Tag: Sokoto

 

 

By Group Captain Sadeeq Shehu, rtd (from Sokoto).

I mark myself SAFE.
Reports of a U.S. airstrike in Sokoto State have understandably unsettled residents. I am currently in Sokoto myself—thankfully unharmed—but beyond personal relief lies a serious public-interest question that many people here are asking:

WHY JABO?
According to local knowledge and long-standing reporting patterns, Jabo, under Shagari Local Government Area, has not been known, reported, or designated as: a bandit enclave,
a terrorist hub, or a Lakurawa stronghold.

And, certainly there is no Christian genocide or Christian targeted killings in Jabo Shagari LGA of Sokoto State.

Yet the reported strike location is Jabo, a western part of the state. By contrast, documented bandit activity in Sokoto has historically concentrated more toward the eastern axis, closer to border forests and transit corridors.

This disconnect raises legitimate questions—especially when the military in question is widely regarded as high-tech and intelligence-driven.

The Questions People in Sokoto Are Asking
What intelligence pointed to Jabo?
Was there time-sensitive intelligence, a transient target, or signals intelligence that the public is unaware of?

Was there a targeting or geolocation error?
Could there have been misidentification, faulty coordinates, or degraded ISR inputs?
Was the strike aimed at a mobile target?
If the target was mobile, what corroboration existed to justify a kinetic strike in a locality with no prior threat profile?
Was Nigerian authority fully aligned and informed?
What was the command-and-control arrangement, and how was local ground verification handled?

WHY THIS MATTERS
Precision strikes are justified by precision intelligence. When a location with no known threat history becomes the site of a strike, it risks: eroding public trust, feeding misinformation and rumor, and—most critically—undermining civilian protection norms. Even the perception of an error demands clarity.

WHAT IS NEEDED NOW
Prompt clarification from competent authorities on why Jabo was selected.
Transparent explanation (within security limits) of the intelligence basis.

Assurance of civilian harm mitigation, including verification and accountability mechanisms.
People in Sokoto are not dismissing security threats; they are asking for logic, evidence, and accountability.

Until those questions are answered, one refrain will persist across the state:
WHY JABO? WHY SOKOTO OF ALL PLACES IN NIGERIA CURRENTLY PLAGUED BY TERRORISM? IS THIS A SYMBOLIC STRIKE ON THE “SEAT OF THE CALIPHATE”?

 

The Sokoto State Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planing, Dr Abubakar Zayyana, says state government has prioritises programme-based budgeting model to ensure impactful results and outcomes.

Zayyana stated this when he declared open a one-day stakeholders’ budget review meeting organized by his ministry in collaboration with United Nation Children’s Education Fund (UNICEF) on Friday in Sokoto.

He stressed that the approach was inline with the global standards and urged donor agencies, ministries and departments to support compliance which would give opportunity to execute and implement desirable projects and services to the citizens.

He commended UNICEF for capacity building programmes and collaboration initiatives rendered to the state government at all levels.

He noted that the concluded local government chairmen training on social protection initiatives would surely urgument the approach.

According to him, with the support government have placed medium and long term budget processes with focus on intentional results, implementation strategies and resulted oriented platforms.

He said traditional model of preparing projects, programmes and services was outlawed now deployed the modern methods of programme-based budgeting.

The Commissioner highlighted the importance of programme-based budgeting in promoting efficiency, effectiveness, and accountability in public spending.

” The 2026 annual budget preparation aligns with the requirements of the State Fiscal Transparency Accountability (SFTA).

” Budgeting approach prioritises the result oriented spending that benefits the state’s most vulnerable populations, particularly women and children,” he said.

He praised the Gov. Ahmad Aliyu’s leadership and commitment to driving the state’s development, acknowledging his unwavering support and commitment in implementing programmes and projects that have direct impact to the lives of people in the state generally.

