The Historica Nigeria

2025

News, Sokoto

Several Feared Dead as Boat Capsizes While Villagers Flee Bandit Attack in Sokoto

Panic-stricken residents of Zalla Bango in Sabon Birni Local Government Area of Sokoto State have suffered fresh tragedy after a boat carrying fleeing villagers capsized, leaving several feared dead. Eyewitnesses said most of the victims were women who attempted to cross the water on Thursday evening, shortly after Maghrib prayers, in a desperate bid to escape an anticipated bandit raid. “Many residents have resorted to fleeing their communities, crossing over the water to areas perceived as safer and less accessible to the bandits,” a local source explained. Read Also: Bandit Kingpin Frees 40 Kidnap Victims in Katsina, Warns of Return to Violence The ill-fated boat reportedly struck the edge of a collapsed culvert along the Goronyo–Sabon Birni road before it cracked and sank. Residents lamented that this was not the first such tragedy in the area this year, noting that persistent insecurity has forced villagers into repeated risky crossings. Casualty figures remain unclear, though reports suggest between six and 12 lives may have been lost. Chairman of Sabon Birni Local Government, Alhaji Ayuba Hashimu, confirmed the incident but stressed that verification was ongoing. “As at this morning, only one body – that of a woman – has been recovered from the water,” he said. Hashimu, who visited the scene, explained that the disaster struck as villagers scrambled to escape yet another bandit attack. “The boat hit the edge of a collapsed culvert, which led to its breaking and eventual sinking. We are doing everything we can to rescue survivors and retrieve the bodies of the deceased,” he added. The chairman revealed that motorised boats and life jackets distributed by the Sokoto State Government had reached Sabon Birni only a day before the tragedy. The area has faced repeated incidents in recent weeks. Last month, six people drowned in Garin Faji, another community in Sabon Birni, while fleeing armed men. Meanwhile, bandits also attacked Kwanar Kimba village earlier in the week, killing six people. Sokoto State lawmaker representing the constituency, Sa’idu Ibrahim, confirmed the assault. “Residents of the village tried to resist the attack, which led to a confrontation with the armed men. Unfortunately, six people were killed before the attackers fled. I just returned from the village, where I went to sympathise with the grieving families,” he said. (Platinum Post)

Katsina, News

Bandit Kingpin Frees 40 Kidnap Victims in Katsina, Warns of Return to Violence

A notorious bandit leader, Isya Kwashen Garwa, has released 40 kidnap victims in Katsina State, but warned that his group may return to violence if the government fails to address alleged killings by security operatives. The hostages were freed in Faskari Local Government Area during what local officials described as part of an ongoing peace dialogue with Garwa’s fighters. The development follows the release of 30 captives earlier in the week, bringing the total number of freed victims to about 70. In a video statement, Garwa put the figure at 72, explaining that two people had been released earlier in addition to Wednesday’s 30 and the latest 40. He insisted the releases were tied to assurances made during a peace meeting in Faskari, not as a result of pressure from security forces. Read Also: 15 Drown, 3 Missing as Villagers Flee Bandit Attack in Zamfara “You have seen that these people were released because of the promises we made during the peace pact meeting in Faskari,” Garwa said at the handover. “They were not all in one location. I was instructed to go into the bush to ensure all kidnapped victims were released, and I am still trying to gather everyone who was kidnapped.” However, the bandit leader accused security operatives of attacking his community in Ruwan-Godiya on Friday, alleging that both his men and Hausa civilians were killed in the raid. “Security operatives went to meet our people and shot them. It was not only our people — Hausa people were affected too. They killed men, women, and children, and took property, including motorcycles,” he claimed. Garwa warned that the alleged killings could derail the fragile truce: “If you do not take decisive action, we will return to our previous fighting. If things worsen, you will tell the world that we violated the promises we made,” he declared. The release of the hostages marks the latest outcome of months of negotiations between armed groups and community leaders in parts of northwestern Nigeria, where kidnappings and violence continue to unsettle rural communities. (Platinum Post)

