Dr. Bello, who was the 16th Emir of Gusau, ascended the throne in March 2015 following the passing of his father. Prior to his emergence as monarch, he served with distinction in the civil service, rising to the position of Permanent Secretary in both the old Sokoto State and the present-day Zamfara State.

During his more than ten-year reign, the Emir was regarded as a calm and influential figure who contributed significantly to the stability and development of his emirate.

Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal expressed his condolences, describing the monarch’s passing as a deep personal and communal loss. In a statement by his spokesperson, Sulaiman Idis, the governor said, “I received with deep sadness the news of the passing of our father, His Royal Highness, Dr. Ibrahim Bello, the Emir of Gusau. His wise counsel, leadership, and unwavering dedication to the well-being of the people made him a pillar of strength in our state.”

The governor added that Dr. Bello was a father figure and confidant, praising his legacy of service and character.

“May Almighty Allah forgive his shortcomings and grant him eternal rest in Aljannah,” Lawal concluded.

Tributes have poured in from across Nigeria, with traditional rulers, political figures, and citizens mourning a leader widely admired for his humility, sense of duty, and deep commitment to public service.

The post Gusau Emir Dr. Ibrahim Bello Dies at 71 After Prolonged Illness appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

This nightly exodus is a desperate attempt to avoid the increasing threat of violence from heavily armed groups believed to be loyal to a known criminal figure, Bello Kaura, alias Dan Sade. Over the weekend, a new wave of attacks in the Kauran Namoda Local Government Area left four dead and 26 kidnapped, according to local sources.

Among the hardest-hit was Sabon Gari, where residents say at least 20 people, including women and children, were taken in a coordinated midnight raid. The attackers reportedly struck between 1:00 a.m. and 2:30 a.m. on Saturday, catching many off guard despite a nearby security presence in Kaura Namoda town.

“They came in large numbers. By the time people realized what was happening, it was too late,” said one witness who spoke on condition of anonymity. “They took a man, his two wives, and three children in one swoop.”

Communities in neighboring areas, such as Unguwan Sarkin Musulmi and Yamitsawa, have become virtual ghost towns by evening, with families abandoning their homes in fear. The attackers appear to be moving with impunity, despite repeated calls from locals for more proactive military intervention.

The identity of the group’s leader, Dan Sade, is widely known in the area. Locals say he uses his deep roots in the region to evade capture. “He’s not a stranger here. His father is even a traditional titleholder in Kaura Namoda. That’s part of the problem,” a resident said.

Amid the insecurity, Kungurki village has also seen bloodshed. On Thursday, four people were killed and one person abducted. By the next day, the kidnappers had contacted the villagers demanding ₦3 million, but refused to allow any proof that the victim was still alive.

“We can’t just give money without knowing if he’s alive,” a villager explained. “People are scared and frustrated.”

In yet another incident, gunmen attacked a vehicle convoy along the Kaura-Gusau road. The Secretary of the Birnin Magaji Local Government Area was shot and wounded, while his brother and one other person were taken away. Two commercial drivers were also killed in a separate attack on the same route.

Despite the severity of the situation, the Zamfara State Police spokesperson, DSP Yazid Abubakar, said he was unable to comment immediately, noting that he was away for a seminar and needed to confirm the details with headquarters.

The wave of violence has deeply affected at least 20 communities in Kauran Namoda, including Madira, Yankaba, Kagara, Kasuwar Daji, and Banga, among others.

Residents are calling for urgent military intervention and the establishment of permanent security outposts to deter further attacks.

Responding to the crisis, Governor Dauda Lawal reiterated his administration’s resolve to tackle the menace head-on. Last week, he handed over 140 patrol vehicles to various security agencies, while also launching a local defense initiative known as the Community Protection Guards.

“Our commitment to protecting lives and property is unwavering,” the governor stated. “We are mobilizing every available resource to support our security agencies.”

He also paid tribute to fallen personnel, saying, “The courage and sacrifice of our security forces will never be forgotten.”

As Zamfara continues to battle the scourge of rural banditry, residents cling to hope that stronger measures will bring peace back to their towns and allow them to sleep safely in their homes once again.

The post Zamfara Residents Sleep in Hiding, Return Home at Dawn appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

According to the latest Consumer Price Index (CPI) report, the headline inflation rate cooled to 23.71% year-on-year—a marginal dip from 24.23% in March 2025 and a significant fall from the 33.69% recorded in April 2024. On a month-on-month basis, consumer prices rose by 1.86%, a sharp deceleration from the previous month’s 3.90%, indicating a slight relief in the pace of price increases.

However, the national average conceals acute disparities across the country. Several states reported inflation rates far exceeding the average, with Enugu State topping the list at a staggering 36.0% year-on-year. Others crossing the 30% threshold included Kebbi, Niger, Benue, Ekiti, Nasarawa, Zamfara, Delta, Gombe, Sokoto, and Abuja.

The uneven distribution of inflation suggests localized pressures, especially in urban centres. Urban inflation held at 24.29%, reflecting persistent cost-of-living challenges for city dwellers, while rural inflation came in slightly lower at 22.83%.

Among the states with the most alarming figures:

Enugu experienced a 12.3% rise in its general price level within a month, accompanied by a 24.4% food inflation rate.

