News Avant-Garde

News Avant-Garde

“Stop hiding, join APC openly” – Matawalle dares Zamfara governor amid defection rumours

Politics /

The Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, has publicly called on Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal to end his alleged “hide and seek” tactics over secret plans to defect from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC). Matawalle, a former governor of the state and now a top member of the APC, made the comments during Sallah festivities in Maradun, urging Lawal to stop sneaking around and declare his political intentions in the open. “Instead of hiding in the day and appearing at night, the governor should be bold enough to follow due process and join the APC like a true progressive,” Matawalle stated He stressed that the APC is a party of order and humility, emphasizing that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is welcoming to all who wish to join the ruling party. Matawalle said he would harbour no personal grudge against Lawal should he decide to switch camps, but warned against the kind of political gamesmanship currently playing out in Zamfara. He also used the opportunity to assure his supporters of continued commitment to their welfare and urged them to back Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, especially in security and economic reforms. The defence minister took a swipe at Lawal’s administration, accusing it of doing little to address the ongoing banditry in the state. According to him, Lawal is deceiving the people instead of taking decisive action, unlike during his tenure as governor. He claimed the state enjoyed relative peace and tangible development during his administration, despite receiving monthly allocations of only ₦3 to ₦4 billion, compared to what he alleged is now ₦19 to ₦24 billion under Governor Lawal. “Let him tell the people how much the state receives monthly and where it is going. Development should be visible,” Matawalle challenged. Source: Politics Nigeria

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Gunmen kill man, burn houses in Kwara

Crime /

Gunmen believed to be members of ‘Mahmuda’ group on Sunday attacked Karongi town in Baruten Local Government Area of Kwara state, killed one person and burnt many houses in the community. The bandits who invaded the town early in the morning reportedly killed a resident before setting some houses ablaze. PUNCH Metro gathered that the gunmen took advantage of the absence of the vigilantes in the community who had travelled to attend a workshop while others had travelled out to celebrate the Eid-el-Kabir outside the community. It was further gathered that the gunmen who had a field day in the community between 6am and 11am were however dislodged by the combined team of soldiers and vigilantes mobilised from the adjoining settlements in the area. Though the police feigned ignorance of Sunday’s attack in Karongi, the Nigerian Army confirmed the incident to our correspondent. The Emir of Yashikira Emirate in Baruten Local Government Area, Alhaji Umoru Sariki, also confirmed the incident to our correspondent. The Emir who spoke in a telephone conversation on Sunday night said one person was killed during the attack while many houses were burnt. Umoru said, “Yes, the bandits from Mahmuda group struck at about 6 am on Sunday. They attacked Karongi town in my Emirate. They killed one person and burnt many houses in the community. “They took advantage of the absence of the vigilantes who had travelled for Sallah while some had also gone for training. They invaded the town for hours, from 6 am to 11 am. We have to go to the surrounding communities in the Emirate to mobilise local vigilantes who succeeded to chase them away at about 11o’clock. The  Emir said that “the soldiers were far away adding, that the army was stationed in Chikanda which is far away from the community.” When contacted earlier, the Police Public Relations Office in Kwara State Police Command, Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, said she was not aware of the attack. She said, “I’m not aware of this incident. I will do my findings and get back to you.” The Public Relations Officer of the 22 Brigade of the Nigerian Army, Sobi, Ilorin, Lt. Stephen Nwankwo, however, confirmed the attack on Monday. He said, “Yes, the incident happened. I’m aware. One of the vigilantes was killed while some makeshift houses were set ablaze by the gunmen. The soldiers were alerted about the incident and they went to the village. The person who was killed was one of the vigilantes who escorted the soldiers to the village. “The bandits ran away on sighting the soldiers and escaped from the area”, the Army spokesperson said. Source: Punch

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EU to ramp up investment in Kano, says ambassador