Kaduna, National, News

Yari’s Son Marries in Kaduna as Tinubu, Ganduje, Governors Grace Occasion

Kaduna came alive on Friday as President Bola Ahmed Tinubu joined political leaders, traditional rulers, clerics, and business elites for the wedding Fatiha of Nasirudeen, son of former Zamfara State governor, Senator Abdul’Aziz Yari, at the Sultan Bello Mosque. The high-profile ceremony drew dignitaries from across the country, turning Kaduna into a hub of political and social activity. Hotels were fully booked, while security was heightened, with surveillance and movement restrictions around the mosque. President Tinubu, who was received at the Kaduna International Airport by Governor Uba Sani, was cheered by residents and party loyalists who lined the streets with banners and chants. Related: Nigerians to Get Passports in Hours as FG Commissions New Centre After the nuptials, the President visited the residence of former President Muhammadu Buhari to condole with his family. He described Buhari as “a selfless leader whose contributions to Nigeria’s unity and progress remain indelible,” assuring the family of his continued support. Tinubu also paid a courtesy visit to former First Lady, Hajia Aisha Buhari, at the Muhammadu Buhari Family House in Kaduna. Among the notable figures present were Governors Nasir Idris of Kebbi, Umar Bago of Niger, Dikko Radda of Katsina, and AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara. Others included the Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Matawalle, and former APC chairman, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje. Read Also: Wike Commends FCT Doctors for Suspending Strike, Flags Off Northern Parkway Project The guest list also featured ex-governors Sule Lamido (Jigawa), Aliyu Wamakko (Sokoto), Adamu Aliero (Kebbi), Ahmad Sani Yarima (Zamfara), Abdulfatai Ahmed (Kwara), and Aminu Bello Masari (Katsina). Other attendees included retired Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai; former Communications Minister, Isa Ali Pantami; APC National Chairman, Dr. Nentawe Yilwatda; APC National Secretary, Ajibola Basiru; and National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu. Traditional rulers at the event included the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi (Ojaja II); the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Owoade; and the Emir of Zazzau, Amb. Ahmad Bamali. Renowned clerics such as Sheikh Kabiru Gombe, Sheikh Bala Lau, and Kaduna State CAN Chairman, Rev. John Hayab, offered prayers for the newlyweds and the nation. The groom, Nasirudeen, tied the knot with Safiyya Shehu Idris, daughter of Alhaji Shehu Tahir-Malumfashi. Residents described the occasion as one of Kaduna’s most significant social and political gatherings in recent times, noting the massive influx of guests despite traffic restrictions.

Abuja, News

Wike Commends FCT Doctors for Suspending Strike, Flags Off Northern Parkway Project

