Metro

Katsina Gov’s Chief Of Staff Escapes Alleged Customs’ Officers Gun Attack

Published

2 years ago

July 15, 2023

Govern Dikko Umaru Radda’s Chief of Staff, Jabiru Tsauri has claimed he narrowly escaped a harrowing assault from suspected Customs Service Officers at a location known as Gorar Yammama while on his way to Abuja en route to Kaduna, on Thursday, July 13, 2023.

Chief Press Secretary to the Katsina Governor, Ibrahim Kaula Mohammed, disclosed this in a press statement yesterday.

Jabiru’s ordeal in the hands of the suspected customs officer as narrated in the statement reads:

“Katsina State, Nigeria – July 14, 2023 – Alhaji Jabiru Tsauri, the esteemed Chief of Staff to the Governor of Katsina State, had a narrow escape from a harrowing assault from Customs Service Officers on Thursday, July 13, 2023. The Customs targeted him as he was departing Katsina State on his way to Kaduna and ultimately Abuja, at a location known as Gorar Yammama.

”According to Mr. Tsauri, while en route to Kaduna, he and his driver encountered a recent accident near the Gorar Yammama highway area, leading to significant traffic congestion. Once their car was finally able to move away from the accident site, the assailants, armed with firearms, targeted their vehicle, firing shots at the tires and body of the car in an attempt to harm Mr. Tsauri. However, thanks to the quick thinking and courageous actions of his driver, they managed to speed away to safety in a nearby town.”

Reflecting on the traumatic incident, Mr. Tsauri shared, “I was overwhelmed by fear, contemplating the possibility that these assailants intended to cause me harm while I carried out my duties. If not for the bravery and resourcefulness of my driver, the outcome could have been far more dire.”

“We can confirm the Army brigade commander near where the incident occurred came out and also made concerted efforts, leading to the arrest of one of the assailants who has since been handed over to the state police authorities.

“The Katsina State Government vehemently condemns this reprehensible act and calls for a thorough investigation to ensure that justice is served. The safety and security of public officials and citizens remain of utmost importance, and any violation of this fundamental right will not be tolerated.

“In response to this distressing incident, Governor Dikko Umaru Radda, Ph.D., has directed relevant security agencies to intensify their efforts in uncovering the motives behind this attack and swiftly bringing all culprits to justice. The Katsina State Government remains steadfast in upholding the rule of law and fostering an environment where public servants can carry out their duties without fear of reprisals.

“We urge the public to remain calm and fully cooperate with the ongoing investigation. Any information pertaining to this incident or related activities should be promptly shared with the appropriate law enforcement agencies.

“The Katsina State Government expresses its deepest gratitude to the state police authorities for their swift response and decisive action in apprehending the suspects. Furthermore, we extend our heartfelt appreciation to all well-wishers and supporters who have expressed concern for Mr. Tsauri’s well-being.”

Metro

31 Die In Niger Fuel Tanker Explosion

Published

9 hours ago

October 21, 2025

Editor

At least 31 people died and several others were injured while scooping fuel from a petrol tanker conveying Premium Motor Spirit, which exploded along the Bida-Agaie highway in Niger State on Tuesday.

According to a statement signed by the state Police Public Relations Officer, Wasiu Abiodun, the accident occurred around 2:40 pm near Essa Village via Katcha.

“There was a lone tanker vehicle accident along the Bida/Agaie highway, and as a result, the tanker conveying PMS fell by the roadside,” he said.

Abiodun added that residents rushed to the scene to scoop fuel from the overturned tanker, at which point it was suddenly engulfed in an inferno.

“Unfortunately, members of the public living around Essa village via Katcha rushed to the scene and were scooping PMS and in the process, the tanker suddenly engulfed in inferno.

“Forty-eight persons were affected by the fire, and among these victims, thirty-one persons lost their lives while others are still receiving treatment in various nearby hospitals.

“Three motorcycles were also burnt,” the spokesperson said.

Abiodun said officers and other security agencies were deployed to the scene for rescue operations.

He said further investigations are ongoing to identify the driver and owner of the tanker involved.

