million was distributed to 250 widows as assistance to enable them start small businesses.

“Each of the beneficiaries was given N10,000 as assistance to ameliorate his sufferings as well as to enable him start a business.

“The whole idea behind giving Zakkat to the poor is to use the money to establish some useful ventures which will make them self-reliant,’’ he said.

He said another N1.5 million was also distributed to another batch of 150 persons in addition to another N1.5 million disbursed to new converts to Islam and stranded travellers as assistance.

The Director- General disclosed that the commission had also offset the medical bills of 44 patients amounting to N435, 000 during the same period.

Kwara

The Federal Government has been urged to invest more in the development of libraries for the country to excel in the education sector.

A lecturer with the Department of Library and Information Science, Kwara State University, Malete, Dr Moses Ibeun, gave the advice in a lecture in Malete, Kwara, last Friday.

Ibeun said in the lecture, organised by the students of Library Science of the university, that the development of libraries as an integral part of educational development in the country had been neglected in favour of social media.

He described the existence of social media as detrimental to the reading culture in the society and reduced the rate at which people patronised the library.

Lagos

A Lagos State lawmaker, Mr Rotimi Olowo, has advised the Federal Government to collaborate with the states, to enhance effectiveness in road construction and maintenance.

Olowo said in Lagos, last Sunday, that the government should explore both human and technical capacity of the states to ensure that the network of road projects fared better.

Olowo, who is the Chairman, House Committee on Works and Infrastructure in the state House of Assembly, urged the government to delegate more responsibilities to the states in road construction.

“Nigeria is a federating state and if the government should partner with the states, it is going to be a win, win situation. “We want service delivery, there is nothing the government is doing that states cannot do.

Niger

Senator Dahiru Awaisu (PDP- Niger East Senatorial District) last Sunday said he would seek re-election for a third term in 2015 “in spite of the political machinations to stop me’’.

Awaisu told newsmen in Minna during an interactive session that “nothing will deter me from contesting for re-election in 2015.

“I cannot be intimidated by anybody after being in politics for 32 years. There is nothing that I have not seen. “I have been in politics for long and for that I cannot be intimidated by anybody not only in Niger but in this country,’’ he said.

He noted that he had won most of his elective seats as representative of the opposition parties in the state, therefore, he would not be deterred by anybody.

“My people back my move to seek re-election for a third term. I will seek re-election under the PDP, even though Governor Babangida Aliyu, has shown interest in the seat,’’ he said.

Oyo

The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC), an NGO, last Sunday, congratulated Christians in the country on the celebration of the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

In a statement by MURIC’s Director, Prof. Is-haq Akintola, made available to our correspondent in Ibadan, It said that in conformity with the lessons embedded in the Easter celebrations, Christians must endeavour to be tolerant and forgiving of one another, especially with adherents of other religions,” it stated.

“MURIC greets Nigerian Christians on this memorable occasion.

“We urge all Nigerians to demonstrate genuine respect for the manner of worship as well as the culture of other religions,” it stated.

Sokoto

The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar, said last Sunday, that a National Qu’ranic Centre would be established in the state.

The sultan stated this at the closing of the 27th National Qu’ranic Recitation Competition in Gusau. He said that the past winners of the competition would be employed to propagate the teachings of the Holy Qu’ran at the centre when constructed.

The sultan said in order to have a decent and peaceful society in the country, there must be justice.

“I urge all the people in charge of justice, both the legal practitioners and village heads, to be just. “We at the top are always ready and will be willing to do anything to solve the problems in this country,’’ he said.

Nation

Kwara Community Residents Flee Over Persistent Bandits’ Attacks

Published

1 day ago

March 30, 2026

The Tide

Residents of Omugo Community in Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State have deserted their homes due to persistent bandit attacks.
The Tide’s source reports that the once lively community has turned into a ghost town with only a few domestic animals left.
Reports indicate that the recent bandits’ attack on the Omugo ECWA Church via Oro-Ago, led to the abduction of eight worshippers including the wife of the pastor in charge.
Three persons escaped out of the eight abductees with a N1billion ransom placed on the remaining victims in captivity. The community could only gather N1million which was rejected by the bandits.
Last week, the armed bandits invaded Oro-Ago community, killed one vigilante man identified as Baba Ibeji and injured his younger brother known as Ajere.
A Point of Sales, PoS, shop directly opposite the Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps, NSCDC, Divisional office, was broken into by the bandits.
The gunmen also attacked the NSCDC office and sprayed bullets on the facility, though no casualty was recorded.
In earlier attacks on Oro-Ago environs, armed bandits ambushed a convoy between Oro-Ago and Oke-Ayan in Ilere district of Ifelodun Local Government Area and killed two local hunters on escort duty.
On Saturday, there was tension in Oro-Ago following a security alert that armed bandits were regrouping to launch fresh attacks on the community.
All security formations were, however, placed on ‘Red Alert’ to forestall the planned attack.

