In a statement issued on Thursday by its Public Affairs Officer, Abbas Jimoh, the Council, led by its President-General, the Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, CFR, mni, expressed outrage over the attack, during which a teacher was killed while several students and teachers were abducted.

The Council said the incident underscores the persistent threat posed by terrorism and called for an uncompromising national response to protect schools and vulnerable communities.

Daily Dates Nigeria reports that NSCIA describes the continued targeting of educational institutions as “a national disgrace that strikes at the very heart of Nigeria’s future” and must be brought to an immediate end.

The Council noted with concern that the latest attack occurred only weeks after the abduction of 42 pupils from Mussa Primary and Junior Secondary School in the same Askira Uba Local Government Area on May 15, as well as the kidnapping of 49 pupils and their teachers in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State on the same day. It observed that many of the victims remain in captivity.

The Islamic body further expressed concern that the attackers reportedly took advantage of Lassa Town’s market day to infiltrate the community before launching the assault, saying the development demonstrates the evolving tactics of terrorist groups and the need for stronger intelligence gathering, surveillance, inter-agency collaboration and community-based early warning systems.

The NSCIA also urged governments at all levels to adopt technology-driven security measures, citing the Enugu State Government’s recently introduced AI-powered security architecture, which features a Command and Control Centre, surveillance drones and AI-enabled patrol vehicles capable of identifying threats and tracking criminals in real time.

While commending the Armed Forces, particularly troops of Operation HADIN KAI, for their swift deployment of ground and air assets that led to the rescue of some abducted students and teachers, the Council insisted that security operations should continue until all those still in captivity are safely rescued and reunited with their families.

The Council also paid tribute to the soldier and the member of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) who lost their lives during the rescue mission, describing their sacrifice as a demonstration of courage and patriotism in the fight against terrorism.

Reaffirming Islam’s position on violence, the NSCIA declared that terrorism has no place in the religion, stressing that Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) are enemies of both Islam and humanity.

It stated that the activities of the terrorist groups violate the Islamic principles of justice, mercy, the sanctity of human life and the pursuit of knowledge, adding that those who kill innocent people, abduct children and destroy schools cannot claim to represent Islam or any recognised faith.

The Council extended its condolences to the Government and people of Borno State, the management of Government Day Secondary School, Lassa, families of the victims and all those affected by the attack.

It called on the Federal Government and security agencies to sustain efforts to defeat terrorism, rescue all abductees and ensure that those responsible for attacks on innocent citizens are apprehended and brought to justice.

The post Sultan Condemns School Attacks, Says ISWAP, Boko Haram Are Enemies of Islam appeared first on Daily Dates Nigeria.

Daily Dates Nigeria recalls that the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, officially declared Tuesday, June 16, 2026, as the first day of Muharram 1448 AH, marking the start of the new Islamic year in Nigeria.

For the year 1448 AH (2026), Ashura is expected to fall on Thursday, June 25, 2026, while Tasu’a is expected to be observed on Wednesday, June 24, 2026, subject to local moon sighting confirmations.

Muharram, the first month of the Islamic calendar, is one of Islam’s four sacred months and offers believers an opportunity for reflection, worship and renewed devotion at the beginning of a new spiritual year.

Among the notable observances during this sacred period are Tasu’a and Ashura, days associated with fasting, remembrance and gratitude to Allah.

Islamic tradition records that Ashura commemorates the day Allah granted deliverance to Prophet Musa (AS) and his followers from Pharaoh. It is reported that when Prophet Muhammad (SAW) learned of the significance of the day, he observed fasting and encouraged Muslims to do the same.

One of the most widely cited sayings of the Prophet (SAW) on the virtue of the day is:

“Fasting the day of Ashura, I hope from Allah, will expiate the sins of the previous year.”
— Sahih Muslim

Islamic scholars explain that this refers to the forgiveness of minor sins and reflects the spiritual rewards attached to voluntary acts of worship.

