₦airaland Forum

A surge in killings and kidnappings by bandits has reportedly forced residents of Guga, Kakumi, and Kandarawa in the Bakori Local Government Area (LGA) of Katsina State to flee their homes.

This escalation of violence comes despite the state government's launch of the C-Watch initiative, aimed at enhancing security in the region.

A source, @DanKatsina50 which shared a picture of the residents fleeing their villages lamented that "insecurity worsens in Southern Katsina," especially during this Ramadan.

Accompanying the picture @DanKatsina50, wrote: "Residents of Guga, Kakumi & Kandarawa of Bakori LGA, are fleeing as bandits intensify killings & kidnappings this Ramadan. Despite the C-Watch launch by the State gov't, attacks also persist in Kankara, Malumfashi & Faskari LGAs."

BREAKING: Insecurity worsens in Southern Katsina! Residents of Guga, Kakumi & Kandarawa of Bakori LGA, are fleeing as bandits intensify killings & kidnappings this Ramadan. Despite the C-Watch launch by the State gov't, attacks also persist in Kankara, Malumfashi & Faskari LGAs. pic.twitter.com/nDn7RrSenY

— Bakatsine (@DanKatsina50) March 14, 2025


Meanwhile, SaharaReporters reports that the attacks have not been limited to Bakori Local Government Area, as neighbouring areas such as Kankara, Malumfashi, and Faskari LGAs continue to grapple with persistent bandit attacks.

The worsening insecurity has raised concerns about the effectiveness of the state government's security measures.

In a related development, the Katsina State government had set up a commission of inquiry to investigate the causes of bandit attacks in Bakori and Kankara LGAs.

The commission, headed by Justice Abbas Abdullah Bawale, conducted public hearings to gather information on the incidents.

As the situation in Southern Katsina continues to deteriorate, residents are calling for more effective measures to address the insecurity.

The state government's response to the crisis will be crucial in restoring peace and stability to the affected areas.

owobokiri:
How?
What is the use of SHELL in the Nigerian oil sector at this time? They have outlived their usefulness if any..
There is nothing they do that Nigerian companies can't do today with better financial backings..

SHELL and her cohorts are basically responsible for a lot of carnage and evils that have happened in this country.
Nigeria should be progressing towards having her own ARAMCO, and not depending on an imperialists tool to baby feed her..

SocialJustice:
You mean Ogunu? What of Port Harcourt?

Former Kaduna State Governor, Malam Nasir El-Rufai, has stated that he sought former President Muhammadu Buhari’s approval in all his political decisions, including his recent departure from the All Progressives Congress (APC).

He revealed that his decision to leave the ruling party was made with Buhari’s consent.

El-Rufai in an interview with BBC Hausa also said that when he was Kaduna governor, he would seek Buhari’s approval before appointing commissioners.

He explained that he always submitted a list of nominees to the former president for review to ensure none had insulted him.

"I left APC with his knowledge. I went to him on Friday and informed him that I was leaving the party. There is nothing I do without informing him," El-Rufai stated.

"Even when I was Kaduna governor, before appointing commissioners, I would present a list to him for review, ensuring none had ever insulted him.”

“After reviewing it, he would say there was no problem, and he would pray for success. I consulted him on everything I did," he added.

When asked if he had a political godfather, El-Rufai denied having one but admitted he sought political advice from certain individuals.

"What is a godfather? I have elders whom I consult before making any major decision. If they advise me to halt a plan, I do so. My primary political mentor is Muhammadu Buhari.

“As for the others, I won’t mention them to avoid undue pressure on them," El-Rufai explained.

El-Rufai also stated that although President Bola Tinubu had not treated him as expected, he had no regrets supporting him.

"I have no regrets supporting him, but I feel blindsided. However, I supported Tinubu for two reasons.

"First, Yoruba Muslim leaders from the Southwest came to me in Kaduna, explaining that their people were facing political challenges. That was the first reason I supported Tinubu.

"The second reason was our agreement that the presidency should return to Southern Nigeria in 2023 to ensure balance and fairness in the country," El-Rufai stated.

El-Rufai said he left the APC because the party had deviated from its founding principles.

"The APC abandoned the ideals that led to its formation. It has abandoned the people. Everyone is now pursuing personal interests and wealth. The government has become a business enterprise where everything has a price.

"There is no justice. Those who worked for the party are not recognised, let alone rewarded. Appointments are now controlled by a select group from Lagos. The party is dead.

“That is why I consult Tunde Bakare, Buhari, Abdullahi Adamu, Adams Oshiomhole, and Bisi Akande before making my decision," El-Rufai stated.

