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Market fire: Zulum approves another N1b for reconstruction to start

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Market fire: Zulum approves another N1b for reconstruction to start

By: Our Reporter

Governor Babagana Umara Zulum on Wednesday approved another N1b for reconstruction work to start at the Maiduguri Monday Market which was engulfed by a fire disaster in the early hours of Sunday. 

Zulum’s approval was announced by the Secretary to Borno State Government, Usman Jidda Shuwa, during the inauguration of a committee that will coordinate all matters relating to the market fire incident.

The governor on Monday, presented a cheque of one billion Naira to be distributed to victims to serve as emergency relief pending other measures by government.

SSG during the inauguration read a speech on behalf of Zulum. 

“As a responsible and responsive government, we cannot fold our hands and let the situation be as it is, but rise to our responsibilities and do the needful to salvage the situation for the betterment of our people. I’d been making frantic efforts in providing palliative to boost their resilience. In this connection, I made some commitments which include the constitution of this high-powered committee, I have also approved the sum of N1b for immediate disbursement to the victims for the upkeep of their families. I have approved another N1b for commencement of reconstruction works at the market”, Zulum said as quoted by the SSG. 

The 23-member committee inaugurated comprises  the following.

Engr. Zarami Dungus as the Chairman of the committee with members including, Prof. Mohammed A. Alhaji, Khalifa Ahmed Bankim, Alhaji Umaru Maina Charam, Special Adviser on Religious Affairs, Special Adviser on Legal and Admin Matters, Rep. of the North East Development Commission, Rep. of the National Emergency Management Agency, Rep. of the Borno State Chamber of Commerce and Agriculture, Rep. of the Nigerian Army.

Others are, Rep. of the Nigerian Police Force, Rep. of the Department of State Services, Rep. of the Nigerian Fire Service, Rep. of the Nigerian Security & Civil Defence Corps, Rep. of the Monday Market Community, Rep. of the Ministry of Youths, Sports & Empowerment, Rep. of the Ministry of Trade, Investment & Tourism, Rep. of the Ministry of Works, Rep. of the Ministry of Justice, Rep. of His Royal Highness, the Shehu of Borno.

The committee also include Chairman 8 Joint Forum Monday Market, the Chairman Traders Association, One Representative each from the 60 Pillars, Rep. Office of the SSG. While General Manager, Monday Market serves as secretary of the committee.

The governor also spelt out 9 specific terms of reference for the committee as follows:

  1. To appraise and determine the immediate and remote causes of the fire as well as the factors responsible for its wild untrollable nature, engulfing the entire market and establishing whether it was the result of arson or accident.
  2. To meticulously assess and ascertain whether or not there are specific individuals who may be directly or indirectly responsible for the incident and apportion blame appropriately.
  3. To thoroughly examine the magnitude of the fire and the extent of the damage caused to physical structures and assess/determine the type of and amount of relief assistance to the affected victims of the fire disaster.
  4. To accurately compile and determine the actual number of persons who suffered losses as a result of the fire and establish the quantity/amount of property each individual lost to the fire disaster.
  5. To carefully examine the original master plan of the market and determine whether or not alterations have been made over the years to accommodate more traders and the extent to which such alteration contributed to the uncontainable nature of the fire.
  6. To determine the extent to which commercial activities have been disrupted by the fire disaster and suggest a suitable site for the construction of another market with a view to decongesting the present one.
  7. To make appropriate recommendations to the government on how best to avoid fire disasters of a similar nature in future.
  8. To evaluate and commence reconstruction/rehabilitation of the damaged structures immediately while investigation is being undertaken.
  9. Any other matter the panel deems relevant to the terms of reference as articulated in the foregoing paragraphs.

Chairman of the committee, Engr. Zarami Dungus expressed gratitude to Governor Zulum for finding them worthy to serve Borno State. He assured of transparent and accountable execution of the task given to them.

Market fire: Zulum approves another N1b for reconstruction to start

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Gunmen kill man in Mangu, Plateau

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Gunmen kill man in Mangu, Plateau

By Zagazola Makama

JOS, Sept. 7, 2026: Troops of Sector 8, Sub-Sector 81, Operation SAFE HAVEN, have commenced efforts to track down assailants who killed a man in Kadun community, Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State.

Military sources told Zagazola Makama that the incident occurred at about 6:08 p.m. on Sept. 6, when the troops responded to a report of an attack and killing in the community.

Upon arrival at the scene, the troops found the victim, identified as Mai Unguwan Sarkin Yamma, dead.

The assailants had, however, fled the area before the arrival of the troops.

The troops have commenced efforts to track and apprehend the perpetrators, while security operations are ongoing in the general area to prevent further attacks.

