News

Bakeni Commiserates with NUJ and Zulum over the demise of Isa Gusau

Published

2 years ago

January 18, 2024

Ochuwa Ibrahim

Bakeni Commiserates with NUJ and Zulum over the demise of Isa Gusau

By: Bodunrin Kayode

Borno state Chairman Christian Association of Nigeria CAN Bishop John Bakeni has commiserated with the Nigerian Union of Journalists NUJ over the death of Isa Gusau who died in an Indian hospital recently.

He also sympathized with the Governor of the state Prof Babagana Zulum whom Gusau served till his death due to a protracted illness.

Addressing a news conference in Maiduguri, the Auxiliary Bishop said that the entire Christian community sympathized with the government over the loss of such a resourceful journalist.

” I want on behalf of the entire Christian Community in Borno State to commiserate with the Executive Governor and indeed the Government and the entire people of Borno State over the demise of his Media Aid and Strategist, Mallam Isa Gusau, who passed on Thursday, the 11th of January, 2024.

” I wish to also condole you the members of the 4th estate for the loss of one of you. May God grant him peaceful rest and console all those who mourn him.” he said.

Responding to some very strong allegations in the mills against Zulum on his treatments of Christians, the Auxillary Bishop maintained that CAN was not a pressure group or a partisan party but a peaceful association that goes about its activities in a lawful manner.

To him:”CAN is a religious Association, CAN is not a political party and is non-partisan. CAN is not a pressure group. It is a law-abiding Association. It is an Association that works for the unity of Christians and building a peaceful and harmonious society working hand-in-hand with other religious bodies, Government and all relevant stake holders.

“The values that hold us together are Love, Peace and Justice for all. We preach peace, we uphold peace and we work for peace. And that is why we are living in peace with our Muslim brothers and sisters in Borno State.

” in terms of our relationship with the Government, let me say that CAN and the Christian community have a good and cordial relationship with the Government of the day. The Government of Prof. Babagana Umara Zullum has done a lot for us and is still doing more in the following areas:

“Has continued the rehabilitation and reconstruction of churches that were destroyed by the Boko Haram insurgency especially in Southern Borno. This was started by our current Vice President, Kashim Shettima, during his tenure; and His Excellency, Prof Babagana Umara Zullum has continued in that line.

“Sponsorship of Christians for pilgrimage to the Holy Land every year. In fact, the Executive Secretary and coordinator of the Christian Pilgrim has just returned from a pre-visit of the pilgrimage sites in preparation for the 2023/2024 main pilgrimage.

“Reaching out to the Christian community with gifts and cash donations at Christmas and Easter periods. Palliatives are also given to our Christian Women and Widows by the Wives of the Vice President, Her Excellency Nana Kashim and the Governor, Her Excellency, Dr. Falmata Umara Zullum.

“Sponsoring the transportation of our brothers and sisters from the South-South, South East and West during festive seasons.

” Appointment of our Christian sons and daughters in his cabinet.

“After so many years of advocacy, the current Government has started the recruitment of Christian teachers to teach the Christian religion in public schools and many more.”

Bakeni noted that all his claims are real and verifiable adding that in spite of all the good results from the interaction with the government there are still challenges and they do hope to continue to work hard to get over them.

” That is not to say that Christians have no challenges in Borno State; of course we have. We therefore, want to have more access for better results through dialogue and constructive engagement with the Government and other relevant stakeholders.

” We know very well where we are coming from and where we are in terms of the security challenges. We have all tested and experienced the ugly side of violence and destruction and we will not want to go back to that era.

” We love our Governor, we respect our Governor, and we appreciate the relentless and selfless services and sacrifices of our Governor in restoring peace and bringing development to our State.

” As such, CAN will continue to support the Government of the day and will continue to work with the Government towards sustaining the peace that we are already enjoying due to the hard work, commitment, and responsible leadership of our Governor.”

Obviously responding to the recent statements of Rev Dikwa Kallamu over the alleged maltreatment of Christians in the state, the CAN chair went on:” We distance ourselves from any act of violence and provocation. Whatever is written on Social media or any other media outlet, is not from CAN.

” My principle as the Chairman of CAN in Borno State at this time is that what Dialogue cannot give you, Violence and confrontation cannot give you either.”

On the progress being made by the military in protecting the nation’s democracy, he went on: ” With deep sense of gratitude and appreciation, we salute the courage and the sacrifices of our Armed Forces. For those who have paid the supreme price in the course of their service to their fatherland, may God reward them with eternal life in his kingdom.”

Below is the full details of the press release in which Rev Dikwa accused the Borno State government of completely marginalizing Christians in the state.

PRESS RELEASE ON THE TRUE POSITION OF THE CHRISTIANS IN BORNO STATE UNDER GOVERNOR BABAGANA UMARA ZULLUM.
30TH DECEMBER, 2023

The press released on 20 December on the marginalization of the Christian community in Borno State by Governor Zullum was not refuted by either him nor any government officials in the state which affirmed the truth except his wife that called out few widows to share rice a day after for Christmas purposefully for the media to carry it. The only way they refuted was to send thugs after my life like Barrister Bashir Maidugu who called me and put a threat to my life and civilians joint task Force (CJTF) who met me on the road and harassed me but as usual God Almighty saved me to continue exposing the truth.

