UNICEF’s G4G initiative aims to give girls the confidence to succeed in school by organising extra-curricular activities. One such student is Fatima Dayabu, a primary four pupil from Tsafe Local Government Area, Zamfara State. Dayabu dreams of becoming a lawyer and social crusader, but her parents cannot afford to support her because of her religion. But thanks to the G4G initiative, Dayabu can achieve her dream.
Dayabu Mohammed allegedly runs errands for bandits
Nigeria police have arrested a man from Kaduna State, Dayabu Mohammed, for allegedly running errands for bandits in the northeast and northcentral parts of the country. In addition to Dayabu, 32 other men have been arrested for committing various offences. The police have said that the men are running errands in a Volkswagen Golf 3 Saloon car, which was allegedly purchased by a bandit.
Umar Aliyu sentenced to death by hanging for armed robbery
The trial of Umar Aliyu, 25, and Abdul Gegele, 25, ended with a verdict of death by hanging for the armed robbery in Dayabug, Jos, on Friday, January 19. The men had been convicted of criminal conspiracy and armed robbery. While in police custody, the convicts were caught carrying guns and looting the victims’ belongings. During investigation, ten witnesses provided statements to the police.
The trial of Umar Aliyu lasted for eight weeks and lasted until the day of the execution. On 18/02/2011, the accused robbed the Rockfield Petroleum Filling Station armed with a pistol, violating the provisions of the Penal Code and the Robbery and Firearms (Special Provisions) Act. The prosecution argued that he was the only one on the scene, but the jury found him guilty based on the testimony of a witness.
Earlier in the month, the Enugu State Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi commuted five death sentences to life imprisonment, including Aliyu. The action was a victory for the people of Enugu State, and was welcomed by people from across the country. In the process, the state governor exercised constitutional powers and saved lives of many convicted criminals.
106 bodies buried in Kanam area
At least 106 bodies have been buried in the Kanam area of Plateau State following a spate of violence involving unidentified gunmen. On Sunday, gunmen reportedly attacked several communities in the Kanam Local Government Area of the state. Dayabu Garga, chairman of Kanam LGA in Plateau, said 106 bodies were buried in this area. Some of the victims were shot while fleeing to the bush, while others were killed in their homes.
The attack left 16 people injured, and hundreds homeless. The violence also displaced thousands of people, increasing the number of internally displaced persons. The local government chairman, Dayabu Garga, said more protection was needed to protect the residents. He also urged the government to stop the violence and protect the lives of the people. The 106 bodies buried in the Kanam area of Dayabu LGA are the first to be identified.
The attack was not limited to the Kanam Local Government, but also affected the Wase Local Government Area and ten villages in Garga. According to the governor, Simon Lalong, security operatives were instructed to take control of the affected areas and hunt down the fleeing terrorists. The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Idris Wase, also a victim of the attack.
