Two bandits killed in deadly forest rivalry clash in Katsina

By: Zagazola Makama

Two armed bandits have been killed following a deadly clash between rival factions in Pauwa Forest, which borders Kankara and Danmusa Local Government Areas of Katsina State.

Zagazola Makama gathered that the latest confrontation, which occurred at Tsamiyar Gino in Kankara LGA on Monday, November 11, at around 6:00 p.m., involved the faction of notorious bandit Mustapha Babaro and that of Sanusi Dan Dutsinma.

Sources confirmed that the clash resulted in the death of Bilyaminu Alhaji Monday, and Umar Ibrahim, both members of Sanusi Dan Dutsinma’s faction.

The situation remains under close observation, as the forested border areas continue to serve as hideouts for armed bandit groups, posing ongoing security challenges for nearby communities.

Two bandits killed in deadly forest rivalry clash in Katsina

FUPRE Clarifies Senate Resolutions On Recent Students’ Unrest

By Daniel Dafe

The Federal University of Petroleum Resources, Effurun (FUPRE), has reacted to online reports and social media commentaries alleging that the University is “forcing all students to pay ₦7,500 because they protested against a fee increase,” saying the “claim is misleading.”

Reacting in a statement on Tuesday, 4th November, 2025, issued by the Directorate of Media and Public Relations, Vice-Chancellor’s Office, the institution stated: “For clarity and proper public understanding, the University wishes to set the record straight and present the true sequence of events surrounding the students’ protest of October 8, 2025, and the subsequent resolutions of the University Senate.”

Adding: “For the record, the review of school charges was still ongoing, and in the spirit of transparency and inclusiveness, the Students’ Union executives were duly involved in the process. However, before the conclusion of deliberations, some students prematurely released an unapproved draft of the proposed fees, even though the final approved rates (which reflected a downward adjustment) had not yet been issued. This misinformation triggered an unsanctioned protest on October 8, 2025, during which students barricaded the University’s main gate and the East–West Road, disrupting public order and ongoing examinations.”

According to the institution, “following a comprehensive review of the situation at an emergency meeting, the University Senate resolved to bring the 2024/2025 academic session to an immediate close and directed all students to vacate the campus that same day to forestall further breakdown of law and order.”

Adding: “This decision implied that affected students would have to carry over their outstanding courses and pay full tuition in the 2025/2026 academic session.”

ALSO READ: Gov. Soludo Welcomes INEC Declaration As Anambra Guber Winner, Extends Fellowship To Opponents

However, following appeals from the students and the intervention of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) Zonal Executives, FUPRE said “the Senate reconvened on 24th October 2025 and approved supplementary examinations,” saying that “final-year students were to write theirs on 31st October 2025, while others would take theirs a week before the 2025/2026 academic session.”

“Senate also directed all students to submit letters of undertaking for good conduct and pay a token sum of ₦7,500 to defray the University’s operational and logistical costs during the disruption,” the statement said.

The statement said further: “It is important to emphasize that the University remains steadfast in its commitment to aligning with international best practices and national aspirations. Under the leadership of the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Ezekiel Agbalagba, Management remains focused on its core mandate and will not be distracted from advancing academic excellence and Institutional stability.

“Professor Agbalagba has consistently prioritized the welfare of students and staff, promoting academic quality, infrastructural renewal, and stakeholder engagement—anchored on transparency, integrity, and compassion. His leadership continues to guide all major decisions, including recent measures taken to preserve peace and sustain academic progress.

“The University upholds the highest standards of ethics and discipline while remaining firmly committed to the welfare of its students and will not condone actions that disrupt peace and order. The university Management appreciates the cooperation of parents, staff, and responsible students, and remains resolute in sustaining the institution’s reputation for excellence and relevance.”

FUPRE Clarifies Senate Resolutions On Recent Students’ Unrest

Proposed Aba State, the Most Economically Viable Among Contending State Requests- Group

By: Michael Mike

Proposed Aba State has the potential of becoming the most economically viable among all state creation proposals currently under consideration, a group of indigenes from the area have said.

The agitators, in a statement on Tuesday by the Chairman and Secretary, Aba State Movement, HRH Eze Love Wogu and Chief Godfrey Akara, respectively, said the creation of Aba State is deep rooted, and not a recent or politically motivated demand, but a century-long pursuit rooted in a distinct identity.

They pointed out that if not for the 1983 coup, Aba state would have come to reality by now.

They noted that other states proposed at the same time had been created.

They said: “This isn’t simply a demand; it’s a promise that has been repeatedly made and validated but never kept.”

They added that: “The movement’s unwavering dedication is evidenced by its submissions to every state creation committee and national conference since 1988, demonstrating a resilience that has outlasted numerous governments and generations.

“Throughout Nigeria’s complex history of state creation, the quest for Aba State stands out as a persistent and enduring endeavor.

“The journey began in 1915 when the British colonial government administratively united the Asa, Ndoki, and Ngwa people into the Aba Division.

“The formal political pursuit of autonomy began just over a decade later, in 1927. This long struggle reached a critical milestone in 1983 when the National Assembly, under a democratic government, approved a referendum for the creation of Aba State.

“However, that referendum was never realized due to the military coup of December 31, 1983. Ironically, every other state recommended for creation alongside Aba in 1983—Adamawa, Jigawa, Katsina, Kogi, Taraba, and Enugu—has since been established, leaving Aba as the only unfulfilled recommendation.”

They also said: “Beyond historical claims, a compelling economic case exists for Aba State. Advocates argue that the proposed state would not only be sustainable from its inception but would also quickly become a significant financial powerhouse.

“The region is already the commercial and industrial heart of the South East. Aba metropolis, home to the renowned Ariaria International Market, is a major hub for leather goods, footwear, and engineering fabrications, serving markets across West and Central Africa.

“This economic strength is further bolstered by vast resources, including approximately 124 operational oil wells and some of Nigeria’s highest-quality gas reserves in Ukwa West.

“Furthermore, the proposed state has the unique advantage of self-sufficient electricity generation, thanks to the Geometric Power Plant in Osisioma Ngwa, which promises to trigger a significant industrial revolution.

“A 1998 Federal Government survey revealed that the nine Local Government Areas comprising the proposed Aba State contributed the largest portion of Abia State’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR).”

Proposed Aba State, the Most Economically Viable Among Contending State Requests- Group