Dr Michel Juma, the Chief of UNICEF’s Sokoto Field Office, called for collective actions toward achieving the desires results in all projects and programmes.

Juma stressed the importance of adequate budget allocations to key sectors comprising education, health, Water Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH), Nutrition, Child Protection and Social Policy.

He said meeting was to reflect of achievements, improvements, collaborations and success with view to strengthen challenges as well as fine-tune solutions on budget processes and implementations.

According to him, the targeted desire was to ensure value for money stressing that key indicators and performance needed to be reviewed in order to the achieve higher percentages.

He called for consideration of climate resilience policies, triangulated data and analysis as well as cross cutting in the budgeting processes.

The Newsmen reports that head programmes take turns to make presentations on the insights on their executed programmes, achievements, challenges, focus and way forwards.

The event witness discussions while stakeholders encouraged themselves on more collaborate in identifying state-specific priorities and aligning them with broader strategies.

 

 

A Professional Accountant, Mr Banatunde Fadoju, has urged accounting and financial professionals to tap into the wide opportunities provided by the new tax reform which was designed to benefit Nigerians.

Fadoju made the call on weekend at a webinar lecture organized by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) Sokoto.and District Society.

The Newsmen reports that three topics discussed in lecture include; ” Smart Tax Planning for SMES and Salary Earners Under the New Tax Regime,” ” Lunch Your Tax Advisory Practice:A Guide for Finance Professionals.”

Other topic was ” The Fine Line: Ethical Tax Avoidance Vs Illegal Tax Eversion, An Expert Perspectives on the New Act.”

Fadoju stressed that the new tax law provided ample opportunities for tax professionals and urged them the improved themselves with requisite and suitable potentialities in order to be relevant in the system.

He counselled professionals to register and obtain requisite practicing license from lawful authorities and professional bodies, ensure credibility, confidentiality and trustworthiness in all transactions.

He cautioned them against sharp practices as well as all forms of malpractices in order to succeed in the new regime.

Fadoju urged the tax professionals to build of reputable relationships with revenue collection agencies and other ensure that they were up-to-date and link with platforms.

Also speaking, a Tax Consultant, Mr Tomi Akinwale, dwelled on the lawful provisions and payables tax denominations with incentives and punishable windows.

Akinwale said the new tax regime would benefit downtrodden than impoverish them stressing that incomes and value added tax were carefully considered through formulating the guidelines.

He explained that there were numerous incentives that were embedded in the tax reform; what is just needed is for Nigerians to give it a chance, which is by performing their own obligation.

“This obligation is that being exempted from tax is not an exemption from having a tax identification; it is the tax ID that will enable you to migrate when you leave that threshold, ” he said.

According to him, multiple taxation has discouraged many investors, a situation he described as bad for the nation’s economy.

The District Chairman, Alhaji Ganiyu Mustapha, called for increased awareness for citizens to fully understand the benefits and enjoined the National Orientation Agency (NOA) to redouble efforts on public awareness.

Mustapha said most Nigerians have poor belief on the accountability and prudence of the accrued generations on the nex policies.

He further dwelled on the categorisation and conservation on low income earners and urged professionals to leverage on technological initiatives que in the opportunity.

The Chairman appealed to authorities to reinvigorated social commitment and ensure result impacts implementation practices in order to ensure more acceptability.

He said the fear of the new tax law was unfounded because the new reform would solve the problems of medium and small-scale business owners.

According to him, a small company that is operating up to 100 million turnover or 250 million assets, you will be exempted from payment of tax.

He reiterated that the association would continue its advocacy role through the district societies and different bodies under the institute.

He assured that the organisation would further collaborate with state and business people on sensitisation drives.

” The district played a significant role in shaping the landscape of taxation in our domain by advocating for tax awareness and tax education at all levels,” he said.

Newsmen reports that about 200 people participated on the webnair with questions on implementation strategies, registration modalities and overall benefits of the new policy.