Business, News /

The European Union Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Gautier Mignot, on Tuesday commended the great investment and entrepreneurship potential of Kano across many sectors like agriculture, renewable energy, innovation and digitalisation, as well as health and education. These are all priority sectors under the EU Global Gateway Strategy, where the EU joins forces with its individual Member States, European Investment Bank , other EU Development Finance Institutions and the private sector to boost investment critical to the social and economic development of EU partner countries like Nigeria. “In Kano, there is already a notable history to this partnership, with renewable energy investments in secondary schools and primary health facilities, support to smallholder farmers and to manufacturers in the leather and garment sector, or even digital innovation. “Going ahead, the outlook is equally promising, with partnerships in energy, digital, and agricultural sectors, one that would create jobs and opportunities, especially for young people and women in the state,” he said. During a courtesy visit to the Governor of Kano State, Abba Yusuf, in the company of implementing partners like Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit, United Nations Industrial Development Organisation and others, Mignot said, “We have an agenda focusing on the green and digital economy, to see how we can partner and increase our presence in the Northwest and Northeast of the country, and to address specific challenges in the region. “Kano State is really a development platform not only for the Northwest but the Sahel region. We see great potential and many opportunities in Kano State. So, we want to partner in trade and investment. “This is in line with our Global Gateway Strategy, working with our Member States, that is, Team Europe, and the European Investment Bank. We also try to mobilise a full range of our funding instruments like grants, loans, guarantees, and others. We want to partner in line with the country’s priorities at federal and state governments.” Revealing further the importance of the delegation’s visit, he said, “We try to leverage more investments and work more closely with the private sector to accelerate investments, with the end purpose to create more jobs and opportunities for young people and women. “During our visit, we want to review past projects to see how they are doing several years after their commissioning. We are also reviewing ongoing projects in the digital sector. We want to launch new projects. It is also very important to hear the vision, ideas, suggestions, and needs of the state from the Governor.” In his remarks, Governor Yusuf stated that Kano, being the most populated state and centre of commerce in the country, is ready to collaborate on sustainable development projects. He appreciated the EU for choosing the state for a broader celebration of Europe Month through a lecture and meetings with stakeholders. He said, “Kano is happy to receive the EU Delegation. Congratulations to the EU on the celebration of the Europe Day on May 9. We also want to thank the EU for choosing Kano for a broader celebration through lectures, meetings with business communities, government officials, stakeholders and experts on sectors such as energy, agriculture, rural development, investment, digital economy, and others. “Kano, being the most populated state in Nigeria and the centre of commerce, we need more cooperation and collaboration with the EU. We are particularly keen to engage in discussions and potential for further collaboration. We recognise the efforts of the EU in bringing many developments to the state. We, however, appeal for more. “We are grateful for the EU contribution, but Kano State needs more. We believe that with your interaction with key stakeholders in the state, we can have a common ground of mutual cooperation and understanding. “More is equally done by Kano itself. We broadened the knowledge of our students by sponsoring 1,100 scholarships abroad. Out of 1,100 students, 680 have returned so far as first-class graduates to give back to the state. Out of 680, many graduated from medicine, pharmacy and engineering. The state government gave them automatic employment in the state.” The governor also referred to the recent ‘Study Fair’ organised by the EU in Kano, providing similar scholarships for students across Nigeria funded by the EU. “Therefore, on the issue of scholarship, I want to assure you that we will also come to you, so that we can get more admissions for our students in Europe,” he added. Source: Punch

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Mokwa flood: Fuel scarcity looms in Abuja, Northern Nigeria, as PETROAN, IPMAN react

