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Gunmen Massacre 15 In Katsina …Bandits Abduct Five In Zamfara Girls’ School

Published

6 years ago

May 3, 2019

A fleet of 150 gunmen on motorcycles rode into two villages in Katsina State, murdering, at least, 15 people, stealing cattle and torching houses, Police said, yesterday.
The gang attacked two villages — Gobirawa and Sabawa villages of Safana LGA of Katsina State, late on Tuesday night, raiding the villages for hours into Wednesday morning.
“Police patrol teams were dispatched to the scene,” Katsina Police spokesman, Gambo Isah, said.
A statement by the Police Public Relations Officer, Superintendent Gambo Isah, explained that the patrol teams dispatched to the scene engaged the hoodlums in a gun duel.
The teams, he added, chased the bandits out of the villages and recovered one motorcycle Bajaj from them.
He said: “The command commiserates with the families of the deceased persons and the entire peace loving people of Katsina State.
“It will do everything possible to bring perpetrators of this heinous crime to justice and bringing to an end the activities of these rascals’’.
In Zamfara State, the state Police Command has confirmed the abduction of two caterers and three children during an attack on Government Girls’ Secondary School, Moriki, Zurmi Local Government Area, last Wednesday night.
The gunmen were said to have stormed the area around 11:30 pm by announcing their arrival with sporadic gun shots in the air.
The state Police Command PPRO, SP Mohammed Shehu, in a press release stated that, “On 1st May, 2019 at about 21;30hrs, DPO Zurmi received a distress call that unidentified number of armed men entered into Government Girls’ Secondary School, Moriki in Zurmi LGA through the back fence of the school with intent to attack the school and abduct students.
“On the spur of the moment, a combined team of PMF/CTU/ and Civilian JTF personnel headed by the DPO mobilised to the school, confronted the armed men, and stopped them from gaining access to the students’ hostels. The bandits took a retreat back to the bush.
“No student was abducted as earlier reported by some media. However, two caterers and three of their children were later discovered missing.
“The police are collaborating with the school authority to establish the whereabouts of the missing persons.”
The PPRO said a search-and-rescue operation team has been dispatched to the surrounding bushes for an extensive bush combing.
The police further explained that security has been beefed up in the school and its environment to forestall further happening.
Also speaking, the Zamfara State Commissioner of Police, Celestine Okoye, confirmed the attack, but stressed that no students were abducted by the bandits, contrary to a viral rumour on social media.
“We have confirmed reports of an attack on the school in Moriki, but no students were abducted,” Okoye said.
“Unfortunately, five persons were abducted from the school, including two cooks and three of their children.”
Moriki is in Zurmi Local Government Area, which has been one of the most terrorised areas by bandits in the North-West.
A spokesperson for the state government did not immediately return requests for comments.
Some social media posts had cited the BBC Hausa as reporting that, at least, two teachers were abducted alongside the cooks.
The bandits had reportedly blocked the road leading to the school before breaking into its premises.
Okoye said details of how the girls were prevented from being abducted would be made public shortly.
The police chief said efforts were underway to rescue the victims, urging parents and members of the community not to be apprehensive about unconfirmed social media claims.
However, the Katsina State Police Command, has arrested some suspects in connection with the abduction of President Muhammadu Buhari’s Aide de Camp (ADC)’s father-in-law.
The kidnappers, had last Wednesday night, abducted the Magajin Garin Daura, Musa Umar, in his Daura residence.
But the spokesperson of the Katsina State Police Command, Gambo Isah, yesterday, confirmed that some of the suspects were arrested as the officers arrived the scene, adding that one police officer was however hit during a gun-duel with the kidnappers.
Narrating the incident in a statement released, yesterday, police disclosed that Magajin Garin Daura, Alhaji Musa Uba, was abducted on Tuesday evening at his residence.
He added that the kidnappers numbering six stormed the residence in a Peugeot 405, unregistered car, blue in colour, shot sporadically into the air, and abducted him.