SaharaReporters previously reported that El-Rufai has officially resigned from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), citing the party’s departure from its founding principles and vision.

In a Facebook statement on Monday, the former governor announced his decision to defect to the Social Democratic Party (SDP).

As a founding member of the APC, he expressed his disappointment, stating that the party has been taken over by individuals who have strayed from the progressive ideals that led to its creation in 2013.

He accused the current leadership of disregarding internal democracy and treating members with contempt.

In his statement, El-Rufai said: “As a founding member of the APC, I have fond memories of working with other compatriots to negotiate the merger of political parties that created the APC.

“It had been my hope since 2013 that my personal values and that of the APC will continue to align up to the time I choose to retire from politics.

“Developments in the last two years confirm that there is no desire on the part of those who currently control and run the APC to acknowledge, much less address, the unhealthy situation of the party.”

President Bola Tinubu has finally brokered peace among the warring factions of the Lagos State House of Assembly over the speakership tussle, urging all members to work with the leadership of Mudashiru Obasa.

The resolution brings an end to a two-month-long crisis that had threatened the stability of the House.

Recall that Obasa was ousted as Speaker on January 13, 2025, by 35 out of the 40 lawmakers over allegations of high-handedness, financial misappropriation, and despotic leadership. Following his removal, Mojisola Meranda, who was his deputy, was appointed as Speaker.

However, after sustained pressure, Meranda resigned on March 3, following interventions by leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) at both the national and state levels.

Subsequently, Obasa was re-elected as Speaker, while Meranda returned to her original position as Deputy Speaker.

According to a source, the 40-member House met with President Tinubu in Abuja on Wednesday afternoon, where a truce was reached in the interest of the Assembly and the progress of Lagos State.

chopnaira:
https://ondostate.gov.ng/index.php/2025/03/10/ondo-state-police-command-dispels-misleading-reports-on-security-threats/

Suspected bandits have reportedly attacked four communities in Akure North Local Government Area of Ondo State, killing multiple residents in the early hours of Saturday.

The affected villages—Aba Alajido, Aba Sunday, Aba Pastor, and Ademekun—were invaded by gunmen, with reports indicating that scores of people were killed, forcing many residents to flee.

A police source confirmed on Monday that officers had been deployed to the area on Sunday and that at least 14 bodies had been recovered so far, with searches still ongoing.

“Our men were immediately deployed in the area when the report got to the command on Saturday. As I’m speaking with you, about 14 dead bodies had been recovered in the villages,” the source stated.

However, a local resident, identified as Sunday, claimed that over 40 people were killed, adding that many bodies were still unaccounted for in the bush.

He disclosed that the attack had started last week Monday but the Friday night attack was the most severe incident.

He said, “They attacked our communities on Friday night when everyone was asleep. They opened fire at everyone in sight. So many ran to the bush for safety while some unlucky ones were killed in the villages. I am sure that over 40 people have been killed while many have sustained injuries.

“On Sunday, the security men came around and recovered some of the corpses. Many are still not found, if they search further they will still find more dead bodies in the bush.”

When contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer of the state, Mrs Funmilayo Odunlami, confirmed the incident and said the investigation had started while men of the command were already in the area to restore normalcy.

She said, “The matter was reported on Saturday that Aba Pastor community was attacked, immediately the command swung into action to ensure normalcy is restored and arrest the perpetrators.”

Also confirming the incident on Monday, the Regent of Ademekun Community, Princess Adelowo Adekemisola, who expressed her bitterness over the incident said the bandits killed 14 in her own community.

She said, “Fourteen people were killed last weekend by the herdsmen who infiltrated my community and started shooting sporadically. The community has been battling the herdsmen problem for the past six years.”

Adekemisola, who spoke at a town hall meeting with cocoa farmers on Monday at the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Adegbemile, in Akure, said the herdsmen came through the Edo-Ondo boundary to attack the community.

The regent called on the state government and the security agencies in the state to come to the rescue of the communities.

Chairman of the All Progressives Congress in Rivers State, Tony Okocha, has asked Governor Siminalayi Fubara to choose between resignation and impeachment.

Speaking at a news briefing in Port Harcourt, on Monday, Okocha described Fubara’s invitation of pro-Wike members of the Rivers House of Assembly to a meeting as a Greek gift.

Daily Trust had reported how Fubara, who had been on a warring path with the 27 lawmakers who are loyalists of his estranged benefactor, invited them to a meeting at Government House, Port Harcourt, on Monday.

The invitation was sent after the expiration of the 48-hour ultimatum issued to the governor to present the 2025 budget.

