The command’s Public Relations Officer, ASP Mohammed Jalige, confirmed the rescue in a statement issued on Monday in Kaduna.

Jalige said that on January 16, the command, through the Divisional Police Officer, DPO, Buruku, received information that some persons were sighted around Masallaci area on Birnin Gwari road, who were suspected to be victims of kidnapping.

“On the strength of the report, the DPO immediately mobilised the personnel on rescue mission to the area.

“On sighting the advancing troops, the hoodlums took to their heels, leaving behind 16 victims whom the operatives successfully rescued,” he said.

Jalige said that the successes recorded by the command were not unconnected with the community participation and vigilance as well as prompt reportage to the security agencies.

He urged other communities to emulate that so as to secure their respective communities from criminal elements.

In a similar development, the police spokesman said that the command, on January 16, acted on a report that a Toyota Corolla car was seen packed in a seemingly suspicious manner at Old Tipper Garage, Mando, Kaduna.

The operatives of the command attached to Kawo division immediately swung into action and recovered the vehicle, with registration number: KSF 674 HD to the station for further investigation and possible arrest of the perpetrators.

He said that preliminary investigation revealed that the vehicle was snatched at gun point within Zaria metropolis.

Jalige said that the command was making concerted efforts to identify the rightful owner of the vehicle.

Source: NAN

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Speaking at the MoU execution ceremony which held Thursday at the Sir Kashim Ibrahim House in Kaduna, the Group Managing Director of NNPC, Mallam Mele Kyari, described the moment as yet another watershed in the Federal Government’s Decade of Gas initiative which is aimed at utilising the nation’s abundant gas resources to power the nation’s economy through a number of strategic gas expansion projects such as the ongoing OB3 and Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano Gas Pipeline Projects.

The event which was facilitated by the Gas Aggregation Company of Nigeria, GACN, would ensure long-term involvement and support of Kaduna State Government and key gas sector players such as the Nigerian Gas Company, NGC, the Nigerian Gas Marketing Company, NGMC, and virtual pipeline companies to provide gas supply assurance to industries within the state on competitive terms.

“We all know that Kaduna used to be a hub when it comes to industries. It is our hope that this MoU signing will help provide the gas needed for some of those industries to come back to life,” Kyari stated.

He said the corporation was committed to the commercialisation of Nigeria’s abundant natural gas resources to support balanced economic growth and job creation across the country, stressing that as the world transits to low carbon energy, the nation’s huge gas resources would continue to be an important source of clean energy for today and the future.

“There is no better way of making cheaper and cleaner energy than delivering gas into the domestic market,” he declared.

The NNPC helmsman further stated that the corporation would continue to engage with stakeholders and partners to secure early market and ensure that the economic benefits of the AKK gas pipeline were maximized.

“NNPC is leading this coordinated effort with state governments and private sector investors to develop demand framework for immediate and long-term gas supply solutions ahead of the completion of the AKK gas pipeline project,” he noted.

The GMD also expressed gratitude to the Kaduna government for hosting NNPC’s facilities such as the Refinery complex, the Depot, the ongoing AKK gas pipeline and Independent Power Plant Projects, IPPs.

Responding, Governor Nasiru el-Rufai said Kaduna State government was delighted with the prospect of having an additional energy source to power businesses in the state.

“We wholeheartedly welcome this project. Gas provides a cost-effective option for powering factories, homes and vehicles. For the Kaduna State government, this project is a welcome boost to our investment and job creation strategy. It will create jobs and provide skills for artisans who will work on the gas pipelines and associated infrastructure. Beyond that, this project will power the industries that have responded with enthusiasm to our investment promotion campaign,” Governor el-Rufai stated.

He particularly thanked the GMD NNPC and the Gas Aggregation Company of Nigeria for the gas utilization and expansion initiative and zeal displayed by to deliver the project.

“Let there be no doubt that the Kaduna State government is committed to this MoU and the realisation of its goals in the interest of the people of Kaduna State,” Governor el-Rufai concluded.

The MoU was signed by Mallam Kyari on behalf of the Corporation while the Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasiru el-Rufai, signed on behalf of the state government.

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Mr Samuel Aruwan, the Commissioner of Internal Security and Home Affairs, disclosed this in a statement issued to newsmen, on Sunday, in Kaduna.

“The citizens were killed by bandits at Kutemeshi Village in Birnin Gwari and Kujeni Village in Kajuru, where several others were left with bullet wounds. Some shops were also looted with valuable items carted away,” he added.

He also disclosed that some of the injured persons had been moved to a neighbouring state closer to Kutemeshi, for urgent medical attention, while others were transported to the orthopaedic hospital in Kaduna.

“So far, the corpses of 14 victims have been recovered from Kutemeshi.

“The Kaduna State government will provide updates on any emerging developments.

“In Kujeni Village of Kajuru LGA, the attackers burnt several houses, stores with foodstuff, warehouses loaded with building materials and a Church,” Aruwan said.

The commissioner said Governor Nasir El-Rufai, who had been monitoring the security situation at the locations, had expressed sadness over the attacks.

