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We’re gradually winning war against banditry– Governor Lawal

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Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal has assured the World Bank that his administration is gradually winning the war against banditry.

This is contained in a statement by Lawal’s media aide, Suleiman Idris on Saturday in Gusau.

Idris said Lawal gave the assurance when he visited the World Bank office in Abuja.

He said the meeting focused on development projects in education, health, climate resilience, and agriculture adding that it was expected to strengthen cooperation and partnership between the Zamfara government and the bank.

The Governor emphasised his administration’s commitment to strengthening collaboration with the World Bank.

“I want to begin by thanking the World Bank for its ongoing support for our state.

“We have aligned our development objectives with the bank’s mission to alleviate poverty and promote sustainable development.

“We also recognise the security challenges that have previously impacted project implementation in Zamfara State, particularly those that have hindered the full achievement of targets due to constraints on operational activities.

“We are, however, making progress as the challenge is being addressed, and things are returning to normal, ” Lawal said.

He said the government had enhanced security measures through proactive steps taken through increased patrols and strategic measures that mitigate threats.

“Our administration is dedicated to ensuring the safety of lives and property by providing adequate logistics and support to security agencies to maintain peace and stability,” he noted.

Lawal assured the bank staff of their safety during support, supervision, and monitoring visits, including secure accommodations, transportation, and communication protocols.

“I assure the World Bank that we have established mechanisms for ongoing security assessments to promptly address any emerging threats and ensure a secure environment for all development partners.

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“Banditry attacks on our highways, villages, and cities are under control. We are gradually winning the war against criminals, and life is returning to our communities,” he said.

According to him, this is evident in the number of incidents reported daily and the increasing project implementation across the length and breadth of Zamfara State.

“Let me conclude by extending our invitation to the Country Director to visit Zamfara anytime soon and see the implementation of all World Bank-supported programmes and our modest efforts in changing the narrative in our state,” Lawal said.

The World Bank Country Director for Nigeria, Dr. Ndiamé Diop, commended Governor Lawal for positively advancing Zamfara.

“I am impressed by the system you put in place. Congratulations on achieving such feats in such a very short time,” Diop said.

During the meeting, the World Bank Task Team Leader of the NG-CARES project, Dr Lire Ersado
highlighted the successes of the implementation model in Zamfara.

“We are not only adopting the Zamfara model in other states of Nigeria but are also extending it to other countries for implementation.

” I must commend the governor and the state government for their efforts,” Ersado said. (NAN)

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Residents of Kaura Namoda Commend Defence Minister for Crackdown on Bandits

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Residents of Kaura Namoda Local Government Area in Zamfara State have expressed their appreciation to the Minister of State for Defence, Dr Bello Matawalle, for his role in the elimination of over 50 bandits who had been terrorising the region.

In a statement signed by spokesperson Suleiman Yusuf, the community praised Matawalle for his leadership in restoring security, describing his commitment as a major relief for communities that had long suffered from violent attacks.

“We, the residents of Kaura Namoda, express our deep gratitude for the improved security situation.

“We can now live without fear, resuming our daily lives with a renewed sense of safety,” Yusuf stated.

The security operation, conducted under Operation Fansar Yamma, targeted a gathering of armed bandits in Kaura Namoda. A precision airstrike successfully eliminated 50 bandits, while several others sustained injuries, marking a significant blow against criminal elements operating in the region.

In a separate mission in Tsafe Local Government Area, security forces tracked and neutralised a notorious bandit, Shehu Dan Kwale, further strengthening efforts to curb insecurity in Zamfara State.

The military’s actions under the directives of Matawalle have been widely welcomed by residents of Kaura Namoda, Tsafe, and Gusau Local Government Areas, who have endured years of attacks by armed groups. Many now express optimism that sustained efforts will restore lasting peace to their communities.

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6 die as truck rams Into vehicles, pedestrians in Onitsha

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Police Command in Anambra has confirmed that six people died in a multiple-vehicle accident on Saturday at Upper Iweka axis of Onitsha, the commercial hub of the state.

The command’s Public Relations Officer(CPRO), SP Tochukwu Ikenga, said in a statement on Sunday that the police had taken over the accident scene to maintain order and facilitate investigations.

“According to eyewitness accounts, the accident occurred due to the loss of control of a truck, which rammed into pedestrians, two tricycles, and a commercial bus loaded with passengers,” he said

Ikenga noted that the crash claimed six lives, while several others sustained injuries and were currently receiving treatment at the hospital.

He added that the bodies of the deceased had been deposited in the morgue.

He added that some relatives of the victims had been contacted and informed about the incident.

Ikenga said that the command extended its condolences to the families and friends of the deceased and wished the injured a swift recovery.

He urged drivers to conduct necessary safety checks before plying the roads to prevent such tragic incidents.

The CPRO assured the public that further updates would be provided as investigations progressed

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Adeleke’s $20m fraud allegation against Oyetola mere shadow chasing – Ogundokun

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A frontline politician, Chief Abiola Ogundokun, has described Gov. Ademola Adeleke of Osun’s $20 million fraud allegation against his immediate predecessor, Adegboyega Oyetola, as mere shadow chasing.

Ogundokun stated this in a statement issued on Sunday in Abuja, while reacting to a petition by Adeleke to Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) against Oyetola.

Adeleke had, in the petition, alleged that Oyetola, the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, misappropriated a $20 million World Bank health grant while he was governor of the state.

Ogundokun said in the state that there was nothing serious in the petition other than a drama aimed at generating negative energy toward the 2026 governorship election in the state.

He described Oyetola as a man of sterling performance in the private sector as well as due diligence and strict adherence to rules in the public service as governor.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain also described the former governor as the pride of Osun and Nigeria who should not be pulled down or given uncharitable names but encouraged to do more for the state.

According to him, there is the need to stop a destructive campaign of “I will destroy you if I can’t get it.

“Oyetola is honest to a fault,” he remarked, calling on the people of the state to join him in moving Osun forward.

Ogundokun advised Adeleke to prioritise good governance rather than engaging in frivolous activities.

“What Osun requires and deserves is focused leadership and serious engagements.

“I will advise Ademola Adeleke to stop playing politics with the exalted office of the governor by turning it to a petition writing apparatus.

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“He should use the enormous power of the office to improve the lots of the people instead of deploying the state resources to bully and witch-hunt a perceived enemy or enemies.

“Writing a petition against a man like Oyetola, to me, is like chasing a shadow.

“The task before Adeleke is huge, and meeting the expectations of the people should be his priority and not fighting an imaginary political foe,” he said.

The elder statesman urged the governor not to deviate from the vision of the state’s forefathers.

Rather, he said that Adeleke should learn to build on the good foundation of his predecessor instead of finding ways to shoot down his good legacies. (NAN)

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