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
Nigeria’s Vice President, Kashim Shettima, on Tuesday received a delegation from the Association of Kano Business Community at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, during a thank-you visit to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
KANO FOCUS reports that the delegation expressed appreciation to the Federal Government for its support to traders and other victims affected by the recent fire incident that razed several sections of the popular Singer Market in Kano.
Speaking during the meeting, the Vice President reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to collaborating with the Kano State Government and relevant agencies to prevent a recurrence of fire outbreaks in markets across the state.
He assured the delegation that President Tinubu has the interests of Kano people at heart, noting that the N5 billion approved as immediate relief for victims was based on the findings of a preliminary assessment of the damage caused by the inferno.
Shettima reiterated that the Federal Government would continue to support efforts aimed at restoring commercial activities and strengthening safety measures in markets to protect lives and property.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The Kano State Government has inaugurated a 23-member committee to oversee the transparent and equitable distribution of financial assistance and relief materials to victims of the recent Singer Market fire disaster.
KANO FOCUS reports that the inauguration was carried out on behalf of the Secretary to the State Government, Umar Faruq Ibrahim, who chairs the committee. The event was presided over by the state Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Abdulkarim Kabiru Maude.
According to the Attorney-General, the committee comprises representatives from key government agencies, security services, the Kano Emirate Council, religious leaders, and affected traders.
He said the panel’s mandate includes assessing the extent of losses, verifying genuine victims, ensuring timely distribution of support, and recommending measures to prevent future fire incidents.
The intervention follows support approved by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, as well as contributions from the APC Governors Forum. It also comes in addition to earlier assistance provided by Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf and the Deputy Senate President, Barau I. Jibrin.
The state government reaffirmed its commitment to supporting victims of the disaster and restoring commercial activities at Singer Market.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The Kano State Government has announced Saturday, March 1, 2026, as the commencement date for the Eid-el-Fitr break for all public and private primary and post-primary schools in the state.
KANO FOCUS reports that the announcement, contained in the approved 2025/2026 academic calendar, applies to both day and boarding schools across the state.
According to a statement issued by the Director of Public Enlightenment, Musbahu Aminu Yakasai, parents and guardians of pupils and students in boarding schools are expected to convey their wards home by the early hours of Friday, February 28, 2026.
The statement further explained that boarding school students are to resume on Sunday, March 22, 2026, while day students are to resume on Monday, March 23, 2026.
It added that the second term will continue from Sunday, March 22, 2026, and end on Saturday, April 18, 2026.
The government directed all public and private schools in the state to comply strictly with the directive, warning that non-compliance would be treated as a breach of government instructions.
The Commissioner for Education, Ali Haruna Abubakar Makoda, urged parents and guardians to ensure full compliance with the approved resumption dates.
He appreciated parents and residents of the state for their continued cooperation and support to the ministry, and wished pupils and students a successful completion of the Ramadan fast and hitch-free Sallah celebrations.
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