₦airaland Forum

Governor Dikko Umaru Radda of Katsina State has backed down on his decision not to engage bandits terrorising communities across the state, saying the door of negotiation is open to those willing to embrace peace.


He said the state government remains willing to engage bandits and kidnappers who genuinely denounce criminal activities, stressing that the state government is willing to facilitate their reintegration.

He asked them to abandon violence, embrace dialogue and surrender their weapons in the interest of peace and development.

The governor made the appeal during the official commissioning and handing over of 152 housing units to internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Jibia Local Government Area of the state,on Thursday.

The houses were constructed under the UNDP Northwest Prevention Facility Project under the support of the government of Germany in partnership with the state government.

The governor urged those still involved in criminal activities to turn a new leaf and return to their families and communities, assuring them that government support and opportunities could also be extended to them if they choose the path of peace as they lay down their weapons.

“To our brothers and sisters in the bush and forests, to those who still raise weapons against innocent people, and to those engaged in banditry, kidnapping and violence, hear me clearly today: there is a better path, the doors for dialogue, repentance and reintegration remain open.”

“Lay down your arms and return to your families and communities. The same houses, grants and opportunities being provided here today can be available to you tomorrow. Not through fear or bloodshed, but through peace, good governance and honest labour. Choose your children over your weapons. Choose prosperity over destruction. Choose life,” he said.
Radda reiterated his administration’s commitment to pursuing lawful and practical measures aimed at ending the persistent insecurity confronting many communities across the state.

He said lasting peace remains essential for the state’s development and pledged to continue supporting initiatives that promote stability, rehabilitation and community recovery.

The Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, has challenged recent remarks by Vice President Kashim Shettima, insisting that Kano, not Lagos, nurtured the business foundations of Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, and billionaire industrialist Abdul Samad Rabiu.

Sanusi made the remarks while addressing members of the Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators of Nigeria (ICSAN), where he underscored Kano’s long-standing reputation as a commercial hub and a cradle of entrepreneurial success.

According to the Emir, both Dangote and Rabiu emerged from Kano’s deep-rooted trading tradition before expanding their business empires across Nigeria and beyond

These businessmen went to Lagos to expand their businesses and learn from the commercial environment there, not to learn how to do business from the beginning,” Sanusi said.

He noted that Kano has historically produced generations of successful merchants and entrepreneurs, arguing that the state’s commercial heritage played a significant role in shaping some of Africa’s most prominent business figures

The Emir’s comments are widely seen as a response to remarks made by Shettima during the Invest Lagos Summit 3.0 on Monday.

At the summit, the Vice President praised Lagos State’s economic environment and leadership, stating that Lagos was responsible for producing Africa’s richest individual.

“Lagos produced Africa’s richest man, not Kano. Aliko Dangote is a Lagos boy. Likewise, it was not Kano that produced Africa’s second-richest man, Abdul Samad Rabiu,” Shettima said.

The Vice President made the statement while emphasising Lagos State’s contribution to Nigeria’s economy and its role in fostering private-sector growth and wealth creation.

Sanusi’s response has since sparked renewed debate over the respective contributions of Kano and Lagos to the development of some of Nigeria’s most influential business leaders, reflecting a broader discussion about the country’s commercial history and economic identity

myrates:
Dey play, the South Animals go still collect in their own coin.

Incognito403:
You want a business to call out a government?
Stop dreaming.

Have you seen airpeace call out Tinubu or an south east governor? E get why.

free2ryhme:
shameless lot

una mate dey world cup

na ronaldo una dey rush snap picture with

DoTheNeedful:
I didn't see any rush in the video. I only saw players and officials extending post-match courtesies and greetings to themselves.

XENOPHOBIA: MTN gives repatriated Nigerians N100,000, Imo awards N1m each

Premium Times

mirrael68:
Exactly.
Call the problem by the right name- it's not banditry or even terrorism, it's a jihad. They want full take over.
But you see, it won't happen.
For we have a promise from the promise keeper Himself - THE GATES OF HELL WILL NEVER PREVAIL!

For we have a promise from the promise keeper Himself - THE GATES OF HELL WILL NEVER PREVAIL![

martinmiller:
Take solid actions against all these insecurities shenanigans going on insouth West - how will this story challenge banditry, bk boys, fulani herdsman among others - all the groups put together, it is only when issues like this rises you see them putting out communique or what our view!