Gunmen kill man in Mangu, Plateau

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Musa Spoke the Truth, But Northerners Are Turning His Words Into Another War

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Musa Spoke the Truth, But Northerners Are Turning His Words Into Another War

By Murtala Bello

General Christopher Gwabin Musa spoke about issues that demand serious reflection, but sadly, some Northerners are turning his comments into another divisive political battle.

What should have been an opportunity to examine the challenges facing Northern Nigeria has quickly become a contest between supporters and critics of former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai.

Musa’s comments, particularly his assessment of El-Rufai’s administration and the divisions that emerged in Kaduna, should not be reduced to a personal confrontation between two prominent figures.

For me, the real question is not whether one supports Musa or El-Rufai. The question is whether the issues raised by the Minister of Defence deserve honest examination.

Northern Nigeria has suffered enormously from insecurity, communal violence, political disagreements and social divisions. Pretending that these problems do not exist will not make them disappear.

That is why I believe Musa was telling Northerners a truth that many people have been reluctant to confront. But instead of asking difficult questions, some people have chosen to attack the messenger.

Ironically, some of the same Northerners who constantly preach unity are now using Musa’s comments to deepen the very divisions they claim to oppose.

Every statement is being interpreted through political loyalty. If you support El-Rufai, you are expected to reject Musa completely. If you agree with Musa, you are immediately labelled as being against El-Rufai.

This is dangerous.

We cannot build a peaceful and prosperous North by making loyalty to individual politicians more important than the welfare of ordinary people.

Whether Musa is right or wrong on particular allegations, his comments provide an opportunity for Northerners to examine what happened in Kaduna and other parts of the region.

If there are claims that are inaccurate, let them be challenged with facts. If there are allegations that require evidence, let evidence be presented. But shouting, insults and political mobilisation will not solve anything.

The North has more serious problems to worry about than political quarrels. Banditry, terrorism, kidnapping, poverty, unemployment and the destruction of livelihoods continue to affect millions of our people.

Our leaders and citizens must therefore learn to separate issues from personalities. Criticising a former governor should not become an attack on an entire region, just as defending a former governor should not require dismissing every concern raised about his administration.

I am particularly concerned that some Northerners are turning Musa’s comments into an ethnic or sectional argument. That is precisely the wrong direction. We should be seeking reconciliation, understanding and justice rather than reopening old wounds for political advantage.

General Musa did not create every division that exists in Northern Nigeria. His comments have simply brought some uncomfortable questions back into public discussion.

The mature response is to confront those questions honestly. We must be able to say where our leaders succeeded, where they failed and what lessons should be learned without turning every conversation into a political war.

The North needs truth more than propaganda, accountability more than blind loyalty and unity more than political hero worship.

So, rather than turning General Musa’s comments into another divisive controversy, Northerners should listen carefully, examine the facts and ask ourselves what must be done differently.

Musa spoke the truth as he understood it. Our responsibility is not to turn that truth into another war, but to use the conversation to heal our divisions and build a better North.

Murtala Bello wrote in from Sokoto

Musa Spoke the Truth, But Northerners Are Turning His Words Into Another War

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Yobe: Governor Buni urges media professional on reporting truth

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Yobe: Governor Buni urges media professional on reporting truth

By: Yahaya Wakili

Yobe state governor, Hon. Mai Mala Buni CON, COMN has tasks media to use there profession to communicate truthfully, explain policies clearly, listen to citizens and strengthen public confidence.

Governor Buni made this known today while declaring open a one day Yobe Media Summit, “Harnessing Digital Tools For Community Impact and Engagement,” at NEDC Events Center, GGC Damaturu.

Ably represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr Mohammed Goje, FRSH . He said digital technology has transformed how citizens receives information, express their views, engage government and participate in public affairs.

“Your role goes beyond photographs, press statementse and social media posts, occupy an important space between government and the people.” Governor Buni said.

“This summit addresses practical contemporary issues, including the effective use of digital tools for community engagement, women and youth participation in media, fake news and disinformation, algorithm literacy, responsible content creation and the measurement of social media impact.

According to Governor Buni, over the last seven years, our administration has remained guided by the philosophy of continuity and consolidation, building on established foundations while expanding development across our 17 local government areas.

“I also encourage our media assistants to develop deeper knowledge of particular sectors rather than every body attempting to communicate everything, and our people live in wards, villages and communities, and many communicate most effectively in languages they understand and through institutions they trust.

Earlier, the Commissioner of Home Affairs, Culture and Information, Hon. Abdullahi Bego said the media landscape was evolving rapidly due to advances in communication technologies and the expansion of social media platforms.

Bego further maintained that government had recently organised a workshop in Kano for media aides to the governor and other political appointees, where participants were trained on the effective use of social media.

Yobe: Governor Buni urges media professional on reporting truth

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