KACRAN Condemns School Kidnappings

…Appeals for Immediate Release of Students

By: Michael Mike

The Kulen Allah Cattle Rearers Association of Nigeria (KACRAN) has condemned the recent tragic kidnapping of secondary school students in Kebbi and Niger States.

The group in a statement signed by its National President, Khalil Bello named Ted that the issue has become a major national concern, highlighted by the decision of President Bola Tinubu to cancel his scheduled trip to South Africa for the G20 Economic Summit to focus on the crisis at home.

Bello said: “The most regrettable aspect of this deeply disturbing incident is that it targets innocent secondary school students. These are children who have left their parents for the first time to attend boarding school, pursuing an education that is vital for the future development of their states, Nigeria, and the world.

“Furthermore, we must consider the lasting emotional and psychological trauma being inflicted upon these young victims. The suffering of their parents and relatives, who are enduring days of uncertainty, hunger, and heartbreak, is a grave humanitarian crisis that threatens their health and overall well-being.”

He addd that: “The Federal Government’s subsequent directive to close over 40 Federal secondary schools across the country, along with closures ordered by the Niger and Katsina State governments, represents a significant educational setback. This is particularly alarming for the Northern region, which is already struggling with a high rate of out-of-school children. KACRAN is profoundly concerned that the perpetrators of this unholy act are now turning their unlawful attacks on vulnerable children who deserve the highest levels of protection.

“The aforementioned incident, which prevented our visionary President from attending the G20 meeting—an event of crucial importance to Nigeria’s global image—is a painful economic and reputational loss for the nation. KACRAN highly appreciates the serious concern and sympathy Mr. President has demonstrated towards the victims and their families.

“At this juncture, KACRAN reiterates its strong condemnation of all acts of violence in the country, especially the unacceptable kidnapping of innocent students. We passionately appeal to the kidnappers to fear the Almighty God and contemplate the day of judgment. As an act of clemency, sympathy for the victims and their families, and for the restoration of our national pride, we urge them to kindly and immediately release these poor students and return them safely to their parents. Nothing is gained from the suffering of small children and their poor families.”

KACRAN called on all Nigerians, regardless of tribe, religion, political affiliation, or region, to reject all forms of violence. “We must embrace one another as one beloved family and unite to firmly develop an indivisible Nigeria, ensuring that our children and grandchildren inherit a better country.

“Finally, while once more commending President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his government’s sincerity and total commitment to securing the immediate release of these students, we respectfully request him, as a caring father to all, to accept and urgently implement KACRAN’s comprehensive proposal on how to easily resolve insecurity problems in the North-West and North-Central regions within six months.”

KACRAN Condemns School Kidnappings

Three killed as hoodlums attack hunters, burn huts in Adamawa community

By: Zagazola Makama

Three persons have been killed after armed hoodlums launched attacks on hunters and residents in Song Local Government Area of Adamawa State, authorities confirmed on Friday.

Sources told Zagazola Makama that the incident began at about 3:20 p.m. when local hunters from Barkin Sajo, under the Miyetti Allah hunters association, pursued suspected cattle rustlers into the Mayo Suno forest.

According to the source, a gun duel ensued between the hunters and the hoodlums, resulting in the death of one of the hunters, identified as Buji Alhaji, 40.

He explained that the attackers later moved to Maigero village, where they set seven thatched huts in the local market ablaze before shooting and killing two residents: Alhaji Haruna and Iliya Dabba.

He said security operatives visited the scene and evacuated the bodies to the Cottage Hospital, Song.

The sources added that efforts were ongoing to track down the perpetrators, while the police Criminal Investigation Department (CID) had been assigned to conduct a discreet investigation into the incident.
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Welfare allegations against 90 amphibious battalion Commanding Officer proven inaccurate

By: Zagazola Makama

Contrary to recent media reports alleging mismanagement of soldiers’ allowances and welfare at the 90 Amphibious Battalion, Koko, a detailed review confirms that the Commanding Officer (CO), Lt. Colonel M.M. Garba, has maintained proper management of all entitlements and provided additional support to deployed personnel.

Investigations reveal that allegations of diversion of allowances, inadequate feeding, and extended duty rotations were unfounded. The battalion, which comprises 400 soldiers, with 300 deployed to oil facilities and 100 remaining at base, has witnessed an increase in allowances under the current Commanding Officer.

The RCA allowance, previously ₦30,000, was raised to ₦40,000 monthly and applied to all soldiers uniformly. Further clarification indicates that deployed soldiers receive a ₦150,000 monthly feeding allowance directly from the oil companies supporting operations, with funds transferred straight into the soldiers’ accounts,”two sources from the company confirmed.

However, SEPLAT, one of the partner companies, has reportedly not made payments since January 2025, contrary to claims that soldiers receive only ₦40,000, a sources from the company further confirmed.

In addition to standard entitlements, The Commanding Officer personally contributes approximately ₦7 million monthly for feeding across deployed locations and the base. This voluntary support aims to sustain morale and operational readiness, marking a significant improvement in welfare since his assumption of command in January 2025.

A preliminary assessment suggests the recent allegations may have been motivated by misinformation or deliberate attempts to undermine the CO’s credibility, create internal disaffection, or misrepresent welfare standards compared with other regions.

Some soldiers who spoke to Zagazola under conditions of anonymity said “Our Commanding Officer has never misappropriated soldiers’ allowances. Every soldier receives their full entitlements, and sometimes he provided more support voluntarily,”he said.

“Our CO na Good man i swear all this lies we day see for internet, we sef no believe am. Person just wan spoil him name. Oga tell them say make them call to asked soldiers. We dey enjoy for here woo. Nothing like that,”said one soldier who spoke in pigin english.

Soldiers at the battalion attest that the CO’s commitment has tangibly improved morale. “Since his arrival, welfare has never been better. We receive our allowances in full, and the feeding support keeps us going during deployments,” said another soldier, speaking on condition of anonymity.

Lt. Colonel Garba, leadership is measured not only in operational success but in the welfare and morale of his troops. His proactive stance demonstrates that even under challenging circumstances, committed leadership can bridge gaps in resources and ensure that soldiers’ rights are respected.

Welfare allegations against 90 amphibious battalion Commanding Officer proven inaccurate