A coordinated operation led by operatives from the Department of State Security (DSS) has resulted in the rescue of four kidnapped individuals in Sokoto State.

The victims were freed during a raid on the bandits’ hideout in Malafana Bush.

According to Garba Mohammed, Director of Press Affairs at the Deputy Governor’s Office, the kidnappers initially demanded a ransom of N50 million, which was later reduced to N10 million.

One of the victims, Malam Umar Dankoli, revealed that the family managed to raise N1 million through contributions. The sum was taken to the kidnappers’ camp by Dankoli’s eldest son nine days ago.

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However, upon delivering the money, the bandits also detained Dankoli’s son, insisting on a N10 million ransom for their release. The victims remained in captivity until the joint security team successfully raided the camp, freeing them.

Colonel Abdulhamid Usman (rtd), the Special Adviser to the Governor on Security Matters, commended the success of the operation and attributed it to the strong support provided by Governor Ahmed Aliyu Sokoto to security agencies. He noted that significant progress has been made in tackling banditry in the state over the past 11 days.

Colonel Abdulhamid urged residents to continue assisting security agencies by providing valuable information to help combat criminal activities.

Senator John Azuta Mbata, a former lawmaker who represented Rivers East Senatorial District in the National Assembly, has emerged as the new President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide.

His election took place during a stakeholders’ meeting of the prominent Igbo socio-cultural organization held on Friday at the Old Government Lodge in Enugu, the capital of Enugu State.

Details shortly………. 

The Presidency has responded sharply to recent remarks by Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, who criticized President Bola Tinubu’s administration, accusing him of not listening to the people.

Mohammed made the statements during a conversation with Sheikh Sani Jingir, the National Chairman of the Ulama Jama’atu Izalatul Bid’ah Wa’Ikamatis Sunnah, while discussing the state of the nation.

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“We are not on good terms with him (Tinubu) because our brothers and sisters are suffering. Even we, the governors, are suffering. Aside from his policies, he does not listen to us,” Mohammed said, highlighting that the northern region has been particularly affected by the president’s policies.

He also expressed concern that the proposed tax reforms would further exacerbate poverty in the region.

In response, the presidency issued a statement on Friday through President Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Media and Public Communication, Sunday Dare.

The statement sharply criticized the governor’s remarks, labeling them as “irresponsible politics.”

“Governor Bala should face governance and stop using President Tinubu to burnish his vanishing image. Governor Bala is playing irresponsible politics.

“Rather, he should occupy himself with dealing with the many problems of his state. Ambition is made of sterner stuff,” the statement read.

The Presidency reiterated that President Tinubu is focused on reviving the economy and fulfilling the promises made during the 2023 election.

“President Tinubu is focused on revamping the economy, and he is working to turn the economic fortunes of the country around. He has a four-year mandate to deliver on his promises,” Dare stated, emphasizing that Nigerians will soon see the benefits of the administration’s reforms.

Further defending the president’s leadership, the statement stressed that President Tinubu is committed to collaborating with state leaders and other stakeholders to improve the country’s overall well-being.

“The focus of this government is on how to build stronger collaborations with sub-nationals and other critical stakeholders on matters that affect the lives of Nigerians,” it read.

The Presidency also countered Governor Mohammed’s claim that Tinubu is not a “listening leader,” asserting that the president values the institutions of state and is open to engagement.

“President Tinubu is a listening leader and also a leader who firmly believes in the institutions of state,” the statement stated.

Addressing the concerns over the proposed tax reform bills, the Presidency advised those with strong objections to utilize the legislative process, urging dialogue through the National Assembly.

In a pointed critique of Governor Mohammed’s leadership in Bauchi State, the statement questioned the governor’s effectiveness in addressing the pressing issues facing his people: “How well are the people of his state, who still rank as most impoverished among Nigerians, faring under his leadership? How well has he, as Governor, used the increased resources at his disposal to improve the quality of life of his people?”

The Presidency concluded by reminding the governor of his duty to the people of Bauchi, asserting that “constant blustering and playing irresponsible politics will not relieve him of his duty to the people of Bauchi State his leadership has impoverished.”