By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

The faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) loyal to Kabiru Tanimu Turaki has formally rejected the takeover of the party’s national secretariat by a rival group aligned with Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike.

The dispute over the control of Wadata Plaza, the party’s headquarters, escalated after police sealed the facility on November 18, 2025, following clashes between the two factions.

On Saturday, the Wike-aligned group announced that the police had unsealed the secretariat, allowing them to take control of the premises. However, the Turaki faction quickly dismissed the development, accusing law enforcement of partisanship and noting that the ownership dispute remains before the courts.

In a statement, Ini Ememobong, spokesperson for the Turaki faction, alleged that the police had unlawfully aided the Wike camp, describing its members as “agents of the federal government and APC apologists, masquerading as PDP members, despite a pending appeal.”

Ememobong said the court ruling the police claim to be acting upon has already been appealed. He added that the police force, as a party to the case, has been formally served with the appeal and is fully aware of the legal status.

“By their action, they have tampered with the res which could render the judgment of the Court of Appeal nugatory when it is eventually given,” Ememobong said. “It is most shameful that those entrusted with protecting the law are those disobeying the law.”

He further criticized the conduct of the police throughout the crisis, saying, “While it is not surprising that the police is acting in a clearly partisan manner, we were hopeful that they would act differently under the command of the new Inspector General of Police. From the inception of this imbroglio, the officers of the police force have consistently acted in a manner that leaves no one in doubt as to their support for the Wike-backed APC apologists.”

Despite the tensions, Ememobong urged members of his faction to remain peaceful and avoid any actions that could disrupt public order.

“As law-abiding citizens, we admonish our members to continue to maintain peace and not undertake any activity capable of breaching public peace, while we promise to take all necessary steps within the ambit of the law to protect the rights and privileges of the genuine members of the Peoples Democratic Party,” he said.

The faction assured the public that what it called “state-sponsored persecution” would not last, expressing hope for a return to genuine democratic practice in the interest of preserving the republic.

By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

At least 56 people, mostly traders, are feared dead and 14 others hospitalized after an airstrike struck a weekly market on the Borno–Yobe border on Saturday.

The attack occurred at Jilli Market, which lies between Gubio and Geidam Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Borno and Yobe States, respectively. The market is a major hub for traders and buyers from surrounding communities, including Gubio, Chiweram, and Benisheikh in Borno, as well as Gurokayeya and Geidam in Yobe.

The airstrike is believed to have been carried out during a military operation targeting suspected Boko Haram insurgents. Multiple sources disclosed that a fighter jet was tracking a group of suspected insurgents who had reportedly come to the market to collect levies from traders and obtain supplies. However, the strike apparently missed its intended target.

An eyewitness who participated in rescue efforts described the scene:

“The incident happened around 2:46 p.m. while business activities were ongoing. Four fighter jets carried out the attack, though the fourth jet was not clearly visible. We only heard the sound of explosions.

“I counted 56 corpses myself and helped rescue two injured people, taking them to the hospital. I believe the number of casualties may be higher, as more bodies are still being recovered.”

The councillor of Fichimaram Ward, Malam Lawan Zanna, confirmed the incident to Daily Trust. He stated that about 20 people had been admitted to the Specialist Hospital in Geidam, Yobe State.

“The incident occurred at Jilli village’s weekly market under Fichimaram Ward in Geidam LGA. From the information available to us, it was an airstrike.

“When the jets launched their attack, people panicked and began to run, but the strikes continued. As we speak, over 30 people have been killed.

“More than 20 people were hospitalized in Geidam. Two were referred to the Teaching Hospital in Damaturu. Out of those receiving treatment, nine have died, bringing the death toll to over 30,” he said.

The Special Adviser to the Yobe State Governor on Security Matters, Brigadier General Abdulsalam Dahiru (rtd), confirmed the incident but stated that it occurred within Borno State.

“I have spoken with the chairman of Geidam LGA, who informed me that Jilli village falls under Gubio LGA of Borno State. You may contact officials in Maiduguri for further details,” he said.

As of the time of filing this report, the Nigerian Air Force had not issued an official statement on the incident.

A prominent chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Malam Inuwa Waya, has praised the administration of Abba Kabir Yusuf for what he described as significant strides in reforming land administration in Kano State.

Waya made the remarks during an interactive session with members of the Kano Online Media Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, where he assessed the performance of the current administration after over two years in office.

According to him, although the administration is just past the midpoint of its four-year tenure, it has already demonstrated a strong commitment to institutional integrity and governance reforms. He emphasized that every government operates within a four-year constitutional lifespan, and the Yusuf-led administration has made effective use of its time so far.

Speaking on economic development, Waya noted that the state government has initiated several projects aimed at boosting Kano’s economy, with particular attention to land administration reforms. He said the sector, which was previously plagued by irregularities and fraudulent practices, has undergone significant sanitization under the current leadership.

“Before now, land administration in Kano was characterized by widespread fraud and abuse. The present government has taken decisive steps to restore order and ensure that the state’s master plan is not distorted,” Waya stated.

He further highlighted the government’s enforcement measures, noting that authorities have intensified efforts to investigate and prosecute offenders involved in land-related malpractice. According to him, these actions have sent a strong signal that fraudulent dealings in land administration will no longer be tolerated.

Waya commended Governor Yusuf for his leadership and credited part of the success to the contributions of key officials, including Abduljabbar M. Umar,the commissioner of land and physical planning whom he described as a dynamic and capable aide supporting the reform agenda.

Malam Inuwa calls for continued support for the administration’s policies, stressing that sustained reforms in land administration would play a critical role in enhancing transparency, attracting investment, and promoting sustainable urban development in Kano State.