News
Police Launch Manhunt For Soldier, Civilian JTF Members Following Brutal Assault, Death Of 13-Year-Old
By Henry Gabriel
The Kaduna State Police have launched an investigation into the tragic killing of a 13-year-old boy, Wisdom, who was brutally attacked by a soldier, Segun Samson, and members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (JTF).
The incident occurred following a false accusation made against Wisdom.
The soldier, Segun Samson, serving at Bodi Camp in Port-Harcourt, the Rivers State capital and his 16-year-old girlfriend Hope are on the run since the discovery of the lifeless body of Wisdom.
Wisdom’s family, led by his father, Saul Hashimu, a resident of the Ungwan Maigero Community in Chikun Local Government Area (LGA) of Kaduna State, is seeking justice for the death of their beloved son.
The tragedy unfolded when Wisdom was wrongly accused of stealing N10,000 from a teenage neighbor, the soldier’s girlfriend.
The teenager named Hope then called upon her soldier boyfriend, who, along with members of the civilian JTF, subjected Wisdom to a brutal torture.
It was later revealed that Wisdom was innocent and that the teenage girl’s brother was the actual culprit.
The brother eventually returned N9,000 of the stolen N10,000.
The matter was reported to the police, who cleared Wisdom of any wrongdoing. However, on Friday, June 6, 2024, his lifeless body was discovered in the compound.
The grieving mother of Wisdom has refuted claims that her son took his own life, stating that someone who had been fetching water for others in the house on the day he was found hanged would not have committed suicide.
She believes that her son was killed, with a rope tied around his neck to make it appear as if he had taken his own life.
Prior to his untimely death, Wisdom, who was in the midst of his Junior Secondary School examination, was mercilessly beaten by the soldier and civilian JTF members who are now evading capture.
The incident began when Wisdom was falsely accused of stealing money from his 16-year-old neighbor, Hope.
Allegedly, instead of reporting the false accusation to the police, the soldier, Segun Samson, took matters into his own hands and brought Wisdom and Hope’s brother to the civilian JTF office.
Elanza News reports that it was at this location that Wisdom was subjected to a severe beating, rendering him unable to walk.
Following medical treatment, Wisdom returned home, his mother told Elanza News.
However, tragedy struck on Thursday, June 6th, 2024, when his lifeless body was discovered hanging in the backyard of their compound while his parents were away.
Witnesses recount that earlier in the day, Wisdom had watched a movie and assisted his mother and Hope’s mother in fetching drinking water. Hours later, his lifeless body was found.
Since the discovery of Wisdom’s body, Elanza News reports that both the soldier, Segun Samson, and his girlfriend, Hope, have gone into hiding.
The Kaduna State Police Command has confirmed awareness of the incident and has assured the public that a thorough investigation is underway.
The police have vowed to ensure that justice is served and that those responsible for Wisdom’s death are apprehended and prosecuted in accordance with the law.
A coalition of civil society organisations in Zamfara Central has publicly called on philanthropist Yazeed Danfulani to contest for the senatorial seat in the National Assembly in the 2027 elections, citing his extensive humanitarian contributions and commitment to community development.
In a statement released on Sunday, the group’s spokesperson, Nuraddeen Garba Gusau, emphasised that the growing support for Danfulani transcends mere political sentiment.
“This is about Yazeed Danfulani’s proven dedication to the welfare of our people, demonstrated consistently without ever holding elected office,” Gusau said.
Danfulani, a prominent figure in Zamfara Central, has earned widespread admiration for his charitable initiatives.
He has funded the education of numerous children, offering opportunities to those who previously faced bleak prospects.
” His generosity also extends to providing financial and material aid to the less fortunate, helping families meet their basic needs.”
He said “Beyond individual support, Danfulani has bolstered small-scale entrepreneurs by distributing cars, tricycles, and financial capital, enabling many to achieve self-reliance.
“His efforts have significantly improved livelihoods across the region. Additionally, as a key supporter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Zamfara, Danfulani has played a vital role in strengthening the party’s unity and presence in the state.
The coalition believes Danfulani’s track record as a private citizen is a testament to his potential as a legislator.
“His selfless contributions are merely a glimpse of what he could achieve with the authority to legislate and attract development at the national level,” Gusau added.
News
Kaduna: Group calls EFCC, National Assembly, Kaduna state government’s intervention on alleged diversion of public funds
By Amos Tauna, Kaduna
The Executive Director of a non-governmental organization, Eagle Brain Youth Transformative and Development Initiative (EBYTDI), Mr Daniel Ejembi, has called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the National Assembly and Kaduna state government to intervene on alleged hijacking of a federal constituency project intended for public schools in Dokan Mai Jama’a, Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
A statement issued by the Executive Director described the alleged diversion of the public resources to a private entity is a grave injustice to the children of Dokan Mai Jama’a.
According to him, “This diversion of public resources to a private entity is a grave injustice to the children of Dokan Mai Jama’a. We demand swift intervention by the Kaduna State Government, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), and the National Assembly to recover misused funds and prioritize education for all.”
The statement stated that investigation reveals that a federal project sponsored by Yakubu Umar Barde, former member representing Chikun/Kajuru Federal Constituency, was alleged to have been unlawfully diverted to Fatima Academy, a private school owned by Abdulhadi Abubakar.
Ejembi explained, “The project, initially earmarked for constructing a public school, was instead executed at Fatima Academy, which lacks registration with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC).”
He added that the contractor, Amrah Farms Nigeria Limited (RC-1523474), with directors including Abdulyekin Bello Tahir and Bello Halimat Sadiq, executed the project in violation of its original mandate, lamenting that public schools in Dokan Mai Jama’a faced severe deficits, including dilapidated classrooms, lack of sanitation facilities, and inadequate learning resources, exacerbating educational inequalities.
The Executive Director called for immediate probe into the alleged diversion of funds by relevant anti-corruption agencies and also called for urgent construction and renovation of classrooms, toilets, and perimeter fencing in the public schools.
He also appealed for the provision of desks, learning materials, and safe water systems for students and advised for legal action against unregistered institutions like Fatima Academy and accountability for involved parties.
Catholic Pontiff, Pope Francis, has died at the age of 88, the Vatican announced on Easter Monday morning.
Late Pope had been in and out of hospital in the last few weeks. He made a surprise appearance at the Easter Sunday service at Vatican on Sunday.
Details Later…