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Tag: Bauchi State

  • 45 Kidnapped Victims Rescued in Bauchi Forest Operations

    45 Kidnapped Victims Rescued in Bauchi Forest Operations

    At least 45 kidnapped victims have been rescued during ongoing security operations in forest areas around Alkaleri Local Government Area of Bauchi State.

    Governor Bala Mohammed confirmed the development during a visit to the victims after their release, describing the operation as a major relief for affected families and communities.

    He said the victims were freed through coordinated efforts by security agencies and commended the personnel involved for what he called their courage and commitment in tackling banditry in the area.

    According to him, the operation also led to the killing of some suspected bandits and the arrest of others, adding that the action had weakened criminal networks operating in the forests.

    The governor disclosed that security forces are still conducting search operations to locate other possible victims believed to remain in captivity.

    He assured that the rescued individuals would receive medical attention, psychological counselling, and other forms of support to aid their reintegration into society.

    Mohammed also said the government would properly document the victims, noting concerns that illegal mining activities may be contributing to insecurity in parts of the state.

    While welcoming the progress, the governor urged residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious movements, warning that some individuals within communities may be collaborating with criminal groups.

  • Gunmen Strike in Bauchi, Kidnap Four Family Members of Chief Imam

    Gunmen Strike in Bauchi, Kidnap Four Family Members of Chief Imam

    Four family members of Imam Abubakar Muhammad Digare, Chief Imam of Jama’atu Izalatil Bid’ah Wa Iqamatus Sunnah (JIBWIS), were abducted by armed men during a late-night attack in Digare community, Alkaleri Local Government Area of Bauchi State. The raid occurred around 10:34 p.m. on Saturday, with assailants firing gunshots into the air before forcing their way into the Imam’s residence.

    Witnesses described the attack as swift and chaotic, noting that the gunmen left the community shortly after the abduction. The attackers also took one of the Imam’s mobile phones, which was charging inside the house. Three of the Imam’s wives were initially taken, though two were later released, leaving one wife, the Imam’s son, and two other children believed to be his nieces in the kidnappers’ custody. The Chief Imam reportedly escaped unharmed.

    Residents initially mistook the gunfire for routine security activity, according to Hon. Buba Jauro, councillor representing Digare Ward. Fear quickly spread throughout the community despite the presence of security personnel, as the abductors had not yet made contact to demand ransom at the time of reporting.

    The Bauchi State Police confirmed the abduction, identifying the victims as Rukayya Junaidu (19), Nafisa Zubairu (19), Safiya Imam Lata (18), and Maryam Dadalliya (30). Two mobile phones belonging to the family were also taken. A joint rescue operation by the police, army, and local vigilante groups successfully recovered two victims, Lawiza Abubakar (35) and Musa Abdullahi (10), without injuries.

    Authorities assured the public that security operations are ongoing to rescue the remaining abducted family members and apprehend the perpetrators. Commissioner of Police CP Sani-Omolori Aliyu said agencies are intensifying efforts to bring the kidnappers to justice and ensure the safety of residents in the community.

  • Bauchi Assembly Committee Rejects Oversight Failure Claims

    Bauchi Assembly Committee Rejects Oversight Failure Claims

    The Public Accounts Committee of the Bauchi State House of Assembly has dismissed claims that it is failing in its oversight responsibilities, describing the allegations as false.

    Committee Chairman Hon. Mubarak Haruna (Jama’are Constituency) made the clarification during a media briefing at the Assembly complex on Friday.

    Haruna also stressed that he is not a member of the ruling PDP and has no intention of joining the party, accusing some individuals of spreading politically motivated falsehoods to discredit the state government, Governor Bala Mohammed, and the Committee.

    He rejected claims that the Committee ignored audit queries from the Auditor-General’s report, describing such reports as misleading.

    Since assuming office, the Committee has carried out its constitutional duties diligently, Haruna said, including visiting relevant ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs) and reviewing official records.

    The Committee has strengthened accountability through audit reviews, investigations into financial irregularities in MDAs and local councils, public hearings, and monitoring of audit recommendations.

    It has also conducted budget defence exercises for the Offices of the Auditor-General for State and Local Governments, ensuring all audit queries and observations in the 2024 Auditor-General’s report were properly addressed.

    Haruna emphasized that the Assembly operates with due process and transparency, noting that credible audits must follow legal procedures and official channels, and any documents circulated outside these channels should be regarded as speculation.

    He added that the Assembly has enacted laws to improve financial management and oversight, with members committed to serving citizens with integrity, independence, and without executive interference.

  • Over 36,000 Women Demand Reserved Seats In Nigeria

    Over 36,000 Women Demand Reserved Seats In Nigeria

    More than 36,000 women in Bauchi State have petitioned the National Assembly to pass the Reserve Seats Bill, aimed at boosting women’s participation in governance. The signatures were submitted by members of the Nigerian League of Women Voters, the group’s Chairperson, Hajiya Zainab Mohammed, told the News Agency of Nigeria on Monday.

