Security
Kaduna Bombing:Tinubu Promises Consequences For Those Found Lacking
Amina Samuel KADUNA
President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Bola Ahmed Tinubu has vowed that whoever is found wanting in the error drone bombing that killed about 100 people at Tudun Biri village of Kaduna State will be punished accordingly.
The president who was represented by his Vice President, Kashim Shettima also assured that All the victims will be taken well care of under the Folako Initiative which will commenced by this month.
The Vice President, made the statement during his visit, to the community said that the the community will be the first community to be rebuilt under the new intiative, also visiting the victims at Barau Dikko Teaching Hospital to condole them over the unfortunate incident on Thursday.
He explained that the federal government remain committed to the fight against banditry accross the region.
“The President Bola Ahmed Tinubu sent us to commensurate with the people of Kaduna Over the tragic incident .The calibre of people that are here with me is a testimony on how deeply touched the president was by the incident.
“The President was deeply touched by what happened we will like to assure the people and government of Kaduna State that the government will take measures to protect and preserved the interest of our nation.
“The victims will be taken well care of under the Fulako Initiative which will commenced by this month and this community will be the first to be rebuilt in north west zone.
“All measured will be taken to ensure that future occurance are averted . Government will go to the root of the issue and anyone found culpable will be punished accordingly,” he said.
VP AT GOVERNMENT HOUSE
addressing leaders of the community, traditional ruler and religious leaders.
I am here on behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to come and commiserate, to sympathize and empathize with the people and government of Kaduna State, especially the inhabitants of of Tudun Biri who were affected by the unfortunate incident of couple of days ago.
I am here because the President is deeply concerned; he was deeply touched by what happened. Like the late Adele Giwa rightly said, ‘you don’t talk about the numbers, one life lost in cold blood is as gruesome as a million lost’. The heart of the President is with the bereaved families. And be rest assured that, the Federal Government stands by the community affected and the government and people of Kaduna state on this unfortunate incident. The President called me more than 17 times on this matter when he was outside the country.
As directed by Mr President, an investigation is being conducted with a view to preventing recurrence of the incident and we expect the report to be submitted very soon.
I want to register our profound gratitude to our religious leaders, our community leaders who served as stabilizing forces in this trying moment. Efforts were made to politicize the the incident, by our leaders chose to act in the path of decency, on the path of moderation, on the path of maturity and we cannot but thank them profusely.
Most importantly, the President has approved the commencement of the FULAKO Initiative by next month. The FULAKO Initiative is the President’s unique response as a non-kinetic solution to the challenges in the North West. Beneficiary states are Sokoto, Zamfara, Kebbi, Katsina, Kaduna and for the purpose of equity band justice, we deliberately included Niger and Benue States.
Now, the President has directed that the FULAKO Initiative should be kick-started here in Kaduna State, and Tudun Biri will be the first beneficiary community.
Under the initiative, we are going to build houses, clinics, schools, veterinary hospitals, empowerment initiative, solar energy and so on. It is a complete package of solution; a non-kinetic responses to the problems of banditry and kidnapping in the North West.
I can assure you that the President meant well for the North. The President meant for the Nation.
He commended the Governor of Kaduna State, Senator Uba Sani for bringing the religious leaders together under one umbrella, saying that, what binds us together as a prime supersedes what devides us. In this our trying moment, he brought together the two heads.
GOVERNOR UBA SANI
He appreciated the president for sending the delegation with VP to commiserate with the people of Kaduna state and appreciated the FG for responding to the call for immediate investigation into the incident.
“The FG has responded positively by saying that there is going to be proper investigation, as soon as possible and the outcome will be made public to Nigerians.
He said the Kaduna state government on its part will ensure that it look after the wounded and also provide proper medical care, while it will take care of the orphans by giving them support.
He noted that the FULAKO Initiative under the Vice President’s office will kick start in Kaduna at Tudun Biri community.
“This is because they have lost everything, Houses will be rebuilt and provide hospital, schools and farming facilities for them,” he said.
