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Katsina State Government has pledged to do everything possible to restore peace and normalcy, as well as to protect the lives and property of the residents and the sanctity of every community in the state.

READ ALSO: Katsina Govt Queries Emirate Council Over District Heads’ Absence At Durbar

Governor Dikko Radda made the promise at the sidelines of the 2026 historic Katsina Eid-el-Fitr Durbar, also called “Hawan Sarki,” held at the Old Government House, Katsina.



He also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to preserving the rich cultural values of the state while promoting peace and development.

During the durbar, attended by at least 17 foreign diplomats from 25 countries, the rich cultural heritage and traditions of the people of Katsina State were showcased.

It’s the celebration of the people and their colorful cultural heritage, signifying the end of Ramadan Fast.

There was a parade of horse riders making their way into the Old Government House in the city centre of Katsina state.

This Durbar is celebrated twice in the year, and attracts thousands of people from within and outside not only Katsina but the country at large.

The Durbar kicked off from the Katsina Emir’s house to the Katsina Old Government House, as a mark of respect for the governor.

Besides the richly attired emir and his district heads, there were also warriors showing off their skills.

Historians trace the beginning of Hawan Bariki Durbar to 1907 during the reign of the then-emir of Katsina, King Muhammadu Dikko.

This celebration is considered as a dual purpose occasion aimed at promoting unity among people and offers an opportunity for the government to highlight the achievements it has recorded so far since its inception.

Earlier in his address, the Emir of Katsina, Abdulmumini Kabir Usman, commended the governor for embarking on several developmental projects across the State.

He, however, urged him to remind President Bola Tinubu on the need to ensure speedy completion of the long existing, uncompleted Katsina-Kano Road and other federal road projects, including the famous historic Dikko College.

“You are doing well, Your Excellency, and from our own part, we will continue to support you with advice to succeed in your administration. Please remind the president to ensure the speedy completion of the long-existing Katsina-Kano Road and other Federal road projects, including the famous and historic Dikko College.

“Religious leaders must always learn to tell the truth to people. People must be in their senses. This short time life should stop deceiving you people.

Governor Bassey Otu has described the aftermath of the explosion at a gas station in Calabar, the Cross River State capital, as huge damage.

Otu spoke when he visited the scene of the explosion that occurred on Saturday morning at Edibe Edibe in Calabar South local government area of the state.

During the visit, the governor assessed the extent of the damage and expressed deep concern over the destruction, noting that both lives and property were affected.

“What I’ve seen here is shocking. It’s a huge, huge damage,” Otu said.

He also raised concerns about the location of such facilities within residential areas, emphasizing the need for stricter safety measures to prevent a recurrence.

“I know very well this kind of facility should not be in a residential area, but unfortunately, this one is here. I believe that steps must be taken to prevent this kind of occurrence in the future,” he stated.

The governor disclosed that several victims were currently receiving treatment in hospitals, while numerous homes have been either destroyed or badly damaged.

He assured residents that the state government would respond promptly to the situation.

“We have several casualties in the hospital, and people’s houses have been damaged. Government is going to act quickly,” he said.

Governor Otu further announced that the government would provide free medical treatment for all affected victims and consider compensation for those who suffered losses.

“We will take care of them. We are providing free medical treatment for those affected and will also look into compensation to help them return to their normal lives as quickly as possible,” he assured.

Several residents were injured following the explosion which also triggered panic in the area.

The explosion occurred at a filling station, leaving victims with varying degrees of injuries, while nearby buildings and property were affected by the blast.

The Abdulrahman Mohammed-led Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Saturday inaugurated over 20 committees for the party’s national convention slated for March 29 and 30.

They include the screening, accreditation, publicity, transport and logistics, medical, and security committees.



The event, which was held in Abuja, was attended by party chieftains, including Mohammed, the party’s National Secretary, Samuel Anyanwu; the National Organising Secretary, Umar Bature; former governor of Benue State, Samuel Ortom; Senator Natasha Uduaghan-Akpoti, among several others.

The committees are expected to ensure that the planned convention is executed smoothly, and substantive leadership of the party is elected to pilot the affairs of the party into the 2027 general elections and beyond.

According to the Mohammed-led caretaker committee, the party is organising the planned convention on the strength of the latest judgment of the appeal court, which invalidated the Taminu Turaki-led national convention in Ibadan, Oyo State, last year.

READ ALSO: Chaos Rocks Taraba PDP Congress As Two State Chairmen Emerge

PDP has been embroiled in a leadership crisis that has led to the exodus of members from the party.

The party — which held sway in Nigeria from 1999 until 2015 — was factionalised by the struggle shortly after it lost the 2023 presidential election.

While a faction backs the Governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde, the other faction is loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.

Already, many PDP members — including some governors — have left the party due to the internal crisis, amid concerns that it could force the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to disqualify the party from presenting candidates in the 2027 elections.

Nine governors have left the party since it lost the 2023 presidential election.

They include the governors of Adamawa, Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Delta, Osun, Plateau, Rivers, Taraba, and Zamfara states.