    Mohammed said the organization conducted awareness campaigns to sensitize communities on the importance of women’s inclusion at all levels of government. She added that men and youths also supported the demand for reserved legislative seats.

    “We conducted a town hall meeting to raise awareness on women’s participation in politics, and the clarion call made an impact,” Mohammed said. The group also attended public hearings organized by the National Assembly and submitted the collected signatures in support of the bill.

    Mohammed encouraged women to contest political positions despite intimidation and financial challenges, noting that religion and tradition often act as additional barriers. “Women constitute the larger population of voters in the state and have been instrumental in developing Nigeria’s nascent democracy,” she said.

    She emphasized that women in political office can empower others, support families, and contribute innovative ideas to community development.

    Women activists in Jigawa and Gombe States have similarly called for increased female political participation to advance social and economic development. Balaraba Abdullahi, Chairperson of the Jigawa Women Consultative Forum, advocated for exclusive reservation of elective posts for women to end gender and political marginalization.

    Abdullahi highlighted that financial and moral support would enable more women to take political responsibilities, but expressed concern over persistent barriers limiting their competitiveness with men. She also noted internal challenges such as envy and lack of unity among women, which hinder election success.

    Political analyst Mustapha Yunusa of Gombe said the bill could address women’s underrepresentation in governance. He criticized the rejection of gender bills in 2022, which proposed 35 percent affirmative action and reserved legislative seats for women.

    Citing historical figures such as Margaret Ekpo, Gambo Sawaba, and Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti, Yunusa said women have long played crucial roles in shaping Nigeria’s political landscape. He urged lawmakers to revisit the bills and adopt reforms to guarantee women adequate representation in legislative houses.

    He concluded: “Reserved seats are no longer a luxury; they are a necessity for true gender equality and effective governance.”

  • Bauchi Stepmother Arrested for Alleged Abuse of Stepdaughter

    Bauchi Stepmother Arrested for Alleged Abuse of Stepdaughter

    A housewife, Rabi Nuhu, from Magama Gumau in Toro Local Government Area of Bauchi State, has been accused of severely burning her five-year-old stepdaughter over repeated bedwetting.

    The minor, whose mother died about a year ago, has been living with her father, Mohammed Umar, and his new wife. Residents say the child endured repeated acts of violence in the home before the case came to light.

    Kabiru Mohammed Abdulkadir, a local human rights activist, said the abuse had been ongoing for some time. “To prevent further punishment, the father bought her a separate mattress, but the violence continued. The girl later confided in her uncle that her stepmother burnt her private part because she bed-wets frequently,” he said.

    The uncle subsequently reported the matter to the police. Abdulkadir added that the suspect often vented frustrations from marital disputes on the child.

    Speaking with journalists, the victim’s father, who works with an online television station, confirmed that his wife had repeatedly complained about the girl’s bedwetting. He admitted that he initially believed her explanation that the burns were caused by spilled hot tea.

    The Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Mohammed Wakil, confirmed that the incident was reported on September 13, 2025, around 3:00 pm. “The victim sustained burns on her lower abdomen, thighs, and buttocks,” Wakil said.

    Wakil added that the Commissioner of Police, Sani Omolori Aliyu, had ordered the immediate arrest of the suspect and directed that the case be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department for a thorough investigation.

    This incident follows another recent case in the same community where a minor was reportedly burnt over witchcraft allegations, raising concerns about child safety in the area.

  • NYSC Deploys 1,900 Corps Members to Bauchi for 2025 Orientation

    NYSC Deploys 1,900 Corps Members to Bauchi for 2025 Orientation

    The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has deployed 1,900 prospective corps members to Bauchi State for the 2025 Batch ‘B’ Stream II orientation exercise.

    NYSC State Coordinator, Kufre Umoren, disclosed this to journalists on Tuesday in Bauchi. He said registration will take place from September 24 to 26 at the NYSC Permanent Orientation Camp in Wailo, Ganjuwa Local Government Area.

    According to him, the swearing-in ceremony is scheduled for September 26, while the orientation exercise will conclude on October 14.

    Umoren explained that corps members would only be admitted into the camp after being duly certified as genuine graduates. He assured that thorough screening would be conducted to prevent impersonation or unauthorized entry.

    He reminded corps members that registration dates had already been communicated and urged them to strictly comply with camp rules and regulations. “Defaulters will be sanctioned in accordance with the scheme’s extant rules,” he said.

    The coordinator further cautioned against late-night travel, advising corps members to prioritize their safety. He also emphasized punctuality, discipline, and adherence to the NYSC dress code, warning that any acts of disobedience would attract sanctions.

  • Nestlé Trains 250 Bauchi Food Vendors on Business Skills

    Nestlé Trains 250 Bauchi Food Vendors on Business Skills

    Nestlé Professional, the Out-of-Home business arm of Nestlé Nigeria, has trained more than 2,600 food vendors across 11 states through its Business of Food workshop series, aimed at equipping small food entrepreneurs with practical culinary and business skills.

    The most recent edition was held in Bauchi State, where 250 food vendors, caterers, and canteen operators benefited from intensive hands-on sessions designed to boost food service quality, business management, and customer satisfaction.

