News
Bakeni Commiserates with NUJ and Zulum over the demise of Isa Gusau
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
Bauchi Expands Health Partnerships to Tackle Diphtheria, Malnutrition, Records 95% Measles-Rubella Coverage
Bauchi Expands Health Partnerships to Tackle Diphtheria, Malnutrition, Records 95% Measles-Rubella Coverage
By: Michael Mike
Bauchi State Government has intensified collaboration with international health partners to curb the spread of diphtheria, address rising malnutrition cases and strengthen routine immunisation across the state.
The Chairman of the Bauchi State Primary Healthcare Development Board, Dr. Rilwan Muhammad, disclosed this while briefing journalists on recent public health interventions and outcomes recorded by the state.
He said Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) has continued to play a key role in supporting Bauchi’s response to diphtheria following an increase in reported cases.
According to him, MSF initially operated a Diphtheria Treatment Centre at the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Teaching Hospital but later relocated due to pressure on space caused by rising admissions.
Muhammad explained that the state government provided land within the Specialist Hospital premises, where MSF established a new treatment centre that has grown from an initial 40-bed capacity to 50 beds to meet increasing demand.
He noted that diphtheria vaccination exercises conducted in parts of Bauchi Local Government Area in December 2025 and January 2026 significantly reduced cases in previously affected communities. However, he said infections are still being recorded in areas yet to benefit from the campaign.
“Plans are ongoing for a third round of vaccination, which will be extended to other locations where cases are still emerging,” he said.
On malnutrition, Muhammad described child stunting as a major challenge in the state, prompting the involvement of MSF. He revealed that the organisation established a 350-bed malnutrition treatment centre in Ganjuwa Local Government Area, offering free medical services and nutritional support to affected children and their caregivers.
He added that the facility often experiences high patient inflow, particularly during peak periods, with families travelling from neighbouring states to access treatment.
Highlighting recent achievements, the Board Chairman announced that Bauchi recorded 95 per cent coverage during the measles-rubella vaccination campaign carried out in October 2025. He attributed the success to early planning, community sensitisation and strong advocacy at the grassroots level.
Muhammad also acknowledged the contributions of development partners such as UNICEF and E-Health Africa, while disclosing that the state plans to introduce the malaria vaccine later this year, following pilot programmes in Kebbi and Bayelsa states.
He commended the media for its role in raising awareness about vaccination and early treatment of childhood illnesses, stressing that public enlightenment remains critical to disease prevention.
Meanwhile, humanitarian organisations have continued to warn about worsening malnutrition in northern Nigeria. MSF has repeatedly raised concerns since 2022, while the United Nations World Food Programme recently cautioned that food insecurity in conflict-affected parts of the North-East could place millions of children at risk of malnutrition in 2026.
Bauchi Expands Health Partnerships to Tackle Diphtheria, Malnutrition, Records 95% Measles-Rubella Coverage
News
Troops of Operation HADIN KAI engage terrorists in dawn battles, neutralized several ISWAP fighters in Borno
Troops of Operation HADIN KAI engage terrorists in dawn battles, neutralized several ISWAP fighters in Borno
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) have dealt a significant blow to insurgent activities in the North East following coordinated dawn operations that neutralized several terrorists and recovered arms and ammunition.
In a well-orchestrated operation on Jan. 28, troops of Sector 1 launched a surprise dawn attack at Bula Dalo, neutralizing several terrorists and forcing the remaining insurgents to flee.
Security sources confirmed that four AK-47 rifles, a PKT anti-aircraft gun, a Rocket Propelled Gun, and a multiple grenade launcher were recovered during the operation.
In a follow-up operation at Garno terrorist camp, Sector 1 troops further degraded insurgent capabilities by neutralizing six terrorists, destroying life-support structures, and recovering a substantial quantity of PKT anti-aircraft ammunition.
The operations have been described as a major setback for insurgent logistics and operational capacity in the area.
Meanwhile, troops of Sector 2 at Sabon Gari faced an attack by ISWAP fighters supported by multiple armed drones in the early hours of Jan. 29. Though the insurgents briefly breached part of the defensive position, gallant troops swiftly repelled the assault, restored full control, and denied the attackers any further gain.
The encounter led to casualties among some troops and members of the Civilian Joint Task Force, while an excavator and a lowbed were damaged during the drone attack.
Security officials said exploitation of the area is ongoing as forces continue to deny terrorists freedom of movement and protect local communities from further attacks.
Troops of Operation HADIN KAI engage terrorists in dawn battles, neutralized several ISWAP fighters in Borno
Woman arrested by Lagos Police for allegedly stabbing sister to death in Agege
By: Zagazola Makama
The Lagos State Police Command has arrested a 30-year-old woman for allegedly stabbing her younger sister to death during a domestic dispute in Agege area of the state.
Sources disclosed that the incident occurred on Jan. 27 at about 8:20 p.m. at No. 22 Anikulapo Street, Pen Cinema, Agege.
According to the source, one Ikechukwu Uka reported that two sisters, Mary Ibekwe, 30, and Favour Uka, 18, had a disagreement which degenerated into a physical fight.
“In the course of the altercation, Mary Ibekwe allegedly stabbed her younger sister with a knife on the left side of her chest,” the source said.
The police added that the victim was immediately rescued and rushed to Blue Cross Hospital, Ogba, for medical treatment, where she was confirmed dead by the doctor on duty.
A team of detectives was said to have visited the scene as well as the hospital, where the corpse was inspected and photographed.
“The corpse was later evacuated and deposited at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), Ikeja, for autopsy,” the source said.
The suspect has been arrested and is currently in custody, while investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident is ongoing.
The command assured that the case would be thoroughly investigated and prosecuted accordingly.
Woman arrested by Lagos Police for allegedly stabbing sister to death in Agege
Security operatives recover 2,500 litres of hazardous chemicals in Zamfara
Bauchi Expands Health Partnerships to Tackle Diphtheria, Malnutrition, Records 95% Measles-Rubella Coverage
NSCDC Dismisses Claims of Withheld Promotion Arrears, Reaffirms Commitment to Personnel Welfare
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