Headlines
Kano records 4,000 cases of rape in five years
Nasiru Yusuf
Over 4000 cases of violence against women and children have been recorded in Kano in the last five years by the WARAKA Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) in Kano state.
KANO FOCUS reports that the Chairperson of Kano state chapter of International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) Huwaila Muhammad Ibrahim disclosed this on Thursday at a press conference for the commemoration of 16 days of activism for elimination of Gender Based Violence Kano State.
The event in collaboration with the GBV Response Team, Free Legal Aid Service Providers and also in partnership with Rule of Law and Anti Corruption (RoLAC) program.
“Since inception the centre has recorded over 4000 and still counting cases of sexual violence mostly against young children below the age of 13 years.
“With its growing population which has made Kano state cosmopolitan, thereby increasing the tendencies of exposing the most vulnerable members of the society comprising of women and girls at risk of being abused.
“For example, Dala LGA which the most populous in the state, in recent times has recorded high rate of incidences of violence against women and children especially rape cases.
“This is closely followed by Kumbotso, Nasarawa, Tarauni and other metropolitan LGAs in the state” she stated.
Also speaking on the challenges in the fight against sexual violence, the chairperson mentioned how silence and stigma as a result of such incidence have worsen the situation while he called on the Kano state government to establish special courts for sexual violence cases to enhance the fight against the crime.
“Yet for far too long, impunity, silence, stigma, have allowed violence against women to escalate to pandemic proportions.
“I will like to use this opportunity to call on the administration of Kano state government under the leadership of Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje to establish special courts to handle SGBV cases” she stated.
Annually, the global community marks the 25th November, as the International Day for the elimination of Violence against Women and Girls.
Headlines
Dangote Refinery maintains ex-depot price of PMS
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals Limited has announced that its ex-depot price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) remains unchanged, reaffirming its commitment to stability in Nigeria’s domestic energy market.
In a statement issued by Esan Sunday, Head of Media Relations, Branding and Communication, the company said sustaining the current price reflects its efforts to cushion the broader economy against external shocks. It noted that by absorbing prevailing cost pressures, the refinery is helping to moderate inflationary risks, promote energy affordability, and ensure uninterrupted fuel supply amid ongoing global uncertainties.
The company reiterated its dedication to the steady supply of high-quality petroleum products to the Nigerian market, while aligning with national objectives of price stability and energy security.
It also urged the public to rely solely on official communications from the refinery for accurate and up-to-date information regarding its operations and pricing.
Headlines
Tinubu congratulates Garo on appointment as Kano deputy governor
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated Alhaji Murtala Sule Garo on his emergence as the Deputy Governor of Kano State following his swearing-in on Tuesday.
KANO FOCUS reports that Garo was sworn in by Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf after being nominated to fill the vacancy created by the resignation of former deputy governor, Comrade Aminu Abdulsalam.
In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President described Garo’s appointment as a positive step toward strengthening unity within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kano State.
The President noted that the 48-year-old politician has held several public offices, including Chairman of Kabo Local Government Area and Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs during the administration of former governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje. He also served as the APC governorship running mate in the 2023 general elections.
Tinubu commended Governor Yusuf for the appointment, urging political stakeholders in the state to rally behind the administration to ensure stability and progress.
He also called on the new deputy governor to work closely with the governor in delivering effective leadership and accelerating development in Kano State.
The President wished Garo success in his new role.
Headlines
Ganduje acknowledges Sanusi II as Emir of Kano, 6 years after dethroning him
Ibrahim Khalil
A dramatic political moment unfolded in Kano on Tuesday as former governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje publicly acknowledged Muhammad Sanusi II as the Emir of Kano and Chairman of the Kano State Council of Emirs.
KANO FOCUS reports that the unexpected gesture occurred during the swearing-in ceremony of the newly appointed Deputy Governor, Murtala Sule Garo, at Government House, Kano—an event attended by top political leaders and traditional rulers.
While delivering his goodwill message, Ganduje addressed Sanusi by his full royal title, drawing immediate attention from dignitaries at the ceremony. The audience responded with loud applause when he greeted the Emir and recognised his position as head of the Kano Emirate Council.
The development is particularly significant given the long-standing rift between the two figures. Sanusi was removed from the throne during Ganduje’s administration, a decision that sparked widespread political and legal controversy at the time.
However, the political landscape shifted following the emergence of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, under whose administration Sanusi was reinstated as Emir of Kano.
Observers say Ganduje’s public acknowledgment signals a possible easing of tensions and may point to broader efforts at reconciliation within Kano’s political and traditional institutions.
The moment has since been described by analysts as a “twist of fate” in Kano politics, where former rivalries appear to be giving way to cautious gestures of respect among key actors.
