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NAHCON extends registration deadline for 2025 Hajj
NAHCON extends registration deadline for 2025 Hajj
The Chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Prof. Saleh Usman, has announced the extension of the registration deadline for the 2025 Hajj to February 10, 2025.
This decision comes after appeals were made by intending pilgrims who were unable to complete their registration by the initial deadline of January 31, 2025.
In a statement issued by NAHCON’s Assistant Director of Information and Publication, Fatima Usara, Prof. Usman emphasized the importance of timely fund transfers for securing accommodation.
The statement read, “The Chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Prof. Abdullahi Saleh Usman, has announced an extension of the deadline for 2025 Hajj registration to February 10, 2025.”
“It is important to note that Saudi Arabia has set February 14, 2025, as the deadline for contract signings. This means all payments must reach the designated IBAN account in Saudi Arabia before that date to be recognized on the e-track (Nusuk Masar) registration portal. Given the time required for international transfers, early remittance is essential,” the statement added.
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Meanwhile, NAHCON’s Commissioner of Operations, Anofiu Elegushi, proposed that pilgrims who could afford the Hajj fare should proceed with the payments while sourcing the $5,000 Basic Travel Allowance, noting that some pilgrims only fell short by ₦200,000 before the registration closed.
“The Commissioner of Operations, Prince Anofiu Elegushi, proposed that pilgrims who can afford the Hajj fare—excluding the $500 Basic Travel Allowance (BTA)—should proceed with their payments while sourcing the travel allowance separately. He noted that some pilgrims fell short by ₦200,000, preventing them from completing their payments despite reaching the required Hajj fare amount,” the statement added.
The Executive Secretary and Chairman of the Forum of States, Malam Idris Almakura, while reiterating the Chairman’s call, advised his colleagues to remit available funds immediately rather than waiting for the deadline, while emphasising the importance of transferring funds before the physical meeting scheduled for next Tuesday.
Similarly, Executive Secretary of Kebbi State and Deputy Chairman of the Forum, Alhaji Faruku Yaro, cautioned that delays in remittance of payments to the Central Bank of Nigeria could lead to contract cancellations, as experienced last year.
He also encouraged them to take advantage of the current favourable foreign exchange rates before any market fluctuations disrupt the cost structure.
Usara also disclosed that stakeholders agreed to hold regular Zoom meetings until all contracts were finalised.
According to the statement, another critical issue discussed was the CBN’s proposal to disburse Basic Travel Allowances via credit cards, which many participants opposed, citing the potential hardship it could cause for pilgrims.
NAHCON extends registration deadline for 2025 Hajj
metro
Kwara Governor Mourns 5 Forest Guards Killed in Nuku Bandit Attack
Kwara Governor Mourns 5 Forest Guards Killed in Nuku Bandit Attack
The Kwara State Government has condemned the killing of five forest guards in a deadly bandit attack in Kwara State, as Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq expressed grief over the tragic incident and unveiled fresh measures to strengthen security.
The हमला occurred in Nuku community, Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State, where suspected bandits reportedly launched a coordinated midnight raid on a security outpost around 3:00 a.m., killing five forest guards on duty.
In a statement issued through his Special Adviser on Media, Bashir Adigun, the governor described the slain guards as brave patriots who died defending their communities.
“I received the news with a heavy heart. These men paid the ultimate price while confronting armed assailants. Nothing can truly compensate for their sacrifice,” AbdulRazaq said.
According to local sources, the attackers arrived in large numbers, overwhelmed the guards, and set fire to motorcycles and patrol vehicles at the outpost, leaving critical security assets destroyed.
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The latest bandit attack in Kaiama LGA has heightened fear among residents, especially as it comes barely two months after similar deadly raids on Woro and neighbouring Nuku communities.
Security experts say the increasing frequency of such attacks signals a worrying spread of banditry in North Central Nigeria, with forested areas serving as operational bases for armed groups.
Governor AbdulRazaq commended security agencies for their ongoing efforts but urged them to intensify operations to curb the growing threat.
To tackle the situation, he announced the formation of a Kwara State Security Strategy Committee, comprising retired senior military and security officers tasked with strengthening intelligence gathering and coordinating security responses.
The committee is chaired by retired Major General G.A. Wahab, with members including Major General Yemi Abidoye, Major General Abubakar Ndalolo, Rear Admiral Aliyu Lawal, Air Commodore A.S.A. Buhari, Assistant Inspector-General of Police Aderemi Opadokun, and Lieutenant Colonel W.A. Lawal. Shuaib Abdulganiyu will serve as secretary.
The governor said the committee would immediately begin deliberations on practical strategies to address insecurity, particularly in rural and vulnerable communities.
He also assured that the state government would support the families of the deceased guards and work closely with federal security agencies to prevent further attacks.