    Speaking during the workshop, Ibraheem Awelenje, Business Manager at Nestlé Professional Nigeria, said the programme was created to help small businesses not only survive but succeed in Nigeria’s highly competitive food service sector.

    “Our goal is to see food vendors in Nigeria thrive. Bauchi’s food entrepreneurs are deeply rooted in tradition yet eager to innovate, and this excites us. By connecting them with practical skills, fresh ideas, and a strong network of peers, we are investing in businesses that feed families, create jobs, and preserve our rich culinary heritage,” Awelenje stated.

    The training covered key areas such as menu planning, hygiene, food styling, pricing, and customer service. A highlight of the event was a live masterclass by Chef Paulina, who demonstrated innovative approaches to traditional Bauchi dishes, including Dafadukan Shinkafa Da Awara.

    Participants also engaged in a cooking challenge, with winners recognized for their creativity and presentation.

    One of the participants, Justina Stephen, Managing Director of Justfine Restaurants, praised the initiative, noting how it broadened her business outlook.

    “The training opened my eyes to possibilities I never considered before. I now understand better how to plan my menu and price my meals to increase profit. I am truly grateful to Nestlé for this opportunity,” she said.

    Since its launch, the Business of Food series has enhanced menus, improved food safety practices, and helped build customer loyalty, thereby strengthening the livelihoods of vendors nationwide.

    Nestlé Professional reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Nigeria’s food service ecosystem through continued training, innovation, and sustainable income opportunities for small-scale entrepreneurs.

  • Bauchi CP Urges Farmers, Herders to Avoid Conflict

    Bauchi CP Urges Farmers, Herders to Avoid Conflict

    The Commissioner of Police in Bauchi State, CP Sani Aliyu, has appealed to farmers and herders in Zull-Gandi village, Bauchi Local Government Area, to coexist peacefully and refrain from actions that could spark communal clashes.

    The appeal was made during a peace meeting convened by the police chief with traditional rulers and community stakeholders in response to rising tensions between farmers and herders in the area.

    According to a statement released by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Ahmed Wakili, the meeting focused on finding practical solutions to longstanding disputes over land use and grazing routes.

    Commissioner Aliyu urged farmers to avoid planting crops along rocky paths and roadside areas, which he noted are traditional grazing corridors for herders. He also advised them to harvest their crops promptly to prevent situations where livestock inadvertently graze on unharvested farmland, potentially sparking disputes.

    On the other hand, CP Aliyu warned herders to ensure their animals do not stray into farmlands or destroy crops, especially before the harvest period.

    “We can only achieve lasting peace if everyone cooperates, communicates early, and abides by the law,” the commissioner said.

    He emphasized that anyone found violating the law or instigating violence would face serious consequences.

    CP Aliyu further called on traditional leaders to continue collaborating with security agencies in promoting dialogue, unity, and peaceful cohabitation in agrarian communities.

  • Lagos, Ondo, Bauchi, eight other states embrace ranching

    Lagos, Ondo, Bauchi, eight other states embrace ranching

    Cattle ranche in Kano | Photo Credit: Daily Trust

    At least eleven Nigerian states have begun moves to establish cattle ranches in a bid to end the protracted conflict between farmers and herders, which has led to hundreds of deaths in recent years.

    The states — Lagos, Plateau, Ondo, Zamfara, Bauchi, Delta, Niger, Kano, Jigawa, Nasarawa, and Anambra — have either allocated land, pledged support, or are developing frameworks for ranching initiatives.

    This nationwide push follows renewed violence in Benue and Plateau, where over 200 people were killed last week in attacks linked to armed herders.

    President Bola Tinubu, who described the attacks as a land-grabbing crisis, has ordered the arrest of perpetrators and set up a committee of elder statesmen and traditional rulers to foster peace in Benue.

    While Lagos and Ondo have existing anti-open grazing laws and have been developing ranching infrastructure, states like Zamfara and Nasarawa have pledged large expanses of land for federal ranching projects.

    In contrast, states such as Benue and Edo remain undecided, with many residents expressing skepticism about federal involvement in what they describe as private enterprise.

  • 5 die in Bauchi auto crash

    5 die in Bauchi auto crash

    Five people have lost their lives in a lone auto crash at Tashar Durumi village along Bauchi-Jos road on Monday.

    Mr Yusuf Abdullahi, the Sector Commander, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) in Bauchi state, said in a Road Traffic Crash report made available to newsmen in Bauchi.

    He said that one person sustained serious injury in the accident which involved an OPEL Astra car with registration number JJN-358 PU.

    The sector commander said that the vehicle crashed at about 7:05 am to speed violation.

    “Six persons were involved in the fatal road crash and there were two male adults and four female adults.

    “Five of them lost their lives on the spot and they were four female adults and one male adult,” he said.

    Abdullahi adddd that the FRSC personnel at the scene handed over the corpses to the Police in Tashar Durumi while the injured was taken to General Hospital, Toro.

    The sector commander advised motorists to always be conscious of traffic rules and regulations while on the road.