The statement read in parts, “The state Commissioner of Police, CP Sanusi Buba, along with police patrol teams immediately arrived at the scene.
“Police patrol teams at Kusada Division Katsina State intercepted the hoodlums and engaged them in a gun duel and as a result of which one Inspector Muntari Maikudi attached to Kusada Division sustained a gunshot injury and was rushed to the Federal Medical Centre, Katsina for treatment.
“IGP Tactical Squad, SARS teams, PMF and counter-terrorism units have already been dispatched to rescue the victim alive and safely to his family.
“We appeal to members of the public to always assist security agencies with timely intelligence on the activities of bandits, adding that the command and other security agencies are on their toes to bringing to an end the activities of the bandits.
“The abducted traditional ruler who is the father of Fatima Musa, wife of Colonel Mohammed Abubakar, the ADC to President Muhammadu Buhari was a retired customs comptroller and business mogul.”
Meanwhile, the Senator representing Kaduna Central in the National Assembly, Shehu Sani, has reacted to the abduction of President Muhammadu Buhari’s Aide de Camp (ADC)’s father-in-law.
Reacting, Senator Shehu Sani, yesterday, condemned the abduction of President Muhammadu Buhari’s Aide de Camp (ADC)’s father-in-law.
According to him, the abduction raises “the urgency to combat this ravaging scourge and menace in the state.”
On his Twitter page, the Kaduna lawmaker wrote: “The kidnapping of Alhaji Musa Umar, the district head of Daura, Katsina State stands utterly condemned.
“This again raises the urgency to combat this ravaging scourge and menace. Their audacity must not dampen the nation’s resolve to prevail.”
Meanwhile, United Kingdom Foreign Secretary, Jeremy Hunt, has said Nigeria should ask for support in the fight against Boko Haram and that Britain would be ready to give
Mr Hunt said a perceived rift between the Nigerian Army and the local populace in the North-east is fueling violence in the region. He said “intelligence information reaching him” reveals that lack of trust between the authorities and indigenes is one of the reasons that fuels attacks in the region. He also said the British government would be willing to support the military fight insurgency, only “if the authorities ask for help.” The British government, in August 2017, announced £200million as aid to assist Nigeria in fighting insurgency and training its military personnel for four years: from 2018 to 2022.
Mr Hunt gave the latest assurance while on a visit to Maiduguri as part of his Africa tour seeking ‘new UK partnerships’ across Africa, The Guardian, (UK) reports.
He is expected to visit Senegal, Ghana, Nigeria, Ethiopia, and Kenya from April – May 2019. “I am here in Maiduguri North-east Nigeria, where the conflict which has involved both Boko Haram and Islamic state West Africa has meant that two million people have been displaced living in, effectively, refugee camps,” Mr Hunt reportedly said.
“And the U.K is supporting the World Food Programme (WFP) which is doing an extraordinary job. We have given £150 million since the start of the conflict and they have been able to feed 1.5 million people as a result of their activities here. “I think the crucial deciding factor is the willingness and enthusiasm of the Nigerian government and the Nigerian army to work closely with us – we would like to support and help them, but they are a sovereign nation and they have got to want our help,” he said.
The British envoy also accused the military of moving the locals into towns “and assuming the ones that are not in a secure area are members of Boko Haram.” He said while the approach is understandable, “the effect means depriving the indigenes of their livelihood and homes.”
“The feedback I got from NGOs on the ground is that lack of trust between the authorities and local people is one of the things that is fuelling the problem at the moment.
“The Nigerian army strategy is largely about herding people into towns and saying if you are not in a secure area, we are going to assume you are Boko Haram and/or Islamic State west Africa,” he added. The official said his government is considering providing both military and non-military support to Nigeria.
“I think our approach is potentially a very significant one because we could bring not just the British army (support) but also DfID (the Department for International Development) and our experience in holistic solutions to these kinds of situations,” Mr Hunt explained.

