Zamfara

Panic turned to tragedy in Zamfara State on Friday when a canoe overloaded with fleeing villagers capsized in Gummi Local Government Area, killing at least 15 people, while three others are still unaccounted for. Residents of Danmaga, Tungar Maigunya, Nasarawar Kifi, and nearby communities had rushed to escape advancing bandits by crossing a river in the only canoe available. Eyewitnesses said the vessel, meant for 16 passengers, was overcrowded as desperate villagers scrambled to board. Read Also: Zamfara Rep. Renovates 80 Cemeteries as Constituency Project “The canoe was already full, but two more women jumped in, afraid they would be left behind. That was when it overturned,” recalled Malam Bashiru Gago Yan Kifi. Local volunteers recovered 12 bodies on Friday and three more the next day. The victims, including eight women, three infants, and four youths, were buried in a mass grave after funeral prayers. Search efforts are still ongoing for the missing. “This is a double tragedy for us—bandits attacked our homes, and in trying to escape, we lost even more lives,” said Alhaji Muhammadu Chigari, village head of Nasarawar Kifi. Confirming the incident, Zamfara State Commissioner for Information and Culture, Mahmud Dantawasa, condoled with the affected families and said the government is taking urgent steps to support the communities.

A member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Kabiru Mai Palace, has renovated 80 cemeteries across the Gusau/Tsafe Federal Constituency of Zamfara State as part of his constituency project. Speaking during the inauguration of the renovated cemeteries on Monday, August 5, the lawmaker, who chairs the House Committee on Sports, said the gesture was in commemoration of his second anniversary in office as a second-term federal lawmaker. “We have undertaken the renovation of 80 cemeteries in Gusau and Tsafe local government areas as part of my two-year anniversary. The condition of many cemeteries in our constituency had deteriorated, prompting the need for urgent intervention,” he said. Read Also: Tragedy: Woman, Five Children Die as Building Collapses During Downpour Hon. Mai Palace emphasized the religious and moral significance of maintaining cemeteries, especially in Islam, stating that cemeteries are a constant reminder of life’s final destination. “As Muslims, we understand the importance of preserving the dignity of our final resting place. Maintaining cemeteries not only reflects our values but also helps prevent disasters and other societal challenges associated with neglect,” he added. He further noted that the project is part of his broader commitment to improve infrastructure and enhance the welfare of his constituents across all sectors, including health, education, and community development. The inauguration ceremony was attended by traditional leaders, community members, and representatives from religious and civil society groups, who all commended the initiative as timely and thoughtful.

Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal, has approved the appointment of Alhaji Abdulkadir Ibrahim Bello as the new Emir of Gusau. Alhaji Abdulkadir, who held the traditional title of Bunun Gusau, succeeds his late father, Dr. Ibrahim Bello, the 15th Emir of Gusau, who died on July 25, 2025, after a decade on the throne. The newly appointed monarch is the eldest son of the late Emir. Read Also: Prof. Musa Tukur Yakasai Appointed Sarkin Kudun Gaya by Emir of Gaya The announcement was made on Tuesday in a statement issued by the Secretary to the State Government, Malam Abubakar Mohammad Nakwada. He noted that the decision followed the recommendation of the Gusau Emirate kingmakers and was made in accordance with traditional customs and relevant legal provisions. Governor Lawal, while confirming the appointment, urged the new Emir to lead with integrity and foster peace, unity, and development across the emirate.

Former President Chief Olusegun Obasanjo has pledged his full support for efforts to transform Zamfara into a model state in Nigeria. He made the commitment during the commissioning of the newly upgraded Ahmad Sani Yariman Bakura Specialist Hospital in Gusau, as part of events marking the second anniversary of Governor Dauda Lawal’s administration. Obasanjo, who praised the ongoing transformation in the state, said he had discussed key development priorities with the governor, including education, healthcare, industrialisation, and solid minerals exploration. “There is so much to do. Even if you don’t invite me, I’ll invite myself back because we must work together,” Obasanjo said. He commended the state’s investment in healthcare infrastructure and stressed the need to retain skilled medical professionals through incentives. “Hospitals need more than infrastructure; they need well-trained personnel and the right working environment,” he noted. Read Also: Tinubu arrives Makurdi to address Benue security crisis Governor Dauda Lawal, in his remarks, recalled that on assuming office, his administration discovered that Zamfara had no functional ultrasound machines despite having over 600 primary health centres and 18 general hospitals. The dire situation prompted a declaration of emergency in the health sector in January 2024. He said the refurbished hospital now boasts modern medical equipment, doctors’ quarters, and a digital Hospital Information Management System (HIMS) to improve service delivery and data transparency. The governor emphasized that with these improvements, Zamfara residents would no longer need to travel outside the state for quality healthcare. Read Also: Photos: Tinubu Inaugurates Greater Abuja Water Project to Expand Clean Water Access In addition to the hospital commissioning, Obasanjo also inaugurated key road projects, including the Zanna Road–Abarma GRA and Tsalha Bungudu–Kwanar Birnin Road, both in Gusau Local Government Area. The event was attended by top dignitaries, including the Emir of Gusau, Deputy Governor Mani Malam Mumini, Speaker of the Zamfara State House of Assembly, and other senior government officials.