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barr. Nyesom Wike, has commended resident doctors in Abuja for suspending their strike in the interest of residents. Wike gave the commendation on Friday, September 19, 2025, while flagging off the construction of the Northern Parkway from Ring Road II to Ring Road III. He began his address by thanking the doctors for prioritising the welfare of citizens, describing dialogue and understanding as vital tools in resolving disputes. “First, let me thank the resident doctors who have seen reasons to call off their strike for the interest of the FCT and the interest of the nation, that is the way,” he said. Related: FCTA Resident Doctors Suspend Strike After Senate Intervention The minister disclosed that he had already approved all files containing the doctors’ requests before arriving at the ceremony. He also expressed appreciation to the Acting Head of Service, his Chief of Staff, and other officials who played a role in resolving the impasse. Turning to the project, Wike said it would generate jobs for youths and boost economic activity in the capital city. “We have sixteen days of flagging off new projects and people will be employed. Imagine the number of persons who will work with Julius Berger for two years on this project,” he noted. He stressed that the infrastructural drive in the FCT aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which seeks to position Abuja among the best cities globally. “We are committed to ensuring that through projects such as this, more jobs are created, economic activities are boosted, and residents enjoy a better standard of living. Before the end of this administration, Abuja will stand tall among world-class cities,” Wike assured. Read Also: Mariya Bunkure: Abuja Records 200 Road Projects Completed Under Tinubu The minister further appealed for patience from Nigerians, insisting that President Tinubu remains committed to citizens’ welfare. He also praised the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) for ensuring the project took off and lauded Julius Berger Nigeria Plc for its work ethic while urging support for local content in project execution. In her vote of thanks, Acting Head of Service of the FCT, Nancy Nathan, expressed appreciation to President Tinubu for prioritising the capital’s development and hailed Wike’s bold vision. “For us, this road is not just about infrastructure; it is an investment in the future of our city. The FCTA is resolute in delivering projects that touch lives,” Nathan said. Executive Secretary of the FCDA, Engr. Richard Dauda, explained that the project is divided into the Northern and Southern Parkways, both commencing from the Central Area. He said the road will link four parts of the city and terminate at the outer Northern Expressway near Dei-Dei. The design includes a dual carriageway, two river bridges, an interchange, box culverts, drainage, streetlights, and telecommunication ducts. Managing Director/CEO of Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, Dr. Peer Lubasch, assured that the company had already mobilised to site and would deliver to specification. “This project is a celebration of infrastructure and of partnership with the FCTA. When the Minister says he wants it done, he means yesterday, and we are fully committed to delivering on that mandate,” Lubasch said.

Abuja, Health, News

FCTA Resident Doctors Suspend Strike After Senate Intervention

The Association of Resident Doctors in the Federal Capital Territory Administration (ARD-FCTA) has suspended its indefinite strike, with members directed to resume duty on Monday at 8 a.m. President of the association, Dr. George Ebong, said the decision followed assurances from the Senate Committee on Federal Territory Area Councils, chaired by Senator David Jimkuta. He noted, however, that none of the doctors’ demands had been met. Read Also: Mariya Bunkure: Abuja Records 200 Road Projects Completed Under Tinubu The doctors, drawn from 14 district and general hospitals in the FCT, had downed tools last week over unpaid salary arrears for members employed since 2023, as well as demands for recruitment of additional staff, settlement of the Medical Residency Training Fund, and arrears from the revised Consolidated Medical Salary Structure. Dr. Ebong said the strike was only suspended to allow for further dialogue and warned that the Congress would reconvene to decide the next action if the government fails to act within the agreed timeframe.

