The Katsina State Government says the winner of the Quranic recitation competition, Abdulsalam Rabiu-Faskari, his father and brother are still alive, but in the custody of their abductors.

This is contained in a statement issued by the Commissioner for Information and Culture, Dr Bala Salisu-Zango, on Friday in Katsina.

It could be recalled that the victims were abducted two days ago on their way to Faskari from Katsina, after they were honoured by Gov.

Dikko Radda, for his outstanding performance during the National Qur’anic recitation competition held in Kebbi.

Salisu-Zango said he would represent Nigeria in the recitation of the whole Quran at the forthcoming international edition of the competition.

“The attention of Katsina state Government has been drawn to the recent media reports and condolence messages contained in a press statement signed by Special Advisor to Kebbi  Governor on Media and Publicity.

“It was to the effect that the kidnapped winner of National Qur’anic recitation competition, Hafizul Qur’an and ABU final year Medical student from Katsina State, Abdussalam Rabiu-Faskari was killed by his abductors.

“We appreciate the kind gesture, concern and compassion shown by the Kebbi  Government over the unfortunate incident,

“We,. however, wish to state that the Quranic recitation competition winner, Rabiu-Faskari, his father and brother were really abducted by bandits.

“But information reaching the government indicates that, they are still alive and healthy in the custody of their abductors,” he said.

Salisu-Zango further said that as at  Friday, their abductors were demanding for a ransom of N30 million from their family.

The commissioner qouted Radda as describing the kidnapping of the young talented student, alongside his father and brother as unfortunate.

“My heart is with the victims, their family, relatives and friends, and we pray they safely regain freedom.

“Government will take concrete actions to rescue and ensure the safe return of all the abducted victims, as rescue effort is being put in place,” Radda said.

The Governor then urged the security agents to put all hands on deck to ensure the safe rescue of the victims.

Radda reiterated the commitment of his administration to addressing the prevailing security challenges in the state.

He further called on the people to fervently pray for the safety and freedom of Rabiu-Faskari and all others in the hands of those evil abductors.(NAN)

BY HENRY TYOHEMBA, Abuja

The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) hasurged Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan to reconsider her approach and contribute positively to Nigeria’s legislative discourse, rather than perpetuating division.

Jeremiah Friday, NANS Financial Secretary, who spoke on behalf of the president, Comrade Oladoja Olushola, during a peaceful protest in solidarity with the 10th National Assembly, said the unfolding drama within Senate chambers has reached a critical juncture that demands collective attention. He also called for civility in the Nigerian Senate, urging lawmakers to put an end to the ongoing political disruptions that have marred the legislative process. “The recent exchanges in the Nigerian Senate, marked by attacks and counterattacks, have raised serious concerns. As Nigerian students, we find it necessary to weigh in on these developments. “The Senate floor, once a sanctuary for reasoned debate and policy formulation, has devolved into an arena of personal vendettas and political brinkmanship. “This is concerning, especially at a time when the Federal Government is making concerted efforts to reshape the country’s economic trajectory, combat inflation, reduce the cost of living, and promote socio-cultural respect, dignity, and harmony. “President Tinubu’s administration has embarked on ambitious economic reforms that require legislative partnership, not parliamentary paralysis.” NANS stated that the Senate should not be a battleground for political warfare. “Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s decision to exploit flak from her unfortunate misunderstanding of Senate rules reflects a troubling trend, prioritising personal ambition over institutional integrity. “Such actions blur the lines between legitimate political argumentation and seemingly manipulative tactics designed to incite conflict rather than foster constructive dialogue.” NANS, therefore, advocated for an environment where healthy debates thrive, emphasising the need to draw the line when personal vendettas destabilize legislative peace in a nation where the price of a bag of rice outweighs the nation’s monthly minimum wage. “By perpetuating these distractions, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan not only puts the reputation of her fellow senators at risk but also endangers the integrity of the Senate itself,” he added.

By David Torough, Abuja

Tiv people living in Nasarawa state have raised the alarm over plan by the state government to forcefully takeover their ancestral land in Nasarawa South Senatorial District especially in parts of Awe, Keana and Obi Local Government Areas without recourse to due process with intention to evict them from the state.

The people cried out during a press conference in Abuja on Friday led by thePresident, Mdzough U Tiv, Nasarawa State chapter, Philip Nongu. Nongo alleged that key conspirators holding brief for the Nasarawa State Government and claiming ownership of the Tiv ancestral farmlands in parts of Awe and Obi are the Osoho of Agwatashi, Dr. Umar Abubakar Apeshi and the Sarkin Jangwa, Alhaji Adamu Shehu. According to him, the conspirators have adopted blackmail and mischief to subdue and take undue advantage of the helpless landowners, using security apparatus to cover and arbitrarily execute this “evil agenda, which is an existential threat to thousands of Tiv farmers”.He said that the land, handed down to them by their forefathers which have earmarked for grabbing, is estimated to be over 10,000 hectares in parts of Awe and Obi as well as thousands of hectares in Keana, has been inhabited and cultivated by the Tiv people for centuries, serving as their source of livelihood. “As we speak, bulldozers and excavators are pulling down trees and clearing the designated 10,000 hectares of land with insinuations that additional thousands of hectares will be added, thereby forcefully taking over people’s farmlands without an interface. This has never been heard of in any part of the world where there is regard for law and order. And no Tiv farmer.is.ready to give out his heritage and source of livelihood for whatever reason.”In a similar manner, farmers in the Azer community of Keana Local Government Area woke up one day to discover a signboard with the inscription: ‘Obi Local Government Rice Farm Ome, Powered by Hon. Isa Sani Muhammad (KK), Executive Chairman Obi LGC. Keep Off!'”Chiefs of Keana, Giza, Kadarko and Kwara are allegedly the brains behind heavy mobilisation of strangers from outside the state to settle on Tiv existing farmlands. This is a deliberate ploy to displace the locals and take possession of their land. This should be thoroughly investigated. “It is even more worrisome that we suspect the state Governor, Alhaji Abdullahi Sule is annexing those farmlands for himself or a certain powerful business man in the country whose conglomerate he (Sule) once worked for and has been the governor’s benefactor for decades. “The fact that the governor ceded a vast portion of land to the business man in Awe local government for a sugarcane farm gives credence to our suspicion. Imagine Tiv farmers renting unused portions of the Dangote farms, which previously belonged to them for cultivation before they were dispossessed of those lands forcefully using executive powers. So sad,” he said.Nongo narrated that there is ongoing clearing of land by the intruders, Beaconing of farmlands without their consent, Coercion of leaders to consent to the sale of land and Toppling of rice farms in the affected communities.He appealed to President Bola Tinubu, the National Assembly, Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), international community and other relevant stakeholders to prevail on the Nasarawa State government to stop the forceful takeover of their ancestral farmlands.”We also appeal to the Emir of Lafia, His Royal Highness, Justice Sidi Bagel (Rtd), Tor Tiv, His Royal Majesty, Professor James Ayatse and Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator Dr. George Akume, to put heads together and halt this unjust treatment of Tiv farmers in Nasarawa State.”We state unequivocally that we are bonafide indigenes of these communities and ancestral farmlands, where we are being forced to leave, and we beg concerned authorities to intervene by using all legitimate approaches to protect our livelihoods. This is a democracy where the rule of law must be protected,” he added.According to the 2006 census, over 255,000 Tiv people comprising five LGAs are indigenes in Nasarawa state.