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INEC To Unveil New Party Registration Portal As Applications Hit 129

Published

2 days ago

July 11, 2025

The Tide

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced that it has now received a total of 129 applications from associations seeking registration as political parties.

The update was provided during the commission’s regular weekly meeting held in Abuja, yesterday.

According to a statement signed by the National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Sam Olumekun, seven new applications were submitted within the past week, adding to the previous number.

“At its regular weekly meeting held today, Thursday 10th July 2025, the commission received a further update on additional requests from associations seeking registration as political parties.

“Since last week, seven more applications have been received, bringing the total number so far to 129. All the requests are being processed,” the commission stated.

The commission revealed the introduction of a new digital platform for political party registration. The platform is part of the Party Financial Reporting and Auditing System and aims to streamline the registration process.

Olumekun disclosed that final testing of the portal would be completed within the next week.

“INEC also plans to release comprehensive guidelines to help associations file their applications using the new system.

“Unlike the manual method used in previous registration, the Commission is introducing a political party registration portal, which is a module in our Party Financial Reporting and Auditing System.

“This will make the process faster and seamless. In the next week, the commission will conclude the final testing of the portal before deployment.

“Thereafter, the next step for associations that meet the requirements to proceed to the application stage will be announced. The commission will also issue guidelines to facilitate the filing of applications using the PFRAS,” the statement added.

In the meantime, the list of new associations that have submitted applications has been made available to the public on INEC’s website and other official platforms.

Featured

Tinubu Signs Four Tax Reform Bills Into Law …Says Nigeria Open For Business

Published

2 weeks ago

June 27, 2025

The Tide

President Bola Tinubu yesterday signed into law four tax reform bills aimed at transforming Nigeria’s fiscal and revenue framework.

The four bills include: the Nigeria Tax Bill, the Nigeria Tax Administration Bill, the Nigeria Revenue Service (Establishment) Bill, and the Joint Revenue Board (Establishment) Bill.

They were passed by the National Assembly after months of consultations with various interest groups and stakeholders.

The ceremony took place at the Presidential Villa, yesterday.

The ceremony was witnessed by the leadership of the National Assembly and some legislators, governors, ministers, and aides of the President.

The presidency had earlier stated that the laws would transform tax administration in the country, increase revenue generation, improve the business environment, and give a boost to domestic and foreign investments.

“When the new tax laws become operational, they are expected to significantly transform tax administration in the country, leading to increased revenue generation, improved business environment, and a boost in domestic and foreign investments,” Special Adviser to the President on Media, Bayo Onanuga said on Wednesday.

Before the signing of the four bills, President Tinubu had earlier yesterday, said the tax reform bills will reset Nigeria’s economic trajectory and simplify its complex fiscal landscape.

Announcing the development via his official X handle, yesterday, the President declared, “In a few hours, I will sign four landmark tax reform bills into law, ushering in a bold new era of economic governance in our country.”

Tinubu made a call to investors and citizens alike, saying, “Let the world know that Nigeria is open for business, and this time, everyone has a fair shot.”

He described the bills as not just technical adjustments but a direct intervention to ease burdens on struggling Nigerians.

“These reforms go beyond streamlining tax codes. They deliver the first major, pro-people tax cuts in a generation, targeted relief for low-income earners, small businesses, and families working hard to make ends meet,” Tinubu wrote.

According to the President, “They will unify our fragmented tax system, eliminate wasteful duplications, cut red tape, restore investor confidence, and entrench transparency and coordination at every level.”

He added that the long-standing burden of Nigeria’s tax structure had unfairly weighed down the vulnerable while enabling inefficiency.

The tax reforms, first introduced in October 2024, were part of Tinubu’s post-subsidy-removal recovery plan, aimed at expanding revenue without stifling productivity.

However, the bills faced turbulence at the National Assembly and amongst some state governors who rejected its passing in 2024.

At the NASS, the bills sparked heated debate, particularly around the revenue-sharing structure, which governors from the North opposed.

