NSCDC Deploys 20,850 Personnel for Saturday’ Hitch-free By-election

By: Michael Mike

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has deployed 20,850 officers and men to ensure a hitch-free by-election across 16 constituencies in 12 states on Saturday.

The Commandant General, Prof. Ahmed Audi, on Thursday, assured the public of the Corps’ readiness to ensure the Protection of Critical National Assets and Infrastructure, secure election materials, safeguard officials and monitor the whole election process in synergy with the Nigeria Police who is the lead agency in Election Duty Operations.

Audi hinted the newsmen at the National Headquarters of the NSCDC in Abuja, reiterating that the conduct of the by-election would be under adequate security and without hitch.

He urged the eligible voters to come out massively and vote for the candidates of their choice as a symbol of their franchise and fundamental rights.

The NSCDC Boss noted that all State Commandants within the 12 States where the election would be conducted have been adequately briefed with emphasis on Professionalism, respect for citizen’s Fundamental Human Rights and commitment to ensuring a peaceful conduct of election.

He said: “As declared by the Election regulatory body INEC, there would be by-election to fill 2 Senatorial Seats, 5 Federal Constituencies and 9 State Constituencies; you are here by directed to work in collaborations with relevant sisters security agencies within Anambra, Edo, Jigawa, Kaduna, Ogun, Oyo, Taraba, Kogi, Kano, Niger and all States where the by-election would be held”.

NSCDC Deploys 20,850 Personnel for Saturday’ Hitch-free By-election

CRS Reintroduction: Gov Radda Shows Genuine Sign to Tackling Insecurity and Developing in Katsina State- NCYP

By: Michael Mike

The Northern Christian Youth Professionals (NCYP) haa commended Governor Dikko Umaru Radda of Katsina State, for the reintroduction of Christian Religious Studies (CRS) in primary and secondary schools, and the approval of monthly stipends to all pastors in the state to encourage them to continue praying for peace.

According to the group, these decisive and sensitive actions are not only valuable to the educational sector but also represent a conscious, strategic effort to close the cracks that have, over time, created openings for insecurity to thrive in Northern Nigeria.

The group in a statement by jointly signed by its National Chairman, Isaac Abrak and the Katsina State Chapter Coordinator, Amos Kafur, said Governor Radda’s actions demonstrate that he is a listening and responsive leader.

The state read that the Christian community in Katsina State, through the state chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), has long appealed to the government to restore the teaching of CRS in schools, just as Islamic Religious Studies is taught. By heeding this call, the governor has set a commendable example of governance rooted in fairness and inclusivity.

Quoting the Hausa adage, “Sai bango ya tsage, kadangare ya shiga” — meaning “it is only when there is a crack in the wall that a lizard can enter” — NCYP stresses that political marginalization in the North, sustained from Nigeria’s independence to date, has been a major driver of inter-religious tensions between Christians and Muslims, noting that: “These tensions have tragically evolved into the monsters of terrorism, banditry, and farmer–herder violence, consuming communities of both faiths.

“While Katsina State has had virtually no history of large-scale religious crisis, the consequences of marginalization in neighboring states have inevitably affected it, just as they are spreading across the country. Governor Radda’s bold step is proof that such destructive trends can be tamed through policies of inclusion and mutual respect.

“The monthly stipends to pastors will not only strengthen interfaith harmony but also widen the net in the fight against poverty, ensuring a fairer distribution of wealth across the state. The Governor will also do well to ensure that Christians are allowed to build churches in communities where they reside, for the propagation of Christianity and the strengthening of peaceful coexistence across the state.”

NCYP therefore hailed Governor Radda as a wise leader who genuinely cares for the growth and development of his people, stressing that: “He understands that governance rooted in inclusion — especially religious inclusion — is a fundamental building block for community resilience. With a secured state, government policies can work more effectively, and the environment will become more conducive for business growth and social progress.

“We call on leaders across Northern Nigeria, particularly political office holders, to go beyond lip service and adopt genuine religious inclusion, just as Governor Radda has done. This non-kinetic approach to tackling insecurity strengthens not only the education sector but also the security architecture of the state,” the group said.

They added that: “The Northern Christian Youth Professionals — whose mandate includes the promotion of inter-religious harmony and peaceful coexistence as the foundation for economic development in the region — proudly celebrate this achievement and urge other states to emulate this laudable example.”

CRS Reintroduction: Gov Radda Shows Genuine Sign to Tackling Insecurity and Developing in Katsina State- NCYP

Police rescue 10 abducted commuters in Kogi

By: Zagazola Makama

Security forces have rescued 10 abducted commuters along the Ochadamu–Anyigba Road in Ofu Local Government Area.

It will be recalled that the victims were kidnapped on Aug. 11 near Ugbakpedo village, prompting a rescue mission by police operatives, vigilantes, and local hunters.

“On Aug. 13, at about 4:30 a.m., during an intensive bush combing operation supported with the use of tear gas, the abductors abandoned the victims and fled.

“All 10 victims were rescued unharmed and have since been reunited with their families,” said the sources.

Security sources said intelligence gathering, surveillance, and further bush combing were ongoing to track and arrest the fleeing suspects.

Police rescue 10 abducted commuters in Kogi