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OCCEN engages North West Youth On Democratic Process  And Participation 

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By Ozimi Abdul

In the bid to entrench democratic tenets for effective and wholesome participations amongst the youths of the North West region, Organisation for Community Civic Engagement Organisation (OCCEN) organised a 3-day workshop capacity building where youths from different states of the region are engaged, enlightened and educated about democratic process with the view of passing the knowledge of whatever they learnt during their 3 days engagement to other youths of their individual societies.

According to Mallam Abdulrazak Alkali who is organiser of the workshop said the major objectives of the workshop are to train the youth to understand the generality of what democracy entails and also to provide a mechanism that would empower them to hold those elected to represent them accountable for their actions and inactions.

On his expectations from the participants of the workshop after their 3-day engagement, Abdulrazak exuded the confidence that after the training, they would have increase in knowledge to understand how democracy works, human rights and constitution, while also expecting that the knowledge they learnt to be passed to other youths in their various states.
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“Our expectations are that after the training they would have increased knowledge of the understanding of democracy, rule of law and the rest, so that if they return to their individual states they can do some step-down trainings for those who are not privileged to be here whether because of financial constraint, or other reasons in the same areas and topics, in order to have expanded knowledge amongst young people about the concept of democracy “.

 

Speaking during the workshop, The Director, Centre for Research and Documentation, Professor Muhammad Habu ruled that there are 3 major challenges confronting the Nigerian fledgling democracy since its return in 1999, which he described as” epileptic” considering its weak democratic institutions, the limit in which democracy can elicit good governance, while also adding that the challenges can not be pegged on these three alone as there are other gamut factors putting spanner in the wheel of the development of the country’s democratic process.

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He stressed that for democracy to grow in the country, the government must be responsive and responsible.

“Democracy is a process and as a process it is normal to envisage challenges. But it is also good to remind ourselves that in some countries, they have gone too far to make their institutions of government very strong, unlike these countries, ours are very weak, and the extents which democracy can elicit good governance in Nigeria are very limited, insecurity is another issue “.

He continued,” Democracy has not engendered good governance in my opinion, by good governance, the government must be responsive and responsible, so since 1999, our democracy has been crawling as a troubling one and has never engendered good governance “, he submitted.

Professor Habu regretted that the country is ranked the capita of poverty in the world in spite of the country’s boast for enormous natural resources, which according to him is “disgusting”, with lack of quality health sector, insecurity, lack of infrastructural development and so many other indices that can be used to measure the development of the democracy of any democratic nation or otherwise.

On the role of the youth in effecting positive changes, the political science professor was unapologetically opmistic by emphatically stating that the “raw resources” of the youth need to be tapped, by catching them young, training them on the workings of democracy in participating actively against all odds so that they can have their imprints in rekindling true democracy in Nigeria ; emphasing that the civil societies particularly the youth sector have prominent roles to play.

He said the opportunity to discuss the pending “Not Too Young To Run” bill and the challenges.
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“The raw resources of the youth need to be tapped, catch them young if you like by training, impart in them about the workings of democracy ; and to participate actively against all odds so that the youth would have their imprints in rekindling the country’s dwindling fortune of true democracy. Also, the civil societies especially the youth sector have prominent roles to play in educating the youth so that they can become leaders of tomorrow “, he hoped.

He concluded by advising the stakeholders to come in and never to botch on their responsibilities, noting that it would be in the collective interest of the stakeholders to converge and discuss the issues that affect the growth of democracy in the country, and also frown at some undemocratic tendencies.

He however warned that while the youth have the right to protest or frown at any government’s policies, that there are limitations to such right as it must be within the purview of law.

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Kano Murder Tragedy: Police Arrests Suspects

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The Kano State Police Command has announced the arrest of three suspected masterminds behind the shocking murder of a housewife and her six children in Dorayi Chiranchi Quarters, Kano. The tragic incident, which occurred on January 17, 2026, sent waves of grief and outrage across the state.

Acting on the directives of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, PhD, NPM, the Command deployed intelligence-led policing strategies to track down the perpetrators. Under the leadership of Commissioner of Police, CP Ibrahim Adamu Bakori, PhD, sfipma, mnim, mnips, masis, a team of crack operatives carried out a sting operation that lasted from 10 p.m. on January 17 to 4 a.m. on January 18, resulting in the successful arrest of the suspects.