Education, Feature, Kano

NECO 2025: A Triumph for Kano’s Children, A Challenge for the Future

Tears of joy, cheers of pride, and hearts swollen with gratitude such was the atmosphere across Kano State as news broke, Kano has emerged as the best-performing state nationwide in the 2025 NECO Senior Secondary School Certificate Examination. This is not just a statistical victory, it is a seismic shift in the educational landscape a validation of hope, a moment of healing for years of neglect, and a thunderous confirmation that when purposeful leadership meets the will of the people, greatness is inevitable. Let us pause and savour this milestone: 68,159 students in Kano State scored five credits and above, including Mathematics and English. These are not just numbers. These are the children of farmers, traders, artisans, and civil servants, who just two years ago sat on bare floors in broken classrooms, forgotten by a government that treated their future as expendable. Read Also: WAEC 2025 Result Glitch: A Technical Flaw or a Deeper Educational Crisis? Today, they are champions. And so are their teachers, their parents, and every stakeholder who refused to give up on public education. But above all, we must honour the man who dared to dream differently His Excellency, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf for stepping into the ruins of a failing system and choosing the harder path reform over rhetoric. This success didn’t fall from the sky. It was not a coincidence, nor the fruit of previous negligence. It was painfully earned, grounded in policy courage, and fuelled by a relentless commitment to restore dignity to public education. When Governor Yusuf assumed office in 2023, he inherited a devastated sector: Vandalized schools and classrooms converted into shops. Over 4.7 million children without proper sitting arrangements. A demoralized teaching workforce. Millions in exam debts and collapsing infrastructure. Instead of turning away, he declared a state of emergency in education and took decisive action: ₦3 billion was spent to pay NECO and WAEC fees for over 141,000 students. ₦748 million cleared inherited exam debts. Tens of thousands of teachers were promoted, some after years of neglect. School infrastructure began to rise from decay. Free uniforms, books, furniture, and hygiene kits were distributed. And critically, education received a historic 31% of the 2025 state budget the highest by any subnational government in Nigeria. This is not politics. This is leadership. This is prioritizing the future over propaganda. REWRITING HISTORY? NO WE REMEMBER. It is therefore laughable no, shameful that some now attempt to claim this victory as theirs. The former Commissioner for Education, Hon. Muhammad Sunusi Kiru, in a recent statement, suggested that this glory belongs to the Ganduje administration. This is not only dishonest, it is an insult to the intelligence of the people of Kano. Under the past administration, the education sector witnessed its worst deterioration: School lands were sold to private developers. Classrooms rotted. Teachers were denied promotion. And the hopes of millions of children were mortgaged. This success is not theirs to claim. You do not reap what you worked hard to destroy. FROM VICTORY TO VIGILANCE: Sustaining the Momentum As we bask in this national achievement, we must not fall into the trap of complacency. This is not the end of the journey,it is just the beginning. To sustain this progress, I respectfully urge His Excellency to consider a bold but necessary next step: Constitute an Independent Standing Committee on Education Accountability and Quality Assurance This committee should comprise respected, non-partisan Kanawa educationists, religious leaders, civil society voices, and community representatives. Its mandate must include: Conducting unscheduled school visits. Monitoring the implementation of educational programs. Evaluating teacher performance, student welfare, and infrastructure quality. Reporting directly and independently to the Governor’s office, free from political interference. Such a body will serve as a booster to the declared state of emergency and provide real-time oversight, ensuring that reforms are not only implemented but sustained.   INFRASRUCTURE STILL CRIES OUT. The Governor’s eye-opening visit to Bilingual College in Kwankwaso earlier this year was a jarring reminder that many schools remain in dire condition. Crumbling walls, broken furniture, overcrowded classrooms these are not anomalies, they are widespread. We cannot afford to let infrastructure be the weak link in this progress. Furniture provision, classroom renovations, water and sanitation upgrades must be accelerated, especially in rural communities where decay is often hidden from headlines. A child cannot learn effectively on a broken desk under a leaking roof. A Time for Unity, Not Bitterness Let this moment not be tainted by bitter politics. Let us come together government, communities, and citizens to protect and build upon this fragile but inspiring progress. To the students: You have risen from the dust. Your success tells us that poverty is not destiny, and you are more than your circumstances. To the parents: Your sacrifices, often unseen and unthanked, have yielded gold. To the teachers: This is your medal. You stood when the system was collapsing. And to His Excellency, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, Thank you. Kano will remember this moment not just because we won, but because you showed us it was possible to win with integrity, vision, and courage. CONCLUSION: The Journey Continues As someone who has persistently advocated for deeper reform eduction sector in writings such as “Strengthening Education Through Community Engagement: A Call for Accountability” (October 2024), VISIT OF SHOCK AND DISAPPOINTMENT: Governor Abba Kabir Yusif’s Eye-Opening Tour of Bilingual College in Kwankwaso Town (June, 2025) “Turning a Moment of Shock into a Movement for Reform” (July 2025), I urge us all: Let us not treat this moment as a trophy on a shelf, but as a torch lighting the path forward for generations to come. The fight for education is not over. But for once, we know it can be won. Tijjani Sarki Good Governance and Public Policy Analyst Executive Director, Responsive Citizens Initiative responsivecitizensinitiative@gmail.com 18th September 2025

Kano, News

Kano Emirate Mourns as District Head of Kabo, Idris Dankabo, Dies in Road Accident

