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Scores killed in a rival bandit group clash in Zamfara

Published

1 year ago

February 26, 2024

Zamfara State Commissioner of Police, Ayuba Elkana

Scores killed in a rival bandit group clash in Zamfara

A fierce clash between two competing gangs around Hayin Alhaji and Munhaye forest in the Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara State resulted in the deaths of scores of bandits.

Mohammed Sanda, a local, told reporters on Sunday that the two terrorist gangs fought for supremacy last Saturday, in which hundreds of people died.

Sanda stated that villagers discovered several dead bodies at the location of the clash and were considering a mass burial for the fallen terrorists.

“We may dig a big grave and bury the dead bodies before they decompose,” he said.

According to Sanda, a group of bandits from adjacent Katsina State infiltrated some Zamfara localities with the goal of capturing the locals.

However, the powerful and known bandits’ kingpin, Ado Alero, an indigene of the area, intervened and refused to allow the rival bandit organisation to capture the residents.

The two rival gangs engaged in a gun war, resulting in the deaths of several bandits on both sides.

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He claimed that residents in the neighbourhood flocked to the battleground to see the dead bodies of the defeated robbers.

According to him, the thieves abandoned more than 20 motorcycles at the scene of the struggle.

He said, “Some bandits who came from Katsina State invaded some communities between Tafkin Kazai and Munhaye village around five o’clock in the evening of last Saturday, trying to abduct the residents of the area.

“While they were in the area, another group of bandits led by Ado Alero came to the place in a bid to protect the residents.

“The two bandit groups exchanged hot words and finally began to shoot at each other, while the residents ran helter-skelter for their dear lives.

“As we were running, the bandits’ leader, Ado Alero, told us not to panic and asked us to remain where we were.

“The two groups fought for several hours, and many of them were killed. When we returned to the area early this morning, Sunday, we saw many corpses and several motorcycles.

“As I am speaking to you at the moment, many people are trooping to this place to see the corpses and the abandoned motorcycles,” Sanda said.

Sanda reportedly stated that the towns were considering a mass burial for the terrorists’ dead bodies.

“We may dig a big grave and bury the dead bodies before they decompose,” he said.

When reached for comment, ASP Yazid Abubakar, spokesperson for the state police command, stated that he was unaware of the occurrence.

“I am not aware of this, but it is a very important development. God is answering our prayers in the fight against banditry,” Abubakar said.

Scores killed in a rival bandit group clash in Zamfara

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INEC notifies Natasha, Senate of recall petition

Published

7 hours ago

March 27, 2025

Trends Admin

Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan

INEC notifies Natasha, Senate of recall petition

Suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan yesterday got a memo from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

It is a notification to her of the receipt of petition from voters in her Constituency demanding her recall.

The same notification was sent by the electoral agency to the leadership of the Senate.

The Commission also unfolded plans to scrutinise the signatures of the petitioners to ascertain their authenticity.

INEC National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Sam Olumekun, confirmed in a statement that the addresses, phone numbers and email addresses of representatives of the petitioners, which were initially not attached, had been submitted to the commission.

On Tuesday, the Commission had picked holes in the petition, pointing out that it failed to meet the standard because the addresses and phone numbers of the petitioners’ representatives were not provided as required by law.

Exuding confidence after INEC’s confirmation that that aspect of recall requirements had been met, the petitioners said the recall request was meant to correct what they described as the error of wrong choice.

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Olumekun said: “Further to the statement issued yesterday, Tuesday 25th March 2025, the Commission hereby confirms that the contact address of representatives of the petitioners, their telephone numbers and e-mail addresses have now been provided in a letter addressed to the Chairman of the Commission, dated today Wednesday 26th March 2025.

“As provided in Clause 2(a) of the Commission’s Regulations and Guidelines for Recall 2024, a letter has been written to notify the Senator sought to be recalled about the receipt of the petition and delivered to her official address.

“The same letter has been copied to the presiding officer of the Senate and published on the Commission’s website.

“The next step is to scrutinise the list of signatories submitted by the petitioners to ascertain that the petition is signed by more than one half (over 50%) of the registered voters in the Constituency.

“This will be done in the coming days. The outcome, which will be made public, shall determine the next step to be taken by the Commission. We once again reassure Nigerians that the process will be open and transparent.”

Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, is serving a six-month suspension for misconduct and abuse of the Senate rules after her seat was changed.

She went ahead to make allegations of sexual harassment against Senate President Godswill Akpabio.

On Wednesday, Zubairu Yakubu, who wrote the petition, accompanied by former Education Minister Dr. Oby Ezekwesili, appeared before the Senate Committee on Ethics, Code of Conduct and Public Petitions sitting to defend the allegations.

However, the Committee threw out her petition, saying that the matter was already a subject of litigation.

During the meeting, Dr Ezekwesili and Senator Onyekachi Nwebonyi (Ebonyi North) clashed, exchanging hot words.

Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan has been junketing between the United States and Europe, granting interview against Senate president.

INEC notifies Natasha, Senate of recall petition

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FG declares public holidays for Eid-el-Fitr

Published

7 hours ago

March 27, 2025

Trends Admin

Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo

FG declares public holidays for Eid-el-Fitr

The Federal Government has declared Monday, March 31, and Tuesday, April 1, 2025, as public holidays in celebration of Eid-el-Fitr.

The announcement was made by the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, on behalf of the government.

He urged Muslims across the country to use the period for prayers, reflection, and acts of kindness, emphasizing the importance of peace, unity, and national development.

In a statement on Wednesday by the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Magdalene Ajani, the minister congratulated Muslims on the successful completion of the Ramadan fast, highlighting the significance of the holy month in fostering self-discipline, compassion, and spiritual renewal.

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Tunji-Ojo called on all Muslims to continue embodying the virtues of love, generosity, and peace, emphasising the need for national unity and religious harmony.

He also urged Nigerians to use the festive period to pray for the country’s peace, stability, and prosperity.

“As we celebrate Eid-el-Fitr, let us reflect on the lessons of Ramadan, embrace one another with love and forgiveness, and work together to build a more united and prosperous Nigeria,” the minister stated.

He further encouraged citizens to celebrate safely and responsibly, while extending acts of kindness to the less privileged, in line with the values of Ramadan and Eid.

On behalf of the Federal Government, Tunji-Ojo wished all Muslim faithful a joyous Eid Mubarak and prayed that the blessings of the season bring happiness and fulfilment to everyone.