General News
Civil Society Groups Demand Probe Into Dadiyata’s Disappearance
The Action Group on Free Civic Space (AGFCS), a coalition of civil society organisations, has renewed calls for accountability in the long-standing disappearance of political activist Abubakar Idris, popularly known as Dadiyata.
Dadiyata, a lecturer at the Federal University Dutsin-Ma, was reportedly abducted on August 2, 2019, by unidentified armed men shortly after arriving at his residence in Barnawa, Kaduna State. Since then, his whereabouts have remained unknown, making his case one of Nigeria’s most troubling unresolved incidents involving a civic actor.
In a statement released by the coalition, AGFCS expressed deep concern over the lack of clarity surrounding the activist’s disappearance nearly five years later. The group noted that both local and international civil society organisations had previously condemned the incident and pursued legal action seeking answers, but no definitive information has emerged.
The coalition said recent public claims suggesting that the disappearance may have been politically motivated have heightened concerns. According to the statement, media reports referenced comments made by former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai during a live interview, in which he allegedly pointed to former Kano State Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje and mentioned an alleged confession by a police officer said to have been involved in the operation.
Citing the Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC), the coalition described the claims as “grave” and potentially explosive if proven true.
AGFCS stressed that enforced disappearance constitutes a serious violation of human rights and undermines constitutional guarantees, including the rights to life, liberty, dignity, and freedom of expression under Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution (as amended), as well as international human rights instruments.
The coalition warned that when civic actors disappear without accountability, it creates fear and shrinks civic space in a democratic society.
AGFCS, therefore, called on the Inspector General of Police to immediately initiate a transparent and independent investigation into all available information, including recent public statements linked to the case. The group also urged the police to make the findings public and communicate clearly with Dadiyata’s family, while ensuring that anyone found responsible is held accountable.
“Dadiyata’s family is owed truth and closure, and Nigeria is owed accountability,” the coalition said, adding that justice must not be allowed to remain in abeyance.
The statement was jointly signed by several organisations, including African Focus for Youth Development (AFFYD), Spaces for Change (S4C) West Africa, Restorative Justice for Africa Initiative (REJA), Rule of Law Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC), and other civic groups across the country.
Abubakar Usman, a fisherman from Maiyama Local Government Area in Kebbi State, stole the spotlight at this year’s Argungu International Fishing Festival by landing a massive 59-kilogram fish, earning him the title of overall champion.
For his remarkable catch, Usman was awarded two brand-new Toyota vehicles by the Sokoto State Government, along with a cash prize of N1 million.
Second place went to Abdullahi Garba of Argungu Local Government Area, whose 40-kilogram fish secured him a Toyota saloon car donated by WACOTT Rice Mills Limited and N1 million in cash.
The third-place position was shared by Danlansu Dankani of Jega and another contestant, each presenting 34-kilogram catches. Both received N1 million and a motorcycle.
The festival’s grand finale, held in Argungu, drew a large audience and high-profile guests, including President Bola Tinubu, who served as the Special Guest of Honour.
Tinubu praised the festival as more than a competition, calling it a celebration of unity, cultural pride, and peaceful coexistence, while highlighting its potential to drive economic growth through tourism and natural resources.
The President also commended the Kebbi State Government for ensuring security and smooth organisation, applauding Governor Nasir Idris for his development initiatives.
Tinubu expressed gratitude for having the state’s ultra-modern secretariat named after him and promised continued federal support to boost peace and tourism in the region.
Governor Idris, in his address, cited key achievements of his administration, including expanded road networks, rehabilitation of health facilities, distribution of agricultural inputs, and timely payment of workers’ salaries, asserting that the government has fulfilled a significant portion of its campaign promises within three years.
Meanwhile, the Emir of Argungu, Muhammad Sama’ila-Mera, addressed a minor disruption that occurred before the President’s arrival, when more than 50,000 fishermen reportedly entered the Matan Fada River ahead of schedule.
The monarch underscored the festival’s cultural importance and urged the federal government to revive the stalled permanent fishing centre project, previously recognised by UNESCO.
The Delta State Government has carried out renovations on more than 400 dispensaries across the state, alongside upgrades of several general and cottage hospitals, in a move aimed at improving access to quality healthcare.
Commissioner for Information, Charles Aniagwu, revealed that a new Specialist Hospital is currently under construction in Osubi, Okpe Local Government Area. The facility, when completed, will complement existing tertiary health institutions in Asaba, Oghara, and Warri, further expanding the state’s medical capacity.
He noted that beyond infrastructural improvements, the administration has invested in modern medical equipment for public hospitals. This includes advanced diagnostic machines such as MRI scanners, which were previously available mainly in private health facilities.
Aniagwu stressed that the government is not only focused on building structures but also on equipping them with up-to-date technology and strengthening the workforce required to manage them effectively.
According to him, the Oborevwori administration’s emphasis on grassroots infrastructure, improved healthcare access, and human capital development is part of a broader strategy to enhance living standards and promote inclusive growth across Delta State.
President Bola Tinubu has expressed deep sympathy for the traders and residents of Kano State following a destructive fire at Kano’s Singer Market over the weekend.
This was disclosed in statement issued by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, on Sunday in Abuja.
The blaze, which broke out on Saturday evening and continued into Sunday morning, caused significant damage to the food market. The President, who had earlier contacted Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf for a situation report, described the incident as “tragic.”
President Tinubu expressed particular concern that the fire comes less than two weeks after a previous blaze destroyed dozens of shops and property at the same market.
In response, the President has ordered a comprehensive investigation into the causes of the recurrent fires, emphasizing the need to safeguard traders’ livelihoods and prevent further loss.