Army General abducted by suspected gunmen, others still in captivity 23 days after
Army General abducted by suspected gunmen, others still in captivity 23 days after
It has been 23 days since armed bandits stormed Tsiga town in the Bakori Local Government Area of Katsina State, abducting a former Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Brigadier-General Maharazu Tsiga (retd) and nine others.
Tsiga was abducted on a Wednesday, with the kidnappers later contacting his family and demanding a ransom of N250 million for his release.
While the full details of the ransom negotiation remain unclear, sources suggest that Tsiga might have been handed over to a different gang.
According to unverified reports, after an initial payment was made to the first group of kidnappers, a new set of captors emerged, demanding an even higher ransom of N500 million. As of now, Tsiga remains in captivity.
A family source confirmed to ‘Weekend Trust’ that the General is still being held, but the good news is that he is alive and the family is in contact with his abductors.
“It shall be well,” the source added, maintaining hope for his safe return.
Further details reveal that multiple efforts are being made at various levels to secure Tsiga’s release, although “glitches” have delayed the process.
“He ought to have been released by now, if not for some hurdles, but they are being managed,” a source explained.
Meanwhile, banditry continues to plague southern Katsina, with increasing incidents of abductions and terror across communities like Kankara, Bakori, Malumfashi, Danja, Faskari, and Sabuwa.
On Wednesday night, bandits kidnapped prominent businessman Alhaji Balan Awwal and his son from their home in Malumfashi. However, the son was quickly rescued and returned home, while Awwal’s fate remains uncertain.
A Malumfashi resident shared that the kidnappers carried out the operation quietly, without firing shots, making it difficult for neighbors to realize what had happened until after the assailants had left. Awwal, who was once involved in the oil and gas business, is now in his 60s and reportedly suffering from illness.
Banditry in the area is becoming increasingly bold, with high-profile figures also being targeted.
‘Weekend Trust’ has learned that the son of the chairman of Malumfashi Local Government was recently abducted, though details remain scarce. Just a week ago, Bakori town also saw an attempted kidnapping of prominent residents, highlighting the expanding reach of these criminal groups.
A resident of Bakori recounted a failed abduction attempt at the home of a businessman, Alhaji Tukur Kashi, who narrowly escaped after spotting the attackers thanks to his home’s surveillance cameras. When local vigilantes fired shots, the kidnappers fled, but not before abducting another businessman, Alhaji Awwalu Maishanu, along with his wife and daughter on their way out of town.
As banditry continues to surge across Katsina, the security situation remains dire, leaving residents fearful and uncertain of what the future holds.
Cyril Mathew, Edo Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), who confirmed the incident, said the crash occurred around 5 a.m. at Igueoviobo community, near an army checkpoint on the highway.
According to the FRSC official, the bus, which departed from Zuba in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and was heading to Benin, collided with an oncoming truck en route Auchi.
“The entire occupants of the bus were killed in the crash.
“The accident likely resulted from fatigue, as the driver may have dozed off, leading to the collision,” he said.
Following the impact, he said, the bus was engulfed in flames, making it impossible to save the victims.
Matthew noted, however, that the FRSC authorities were able to identify the deceased through the vehicle’s manifest and had since contacted their families.
He explained that the truck driver and his assistant, fondly called “Motor Boy” escaped unhurt.
The FRSC boss once again urged drivers to avoid fatigue while on long journeys, advising them to stop and rest whenever they feel tired to prevent similar tragedies. (NAN)
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You lack the authority to remove or install your Speaker– Lagos House of Assembly told
You lack the authority to remove or install your Speaker– Lagos House of Assembly told
Prince Tajudeen Olusi, Chairman of the Governance Advisory Council (GAC) in Lagos State, has addressed the ongoing controversy surrounding the Lagos State House of Assembly as regards the speakership position of the House.
Speaking publicly for the first time since the controversial removal of Mudashiru Obasa as Speaker and the election of Mojisola Meranda on January 13, 2025, the prominent APC leader revealed that while lawmakers hold influence, they do not have the absolute power to appoint or remove their leadership.
He also emphasised that neither the GAC nor the party were consulted in the decision-making process.
The dispute has led to both Obasa and Meranda now staking claims to the Speakership of the House of Assembly, further intensifying the political tension.
As the highest decision-making body within the APC, the GAC has held multiple meetings with the lawmakers involved in the crisis, seeking to resolve the matter amicably.
Speaking with newsmen, Olusi said, “Members of the GAC are not members of the Lagos State House of Assembly to allegedly be behind the removal of Obasa. It can’t be true.
“We read it also that morning. The lawmakers carried it out without consulting the party and those of us in the GAC. That is our position.
“We invited all of them and insisted that all of them are products of the party. They lodged their complaints and we listened to them.
“I blamed them for one thing and that is for not lodging the complaints earlier before the party. It is for the party to decide, they (lawmakers) have no absolute power to remove and install their leaders.
“Nobody can become a member of the House of Assembly unless sponsored by a political party and the sponsors are the inspectors.
“The problem is the speaker (Obasa) and his colleagues which had led to his removal. It is a disputer among them.
“Currently, there is a high powered committee of the party led by Chief Bisi Akande and members, including Aremo Olusegun Osoba, and former APC National Vice Chairman, South-west, Chief Pius Akinyelure and others,
“They are working and making efforts to resolve the matter. I know they are in consultation with the House of Assembly, Obasa and the other Speaker, Mrs Mojisola Lasbat Meranda.
“Those of us in the GAC and the Chairman of the Party, Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi are doing all within our power to assist the committee.”
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NAHCON approves Hajj registration during Ramadan fast
The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has approved a grace of Ramadan fast period to enable intending pilgrims to register for the 2025 Hajj exercise.
This is contained in a statement by the Chairman of the commission, Prof. Abdullahi Usman, on Saturday in Abuja, to mark the 2025 Ramadan fast.
He congratulated the Muslim faithful on the commencement of the Ramadan fast, sressing that, “it is a time of profound spiritual reflection, self-discipline, and renewed devotion to Allah (SWT).
“It is a period when the doors of mercy and forgiveness are wide open, and the rewards for good deeds are multiplied.”
Usman reitrated commitment of the commission to meet the need of the Muslim faithful, and ensure successful conduct of the Hajj exercise.
“It is in the light of this that a period of grace is given to enable intending pilgrims register and make payments for their participation in the 2025 Hajj.
“We pray that Allah grants us the strength and wisdom to fulfill our responsibilities for the betterment of our communities,” he said.
According to Usman, Ramadan is not only a time for fasting and prayers, but also an opportunity for us to strengthen our bonds, show compassion to the less privileged, and also seek Allah’s guidance in our endeavors.
“Let us use this month to purify our hearts, renew our intentions, and strive for excellence in our worship and daily conduct.
“I enjoin us all to rid ourselves of negativity that may hold back our progress as a nation, and to fast with all sincerity, seeking increased blessings for our nation and its leaders.
“Let us also pray for the success of this year’s Hajj operation, and for the safety and wellbeing of all pilgrims.
“May Allah bless us all and grant us the strength to maximise the blessings of this holy month.” (NAN)