Business, News /

There is looming fuel scarcity as the deadliest flood killed hundreds of persons and brought down the bridge in Mokwa, Niger State, connecting Northern Nigeria with the southwestern part of the country. The bridge that collapsed last Wednesday has disrupted human and vehicular movements around the Mokwa Bridge, with petroleum product trucks not left out. Although the death toll from the Mokwa, Niger, flood remained controversial, the Niger State Emergency Management Agency and the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) reported 153, but community members had suggested a higher death toll. Speaking on the effect of the bridge collapse, senior officials at MRS and Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited filling stations in Abuja hinted that the collapsed Mokwa Bridge may result in petroleum product scarcity during the 2025 Eid al-Adha (Sallah) celebration and holidays slated for June 6th and 9th. An MRS official, who preferred anonymity, told DAILY POST that the development may disrupt distribution. He, however, ensured that the petrol price would remain at N895 per litre during the Sallah break. “Most of the petrol trucks are stranded due to the Mokwa Niger State bridge collapse. “Honestly, I foresee fuel scarcity in Abuja and some parts of Northern Nigeria. “I hope the government fixes the bridge on time, as our trucks had already made a u-turn, which is more expensive and time-consuming,” he told DAILY POST. Another source at NNPCL agreed with the official at MRS, noting that the development may lead to fuel scarcity if adequate supply does not come from other routes such as Port Harcourt and Warri. DAILY POST reports that Dangote Refinery, Nigeria’s only domestic producer of petroleum, is located in Lekki, Lagos State. Mokwa Bridge is the easiest route to Abuja and Northern Nigeria. Reacting to the development, the National President of the Petroleum Products Retail Outlet Owners Association, Billy Gillis-Harry, and the National Secretary of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria, James Tor, gave DAILY POST a very different perspective. On his part, Gillis-Harry assured that its members would ensure an adequate supply of petrol from alternative sources and routes in Port Harcourt, Rivers, and Delta States to Abuja and across Nigeria. According to him, there would be an adequate petrol supply throughout this year’s Eid al-Adha. “One or two companies’ experiences in Abuja will not bring scarcity of petrol supply in Abuja and Nigeria. “Our members will work with 11 PLC and Matrix to get supply from Port Harcout, Rivers and Delta states. “The only thing is the transportation turnaround time. “Our members will do their best to make sure fuel supply is available across the country during the Sallah. “There should not be scarcity because we have alternatives,” he told DAILY POST. However, Tor said the Mokwa Bridge collapse may lead to fuel supply shortages in Abuja and northern states. He urged the federal government to quickly fix the collapsed bridge or resuscitate an alternative route to avert a possible looming fuel scarcity during the Eid al-Adha. “The federal government needs to be proactive so that the other route is put into use for free vehicular and human movement across the regions. “The Mokwa Bridge collapse will affect the free flow of supply. “This will cause shortages. The unfortunate thing is that Salah is around the corner,” he told DAILY POST. DAILY POST reports that the development comes as NNPCL, Dangote Refinery, and partners recently announced the latest reduction in the price of petrol to between N875 per litre and N910 per litre in Lagos and Abuja. On Monday, the Nigerian government declared Friday, June 6, and Monday, June 9, as public holidays to mark this year’s Eid al-Adha. Source: Daily Post

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Military air strike kills at least 20 people in northwest Nigeria

News /

Amnesty International calls for an investigation into the ‘reckless’ attack in the violence-hit Zamfara state. A military air strike in northwest Nigeria has killed at least 20 people, according to the military and local residents, prompting calls from human rights groups for an investigation into the attack. The strike occurred over the weekend in Zamfara state, one of the regions worst affected by violence from armed groups, commonly referred to as “bandits”. Nigerian Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame said the strike followed intelligence that “a significant number of terrorists were massing and preparing to strike unsuspecting settlements”. “Further intelligence confirmed that the bandits had killed some farmers and abducted a number of civilians, including women and children,” Ejodame said in a statement, adding that two local vigilantes were killed and two others injured in the crossfire. However, according to residents cited by the AFP news agency, a group of local vigilantes pursuing a gang was mistakenly bombed by a Nigerian military jet. The air force had been called in by villagers who had suffered an attack earlier in the weekend. Locals said an unknown number of people were also wounded in the strike. “We were hit by double tragedy on Saturday,” said Buhari Dangulbi, a resident of the affected area. “Dozens of our people and several cows were taken by bandits, and those who trailed the bandits to rescue them were attacked by a fighter jet. It killed 20 of them.” Residents told AFP that the bandits had earlier attacked the villages of Mani and Wabi in Maru district, stealing cattle and abducting several people. In response, vigilantes launched a pursuit to recover the captives and stolen livestock. “The military aircraft arrived and started firing, killing at least 20 of our people,” Abdullahi Ali, a Mani resident and member of a local hunters’ militia, told the Reuters news agency. Another resident, Ishiye Kabiru, said: “Our vigilantes from Maraya and nearby communities gathered and went after the bandits. Unfortunately, a military jet struck them.” Alka Tanimu, also from the area, added: “We will still have to pay to get those kidnapped back, while the cows are gone for good.” Amnesty International condemned the strike and urged a full investigation. “Attacks by bandits clearly warrant a response from the state, but to launch reckless air strikes into villages – again and again – is absolutely unlawful,” the rights group said. Nigeria’s military has previously acknowledged mistakenly hitting civilians during air operations targeting armed gangs. In January, at least 16 vigilantes were killed in a similar strike in Zamfara’s Zurmi district. In December 2022, more than 100 civilians were killed in Mutunji village while pursuing bandits. A year later, an attack on a religious gathering in Kaduna state killed at least 85 people. Source: Al Jazeera

