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Zamfara Residents Kill 37 Bandits

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At least 37 bandits were reportedly killed in Matusgi village, Talata Mafara Local Government Area of Zamfara, after residents engaged a gang that had invaded the village with the intent to abduct locals.

According to an anonymous resident, the bandits arrived on motorbikes around 2 p.m. on Wednesday, aiming to carry out abductions, saying it was not the first time the villagers had confronted bandits, but it was the first instance where they managed to inflict significant casualties.

The resident said the bandits began their attack by firing sporadically to intimidate the community. However, the residents were alerted in advance and were prepared when the bandits arrived. Armed with locally-made firearms, some villagers fought back, while others used traditional weapons to encircle the area and prevent the bandits from escaping.

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After an hour of intense fighting, the bandits retreated, with 10 of their members reported dead. The residents then regrouped, strategized, and set up an ambush. When the bandits returned, the villagers launched another attack, ultimately killing 37 bandits in total.

The District Head of Matusgi, Alhaji Ciroma Muhammad, confirmed the incident, stating that three villagers were killed during the clash. He noted that neighbouring villages reported seeing the bandits transporting the bodies of their fallen comrades on motorbikes.

“This is the 13th time bandits have attacked this village,” Alhaji Muhammad said. “Three weeks ago, the bandits kidnapped 23 people, mostly women. They carried out the operation quietly, without firing any shots until after they had left. We only became aware of their departure when they fired a few shots in the distance.”

He added that the bandits had demanded a ransom of N150,000 per person. After payment, only seven of the abducted women were released, with the remaining hostages still in captivity.

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Chinese Community in Kano Celebrates Traditional New Year, Highlighting Growing Nigeria-China Ties

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Chinese nationals residing in Kano State are currently celebrating their country’s traditional new year.

Reports indicate that the Chinese New Year, or the Spring Festival is a festival that celebrates the beginning of a new year on the traditional lunisolar Chinese calendar.

Kano State played host to a unique celebration of Chinese New Year, where Wu Qun, popularly known as “Tea Master,” highlighted the growing cultural and economic ties between Nigeria and China.

Speaking passionately about his love for Kano and its people, Wu Qun expressed gratitude for the warm hospitality he has experienced since moving to the city.

“People here are very nice, and they have strong faith. I want more Chinese people to come to this place because Kano holds a special place in my heart,” he said.

Wu Qun praised the development efforts in the state, noting the improved infrastructure and leadership. “The roads being built show how much Kano has changed for the better. It makes me happy to see the city thriving and people helping each other.”

Reflecting on the significance of the Chinese New Year, Wu Qun described it as a time for family reunions and cultural celebration. “In China, families come together during this season, celebrating with performances, fireworks, and traditional dinners. It’s a way to honor our history and look forward to a prosperous year ahead,” he explained.

Wu Qun emphasized the importance of fostering cultural understanding between China and Nigeria. He pointed to the increasing number of Nigerians studying and doing business in China as evidence of the strong ties between the two nations.

“This relationship is growing not just at the government level but also among the people,” he added.

As the Chinese New Year celebrations bring both cultures together, Wu Qun hopes for continued collaboration, mutual understanding, and prosperity for both nations.

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CSO decries ‘undue silence’ over ex-NiMET DG’s corruption probe by EFCC, ICPC

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A civil society organization, Coalition to Save Education in Nigeria, COSEN, has decried undue silence by the anti-graft agencies over corruption allegations against a former Director-General of the Nigerian Meteorological Agency, NiMET, Prof. Sani Abubakar-Mashi.

COSEN’s Director of Operations, Kamsi Ezenwa, in a statement on Tuesday, lamented that despite several petitions by concerned Nigerians, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, and the Independent Corrupt Practices (and Related Matters) Commission, ICPC, were yet to take action on the former DG.

The CSO claimed that during the period leading to his removal in early 2021, Mr Mashi was regularly visiting the anti-graft agencies to answer to allegations of fraud, embezzlement and violating public service rules among other things.

