Governor of Jigawa orders arrest of farmers? group official for allegedly diverting federal agricultural inputs
The Governor of Jigawa State, Umar Namadi, has ordered the arrest of a local chairman of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN) over allegations of diverting agricultural inputs meant for farmers under a federal government program.

The incident occurred during the governor’s unscheduled visit to distribution centres for the National Agricultural Growth Scheme and Agro Pocket Programme.

Governor Namadi discovered irregularities at centres in Birnin Kudu and Kiyawa local government areas on Saturday. Farmers at the centres complained of being denied allocations, with some alleging that the subsidized inputs were sold to traders instead. Many beneficiaries were stranded and protested to the governor about the situation.

In Kiyawa, the governor ordered the arrest of the AFAN chairman for allegedly inflating the prices of the inputs. Namadi pledged to take strict measures to address the exploitation by agro-dealers and their agents, emphasizing that such practices undermine the program’s goals.

“We have a serious issue. We started this exercise for the last five days. Already one-third of the period has gone and agro-dealers have not shown up. That means it will be difficult for the farmers to get this input to go to the farm, and that means sabotaging the whole exercise,” he said.

He further criticized the diversion of subsidized inputs, stating, “It is a sabotage of the effort of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and at the same time a sabotage of the effort of the President. And we will not allow that to happen. So we will do our best, and whoever collects more than is expected must refund this money back to the owners.”

Namadi explained that while farmers were expected to pay ₦159,187 for their inputs, with the federal government covering 50% of the cost as a subsidy, some individuals imposed illegal additional charges of ₦5,000 to ₦10,000.

“Whoever refuses to do that, we will arrest him, then let his master agro-dealer come and bail him out and refund our money. But definitely, the money collected from our people, which is collected illegally, must be refunded. And we will not allow anybody to sabotage this programme, whoever he is,” the governor warned.

He urged the Federal Ministry of Agriculture to take swift action by replacing corrupt agro-dealers, warning that their activities could jeopardize both Jigawa State’s wheat farming ambitions and the success of the federal scheme nationwide. Governor Namadi visited distribution centres in Birnin Kudu, Kiyawa, Jahun, Miga, and Kafin-Hausa local government areas as part of his inspection.

Troops of the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) operating under Sector 4 in Diffa, Republic of Niger, have intercepted 174 suspected unarmed, able-bodied Nigerian men attempting to cross from Nigeria into the border communities in the Republic of Niger.

Lieutenant Colonel Olaniyi Osoba, Chief Military Information Officer, HQ MNJTF N’Djamena Chad, who disclosed this in a statement on Friday, December 6, 2024, said the suspects were intercepted at Gueskeru, a critical border town linking Yobe State in Nigeria and the Republic of Niger.

“Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects were reportedly travelling from various towns in Nigeria to the Lake Chad region, ostensibly for fishing activities,” the statement read.

“However, it will be recalled that the porous borders and towns between Nigeria and the Republic of Niger have become a safe sanctuary for terrorist groups, particularly the recently identified Lakurawa terrorist group responsible for several horrific acts against innocent populace in border communities between Nigeria and the Republic of Niger.

“Given the vulnerability of the border towns between Nigeria and the Republic of Niger, the intercepted suspects raised serious security concerns because allowing such a large number of able-bodied men to access terrorist-infested areas may pose a significant threat.

“As a result, troops of Sector 4 recognizing the implications, decisively halted the group’s journey and initiated a detailed profiling and interrogation process to establish their motives and ensure they do not threaten regional security.

“The MNJTF remains steadfast in its mission to counter-terrorism, protect civilians and secure the region.

“The interception underscores the importance of heightened border vigilance and continued collaboration among Troop Contributing Countries of MNJTF to counter cross border terrorism.”

A 9-year-old child has set his father’s three-bedroom flat ablaze in Ilorin, Kwara State while playing with matches on Thursday.

The incident occurred at No. 52 Mandate Housing Estate, Ilorin, where a three-bedroom flat was nearly destroyed.

Spokesman of the state fire service, Hassan Adekunle, in a statement in Ilorin on Friday, said “the fire was caused by a 9-year-old child playing with matches, which ignited a mattress and escalated the blaze.

“We strongly urge the public to prioritize safety at all times, especially as children spend their holiday at home with limited supervision while many parents are at work.”

The statement advised parents and guardians to keep matches, lighters, and other flammable materials out of children’s reach and educate children on the dangers of playing with fire.

“As the festive season approaches, we must emphasize the dangers of firecrackers, commonly known as “bangers.” A tragic incident from a few years ago serves as a sobering reminder.”

Hassan recalled that a young boy was playing with firecrackers when he heard the sound of his father’s car pulling into the driveway.

“Panicked and afraid of being scolded, he quickly lit a firecracker and tossed it under the bed, thinking it would remain hidden. Moments later, his father walked in, oblivious to what had just happened.

“Excited to celebrate, the father decided to take the family out for some shopping. They locked the house and left, completely unaware of the smouldering danger spreading beneath the bed. By the time they returned, the fire had consumed the entire house, leaving nothing but ashes and heartbreak behind,” the statement added.

It said the devastating incident highlights the importance of vigilance and safety.

“Parents must educate their children on the dangers of firecrackers and ensure they are used responsibly, if at all. Let us all work together to prevent such tragedies this festive season.”