Gov. Inuwa Joins El-Rufai Family, Northern Leaders for Late Hajiya Umma’s Janazah in Abuja

By Ahmed Mohammed

Gombe State Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya joined family members, political leaders, and mourners at the National Mosque in Abuja on Sunday for the Janazah prayer of the late Hajiya Umma El-Rufai, the mother of former Kaduna State Governor Nasir Ahmed El-Rufai.

Mr Yahaya, who also chairs the Northern States Governors’ Forum, described the death of the late matriarch as a painful and irreplaceable loss, especially for her children and loved ones.

After the funeral prayer, the governor expressed his condolences to Mr El-Rufai and the entire family, stating that the death of a mother creates a void that is often challenging to fill.

He said the late Hajiya Umma would be remembered for the values she represented and the legacy she left behind, a family built on discipline, service, and a strong moral upbringing.

According to him, she lived a life marked by humility, compassion and a deep sense of responsibility, qualities that endeared her to many and shaped the lives of those around her.

Mr Yahaya noted that beyond her immediate family, her passing would be felt by many who came in contact with her and drew inspiration from her quiet strength and character.

The governor, on behalf of the government and people of Gombe State, as well as the Northern States Governors’ Forum, extended condolences to the bereaved family and prayed for comfort in their moment of grief.

He urged them to take solace in the exemplary life she lived and the lasting impact she made during her lifetime.

He also prayed to Allah to forgive her shortcomings, accept her noble deeds, and grant her eternal rest at Aljannat Firdaus.

Kebbi Governor Visits Fallen Troops, Vows Support After Deadly Bandit Ambush

By Abdullahi Tukur, Birnin Kebbi

Kebbi State Governor Nasir Idris on Tuesday paid a solemn visit to the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Birnin Kebbi, where the bodies of security personnel killed in a deadly bandit ambush in Giron Masa village, Shanga Local Government Area, were deposited.

The governor later proceeded to the scene of the attack, pledging renewed support for security agencies battling criminal elements in the state.

The attack claimed the lives of nine soldiers, one Mobile Police officer and a civilian. The victims were ambushed while responding to a distress call aimed at protecting residents from an impending bandit assault.

At the FMC, Governor Idris was received by the Head of Clinical Services, Dr. Ashiru Ladan, who led him to the mortuary where the slain officers were kept. He also visited two injured personnel receiving treatment for gunshot wounds.

Visibly shaken by the tragedy, the governor described the incident as a painful loss.

“This is a painful and unfortunate tragedy for Kebbi State and for our nation. These brave men died while defending innocent citizens, and their sacrifice will never be forgotten,” he said.

He added, “They were gallant officers who answered the call of duty with courage and patriotism. They paid the supreme price in service to humanity and to Nigeria.”

Governor Idris directed the hospital to provide the best care for the injured personnel.

“I have directed that the injured personnel must receive the best medical attention available. The Kebbi State Government will take full responsibility for their treatment,” he assured.

He also pledged support for the families of the deceased.

“We will not abandon the families of those who lost their lives in active service. Government will stand by them in this difficult moment,” he said.

From the hospital, the governor moved to Giron Masa village, where he inspected the military vehicle destroyed during the ambush, describing the development as heartbreaking.

“From what we have gathered, the security personnel moved out to stop an attack on innocent residents, but sadly they were lured into a deadly ambush by the bandits,” he explained.

Governor Idris said the incident highlights the risks faced daily by security personnel and stressed the need for sustained support.

“This sad incident will not weaken our resolve. We will continue to support the military, the police and all other security agencies operating in Kebbi State,” he said.

He further disclosed plans to meet with top military authorities.

“I will proceed to Abuja to personally meet the Chief of Army Staff and formally convey the condolences of the Government and people of Kebbi State over this painful loss,” he added.

The governor also promised to replace the destroyed military vehicle.

“The destroyed military vehicle will be replaced by the Kebbi State Government as part of our support to the security agencies,” he said.

He urged security operatives not to lose morale despite the setback.

“I want to urge our security personnel not to be discouraged by this attack. They must remain resolute, professional and committed to protecting lives and property,” he said.

At Giron Masa, the Emir of Yauri, Dr. Zayyanu Abdullahi, expressed concern over the recurring security challenges.

“What happened is deeply disturbing and painful. We must improve intelligence gathering, reconnaissance and the use of modern technology such as drones if we are to reduce casualties and strengthen security operations,” the monarch said.

He commended the governor for his swift response.

“We appreciate the governor for coming personally to see the situation. His visit is a clear sign of concern and solidarity with the people and the security agencies,” he added.

The governor later offered prayers for the fallen personnel and the injured.

“We pray Almighty Allah to forgive the souls of the departed officers and grant quick recovery to those receiving treatment,” he said.

Northern States Seek Stronger Collaboration on Security at Jos Dialogue

By Auwal Ahmad Umar

Security and peacebuilding stakeholders from four northern states have renewed calls for stronger collaboration and improved early warning systems to address rising insecurity across the region.

Participants from Benue, Kaduna, Katsina, and Plateau States made the call during a high-level dialogue held in Jos, Plateau State.

The meeting was convened by the Office for Strategic Preparedness and Resilience (OSPRE) in partnership with the UK-funded Strengthening Peace and Resilience in Nigeria (SPRING) programme and the Plateau State Peacebuilding Agency (PSPBA).

Discussions at the forum were centred on enhancing coordination among state actors, strengthening early warning and response mechanisms, and promoting locally driven solutions to evolving security threats.

Participants shared field experiences and reviewed lessons from ongoing interventions, with a focus on identifying practical strategies for cross-border cooperation.

Officials said the engagement builds on existing efforts to improve conflict prevention systems, specifically by integrating new training programs and collaborative frameworks that enhance the effectiveness of these systems.

OSPRE, through its SPARCS programme, has trained over 300 individuals across the northwest and north-central regions since 2025, equipping them to detect and respond to early signs of conflict.

Speaking at the event, SPRING Team Lead, Ukoha Ukiwo, said collaboration among governments, communities, and development partners remains critical.

“Strengthening local capacities and fostering peer learning platforms are essential to building systems capable of preventing conflict before escalation,” he said.

OSPRE Director General, Chris Ngwodo, stressed that Nigeria’s security challenges require coordinated action across all levels of government.

“No single tier of government can address today’s security challenges in isolation. What is required is a coherent framework that aligns local knowledge with national capabilities,” he said.

He also acknowledged the support of the United Kingdom government in advancing peacebuilding initiatives.

The Director General of the Plateau State Peacebuilding Agency, Julie Sanda, commended the initiative and called for sustained institutional partnerships to scale successful interventions at the community level.

As part of the program, participants visited Operation Rainbow, Plateau State’s security outfit, where they engaged with personnel in community-based security coordination, intelligence gathering, and rapid response strategies.

At the end of the dialogue, participants agreed to strengthen inter-state collaboration, institutionalise peer learning platforms, and improve early warning systems as part of their efforts to promote sustainable peace in the region.

OSPRE serves as Nigeria’s national coordinating centre for early warning and response, working with stakeholders to anticipate and prevent emerging security threats through data-driven approaches.