Headlines
Bandits Raid Shanono Villages, Kill Civilian, Rustle 100 Cows
Over 150 heavily armed bandits, riding on more than 50 motorcycles and reportedly carrying bazookas and other sophisticated weapons, have raided several villages in Shanono Local Government Area of Kano State, killing one civilian and carting away about 100 cows.
KANO FOCUS reports that the attack, which affected Yankwada, Babanduhu and neighbouring communities, occurred from Thursday night into the early hours of Friday, sparking intense gun battles between the assailants and Nigerian military personnel deployed to the area.
Confirming the incident, the Chairman of the Shanono/Bagwai Community Security Forum, Alhaji Yahya Bagobiri, said the bandits launched the attack on a revenge mission following the killing of nine of their members by the military during an encounter last week.
According to him, the attackers arrived in large numbers, with each motorcycle conveying about three armed men, and opened fire on the villages from about 1:00 a.m. until around 5:00 a.m. on Friday.
“The bandits invaded Yankwada, Babanduhu and other villages, shooting sporadically. Sadly, one civilian was killed during the attack,” Bagobiri said.
He, however, commended the Nigerian military for their swift and tactical response, noting that despite being outgunned, the troops were able to repel the attackers and prevent them from advancing into major towns.
“The military, though with fewer weapons compared to the bandits, stood their ground and successfully blocked them from penetrating the main towns. Eventually, the bandits were dislodged and forced to retreat,” he added.
Bagobiri disclosed that although the attackers succeeded in rustling about 100 cows, their overall objective was thwarted by the resilience of the security forces.
He called on the Federal Government to deploy more troops to the area and provide them with improved firepower to complement the efforts of the personnel currently on ground.
The community security forum chairman expressed optimism that with additional support, including collaboration with the Nigerian Air Force, the bandits could be effectively contained.
“The intention of these bandits is to penetrate Kano State, but with increased military deployment, better equipment and sustained operations, their criminal activities can be stopped. This will restore peace to Shanono, Bagwai, Tsanyawa and Gwarzo local government areas,” he assured.
Residents of the affected communities have continued to call for sustained security presence to prevent further attacks and safeguard lives and property.
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.
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.
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.
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