Nation

Acting Provost Dismisses Alleged Missing Equipment Claims at Rivers Health College

Published

1 day ago

March 30, 2026

The Tide

The Acting Provost of the Rivers State College of Health Science and Management Technology, Dr. (Mrs.) Peace Chigozirim Amadi has refuted claims circulating in the media suggesting that laboratory equipment went missing from the college.

In a recent statement, Dr. Amadi described the reports—particularly those attributed to certain publications—as false and misleading. She emphasized that all laboratory equipment at the college remain intact.

“I am here to set the record straight. No laboratory equipment disappeared from my college. Nothing is missing,” Dr. Amadi said, challenging anyone with contrary claims to provide evidence, including the names of the equipment and their supposed locations.

She further noted that the college recently underwent an accreditation exercise, during which significant investments were made in laboratory equipment. According to Dr. Amadi, these items are fully accounted for, and the college maintains a robust security system to protect its assets.

“Everything is intact. Nothing disappeared. The information being circulated is false and should be discarded,” she reiterated.

Beyond addressing the allegations, Dr. Amadi also called on media practitioners to exercise professionalism and verify stories before publication. “I want to plead with journalists to always verify their stories. Junk journalism does not help anyone. No matter the information you receive, it is important to hear the other side before publishing,” she said.

While social media posts have occasionally raised concerns about various issues in the region’s health education sector, including extortion and examination malpractice at related institutions, there is no independent evidence from credible news sources confirming that equipment went missing from Rivers State College of Health Science and Management Technology.

The college, a public tertiary institution based in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, is accredited to offer a variety of health-related programs, including Nursing, Midwifery, Laboratory Technology, and Environmental Health. It has consistently emphasized integrity, safety, and transparency in its operations.

Dr. Amadi’s statement seeks to reassure the public, students, and stakeholders that the college remains secure, well-managed, and free from the alleged equipment losses, while urging journalists to prioritize accuracy in reporting.

Nation

HYPREP Reaffirms Commitment to Safe Water Supply In Ogoni

Published

1 week ago

March 23, 2026

The Tide

As the world commemorates World Water Day, the Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP) has reaffirmed its commitment to providing potable water across Ogoni communities, in line with the recommendations of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) Report on the Ogoni Environment.

In a statement issued by its Project Coordinator, Nenibarini Zabbey, on March 22, 2026, HYPREP noted that this year’s theme, “Water and Gender,” alongside the campaign slogan, “Where Water Flows, Equity Grows,” underscores its resolve to extend potable water supply beyond oil-impacted communities to all Ogoni communities.

Zabbey emphasized that access to clean water is a fundamental human right, adding that HYPREP remains committed to ensuring inclusive and equitable water access across the region.

He disclosed that the agency has successfully provided potable water to over 43 communities in Ogoni, while ongoing Phase 3 water projects are expected to benefit an additional 17 communities. He also highlighted steady progress on windmill-powered water projects in less populated areas, particularly in Khana Local Government Area.

According to him, the K-Dere Water Project, which is over 99 percent complete, will be commissioned in the coming weeks, even as work continues on other water schemes across Ogoni.

Zabbey further noted that HYPREP’s interventions are aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 6, which focuses on ensuring the availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all by 2030.

To ensure sustainability, he explained that the agency has adopted a joint management model involving host communities, the Rivers State Ministry of Water Resources and Rural Development, and the Rivers State Small Towns Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (RSSTOWA). He added that Water Consumers’ Associations have been established in communities such as Nchia and Eleme, alongside training programmes conducted in collaboration with non-governmental organisations.

The Project Coordinator stressed the importance of community ownership and protection of water facilities, echoing the call by the Minister of Environment, Balarabe Abbas Lawal, for residents to safeguard the infrastructure provided in their areas.

Zabbey expressed optimism that the ongoing efforts will significantly improve access to safe drinking water, reduce waterborne diseases, and enhance public health outcomes across Ogoni communities.