News
Tribute to Mr. Stanley Mshelia (Ya Sta)
Tribute to Mr. Stanley Mshelia (Ya Sta)
By: Kwapchi Bata Hamman
I always find it difficult to write a tribute when a close one passes. The last time I wrote one was on 24th December 2015, when my father passed away. Tributes remind me of memories though good to share in order to ease the pain of loss but for me, I have often lacked the courage to put my emotions into words. I have experienced many deaths, and each time, the pain remains. I never had the courage to openly share my deepest grief.
Today, however, I have taken the bold step to write this tribute to a very special boss—one every young person and beginner would wish to have as a supervisor and mentor.
Ya Sta, as we fondly called you, was not just a boss but an exceptional leader. He discovered my potential in the journalism profession from the very first audition I did as an intern in the NTA Maiduguri Newsroom. He never underestimated my knowledge or ability. I was the “baby” (and a bit naughty) in the newsroom then. I had the great opportunity of being guided by Ya Sta, Mohammed Umar, Charles Bula, Idris Akanmu, Evelyn Onyilo, Lydia Samson, Aliyu Mshelia, and the late Jemima Bassi.
As Head of News, Stanley Mshelia took a special interest in me. He encouraged the editors to assign me tasks that some thought I could not handle, but I managed to deliver though not without some hurdles along the way. He once gave me the nickname(Kwapchi Kwapsy) after I failed to deliver on a particular assignment, a situation that nearly got the station into trouble.
Despite that, he never stopped pushing me to actualize my dreams, nor was he discouraged from supporting me to become a reporter. I learnt from him that hard work never goes unrewarded. On days I did well, I always received a tip from him, and that shaped how I interact with people in my own work environment.
As I mourn his death, which came as a shock, I remain deeply grateful for his unwavering support and trust, which have been instrumental in my growth and development. Thank you for believing in me, for challenging me to reach new heights, and for creating an environment where I could thrive.
Your leadership as Head of News at NTA Maiduguri Zonal Network Centre not only inspired me professionally but also personally. I am grateful for the opportunity to have worked under your guidance and will always cherish the lessons learned and the memories shared.
I pray God grants your wife divine strength to bear this irreparable loss,a loss to heavy for any person to bear. and to all your loved ones, may the cherished moments remain ever green in our hearts
Thank you for being such an amazing boss and mentor.
Kwapchi Bata Hamman
2nd August 2025
Tribute to Mr. Stanley Mshelia (Ya Sta)
Two farmers killed, others injured in Gombe–Bauchi border attack
By: Zagazola Makama
Two farmers have been killed and two others injured following an attack by suspected armed men at Luse-Janje bush, located within the Bauchi State grazing reserve, police in Gombe have confirmed.
Sources confirmed the attack to Zagazola noting that the incident occurred on Monday, Aug. 4. around 3:10 p.m.
The sources said four farmers, Ali Jauro, 50, Isah Garba, and two others, all of the same address, were cultivating their farmland when about 20 armed men surrounded and attacked them with machetes, bows and arrows, and sticks.
“Ali Jauro and Isah Garba sustained multiple cuts to the head and were later confirmed dead, while the other two sustained varying degrees of injuries,” the sources said.
The victims were rushed to the Primary Health Centre in Malala, and the bodies of the deceased were deposited at the public mortuary.
The surviving victims named Adamu Sankace, Adamu Maidawa, and one Oshe all of Garin Alhaji Wada village via Darazo LGA, Bauchi State as being among the attackers.
Efforts are ongoing to trace and apprehend the suspects by the authorities.#
Two farmers killed, others injured in Gombe–Bauchi border attack
Six injured as troops of Operation FANSAN YANMA repel bandit attack in Katsina
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation FANSAN YANMA, in collaboration with the police, vigilantes and Community Watch Corps (C-Watch), repelled a bandit attack on Tashar Gemu and Unguwar Gambo villages in Malumfashi Local Government Area of Katsina State.
The attack occurred at about 7:30 p.m. on Monday. During the confrontation, six residents sustained varying degrees of injuries, while one later died at the hospital, police authorities said.
Sources told Zagazola Makama that the hoodlums, who invaded the villages in large numbers, were engaged in a fierce gun battle by a combined team of security operatives under Operation FANSAN YANMA.
He said the assailants were subdued and forced to retreat into the surrounding bush.
“The injured victims include Sani Umar, Shamsu Isah, Usman Rabiu, Adamu Amadu, and Isah Abdullahi, the sources said.
“All six victims were rushed to the General Hospital in Malumfashi for medical attention, where Sani Umar was later confirmed dead by a medical doctor.” He added
He said security patrols have been intensified in the area to forestall further attacks and to apprehend the fleeing assailants.
Six injured as troops of Operation FANSAN YANMA repel bandit attack in Katsina
Gunmen in military uniform abduct passengers in Benue
By: Zagazola Makama
Suspected armed men dressed in military camouflage have abducted at least four passengers from a commercial bus along the Otukpo axis of Benue State.
Zagazola Makama gathered that the incident occurred on Aug. 3 at about 10:00 p.m. near Mechanic Village in Otukpo, when a commercial Hummer bus, en route from Abia State to Otukpo, was attacked by the assailants.
Sources said that the gunmen, believed to be Fulani herdsmen, whisked away between four and five passengers to an unknown destination.
One of the passengers, Sandra Okoh, a resident of Otobi Akpa, managed to escape during the attack and was later found during a joint search and rescue operation by the Nigerian Troops.
She told the security forces that her husband, Okoh Mike, was among those abducted. She also alleged that the bus driver fled the scene with passengers’ luggage and failed to report the incident to any nearby police station.
The security forces have since launched a manhunt for the suspects and intensified efforts to rescue the kidnapped victims.
Gunmen in military uniform abduct passengers in Benue
Two farmers killed, others injured in Gombe–Bauchi border attack
Six injured as troops of Operation FANSAN YANMA repel bandit attack in Katsina
Gunmen in military uniform abduct passengers in Benue
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