The observance of Tasu’a on the 9th of Muharram alongside Ashura on the 10th also follows Prophetic guidance. It is reported that the Prophet (SAW) expressed his intention to fast an additional day alongside Ashura, leading scholars to recommend observing both days where possible.

For many Muslim faithful, these days extend beyond abstaining from food and drink. They represent moments for increased prayer, recitation of the Qur’an, acts of charity and personal reflection as individuals set spiritual goals for the new Islamic year.

Across communities, mosques and Islamic organisations are expected to use the season to reinforce values of peace, discipline, compassion and devotion — principles that remain central to Islamic teachings.

The beginning of 1448 AH also recalls the Hijrah — the migration of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) from Makkah to Madinah — an event that marks the commencement of the Islamic calendar and symbolises faith, sacrifice and renewal.

As Muslims observe Tasu’a and Ashura, the period offers an opportunity to embrace the lessons of patience, gratitude and a renewed commitment to spiritual growth in the year ahead.

The post Tasu’a and Ashura: Marking the Sacred Days of Muharram in the Islamic New Year 1448 AH appeared first on Daily Dates Nigeria.

The announcement came following coordinated moon-sighting efforts across the Kingdom on the 29th day of Ramadan (1447 AH). Authorities had earlier urged Muslims to observe the sky for the crescent, which marks the end of Ramadan and the beginning of Shawwal, the 10th month of the Islamic lunar calendar.

Teams of astronomers and official moon sighters gathered at observatories in several regions, including Tumair, Sudair, Shaqra, Umm al-Qura, Al-Wajh, Halat Ammar, Qassim, Dammam, Madinah, and Hail. Despite extensive observations, no verified sighting of the crescent moon was reported.

After reviewing the submitted reports, the Supreme Court ruled that Ramadan will complete its full 30 days this year, in line with Islamic tradition when the moon is not sighted on the 29th day.

Eid al-Fitr prayers are scheduled to take place across the Kingdom on Friday morning. At Masjid al-Haram in Mecca, the prayer will be led by Sheikh Usaamah Khayatt at 6:30 a.m.

Eid al-Fitr, one of the most significant celebrations in Islam, marks the conclusion of a month of fasting, prayer, and reflection observed by Muslims worldwide.

The post Ramadan: Fasting Continues as Shawwal Moon is not Sighted in Saudi Arabia appeared first on Daily Dates Nigeria.

In a press statement issued on Tuesday and signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Dr. Yusuf Agbabiaka, the group expressed concern over the continued circulation of the audio for more than a week without any official update from security agencies on efforts to neutralise the threat.

According to the statement, the audio was allegedly released by one Maazi Kanayo, who identified himself as a “Speaker” and reportedly issued what the group described as a “matching order” directing Igbo citizens to kill any Igbo Muslim found within the region.

MMWG said the viral recording allegedly portrayed Igbo Muslims as agents of Fulani herders who were paid to convert to Islam. The speaker reportedly ordered that such persons should be kidnapped and buried alive, claiming similar acts had been carried out in the past.

“The content of this audio is dangerous and capable of setting Nigeria ablaze if not urgently addressed,” the statement said, adding that unchecked incitement of this nature could result in violence worse than the Nigerian civil war.

MMWG expressed disappointment with what it described as the failure of relevant security agencies — including the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and Military Intelligence — to promptly brief Nigerians on actions taken regarding the threat.

The group linked Nigeria’s prolonged insecurity, including terrorism, insurgency, kidnapping, banditry and attacks by unknown gunmen, to the inability of authorities to respond swiftly to early warning signs.

The post Group Raises Alarm Over Audio Threatening Igbo Muslims appeared first on Daily Dates Nigeria.

The incident occurred on Tuesday, August 19, 2025.

As reported by Aljazeera and among others, at least 27 worshippers have been killed, and several were wounded when armed bandits stormed a mosque in Malunfashi, Katsina state during morning prayer, a village head and hospital officials stated. These people were killed while praying the most difficult congregation prayer to the hypocrites.