The governor condoled relatives of the 19 persons that lost their lives, offered prayers for the repose of their souls and speedy recovery for the injured, while directing the State Emergency Management Agency to urgently provide relief materials to the affected communities.

“The government and security agencies are following up on a reported attack around Kikwari Village of Kajuru LGA, and will also provide an update as soon as feedback is received,”Aruwan said.

Source: NAN

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That was the reason, CAN said, the spate of killings had not stopped.

The Christian body made the declaration on Tuesday in a statement issued by Pastor Bayo Oladeji, media aide to the president of CAN, Dr. Samson Ayokunle.

The statement reads in part: “As the umbrella body for all Christians in Nigeria, we share in the pains of victims of terrorism being unleashed on Southern Kaduna and other communities in this nation.

“There is the urgent need by government and the security forces to walk their talk and combat the raging insecurity squarely across Kaduna State and other parts of the country.

“The government should not think that we are not appreciative of their efforts but we say without mincing words that your present best is unacceptable. It is not the best Nigerians expect. How can we be seeing and reading in the news about mass burials and be happy when we are not fighting a civil war? We deserve peace in Nigeria.”

The body said on its own part, it had never ceased to pray for the leaders to have the courage to put an end to “these evils that are giving our beloved country negative image abroad.”

While calling on the government to be more pragmatic in its approach to tackling the problem of insecurity, CAN warned that the government needed to act urgently in order to avoid people resorting to self help.

“The time is now for those God has committed leadership of this country to their hands to show more pragmatism and commitment. We have no other people to look up to for security than those of you in government. That was one of the reasons we put you there for all of us.

“People should not be allowed to result to self help, but if this situation is not addressed, self help might be the alternative because nobody would keep on watching for these nuisance to continue to be on the prowl and snuff life out of him or her.”

The group said it was “regrettable that despite assurances from Governor Nasir Ahmad el-Rufai to bring perpetrators of the Southern Kaduna crimes to justice, the state and security agencies involved in the maintenance of law and order are yet to fulfill their pledge.”

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The governor made the disclosure at an annual event of the Covenant Christian Centre in Lagos, The Platform.

He was a guest speaker at the occasion

El-Rufai said the four persons had since recovered and back to their normal lives like him.

His words: “Each and every case of COVID-19 we’ve had in the state was imported. I was the index case, fortunately, I would say, because it served to scare everyone in the state to come to the reality that COVID-19 is real; it’s not a joke.

“I got it in Abuja and I infected four other people. Happily, all of us are okay now. We are all back to our normal lives. We didn’t want to expose any of our frontline workers to any risk, so we have a lot of PPEs for all our health workers.”

The governor spoke about how well the health workers in the state were cherished, stating that their lives had been insured.

“We also insured their (health workers) lives to the tune of N5 million. Anyone that dies in this process, his family will get N5 million and we have an additional disability insurance for those that get sick and cannot walk but are not dead.

“We are also giving a special allowance to all health workers, as well as extraordinary allowances for those on the frontlines. This is the broad strategy that we’ve adopted in Kaduna State and we are implementing it with all energy and focus.”

It would be recalled that the governor who tested positive on March 28 recovered about four weeks after.

El-Rufai made his recovery known on his Twitter handle on April 22.

His tweet read: “I am delighted to report today, that after nearly four weeks of observing a strict medical regime, I have now received the all-clear after two consecutive negative test results.”

El-Rufai is one of the three governors that tested positive for coronavirus and recovered.

Others are Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi and Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State.

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El-Rufai made his recovery known on his Twitter handle on Wednesday.

His recovery took about four weeks.

His tweet reads: “I am delighted to report today, that after nearly four weeks of observing a strict medical regime, I have now received the all-clear after two consecutive negative test results.”

El-Rufai is one of the three governors that tested positive to coronavirus and recovered.

Others are Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi and Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State.

El-Rufai tested positive on March 28.

His announcement was made in a video.

He announced testing positive thus: “Earlier this week, I submitted a sample for the COVID-19 test. The result came in this evening, and I regret to say that it is positive.

“According to the protocols for managing COVID-19, I am in self-isolation as required by the case management guidelines of the NCDC for someone that is not showing symptoms.

“I wish to appeal to the people of Kaduna State to continue to closely observe the preventive measures already announced.

“It is most important that everybody should do their utmost to stay safe, stay home and stay alive.

“The Deputy Governor is chairing our COVID-19 Taskforce and will continue to issue statements from time to time.”

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He said Bello might have erred, but that the people of the state should forgive him, as he had retraced his steps.

el-Rufai who spoke at a rally in Lokoja organised by the All Progressives Congress, APC, said Bello truly cared for the people and the state.

His words:“Many people say Yahaya Bello is young; that he has fought many people. For every one that the governor has offended, I’m asking all of you to forgive him. He is young; he is supposed to make mistakes. When you are young, you make mistakes but you learn from them.

