Group Urges Tinubu to Fully Operationalise Livestock Ministry

By: Michael Mike

The Kulen Allah Cattle Rearers Association of Nigeria (KACRAN) has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to ensure the full operationalisation of the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development, warning that inadequate funding and an incomplete administrative structure are hindering the ministry’s ability to deliver on its mandate.

In a statement issued on Saturday by its National President, Hon. Khalil Bello, the association commended President Tinubu for establishing the Presidential Livestock Reform Committee and creating the Ministry of Livestock Development, describing the move as a landmark decision that rekindled hope among millions of pastoralists across the country.

KACRAN also praised the appointment of Alhaji Idi Mukhtar Maiha as Minister of Livestock Development, noting that his nationwide engagement with stakeholders encouraged nearly 20 states to establish corresponding ministries to drive livestock development at the sub-national level.

According to the association, the creation of the ministry signalled the government’s commitment to reducing Nigeria’s dependence on imported meat, milk and other livestock products, which it said costs the country billions of dollars annually.

Despite these achievements, KACRAN expressed concern that more than a year after its establishment, the ministry is yet to function as an independent institution, alleging that it still operates largely as a directorate under the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security.

The association argued that fully empowering the ministry would boost food security, create jobs, reduce farmer-herder conflicts through improved livestock management, strengthen the livestock value chain, attract investment and reduce the country’s import bill for livestock products.

It urged the President to provide adequate funding for both the Presidential Livestock Reform Committee and the ministry, secure permanent office accommodation for the ministry, and equip it with the personnel and resources required to implement programmes capable of transforming the livestock sector.

KACRAN maintained that a fully functional ministry would enable pastoralists and other stakeholders in the livestock value chain to make greater contributions to national food security, economic growth and sustainable development.

The association also commended the North East Development Commission (NEDC) and the Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support (L-PRES) project for providing security, water points and other support services to pastoralist communities, urging both organisations to sustain their interventions.

Group Urges Tinubu to Fully Operationalise Livestock Ministry

NCYP Commends Tinubu for Re-Nominating Shettima, Pledges Support for 2027 Ticket

By: Michael Mike

The Northern Christian Youth Professionals (NCYP) has praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for re-nominating Vice President Kashim Shettima as the All Progressives Congress (APC) vice-presidential candidate for the 2027 general election, describing the decision as a demonstration of gratitude and recognition of loyalty.

In a statement issued on Saturday and signed by its National Chairman, Isaac Abrak, the group said the President’s decision reflected a leadership style that values faithfulness, sacrifice and commitment.

According to the NCYP, Shettima remained steadfast in his support for Tinubu from the build-up to the 2023 presidential election through the implementation of key government policies, despite criticism and political pressure.

The organisation noted that the Vice President endured personal and political attacks and lost allies in the course of defending the administration, yet consistently reaffirmed his loyalty to the President.

Drawing from Christian teachings, the group cited 1 Corinthians 4:2, which emphasises faithfulness in stewardship, and likened Shettima’s political journey to the biblical story of Joseph, whose loyalty and integrity eventually led to his elevation in Egypt.

The NCYP said President Tinubu’s decision to retain Shettima on the party’s ticket demonstrated the biblical virtue of rewarding faithfulness and expressed confidence that such recognition would strengthen trust within the administration.

The group also reaffirmed its support for the Tinubu-Shettima ticket ahead of the 2027 presidential election, pledging to intensify its mobilisation efforts beyond what it did during the 2023 campaign.

It prayed for divine guidance for both leaders and expressed optimism about their chances in the next presidential poll.

NCYP Commends Tinubu for Re-Nominating Shettima, Pledges Support for 2027 Ticket

Notorious Bandit Commander Kachalla Sani Yellow Killed in Zamfara as Rival Claims, Security Operation Accounts Emerge

By: Zagazola Makama

Kachalla Sani Yellow, one of Zamfara State’s most notorious bandit commanders, has been killed in Anka Local Government Area, ending the reign of a feared warlord long linked to deadly attacks, kidnappings and cattle rustling across parts of the North-West.

However, conflicting accounts have emerged regarding the circumstances surrounding his death.

Multiple local sources said Yellow was shot dead on Friday, July 10, at Dan Jibga Market in Anka Local Government Area by armed men believed to be loyal to rival bandit kingpin Dogo Gide.

According to the sources, the attack was carried out in broad daylight, with the assailants ambushing Yellow while he was reportedly conducting activities at the market.

Residents familiar with the activities of armed groups in the area described the killing as another indication of the deepening rivalry among bandit factions competing for territorial control and influence across Zamfara State.

However, another account attributed Yellow’s death to a recent security operation conducted in Anka Local Government Area.

According to security sources, the notorious commander was neutralised during a coordinated operation involving security personnel and members of the Maiduguri Special Vigilantes, who have recently been deployed to support ongoing counter-banditry operations in parts of Zamfara.

The sources said the operation formed part of sustained offensives aimed at dismantling criminal enclaves and eliminating high-profile bandit leaders operating in the state.

As of the time of filing this report, security authorities had not officially confirmed which account accurately reflects the circumstances surrounding Yellow’s death.

However, regardless of the exact circumstances, the elimination of the notorious commander represents a significant development in the campaign against armed banditry in the North-West.

Yellow was widely regarded as one of the influential commanders operating within the forests spanning Anka, Bukkuyum, Maru and neighbouring local government areas.

He was allegedly involved in coordinating numerous attacks on rural communities, mass abductions for ransom, cattle rustling and violent raids that displaced thousands of residents.

His activities had made him one of the most wanted bandit leaders in Zamfara and neighbouring states.

Meanwhile, communities in Tsafe Local Government Area have reportedly come under fresh attacks believed to be linked to reprisals following Yellow’s death.

Local sources said armed men suspected to be loyal to another notorious bandit leader, Adamu Aliero, stormed several communities, killing at least two residents and abducting more than 60 others.

Residents said the attackers also looted food items and livestock before retreating into nearby forest hideouts.

The sources believe the attacks were carried out in retaliation for the recent killings of prominent bandit commanders during ongoing security operations across the state.

Troops of Operation FANSAN YANMA and the Police have reportedly intensified patrols and launched pursuit operations to rescue the abducted victims and prevent further retaliatory attacks.

Notorious Bandit Commander Kachalla Sani Yellow Killed in Zamfara as Rival Claims, Security Operation Accounts Emerge