The Prophet Muhammad (Peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) says: No prayer is heavier upon the hypocrites than the Fajr (morning) and the `Isha (late evening) prayer and if they knew what is in them in reward, they would have attended them, even if (it was) crawling… (Bukhari reported it, hadith number 657).

The reason why Fajr (morning) prayer is mentioned here is because of the hardship that it entails, and performing it on time and congregationally is a sign of a man’s sincerity and faith. Those who kill innocent people, irrespective of their religion or tribe betray the essence of humanity on earth. We urge the relevant security agencies to ensure the arrest of the criminals and bring an end to this inhumanity and criminality of the highest order.

The killers of defenceless people are heartless, malevolent, and worse than animals. Security agencies may wish to use geospatial analysis using location data from phones, which could help track the phones in the environment at the time the crime was committed. This can be done using cell tower data and GPS data, as I have been recommending for 6 years, privately and otherwise. May Allah accept the departed ones as martyrs, give their families and relatives the fortitude to bear the loss, humiliate the criminals, and establish absolute peace in Nigeria. May Nigeria and Nigerians live in peace and stability.

The post Killers of Innocent Muslims inside Mosque Deserve no Mercy – Isa Pantami appeared first on Daily Dates Nigeria.

Daily Dates NG reports that the attack late on Sunday on the tent located outside the main gate of Gaza City’s al-Shifa Hospital also killed Al Jazeera correspondent Mohammed Qreiqeh and camera operators Ibrahim Zaher and Mohammed Noufal. Also killed were freelance cameraman Momen Aliwa and freelance journalist Mohammed al-Khalidi.

Shortly before being killed, al-Sharif, a well-known 28-year-old Al Jazeera Arabic correspondent who had reported extensively from northern Gaza, wrote on X that Israel had launched intense, concentrated bombardment – also known as “fire belts” – on the eastern and southern parts of Gaza City.

In his last video, the loud booms of Israel’s intensive missile bombing can be heard in the background as the dark sky is lit in a flash of orange light.

In a final message, written on April 6, to be published in the event of his death, al-Sharif said he “lived the pain in all its details” and “tasted grief and loss repeatedly”.

“Despite that, I never hesitated to convey the truth as it is, without distortion or misrepresentation, hoping that God would witness those who remained silent, those who accepted our killing, and those who suffocated our very breaths,” he said.

“Not even the mangled bodies of our children and women moved their hearts or stopped the massacre that our people have been subjected to for over a year and a half.”

The reporter also expressed sorrow for having had to leave his wife, Bayan, behind, and for not seeing his son, Salah, and daughter, Sham, grow up.

In a statement, Al Jazeera Media Network condemned the killings as “yet another blatant and premeditated attack on press freedom”.

“This attack comes amid the catastrophic consequences of the ongoing Israeli assault on Gaza, which has seen the relentless slaughter of civilians, forced starvation, and the obliteration of entire communities,” the network said.

“The order to assassinate Anas Al Sharif, one of Gaza’s bravest journalists, and his colleagues, is a desperate attempt to silence the voices exposing the impending seizure and occupation of Gaza.”

In a statement confirming the deliberate killing of al-Sharif, Israel’s military accused the journalist of heading a Hamas cell and “advancing rocket attacks against Israeli civilians and [Israeli] troops”. It also alleged that it had documents providing “unequivocal proof” of his involvement with the Palestinian group.

Muhammed Shehada, an analyst at the Euro-Med Human Rights Monitor, said there was “zero evidence” that al-Sharif took part in any hostilities.

“His entire daily routine was standing in front of a camera from morning to evening,” he told Al Jazeera.

Last month, after Israeli army spokesperson Avichai Adraee reshared a video on social media accusing al-Sharif of being a member of Hamas’s military wing, the United Nations special rapporteur on freedom of expression, Irene Khan, said she was “deeply alarmed by repeated threats and accusations of the Israeli army” against al-Sharif.

