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Minister commends Kano Govt. effort over Hanifa’s death
Minister commends Kano Govt. effort over Hanifa’s death
The Minister of Education Mallam Adamu has commended the Kano State Government on steps taken to address the incident of the death of five-year-old Hanifa Abubakar, killed by her teacher.
Adamu, who spoke through the Director of Press and Public Relations in the ministry, Mr Ben Goong, in Abuja yesterday, condemned the killing of Hanifa by her teacher by one Abdulmalik Tanko after he abducted her.
Adamu, however, said he is watching closely the development to ensure that true dispensation of justice on the accused is achieved.
Hanifa, until her death, was a pupil of Noble Kids Academy, located at Kwanar Dakata in Nasarawa Local Government Area of Kano State.
“We are watching this national tragedy very closely and we are interested in seeing that justice is not only done, but explicitly seen as done.
“If a child cannot be safe in the hands of his or her teacher, where else can the child be safe.
“This is an assault on the entire teaching profession and must not be allowed to happen again.
“We sympathise with the parents of the innocent baby and pray that Allah consoles them in the best way possible,” Adamu said.
Hanifa was abducted on December 4, last year by her teacher, Abdulmalik Tanko, who has since been arrested by the police.
Also, yesterday, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) met with Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje in Kano State to ensure justice is speedily delivered for five-year-old Hanifa Abubakar. Ganduje’s Chief Press Secretary Abba Anwar said the commission commended the governor for his quick response on the girl’s murder. Ganduje has declared he will sign the killer’s death sentence if passed by the court.
READ ALSO: Kano Orders Immediate Closure Of School Over Abducted Girl Buried By Principal
The Federal Commissioner of the Human Rights Commission, Abubakar Muhammad represented the Executive Secretary of the Commission Mr Tony Ojukwu at a condolence visit to Governor Ganduje during the State Executive Council meeting (SEC) held at Africa House, Kano yesterday.
“The National Human Rights Commission under the chairperson of GCM Hajiya Salamatu and the Executive Secretary Mr Tony Ojukwu deemed it expedient to send this powerful delegation to you (Ganduje) and the people of Kano State over the unfortunate incident of Hanifa’s murder.
“We commend the Kano State Government for being proactive and committed to ensuring justice on the matter,” Muhammad said.
The Commission told Ganduje that “there is no reason for this form of human rights violation by anyone, big or small.”
The governor said: “We are glad for your special concern over the sad incident. We remain in synergy with you over this tragedy and we shall follow it up to its logical conclusion.”
Russia Strengthens Strategic Ties with Sahel States Amid Geopolitical Shifts
By: Zagazola Makama
Russia has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening ties with Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, as Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov hosted his counterparts from the three Sahel states in Moscow. The high-level meeting signals deepening cooperation in security, economic development, and diplomatic coordination, amid shifting global alliances and the growing influence of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES).
The discussions, held in a quadrilateral format for the first time, focused on enhancing military collaboration, investment opportunities, and regional security strategies. Lavrov welcomed the delegation, emphasizing Russia’s support for the sovereignty of the three nations as they seek to assert independence in their policymaking and security frameworks.
“We appreciate the determination of your countries to build a new regional security architecture based on your own strengths while remaining open to mutually beneficial cooperation,” Lavrov said. He commended the “dynamic integration” efforts within the AES and highlighted ongoing projects in trade, finance, infrastructure, and human resource development.
The visit comes amid rising geopolitical tensions and the Sahel states’ increasing shift away from Western partnerships. Following military takeovers in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, the three countries have strengthened ties with Russia, particularly in military cooperation and counterterrorism efforts. They have also distanced themselves from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), forming the AES as a regional bloc focused on collective security and economic cooperation.
Lavrov noted that Russia is ready to support the AES beyond bilateral engagements, stating that collaboration would extend to international platforms, including the Russia-Africa Forum. The next ministerial meeting of the forum is expected to take place in Africa later this year, ahead of the 2026 Russia-Africa Summit.
In his remarks, Mali’s Foreign Minister, Abdoulaye Diop, reaffirmed his country’s commitment to strengthening ties with Russia, underscoring the importance of strategic alliances in addressing security and development challenges.
The meeting marks a new phase in Russia’s engagement with Africa, particularly in regions seeking alternative partnerships. As the global political landscape evolves, the AES-Russia partnership is expected to influence security dynamics and economic cooperation in the Sahel and beyond.
Russia Strengthens Strategic Ties with Sahel States Amid Geopolitical Shifts
Man Killed in Accidental Shooting During Joint Security Operation in Adamawa
By: Zagazola Makama
A tragic incident occurred on April 3, 2025, during a joint security operation in Girei Local Government Area (LGA) of Adamawa State.
The operation, which involved personnel from the Police, Military, Department of State Security Services (DSS), and Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), aimed to raid criminal hideouts in the area.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that during the operation, one of the security personnel accidentally discharged their firearm, striking 21-year-old Bara Adamu of Wuro Bulama, Girei LGA.
The victim was immediately rushed to Specialist Hospital for medical attention but was sadly confirmed dead by the doctor on duty.
Man Killed in Accidental Shooting During Joint Security Operation in Adamawa
Armed Bandits Kill One in Attack on Commercial Vehicle in Sokoto
By: Zagazola Makama
On April 3, 2025, at approximately 1130 hours, a group of armed bandits riding motorcycles, opened fire on a commercial vehicle traveling from Kebbi to Sokoto.
The attack resulted in the death of one Dan Gande Usman, who was shot in the head. The victim succumbed to his injuries while being transported to the hospital.
In response to the attack, troops of Operation FANSAN YANMA were deployed to the area to ensure sanity.
Armed Bandits Kill One in Attack on Commercial Vehicle in Sokoto
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