“Our sincere condolences go to the families and communities of the forest guards. They will forever remain our heroes,” he added.
Authorities have reportedly deployed additional security personnel to the affected area, while investigations are ongoing to track down those responsible for the killings.
The incident underscores growing concerns over insecurity in Kwara State, as residents continue to call for stronger protection and proactive security measures.
Kwara Governor Mourns 5 Forest Guards Killed in Nuku Bandit Attack
metro
Amnesty International Condemns Killing of 24 in Kebbi Bandit Attack
Amnesty International Condemns Killing of 24 in Kebbi Bandit Attack
Amnesty International has condemned the killing of at least 24 people following a brutal bandit attack in Kebbi State, describing the घटना as a serious failure of security and a violation of fundamental human rights.
The attack occurred in Debe community, located in Shanga Local Government Area of Kebbi State, on the evening of Easter Sunday, when armed bandits reportedly invaded the village and unleashed violence on residents.
According to survivors, the attackers carried out indiscriminate killings, targeting anyone in sight without regard for religion or identity. Victims included Muslims, Christians, and followers of traditional beliefs, highlighting the random and devastating nature of the assault.
Residents said the gunmen moved from house to house, killing and burning properties in what has been described as one of the deadliest recent attacks in the area.
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Beyond the loss of lives, several homes were razed during the হাম, leaving many families homeless. A Catholic church—an outstation of Sacred Heart Parish in Shafa—was completely destroyed, while at least 14 shops belonging to local traders were set ablaze, wiping out goods and livelihoods.
The violence has triggered a humanitarian crisis, with many residents displaced and forced to flee to neighbouring communities. Victims are currently in urgent need of food, shelter, and medical assistance, as local resources remain overstretched.
In its statement, Amnesty International called on Nigerian authorities to launch a prompt, thorough, and impartial investigation into the killings and ensure that those responsible are brought to justice.
The organisation also urged the government to improve security in Kebbi State and other vulnerable parts of northwestern Nigeria, where banditry continues to pose a major threat to civilian lives.
Security concerns in the region have persisted despite ongoing military operations, with communities frequently reporting delayed response times and insufficient protection during attacks.
The incident further underscores the growing insecurity crisis in Nigeria’s northwest, where repeated bandit attacks have led to loss of lives, displacement, and destruction of property.
Amnesty International Condemns Killing of 24 in Kebbi Bandit Attack
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Man Admits Stabbing Wife 22 Times in Front of Four Children
Man Admits Stabbing Wife 22 Times in Front of Four Children
A 56-year-old man, Momodou Bobb, is facing a mandatory life sentence after admitting to the brutal killing of his wife, Ndata Bobb, in a shocking domestic violence case that took place while their four children were inside the home.
The High Court in Edinburgh heard that the attack occurred at the family’s home in Restalrig, Restalrig, Edinburgh, where the victim suffered at least 22 stab wounds to multiple parts of her body, including the face, neck, chest, back, arms, and abdomen.
Prosecutors told the court that Bobb initially claimed the incident happened during a struggle in which he was holding a knife that “slipped,” but he later admitted murdering his wife during a violent confrontation on 27 and 28 August last year.
The court was told that emergency services were alerted after a 999 call reported a “fight” between the couple. When police arrived, Bobb opened the door wearing only boxer shorts and was covered in blood. Officers also found two blood-stained knives in the kitchen.
Despite rapid medical intervention, including attempts by paramedics to resuscitate the victim at the scene, she was later pronounced dead at hospital. A post-mortem examination confirmed that the cause of death was a deep stab wound to the neck that severed a major vein.
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Witness testimony presented in court described hearing the victim screaming for help, reportedly shouting “leave me alone” before collapsing inside the living room.
The court also heard that Bobb sustained injuries to his hand during the incident and was treated in hospital under police supervision. During treatment, he reportedly told officers that the knife had “slipped” during a fight.
Lady Haldane, presiding over the case, described the victim as a “much-loved mother” and noted the devastating impact her death has had on her family, including her four children—three of whom she shared with the accused and one from a previous relationship.
She further confirmed that under UK law, murder carries a mandatory life sentence, with the court set to determine the minimum term Bobb must serve before being eligible to apply for parole.
The judge noted that the victim, originally from The Gambia, had a large extended family and was deeply loved by those who knew her, adding that the “tragedy of her loss is immense.”
Court proceedings revealed that the couple had moved to the UK in the 1990s and later settled in Scotland, with the victim obtaining tenancy of the Edinburgh property in late 2023.
Sentence has been deferred pending the preparation of background and sentencing reports.
Authorities have described the case as a deeply disturbing example of domestic violence, highlighting ongoing concerns about the need for stronger prevention and intervention measures to protect vulnerable families.
Man Admits Stabbing Wife 22 Times in Front of Four Children
BBC
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