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

Adamawa Pastor Encourages Members to Obtain PVC, NIN

Rev. Maxwell Kuri, resident Pastor,  ECWA Goodnews upper Luggere Jimeta, Yola, encouraged every eligible church member to obtain their Permanent Voter’s Card (PVC) on time,  as the 2027 general elections approached.

Kuri who is also the Chairman, DCC, made the call in his new year message with the theme:  “Keep Your Lamps Burning”, on Sunday in Yola.

He also called on them to as well get their National Identification Number (NIN) due to its importance.

Kuri urged them not to be discouraged by the long queues adding that such should not be an excuse.

Kuri said, early preparations were key, therefore encourage them to actively participate in politics,

“We also encourage you to take interest in governance, participate responsibly in politics and join political parties of your choices,  so that good values, integrity and the fear of God can influence leadership in our nation.

“Let us not only pray for Nigeria but also play our part as responsible citizens,”he said.

Kuri further urged members to act with wisdom and responsibility as well as prepare for the service in 2026 and show love for one another.

The Pastor further urged his members, to continue praying for national development,  as the Federal Government  had implemented  the comprehensive tax reform in January.

He said, the reform was aimed to strengthening  the fiscal foundation, promote fairness, economic growth and shared national responsibility.

“Beloved members of ECWA Goodnews Church, Jimeta Yola, it is important that we continue to pray earnestly for our nation and also act with wisdom and responsibility as citizens of Nigeria.

“As you are aware, the Federal Government has recently introduced a comprehensive tax reform scheduled to take effect from Jan. 1.

“While these reforms are intended to benefit the broader economy and serve the common good, we also acknowledge the ongoing public discussions and concerns surrounding their implementation and impact,” the cleric said.

Adamawa Pastor Encourages Members to Obtain PVC, NIN

Kwankwaso: I’ll only defect to another party if offered 2027 presidential or VP ticket

By: Michael Mike

Rabiu Kwankwaso, the national leader of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), says he would only consider defecting to another party if offered the presidential or vice-presidential ticket for the 2027 general election.

Kwankwaso also condemned the planned defection by Abba Yusuf, governor of Kano, to the All Progressives Congress (APC), describing it as an act of betrayal.

Speaking to NNPP supporters at his residence in Kano on Wednesday, the former governor said despite his political journey spanning four decades, his supporters nationwide would only accept a defection if it guarantees him the top two positions in the next election.

Kwankwaso: I’ll only defect to another party if offered 2027 presidential or VP ticket