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Author: Bamalli Abbas

  • NSCDC arrests suspected electricity cable vandals in Katsina

    NSCDC arrests suspected electricity cable vandals in Katsina

    Vandals
    By Abbas Bamalli
    Katsina, June 13, 2024 (NAN) The Katsina State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) says it has arrested two suspected streetlight and electricity cable vandals in the state.

    The command’s Public Relations Officer (PRO), DSC Buhari Hamisu, said this while parading the suspects in Katsina on Thursday.

    Hamisu said that the arrest was made by the Special Anti-vandal Unit of the command, headed by CSC Musa Adam-Usman, “based on credible intelligence”.

    According to him, On June 10, the team successfully apprehended a suspect, 26-year-old Ma’aruf Yusuf, while on a routine patrol.

    “The suspect belonged to a team of notorious syndicate that specialised in theft and vandalising public infrastructure.

    “During the investigation, the suspect confessed to committing the crimes and revealed that he conspired with Aliyu (alias Chakal) and one Haduwa, who are still at large,” the PRO said.

    He said that the suspect also confessed that the gang went to Magangarin Makudawa and dug out the streetlights cable, using digger and shovel.

    He said that “on sighting the patrol team, the suspects ran away, while Yusuf was apprehended after they attempted to attack the operatives with knife, double-edged sword, digger and stick.

    “Further investigation reveals that they had severally vandalised and removed electric wires of streetlights at the same location and sold 10kg to Ali at the cost of N800 per kg.

    “He also sold 15kg to Ayi Guda at the cost of N750 per kg, and both receivers are scrap dealers at Kofar Guga Garage,” he said.

    Hamisu said that exhibits recovered from the suspects included one knife, double-edged sword, stick, digger and electricity armoured cables. (NAN)(wwwnannews.ng)

    AABS/USO
    Edited by Sam Oditah

     

  • Anniversary: Katsina Assembly passes 15 bills in 1 year

  • Bandits kill 6 security operatives, 20 others in Katsina – Police

    Bandits kill 6 security operatives, 20 others in Katsina – Police

     

    Bandits

     

    By Abbas Bamalli

     

     

    Katsina, June 10, 2024 (NAN) The Police Command in Katsina State has confirmed the killing of no fewer than 20 people, four police officers and two operatives of the state-owned Community Watch Corps by some suspected bandits.

     

    ASP Abubakar Sadiq-Aliyu, the command’s Public Relations Officer, disclosed this in a statement in Katsina on Monday.

     

    According to him, the attack occurred on Sunday, at Gidan Tofa and Dan Nakwabo villages, all in Kankara Local Government Area of the state.

     

    He said, “Yesterday, June 9, 2024, bandits in their numbers, armed with dangerous weapons, attacked the villages, shot and killed 20 people, injured two, and ambushed our Armored Personnel Carrier (APC) patrol team.

     

    “The team was responding to the distress call, killing four police officers and two members of the Katsina State Community Watch Corps (KSCWC).

     

    “The fact of the case is that on the same date, a distress call was received at the Kankara Divisional Headquarters.

    ”That bandits in their numbers, riding on motorcycles, armed with dangerous weapons, shooting sporadically, attacked Gidan Baki village, Kankara LGA, killing unsuspecting villagers.

     

    “Immediately, the nearest APC patrol team was dispatched to the scene. While en route to the village, the team discovered that the attack was actually on Gidan Boka village via Yar Goje village, all in Kankara.

     

    “The team quickly redirected towards the scene. Upon reaching Kurmeji village via Yar goje, the team fell into an ambush, where a firefight ensued between the team and the bandits,”  Sadiq-Aliyu  said.

    According to him, upon receipt of the information on the attack of the responding team, swiftly the DPO mobilised and led a team of operatives to the scene and restored normalcy.

     

    He explained that during preliminary investigation, it was revealed that the bandits attacked Gidan Boka village, killing 15 people and injuring two others.

     

    “They also ambushed our patrol team and killed four police officers, three Inspectors and one Corporal and two members of the Katsina State Community Watch Corps (KSCWC).

     

    “Also, the bandits, while escaping through Dan Nakwabo village, shot and killed five persons. Further developments will be communicated as the investigation proceeds,” according to Sadiq-Aliyu.

     

    He revealed that the command has deployed additional operational assets to the area to work with all the relevant stakeholders towards preventing the recurrence of the attacks and ensuring the arrest of the perpetrators.

     

    The Commissioner of Police in the state, while expressing his utter dismay over the tragic incident, extended his condolences to the families and friends of those affected by the incident,”  Sadiq-Aliyu  said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

     

    AABS/BRM

    =============

    Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani

  • Radda releases N10bn to 34 LGAs to build health centres

    Radda releases N10bn to 34 LGAs to build health centres

    Centres
    By Abbas Bamalli
    Katsina, June 10, 2024 (NAN) Gov. Dikko Radda of Katsina State has released over N10 billion to chairmen of the 34 local government areas of the state to build primary health centres.