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Ram prices skyrocket in Kano ahead of sallah, causing worries, lower patronage

Business, News /

As Sallah draws closer, the prices of rams and other animals for slaughter (layya) have soared in major animal markets across Kano. SolaceBase reports that rams which sold for between N250,000 and N350,000 last year are now going for  N700,000, leading to a sharp decline in buyers. This development has sparked concern among many who say the prices are beyond reach and fear that the number of slaughters this year may decline significantly. In an interview with SolaceBase, the chairman of the Tudun Wada animal market in Nassarawa Local Government, Auwal Muhammad, attributed the price hike to the devaluation of the naira and the increasing cost of animal feed. “A ram that used to sell for N250,000 or N300,000 now sell for N700,000,” he lamented, adding, “The mudu of animal feed, which was N3,000 last year, is now N7,000, doubling the cost and driving prices up.” Muhammad noted that patronage in the market has dropped drastically as Sallah approaches. “As you can see, it’s only us in the market. The buyers vanish when they hear the price,” he said. Another seller, Ahmad Mairago, also linked the steep rise in prices to the high cost of animal feed. He explained that, “If you’re spending N2,500 or N3,000 daily on your ram, by the end of it you’ve spent N300,000. Sometimes you might not make any profit at all after all the expenses.” Mairago urged people to still consider buying rams for slaughtering, emphasizing that it is an act of worship. Meanwhile, Idris Ibrahim, a prospective buyer, said he was shocked when he heard about the new prices. “It’s ridiculous and exorbitant. This year’s slaughtering is only for those who can afford it. But as Muslims, we shouldn’t grumble,” he said. Ibrahim added that even smaller rams, which sold for N60,000 last year, are now going for N110,000. Despite the concerns, Ibrahim encouraged people to look beyond the prices, stressing that the spiritual significance of the sacrifice should not be overlooked. Source: Solace Base

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2025 Hajj: Kano pilgrim dies in Saudi Arabia

News /

A pilgrim from Kano State, Malam Shu’aibu Jibrin, has died in Saudi Arabia after a brief illness while on the 2025 Hajj exercise. SolaceBase gathered that Jibrin passed away on Tuesday at King Abdulaziz Hospital. His grandson, Sama’uddin Aliyu Kadawa, who is also in Saudi Arabia for the pilgrimage, confirmed the incident in an interview with our reporter. According to Aliyu, the late Jibrin was a farmer from Gargai in Bebeji Local Government Area. He stated that although he had a history of ulcer and hypertension, doctors at the hospital confirmed he suffered cardiac arrest and heart failure. Aliyu further added that “He was okay when he left home. After he became ill, he was admitted to King Abdulazeez Hospital for two days and was discharged after his health improved. “Unfortunately, his condition worsened again yesterday, and he was rushed back to the hospital. “Despite the efforts of our Nigerian doctors and the medical team at the hospital, he passed away around 2:50 a.m,” he added. Aliyu added that Jibrin was buried in Saudi Arabia according to Islamic rites. Source: Solace Base

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Northern Nigeria Flour Mills declares 25 kobo dividends, reveals payment criteria and date

Business /

Northern Nigerian Flour Mills Plc has announced a final dividend of 25 kobo for every share of 50 kobo, payable to qualified members. The announcement was made in a corporate action notice filed with the Nigerian Exchange and signed by the company secretary, Ogwuche Theophilus. According to the disclosure, the dividend is for the financial year ended March 31, 2025, and will be paid to shareholders whose names appear in the company’s Register of Members as of the close of business on September 17, 2025. The disclosure stated that the payment date would be 26th September 2025, and that the dividend would be paid electronically to shareholders. Citing e-dividend registration as a requirement, the company disclosed that dividend payments will be made directly into the bank accounts of shareholders who have completed the process. What to know:  Performance:  Northern Nigeria Flour Mills Plc released its audited annual report for the financial year ended 31 March 2025, posting a pre-tax profit of N2.8 billion. This represents a 25.16% increase from the N2.3 billion recorded in the previous year, driven primarily by strong revenue growth. Revenue rose sharply to N35.3 billion, a 36.38% increase compared to N25.9 billion in 2024. On the balance sheet, total assets surged to N30.5 billion—up 70.43% year-on-year. Retained earnings also saw strong growth, rising 56.63% to N4.4 billion. Source: Nairametrics

