KACRAN Commends Governor Mai Mala Buni’s Leadership, Developmental Strides

By: Michael Mike

The Kulen Allah Cattle Rearers Association of Nigeria (KACRAN) has praised Yobe State Governor, Mai Mala Buni, for what it described as impactful leadership and people-focused governance, saying his administration has delivered notable progress in peace, development and economic empowerment.

In a statement signed by its National President, Hon. Khalil Moh’d Bello, the association said the achievements recorded in Yobe State over the past seven years reflect Governor Buni’s inclusive leadership style and commitment to the welfare of ordinary citizens, particularly rural communities and livestock rearers.

KACRAN described the governor as a leader of integrity and experience, recalling his political journey from the grassroots to national prominence before assuming office as governor. The group noted that his decision in 2019 to leave his role as National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to contest the Yobe governorship demonstrated selflessness and dedication to public service.

The association highlighted improvements in healthcare and education under the current administration, noting that Yobe State recently emerged as the leading state in the North-East in basic healthcare service delivery in 2026, a performance that attracted recognition and support from international development partners.

On economic development, KACRAN expressed support for the state’s 2026 “Budget of Job Creation,” which provides for the completion of modern markets across major towns, including Damaturu, Potiskum, Gashua, Nguru and Geidam. According to the group, the projects are expected to stimulate local commerce and create employment opportunities for youths and small-scale traders.

The association also commended Governor Buni’s focus on agriculture and livestock development, citing partnerships with the Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support Project (L-PRES) and other donor agencies aimed at modernising the livestock sector and improving the livelihoods of pastoral communities.

KACRAN further described the governor as a consensus builder, praising his ability to foster teamwork among senior government officials to ensure effective service delivery.

The group also congratulated Buni on his recent appointment by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as Chairman of the APC Committee on Strategy, Conflict Resolution and Mobilisation, saying the role reflects confidence in his capacity to promote unity and stability within the party and the country.

Reaffirming its support for the governor, KACRAN said it remains confident in his ability to steer Yobe State towards sustained peace and prosperity, while urging continued collaboration between the government and stakeholders in the livestock sector.

KACRAN Commends Governor Mai Mala Buni’s Leadership, Developmental Strides

Troops rescue retired colonel abducted in Plateau

By: Zagazola Makama

The Nigerian Army troops have rescued a retired senior military officer, Col. Ajanaku (rtd), who was abducted by gunmen from his residence in Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State.

Zagazola gathered that the retired officer was kidnapped at about 12:45 a.m. on Jan. 5 from his house located opposite the Salvation Army Church along Rukuba Road.

The sources said troops drawn from relevant sectors promptly responded to the incident and trailed the kidnappers along their escape route through the Wildlife Park, while search and rescue operations were intensified around caves and rocky high grounds suspected to be criminal hideouts.

It was gathered that the abductors later contacted the victim’s wife and demanded a ransom of N200 million, while threatening to kill the retired officer if rescue efforts were not halted.

However, security forces were said to have switched to covert operations, leading to the successful rescue of Col. Ajanaku at about 5:30 p.m. on the same day at the outskirts of the Rafiki axis in Bassa LGA.

The rescued officer was said to be undergoing medical checks at a military medical facility and would be debriefed to provide intelligence for follow-up operations.

Sources added that troops had continued combing surrounding forests in pursuit of the fleeing kidnappers.

Troops rescue retired colonel abducted in Plateau

Twenty abducted villagers rescued in Zamfara

By: Zagazola Makama

All the 20 persons abducted from Dunfawa village in Moriki District of Zurmi Local Government Area of Zamfara State have been rescued unharmed, security sources have confirmed.

The victims were abducted earlier on Saturday by armed bandits who stormed the village, sparking fear among residents of the area.

Sources told Zagazola that the victims were rescued at about 4:00 p.m. following sustained pressure mounted on the abductors by joint security patrol teams operating in the Moriki axis.

According to the sources, the rescue operation involved coordinated efforts by security forces deployed to the area, which forced the bandits to abandon their captives.

“All the 20 abducted persons were rescued safely and without injuries. They were taken to a government hospital for medical check-up and later debriefed before being reunited with their families,” the sources said.

They added that joint patrols had been intensified in the area to forestall further attacks and to facilitate possible rescue of other victims in nearby communities.

Residents of Dunfawa village expressed relief over the rescue, while calling for sustained security presence to prevent future abductions.

Twenty abducted villagers rescued in Zamfara