The assembly had earlier issued another ultimatum for Fubara to sack commissioners and board members not screened by the House.

It also summoned the Chairman of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC).

A letter dated 9th March, signed by Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Tammy Danagogo and addressed to Speaker Mathew Amaewhule, stated that the governor had received the Supreme Court judgment and was ready to meet with the legislators.

The agenda includes discussions on providing a befitting space for assembly sittings, payment of outstanding allowances, budget presentation and other relevant issues.

The Supreme Court’s recent judgment, expected to end the prolonged political crisis in Rivers State, has instead deepened the turmoil, with both factions interpreting the ruling to their advantage.

At the briefing, Okocha accused the governor of abusing the rule of law.

“The invitation to the lawmakers is a Greek Gift. The Supreme Court Judgement is final. There is nothing anybody can do about it. The only option available to the Governor now is for him to resign or be impeached,” Okocha stated.

Less than two years into President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, some leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) have begun campaigning for his re-election in 2027.
Although neither the party nor the president has officially flagged off campaigns, top APC leaders, including the party’s National Chairman, Abdullahi Ganduje and the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume, have advocated the president’s second term.

Recently, Ganduje, while hosting APC support groups at the party’s headquarters in Abuja, urged politicians from the North eyeing the 2027 presidency to shelve their ambitions until 2031 when Tinubu would have completed his second term.

Akume, while speaking on a TVC programme, had also advised former Vice President and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate in the last general elections, Atiku Abubakar and other northerners not to seek the exalted seat in 2027.

Seyi Tinubu intensifies Ramadan visits to states
Rivers lawmaker dismisses Fubara’s invitation
Campaigns for the president’s re-election were also observed to have commenced in Kaduna, Kebbi and Kwara states; while re-election billboards of the president have also been sighted at different locations in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

This development has sparked reactions from opposition parties and political analysts who alleged that it is a violation of the Electoral Act and the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

Legal experts and political commentators argue that such premature campaigns undermine democracy, the rule of law and electoral discipline.

Legal framework for campaigns

Section 94 (1) of the Electoral Act 2022 (as amended) states: “For the purpose of this Act, the period of campaigning in public by every political party shall commence 150 days before polling day and end 24 hours prior to that day.”

Subsection 2 adds: “A registered political party which, through any person acting on its behalf during the 24 hours before polling day—(a) advertises on the facilities of any broadcasting undertaking; or (b) procures for publication or acquiesces in the publication of an advertisement in a newspaper for the purpose of promoting or opposing a particular candidate—commits an offence under this Act and is liable on conviction to a maximum fine of N500,000.”

Similarly, Section 95 (1) states: “A candidate and his or her party shall campaign for the elections in accordance with such rules and regulations as may be determined by the Commission.”

Campaign rally in Kebbi, endorsements in Kaduna, Kwara

Last month, the APC launched its campaign in Kebbi State for the re-election of President Tinubu and Governor Nasir Idris ahead of the 2027 elections.

The mega rally, held at the township stadium in Birnin Kebbi, was attended by the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Atiku Bagudu; Governor Nasir Idris; House of Representatives member and Tinubu ally, James Abiodun Faleke; Minister of State for Education, Yusuf Tanko Sununu; and other APC leaders.

Tagged “We Stand with Tinubu and Kauran Gwandu,” the event saw a massive turnout, with supporters displaying banners and posters of Tinubu’s projected second-term bid.

Bagudu stated that both Tinubu and Governor Idris deserved re-election based on their performances, saying, “The Tinubu administration has done so much to improve Nigeria. The president has fulfilled his campaign promises to Kebbi, and I am proud to be associated with him.”

Bagudu also announced a donation of N450 million to Kebbi’s 225 wards for food distribution ahead of Ramadan and urged residents to continue supporting the APC-led government.

Governor Idris added: “The people of Kebbi are solidly behind President Tinubu because he has brought progress and development to our state.”

After the Kebbi event, APC leaders, including the Deputy Senate President, Barau I. Jibrin; the party’s National Secretary, Senator Ajibola Basiru; Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari; and many others took turns to project Tinubu for re-election during an agriculture and human capital development empowerment programme organised by Senator Saliu Mustapha in Ilorin, Kwara State.

Last week, stakeholders of the party in Kaduna State passed a vote of confidence on both President Tinubu and Governor Uba Sani “for their exemplary leadership and pro-people policies.”

A statement by the state Secretary of the party, Yahaya Baba Pate, said the stakeholders gave the endorsement at a meeting held at the Kaduna State Liaison office in Abuja. This followed the endorsement of both leaders for a second term by the 255 councillors in the state.