Kebbi reported all-items inflation of 35.1%, with food prices soaring by 33.8% year-on-year.

Niger State witnessed a notable 14.7% month-on-month increase, the highest jump nationally, pushing its overall inflation to 34.8%.

Benue, grappling with insecurity and supply chain issues, saw food prices balloon by 51.8% year-on-year, one of the most extreme spikes in the country.

Ekiti and Nasarawa also saw monthly price increases surpassing 10%, contributing to respective annual inflation rates of 34.0% and 33.3%.

Even Abuja, the seat of government, reported 32.9% inflation—an indicator of how widespread the economic challenges have become. While food inflation in the capital showed a slight monthly decline of 0.7%, the overall price burden remains heavy.

Some states, such as Delta and Gombe, experienced high inflation driven more by non-food sectors. Rising costs in housing, utilities, and transportation have become major contributors in these regions.

Nationally, food inflation eased to 21.26% in April 2025—significantly down from 40.53% a year earlier. This improvement is partly attributed to adjustments in the statistical base year and the reduced prices of staples like rice, maize flour, and beans. However, food price increases still weigh heavily on households in many states.

The average 12-month food inflation now stands at 31.43%, a slight drop from the 32.74% recorded previously. Meanwhile, core inflation—which excludes volatile categories like food and energy—also moderated, falling to 23.39% year-on-year and 1.34% month-on-month.

Despite these positive trends at the national level, inflationary pressure remains uneven, especially in areas affected by insecurity, poor infrastructure, or disrupted supply chains. Experts warn that unless structural issues are addressed, vulnerable populations in high-inflation states will continue to face rising poverty and reduced purchasing power.

The report underscores a critical point: while national indicators may point to easing inflation, for many Nigerians, the cost of living crisis remains very real—and deeply regional.

The post Inflation Gap Widens: National Rate Falls While Abuja, 10 States See Sharp Price Hikes appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

Although the cause remains unconfirmed, a firefighter linked the incident to an electrical surge after power restoration.

The fire started at 10:30 p.m. on Sunday and raged until 2:00 a.m. Monday, despite firefighting efforts.

Both federal and Zamfara State fire services responded, although the state fire service was reportedly delayed.

Alhaji Inusa Saminu, Chairman of the Perishable Items Sellers Association, described the fire as devastating.

“We have counted 103 completely destroyed shops; losses run into millions of naira,” Saminu said during a phone interview.

He criticized the state fire service’s late response, blaming grounded vehicles and inadequate equipment for the escalation.

“There’s a fire station nearby, but their only vehicle has been grounded for months, rendering them ineffective,” he lamented.

Saminu revealed that even the headquarters had to borrow a battery before responding, with the vehicle later breaking down.

“This is the sixth market fire in Zamfara State. The government must provide functional vehicles and firefighting equipment,” he urged.

He also appealed for government assistance for traders who lost all their goods in the fire disaster.

A firefighter, speaking anonymously, admitted that equipment shortages delayed their response, worsening the damage caused.

“Our station vehicle is grounded, and despite leadership awareness, nothing has been done to address this issue,” he said.

He added that only the Gada Biyu fire station and federal fire service could respond due to their operational capacity.

When contacted, Alhaji Jibo Dauran, Zamfara State Fire Service Director, declined comments, citing the absence of the Executive Secretary.

The Executive Secretary, the only official authorized to comment, is reportedly out of town for medical reasons.

The post Fire Razes 103 Shops at Central Market, Gusau, Zamfara State appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

The announcement was made during a meeting between the Executive Governor of Zamfara State, Dr. Dauda Lawal, and the Federal Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed Dangiwa.

Speaking at the meeting, the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Dr. Marcus Ogunbiyi, acknowledged the importance of the collaboration between Zamfara State and the federal ministry. He expressed appreciation for Governor Lawal’s dedication to tackling critical issues in the state, such as security and infrastructure.

Governor Lawal, in his remarks, thanked Minister Dangiwa for the warm reception and the swift organization of the meeting. He highlighted the numerous challenges facing Zamfara, noting that the state’s internal revenue was only N90 million when he assumed office. Despite this, he stressed the state government’s commitment to addressing pressing concerns like insecurity, healthcare, and education.

During the meeting, Lawal urged the ministry to prioritize Zamfara in future projects, specifically calling attention to the deteriorating structures near the Federal University in Gusau that urgently require renovation.

Minister Dangiwa extended his condolences to the people of Zamfara for the losses suffered due to banditry, expressing solidarity with the state during these difficult times. He reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to development and emphasized the importance of the partnership with Zamfara.

“I appreciate the generous provision of 50 hectares of land for our housing initiatives and restate our commitment to making this collaboration a success,” Dangiwa said.

He revealed that the Federal Government plans to construct 500 housing units in Zamfara within the next year, aiming to improve the living conditions of the state’s residents.

Governor Lawal also emphasized the need for urgent improvements to Zamfara’s infrastructure and noted recent progress in agricultural activities and a reduction in insecurity. He expressed optimism for continued collaboration with the federal ministry, stating that these efforts are crucial for the welfare and development of the people of Zamfara.

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