A cross section of participants expressed fear that Nigerians would encountered more difficulties when the new tax regime commences.

Many participants urged government to consider more awareness on the tax benefits and prudence modalities of spending the proceeds toward improving the living of of citizens.

 

The Society for Water and Sanitation (NEWSAN) has called for stronger political commitment and increased funding to improve response and prevention efforts against cholera outbreaks across the country.

The National Coordinator of NEWSAN, Mr Attah Benson, made the call during a three-day training workshop on Case Area Targeted Intervention (CATI) for Sokoto and Zamfara States.

The Newsmen reports that the training was organised by the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, with support from the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF).

Benson stressed the need for state and local governments to prioritise Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) programmes and provide dedicated funds for emergency response committees to enhance prompt and effective action during outbreaks.

He said the funds would help officials and stakeholders take proactive measures for early response and prevention of cholera and other public health emergencies.

The coordinator also urged stakeholders to adopt targeted, measurable, and sustainable strategies, alongside community engagement, to attract increased investments in the WASH sector at all levels.

According to him, access to safe water, sanitation, and hygiene remains the most effective defence against cholera, while vaccines serve only as a secondary measure.

Benson emphasised that ending open defecation requires concerted efforts from all stakeholders, backed by strong political will and timely release of budgeted funds by state governments.

He said the training was crucial in improving the capacity of participants, especially frontline workers from rural communities, to respond effectively to outbreaks and strengthen WASH interventions.

A facilitator, Ms Amarachi Igbokwe, Cholera Taskforce Lead with Solidarités International, explained that cholera is an acute diarrhoeal infection caused by consuming contaminated food or water.

She noted that the disease can be treated with oral rehydration solutions and antibiotics but may become fatal within hours if untreated.

Igbokwe encouraged participants to adhere to CATI protocols and maintain consistency in implementing interventions and advocacy.

She warned that climate change was worsening cholera risks by triggering more widespread and severe outbreaks.

“Floods and increased rainfall wash sewage into open wells and water sources used for drinking. Open defecation remains a major challenge in many communities,” she said.

Igbokwe called for regular environmental surveillance, water testing and treatment, and proper care for infected persons to prevent the spread of the disease.

Another resource person, Dr Timothy Daret, Programme Manager for WASH at the Catholic Relief Services (CRS), noted the importance of collaboration among agencies and partners to strengthen cholera prevention efforts.

He urged stakeholders to sustain public awareness campaigns, prioritise sanitation and hygiene infrastructure, and involve decision-makers in advocacy efforts that combine data with emotional and community-driven narratives.

Daret stressed that prevention through access to clean water, sanitation, and hygiene remains the most effective first line of defence.

He also advised households to keep the World Health Organisation (WHO)-recommended oral rehydration solution at home or prepare a basic sugar and salt mixture to treat dehydration in emergencies.

Newsmen reports that officials from the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) and other stakeholders made presentations on cholera statistics, surveillance, and strategies for community and urban response.

 

Communities in Kebbe local government area of Sokoto state, have demanded state and federal government intervention on tackling the worsening security challenges in the areas.

Speaking at a press conference in Sokoto on Saturday, community leader Adamu Kebbe decried on the persistent attacks by armed bandits.

Kebbe urged authorities to permit them to bear arms in alternative to non availability of enough security men in the areas adding that youths have faced the bandits at many occasions.

The leader who spoke on behalf of the affected communities, said bandits have forced hundreds of families to flee their homes, abandoning farmlands, livestock, and other sources of livelihood.

He described the situation as “tragic and unbearable,” lamenting that residents now live in constant fear.

He said inspite of repeated reports to authorities, the attacks have continued unabated.

Kebbe explained that many of the affected communities have been completely deserted due to incessant raids, adding that the absence of intervention could worsen the humanitarian situation in the area.

The community leader also appealed to the state government and relevant agencies to provide relief materials to victims who are now taking refuge in neighbouring towns and villages.