“On his behalf, I’m kneeling down, to beg all of you to forgive Yahaya Bello if he has offended you. He cares about the people of Kogi State. He cares about this state. He has brought progress to this state; he has brought young people and women into government.

“He has cleared salary arrears that he inherited from previous governments. You must all come out to support him. I beg you all. Let us make history. The Late Prince Audu did everything to bring progress to this state. Let us not dishonour his memory by allowing PDP to return to Lugard House.”

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The centre is known as Malam Niga’s Rehabilitation Centre.

The latest rescue is coming barely three weeks after the discovery of a similar centre also in Kaduna where over 300 people were rescued.

Some of the inmates were in chains.

The owner of the centre has been arrested by the police.

Governor Nasir el-Rufai, was reported to be present at the centre where the rescue was made.

Those rescued were taken to Hajj Camp in Mando area of the state where they will be profiled and given medical treatment.

Four foreigners and 22 females were among those rescued at the centre.

Some of the victims claimed they were sexually abused by some of the inmates.

Meanwhile, President Muhammadu Buhari has commended the police while urging them to sustain the efforts which led to the discovery of child-theft racket and fake correctional centres.

Buhari said the arrests were in line with his commitment to human rights and dignity of the citizens regardless of their age, religion and ethnicity.

President Buhari said he would not support criminality under any guise, including the abduction of children and selling them off illegally.

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He was on Monday declared the winner of the governorship election which was held on Saturday by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC.

The Returning Officer, Prof. Muhammed Yahuza Bello, declared that El-Rufai polled 1,045,427 votes to defeat the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, candidate, Alhaji Isah Ashiru, who polled 814,168 votes.

El-Rufai, according to the results, won in 14 local government areas while Ashiru won in nine local government areas.

El-Rufai won in Ikara, Kubau, Makarfi, Kudan , Giwa, Kauru, Soba, Lere,  Birnin Gwari, Kaduna North and Sabon Gari, Igabi, Kaduna South, Zaria local government areas.

Ashiru won in Kajuru, Kaura, Jaba, Kachia, Zango Kataf, Sanga, Kagarko, Jema’a and Chikun local government areas.

The results are below:

1. Ikara local government

APC: 41,969

PDP: 22,553

2. Kubau local government

APC: 57,182

PDP: 17,074

3. Kajuru local government

APC: 10,229

PDP: 34,658

4. Kaura local government

APC: 8,342

PDP: 38,764

5. Makarfi local government

APC: 34,956

PDP: 22,301

6. Jaba local government

APC: 6,298

PDP: 22,976

7. Kudan local government

APC: 28,624

PDP: 22,022

8. Giwa local government

APC: 51,455

PDP: 19,834

9. Kauru local government

APC: 34,844

PDP: 31,928

10. Kachia local government

APC: 30,812

PDP: 51,780

11. Soba local government

APC: 55,046

PDP: 25,440

12. Sanga local government

APC:  20,806

PDP: 21,226

13. Zango Kataf local government

APC: 13,448

PDP: 87,546

14 Kaduna North local government

APC: 97,243

PDP: 27,665

15. Birnin Gwari local government

APC: 32,292

PDP: 16,901

16. Chikun local government

APC: 24, 262

PDP: 86, 251

17. Sabon Gari local government

APC: 57,655

PDP: 25,519

18. Lere local government

APC: 71,056

PDP: 45,215

19. Jema’a local government

APC: 21,265

PDP: 63,129

20. Kagarko local government

APC: 21,982

PDP: 26,643

21. Kaduna South local government

APC: 102,612

PDP:  31, 429

22. Igabi local government

APC: 102,035

PDP: 37, 948

23. Zaria local government

APC: 111,014

PDP: 35,356

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This is as the Nigerian Army has confirmed that 66 people were killed.

The suspects already being questioned were six in number as at the time of filing this report.

The Commissioner of Police in the state, Ahmad Abdulrahman, made this known on Sunday.

He added that detectives were still on the trail of more suspects.

His words:  “Even today, we effected some arrest. They are right now undergoing interrogation at the state CID. When I get back, we are going to reveal what they have gotten so far.”

Controversy has greeted the announcement of the killing on Friday, with some sections expressing disbelief over the claim by Governor Nasir El-Rufai of Kaduna State that 66 people were killed.

A human rights activist, Chidi Odinkalu, was one of those who faulted El-Rufai’s claim on Kajuru killing.

However, during a tour of the affected area, the General Officer Commanding, GOC, 1 Division, Afuk Yahaya, said there was indeed mass killing.

Yahaya, in his response to the question of the governor said 66 people were killed.

He explained:  “As far as we are concerned, what we reported was 66, comprising male, female and children.

“We have shown you the other area in that village, where according to information, the residents were lured to that riverine and were slaughtered.

“A total of 37 were said to have been buried there. You have seen the grave there and you have also seen elements of their materials that were on the ground, including some traces of blood.

“Now information has it that it also spread to other villages. Various distances from here, some, one kilometre, some two kilometres. You know how the Fulanis are, they are far apart. That’s the information we have.”

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