    The governor said this during an interactive session with journalists on Monday in Katsina, saying that three primary health centres would be constructed in each council area.

    He added that “when I became the governor, I talked about World Health Organisation’s resolution on the need to have functional primary health centres in rural areas that can work 24 hours.

    “The aim is to reduce child and maternal mortality and other difficulties faced by rural people whenever they are sick.

    “If we have functional healthcare facilities in rural areas, even a woman in labour can be attended to by a professional health worker at any time.

    “And if there is need to take her to a secondary healthcare facility, the centre should have an ambulance that can convey her there.”

    According to him, there should also be accommodation for health workers, enough drugs, constant/potable water, and electricity supply, among others.

    Radda revealed that the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) would provide those institutions with running cost, from N250,000 to N400,000.

    “This fund is enough for the running of daily activities of the centres. But we cannot benefit from the fund until we have fully functional healthcare centres.

    “If we have functional primary health centres in rural areas, it will assist in decongesting hospitals in urban areas, and the health level of the people will improve.

    “The only challenge we are going to face is staffing, because we have shortages of staff to man these centres. To recruit health workers is not easy now, but we will do that in due course.

    “However, we have over 5,000 casual staff and if we are to confirm them, their salaries would double that of the over 7,000 teachers recently recruited.

    “This is because the salary of some health workers almost tripple that of teachers.

    “That’s the challenge now, but in spite of that, we will recruit health workers in due course.

    “Before the end of the year, we’ll make sure that no fewer than 361 functional primary health care centres are provided in the state.”(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    ABS/GOM/HA
    ===========
    Edited by Gregg Mmaduakolam/Hadiza Mohammed-Aliyu

  • KTSG nets N4bn IGR in Q1 2024

    KTSG nets N4bn IGR in Q1 2024

    Revenue

    By Abbas Bamalli

     

    Katsina, June 9, 2024 (NAN) Katsina State Government says it collected N4.08 billion as Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) in the first quarter of 2024.

    Malam Ibrahim Kaula,cChief Press Secretary (CPS) to Gov. Dikko Radda, announced this in a statement on Sunday in Katsina.

    According to him, the figure indicated a 227 per cent increase compared to the N1.79 billion generated during the same period in 2023.

    He attributed the feat to the administration’s unwavering commitment to plugging leakages in the state’s financial system.

    Kaula added that Radda’s  administration had strategically positioned the state to not only exceed its current capacity, but also to shatter revenue projections.

    “Estimates indicate that the state is poised to surpass the N20 billion mark in internal revenue generation for the year 2024.

    “A feat that seemed unimaginable in previous years when the range hovered between N10 billion and N14 billion,” he said.

    Kaula added that at the heart of this financial renaissance lies Radda’s visionary ‘Building Your Future’ policy document, a blueprint that had paved the way for ground breaking initiatives.

    He listed some of the initiatives to include the State Treasury Single Account (TSA) and the recently implemented E-tax billing system.

    “These reforms have not only streamlined tax and revenue collections, but have also fostered an inclusive environment, ensuring that no stone is left unturned in the quest for economic growth.

    “One of the key catalysts for this extraordinary success has been the administration’s unwavering commitment to plugging leakages in the state’s financial system.

    “By identifying and addressing these vulnerabilities, Gov. Radda’s team has effectively stemmed the tide of revenue loss, paving the way for an unprecedented influx of resources,” he said.

    According to the CPS, Radda’s overarching objective is to empower the state to achieve a level of fiscal self-sufficiency.

    This will enable it to offset its monthly and annual wage bills solely through internally generated revenue by year 2027.

    Kaula expressed confidence that at the current pace of progress, that ambitious goal may be realised even sooner than anticipated.

    He said, ”The state government had set an example for others to follow, proving that with undeterred commitment and innovative solutions, even the most daunting obstacles could be overcome.” (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    AABS/EEM/BRM

    ===================

    Edited by Emmanuel Mogbede/Bashir Rabe Mani

  • Anniversary: CSOs urge Radda to intensify efforts to combat banditry

    Anniversary: CSOs urge Radda to intensify efforts to combat banditry

     

    CSOs

     

    By Abbas Bamalli

     

     

    Katsina, June 9, 2024 (NAN) The Coalition of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) in Katsina State, has called on Gov. Dikko Radda’s administration to redouble efforts to fully combat banditry.

     

    Mr Abdulrahman Abdullahi, the Chairman of the coalition stated this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Katsina on Sunday.

