Sheikh Dahiru Bauchi: VP Shettima Charges Young Scholars To Preserve His Message Of Tolerance

By: Michael Mike

Says nation has lost one of the last great titans of Islamic scholarship

Vice President Kashim Shettima has charged emerging Islamic scholars across Nigeria and Africa to preserve and propagate the enduring message of tolerance, dialogue, and inclusivity exemplified by the late renowned Islamic cleric, Sheikh Dahiru Usman Bauchi.

He specifically said that the late Tijjaniyya leader’s commitment to dialogue and inclusivity represents the true heritage of Islam that must guide future generations.

The Vice President gave the charge on Friday after attending the burial ceremony of the late Sheikh Dahiru Usman Bauchi in Bauchi, Bauchi State, where he described the passage of the cleric as a monumental loss not only to Nigeria but to the global Muslim Ummah.

“This nation has lost a colossus—an institution and one of the last great titans of Islamic scholarship. We call on our emerging scholars to embrace the path of dialogue, moderation, accommodation, and inclusivity, because this is the true heritage of Islam—not fanaticism, not extremism,” VP Shetimma said.

Praying for the repose of the late cleric’s soul, the Vice President said, “May Allah grant his soul eternal rest and reward him with Aljannatul Firdaus. May Allah grant his family and millions of followers the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss.”

Also speaking at the burial, the Governor of Bauchi State, Senator Bala Mohammed, described Sheikh Dahiru Bauchi as a towering figure whose legacy transformed Islamic education and uplifted countless families.

“He made remarkable contributions to development and established a strong tradition of Qur’anic research and scholarship. He mentored so many people. We have lost a father, a guardian, a teacher, and a colossus,” the governor said.

Similarly, the Governor of Kano State, Abba Yusuf, described the day as deeply sorrowful, not only for the family of the cleric but for all Nigerians and the entire Muslim Ummah across the world.

Yusuf said Sheikh Bauchi was widely known as an exceptional Islamic scholar who taught Qur’an and Hadith to hundreds of millions of people, especially his family and members of the Tijjaniyya order.

“May God grant his soul eternal rest and give the nation the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss,” he added.

Also speaking, the Governor of Niger State, Mohammed Umar, expressed gratitude to God for the cleric’s life, describing it as well spent. He said the late scholar would be remembered as a distinguished scholar and leader.

Sheikh Dahiru Bauchi: VP Shettima Charges Young Scholars To Preserve His Message Of Tolerance

DSS Invites Datti Baba-Ahmed Over Alleged Inciteful Remarks Against the Nigerian State

By: Zagazola Makama

The Department of State Services (DSS) on Friday invited the founder of Baze University, Senator Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed for sustaining views perceived as inciting against the Nigerian State, a security source has disclosed.

Sources told Zagazola Makama that there has been growing concerns over the Baba-Ahmed’s recent public remarks on various media platforms, especially those bordering on his claims of a “constitutional crisis.”

He continued, “A few days ago, Baba-Ahmed was on national television blaming the judiciary and the military for allowing the swearing-in of President Bola Tinubu and Vice President Kashmir Shettima. He even went to the length of inciting the military that it was President Tinubu’s swearing -in that made it possible for them to look you in the face and call you ‘bloody fools.'”

His inflammatory comments carry undertones capable of heightening national tension particularly given the sensitivity of Nigeria’s current political climate. It is also disturbing considering how similar narratives have contributed to instability in countries like Guinea-Bissau and other states, noted the source.

“I believe the secret police is treating his comments with caution. It has nothing to do with politics, but the corporate existence of our nation could be threatened if such rhetoric is allowed to fester,” he hinted.

“The complacency by the judiciary and military in not stopping the inauguration of President Tinubu’s administration as he was quoted leaves much to be desired.”

Such an invitation aligns with established protocols especially as his description of efforts to improve the security of the nation as a “joke” could agitate public sentiment, weaken trust in state institutions.

“These sessions are not punitive; they are preventive, focused on clarifying intent, contextualizing the remarks, and preventing the emergence of narratives that could unintentionally fuel unrest,” the source declared.

DSS Invites Datti Baba-Ahmed Over Alleged Inciteful Remarks Against the Nigerian State

21 passengers rescued by troops as bandits attack multiple vehicles on Kogi highways, 2 security personnel killed

By: Zagazola Makama

At least twenty-one passengers were rescued unhurt following coordinated attacks by armed bandits on multiple vehicles along Kogi State highways on Thursday, while two security personnel were confirmed dead during the ensuing rescue operations.

Sources reported that about 100 armed bandits attacked a Toyota Siena with registration number YAB 968 AX traveling from Oshogbo to Kaduna, a Toyota Hiace bus (7BGT-78LG) conveying passengers from Owo, Ondo State to Abuja.

Another Toyota Hiace (GKP 178 XA) from Abuja to Ekiti State, a Toyota Carina (JMU 648 AA) from Lokoja to Kabba, a Dangote truck transporting 900 bags of cement, and a J5 bus (FTA 313 XV) carrying bags of pepper from Kano to Lagos.

The attacks occurred around 2:00 p.m., leaving passengers vulnerable to abduction.

A joint rescue operation involving the 12 Brigade of the Nigerian Army, Quick Response Units (QRU), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps vigilantes, local hunters, and other security operatives swiftly engaged the bandits in a gun duel.

The operation successfully secured the release of 21 passengers, including men, women, and infants. Rescued passengers include Moses Oladimeji, Adele Jacob, Obed Onche, Babayemi Ajayi, Funmilayo Ajayi, Samuel Olawoyin, Samuel Job, Jemima Joseph, Nanko Joseph, Enenche Paulina, Bright Enenche, Rachael Enenche, Deborah Enenche (9 days old), Bukola Clement, Toyin Clement, Glory Clement, Faith Clement, Peter Olawale, and the drivers of the Dangote truck and J5 bus.

Tragically, one soldier attached to the Oshokoshoko sector and one vigilante from Odoape lost their lives during the exchange of fire. Their identities are yet to be confirmed.

Rescue operations are ongoing to track down any remaining abducted victims and apprehend the perpetrators.

Communities along the highways remain on high alert following the attacks, highlighting the continued threat of organized banditry in Kogi State.

The operation demonstrates the effectiveness of coordinated efforts between military, vigilante, and local security forces in responding to large-scale armed bandit attacks, although the loss of personnel underscores the dangers faced by security operatives during such missions.

21 passengers rescued by troops as bandits attack multiple vehicles on Kogi highways, 2 security personnel killed