He also commended religious leaders for corporating with the government, assuring people of Kaduna state that compensation will be paid, and houses will be rebuilt, “We will also ensure that similar thing does not happen again,” he said
Several speakers at the event, from the Kaduna State Chapter Chairmen of JNI and CAN, Professor Shefiu Abdullahi and Rev John Hayab respectively, as well as representatives of Tudun Biri community called for investigation of the unfortunate incident and payment of compensation to the victims familiar
The United States Mission in Nigeria has strongly condemned the killing of Reverend Father Sylvester Okechukwu, a Catholic priest abducted and murdered by suspected bandits in Kaduna State.
Okechukwu, who served at St Mary’s Catholic Church in Tachiri, Kaura Local Government Area, was taken from his residence on Tuesday night. His body was discovered the following day, sparking outrage and calls for justice.
In a statement released two days after his death, the US Mission described the killing as “brutal and senseless” and urged Nigerian authorities to bring the perpetrators to justice.
“We strongly condemn this horrific act of violence,” the mission said. “We extend our deepest condolences to the family, congregation, and community of Father Okechukwu, who have suffered an immeasurable loss.”
The killing of clergy members has become a recurring concern in parts of Nigeria, where armed groups frequently target religious leaders, community members, and security forces. The US Mission’s statement reflects growing international concern over insecurity in the region.
Bandits suspected to be kidnappers have again abducted a relative of the Bishop of Sokoto Catholic Diocese, Hassan Kukuh and six other persons in Anchuna village, Ikulu Chiefdom of Zangon Kataf local government area of Kaduna State.
The attack according to a competent source occurred on Wednesday night and created apprehension as the bandits stormed the village in large numbers, shooting sporadically before making away with their victims who were taken to an unknown destination.
A resident of the area and family member of the Kukahs, Mr. Samuel Kukah confirmed the incident, saying that his younger brother, Ishaya Kukah, was among those abducted.
In his words;“My brother, Ishaya, was the only male among the abductees; the rest are women and children, the attackers launched their attack around 11pm,” he said.
He said there had not been any contact with the kidnappers or any form of ransom demanded for their release but stressed, “We are praying for their safe return while we playfully wait for their call,” he said.
He also called on security agencies to take proactive action to secure their safe return while emphasising that most of those abducted were vulnerable people.
Kaduna State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Mansir Hassan could not be reached on his mobile phone as at the time of filing the report.
Meanwhile, the residents of the community have continued to call for intensified security measures to curb the menace in the area.
It would be recalled that Yohanna Kukah, a paramount ruler of Ikulu Kingdom and brother to Bishop Kukah was kidnapped on 2nd January 2018 at his residence in Anchuna village, Zangon Kataf local government area in Southern Kaduna and regained freedom after spending nine days with the kidnappers.
Dr Haruna Abubakar Shehu Emerges CMD Federal Medical Centre Kafanchan (white box)
Dr Haruna Abubakar Shehu, a Consultant Family Physician, has been appointed Chief Medical Director (CMD) of the newly established Federal Medical Centre, Kafanchan, Kaduna State.
Shehu is part of the six people President Bola Tinubu appointed as new Chief Medical Directors (CMDs) for federal government-owned hospitals in Akure, Gombe, Azare, Lafia, Maiduguri, and Kafanchan.
A statement by presidential spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, on Friday, disclosed the development.
The appointees included Prof. Olusegun Sylvester Ojo, appointed Chief Medical Director of the Federal Teaching Hospital, Akure, Ondo State. A seasoned medical professional, Prof. Ojo previously served as the pioneer Chief Medical Director of the Ondo State Specialist Hospital.
“Prof. Yusuf Mohammed Abdullahi has been reappointed as the Chief Medical Director of the Federal Teaching Hospital, Gombe, following an outstanding performance during his first term. His reappointment underscores his exceptional leadership and contributions to the hospital’s growth.
“Dr. Dauda Abubakar Katagum, the Acting Chief Medical Director of the Federal Teaching Hospital, Azare, Bauchi State, has been confirmed as the substantive CMD.
“Dr. Ikrama Hassan has been appointed as the ChiefMedical Director of the newly upgraded Federal Teaching Hospital in Lafia, Nasarawa State. A consultant physician, Dr. Hassan previously served as the Medical Director of the Dalhatu Ibrahim Arab Specialist Hospital before its elevation to a teaching hospital.
