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Kano9: Ganduje cautions parents against journalists, NGOs
Maude Rabiu Gwadabe
Kano state governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje has cautioned parents of the nine children rescued from Onitsha to be wary of journalists and NGOs.
Mr Ganduje made the appeal in a message delivered at the formal handover of the children to the government by the Nigeria Police on Monday.
A statement issued to KANO FOCUS by Aminu Yassar, Director General Media and Publicity said the governor was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Usman Alhaji.
“I want to appeal to parents of these rescued children to always watch their words and restrict themselves and the kids from unnecessary media exposure and dealings with NGOs, as some people may likely exploit the situation for selfish reasons”, Mr. Ganduje remarked.
He assured the parents that “that investigation into the case of their children and similar cases is going on and their words and actions are capable of jeopardizing the work of security agencies”.
Mr Ganduje added that the state government is making arrangements to support the parents and rescued kids on a date to be announced soon.
He also commended the Nigeria Police for rescuing the kids and maintaining the peace in Kano despite the ethnic and religious coloration of the crime.
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Presenting eight children to the governor, the Commander, Anti-Kidnapping Squad, Nigeria Police, Kano Command, Babagana Saje said the ninth kid is receiving medical treatment at a hospital in Kano.
Mr Saje, a Chief Superintendent of Police said they have discovered a kidnapping racket operating in Kano and Anambra states.
“We have arrested some of the suspects including a man and his wife, who kidnap children here and sell them off in Onitsha.
“They sell the children for about N200, 000 to a lady in Onitsha who in turn sells them to her customers in Lagos. In fact, two of the children were found with her, as domestic servants”, he said.
He remarked that the Police found that the kidnapped children were renamed and converted from Islam to Christianity to conceal their identity and prevent them from being discovered.
Mr Saje added that parents of seven out of the nine have identified their children, following the necessary security procedures, but two are yet to be claimed.
“I, therefore, want to urge parents whose children have been kidnapped in Kano to please come forward and identify the remaining two kids in our custody”.
“All the suspects in this case will be taken to court as soon as the Police complete investigations”, he assured.
Speaking on behalf of the parents, Malam Muhammad Ali explained that his daughter Aisha, was abducted in 2016. He said all the parents were overwhelmed with joy reuniting with their kids and thanked the Nigeria Police for doing a wonderful job.
The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has officially launched its 2025 Hajj operations with the deployment of its Advance Team to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The team, made up of key operational personnel and senior members of the National Medical Team, departed from Abuja on Monday after a symbolic farewell ceremony at the Hajj House.
During the send-off, the Director of Administration and Human Resources, Alhaji Babagana Bukar, formally presented the team to the NAHCON Chairman, Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman. He praised their exceptional contribution to last year’s Hajj success and expressed confidence in their ability to deliver yet again. Bukar also appealed to the commission’s leadership to maintain strong institutional support to ensure another seamless exercise.
In his charge to the team, Professor Usman urged them to treat the mission with utmost seriousness and spiritual reverence.
“You are not going there to sleep; you are going there to serve the Guests of Allah,” he emphasized. “Support each other, work in unity, and serve with sincerity. Your success is our collective success.”
He assured them of the Commission’s full backing and reminded them to carry out their duties with the fear of Allah.
Echoing the Chairman’s sentiments, Commissioner for Planning, Research, Statistics, Information and Library Services (PRSILS), Professor Abubakar Yagawal, described the Advance Team as the heartbeat of the Hajj operation. He stressed the need for dedication, integrity, and impartiality in their work, calling on them to approach the task with clear purpose and patience.
On behalf of NAHCON’s executive management, Dr. Mustapha Sani, Secretary to the Commission, confirmed that the team’s welfare packages had been fully approved, assuring them of continued support throughout the Hajj season.
“You are laying the foundation for this year’s operation,” Dr. Sani noted. “Your success is the Commission’s success.”
Speaking on behalf of the Advance Team, Director of Inspectorate and Compliance and Deputy Makkah Coordinator, Alidu Shutti, thanked the leadership for their confidence and pledged unwavering professionalism.
