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Governor Zulum flags off fertilizer sales, warns against diversion

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Governor Zulum flags off fertilizer sales, warns against diversion.

By: Bodunrin Kayode

Governor of Borno State Babagana Zulum has warned that anyone who diverts fertilizer will be prosecuted no matter how highly placed.

In his speech while flagging off the sales of fertilizer in the state recently, the governor asserted that no resident would be spared, “no matter how highly placed,” the repercussions of flouting his directive.

Zulum noted that he is aware of the “risks” associated with the diversion of the commodity, which is why he is emphasizing that any form of diversion of fertilizer in the state by anyone high or low in the state will be punished.

He called on the intelligence agencies to wake up to their responsibilities by ensuring that all culprits are arrested and prosecuted for daring to divert the commodity within or outside the state.

“Culprits shall be dealt with, specifically those who are not farmers but intend to use proxies to get the commodities for any form of usage.

“I hereby call on traditional and community leaders to be very vigilant during this distribution of the fertilizers, which should be given to only registered members. All farmers must register to partake in the sales, which will be done at 50 percent of the price.

“Let me add that this government will stop at nothing to empower farmers in the state to achieve all their potential, which is why it is only fertilizers that will be sold at 50 percent prices. Other implements would be given free to them.” Said Zulum.

It is a known fact that insurgents are in desperate need of fertilizers, especially urea, which is used to assist them in the production of improvised explosive devices (IEDs) used to cause havoc to both civilians and the military in the 15-year-old conflict that has plagued the Northeastern region of Nigeria.

Tackling restrictions over farmlands

The governor expressed dissatisfaction over the back-and-forth some residents have been having with security agencies over their ancestral farmlands, in which they have been restricted from farming.

“I want you to report anybody who stops you as farmers from farming anywhere in the state. Such decisions can only be given by the state security council and nobody else. Nobody can take such a decision without consulting us at the security council.

“As long as you have clearance from us, you are free to farm anywhere. Ensure you have the clearance, which I can assure you nobody can deny you as long as we have given you clearance,” said Zulum.

The governor maintained that his government was on course in going into private partnership with a private investor to maintain the continuous functionality of the state fertilizer plant, which has remained comatose for some time now.

Making his remarks as the Chair of the agricultural transformation committee, the secretary to the state government, Tijani Bukar, assured that they will work with the World Food Programme to ensure that the sector is moved from where it is now to where it should be in the nearest future.

He hinted that the governor is worried about the recovery by returnee farmers who have lost virtually everything to the tragedy of the 15-year insurgency, which is why he is doing all he can to make them achieve the concept of recovery, which should make them happy.

Counting the blessings of the recovery program, the SSG said that Monguno was a typical example of a council area that superseded its expectations beyond all imagination.

“We have been achieving results so far. Monguno alone generated over N50 billion from beans alone in 2024. And this occurs because of the complementarity from the government.

“The concepts of resilience, recovery, and seed capital are key factors that the government will continue with to ensure that all registered farmers will prosper in the business of food security.

“Let me assure you that nobody should express any fear of any source because as long as you are a conscious farmer, you will get what is due to you as support for being a farmer.” Said Alhaji Bukar.

Commissioner of Agriculture Bawa Musari stated that in spite of all the challenges farmers have experienced in the state, he has not lost hope for their future but believes in the greenery of the entire state before the end of the farming season.

He called on Governor Professor Zulum to do all he can in his power to revitalize the fertilizer plant, which is a vital asset in the green revolution of the entire state.

Governor Zulum flags off fertilizer sales, warns against diversion

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Bandits kill two, rustle cattle in Kaduna community

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Bandits kill two, rustle cattle in Kaduna community

By: Zagazola Makama

Armed bandits have attacked Unguwan Namaje, Lukora village in Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna State, killing two residents and rustling an unspecified number of cattle.

Sources said the attack occurred at about 2:50 a.m. on Friday when the bandits stormed the residence of one Abdullahi Yunusa.

According to the sources, three victims were shot during the attack.

“Those fatally injured were identified as Audu Yunusa, 15, and Salisu Yunusa, 23. They sustained gunshot wounds to the stomach and were later certified dead by a doctor.

“Another victim, Isiyaku Yunusa, 25, also sustained serious gunshot injuries and is receiving treatment at Saint Gerard Hospital, Kaduna,”said the sources.

Nigerian troops were immediately mobilised to the scene, while efforts were intensified to track down the perpetrators and recover the stolen cattle.

Bandits kill two, rustle cattle in Kaduna community

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Police rescue eight kidnapped victims, confirm one dead in Katsina

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Police rescue eight kidnapped victims, confirm one dead in Katsina

By: Zagazola Makama

The Police Command in Katsina State says its operatives have foiled a kidnapping attempt, rescued eight victims and confirmed the death of one person in Dandume Local Government Area.

Zagazola Makama learnt that on Friday night, yet-to-be identified armed men laid an ambush along Funtua–Mahuta road and opened fire on a moving Golf vehicle with registration number EDT 693 AA, apparently intending to kidnap the occupants.

Sources said that the driver lost control of the vehicle which veered into a farmland.

“APC patrol teams promptly responded, cordoned off the area and engaged the hoodlums in an exchange of fire, thereby rescuing eight victims unhurt,” the sources said.

The sources dded that three other passengers sustained various degrees of gunshot injuries and were rushed to General Hospital, Dandume, where one of them was later confirmed dead.

The sources further said that search and rescue operations were ongoing to trace other passengers who might have scattered into nearby farms during the attack.

Police rescue eight kidnapped victims, confirm one dead in Katsina

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Troops neutralise terrorist, recover AK47 in ambush near Buni Gari

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Troops neutralise terrorist, recover AK47 in ambush near Buni Gari

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops of Sector 2, Operation Hadin Kai, in collaboration with members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), have neutralised a terrorist in a long-range ambush around Ndoksa village near Buni Gari, Gujba Local Government Area of Yobe State.

Sources told Zagazola Makama on Saturday that the ambush was conducted following intelligence on the movement of terrorists in the axis.

The source said the troops killed one terrorist during the operation and recovered an AK-47 rifle and two motorcycles.

“The successful ambush is part of the ongoing aggressive operations to deny terrorists freedom of movement, disrupt their logistics, and safeguard communities in the North East,” the source said.

Troops neutralise terrorist, recover AK47 in ambush near Buni Gari

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