I was hoping to read how you guys are set to map out banditry, the oyo state governor is also jacketing up and down without no serious template - the other day Adelabus sister was rescued with effort from the gun kidnapping men, why can't the same technique be used against these guys in the Bush like what is stopping a whole state government and besides these bandit told you what they want lol 😆 are you saying nation building nah rocket science.

The problems of Nigeria are Nigerians, the politicians, their colonial masters and the civil service. Everything is politicised, it is deeper than what we are seeing on the media,the media as failed Nigerians.

It renews the demand for the establishment of State Police and Local Government Police

The Yoruba One Voice Worldwide has called on traditional rulers in Yorubaland to close ranks and forge a common front to tackle the surge in insecurity in the region.

The call formed part of the resolutions reached at a virtual international conference organised by the group, led by the Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland, Iba Gani Adams, which brought together Yoruba organisations, community leaders, professionals, intellectuals and cultural advocates in Nigeria and the diaspora

The South-West region has, in recent times, witnessed a surge in incidents of abductions and other forms of terrorism, with over 40 teachers and pupils of three schools in the Yawota and Ahoro-Esinle communities in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State still being held hostage.

In a communiqué signed by its Secretary-General, Adedokun Ademiluyi; Organising Secretary, Victoria Harley; and Publicity Secretary, Samuel Olamuyiwa, on Sunday, the group emphasised that the security of Yorubaland depends on unity of purpose and effective collaboration among stakeholders, including traditional rulers.

Speakers at the conference posited that the security situation in Yorubaland had deteriorated significantly in recent years, with increasing incidents of kidnapping, banditry, violent crimes, killings and attacks on communities, and called for urgent action.

The communiqué read, “The conference advises traditional rulers to eschew their differences, close ranks and forge a common front in the fight against insecurity in Yorubaland.

“The future security of Yorubaland depends on unity of purpose, effective collaboration among stakeholders, community participation and the adoption of decentralised policing structures capable of responding to local realities.”
The conference stressed the need for collective action, strategic partnerships and sustained commitment for Yorubaland to overcome the current security challenges and restore peace, progress and prosperity across the region.

The participants demanded the collaboration of the Federal Government, South-West governors, security agencies, traditional institutions and community leaders to ensure the urgent release of the abducted schoolchildren and adopt proactive measures to prevent a deterioration of the security situation in the zone.


They noted that the recent escalation of insecurity stemmed from the failure of government, security agencies and other stakeholders to heed early warnings and intelligence reports about the gradual infiltration of Yorubaland by bandits and others with criminal intent.

“The existing centralised policing structure has demonstrated limitations in effectively responding to local security challenges and emerging threats.

“Early warnings and intelligence reports regarding the gradual infiltration of bandits into Yorubaland were not given adequate attention by relevant authorities, thereby allowing criminal networks to strengthen their operations.

“Community-based security groups possess valuable local intelligence, grassroots networks and operational experience that can complement government security efforts,” the communiqué further read.

According to them, the Oyo attack underscored the fact that communities across Yorubaland remain vulnerable due to inadequate security presence, difficult terrain, porous borders, isolated settlements and limited emergency response capacity

“The coordinated attack on schools in Oyo confirmed that the threat has now fully spread to the South-West region, which was previously considered relatively safer.

“Understanding the changing face of insecurity in Yorubaland requires examining both traditional and emerging threats, their root causes and the collaborative strategies needed to ensure sustainable peace, security and development across the region.

“This grisly picture of growing insecurity ravaging Yorubaland and South-West Nigeria demands urgent strategic attention and action,” the communiqué read.

The group reiterated calls for the establishment of state police and local government police, just as it urged President Bola Tinubu and the National Assembly to hasten legislative action towards providing a constitutional framework for decentralised policing in Nigeria.

The communiqué also read, “The conference strongly condemns the growing wave of insecurity, kidnappings, banditry, terrorism and violent crimes threatening the peace, stability and development of Yorubaland.

“It renews the demand for the establishment of State Police and Local Government Police as part of broader constitutional and security reforms necessary for effective grassroots policing and intelligence gathering.

“It urges President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the National Assembly and relevant stakeholders to accelerate legislative actions that will provide a constitutional framework for decentralised policing across Nigeria.”