“We are trained, experienced, and fully ready. We will not disappoint you,” he said, appealing for sustained support from the top.
The Advance Team is tasked with crucial responsibilities including securing accommodation for pilgrims, setting up airport reception logistics, and coordinating with Saudi Hajj officials—efforts that form the backbone of Nigeria’s Hajj operations.
Their departure signals a significant milestone in Nigeria’s journey to the 2025 Hajj and the beginning of a meticulously coordinated national pilgrimage to one of the world’s largest spiritual gatherings.
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By Mukhtar Yahya Usman
The Director General of the Kano State Pilgrims Welfare Board, Alhaji Lamin Rabiu Danbappa, has informed intending pilgrims from the state that they should prepare to spend between 35 to 40 days in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for the 2025 Hajj exercise.
He made the statement during the closing session of the Hajj orientation exercise (bita) held for Kano State intending pilgrims.
Alhaji Danbappa emphasized that the extended duration is part of the organized Hajj itinerary and logistical arrangement by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), stressing that pilgrims must exhibit patience and discipline throughout the holy journey.
“We are urging our pilgrims to mentally and spiritually prepare for a stay of up to 40 days in Makkah. It is not unusual, and it is part of the spiritual obligation,” he said.
The Director General also decried the conduct of some pilgrims who, after completing the core rites of Hajj, begin to pressure the board to arrange their return to Nigeria earlier than scheduled.
“There are individuals who begin to disturb the peace of the board, coming up with excuses just to shorten their stay,” he noted.
“But they must understand that return flights operate on a ‘first to go, first to return’ basis. No one will be allowed to jump the queue.”
Alhaji Danbappa urged the pilgrims to avoid unnecessary complaints and instead focus on their spiritual obligations, warning that any attempt to create unrest or disrupt the return process would not be tolerated.
The Pilgrims Welfare Board has so far concluded arrangements for the first batch of Kano pilgrims to depart for Saudi Arabia in the coming weeks, with airlifts expected to follow a strict schedule based on departure order.
The DG also commended the Kano State Government for its continued support in ensuring a smooth Hajj operation, and called on pilgrims to serve as good ambassadors of the state and the country while in the holy land.
Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano state has issued a blistering response to recent accusations made by Baffa Bichi, the former Secretary to the State Government, describing the claims as baseless fabrications intended to mislead the public and tarnish reputations.
This was contained in a stark issued by governor’s spokesperson Sunusi Bature Dawakin on Sunday.
Governor Yusuf dismissed all the allegations made by Bichi via social media, branding him “a shameless liar” whose utterances are unworthy of serious attention.
“The claims are not only false but also laughable. Baffa Bichi is a big liar, and everything he said is a total fallacy,” Yusuf declared.
Particularly, the Governor vehemently refuted the assertion that Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, the leader of the Kwankwasiyya Movement, is receiving N2 billion monthly from the Kano State Government.
Governor Yusuf described the allegation as “the height of political desperation and dishonesty.”
“Senator Kwankwaso is one of the purest and most selfless individuals in Kano. He has never demanded a penny from this administration, nor has he interfered with the government’s finances,” the Governor asserted.
He also criticized Baffa Bichi’s timing and motive, noting that he served in the government for several months without making such claims—until after his dismissal due to incapacitation, poor performance and administrative negligence.
“You were in this government for more than a year l, If you had any integrity, you would have spoken out while still in office. But you chose silence until you were sent parking. That exposes your real motive,” Yusuf added.
The Governor concluded by reaffirming his commitment to transparency and good governance, urging the people of Kano to disregard what he called “the noise of bitter politicians who have lost relevance.”
NAHCON Flags Off 2025 Hajj Operations as Advance Team Departs for Saudi Arabia
Intending Pilgrims May Spend Up to 40 Days in Makkah – Kano Pilgrims Board Warns
You’re a Shameless Liar’– Gov Yusuf Blasts Former SSG Over Allegations
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