They warned that a shift toward derivation-based allocations, especially with VAT, could tilt fiscal balance in favour of southern states with stronger consumption bases.

After prolonged dialogue, the VAT rate remained at 7.5 per cent, and a new exemption was introduced to shield minimum wage earners from personal income tax.

By May 2025, the National Assembly passed the harmonised versions with broad support, driven in part by pressure from economic stakeholders and international observers who welcomed the clarity and efficiency the reforms promised.

In his tweet, Tinubu stressed that this is just the beginning of Nigeria’s tax evolution.

“We are laying the foundation for a tax regime that is fair, transparent, and fit for a modern, ambitious Nigeria.

“A tax regime that rewards enterprise, protects the vulnerable, and mobilises revenue without punishing productivity,” he stated.

He further acknowledged the contributions of the Presidential Fiscal Policy and Tax Reform Committee, the National Assembly, and Nigeria’s subnational governments.

The President added, “We are not just signing tax bills but rewriting the social contract.

“We are not there yet, but we are firmly on the road.”

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Senate Issues 10-Day Ultimatum As NNPCL Dodges ?210trn Audit Hearing

Published

2 weeks ago

June 27, 2025

The Tide

The Senate has issued a 10-day ultimatum to the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) over its failure to appear before the Senate Committee on Public Accounts probing alleged financial discrepancies amounting to over ?210 trillion in its audited reports from 2017 to 2023.

Despite being summoned, no officials or external auditors from NNPCL showed up yesterday.

However, representatives from the representatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission and Department of State Services were present.

Angered by the NNPCL’s absence, the committee, yesterday, issued a 10-day ultimatum, demanding the company’s top executives to appear before the panel by July 10 or face constitutional sanctions.

A letter from NNPCL’s Chief Financial Officer, Dapo Segun, dated June 25, was read at the session.

It cited an ongoing management retreat and requested a two-month extension to prepare necessary documents and responses.

The letter partly read, “Having carefully reviewed your request, we hereby request your kind consideration to reschedule the engagement for a period of two months from now to enable us to collate the requested information and documentation.

“Furthermore, members of the Board and the senior management team of NNPC Limited are currently out of the office for a retreat, which makes it difficult to attend the rescheduled session on Thursday, 26th June, 2025.

“While appreciating the opportunity provided and the importance of this engagement, we reassure you of our commitment to the success of this exercise. Please accept the assurances of our highest regards.”

But lawmakers rejected the request.

The Committee Chairman, Senator Aliyu Wadada, said NNPCL was not expected to submit documents, but rather provide verbal responses to 11 key questions previously sent.

“For an institution like NNPCL to ask for two months to respond to questions from its own audited records is unacceptable,” Wadada stated.

“If they fail to show up by July 10, we will invoke our constitutional powers. The Nigerian people deserve answers,” he warned.

Other lawmakers echoed similar frustrations.

Senator Abdul Ningi (Bauchi Central) insisted that NNPCL’s Group CEO, Bayo Ojulari, must personally lead the delegation at the next hearing.

The Tide reports that Ojulari took over from Mele Kyari on April 2, 2025.

Senator Onyekachi Nwebonyi (Ebonyi North) said the two-month request suggested the company had no answers, but the committee would still grant a fair hearing by reconvening on July 10.

Senator Victor Umeh (Anambra Central) warned the NNPCL against undermining the Senate, saying, “If they fail to appear again, Nigerians will know the Senate is not a toothless bulldog.”

Last week, the Senate panel grilled Segun and other top executives over what they described as “mind-boggling” irregularities in NNPCL’s financial statements.

The Senate flagged ?103 trillion in accrued expenses, including ?600 billion in retention fees, legal, and auditing costs—without supporting documentation.

Also questioned was another ?103 trillion listed under receivables. Just before the hearing, NNPCL submitted a revised report contradicting the previously published figures, raising more concerns.

The committee has demanded detailed answers to 11 specific queries and warned that failure to comply could trigger legislative consequences.