Despite the call for action by the government and stakeholders, the YOV also stressed the importance of community vigilance by residents to support security agencies.

This was as it called for a bottom-up approach to intelligence gathering to mitigate security challenges in Yorubaland.

“We recommend institutional engagement with the South-West Security Stakeholders’ Group and other credible grassroots security networks for intelligence sharing, surveillance and coordinated security operations.

“We also advocate increased investment in rural security infrastructure, including improved road access, communication systems, surveillance technology and rapid response mechanisms.

“We call on all Yoruba people, irrespective of political affiliation, religion or social status, to unite in safeguarding their communities and supporting legitimate security initiatives. We also encourage continuous public enlightenment and community vigilance as essential tools in preventing criminal infiltration and strengthening collective security,” the communiqué read.

Earlier, Maj. Gen. Ishola Williams (retd.) delivered the keynote address on issues of governance, security reforms and democratic accountability, which set the tone for the conference.

The conference also had other participants, including opinion and community leaders, intelligentsia, security experts, professionals, entrepreneurs, workers, scholars, students, media practitioners and stakeholders from within and outside Nigeria.

benardtotti:
I would have answered you,but this guy onX has done a good job of schooling you and your fraud of a candidate.

weedfada:
I won't even look at that lady twice fr. Team slimshady right here

The 2027 presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, Peter Obi, has criticised President Bola Tinubu’s administration over what he described as excessive borrowing and poor fiscal accountability.

Obi said Nigeria’s total public debt has risen to about N200 trillion, which he attributed to what he called “imprudent governance” under the current administration.

He said the debt level represents an increase of over N100 trillion in three years, contrasting it with the approximately N49 trillion accumulated during the eight-year administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari

The former Labour Party presidential flagbearer in the 2023 election stated this in a statement posted on his X handle on Tuesday, saying the situation reflected a lack of accountability and transparency in the management of borrowed funds.

“President Bola Tinubu’s administration has engaged in remarkably imprudent borrowing, escalating Nigeria’s total debt to approximately N200 trillion. This represents an increase of over N100 trillion within a mere three years, a stark contrast to the roughly N49 trillion accumulated during President Muhammadu Buhari’s eight-year tenure, which would have projected to around N80 trillion.

“As millions of Nigerians grapple with the shock of this unsustainable debt accumulation, the situation is exacerbated by the government’s reckless approach to borrowing and a profound absence of accountability and transparency in the utilisation of these funds,” he said.

Citing figures from the Budget Office, Obi said the government borrowed N11.89 trillion in the first three quarters of 2025 (January to September), exceeding its planned borrowing target of N10.34 trillion by about N1.54 trillion.

He said such an overrun should ordinarily attract scrutiny and explanation from relevant authorities.

“Under a responsible and accountable government, such an overshoot would necessitate rigorous scrutiny and explanation from relevant governmental bodies. Regrettably, this is not the reality under the current administration,” he said

Obi further claimed that only N3.10 trillion of the borrowed funds was allocated to capital expenditure during the January–September 2025 period, representing 17.66 per cent of the N17.58 trillion earmarked for capital projects, leaving a funding gap of about N14.48 trillion.

He questioned how the remaining funds were utilised.

“The most disturbing aspect of the financial management fiasco under Bola Tinubu is that there is no explanation or information regarding how the balance was utilised or deployed.

“The question that Nigerians are rightly asking and deserve an answer to is what happened to the balance? Was it deployed for recurrent expenditure/consumption, for the entertainment of guests to Aso Rock or transferred to the Renewed Hope Agenda 2027 Election Campaign Fund?

“Nigerians deserve an answer on how our economy and resources are most unpatriotically managed,” he said.

Nigeria has faced mounting debt pressures since the Tinubu administration’s major reforms began in mid-2023, including the removal of long-standing fuel subsidies and unification of the foreign exchange market.

These moves aimed to correct fiscal distortions but triggered immediate inflation spikes, naira volatility, and higher living costs, while increasing the local-currency burden of debt servicing.

Tinubu had disclosed in May 2026 that Nigeria plans to spend about $11.6 billion on debt servicing in 2026.

While supporters of the government argue that borrowings support critical infrastructure, critics warn of a debt without growth trap.

ChizzyBuna:
Use the dance move buy fuel Sir
If the fuel attendant no wooze u slap