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We paid N6.6m for our girls’ release – Katsina community .No ransom was paid, Zamfara govt insists
A community in Katsina State, where 26 girls were abducted by bandits, has countered the claim by the Zamfara State Government that no ransom was paid to secure their release from captivity.
Indeed, the community said they paid over N6m to the kidnappers as ransom for the release of the abducted girls
The girls were said to have been randomly picked from houses in Garin Aja on October 13, 2020, only to be released on November 6. The community shares border with Zamfara State, Daily Trust reports.
“Those abducted included girls and spinsters. The bandits moved from house to house and selected their victims,” one of the sources said.
“The abductors did not bother to pick children or the old; they carefully selected girls and young women who either lost their husbands or divorced. They also asked their parents to pay a ransom and get their wards back. The parents simply complied because they want their children back and safely,” another source said.
The Zamfara State Government delegation, led by the Commissioner for Security and Home Affairs, Alhaji Abubakar Dauran, handed over the 26 girls to Katsina State Governor, Aminu Masari at the weekend.
The Special Adviser to the Governor on Public Enlightenment, Media and Communication, Zailani Bappa, told Daily Trust last night that the girls were released after negotiations and dialogue with the armed bandits.
Governor Bello Matawalle had earlier tweeted that: “I interacted with 26 rescued girls after medical professionals have ascertained their physical and mental fitness following days of trauma suffered in kidnappers den.
“The young girls kidnapped from Katsina State were rescued on 6/11/2020 as a result of our intervention.”
But the village head of Dan-Aji, Alhaji Lawal Dogara, told newsmen on Monday in Katsina that the community paid N6.6 million ransom to free the girls.
“The governor of Zamfara State should stop claiming credit for the release of our women because we paid for their release,” Dogara said.
He said two community leaders, Alhaji Abdulkarim Dan Aji and Liman Babangida Dan-Aji, trekked for three days into the forest to deliver the ransom to the bandits.
Meanwhile, the Zamfara State Police Command has confirmed an attack on the state government delegation returning from Katsina State where they handed over the rescued girls to Katsina State Government.
The command’s spokesman, Muhammad Shehu, in a statement on Monday, said the delegation was caught in the crossfire between two warring bandit groups who were fighting for supremacy at Dogon Karfe, Gidan Jaja along Zurmi – Jibiya Road in Zurmi local government.
“Unfortunately, a driver in the delegation died in the crossfire. Immediately, the combined Police and Military personnel rushed to the scene to strengthen the existing escort of the delegation,” Shehu added.
Kidnapping is a recurrent decimal in Zamfara, Katsina and the North West in general.
News
Osun Rep unveils N100m varsity scholarship
Osun Rep unveils N100m varsity scholarship
The member representing Iwo/Ayedire/Ola-Oluwa Federal Constituency of Osun State, Lukman Kayode Mudashiru, has earmarked N100 million to sponsor indigent students from the constituency for university education.
A statement on Saturday from his media office said successful applicants would be sponsored for four-year undergraduate programmes at Ahman Patigi University, Kwara State.
Mudashiru had set up a scholarship committee comprising respected individuals from the community in order to ensure transparency and efficient selection process.
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He said the goal of the committee was to identify and support indigent students based on merit, assuring that the committee would discharge its duty judiciously “to maximize its impact on the lives of our youths.”
The lawmaker said: “This initiative is a testament to our unwavering dedication to the educational upliftment of our community. We are determined to ensure that deserving students receive the support they need to pursue higher education.
“Education is the bedrock of development, and I am proud to deliver on my promise to support the aspirations of our youths. This scholarship program is an investment in the future leaders of Iwo, Ayedire, and Olaoluwa Local Government Areas, and I am confident that it will yield positive results for our community.”
Osun Rep unveils N100m varsity scholarship
News
Reps to monitor probe of military drone attack
Reps to monitor probe of military drone attack
The House of Representatives say it will monitor the investigation into the military drone attack that killed over 80 Nigerians in Kaduna State on Nov. 3.
Rep. Babajimi Benson, Chairman, House Committee on Defence, gave the assurance in a statement titled, “Tudun Biri tragedy elicits profound sorrow” in Abuja on Saturday.
He expressed regrets over the ugly incident, while tasking authorities of the Nigerian Army and other security agencies to prioritise the safety of civilians during operations.
He urged them to exercise utmost caution, and implement measures to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
He said: “The unfortunate incident in Tudun Biri community, Kaduna state, has cast a sobre mood over the hearts of all Nigerians; the House Committee on Defence is profoundly saddened by this regrettable incident.
“The loss of innocent lives in this tragic incident is heartbreaking, and our thoughts and prayers are with the affected families.
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“We would like to recognise the prompt admission of responsibility by the Nigerian Army following the accidental air strike.”
He commended various stakeholders who played crucial roles in alleviating the suffering of the victims.
He said the incident underscored the significance of exercising caution and precision in military operations, particularly in areas with civilian populations.
He said the committee acknowledged the complexities encountered by the Armed Forces of Nigeria in upholding security and addressing diverse threats across the country.
He commended the dedication and sacrifices exhibited by the Armed Forces and other security agencies in the service of the nation.
“It remains crucial for the public to steadfastly support our troops, acknowledging the intricate nature of the security environment in which they operate.
“The House Committee on Defence will closely monitor the investigations and work collaboratively with the military authorities to ensure that corrective measures are implemented to prevent the recurrence of such unfortunate incidents, ” he said.
Reps to monitor probe of military drone attack
(NAN)
News
Tinubu commiserates Saudi Royal family over death of Prince
Tinubu commiserates Saudi Royal family over death of Prince
President Bola Tinubu, on Saturday, commiserated with the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman of Saudi Arabia, and the Royal House of Saudi on the passing of Prince Talal bin Abdulaziz bin Bandar Al Saud who died in jet crash Thursday.
The Saudi Royal Court announced that Prince Talal Bin Abdulaziz died when the Saudi Arabian Air Force’s F-15SA fighter plane crashed in Dhahran on December 7.
However, it did not disclose the injuries that led to the prince’s death.
Talal, 62, who was on a training mission died alongside one other pilot.
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The last rituals for Talal will be carried out at the Imam Turki bin Abdullah Mosque in Riyadh, said the monarchy.
In a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, President
Tinubu expressed grief at the loss, acknowledging the departed Prince’s excellent and dedicated service to his country throughout his outstanding career in the Royal Saudi Air Force and the Saudi Intelligence Agency.
According to the statement titled ‘President Tinubu mourns Saudi Prince Talal Bin Abdulaziz Bin Bandar Al Saud,’ the President prayed God Almighty to grant repose to the soul of the departed, and comfort for the Royal House of Saud, the Kingdom, and all who mourn this irreparable loss.
Prince Talal joins a list of Saudi Royals who were either involved in or lost their lives in aviation accidents dating back to a 2017 helicopter crash that killed Prince Mansour bin Muqrin and seven others near the Saudi-Yemeni border.
Tinubu commiserates Saudi Royal family over death of Prince
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