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NSCDC clarifies Kano attack, denies role in thug’s death

News /

Following the recent attack on its Semegu office in Kumbotso Local Government Area of Kano State, the Kano State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps has provided an explanation for the incident. This was outlined in a statement by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, Ibrahim Abdullahi, a copy of which was made available to PUNCH Online on Wednesday. The statement read, “On Monday, 2 June 2025, at approximately 8 pm, two hoodlums armed with knives attempted to snatch a phone at Gwazaye, Kumbotso Local Government Area. One of the assailants confronted a local resident who was making a phone call, attempting to rob him of his handset. The hoodlums approached him, with one wrestling the resident and holding a knife to snatch the phone.” “According to eyewitnesses, a member of the local vigilante group intervened. While the thug was trying to seize the phone, he was overpowered by the victim, and in the process, the assailant (now deceased) was stabbed in the neck.” “The victim, along with three neighbours, promptly reported the incident to the Civil Defence Outpost at Semegu, Kumbotso Local Government.” “Regrettably, criminal elements armed with dangerous weapons regrouped and attacked our office, mistakenly believing those involved in the incident were our personnel.” The statement further clarified that no Corps personnel were involved in the altercation. “For the avoidance of doubt, none of the civil defence personnel participated in the incident. It is clear that those who came to report the phone robbery to our office were violently attacked alongside our staff,” Abdullahi said. He also refuted rumours circulating in some quarters that NSCDC personnel had killed a suspected thug. “The NSCDC neither maimed nor killed any suspected thug in the area. For transparency and fairness, the case is currently under discreet investigation by the Police Criminal Investigation Department (CID) in Kano, with further action pending,” he added. Source: Punch

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Seven commuters killed in Sokoto boat crash

News /

Seven persons were killed in a canoe accident that occurred while they were travelling from Gidan Husaini to Gwargawu village in Kambama Ward in Shagari Local Government Area of Sokoto State on Monday. The victims were said to be commuting across a local waterway when the unfortunate incident took place, sending shockwaves across the immediate community and beyond. The identities of the deceased have not yet been released publicly, but local authorities confirmed to our correspondent on Tuesday that all seven hailed from Gidan Husaini village. Leading a condolence delegation on behalf of the Sokoto State Government, the Commissioner for Finance, Muhammadu Jabbi Shagari, described the incident as not only heartbreaking for the people of Shagari but also a monumental loss for the entire state and the wider Muslim ummah. “This is a great tragedy. We mourn not just as a local community, but as a state. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families during this difficult time,” said Shagari while addressing mourners in Gidan Husaini. He offered heartfelt prayers for the repose of the souls of the deceased, asking Almighty Allah to forgive their shortcomings and grant them eternal rest in Jannatul Firdaus. Shagari also seized the opportunity to issue a strong advisory to residents who often travel by water. He urged canoe and boat passengers to always wear lifejackets, emphasising that such a simple precaution could be the difference between life and death in the event of an accident. In addition, he issued a stern warning to canoe and boat operators, cautioning them against overloading their vessels, a common practice that significantly increases the risk of capsizing. “Safety must always come first. No journey is worth a life lost due to negligence or preventable risks,” he stressed. In their response, grieving family members of the victims expressed deep gratitude to the commissioner for his timely visit and words of comfort. They offered prayers for Allah to reward him abundantly for his compassion and solidarity during their time of sorrow. The incident has reignited concerns about the safety of water transportation in rural areas of Sokoto State, where reliance on canoes remains a daily necessity due to limited infrastructure. Calls for stricter enforcement of safety regulations and provision of life-saving equipment are once again gaining momentum. The Sokoto State Government is expected to initiate further engagements with local stakeholders to prevent future occurrences of such tragedies. Source: Punch

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