The District Head of Kabo and Sarkin Gabas of Kano Emirate, Alhaji Idris Dankabo, has died in a motor accident in Kano. Dankabo, 48, reportedly passed away on Thursday night after the accident, which occurred within the Kano metropolis. His death was announced by the Kano Emirate Council in a statement posted on its official Facebook page, Sanusi Dynasty, on Friday morning. Family sources confirmed that the funeral prayer was held on Friday at 10 a.m. at the Kano Emir’s Palace. Read Also: FCT Minister of State Mourns Passing of Head of Service Grace Adayilo The deceased was the eldest son of the late Alhaji Muhammad Adamu Dankabo, Jarman Kano and founder of the defunct Kabo Air. The Dankabo family is regarded as one of the most influential in Kano. The late patriarch, Adamu Dankabo, was a notable businessman, politician, and philanthropist, who established Kabo Air in 1980. The airline operated domestic, regional, and international flights before later focusing on charter and Hajj services. The late Idris Dankabo held the traditional title of Sarkin Gabas, one of the senior offices in the Kano Emirate, with significant cultural and administrative responsibilities. His death at a relatively young age is seen as a major loss to the emirate and is expected to leave a vacuum in its traditional leadership structure.

Kano

Stallion Times Mourns Sarkin Gabas, Idris Adamu Dankabo

Stallion Times has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of Sarkin Gabas, Idris Adamu Dankabo, who died in a car accident at the age of 48 on Thursday. In a condolence message issued on Friday, the Editor-in-Chief of Stallion Times, Isiyaku Ahmed, described the late Sarkin Gabas as more than a traditional leader, noting that he was also a true friend of the organization. According to the message, Sarkin Gaba will be remembered as a God-fearing man who lived a life of humility, integrity, and service to his community. Read Also: FCT Minister Bunkure Urges Easter Pilgrims to Pray for Nigeria’s Peace, Unity “He relates freely with people from all walks of life, without regard to creed, status, or background, and earned respect and affection wherever he went,” the message added. Stallion Times extended its condolences to his family, the Kano Emirate Council, friends, well-wishers, and the people of Kano over the irreparable loss. “We pray Almighty Allah to forgive his shortcomings, grant him eternal rest in Jannatul Firdaus, and give his loved ones the strength and fortitude to bear this painful departure,” the message read.

Abuja, Kano, National, News

Mariya Bunkure: Abuja Records 200 Road Projects Completed Under Tinubu

The Minister of State for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Dr. Mariya Mahmoud Bunkure, has disclosed that more than 200 road construction projects have been completed across Abuja under the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Speaking at a press briefing in her office, Dr. Bunkure said the achievements reflect the president’s commitment to infrastructure development in the FCT. “The administration met some unfinished projects. But the Hon. Minister, Nyesom Wike, and myself have been working hard to ensure their completion,” she said. Related: FCT Minister Flags Off Reconstruction of Karu Road According to her, the president specifically directed the FCT Administration to complete inherited projects while also initiating new ones across the six area councils and 62 wards of the territory. Dr. Bunkure appealed to Nigerians to continue supporting the president, stressing that cooperation was key to sustaining development efforts. “Let me use this opportunity to call on Nigerians to continue their support for President Tinubu’s administration. If given a second chance, Nigerians will witness even greater achievements than what we are seeing today,” she added.

Kaduna, National, News

Tinubu to Pay Courtesy Visit to Aisha Buhari During Kaduna Trip

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will on Friday, September 19, embark on a one-day visit to Kaduna State, the Presidency has announced. According to a statement issued by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, the President will attend the wedding ceremony of Nasirudeen Yari and Safiyya Shehu Idris in Kaduna. Nasirudeen is the son of Senator Abdul’aziz Yari, who represents Zamfara West in the National Assembly. Read Also: Nigerians to Get Passports in Hours as FG Commissions New Centre During the visit, President Tinubu is also expected to pay a courtesy call on Aisha Buhari, widow of the late former President Muhammadu Buhari, at her Kaduna residence. The President will return to Abuja later in the day after the engagements.

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