At the weekend, during a reception organised by Ganduje and Senator Barau Jibrin, some members of the support groups of Atiku Abubakar, from the 19 northern states, while announcing their defection to the APC promised to “work for the continuation of Tinubu’s administration in 2027”.

Early campaign shows APC not for governance – Atiku’s aide

But reacting, Paul Ibe, the spokesman of Atiku in a chat with Daily Trust yesterday said that the individuals “are unknown to us.”

According to him: “We have groups we’ve been working with, and we are still working with those support groups. Anybody can claim anything for whatever it is they are doing it for, but we know clearly that the Tinubu administration has weaponized poverty, so all they are doing is that everybody survives through them, so probably it’s a furtherance of that goal,” he alleged.

On the early campaigns, he said, “it is unfortunate and clearly shows that they don’t have anything to offer. One would have thought for now the focus would be on governance; on how they could redeem themselves and make amends for the mess that they have created.

“But that is typical of APC. They are more used to politics than governance, and it clearly shows that Nigeria will continue to suffer for their inhumane policies”, he said.

‘2027 polls might be a charade’ – PDP NEC member

A PDP National Executive Committee member, Timothy Osadolor, said 2027 elections might be compromised if APC’s actions go unchecked.

Osadolor, who is also the PDP Deputy National Youth Leader, said: “When those in power violate the law, it becomes a recipe for disaster. If you go around Abuja, especially from the airport, you will see billboards of the president and his wife already campaigning for 2027. Who even knows what will happen next year or next week?

“If Nigerians do not demand constitutional order now, 2027 will be a charade. Being in government does not give a party the right to impunity. Previous presidents have respected electoral laws, but this administration bypasses the process, undermining Nigerians’ intelligence”, he said.

Buhari, Jonathan’s eras precedent

Daily Trust recalls that a similar scenario played out during President Muhammadu Buhari’s first term. In September 2017, the APC began campaigning for Buhari’s 2019 re-election. Likewise, in August 2017, Buhari’s supporters inaugurated a South-West office for his campaign organisation in Ibadan, even before the electioneering season officially commenced.

A similar scenario occurred under former President Goodluck Jonathan when the Transformation Ambassadors of Nigeria (TAN) led zonal rallies, urging him to seek re-election before the formal campaign season.

Campaigns illegal, height of impunity – Analysts

A political analyst, Jackson Lekan Ojo, described the early campaigns for Tinubu’s second term as illegal.

In a telephone interview with Daily Trust, Ojo said, “Campaigning for 2027 when Tinubu’s administration is less than two years old is a demonstration of high-level impunity and a flagrant disregard for the Electoral Act and the Constitution.

“Lack of performance is causing this. The ruling party is desperate to stay in power because it fears losing”, he said.

He added: “In a democracy, good governance earns votes. INEC must lift the ban on political campaigns before any party can start campaigning for votes. What APC leaders are doing is an insult to the nation and makes Nigeria a laughing stock.”

A political scientist, Professor Abdulrauf Ambali, stated: “It is very obvious that what many of them are doing goes against the Constitution and the Electoral Act. INEC has not declared the commencement of any campaign, yet we see them acting as they please. This clearly violates the law, but they justify it within their party structures. Any political campaign must follow officially established timelines.”

He called for stricter enforcement of electoral regulations, arguing that such actions undermine the current administration.

“However, many of those involved are part of the government itself. This will create instability, confusion, and further strain a polity already suffering from economic hardship,” he added.

Similarly, Hassan Seyid Cisse, a lecturer in Politics and Governance at the Kwara State University described the situation as a strategic move.

“This is already 2025, and a government with good strategists will not wait until the challenge is imminent before making plans. We are seeing posters in some states in preparation for 2027. However, in relation to the Electoral Act, it is still premature campaigning since the official ban has not been lifted,” he explained.

Cisse cited political theorist, Nicholas Spykman, arguing that “he who controls the law is not affected by it.” He noted that the current leadership, seeking re-election in 2027, is in control of power.

“But this will have significant implications for governance. Printing posters and organising these rallies means diverting funds that should be used for productive purposes to an election still over two and a half years away,” he concluded.

Presidency mum

Efforts to get a reaction from the Presidency on the development were unsuccessful.

The Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga and the Special Adviser to the President on Policy Communications, Daniel Bwala, could not be reached for comment.

Telephone calls as well as text and WhatsApp messages sent to them by Daily Trust were not responded to.

The Association of Local Governments of Nigeria has taken legal action against the Federal Government on the implementation of local government autonomy.