     

    According to him, within the last year of the administration, the governor did well in trying to address security challenges.

    He cited the establishment of the Community Security Watch and providing them with working tools to tackle banditry.

     

    Abdullahi said, “However, the governor needs to do more in ensuring that bandits are crushed.

    ”This rainy season should be the litmus test in assessing the return of investment in the area of security promotion.

     

    “The governor should facilitate a sustainable onslaught on the bandits using air and land forces simultaneously.

     

    “He should also motivate the Community Watch through timely payment of their monthly stipends, reward for excellent performance, welfare packages and the provision of more sophisticated working tools.”

     

    Commending the governor for recruiting 7,300 teachers, Abdullahi said in spite of that, schools were still facing challenges in running costs required to function well.

     

    He added that the governor needed to see that schools were given adequate running costs and in good time.

     

    Abdullahi added, “From our findings, schools have not been paid their running costs for the 2nd term and we are now in the 7th week of the 3rd term without the funds again.

     

    “This forces the heads of the schools to incessantly borrow to run their schools affairs.

    ”On this, we call on the governor to look into this issue and ensure that schools are paid their running costs in good time.”

     

    According to him, to address street begging, hawking, rape and other child-related vices, there is the need for the full implementation of the ‘Child Protection Law’ in the state.

     

    “The performance of Katsina State in the social sector budget for the year 2023 calls for more releases of funds for the sector.

     

    “This will promote social protection and take development down to the doorsteps of the poor,” according to the state Chairman of the CSOs,” Abdullahi said.

     

    According to him, the governor should also be commended for endorsing and establishing a ‘Gender-Based Violence (GBV) Redress Centre’, establishment of an ‘Anti-Corruption Commission and Fiscal Responsibility Commission’.

     

    Malam Kasimu Kabir, a tea vendor, said that the administration was doing well in the area of education, agriculture and insecurity, among others.

    He urged, ”But it should also consider the provision of potable drinking water.”

    According to another trader, Malam Bilyaminu Sani, in spite of the economic challenges, the government should focus on the well-being of the people, especially through enforcing a ban on grains hoarding.

     

    NAN recalls that Gov. Dikko Radda had recently said that his administration had reduced banditry to about 70 per cent in the last one year.

    This, he said,  was sequel to the robust synergy between the local security outfits and the conventional security agencies across the state.

     

    He said, ”It is high time to have state Police included in the fight against insecurity in the country. We have reduced the rate of banditry to about 60 to 70 per cent.

     

    “What we are witnessing now is the crazy approach by the bandits going to hard-to-reach villages close to forests, burning houses and killing people. This is our major challenge at the moment.”

     

    Radda also said that his administration was doing its best towards improving agriculture, education and health among other sectors in the state. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    AABS/BRM

    ==============

    Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani

  • Police kill 3 bandits in Katsina, rescue kidnap victims

    Police kill 3 bandits in Katsina, rescue kidnap victims

    Police
    By Abbas Bamalli
    Katsina, June 8, 2024(NAN) The Police Command in Katsina says it has suceeded in thwarting a kidnap attempt, killed three suspected bandits, and rescued all the kidnapped victims.

    ASP Abubakar Sadiq-Aliyu, the command’s spokesman, who disclosed this said the incident occurred at Duya village, Maibakko ward, in Sabuwa Local Government Area (LGA).

    “On June 7, 2024, information was received at the Sabuwa Divisional Police Headquarters that armed bandits in their numbers, wielding dangerous weapons, attacked Duya village and kidnapped a number of women

    “Upon receipt of the report, promptly, the DPO of the Divisional headquarters, CSP Aliyu Mustapha, in collaboration with members of the vigilante, mobilised a team of operatives to the scene.

    “On noticing the presence of the team, the bandits opened fire on the them, which the team responded gallantly and successfully thwarted the kidnapping attempt and rescued all the kidnapped victims.

    “In the course of scanning the scene, the bodies of three neutralised suspected bandits were recovered from the scene,” Sadiq-Aliyu said.

    He said that the Commissioner of Police in the state, Mr Aliyu Abubakar-Musa, commended the operatives for their exceptional display of bravery and gallantry.

    He said that Abubakar-Musa also reiterated the command’s commitment towards ensuring the safety and security of the good people of the state.(NAN)
    AABS/IS
    ========
    Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

  • Katsina Govt. recruited over 10,000 workers in 1yr – Radda

    Katsina Govt. recruited over 10,000 workers in 1yr – Radda

    Workers
    By Abbas Bamalli
    Katsina, June 7, 2024 (NAN) Gov. Dikko Radda of Katsina State, on Friday, said that his administration had recruited at least 10,000 workers in the state since his assumption of office.

    Radda disclosed this during an interactive session with some journalists in Katsina, saying that the number comprised 7,300 teachers.