The post Israel Kills Anas al-Sharif, four other Al Jazeera journalists in Gaza appeared first on Daily Dates Nigeria.

While millions of pilgrims are gathered at Mount Arafat during Hajj, non-pilgrims are also afforded immense blessings on this sacred day. The Day of Arafat, which falls on the 9th day of Dhul Hijjah, is widely regarded as a day of forgiveness, mercy, and renewal of faith.

As a muslim, if you are unable to perform the hajj, below are ways to make the Arafat day most beneficial and rewarding for yourself!

1. Fast on the Day of Arafat
Fasting on Arafat is among the most emphasized Sunnah acts for non-pilgrims. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: “Fasting on the Day of Arafat expiates the sins of the previous year and the coming year.” (Sahih Muslim, Hadith 1162). This voluntary fast is a powerful act of devotion that earns double-year forgiveness.

2. Engage in Dhikr (Remembrance of Allah)
Uttering phrases such as “SubhanAllah,” “Alhamdulillah,” “Allahu Akbar,” and “La ilaha illallah” consistently throughout the day can bring immense reward.

3. Make Du’a (Supplication)
The Prophet (PBUH) said, “The best supplication is that which is made on the Day of Arafat.” (Tirmidhi). Muslims are encouraged to ask Allah for forgiveness, guidance, and blessings for themselves and others.

4. Recite the Qur’an
Spending time reading and reflecting on the Qur’an, particularly key chapters such as Surah Al-Kahf, connects the heart with divine wisdom.

5. Seek Forgiveness (Istighfar)
The Day of Arafat is a day of mercy. Sincerely repeating “Astaghfirullah” is a way to turn to Allah with repentance.

6. Give in Charity (Sadaqah)
Donating to the needy or supporting charitable causes on Arafat Day multiplies rewards and cleanses wealth.

7. Reconnect with Family and Neighbors
Acts of kindness, forgiveness, and unity with family members and the community carry great weight on this sacred day.

8. Reflect on the Message of Hajj
Though not present at Arafat, Muslims can deepen their understanding of the Hajj rituals and the legacy of Prophet Ibrahim (AS).

9. Send Blessings on the Prophet (Salawat)
Increasing salawat (blessings) upon the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) is an act of love and devotion especially valued on such spiritual occasions.

10. Prepare for Eid with Spiritual Intent
Use the day to spiritually and mentally prepare for Eid al-Adha, reflecting on sacrifice, gratitude, and submission to Allah.

The Day of Arafat is a once-a-year opportunity to renew one’s faith, seek forgiveness, and draw closer to Allah—whether on the pilgrimage grounds or thousands of miles away. Muslims are encouraged to make the most of it through fasting, worship, charity and sincere reflection.

The post 10 Rewarding Acts Muslims Can Do on Arafat Day Without Attending Hajj appeared first on Daily Dates Nigeria.

This announcement was made by the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, through a statement issued on Monday by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Magdalene Ajani.

Dr. Tunji-Ojo congratulated all Muslim faithful in Nigeria and across the globe on the occasion of Eid-ul-Adha, also known as the Festival of Sacrifice. He encouraged the Muslim Ummah to emulate the values of sacrifice, obedience, and faith as demonstrated by Prophet Ibrahim (Peace Be Upon Him).

The Minister emphasized the importance of using the period to pray for national peace, unity, and prosperity. He reassured Nigerians that the ongoing people-centered reforms under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration are geared toward restoring the country’s path to sustainable development.

“While wishing all Muslims a joyful and peaceful Eid-ul-Adha celebration, the Minister urges Nigerians to unite in supporting government efforts aimed at reviving the nation’s greatness,” the statement concluded.

The post FG Declares June 6, 9 as Public Holidays To Mark Eid-Ul-Adha Celebrations appeared first on Daily Dates Nigeria.

MPAC in a statement issued on Wednesday described the false news as reckless, dishonest and profoundly irresponsible publication recently circulated by Sahara Reporters.

