Kaduna

Richard Pius Garba, Kafanchan Fresh details have emerged following Friday’s fire outbreak at the Jema’a Emir’s Palace in Kafanchan, headquarters of Jema’a Local Government Area of Kaduna State, with confirmation that four flats were completely razed by the inferno. The affected apartments are located in a wing of the palace reportedly occupied by the mother of the Emir. Sources said the fire started in the early evening while the family was preparing for Magrib prayers, triggering panic within the palace and the surrounding neighbourhood. When ‘The Historica Nigeria‘ correspondent visited the palace Friday night, visible signs of destruction remained, as parts of the affected structure were badly burnt and several household items reduced to ashes. Read Also: Ganduje Pushes Sports as Tool for Youth Empowerment After Five Years at Helm, Audi Exits NSCDC, Lists Milestones in Security Operations Apostle Dr. Emmanuel Nuhu Kure Commiserates with Kwara Victims Residents and sympathisers thronged the palace premises to express solidarity with the Emir and his family. Eyewitnesses disclosed that officials of the Kaduna State Fire Service in Kafanchan responded to a distress call but were initially unable to contain the blaze, as their pumping machine allegedly failed to start upon arrival. The delay, sources said, made early intervention difficult, allowing the fire to spread and consume four flats before additional support was mobilised. Security personnel and local volunteers joined efforts to salvage valuables and prevent the flames from extending to other sections of the palace complex. Although no casualties were recorded as of the time of filing this report, the incident resulted in significant property damage. The cause of the fire remains unknown, and authorities are yet to issue an official statement detailing the circumstances surrounding the outbreak or the full extent of losses. Meanwhile, residents of Kafanchan have continued to sympathise with the Emirate, describing the incident as unfortunate and calling for improved emergency response capacity in the area. Photo News:

The Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP), NILEST Chapter, has honoured a retiring technologist and former union leader, Ahmed Halid, at a valedictory congress marked by tributes to his service and renewed calls for improved staff welfare. Speaking during the event, the Chairman of the union, Joseph Odey Oko, described Halid as a committed unionist whose contributions were defined by discipline, humility, and constructive engagement in union activities. Oko noted that although Halid served as Vice Chairman of the union, his impact went beyond titles, emphasizing that his calm, reasoned, and principled approach to issues strengthened collective decision-making within the congress. “He was a silent but constant voice whose contributions were always measured and constructive. His commitment to union ideals and staff welfare remained evident throughout his service,” the chairman said. The union, however, used the occasion to draw attention to lingering welfare concerns affecting staff, particularly the non-payment of the January 2022 salary and outstanding repatriation allowances. Read Also: Experts, Scholars Chart Path for Zero-Waste Leather Production at NILEST Conference FG Set to End HND–Degree Divide, Empowers Polytechnics to Award Degrees Pantami, Bugaje Call for Skills Reform, Energy Solutions at BUK Engineering Conference According to Oko, the unpaid salary remains an earned entitlement and not a privilege, stressing that Halid, among others, is directly affected by the delay. He further highlighted that repatriation allowances due to staff who were transferred across locations, including movements between Zaria and Kano, are yet to be settled, describing the situation as unacceptable. The union called on the management of the institution to prioritise the immediate payment of all outstanding entitlements, including salaries and allowances owed to staff, noting that government obligations must be treated as continuous responsibilities. Oko stressed that staff welfare should remain central to institutional stability, warning that delays in payments could erode trust and affect morale within the workforce. He also urged union members to remain committed to their professional responsibilities, emphasizing that accountability must be matched with diligence and integrity in service delivery. In a citation presented at the event, Halid’s career was described as one marked by diligence, professionalism, and decades of contribution to Nigeria’s textile and polymer technology sectors. Born in Baro, Niger State, Halid began his education at Baro Primary School before attending Government College, Bida. He later obtained both his Ordinary National Diploma and Higher National Diploma in Textile Technology from Kaduna Polytechnic. His professional journey saw him work with several textile firms in Kano, including Universal Spinners and Universal Textiles, before joining the Nigeria Institute of Leather and Science Technology (NILEST), Zaria, in 2007 as a Higher Laboratory Technologist. Through dedication and hard work, he rose to the position of Chief Technologist in the Department of Polymer Technology, where he became known for mentoring younger colleagues and contributing to the advancement of technical education. The union described him as a stabilising figure within the institution, whose industry experience helped bridge the gap between academic training and practical application. As he retires from active service, ASUP commended his legacy of integrity, service, and commitment, assuring that efforts would continue to ensure that all outstanding entitlements owed to him and other staff are addressed. The congress concluded with encomiums for the retiring technologist, as colleagues and union members celebrated his contributions and wished him a fulfilling retirement, while reiterating the need for improved welfare and institutional accountability.

The immediate past Chairman of Kajuru Local Government Area of Kaduna State, Ibrahim Gajere, who was declared missing after a bandits’ attack on Ungwan Gamu community during a burial ceremony, has been confirmed dead. Suspected bandits had on Monday stormed the Ugom Community in Kajuru LGA, killing two residents identified as Bitrus David, 25, and Goma Idi, 40. The attackers reportedly invaded the area in large numbers, firing shots sporadically and causing panic among residents and mourners gathered for the burial rites. During the attack, the official vehicle of the incumbent council chairman was set ablaze. Read Also: Residents Protest Abduction of Six Persons in Kaduna Community A community source, who requested anonymity for security reasons, said the assailants operated for several minutes without resistance. “They came heavily armed and started shooting in all directions. People ran into the bush for safety. “It was during the confusion that the former chairman went missing. We searched everywhere but could not find him that day,” the source said. According to the source, local vigilantes and residents combed nearby bushes and surrounding communities throughout Monday and Tuesday without success. “It was on Wednesday that his body was discovered around the Kutura River and Dogon-Noma community with two bullet wounds. “The news has thrown the entire community into mourning. This is a painful loss, not just to his family but to the whole local government,” the source added. The incident has heightened tension in Kajuru Local Government Area, with residents expressing concern over recurring attacks in the area and calling on security agencies to intensify patrols and intelligence operations. Efforts to reach the Kaduna State Police Public Relations Officer, Mansir Hassan, and the council chairman, Dauda Madaki, were unsuccessful as of the time of filing this report.

Residents of Danhono II, located in Millennium City, Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State, on Monday staged a protest following the abduction of six community members by suspected bandits. The abduction reportedly occurred in the early hours of Monday, around midnight, when armed men invaded the area and forcibly took six persons from their homes. The incident triggered outrage among residents, with youths, women, and other community members marching to the divisional police office to express their frustration over the worsening security situation in the area. Videos circulating on social media showed protesters lamenting what they described as a resurgence of kidnapping activities in the community, raising fears among residents who now feel unsafe in their homes. Read Also: Pantami, Bugaje Call for Skills Reform, Energy Solutions at BUK Engineering Conference Lere: A Historic Fulani Settlement and Cultural Crossroads in Kaduna “The Road of Broken Promises”: Documentary Probes Kaduna–Abuja Highway Crisis It was also gathered that a retired photojournalist, Malam Umar, was abducted from the same community about four weeks ago and remains in captivity despite the reported payment of ransom. A youth leader in the area, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said residents heard gunshots around midnight before it was confirmed that six persons had been abducted. “The protest followed the increasing cases of kidnapping in the community, especially the abduction of six residents. Many people are now afraid to sleep in their houses,” he said. Confirming the incident, the Kaduna State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Mansir Hassan, said the command had deployed personnel to the affected area. “We have received the protesters, and deployment has been made to the community. Efforts are ongoing to ensure the victims are rescued,” he stated. (Daily Trust)