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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.

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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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NGO Criticizes Police Over Disrespectful Address of Kano Emir

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The Coalition of Concerned Kano Civil Society Groups (CCKCSG), a collective of organizations advocating for justice, cultural preservation, and good governance in Kano State, has expressed strong disapproval of the Nigeria Police Force’s (NPF) handling of the ongoing Kano Emirate dispute.

The group condemned the police for referring to His Royal Highness, Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II, as “Alhaji Sanusi,” describing the act as disrespectful and undermining the sanctity of one of Nigeria’s most esteemed traditional institutions. This criticism was conveyed in a press statement issued by Nura Idris, the group’s coordinator.

“The Kano Emirate is a centuries-old institution that symbolizes our cultural heritage, spiritual leadership, and communal unity,” Idris stated. He further criticized the police’s decision to summon Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II to the national headquarters in Abuja following the Eid al-Fitr durbar in April 2025. Idris argued that this move, later withdrawn after public outcry, reflected political interference and an attempt to diminish the Emirate’s authority.

The coalition highlighted the constitutional mandate of the Nigeria Police Force to uphold law and order impartially. However, Idris pointed out that the police’s actions in the Kano Emirate tussle, including contradictory enforcement of court orders and selective bans on protests, suggested alignment with political interests. “Reports of federal interference and the deployment of military personnel in a state matter further fuel perceptions of bias,” he added.

Idris emphasized the need for the police to remain neutral in the ongoing dispute between Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II and Aminu Ado Bayero. He called for dialogue, cultural sensitivity, and legal resolution rather than heavy-handed enforcement. “The police must not allow themselves to be weaponized in this conflict,” he said.

The coalition also condemned the police’s reference to Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II as “Alhaji Sanusi” in official communications, describing it as a deliberate act of disrespect. “This strikes at the heart of our cultural identity,” Idris remarked. He demanded a public apology from the police and urged them to address the Emir by his proper title in all future engagements.

In his statement, Idris called on the Inspector General of Police, the Police Service Commission, and other relevant authorities to ensure the neutrality of the police in the Kano Emirate dispute. He urged the police to engage traditional leaders respectfully and focus on their constitutional role of protecting lives and property without prejudice.

The coalition appealed to all stakeholders, including government officials, traditional leaders, and the people of Kano, to prioritize dialogue and reconciliation over confrontation. “The Kano Emirate tussle has already caused significant unrest, with protests and clashes threatening the peace of our state,” Idris warned. He stressed that the police must avoid actions that appear politically motivated or culturally insensitive.

The Coalition of Concerned Kano Civil Society Groups reaffirmed its commitment to advocating for justice, cultural preservation, and good governance. Idris concluded, “We will continue to monitor the situation closely and will not hesitate to mobilize further action if the police fail to heed this call.”

 

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Killings: Kogi Women Stripped Naked

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Some angry women from Oke-Ere in the Yagba West Local Government Area of Kogi State came out on Wednesday to protest what they called the “endless reign of terror” in their community.

The women, many of whom are elderly, marched through the town with sad chants in a local dialect.

In a video sighted by PUNCH Online on Wednesday, they appeared half-naked, holding sticks and leaves as they cried and sang about the constant attacks, kidnappings, and killings happening around them.

They begged the government and security forces to step in quickly and stop the violence.

This protest comes not long after armed men kidnapped three people and injured four others along the Ayere-Kabba Expressway in March.

The injured victims were taken to St. John’s Hospital in Kabba for treatment

 

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Stop Dragging NBA into Kano Emirate Tussle – Barrister Nafisa Replies Gandu

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The Chairperson of the Northern Women Lawyers Congress Barrister Nafisa Abba has called on Badamasi Sulaiman Gandu to stop dragging the Nigeria Bar Association into the State Emirate Tussle which is before the court of law.

It would be recalled that the lawyer has advised Alhaji Muhammadu Sanusi II to tender his statement to the Police in regards to the sallah durbar incident that led to the lost of lives, reminding the Emir that he is not above the law.

But in a response, Badamasi Gandu, a lawyer, described the call as unprofessional and unbecoming of a member of the Kano Bar.

” I was amazed by the response of my colleague Badamasi Sulaiman Gandu, it’s so sad that a lawyer like him would go so low like this; lawyers are known for always being comprehensive to any matter before making their opinion.

As the Chairperson of Northern Women Lawyers Congress, we have the right to issue a statement, it’s our constitutional responsibility, we didn’t do that on behalf of the Nigerian Bar Association; it’s ridiculous that Badamasi is bringing NBA into the matter.

All we are saying is for Emir and his supporters to stop using faceless organisations on this matter.

Like I did, I wrote my name, and the organisation I’m representing is not a pseudonym.

Badamasi Gandu has taken side on the matter. Everyone knows that he is a kwankwasiyya supporter but just hiding under human rights activism.

It’s good that you have shown the world your true colour. ” She said.

The lawyer further maintains her stands that the Emir is not above the law while asking him to tender his statement before the police for the interest of peace and the rule of law.

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