Statement reads: “In what can only be described as a deliberate act of disinformation, Sahara Reporters falsely claimed that a young woman in Zamfara State, identified as “Zainab Muhamadu,” was to face a death sentence in a Shari’ah court for converting to Christianity. This entire fabrication was accompanied by the image of an unrelated American citizen, Aalia Reeves, whose identity and story were crudely manipulated to manufacture a sensationalist headline designed to stoke outrage, fan religious tension, and divide our already fragile society.

“Aalia Reeves has since publicly debunked the story, clarifying that she is not Nigerian and has never even visited the country. The Zamfara State Government also moved swiftly to expose the lie for what it is – a calculated piece of mischief borne out of mischief-makers and disseminated through Sahara Reporters and other unserious media blogs who fed on it for traffic, clicks, and chaos.

“This was not a “mistake” of hurried reporting. This was an orchestrated attack on public trust, decency, and Nigeria’s delicate social fabric. A complete fabrication. A provocation. And, worse still, Sahara Reporters chose to quietly delete the post with no retraction, no clarification, and no apology to the millions it misled, nor to the faith community it vilified.

“This is yellow journalism at its most dangerous. It undermines not only the ethics of media practice but also the efforts of countless Nigerians working daily to promote peaceful coexistence, mutual understanding, and national unity.

“As a repeat offender and a purveyor of fake news in the past, Sahara Reporters must be called to order. A media house of its reach and influence cannot be allowed to operate without consequence when it engages in conduct that is so grossly unethical, so clearly inflammatory, and so fundamentally dangerous. This is not journalism; this is mischief dressed as media.

MPAC calls for the following, without ambiguity:

– A public and unreserved apology from Sahara Reporters to the general public, the Zamfara State Government, the Muslim community, and particularly to Ms. Aalia Reeves, whose identity was exploited without consent or truth.

– A formal retraction of the false report – with the same prominence as the original falsehood.

– A commitment to ethical journalism going forward, including fact-checking, editorial oversight, and respect for the public’s right to truth.

– An investigation by media regulatory authorities into this breach and the imposition of appropriate sanctions to deter future misconduct.

“The media plays a crucial role in shaping public discourse; therefore, it is essential for journalists and media outlets to prioritize fact-based reporting, respect for diverse perspectives, and sensitivity towards religious and cultural differences. We must remind ourselves that this country, with its deeply diverse people, cannot afford the luxury of irresponsible journalism, when media houses abandon truth in the pursuit of virality, thus becoming enablers of hatred and destruction.

“MPAC urges the public to remain vigilant, discerning, and committed to the values of truth, fairness and justice. We must all insist that the media return to the noble ideals upon which its power rests – accuracy, accountability, and service to the public good. Also, we urge the government to intervene and hold peddlers of fake news and religious propaganda accountable for their actions, which could incite violence and destabilize the nation.

Executive Chairman, MPAC, Disu Kamor who signed the statement calls on all stakeholders to join in condemning irresponsible reporting and work towards a more harmonious and united Nigeria.

The post Sahara Reporters’ Irresponsible Journalism: A Dangerous Affront to Public Decency and National Peace appeared first on Daily Dates Nigeria.

The Health Ministry’s toll is expected to rise as many victims remain under the rubble.

Israel, which has enforced a total aid blockade on Gaza for more than two weeks, issues new forced displacement orders for several areas.

As world reacts to the wave of attacks, Hamas says Israel carried out a “treacherous” attack on besieged and defenceless civilians in order to overturn the ceasefire deal.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says he ordered the strikes because of a lack of progress in talks to extend the ceasefire.

Gaza’s Health Ministry says at least 48,577 Palestinians have been confirmed dead and 112,041 wounded in Israel’s war on Gaza. Gaza’s Government Media Office updated its death toll to more than 61,700, saying thousands of Palestinians missing under the rubble are presumed dead.

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