Flowerbud News

Author: Habibu Dan-Garba

  • Bandits killed over 1,060 in Bukkuyum from 2015 — LG Chairman

    Bandits killed over 1,060 in Bukkuyum from 2015 — LG Chairman

    Bandits killed over 1,060 in Bukkuyum from 2015 — LG Chairman

    The Council Chairman of Bukkuyum Local Government Area in Zamfara State, Abubakar Umar-Faru, says no fewer than 1,060 people have been killed in the council while about ₦2.9 billion in ransom was paid to bandits from 2015 to date.

    Umar-Faru disclosed this to the newsmen lamenting that the rising insecurity in the area have displaced residents and affected agricultural along with other economic activities in the area.

    The Council Chairman, while speaking with maintained that all 17 districts under Bukkuyum have suffered immeasurable attacks by armed bandits as locals were forced to pay ransom for their daily living.

    He further lamented that, as a result of the prevailing insecurity, farmers have continued to record losses, adding that no farmer was able to cultivate farmland in the area in 2025.

    According to him, records gathered from the 17 districts of the council show that armed bandits have continued to have a field day, engaging in abductions, kidnappings for ransom, cattle rustling and the ransacking of villages.

    “From the records I gathered and compiled in each of the 17 districts in my local government, from 2015 to date, we have lost 1,065 people who were killed by bandits, paid over ₦2.9 billion as ransom for kidnapped victims and levies forcibly imposed on our villages and communities.

    “From 2015 to date, armed bandits have rustled 84,928 cows, 52,423 goats and 187 camels across the 17 districts of Bukkuyum Local Government.

    ” The chairman reiterated that Gando Forest has remained a major bandits’ den, harbouring criminal activities, stressing that the forest requires decisive military action.

    Umar-Faru Faru further lamented that the escalation of armed banditry has led to the abduction of over 200 people from the Bukkuyum area, including women and children, who are still in captivity.

    He called on the Federal Government to launch an offensive against bandits operating in the area and in Gando Forest.

    He lauded the recent appointment of Christopher Musa as Minister of Defence by President Bola Tinubu’s administration, expressing hope that it would help to intensify efforts towards ending insecurity in the area.

    The chairman maintained that while the Zamfara State Government and local authorities were making efforts within their constitutional limits he also called for more support for lasting peace.

  • NEMA seek partnership to save lives, properties in Sokoto 

    NEMA seek partnership to save lives, properties in Sokoto 

    NEMA seek partnership to save lives, properties
    The Sokoto Field Office of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), has sought the support of agencies, groups and individuals on promoting safer roads during yuletide.
    The Safety, Protection and Rescue Officer, Mr Tukur Abubakar, made the call when he launched 2025 Operation Eagle Eye on Wednesday in Sokoto.
    Abubakar who represented Zonal Head Alhaji Aliyu Kafindangi, said that the exercise was to promote public safety during the festive seasons.
    He stressed that NEMA vehicles and equipment with support from the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) would be stationed at various locations across the state.
    He said team of personnel would be providing Medical supports including Intensive care services and search, rescue extrication for prompt response to any road traffic accidents.
    Abubakar added that the joint team would also work to ensure a free flow of traffics on the already congested route, caused by the heavy movement of motorists and commuters traveling for the yuletide.
    ” NEMA will continue on efforts toward building resilient communities, during this Yuletide period, our officers will continue to work closely with relevant agencies to monitor risk-prone areas, provide emergency support, and ensure rapid response where necessary.
    ” The Yuletide season is a time of joy, celebration, family reunions, and increased social activities. Unfortunately, it is also a period characterized by increased road traffic, reckless driving, speeding, fatigue, and disregard for traffic rules, which often result in avoidable road traffic crashes, loss of lives, and injuries,” he said.
    He thanked Sokoto state government and disaster managers on their support on road safety initiatives.
    Abubakar further commended partner agencies, traditional institutions, religious leaders, transport unions, the media, and all stakeholders for their unwavering commitment to public safety.
    ” As we celebrate this festive season, let us remember that no celebration is worth a life lost. Let us drive responsibly, remain vigilant, and look out for one another. Together, we can make this Yuletide period safe, peaceful, and accident-free,” he added.
    The operation began at Sultan Abubakar Airport junction and attended by officials of Sokoto Road Marshalls, Red Cross Society, State Emergency Management Agency, FRSC and others
  • Sokoto Govt strengthens GBV response teams, community resilience