“Dr. Ali Mohammed Ramat, a renowned Consultant Orthopaedic and Spine Surgeon, has been appointed Chief Medical Director of the newly established National Orthopedic Hospital in Maiduguri, Borno State.
Dr Haruna Abubakar Shehu, a Consultant Family Physician, has been appointed Chief Medical Director of the newly established Federal Medical Centre, Kafanchan, Kaduna State,” he stated.
He noted that all appointments were for four years, effective from the respective dates of assumption of office.
“Prof. Yusuf Mohammed Abdullahi’s second and final term as CMD of the Federal Teaching Hospital, Gombe, commenced on September 5, 2024,” he added .
Onanuga also said Dr Dauda Abubakar Katagum’s tenure as CMD of the Federal University of Health Sciences Teaching Hospital, Azare, Bauchi State, took effect from December 6, 2024.
President Tinubu congratulate the newly appointed and reappointed Chief Medical Directors, urging them to uphold the highest standards of professionalism, accountability, and service delivery in their respective roles. He also reiterated his administration’s commitment to improving healthcare infrastructure and ensuring all Nigerians have access to quality medical services.
… 2 police inspector sons in Yobe
Bandits in the early hours of Wednesday killed Rev. Fr. Sylvester Okechukwu after abducting him from his home in Tachira, Kaura Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
Also, the suspected Islamic State West African Province (ISWAP) has launched a deadly attack in Buni Yadi, Gujba Local Government Area of Yobe State, killing Inspector Mallam Jibrin’s two children and setting their corpses and the house on fire.
The Chancellor of the Diocese of Kafanchan, Rev. Fr. Jacob Shanet, confirmed this development to newsmen in a statement on Wednesday.
Fr. Shanet explained that the late Sylvester Okechukwu was kidnapped from his residence on March 4, 2025.
“It is with deep sorrow and heavy hearts that we announce the tragic death of our beloved Priest, Rev Fr Sylvester Okechukwu (Born 11/12/1980 and ordained 11/02/2021), who was the Pastor of St Mary Catholic Church Tachira, Kaura Local Government Area of Kaduna State”.
He disclosed that Fr Sylvester was kidnapped from his residence on the evening of 4th March 2025 at approximately 9:15 PM WAT.
“After being taken by his abductors, we regret to inform you that Fr Sylvester was cruelly killed in the early hours of today, the 5th of March 2025, Ash Wednesday. It is yet to be determined why he was dead.
“This untimely and brutal loss has left us heartbroken and devastated. Fr Sylvester was a dedicated servant of God who worked selflessly in the vineyard of the Lord, spreading the message of peace, love and hope.
“He was always available and accessible to his parishioners. His untimely death has left an indelible void within our diocesan family, and we share in the pain of his passing with his family, friends and all those who knew and loved him.
“Let us come together as one family in prayer for the repose of his soul. We invite all priests, religious and the faithful, to offer Holy Masses, Rosaries and Prayers for the eternal repose of Fr Sylvester, who gave his life in service to God and humanity”.
He, therefore, appealed to the youth and members of the Takad community to remain calm and steadfast in prayer. No one should take the law into their hands, he said.
“The details of the funeral arrangements will be communicated in due course. May we continue to hold one another in prayer and unity during this dark moment”.
A credible intelligence source confirmed that, the attack occurred in the early hours of Monday, around 1 am in the Shuwari Baban Layi area of the town.
One of the residents who doesn’t want his name to print described that ” Let me tell you that, when the assailants infiltrated the town and targeted the home of Inspector Jibril Mohammed of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) started shooting sporadically” he said.
Another security information confirmed that the suspects, SWAP/Boko Haram, set the house ablaze and killed two of the Officer’s children before escaping.
Leadership gathered that, upon receiving intelligence reports on the attack, troops of 27 Task Force Brigade, Sector 2 Operation HADIN KAI, swiftly mobilised to the scene.
However, the terrorists fled upon sighting advancing troops, abandoning their bicycles in the process.