The arrested individuals were identified as Umar Auwalu, 23, of Sabuwar Gandu Quarters; Isyaku Yakubu, 40, popularly known as “Chebe,” of Sagagi Quarters; and Yakubu Abdulaziz, 21, also known as “Wawo,” of Sabon Gida Sharada Quarters. According to police sources, Umar Auwalu, who is a nephew of the deceased housewife, confessed to orchestrating the crime. He further admitted that the syndicate had been responsible for a series of gruesome killings in recent months, including the murder and burning of two housewives at Tudun Yola Quarters, Kano.

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During the operation, police recovered several incriminating items from the suspects. These included four blood-stained clothes, two mobile phones belonging to the deceased, a cutlass, a club (locally known as Gora), cash stolen from the crime scene, and other dangerous weapons. Authorities confirmed that investigations are ongoing to unravel the full extent of the syndicate’s activities and to ensure that justice is served.

In a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa, ANIPR, MNISMA, FNACSP, the Command commended the dedication of the officers involved in the operation. The statement also expressed gratitude to members of the public for their prayers, support, and cooperation, assuring residents that the police remain committed to protecting lives and property and bringing criminals to justice.

The arrests mark a significant breakthrough in the fight against violent crime in Kano, as the Command continues to intensify efforts to dismantle criminal networks and restore public confidence in security agencies.

 

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Tragedy In Kano :Mother and Her Six Children Brutally Murdered 

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By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

The Kano State Police Command has launched an investigation into the killing of a 35-year-old woman, Fatima Abubakar, and her six children, following a deadly attack on their residence in Dorayi Chiranchi Quarters of Kano metropolis.

The incident was confirmed in a press release issued on Saturday by the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), CSP Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa

According to the statement, the Command received a distress call at about 12:10 p.m. on Saturday, January 17, reporting a brutal attack on the household of one Haruna Bashir.

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“The victims, Fatima Abubakar (35) and her six children, were attacked by unknown hoodlums who broke into their house,” the police said.

“The report indicated that the victims were attacked with dangerous weapons, resulting in fatal injuries,” the statement added.

Following the report, the Commissioner of Police immediately ordered the deployment of officers to the scene.

“CP Ibrahim Adamu Bakori immediately mobilized a police team led by the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations, DCP Lawal Isah Mani, to the scene,” the police said.

The bodies of the victims were evacuated to the Murtala Mohammed Specialist Hospital, Kano, where they were confirmed dead.

The Command further stated that a team from the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has been directed to carry out a thorough investigation.

“A team led by ACP Wada Jarma, Assistant Commissioner of Police, Criminal Investigation Department, has been instructed to conduct a thorough investigation to bring the perpetrators to justice,” the statement noted.

The Kano State Police Command expressed condolences to the family of the deceased, residents of Dorayi Chiranchi Quarters, and the people of Kano State over the tragic incident.

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CAN Mourns Heroic Imam Who Sheltered Christians During Plateau Attack

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By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has extended its condolences on the passing of Imam Abubakar Abdullahi, a prominent religious leader in Plateau State, who died at the age of 90.

In a statement released in Abuja on Saturday, CAN President Archbishop Daniel Okoh praised the late Imam as a “shining example” of interfaith harmony, whose legacy of courage and compassion would endure.

Imam Abdullahi gained international acclaim in 2018 for his heroic actions during violent attacks on communities in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area, Plateau State. At great personal risk, he sheltered and saved the lives of 262 Christians in his home and mosque.

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Archbishop Okoh highlighted the Imam’s “rare moral bravery,” noting that his decision to protect innocent lives powerfully transcended religious divides and affirmed the sacredness of human life above all else.

“His actions served as a vital bridge in a nation often strained by religious suspicion,” Okoh stated. “He demonstrated that peace is achievable through conscience and love, embodying the core values of faith, compassion, and selflessness.”

The CAN President described Imam Abdullahi’s story as an enduring “blueprint for future generations,” surpassing physical honors in its lasting impact. He urged the government and the public to uphold the Imam’s sacrifice as a rallying point for building a more peaceful Nigeria.

Okoh also encouraged continued engagement with the Imam’s family and sustained public recognition of his heroism to inspire unity and mutual respect across the nation.

“As we mourn his passing, we celebrate a life truly well lived. We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, his community, and all who were moved by his extraordinary example,” Okoh added.

It is noteworthy that the Federal Government had previously honored Imam Abubakar Abdullahi with the Order of the Niger (OON) in recognition of his dedicated efforts toward promoting peaceful coexistence.

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