    Sokoto Govt strengthens GBV response teams, community resilience

    Sokoto Govt, strengthens GBV response teams, community resilience
    The Sokoto State Ministry of Women and Children Affairs and the UN Population Fund (UNFPA), have charged response teams on addressing rising cases of Gender-Based Violence (GBV).
    The Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Alhaji Abubakar Alhaji, gave the charge during a GBV response teams review meeting in Sokoto.
    The meeting was under a project, tagged “Strengthening Access to Reproductive and Adolescence Health (SARAH) in Nigeria” funded by the European Union (EU).
    It was a multi-sectoral programme focuses on reproductive, maternal, neonatal and child health, along with issues around adolescent health
    and wellness in the three Northern states of Adamawa, Kwara and Sokoto
    Alhaji emphasised the need for increased community engagement, awareness and community engagement toward addressing the rising prevalence of GBV in society.
    The Director, Women in the ministry, Hajia Hauwa’u Umar-Jabo, underscored the need for non-governmental organisations and community based groups at all levels to prioritise the establishment of volunteer response teams to support GBV prevention efforts.
    Umar-Jabo said such measures were essential to addressing misconceptions, break the culture of silence and strengthen shelters and psychosocial support systems for survivors.
    The  director cautioned community members against concealing rape and other serious offences or tampering with evidence before investigations are concluded.
    Umar-Jabo described such interference as a major obstacle to preserving evidence needed for successful prosecution of perpetrators in court.
    She added that citizens had a responsibility to amplify survivors’ voices, challenge harmful narratives and sustain public attention on GBV-related issues.
    The District Head of Gagi, Alhaji Sani Umar-Jabbi, said that insecurity, economic hardship, harmful cultural practices and weak enforcement mechanisms continue to expose women and girls to various forms of abuse in the region.
    Umar-Jabbi also called on stakeholders to strengthen GBV desks in police stations, schools and health facilities to improve response systems and access to support services.
    He called on groups to strengthen policy coherence and improve accountability frameworks through effective policies at federal and state levels.
    Oarticipants included different representatives from Nigerian Police, Nigerian Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC), NGOs, CBOs and government officials while it featured presentation was made on groups performances.
    The participants pledged increased commitment to ending GBV in the society and upholding people’s rights.
  • Tertiary healthcare institutions honour Prof. Sale

    Tertiary healthcare institutions honour Prof. Sale

    Tertiary healthcare institutions honour Prof. Sale
    The Committee of Tertiary Healthcare Institutions has presented an ‘Award of Excellence’ to  the former Medical Director of Federal Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital (FNPH) Kware, Sokoto State,  Prof. Shehu Sale, for outstanding performance.
    Sale, a Consultant Psychiatrist, was the immediate past Medical Director of FNPH Kware and the award was in recognition of his excellent stewardship and for fast tracking development the facility from 2017 to 2025.
    The award was presented in recognition of excellence performance and event attended by the Chief Medical Director (CMD) of Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital (AKTH) Kano, Prof. Abdulrahaman Sheshe, on Saturday in Sokoto.
    Sale recognized for transforming FNPH into a modern healthcare facility providing specialised services on mental health and other healthcare for citizens.
    The Chief Medical Director of the Usmanu Danfodio University Teaching Hospital (UDUTH) Sokoto, Prof Anas Sabir, also attended the occasion in honour of Sale’s astute leadership.
    The event was also attended by the substantive Medical Director of FNPH Kware, Dr Abubakar Baguda Sulaiman, among others.
    Sale had transformed FNPH Kware into an integrated healthcare facility providing general medical care and established the first School of Nursing Science among all Psychiatric hospitals in the country.
  • Community leader partners students, teachers on sensitisation against GBV in Sokoto

    Community leader partners students, teachers on sensitisation against GBV in Sokoto

    Community leader partners students, teachers on sensitisation against GBV in Sokoto

    The District Head of Bodinga, Bodinga Local Government Area of Sokoto State, Alhaji Bello Abdurrauf, has joined students and teachers on sensitisation against Gender Based Violence (GBV).