“Teams of policemen and other security agencies were moved to the scene for a rescue operation. Further investigation is ongoing to identify the driver and the owner of the said tanker,” Abiodun concluded.

Meanwhile, Federal Road Safety Corps told the News Agency of Nigeria that 35 persons are feared dead, while 46 others sustained varying degrees of injuries in the explosion.

The Niger FRSC Sector Commander, Aishatu Sa’adu said the injured victims were evacuated to the Federal Medical Centre, Bida, with the support of FRSC personnel, villagers, and some good Samaritans.

She also warned members of the public against scooping fuel from accident scenes, describing it as a dangerous act that had claimed many lives in the past.

“It is God that gives wealth. People should avoid greed and be content with what God has given them,” she added.

An eyewitness told NAN that the accident occurred around 11 a.m. on Tuesday at Essan/Badeggi communities along the Bida–Agaie road in Katcha Local Government Area.

(PUNCH)

Metro

Teenager Arrested For Allegedly Removing Sister’s Eyes For Money Ritual

Published

11 hours ago

October 21, 2025

Editor

The Bauchi State Police Command has arrested a 17-year-old boy, Auwalu Muhammad, for allegedly gouging out his sister’s eyes for a money ritual in Wailo, Ganjuwa Local Council of Bauchi State.

Police said the incident occurred on October 17, 2025, when Auwalu lured his sister, Rukayya Muhammad, into a bush and attacked her, removing both of her eyes in what he described as an attempt to acquire wealth.

The Command’s spokesperson, SP Ahmed Wakil, said the victim’s father reported the matter to the police after discovering the brutal act. He added that a medical specialist confirmed that Rukayya had lost her sight permanently.

“During interrogation, the suspect voluntarily confessed to the crime. Investigation is ongoing to uncover the motive behind the act and to bring all individuals connected to justice,” Wakil said.

The police also arrested six others in connection with the incident. They were identified as Auwal Dahiru (17), Mohammed Rabiu (19), Saleh Ibrahim (20), Nasiru Muhammad, Hassan Garba, and Garba Dahiru (43), all residents of Ganjuwa Local Council.

Metro

Bauchi: Auto Crash Claimed 432, Injured 2,070 Persons In 1 Months — FRSC

Published

2 days ago

October 20, 2025

Editor

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) says no fewer than 432 persons had been killed while 2,070 persons were injured in auto crashes within one month across the country.

Shehu Mohammed, the Corps Marshal of FRSC stated this in Bauchi on Monday in a news conference to flag off the 2025 Ember Months public enlightenment and sensitisation campa on road safety.

According to him, the figure was as a result of 533 reported cases of auto crashes that took place between January 15, 2024 and January 15, 2025 in the country.

Represented by Corps Commander Apaji Boyi, the Sector Commander, FRSC, Bauchi, Mohammed said that some of the major causes of those crashes were driver fatigue, overloading of persons, conveyance of persons in haulage vehicles and traveling with fuel in plastic containers.

While emphasising that driver behaviour was a fundamental element in determining safety on highways, said some road traffic infringements by drivers responsible for the previous road crash records included speed limit violations.

“These infringements also include failure to adhere to road traffic rules and regulations, speed limit violations, driving under influence of alcohol and drugs, seat belt violations as well as using of phones while driving among others.

“Therefore, the choice of the 2025 end-of-year campaign with the theme ‘Taking Responsibility for Your Safety’ was deliberate and well thought out.

“It was carefully chosen to address road traffic infringements by drivers which were largely responsible for the previous road crash records.

“In line with our commitment to achieve the desired outcome of the 2025 end of year campaign, FRSC has deployed personnel and Special Marshals across major highways and crash-prone corridors nationwide,” he said.

The Corps Marshal added that the corps would also be embarking on free-vehicle check exercise to improve vehicle road worthiness, conducting motor park rallies and motorcar carnivals nationwide to raise awareness level of motorists and the general public.

Mohammed, who said that the Federal government’s support had been responsible for the modest achievement of the FRSC over the years, appreciated the government for its advisory oversight.

He called on all and sundry to continue to support the Corps as it strives to create a safer motoring environment for the nation.