He underscored the importance of a comprehensive security arrangement to protect vulnerable communities, noting that without safety and stability, agricultural activities and businesses would not be possible.

Another speaker, Malam Tukur Fakku, decried that armed groups have continued to terrorize rural areas, targeting farmers, travellers, and local markets.

“We want the government to come to our aid with food, shelter, and medical support. Many families are stranded, and their condition is worsening daily,” Fakku said.

Fakku urged state and federal government to release the allocated fund to Kebbe local government areas in order to use the fund on supporting victims and proper solutions to lingering challenges.

He further appealed to national and state legislatives to live up the expectations on echoing citizens plights and use their positions on deploying more security personnel to tackle the security challenges.

The Newsmen reports that the event was group came under the umbrella of Concern Citizens of Kebbe local government area.

 

 

The Managing Director of Sokoto Rima River Basin Development Authority (SRRBDA), Alhaji Abubakar Malam, has reaffirmed commitment to safeguard rivers and surrounding human activities for socio-economic prosperities.

Malam gave the assurance during swimming, canoe race and fishing competitions part of the celebrations in commemoration of World Rivers Day organized by SRRBDA on Monday in Sokoto.

The Newsmen reports the theme of 2025 celebration was ” Clean Rivers, Healthy Community” and it also featured display of agricultural products, a lecture and presentation of awards to winners.

Represented by the Executive Director Engineering Services, Mr Mansur Aminu-Khalifa, Malam described clean rivers as the pathway to healthy communities and healthy communities were the foundation of national progress.

He reatraited agency’s determination to keep the river pure, maintain proper hygiene, detoxification and general cleaniness in line with this year’s theme.

According to him, SRRBDA was established to harness the potentialities of Rima River for irrigation, hydropower and flood control through coordinated activities in Sokoto, Kebbi, Katsina and Zamfara states.

The Managing Director said the activities provided job opportunities through cultivation of rice, wheat, cotton, sugarcane, maize, surgum, onion, potato, tomatoes and other vegetables.

Malam highlighted that the agricultural activities attracted income to individuals and groups as well.as harnesses nation’s Gross Domestic Products (GDP).

He said rivers were the bedrock of national development and provided safe drinking water to populace and appealed for more support toward safeguarding the rivers at all levels.

” For Nigeria, pristine rivers like Rima mean thriving agriculture, vibrant tourism, and population free from shadows of pollution and neglecting them will lead to stagination, ” Malam said.

While Malam appreciated the support of stakeholders in Sokoto, Kebbi, Katsina and Zamfara states, he assured of continued improved service provisions in accordance with SRRBDA mandates.

He reassured that the President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda was on right track providing needed impetus for sustainable agricultural production and economic growth through various initiatives aimed at ensuring food security and job opportunities for Nigerians.

Earlier, the Guest Lecturer, Prof. Murtala Gada, underscored the importance of ensure clean and healthy rivers for safe drinking water, irrigate farmlands, power industries, support fisheries and nourished the ecosystem.

Gada, from Usmanu Danfodio University Sokoto (UDUS). said Rima river shapes the culture, history, and economy of the region, serving as source of water for agriculture, transportation and domestic use.

He lamented that that rivers face treats of pollution from untreated domestic and industrial waste, siltation from.deforestation and poor land use and overuse of water unsustainable farming.

The Lecturer explained other treats included effects of climate change which puts pressure on water system and in some areas fishing communities were observing declining yields while farmers face irregular water flows and flooding.

He called for improved river management mechanisms, watershed protection and sustainable irrigation to prevent pollution and conserve wetlands as well as protect riverbanks from degradation.

He further appealed for industries to adopt friendly environmental practices while individuals should embrace responsible habits.

” When rivers are healthy, communities prosper as clean water reduces the spread of waterbone diseases, improve food security and foster economic growth, ” Gada said.