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.

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Among the places invaded was the Female hostel of the Federal University of Gusau where over 24 students have been reportedly abducted.

A resident of Sabon-Gida identified as Nazeer Sabon-Gida confirmed that the gunmen invaded the community around 3 am and started shooting indiscriminately, Channelstv reported.

According to him, three students’ hostels were attacked and all the students in the hostels were taken away by the bandits.

The post Students Abducted As Bandits Invade Zamfara Community appeared first on Daily Dates Nigeria.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declared Lawal the governor-elect with a total of 377,726 votes after he defeated the sitting Governor, Bello Matawalle of the All Progressives Congress (APC) who polled 311,976.

Dauda Lawal was announced as the winner in Gusau, the state capital in the early hours of Tuesday, Daily Dates Nigeria reports.

The post PDP’s Lawal Wins Zamfara Governorship Election, Unseat Governor Matawalle appeared first on Daily Dates Nigeria.

The crashed jet was reported to have left Yola, the Adamawa capital to attack bandits in Northwestern Nigeria.

Earlier in May, an aircraft crash claimed the lives of serving Army Chief, Lt. Gen. Ibrahim Attahiru and other officers.

The Nigerian Air Force has also confirmed the crash of the Alpha Jet aircraft in Zamfara.

It said the crash occurred while returning from air interdiction between the boundaries of Zamfara and Kaduna States.

A statement by the Director Public Relations and Information Nigerian Air Force Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet, said the aircraft came under enemy fire but the Pilot, Flight Lieutenant Abayomi Dairo, successfully ejected.

“on 18 July 2021, at about 12.45 pm, a Nigerian Air Force (NAF) Alpha Jet aircraft, returning from a successful air interdiction mission between the boundaries of Zamfara and Kaduna State, came under intense enemy fire which led to its crash in Zamfara State. Luckily, the gallant pilot of the aircraft, Flight Lieutenant Abayomi Dairo, successfully ejected from the aircraft.

“Using his survival instincts, the pilot, who came under intense ground fire from the bandits, was able to evade them and sought refuge in nearby settlements awaiting sunset. Using the cover of darkness and his phone set for navigation, Flight Lieutenant Dairo was able to elude several bandits’ strongholds and maneuvered his way to a Nigerian Army Unit, where he was finally rescued.

“It is instructive to note that upon receipt of the news of the crash, the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Oladayo Amao, had directed that all efforts must be emplaced to rescue the pilot. Accordingly, NAF Intelligence Surveillance Reconnaissance (ISR) platforms and helicopter gunships provided close air support to NAF Special Forces and Nigerian Army troops who were able to locate the crash site and the pilot’s parachute, while also combing nearby locations for any sign of the pilot.

“It is gladdening to note that while in hiding, Flight Lieutenant Dairo confirmed that the presence of NAF aircraft within the vicinity of the crash site helped in scaring the bandits who were after him, thus enabling him to find refuge and escape to a safe location.

“It is important to also recall that only recently, the President, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, had directed the Armed Forces of Nigeria to do all it takes to flush out criminal elements in Katsina, Zamfara and Kaduna States.

“It is in fulfilment of this directive that the NAF, in conjunction with surface forces, has in the last 2 weeks mounted intensive day and night air interdiction operations against bandits and their hideouts, especially in these 3 states. Through these intensive air operations, hundreds of bandits have been neutralized and several of their hideouts destroyed.

“Despite the setback of yesterday’s crash, the NAF remains committed to fulfilling Mr President’s mandate as well as other constitutional roles assigned to it. The willingness, readiness and tested ability of the NAF remain unshaken and unwavering as it continues to carry out its assigned roles”. The statement read.

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The State Commissioner of Police, Husaini Rabiu confirmed the incident in a statement released on Saturday.

Rabiu noted that he visited the scene of the crime in company of the Speaker of the House of Assembly.

He described the incident as worrisome, adding that the attackers did not want the farmers to cultivate “anything without paying them money.”

Rabiu also said victims of the attack who were killed had been buried according to Islamic rites.

“I visited the scene and mobilised our men to secure the area. Those killed had been buried according to Islamic rites.

“I cannot say the exact number of those that were killed, but the Divisional Police Officer counted over 40 corpses. I visited the area in company with the speaker of the state house of assembly,” He said.

Following the killings in Kadawa village, Governor Bello Matawalle has suspended the Emir of Zurmi, Alhaji Abubakar Muhammad, Daily Dates Nigeria reports.

This was made known in a statement signed by the acting Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Kabiru Balarabe.

Part of the statement read: “Governor Bello Matawalle has approved the suspension of Emir of Zurmi, Alhaji Abubakar Muhammad.

“Accordingly, Alhaji Bello Suleiman (Bunun Kanwa) is to take charge of affairs of the Emirate immediately.

“In the meantime, His Excellency has also approved the constitution of a high-powered committee to investigate allegations made against the suspended Emir, on his involvement in the escalating rate of banditry attacks in the Emirate.”

The post Bandits Kill 93 In Zamfara appeared first on Daily Dates Nigeria.

Bello Matawalle on Tuesday sacked the Secretary to the State Government (SSG) Alhaji Bala Bello and all 23 commissioners with immediate effect.

In a statement signed by the Special Adviser Public Enlightenment, media and Communications, Malam Zailani Bappa, Matawalle also approved the sack of his Chief of Staff, Rtd. Col. Bala Mande, and the Deputy Chief of Staff, Dr. Bashir Maru.

He also approved the removal of all Chairmen and members of the state Commissions and Boards of various agencies.

Matawalle ordered the sacked commissioners to hand over affairs of their ministries to their respective Permanent Secretaries, except that of the Ministry of Security and Home Affairs which will be overseen by DIG rtd. Mohammed Tsafe.

The Chairmen of dissolved boards, he said, are to hand-over to the most senior directors.

Matawalle also noted that the Head of Service will oversee the Office of the Secretary to the State Government.

“The Emir of Dansadau is under investigation. Consequently, he is suspended with immediate effect.

“The district head of Dansadau is to oversee the affairs of the emirate. The district head of Nassarawa Mailayi is also suspended with immediate effect.

The post Zamfara Governor Bello Matawalle Dissolves Cabinet, Sacks Emir appeared first on Daily Dates Nigeria.

The mob also reportedly attacked journalists in Jangebe.

A vehicle conveying reporters from TVC, Thunder Blowers, Channels, Daily Trust and NAN was also attacked.

state Commissioner for Information, Suleiman Tunau Anka, confirmed the incident happened around 1 a.m on Friday.

The post Zamfara Abduction: Angry Mob Attack Journalists In Jangebe appeared first on Daily Dates Nigeria.

Zamfara state Commissioner for Information, Suleiman Tunau Anka, who confirmed the incident to said the gunmen stormed the school around 1 a.m on Friday.

The school is located in the Talata-Mafara local government area of Zamfara.

Recall that gunmen recently kidnapped dozens of students and workers of Government Science College in Kagara, Niger State, northern Nigeria. They remain in captivity despite several assurances of their release from state and federal officials.

Last year, over 300 schoolboys were abducted from Government Science Secondary School in Kankara, Katsina State, northwest Nigeria.

The post Bandits Abduct Hundreds Of Schoolgirls In Zamfara appeared first on Daily Dates Nigeria.

 The Apex court nullified the APC candidates at the 2019 general elections in Zamfara State.

The adjournment was to enable all parties involved in the matter to be served with necessary processes.

The post Zamfara: Supreme Court Adjourns Review Of Its Judgement appeared first on Daily Dates Nigeria.