Alhaji Bello Matawalle, Minister of State for Defence, says President Bola Tinubu has lifted the ban on mining in Zamfara to boost economic activities and raise the Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) of the state.

The minister made the disclosure at a dinner session organised to host stakeholders of All Progressives Congress (APC), Zamfara chapter held in Gusau on Sunday.

Matawalle said the rationale behind lifting the ban on mining was to attract both foreign and domestic investors in the area of solid minerals “which is abundant in the state”, and equally give opportunity to local businessmen to obtain license and engage in the exploration.

He observed that with exploration of gold and other solid minerals, the state IGR would certainly increase.

The minister said that the president had also made it as a policy that companies were to be established in the states where raw materials were based.

“By so doing, the indigenes of the states will have job opportunities and at the same time boost economic engagements, thereby improving their living standard,” he said.

Speaking on the Presidential Tax Reform, Matawalle said it was designed to raise more revenue for both federal and state governments by creating more economic advantages to citizens.

The minister reiterated the commitment of the federal government to the ongoing construction of a dual carriage road from Illela Local Government Area of Sokoto State to Badagry in Lagos.

He said the road construction would no doubt open so many economic potentials for the Northerners. (NAN)

 The Police Command in Kaduna State said it  has enhanced security measures ahead of the yuletide festivities in the state.

The  Commissioner of Police, (CP), AIG Ibrahim Abdullahi, said this in a statement issued by the command’s Public Relations Officer, ASP Mansir Hassan, on  Sunday in Kaduna.

Abdullahi also reaffirmed the command’s unwavering commitment to maintaining peace and order throughout the festive season.

He said that proactive measures have been put in place to address potential security challenges and to reassure the citizens of their safety during the celebrations.

 Abdullahi said, “Major deployments of Anti-Kidnapping Unit, Anti Vice Section, CP Monitoring Unit and Operation Fushin Kada have all been made in strategic flash-points within the state.

The CP also urged the public to avoid actions that could disrupt peace and security of the state.

 “The youths are warned to refrain from the use of banned items like fireworks, knockouts, and any other materials capable of causing fear or unrest in the streets, “he said.

The CP also commended the collaborative efforts of the various stakeholders in promoting a harmonious atmosphere across the state.

He assured the public that the command would continue to prioritise the protection of lives and property, working tirelessly to prevent crimes and uphold peace.

“The Kaduna State Police Command wishes everyone a joyous and safe holiday season, “Abdullahi said.(NAN)

The Inspector-General (IG) of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, on Sunday paid an unscheduled visit to Ilorin in view of the death of a man reportedly tortured to death by the police.

Report says that 35-year-old Jimoh Abdulquadri was said to have been tortured to death by some policemen at the Kwara Command late Friday.

The deceased, who was of Balogun Fulani community at Erubu in Ilorin, reportedly died in police custody in questionable circumstances.

During a condolence visit to the deceased’s community, Egbetokun pleaded with the entire members of the community, especially the youths, not to take the law into their hands.

He disclosed that he had directed a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death of Abdulquadri.

The IG assured that the matter would not be swept under the carpet, saying “justice will be served”.

Expressing his regrets about the incident, Egbetokun recalled how Ilorin indigenes received him as the Commissioner of Police (CP) in 2020.

He added however that it was saddening that he had to visit the state in a sour mood.

“I am always very excited to visit Ilorin because when I was posted here in 2020, I was warmly received by the people who often prayed for me.

“Your prayers then still go with me, and it is not an exaggeration that I claim Ilorin indigeneship.

“I am very sad to be here today (Sunday) on a condolence visit over the death of Jimoh, of which circumstances surrounding his death are very worrisome.

“But justice must be served. I have already directed investigation, and I have given necessary directives to the CP here. We will get to the root of this case,” the IG told his audience.

He however cautioned the community against rushing into conclusion but to await the findings of the investigative committee which would be made public.

“Let us not jump into conclusions. I have visited the State Command and I have directed a thorough investigation.”

Egbetokun assured that the Police would support the family of the deceased.

“We know that no amount of support will ease their pains, but we’re sure that our efforts will go a long way.

“I pray that no sad story will bring me to Kwara again,” he said.

Various speakers at the occasion, including the Balogun Fulani, youths and the Ilorin Decendants Union representative, demanded justice regarding the death of Abdulquadri.

Report says that the deceased was arrested by police operatives on Thursday for allegedly owing one Peter, a fellow colleague at Olam Farms in Offa, the sum of N220,000.

He reportedly died in custody late Friday.(NAN)