In a suit registered as FHC/ABJ/05/353/2025 at a Federal High Court in Abuja, ALGON is demanding the inclusion of local government councils in the Federation Account Allocation Committee.

Joined in the suit as respondents are the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi; Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun; Minister of Budget and National Planning, Abubakar Bagudu; and the Accountant-General of the Federation.

Other respondents are the Revenue Mobilization, Allocation and Fiscal Commission, the Central Bank of Nigeria, the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited, commercial banks, and the 774 local government councils.

So This Happened (Ep289) reviews Donald Trump’s Executive Order To Halt USAID Grants In Nigeria0:00 / 0:00

So This Happened (Ep 290) Reviews The Sexual Harassment Drama Between Akpabio and Natasha, Others0:00 / 0:00


ALGON’s Secretary-General, Mohammed Abubakar, confirmed the suit to Saturday PUNCH, saying it was to ensure that local governments received direct disbursements from the federation as directed by the Supreme Court.

On July 11, 2024, the Supreme Court ordered that local government allocations must be paid directly to them, as requested by the Attorney-General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, in a suit filed at the court.

Fagbemi had instituted the lawsuit on behalf of the Federal Government, seeking to grant full autonomy and direct funding to all 774 local government councils in the country.

In a judgment read by Justice Emmanuel Agim, the apex court ruled that states’ retention of local government funds is unconstitutional.

“The demands of justice require a progressive interpretation of the law. It is the position of this court that the federation can pay local government allocations directly to the LGs or through the states.


“In this case, since payment through states has not worked, the justice of this matter demands that LG allocations from the federation account should henceforth be paid directly to the LGs,” the court ruled.

However, local government autonomy is yet to be implemented nearly eight months after the Supreme Court judgment.

According to reports, the Central Bank of Nigeria asked all the 774 councils to provide at least two years of audited financial reports before they could receive their allocations directly.

The apex bank insisted that the local governments must meet this requirement before opening accounts for direct remittance of their allocations.

Following the delay in the implementation, Abubakar said there was a need to approach the court to seek an order for the representation of local government councils in the Federation Account Allocation Committee, or any other body that deals with the allocation of these funds.


In the suit, the association urged the court for a declaration that any attempt to disburse funds to the 774 local governments through commercial banks or other agencies, without the authorisation and approval of the local councils, would be illegal.

Other prayers of the association include: “A declaration that the 1st to 8th defendants cannot disburse monies to the 774 local government councils in Nigeria, through the 9th to 23rd defendants or any other person whatsoever, without the plaintiff authorizing, approving said 9th to 23rd defendants or any other person whatsoever after conducting due diligence on them to avert any diversion of the funds of the local government councils.

“A declaration that the 1st to 7th defendants or any other person whatsoever cannot discuss, approve, disburse or in any other way whatsoever deal with the monies accruing to the 774 local government councils in Nigeria without the representation of the local government councils at such deliberations, discussions, committees, howsoever called, including at the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) chaired by the 2nd defendant.”

In addition, ALGON also requested an order restraining the defendants from continuing to disburse funds to the local governments through any other agency or without the direct involvement of the local government councils in the process.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio has once again spoken on the scandal rocking the 10th Senate under his watch.

The parliament has been under spotlight since Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, a Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) lawmaker from Kogi State, levelled sexual harassment allegation against Akpabio, who denied it.

The lawmaker had submitted a petition against Akpabio but it was thrown out by the committee on ethics which subsequently recommended Natsaha’s suspension.

The action of the senate triggered mixed reactions, with some persons and activists calling on Akpabio to step down and allow independent investigation.

Speaking at an event to commemorate International Women’s Day, Akpabio maintained innocence, saying previous allegations by Natasha ended up false.

‘’It is only yesterday that I realized that what we are talking about only happened when there was a change of seat. That is when hell was let loose and all sorts of allegations came up. Only after the change of seat and change of committee which my Senators know happen from time to time.”

“This is said to have happened on the 8th of December, a day to my birthday which was celebrated in the Stadium in 2023. So from 8th of December 2023, I never heard, my wife never heard, no Nigerian ever heard, even the husband never heard any issue of sexual harassment until her committee was changed and then her seat was changed.

“Have ever wondered the trauma caused by that same woman on the other people she has accused in the past. None has been proven so far. Do you even wonder the trauma this caused to the 10th Senate and the image of the Senate with all this useless allegations. I have refrained myself from making a statement.

“Look at these beautiful women. They have come across me so many times. Have I ever harassed any one of you? Or is the person thinking that you are not beautiful?”