    The programme was conducted by United Nations (UN) Women, in collaboration with the Sokoto State Ministry of Women and Children Affairs aimed at championing the campaigns against GBV.

    Abdurrauf enjoined parents and teachers to promote awareness programme against all forms violence and need for youth especially girls to report incidents

    He described the strategic awareness initiative towards rising consciousness to eradicate GBV the society and underscored the importance of collective efforts against the menace.

    The traditional ruler stressed the need for the people to be united in the fight to protect the rights and dignity of all Nigerians, especially the most vulnerable.

    The district head said he led a march to commemorate 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and urged stakeholders to support the drive against riding cases of GBV.

    Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary, Sokoto State Ministry of Women and Children Affairs, Alhaji Abubakar Alhaji, commended the UN Women on their support to tackle violence against women and girls

    Alhaji said the sensitisation, rally and the associated activities were to reflect collective resolve and call to action against gender-based violence in the society.

    Bodinga community have ratified a developed Gender-based Violence (GBV) and Harmful Practices prevention guidelines to harness the implementation of Violence Against Person Prohibition (VAPP) and Child Protection laws.

    The document was signed by the District Head and the Chairman of council, Alhaji Shehu Dingyadi, respectively, after a three-day Community Guideline Development meeting supported by UN Women.

  • Sokoto Govt partner UNICEF to provide 332 suggestions boxes, 166 help desks

    Sokoto Govt partner UNICEF to provide 332 suggestions boxes, 166 help desks

    Sokoto, UNICEF provide 332 suggestions boxes, 166 help desks

    Sokoto State Government, on Monday, provided 332 suggestion boxes and 166 help desks to strengthen community participation in the implementation of healthcare and other services.

    The Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Information, Alhaji Bashiru Maigari, said that the items were provided in collaboration with UNICEF.

    The items were presented by the Executive Secretary, Sokoto Primary Healthcare Development Agency (SSPHCDA), Dr Bilyaminu Yari-Sifawa, and State Ward Development Committee (WDC) Chairman, Dr Bala Gadanga.

    Maigari said the items were designed to strengthen community participation, improve feedback mechanisms, promote transparency and accountability in the delivery of programmes at the grassroots.

    He also said that each committee monitor was entitled to N5,000 stipend for three months initial period.

    He commended UNICEF for the support and reiterated the ministry’s commitment towards enhancing communication strategies between government and the people.

    Also, Yari-Sifawa further said that the collated feedbacks would be used to address shortages, needed manpower, regulate workers adverse behaviour that would surely enhance healthcare services.

    He commended UNICEF for the support and promised to ensure effective implementation of the needed services and other necessary attentions.

    The WDC Chairman, who spoke on behalf of the benefitting communities, also promised to properly utilise the items and mobilise the community towards achieving success in the implementation of policies and services.

  • Sokoto: WANEP urges stakeholders to be proactive in conflict prevention, management

    Sokoto: WANEP urges stakeholders to be proactive in conflict prevention, management

    Sokoto: WANEP urges stakeholders to be proactive in conflict prevention, management

    The West Africa Network for Peacebuilding (WANEP-Nigeria), a Civil Society Organisation (CSO), has charged stakeholders in Sokoto State to actively participate in ‘peace-building and conflict management’ initiatives.

    The National Coordinator of the network, Dr Bridget Osakwe, gave the charge at a three-day capacity-building workshop focused on conflict prevention, violent extremism, crisis management, and peacebuilding on Tuesday in Sokoto.

    The programme was organised under the Research and Action for Peace (RECAP) project in partnership with the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) and the Danish Refugee Council (DRC).

    It was funded by the European Union (EU).

    Osakwe emphasised the need for increased synergy and proactive measures among stakeholders on conflict prevention and management in Nigerian communities.

    The coordinator, represented by Mr Manji Danjuma, said the initiative sought to strengthen the role of civil society and research in responding to violent extremism and promoting peacebuilding.

    She said the training was also aimed at equipping stakeholders with skills to monitor indicators of extremism and radicalisation.

