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Katsina govt speaks on killing of 28 worshippers by bandits

Published

3 months ago

August 24, 2025

Faruq Lawal-Jobe

Katsina govt speaks on killing of 28 worshippers by bandits

The Katsina State government has described as cowards, the bandits who attacked and killed 28 morning worshippers in a Mosque in Malumfashi Local Government.

The acting governor of the state, Faruq Lawal-Jobe, who made the remark in Katsina on Saturday, also described the incident as “sad and most unfortunate”.

Mr Lawal-Jobe said this while inaugurating eight new Armoured Personnel Carriers (APC), procured by the state government to strengthen the fight against banditry.

In the early hours of Tuesday, August 18, suspected bandits attacked the worshippers during prayer at Unguwan Mantau.

“We have invested so much in terms of security assets.

“We have also succeeded at least in securing four of the eight frontline local governments, including Jibia, Batsari, Kankara and Danmusa.

“So, the battle is not over until it is won.

“And, therefore, we will not relent, we will not be distracted by the cowardly attitude of the bandits, because they are cowards.

“Instead of confronting the people, they decided to attack them very early in the morning when they were performing their obligatory duties,” Mr Lawal-Jobe said.

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He said that the government had saluted the courage of the community, “because the bandits made several attempts to enter the village, and they made resistance, that is why the bandits resolved to do what they did.

“But, thanks be to Allah, 76 of the kidnapped victims were freed early this morning, apart from those that escaped on their way to the bush,” he said.

The acting governor further revealed that the state government had also sought the intervention of the federal government.

“Yesterday, our senators and the members of the House of Representatives met with the leadership of the security forces.

“We are getting support in terms of personnel and assets.

“So, tomorrow, we’ll be hosting the Chief of Army Staff, who will come for an assessment.

“And we are going to provide them with additional information on areas where we require their support,” Mr Lawal-Jobe said.

He commended the locals for their efforts toward providing timely information, saying, “We’ll not be distracted. We will continue until we have a secure state.”

Earlier, the state’s commissioner for internal security and home affairs, Nasir Mu’azu, told journalists that the state government had so far invested about N36 billion in addressing insecurity.

Mr Mu’azu said that Katsina State could now boast of being one of the states with the highest number of security assets in the region.

According to him, the state has 43 Armoured Personnel Carriers, including the eight newly delivered vehicles.

The commissioner further emphasised the need for community participation in the fight against insecurity, saying, “Security is a community-driven effort.

“We urge everyone to contribute to this noble cause.

“Our doors are open for anyone willing to assist, and we remain committed to transparency in all our security investments,” he said.

Katsina govt speaks on killing of 28 worshippers by bandits

(NAN)

Related Topics:Bandits Katsina worshippers

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Ex-CBN Governor Godwin Emefiele Denies Allegations of Financing Terrorism

Published

6 hours ago

December 6, 2025

Trends Admin

Godwin Emefiele

Ex-CBN Governor Godwin Emefiele Denies Allegations of Financing Terrorism

Former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Godwin Emefiele, has strongly denied allegations linking him to terrorism financing in Nigeria, describing the claims as “mischievous and malicious.”

In a statement released on Saturday, December 6, 2025, Emefiele said the reports were “entirely fabricated, baseless, and a deliberate attempt to malign my name, mislead the public, and sow confusion for motives best known only to the publishers and their sponsors.”

He emphasized that the fight against terrorism is too important to be trivialized by irresponsible reporting, warning that Nigerians deserve accurate information rather than “reckless misinformation.”

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“Throughout my service to the nation and in my private life, at no time have I been involved in any activity remotely connected to terrorism, terrorist financing, or any action that threatens the peace and security of our nation,” Emefiele stated. He added that he has never been invited, questioned, or investigated regarding such allegations and has no connection to the individual cited in the media reports.

“There is no scintilla of truth in the allegation,” he said, urging the public to disregard the claims entirely and calling on media organizations to verify facts before publishing sensational stories.

Emefiele’s statement seeks to reaffirm his reputation and distances him from any activities undermining national security.

Ex-CBN Governor Godwin Emefiele Denies Allegations of Financing Terrorism

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Shettima Inaugurates Multi-Million Naira Juma’at Mosque in Gumel

Published

7 hours ago

December 6, 2025

Trends Admin

Shettima Inaugurates Multi-Million Naira Juma’at Mosque in Gumel

Vice President Kashim Shettima on Friday inaugurated the newly constructed multi-million-naira Juma’at Mosque located within the Emir of Gumel’s Palace in Jigawa State.

According to a statement by Zainab Rabo, Senior Special Assistant on Media Affairs to Governor Umar Namadi, the event drew high-level dignitaries, including top politicians, first-class emirs, captains of industry, and prominent Islamic scholars from across the country.

Rabo disclosed that the mosque was built by the Kashim Shettima Foundation, adding that Governor Umar A. Namadi and the Sultan of Sokoto graced the ceremony.

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During the occasion, the Vice President congratulated the Emir of Gumel, Alhaji Ahmed Mohammed Sani, on marking 45 years on the throne, describing the milestone as a blessing and testament to exemplary leadership.

Shettima also reaffirmed his commitment—through his foundation—to initiatives that would improve the lives of Nigerians.

The Vice President further commended Governor Namadi for his notable strides in modern agriculture, noting that Jigawa’s progress under his leadership had positioned the state competitively within Nigeria and beyond.

“Governor Namadi is equal to the task, looking at his two-year achievements and the way he transformed Jigawa in modern agriculture,” Shettima stated.

Shettima Inaugurates Multi-Million Naira Juma’at Mosque in Gumel

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Police Launch Special Enforcement Team to Enforce Tinubu’s Ban on VIP Escorts

Published

7 hours ago

December 6, 2025

Trends Admin

Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun

Police Launch Special Enforcement Team to Enforce Tinubu’s Ban on VIP Escorts

The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has deployed a Special Enforcement Team in Lagos to enforce President Bola Tinubu’s directive ending the use of police officers as escorts and guards for Very Important Persons (VIPs).

The operation, according to a statement posted on the Force’s official X account on Saturday by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, commenced at about 10:00 a.m. on December 6, 2025, across key locations in Lagos State.

Hundeyin confirmed that the team carried out compliance checks at major points, including the Lekki–Ikoyi Link Bridge, the Murtala Muhammed International Airport domestic terminal, and other strategic hotspots within the state.

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He disclosed that officers found “satisfactory and commendable” compliance with the presidential directive, with no incidents of unauthorised police escort and no arrests recorded.

“The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, reiterates the Force’s commitment to the full implementation of the presidential directive,” the statement said. “The Nigeria Police Force remains resolute in redeploying its personnel to core policing duties aimed at enhancing general security, crime prevention, and the protection of lives and property nationwide.”

Hundeyin added that enforcement would continue across the country “without fear or favour,” urging Nigerians to support the push for a more professional and citizen-focused policing system.

President Tinubu had, on November 23, ordered the immediate withdrawal of police officers from VIP protection, directing that they be reassigned to frontline policing roles. According to the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, VIP protection will now be handled by armed operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).

The policy aims to free up police manpower for critical security operations, particularly in underserved communities, and enhance overall national security efficiency.