Inuwa Joins Dignitaries at Zulum Family Wedding, Tasks Couples on Faith, Responsibility

By Tada Jutha, Maiduguri

Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State on Saturday joined top political leaders, traditional rulers and dignitaries from across Nigeria in Maiduguri for the wedding fatiha of children of Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum.

The ceremony, held at the palace of the Shehu of Borno in line with Islamic traditions, brought together a distinguished gathering, including Vice President Kashim Shettima, governors, ministers, lawmakers and senior government officials.

The weddings featured Umar, Mamman, and Aisha, all children of Governor Zulum, alongside Abba Abubakar Umara, in a colourful celebration that reflected both cultural heritage and family unity.

Speaking at the event, Mr Yahaya, who also chairs the Northern States Governors’ Forum, congratulated his Borno counterpart and his family, describing the occasion as a moment of thanksgiving and joy.

“This is not just a celebration of marriage, but a reminder of the importance of family and unity in our society,” he said.

He urged the newly married couples to anchor their homes on strong moral and spiritual foundations, stressing the need for faith, patience, mutual respect and understanding in building lasting unions.

According to him, marriage remains a vital institution for social stability, and young couples must embrace responsibility and uphold good character as they begin their new journey.

The ceremony was marked by prayers, goodwill messages and a strong display of solidarity among leaders, underscoring the enduring bonds within Nigeria’s political and traditional institutions.

Zulum Launches 500 Electric Tricycles to Boost Clean Environment, Create Jobs

By Tada Jutha, Maiduguri

Borno State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum, has unveiled the distribution of 500 electric tricycles worth ₦1 billion to promote a cleaner environment and create employment opportunities for youths in the state.

The youth employment initiative targets about 1,000 Keke Napep operators across Maiduguri metropolis and Jere Local Government Area.

The environmentally friendly electric tricycles were earlier inaugurated on December 20, 2025, by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as part of efforts to modernise transportation and ease economic hardship in the state.

Speaking at the launch of the empowerment programme on Thursday at the Government House, Maiduguri, Governor Zulum said:
“The e-tricycles initiative was designed to empower less-privileged Keke Napep riders and reduce transportation costs for commuters across Maiduguri Metropolitan Council and Jere Local Government Area.”

He added:
“I am privileged to launch this empowerment programme today for about 1,000 beneficiaries among tricycle riders in Maiduguri and Jere, to the glory of God and for the benefit of humanity.”

Zulum explained that the tricycles were procured months ago, and the event marked their formal distribution to beneficiaries.

“These eco-friendly tricycles represent a significant step towards modernising transportation while promoting environmental sustainability and mitigating climate change in the state,” he said.

The governor disclosed that a designated committee would oversee the payment structure, while the state government would subsidise 30 percent of the cost to make the tricycles affordable.

He further noted:
“The e-tricycles are being given to riders with the dual purpose of empowering them economically and reducing transportation costs for the public.”

Zulum urged beneficiaries to strictly adhere to the guidelines provided by the committee, stressing that compliance is key to ensuring accountability and the long-term success of the programme.

The governor also revealed that 16,783 registered Keke Napep riders from 25 associations across Maiduguri Metropolitan Council and Jere would each receive ₦50,000 as financial support to cushion economic hardship.

“We have approved a financial intervention amounting to ₦1 billion to support transportation workers and ease the impact of hardship on their livelihoods,” he said.

He congratulated the beneficiaries and urged them to make productive use of the opportunity, while commending the organising committee and the Commissioner for Transportation for successfully coordinating the initiative.

Earlier, Chairman of the Borno State Empowerment Committee (BOEC), Hon. Saina Buba, said each tricycle can cover up to 65 kilometres on a single charge.

He added that beneficiaries were carefully selected by association leaders, noting that the process was free from government interference.

Boko Haram Attack in Borno Kills Four Soldiers, Civilian

By Tada Jutha, Maiduguri

Suspected Boko Haram insurgents have killed four soldiers and a civilian in an attack on Mussa community in Askira/Uba Local Government Area of Borno State.

The incident, which occurred around 12:00 p.m. on Wednesday, is the latest assault on communities located along the southern fringe of the Sambisa Forest, an area frequently targeted by insurgents.

The Chairman of Askira/Uba Local Government Area, Alhaji Mada Saidu, confirmed the attack on Thursday, stating that the civilian victim was a mother of three.

“There was an attack in Mussa ward yesterday afternoon. They killed one civilian, a woman, and four soldiers recently deployed to the council area,” Mr Saidu said.

A military source, who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorised to comment publicly, said the slain soldiers were personnel of the 115 Task Force Battalion operating in the area.

“Four of our troops attached to the 115 Task Force Battalion were killed while ensuring that the terrorists did not gain entry into the Mussa community,” the source said.

The source added that the attackers were few in number but carried out a coordinated assault aimed at infiltrating the town.

“The insurgents were not many, but it was a coordinated attack aimed at entering the town. The troops stood their ground, but unfortunately, the four were killed,” the source said.

Residents said the attack triggered panic, with many fleeing their homes as gunfire lasted for about 30 minutes.

“We heard heavy gunshots around noon, and people started running into nearby farmlands,” a resident said. “If not for the military’s defence, they would have entered the town and caused massive destruction.”

Mussa, a farming community, has been repeatedly attacked due to its proximity to insurgent hideouts in the Sambisa axis.

The latest incident underscores ongoing security challenges in parts of Borno State despite sustained military operations against insurgents in the North-east.