“The most damning of the petitions, according to credible sources in one of the anti-graft agencies, was the one reportedly filed by one Mukhtar Sirika, which immediate consequence is believed to be directly responsible for Mashi’s sudden sack, only a few months after his tenure had been renewed.

“An Aviation sector publication, Nigerian FLIGHTDECK has similarly reported that Mashi was alleged to have diverted COVID-19 funds approved for NiMET, engaged in reckless depletion of the internally generated revenue of the agency and awarded of inflated contracts without due approval,” the statement noted.

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COSEN expressed dismay that almost four years after his sack, and despite what it described as “tons of evidence” against him, Mr Mashi has not been made to account for what the group insisted were “several, serious allegations” against him.

“It therefore called on the two anti-corruption bodies to “do the needful and ensure that within the shortest possible time cases against Prof. Mashi are given the full attention that they deserve and the law is allowed to take its course,” he added.

Mr Ezenwa stated that it was unfortunate, unacceptable and a matter of concern that persons with questions to answer are allowed to hold or aspire for positions of responsibility, in direct reference to Prof. Mashi’s recent unsuccessful bid to become vice chancellor of the University of Abuja.

“Persons with dubious or tainted past, and those under investigation for graft and alleged financial misconduct must be barred from vying for elective and appointive positions, as this is against public morality and the public good, and is a violation of the principles of natural justice, equity and good conscience,” Mr Ezenwa added.

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Hajiya Amina Namadi Sambo Inaugurates Conference on Hausa Culture and Economic Sustainability

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Hajiya Amina Namadi Sambo ,Inaugurating the conference

 

Hajiya Amina Namadi Sambo, wife of the former Vice President, inaugurated a two-day conference aimed at promoting knowledge exchange on Hausa culture and economic sustainability in the 21st century. The event, titled “Real’adun Hausawa da Dorewar Tattalin Arziki a Karni na Ashirin da Daya,” commenced with a focus on empowering women and showcasing the rich cultural heritage of the Hausa people.

In her opening remarks, Hajiya Amina Namadi Sambo emphasized the importance of addressing societal ills through cultural revival and economic empowerment. “We decided to do this to do away with some of the societal ills. We have been trying to inaugurate the program in Kano to empower and showcase to the world our rich and good culture,” she stated. She highlighted plans to identify women who will be taught skills and provided with capital to support their ventures.

She said ,The conference also featured presentations from Ulamas and traditional leaders, who were invited to share insights on the positive aspects of Hausa culture. “We invited our Ulamas and traditional leaders to present papers that will show the world our good attitude and culture,” Hajiya Amina added.

Expressing concern over the erosion of cultural values, she noted, “We have been trying to find ways to revive our culture. Our children and grandchildren are not speaking pure Hausa except Enghausa.

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We have abandoned our traditional foods like Shaye Shaye da romo, wainar Gero, yar tsala, and shashshaka.” She called on Kannywood actors to help showcase Hausa culture in their films and invited scholars to deliberate on whether Hausa is a language or a tribe, emphasizing the need to embrace and preserve their cultural heritage.

Hajiya Amina expressed gratitude to the Governor of Kano State for the cooperation extended to the conference holding in Kano.

Bashir Dalhatu, a former Minister of Power and Chairman of the Northern Elders Forum, also addressed the gathering. He lamented the abandonment of cultural practices and the lack of environmental cleanliness unless enforced by the government. “We have abandoned our culture. We are not even cleaning our environment unless the government forces us to do so. Unless we use conferences like this, we must be very dedicated,” Dalhatu stated.

Yahaya Nuhu, representing Sarkin Daura Faruk Umar Faruk, expressed the full support of the Daura Emirate for the initiative. “Daura Emirate is fully in support of this. Bahaushe is a dedicated fellow. Whenever our attention is needed, we will support. May politics never be involved in this,” Nuhu remarked.

The conference aims to foster a deeper understanding of Hausa culture and promote sustainable economic practices, ensuring that the rich heritage of the Hausa people is preserved for future generations.

 

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