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Zulum Pledges Support for Successful 2025 Hajj Operations
Zulum Pledges Support for Successful 2025 Hajj Operations
By: Our Reporter
Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, has reaffirmed his unwavering commitment to ensuring the success of 2025 Hajj exercise.
Governor Zulum made this pledge on Friday while receiving the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman, and other National Commissioners during a courtesy visit to the Government House in Maiduguri.
“As the Governor of Borno State, I will do everything humanly possible and exercise the political will to ensure the success of the Hajj exercise. Borno is among the leading states committed to Hajj activities in the country,” Governor Zulum stated.
While congratulating Professor Usman on his recent appointment as Chairman of NAHCON, Governor Zulum assured him of Borno State government’s readiness to collaborate with all relevant stakeholders to facilitate seamless operations for the upcoming Hajj.
The governor highlighted the success of the 2024 Hajj, noting that pilgrims from Borno State faced no significant challenges during the exercise.
He praised the timely airlifting of pilgrims, the provision of quality accommodation in the Holy Land, and other support measures.
However, he urged NAHCON to address lingering issues regarding accommodation for pilgrims and VIPs in Mina and Arafah which he described as contentious during the 2024 Hajj.
Governor Zulum also called for the establishment of a realistic benchmark for Hajj fares, citing the fluctuating exchange rate as a critical factor.
He advised the commission to provide interim figures to enable state pilgrims’ boards to begin preparations in advance, with room for adjustments as needed.
“The transition in the abolishment of the foreign exchange regime has significantly impacted the 2024 Hajj. However, we are optimistic that the situation will not repeat itself in the next pilgrimage,” the governor remarked.
Zulum further warned against any acts of sabotage that could hinder the state government’s efforts to ensure a successful 2025 Hajj.
In response, NAHCON Chairman, Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman, assured Governor Zulum of the commission’s determination to reform Hajj operations for a seamless 2025 exercise.
He revealed that committees have been established to oversee the selection of airlines, feeding arrangements, and accommodation for pilgrims.
Additionally, Professor Usman announced ongoing discussions with service providers on conducting transactions in Naira instead of U.S. dollars, a move aimed at reducing Hajj costs.
The NAHCON delegation included National Commissioners and senior management staff who pledged to work collaboratively with Borno State Government to ensure a smooth Hajj experience for all pilgrims.
Zulum Pledges Support for Successful 2025 Hajj Operations
Bandits kill seven, abduct three in Sabon Birni border attack in Sokoto
By: Zagazola Makama
At least seven persons were killed and three others abducted when armed bandits attacked Kyara village, a remote border community in Sabon Birni Local Government Area of Sokoto State, in the early hours of Thursday.
Sources said the attack occurred at about 4:00 a.m. in the village, which lies close to the Niger Republic border and has no mobile phone network coverage.
The bandits, who were said to be in large numbers and armed with sophisticated weapons, stormed the community, shooting sporadically and causing panic among residents.
During the attack, seven persons were shot dead, while two others sustained gunshot injuries. Three villagers were also kidnapped, and an unspecified number of domestic animals were rustled.
Joint security forces were immediately deployed to the area after the incident was reported. On arrival, they evacuated the corpses and the injured victims to a hospital for autopsy and medical treatment.
Troops have since launched a manhunt for the attackers with a view to rescuing the abducted victims, recovering the rustled livestock and arresting those responsible.
Confidence-building patrols are currently ongoing in and around Kyara village to reassure residents and prevent further attacks.
Bandits kill seven, abduct three in Sabon Birni border attack in Sokoto
Five injured in suspected IED blast on Bukuyum road in Zamfara
By: Zagazola Makama
Five persons have been seriously injured following a suspected improvised explosive device (IED) explosion along the Takalafiya–Gadar Zaima Road in Bukkuyum Local Government Area (LGA) of Zamfara State.
Sources said the incident occurred at about 11:30 a.m. on Thursday when a motorcycle conveying five passengers ran into an explosive device believed to have been planted by armed bandits targeting security patrols in the area.
The device detonated on contact, causing a loud explosion that severely damaged the motorcycle and left all five occupants with serious injuries.
Following the incident, security operatives immediately closed the road to traffic and advised residents to stay away from the area pending a thorough safety assessment.
The injured victims were evacuated to the General Hospital, Gummi, where they are currently receiving medical treatment.
Movement along the Takalafiya–Gadar Zaima axis remains restricted as security agencies continue to monitor the situation and clear the area of any further threats.
Five injured in suspected IED blast on Bukuyum road in Zamfara
Three killed in fatal road accident at gaggaba village in Borno
By: Zagazola Makama
At least three persons were killed in a fatal motor vehicle accident at Gaggaba Village, Fune Local Government Area of Borno State, early Wednesday morning.
Sources said the accident occurred around 1:20 a.m. when a Daf trailer with registration number DAL 964 YY, driven by Mal. Abubakar, 35, of Maiduguri, traveling from Lagos to Maiduguri, was involved in a collision with a Mitsubishi Canter truck, registration XA 437 NNR, driven by Salisu Ibrahim of Dirra Village, Fune LGA.
The Canter reportedly veered at full speed from its lane and rammed into the Daf trailer, causing the trailer driver and two passengers to fall unconscious. They were immediately rushed to General Hospital Damagum, where the driver and two passengers were pronounced dead by medical personnel.
Three killed in fatal road accident at gaggaba village in Borno
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