    According to him, his administration is giving the education sector more attention than other sectors due to its importance, hence the need to recruit more teachers.

    He further disclosed that his administration was doing everything possible to make youths in the state self-reliant, instead of relying on government jobs.

    “We are embarking on the training of youths to engage them in modern farming and we are targeting those with either secondary school certificate, diploma, NCE or graduates.

    “Anyone promising to give jobs to all graduates is lying because there’s no job.

    “From our inception, we recruited no fewer than 10,000 people.

    “And recently, the Umaru Musa Yar’adua University has graduated at least 10,000 with first degree.

    “Therefore, we have to provide an enabling environment for them.

    “That’s why we inaugurated the disbursement of about N5 billion for Small and Medium Scale Enterprises in the state,” the governor said.

    He also said that the state government had provided N500 million as a matching fund, while the Small Medium Enterprises Devwlopment Agency also gave the same amount to support the people.

    He further said that there was also  a recent approval of N2 billion by the NEXIM Bank for the farmers to access as loan to export their farm produce.

    “Anyone interested in exporting his or her farm produce can get a loan from that fund.

    “All these funds are available now, our youths should apply, indicating their interest.

    “They will undergo screening to see if they are eligible to access the loans,” Radda said.

    He also disclosed that 10 small businesses with growth potentials were selected across each Local Government Areas of the state.

    He said that the operators of those small businesses would be supported to see if they could improve their businesses.

    “There’s also a revolving loan available.

    “If our youths can utilise these opportunities, they can become job givers, instead of job seekers,” the governor said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    AABS/EBI/USO
    Edited by Benson Iziama/Sam Oditah

  • Katsina unveils e-tax billing system

    Tax

    By Abbas Bamalli

    Katsina, June 7, 2024 (NAN) The Katsina State Internal Revenue Service (KSIRS) has introduced a digital billing system for ease of taxation.

    The billing system code named: Pay-by-Yourself or (Biya da Kanka), is designed to encourage tax compliance and management.

    Alhaji Sada Shu’aibu, the Director, Corporate Communication of the service, said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), on Thursday in Katsina.

    He said the measure was imperative towards centralising tax payment and administration to enhance revenue generation.

    According to him, the system will enable taxpayers to register with the service, to know their tax status and also pay directly to the government’s coffers.

    “With the new system, tax payers can register, calculate and also pay their dues at their convenience through their mobile phones or laptops.

    “The aim is to block leakages in revenue generation to enable the government to execute projects that have direct impact on the people,” he said.

    He, therefore, urged tax payers to download the App for ease of transactions, as all revenue generating agencies had been synchronised on the platform. (NAN)( www.nannews.ng)

    AABS/RSA

    =========

    Edited by Rabiu Sani-Ali

  • Mangal sponsors medical treatment of 3,500 patients in Katsina

    Mangal sponsors medical treatment for 3,500 patients in Katsina

    Treatment

    By Abbas Bamalli

    Katsina, June 3, 2024 (NAN) A renowned philanthropist in Katsina, Alhaji Dahiru Barau, through his NGO, Mangal Foundation, has sponsored medical treatment of 3,500 patients in the state.

    Mr Hussaini Kabir, a member of the foundation’s board of trustees disclosed this during the screening exercise on Sunday in Katsina.

    He added that such free medical outreach has been going on for a long time, especially in every quarter of the year, as the foundation has earmarked funds for such.

    Kabir said that the foundation was sponsoring the treatment of patients with hernia, hydrocele and urology problems, who are mostly vulnerable.

    According to him, the exercise is going on at the Katsina General hospital, Amadi Rimi orthopedic and Katsina eye centre.

    Kabir disclosed that over 1,000 patients with hernia and hydrocele were screened, out of which over 400 of them would undergo surgery.

    He explained that other people that were screened with other minor issues related to hernia and hydrocele were provided with free drugs and other necessary services.

    “About 2,000 people with different eye problems are expected to benefit from the gesture, as over 80 patients have so far been screened to undergo surgery.

    “Some of the patients with different eye problems were also provided with free drugs, and others that required eye glasses were given for free,” Kabir said.

    He further explained that the foundation had taken responsibility for all the expenses of those undergoing surgery, within the period, until they are healed.

    “The foundation is exclusively for empowerment, development, educational, charitable purposes and supporting the poor and vulnerable in the area of healthcare and economic skill.

    “The foundation, initiated in 2016, had also sponsored surgical operations on thousands of patients across the state, neighbouring states and also Niger Republic,” he said.

    Some of the patients interviewed by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), commended the gesture, and called on government, private organisations and other wealthy individuals to emulate it  (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    AABS/ISHO/BRM

    =================

    Edited by Yinusa shola/Bashir Rabe Mani