Let the public court judge, How can a professor and a Governor show tribalism, sectionalism and ethnic segregation like Professor Zulum of Borno State? How many are from Southern Borno and how many are Christians among these political appointments?

PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENT

Appointment of Special Advicers to Borno State Governor

The Executive Governor of Borno State, His Excellency Prof Babaganagana Umara Zulum has graciously approved the appointment of the following Special Advisers:

Alhaji Ali Makinta Jere
Idrissa L Kemdey
Tijjani Goni Mohammed
Hon Ibrahim Haruna Biu
Hon Tukur Digira
Engr Kori Shettima
Hauwa M Musa
Hon Abubakar Tijjani
Hon Garba Saje
Hon Kester C Oguali
Hon Alao Hassan
Alhaji Audu Maaji
Hon Abba Jato Bama
Hon Abba Saje Mohd Nur
Engr Musa Gashigar
Hon Abba Nguru
Hon Bukar Dalatu
Hon Idrisa Jidda
Shettima Bukar Kulima (Marte)
Hon Kaka Adam Mustapha
Shettima Lawan Maina
Dr Abubakar Hassan
Modu Ali Gana Dikwa
Sheikh Modu Mustapha
Abba Kawu Shehu Abubakar
Hon Musa Abbas
Alhaji Musa Gwamma
Baba Ali Haruna Kukawa
Abdullahi Mohd Nganzai
Amongst all of the appointees of 29, only

Hon Kester C Oguali is a Christian from the Eastern Nigeria, an Igbo by tribe.
In the threat by the political thugs like Barrister Bashir Maidugu of the Vice president’s crew, he categorically said only four local government in the state have Christian indigenes which are blatant lies from the pit of hell. I’m kanuri by tribe from Maiduguri the state capital and a Christian amongst many kanuri Christians. Going by the Barrister Bashir Maidugu, I ll now ask, have the indigenous Christian from the southern Borno State relocated to the igbo land (Eastern Nigeria) to get a slot from the 29 appointment or still the marginalization?
We condemned on a strong term this total excluding of Christians in the governor’s appointment and Hon Kester C Oguali is not representing any Christians in the state but political strategy to show the world he’s in love with even Christians in the south but marginalized his main duties of inclusive governance.
Let me talk little for now about the LGA Chairman primaries in the State, a Christian dominated area like Chibok has 7 contestants in which 4 are Christians and 3 are Muslims. He disqualified the four Christians and told the 3 Muslims to choose one among themselves, in Askira Uba, the contestants have the highest a Christian with 14 votes followed by a Muslim with 7votes however, Zullum imposed the Muslim candidate with 7 and dropped the Christian with 14, can someone define marginalization for me in different actions than these?

REV. KALLAMU MUSA ALI DIKWA
Director, General Center for Justice on Religious And Ethnicity in Nigeria

Bakeni Commiserates with NUJ and Zulum over the demise of Isa Gusau

News

Six killed, nine injured in fatal auto crash in Plateau

Published

19 hours ago

January 6, 2026

Ochuwa Ibrahim

Six killed, nine injured in fatal auto crash in Plateau

By: Zagazola Makama

Six persons were killed and nine others injured in a fatal motor accident involving a trailer truck at Shendam Road junction in Langtang North Local Government Area of Plateau State.

Sources said that the accident occurred at about 5:30 a.m. on Jan. 4 when a trailer conveying about 400 bags of unprocessed rice from Yelwa-Shendam en route Kano State lost control and fell off the road.

The deceased were identified as Samaila Dahiru, from Katsina State; Sanusi Ladan Yelwa, from Toro Local Government Area of Bauchi State; Abubakar Sa’id, from Dass Local Government Area of Bauchi State; and Zaradeen Makama, from Birnin Kudu, Jigawa State.

Police said two other victims died in the crash but were yet to be identified as at the time of filing this report.

They added that nine persons sustained varying degrees of injuries.

“On receipt of the distress call, the Divisional Police Officer, Langtang North, mobilised and led a team of policemen to the scene and cordoned off the area,” the sources said.

They said the injured victims were rushed to the General Hospital, Langtang North, with the assistance of personnel of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and members of the public for medical attention.

According to the sources , the identified corpses were released to their relatives for burial in line with Islamic rites.

Six killed, nine injured in fatal auto crash in Plateau

News

Realistic training key to winning modern battles, says Army Chief as he declared the TRADOC Conference 2026 open

Published

19 hours ago

January 6, 2026

Ochuwa Ibrahim

Realistic training key to winning modern battles, says Army Chief as he declared the TRADOC Conference 2026 open

By: Zagazola Makama

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has reiterated that realistic, mission-oriented and doctrine-driven training remains the most critical enabler for superior operational outcomes across Nigeria’s diverse theatres of operation.

Shaibu made this assertion while delivering his opening remarks at the 2026 Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC) Conference, which formally commenced the Nigerian Army’s training activities for the year.