    Osakwe stressed the need for more strategies to mitigate conflicts and promote peaceful resolution mechanisms.

    “The goal is to strengthen the peacebuilding capacity of organisations and practitioners, enabling them to actively engage in preventing violent conflicts in the country,” Osakwe said.

    The participants included representatives of community-based groups, traditional rulers, government officials and the media

  • Security operatives neutralise notorious bandit Kachalla Na’Allah in Sokoto

    Security operatives neutralise notorious bandit Kachalla Na’Allah in Sokoto
    In a fresh onslaught part of the efforts to dismantle bandits network, the combined security operatives have nuetralised a notorious bandit, Kachalla Na’Allah, in Isa local government area of Sokoto state.
    A reliable source confirmed to the Newsmen in Sokoto that Na’Allah was shot death on Friday.
    According to the source, the deceased was shot between Girnashe and Kuka Tara villages under the Tsabre ward of Isa local government area.
    The source said the bandit kingpin was intercepted by a joint team of Mobile Police and operatives of Community Guards with support from Army and successfully neutralized Na’Allah.
    Na’Allah was reported to be the Cousin of the notorious bandit kingpin, Ibrahim Chimmo, who is known to be operating within Sububu forest.
    The source highlighted that the operation marks another step in disrupting the leadership and operational structure of banditry in the region.
  • Sokoto Govt partner Sightsavers on reducing child mortality

    Sokoto Govt partner Sightsavers on reducing child mortality

    Sokoto Govt partner Sightsavers on reducing child mortality

     The Sokoto State Government in collaboration with Sightsavers, a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), have determined to sustain effort on improving healthcare and reducing child mortality in the state.
    The Commissioner for Health, Alhaji Faruku Wurno, gave the assurance at he launching of administration of antibiotics drugs Azithromycin to children in local government areas.
    Wurno said in the last round three exercise, the state had recorded more than 90 per cent coverage, raising hopes for sustaining the progress.
    Our Correspondent reports that the programme operates under the Safety and Antimicrobial Resistance of Mass Administration of Azithromycin on Children in Nigeria (SARMAAN) designed to improve child survival outcomes through preventive treatment.
    Azithromycin is a broad-spectrum macrolide antibiotic that inhibits bacterial protein synthesis, thereby stopping bacterial growth, making it effective for tackling infections contributing to high childhood morbidity and mortality in vulnerable communities.
    The antibiotic is commonly used to treat respiratory infections, diarrhoea, and various childhood illnesses. Its administration aligns with the World Health Organisation’s 2022 guidelines for targeted preventive treatment among at-risk populations.
    The Commissioner said the project had successfully treated children with azithromycin, a milestone aimed at improving life expectancy.
    Dr Salman Tijjani, the SARMAN Programme Officer in Sokoto state, the present round four exercise would be conducted between Dec. 15 to 21 this year and solicited to more stakeholders commitment to ensuring more success.
    Tijjani stated that azithromycin was a vital antibiotic used to treat various childhood ailments and played a key role in reducing infant and child deaths.
    He emphasised that the SARMAAN Project aligned with global efforts to improve child survival in low- and middle-income countries, demonstrating the potential of bi-annual azithromycin administration in lowering early childhood mortality.
    He added that stakeholders have monitored azithromycin’s safety and effectiveness in reducing antimicrobial resistance among treated children.
    The Sightsavers Country Director, Joy Shu’aibu, explained that the programme targeted children aged zero to 59 months using azithromycin, particularly in communities battling Neglected Tropical Diseases like onchocerciasis and schistosomiasis causing significant mortality.
    She highlighted Sightsavers’ presence in Sokoto since 1996, beginning with eye-care services that eventually led to establishing and equipping 19 healthcare centres providing consistent, community-based eye-care support.
    Through the interventions, more doctors, nurses, community health workers and auxiliary staff received specialised eye-care training, significantly strengthening the state’s capacity to deliver essential services to underserved populations
     Sightsavers in collaboration with the Sokoto State Primary Health Care Development Agency, have mobilised 87 District Heads to support administering azithromycin to children and strengthening community participation in statewide child-health intervention efforts.