Headlines
Converting Kano children to Christians meant to ‘obliterate their lineage’–JNI
By Nazifi Dawud
The Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI) has expressed concern over the abduction and conversion to Christianity of nine Muslim children in Kano state, saying the bizzare kidnap was meant to “obliterate the history, lineage and culture” of the victims.
Kano Focus reports that the Kano Police Command had rescued nine missing children and paraded six Igbo persons who have confessed to abducting children and selling them in Onitsha, Anambra state.
In a statement, Secretary-General of JNI Dr. Khalid Aliyu said the group, under the leadership of Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III, “expresses its unqunatifiable pain and sadness” over the “inhuman” kidnapping of the children and their conversion to Christianity in the 21st century, by Igbo “slave traders”.
“What was painfully shocking was the desperation of converting these Muslim minors to Christianity and changing their names to Christian names, in order to obliterate their history, lineage and culture,” he said.
“We nonetheless condemn in the strongest terms this act of barbarism of inhumanity against Muslim children. It is unacceptable, dehumanizing and reprehensible.
“We call on all government agencies responsible to fast-track the return and rehabilitation of the abducted kids with their parents and relatives and investigate further the reported cases of hundreds of the same criminality being reported by parents in Kano, and who knows where else in Muslim states. We also call on all parents to be vigilant of their children against criminal minds.
“The perpetrators must be tried and sanctioned appropriately in accordance with the relevant laws. We shall keep our eyes and ears opened to ensure that justice is done,” he added.
Dr. Aliyu also observed that if it was Christian children that were kidnapped and converted to Muslims, the “Christian Nigerian media” would have stuffed the airwaves and newspaper pages with inciting captions and derogatory names for Muslims.
“But alas! The usual conspiracy of silence on such issues which affect Muslims’ rights and dignity in Nigeria is now evident, as if nothing had happened.
“Tribal jingoists and religious bigots would have called for secession and poured all sorts of curses and invectives on Muslims and their religion.
“Allegations and agitations would have drowned everyone listening to the news by now. Social media would have been awash with floods of hate speeches and abuses,” he said.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The management of Bayero University, Kano (BUK) has commenced a preliminary investigation into allegations linking a person reportedly identified as one of its students to acts of online impersonation and financial misconduct circulating on social media.
In a statement issued by the Director of Public Affairs, Lamara Garba, on behalf of the Registrar, the university said it had taken note of the claims being discussed in public commentary and across various online platforms.
The statement noted that BUK maintains strict standards of conduct, discipline, and character for all students throughout the duration of their studies, adding that any behaviour capable of bringing the name and reputation of the institution into disrepute is treated with the utmost seriousness.
According to the university, the alleged actions of an individual student should not be seen as a reflection of the values or character of Bayero University Kano as an institution.
“In view of the allegations, the University has commenced a preliminary inquiry to ascertain the facts surrounding the matter. The appropriate University authorities are reviewing the issue in line with the institution’s established rules and disciplinary procedures governing students’ conduct,” the statement said.
The management also commended the public-spirited efforts of Professor Farooq Kperogi and other individuals who provide financial assistance to students in need, particularly by supporting registration fees and other educational expenses.
The university noted that such acts of generosity continue to play an important role in expanding access to education and supporting deserving students.
BUK assured members of the public that if the allegations are substantiated, appropriate disciplinary measures will be taken in accordance with the university’s regulations and relevant laws.
The institution also urged the public to allow the investigative process to run its course and to refrain from speculation or the spread of unverified information.
Ibrahim Khalil
The Governor of Kano State, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has relieved the State Head of Service, Alhaji Abdullahi Musa, of his appointment with immediate effect.
KANO FOCUS reports that the development was disclosed in a statement issued on Tuesday evening by the Director-General, Media and Publicity, Government House Kano, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa.
According to the statement, the decision forms part of the ongoing efforts of the current administration to reposition the state civil service for greater efficiency, discipline, and improved service delivery across government institutions.
Governor Yusuf expressed appreciation to the outgoing Head of Service for his contributions and dedication to the service of Kano State during his tenure.
“We wish him the best in his future endeavours and pray for his continued success in all aspects of life,” the governor said.
The governor also directed that Hajiya Bilkisu Shehu Maimota, Permanent Secretary, Administration and General Services at the Cabinet Office, should serve as Acting Head of Service pending the appointment of a substantive replacement.
The statement further directed the outgoing Head of Service to hand over the affairs of the office to the acting Head of Service no later than Wednesday, March 11, 2026.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The Board Chairman of Belraados Limited and Kano State Chairman of the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), Dr. Goni Faruk Umar, on Saturday met with the former President of Brazil, Mr. Michel Temer, during the opening dinner of the 26th Expodireto Cotrijal in Brazil.
KANO FOCUS reports that Dr. Umar was seen exchanging a handshake with the former Brazilian leader at the event held in Não-Me-Toque, a city in the southern part of Brazil hosting the annual international agribusiness exhibition.
The Expodireto Cotrijal is one of the largest agricultural trade fairs in Latin America, attracting policymakers, agribusiness investors, researchers and stakeholders from across the globe to discuss innovations and opportunities in the agricultural sector.
Participants at the event are expected to explore partnerships and share ideas aimed at boosting agricultural productivity and strengthening international cooperation in agribusiness.
BUK probes student over alleged Facebook fraud
Gov. Yusuf relieves Kano Head of Service of appointment
Disabled student seeks urgent fix for faulty elevator at Northwest University Kano
Resident raises concern over rising lawlessness, poor urban planning in Kano
Kwaru Foundation Provides Free Eye Care to Over 1,100 Residents in Kano
Lami Maccido, first person to appear on screens of NTA Kano, CTV 67, dies at 72
Kwaru Foundation Provides Free Eye Care to Over 1,100 Residents in Kano
K-SAFE commends Kano for timely school census, inclusion of non-formal education data
Only 30% of school-age children attend school in Northern Nigeria – Prof. Shehu