The Army Chief warned that failure to adequately and realistically prepare officers and soldiers for assigned missions would inevitably undermine operational effectiveness, noting that the evolving and increasingly complex security environment demands a force that is professional, adaptable, combat-ready and resilient.

According to him, the conference was convened to promote robust and forward-looking deliberations aimed at aligning training, doctrine and operational concepts with contemporary and emerging security challenges confronting the nation.

Shaibu said Army Headquarters remained firmly focused on sound policy formulation and holistic, mission-specific training, in line with his Command Philosophy.

He charged commandants and leaders of training institutions to internalise this philosophy and translate it into practical outcomes by producing combat-ready, resilient and adaptable troops capable of operating effectively within joint and multi-agency environments.

The COAS described the theme of the conference, “Enhancing Nigerian Army Operational Outcomes Through Effective Training and Doctrine Implementation,” as apt and timely, stressing that doctrine must continue to guide training, planning and the execution of operations across all formations.

He urged participants to relate conference presentations to real operational experiences, with a view to strengthening the Army’s capacity to counter terrorism, insurgency and other contemporary security threats.

Shaibu placed particular emphasis on Exercise MUGUN BUGU, describing it as the hallmark of Nigerian Army training activities. He said the exercise remained central to validating doctrinal principles and assessing operational readiness.

The Army Chief called for greater realism in training scenarios, including the integration of improvised explosive device (IED) threats, explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) procedures and the expanded use of simulators to enhance proficiency and cost-effectiveness.

While acknowledging the sacrifices of Nigerian Army personnel in safeguarding national security, Shaibu reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening fighting power, improving welfare and administration, and providing purposeful leadership to confront threats to peace and security.

He also commended past commanders of the Training and Doctrine Command, retired senior officers and the current TRADOC leadership for their contributions to the development of the Nigerian Army.

The COAS appreciated the conference resource persons for their insights, which he said would help shape the Army’s training and doctrinal direction in the year ahead.

Shaibu further expressed gratitude to the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for his sustained support to the Nigerian Army, while reaffirming the unalloyed loyalty of the Service to the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

In his welcome remarks, the Commander, Training and Doctrine Command, Maj.-Gen. Peter Malla, described the conference as a critical intellectual platform for setting the tone for Nigerian Army training activities in 2026.

Malla said the conference underscored the Army’s unwavering commitment to doctrine-driven, realistic and mission-focused training as the foundation for operational effectiveness, particularly in an increasingly complex and adaptive security environment.

He noted that Nigeria’s prolonged engagements in counter-terrorism, counter-insurgency and other internal security operations had consistently highlighted the vital link between sound doctrine, effective training and operational success.

The TRADOC commander reaffirmed the command’s commitment to Nigerian Army Doctrine as the professional blueprint guiding operations, stressing the need for doctrine to remain dynamic and responsive to emerging threats.

He urged participants to actively engage in deliberations, challenge assumptions and propose practical solutions aimed at enhancing training effectiveness and strengthening the Army’s collective operational competence.

The COAS later formally declared the Training and Doctrine Command Conference 2026 open

Realistic training key to winning modern battles, says Army Chief as he declared the TRADOC Conference 2026 open

News

One killed, nine arrested as rival gangs clash in Kano

Published

19 hours ago

January 6, 2026

Ochuwa Ibrahim

One killed, nine arrested as rival gangs clash in Kano

By: Zagazola Makama

One person was killed and nine suspects arrested following a violent clash between rival thuggery groups in Kawo and Mariri areas of Kano metropolis, sources have confirmed.

Sources told the Zagazola Makama that the incident occurred on Jan. 4 at about 9:00 p.m., following a fight between two rival groups led by Kabalo Snu and Faizu Mohammed, popularly known as Chabross of Yar Kasuwa, Kawo Quarters.

According to the sources, the clash was a reprisal attack linked to an earlier confrontation between the two groups. They said that earlier in the day, at about 1:40 p.m., Faizu Mohammed allegedly inflicted injuries on Kabalo during a separate altercation, prompting members of Kabalo’s group to launch a retaliatory attack later that night.

During the reprisal, Faizu Mohammed was reportedly stabbed in the neck with a sharp object, sustaining severe injuries. He was rushed to Sir Muhammadu Sanusi Specialist Hospital, where he died while receiving treatment.

The sources said the corpse was subsequently released to his relatives for burial, while normalcy was restored in the area.

However, tension resurfaced in the early hours of Jan. 5 when information was received that some suspected thugs were mobilising in large numbers at Kawo Quarters, allegedly to carry out another reprisal attack on Kabalo at his residence located at Jar Kuka, Mariri Quarters.

The sources said police operatives were swiftly deployed to the area and arrived to find that the suspects had already broken into a shop belonging to Kabalo.

According to the sources, the operatives charged into the area, arrested nine suspects and recovered some exhibits, while several others fled the scene.

The sources added that the situation has since been brought under control, with normalcy restored across the affected neighbourhoods. Investigation is ongoing, while efforts are being intensified to arrest other fleeing suspects and prevent further breakdown of law and order.

One killed, nine arrested as rival gangs clash in Kano