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Dangote workers shot as Kogi Govt Vigilantes invade Dangote Cement Plant

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No fewer than seven staff of Dangote Cement, Obajana in Kogi state were shot and several others injured as over 500 armed members of the state’s security outfit, the Vigilantes, stormed the cement factory in the early hours of today (Wednesday) at the instance of the state governor, Yahaya Bello.

Meanwhile, members of the mining and host communities have condemned the Kogi State Government for what they described as extra-judicial and unlawful deployment of the Vigilantes to cause chaos in the Obajana community.

The vigilante’s group were led by the state Director-General of Lands; Commissioner for Solid Minerals, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Security,  Commodore Jerry Omodara(rtd), Chairman of Kabba/Bunnu LGA, Chairman of Ijumu LGA  and the State ALGON Chairman, Alh. Taofeek; Senior Special Assistant on Job Creation, Mr Dele Iselewa and Chairman of Lokoja LGA, Alh. Mohammed Dansabe.

The vigilante group members were wielding arms of different kinds including local and assorted rifles as residents and passersby scamper for safety.

As at the time of this report some seven staff of the cement company were being attended to at the hospitals over the gunshot wounds inflicted on them.

A source who identified some of the vigilante men as thugs said most of them were drawn from state vigilante and hunters who have been working for the state government.

Mr. David Oluruntoba, spokesman for the Oyo Mining host community described the act as primitive and disgraceful, saying the youths of the community can never be used, and will not take part in such ‘evil practices’.

He said: “They called us to join them. But I told them that the company has not offended us. We just signed a Community Development Agreement (CDA) and the company has been helping us and providing us with jobs. What has the government done for us, nothing. There is no basis to support the government.”

Speaking in the same vein, the spokesman for Iwaa mining community, Rotimi Kekereowo said: “We would never support government on this matter. What have they done for us? We don’t have a single political appointment at the State level. Even when we have problems of electricity and flooding, it was Dangote that was helping us. So, I want to repeat it. We will never support them.”

Speaking also, the Olu of Akpata, Fredrick Balogun said he was never contacted and as such cannot justify the unwarranted invasion.

“We are royal fathers, and we will continue to seek the path of reconciliation and amicable resolution of any misunderstanding. We don’t have issues with the company,” he charged.

Mathew Ojonuga, a resident said important issue like flooding in the state which has rendered many homeless has not been attended to only to be chasing private companies that have been providing us with means of livelihood.

Said he ”the state governor should face the issue of flooding and let the people live in peace. If there are issues, let him employ dialogue and resolve it rather this kind of use of force.”

At the main gate, disagreement ensued between the thugs and the few policemen guarding the plant, as they shot sporadically into the air to disperse all staff and Communities members. By this time, the vigilantes have succeeded in locking both entrance and exit gates of the company with many workers stranded.

 

 

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Kano To Recruit More Than 17 Thousand Security Guards for Public Schools

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As part of renewed efforts to strengthen safety in schools, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has announced the recruitment of 17,600 security guards to be deployed across public schools in Kano State with immediate effects.

This was contained in a statement issued by governor’s spokesperson Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa on Monday.

Speaking at an official event in Kano, the governor revealed that 400 security personnel will be recruited and stationed in each of the state’s 44 local government areas. The initiative aims to safeguarding the lives of students and teachers, and create a safe learning environment across all public schools.

“This decision was born out of our administration’s commitment to protect our children and teachers from emerging security threats,” Governor Yusuf said. “We cannot afford to allow fear or insecurity to disrupt the education of our future leaders.”

The newly recruited guards will be trained and strategically deployed to man school gates, monitor suspicious activity, and coordinate with relevant security agencies where necessary.

This development comes alongside several other education reforms introduced by Gov. Yusuf’s administration, including the solarization of 200 schools and the distribution of instructional materials, as well as plans to permanently employ qualified BESDA staff.

Governor Yusuf reiterated that security, education, and youth empowerment remain key pillars of his administration’s agenda. He called on parents, community leaders, and traditional institutions to support the government’s efforts in ensuring safety in schools and promoting quality education for all.

 

 

 

 

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Kano Political Commentators’ Group Backs Ban on Live Political Broadcasts

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A group of political commentators in Kano State under the umbrella of Gauta Club has expressed support for the recent ban on live political programmes in the state, citing concerns over inflammatory language and public peace.

Hamisu Danwawu Fagge, Chairman of the Gauta Club, stated this on Monday while addressing journalists in Kano. We back the ban of live political programmes in Kano. Let it be censored before it goes on air,” he said.

Fagge explained that the decision to support the broadcast restrictions was rooted in the group’s founding purpose. “That is why we formed the Gauta Club — to ensure responsible political commentary that promotes peace and unity in the state,” he added.

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According to him, many residents of Kano have welcomed the ban, viewing it as a necessary step toward restoring civility in political discourse. “The Kano populace is very glad about the ban,” he asserted.

He stressed that the group supports the prohibition of direct live interviews with politicians. “This will help us in sanitizing political programmes from vulgar language and abuse,” Fagge said.

Fagge also revealed that the Gauta Club would implement internal regulations to screen its members. “We are going to censor every member of the Gauta Club before going on air. We will soon visit the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) and even radio stations to reinforce our stance,” he added.

NIGERIAN TRACKER reports that the chairman emphasized the group’s diverse membership. “Our members come from all the major political parties — the NNPP, APC, and PDP. We are united by our shared desire for the peaceful coexistence of Kano,” he concluded.

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INEC Chairman Promises Electoral Act Amendments Before 2027

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Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, on Monday said that necessary amendments on the Electoral Act will be completed before the 2027 elections.

Prof. Yakubu also debunked the insinuation in some quarters that he has been sacked and declared that he still remains the country’s Chief Electoral Officer.

The INEC Chairman spoke while fielding questions from State House correspondents after the inauguration of two National Commissioners by President Bola Tinubu at the Council Chamber, Presidential Villa, Abuja.

He said the commission alongside relevant stakeholders have reviewed the 2023 general elections and came up with 142 recommendations, adding that out of the number, eight required electoral amendment.

Professor Yakubu, who said that he was at the seat of power for the inauguration of two national Commissioners from Southeast and North West said that the commission now has full compliment of the commissioners as required by law.

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