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Two of the parents of some of the abducted children of St Mary’s Catholic Primary and Secondary Schools, Papiri in Agwara local government area have died.

One of the parents, identified as Anthony Musa, was said to have died from a heart attack while the cause of death for the second parent was yet to be ascertained.

Catholic Bishop of Kontagora Diocese, Rev. Bulus Dauwa Yohanna, confirmed the parents’ demise yesterday.

Yohanna said: ‘The man, Anthony Musa died of heart attack but the female we don’t have the details yet because we couldn’t get the family.’

Over 300 people were kidnapped by armed terrorists who invaded the primary and secondary schools in Agwara. So far, 50 of the pupils have returned.

The Catholic Diocese of Kontagora on Monday released the names of the abducted children and teachers.

There is no argument about which language of instruction should be used in early education in any serious country other than the mother tongue. The recent announcement by the Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa that as from now English will be the medium of instruction for education reminded me about his predecessor in the same ministry, Tahir Mamman who suddenly decreed that only children 17 or older will be permitted to write the JAMB admission examination for entrance to Nigerian universities as if there were unchallengeable reasons to bar younger people of admission into university especially in a global environment where Nigerians and others were graduating in British and American universities abroad at ages lower than 17.

It seems the ministers were getting out of step with their positions. They seem to arrogate know-all powers to themselves until they are brought down to the reality of being removed from office.

I wonder whether the current minister was properly advised to take this decision because the research council in the ministry could not have done this because the council’s position and those of most departments of education in our universities are clear on this: they have said and written that one of the reasons for the low quality of our graduates in all departments of learning is that whatever we studied in other peoples’ language cannot be properly absorbed and internalized and if the foundation is not solid, whatever floors constructed on a weak base will be ab initio unreliable.

This fact may be stretching the argument too far but there is no doubt that if the foundation is not strong, the superstructure cannot be reliable. Besides researches by the late Babs Fafunso a professor of education and others suggest that we should study English as a subject in our local languages just as we use English to study many subjects now .This is what great countries like China, India and Japan as well as most of the Arab countries have done and it has not stopped them from making advances in science and technology.

The biggest argument one may have for the minister’s policy of teaching in English to infants is that this is what essentially but unofficially exists in practice among the educated middle class in Nigeria and among most Nigerians in urban centres where people speak a multiplicity of languages. But this does not make it rational to the point of becoming the law. We can also argue about how difficult it would be to translate all existing books in the sciences, medicine, technology and all subjects into our native languages.

Which of our about 300 languages would we choose without alienating the other speakers of languages not selected? This is apparently why the choice of Igbo, Hausa and Yoruba as official languages is not strictly enforced in official communication but English which is neutral has remained the lingua franca. The current policy is that early education should be in our local languages presumably in English, Igbo, Hausa and Yoruba which have remained the official languages of the country. But what has become the constitutional provision of primary education remaining in the province of states? Then what happens to over 200 plus languages spoken by millions of other Nigerians?

If we can learn from our colonial experience in the North where Hausa was taught to all school children even though people in Northern Nigeria spoke other languages like Kanuri, Shuwa, Bura, Jukun, Chamba, Tiv, Angas, Birom, Fulfude, Nupe, Yoruba, Maguzawa, Igala, Idoma , Ebira and others if taken together may have outnumbered the Hausa native speakers. This policy has successfully knitted together perhaps more than 50% of Nigerians who now speak Hausa. There was no such language policy in the South though over the years Creole or Pidgin English is spoken all over Nigeria by people with a few years of exposure to the English language. This Creole/Pidgin of course cannot be seen as a native language. Some years ago, the late Professor Armstrong of the University of Ibadan in the 1960s suggested Igala as a strong candidate if Nigeria wanted a language to adopt as a national language because according to him, Igala has elements of Yoruba, Igbo and Hausa. This was based on his academic study of Nigerian linguistics but I am not sure how far his suggestion got in the corridors of power in Nigeria where it was simply laughed out of court.

This new policy cannot be rejected on the basis that English was imposed on us by an outside authority. It has the support of presumably most people in Nigeria who may have taken up arms against government if a local language or group of languages were imposed on the country. The government probably learnt from the experience of the government of India which met stiff opposition while trying to impose Hindi on the vast country and population which had accepted English a neutral language. It also put us within the global medium of English with its abundant development of instructional material at all levels of the educational ladder. The argument of supporters of English is that if we don’t belong to the wide medium of the English language world, we would have to learn English to understand the language of computing and AI.

If we will gain something from early learning of English, and that the better we started early and this does not mean we will naturally not speak our mother tongue at home and in the market, worship places and perhaps as secret language when negotiating with foreigners or when sending what will amount to ‘coded language’ in the wider global world. This is my personal experience in diplomacy when we want to arrive at a quick decision without our opposite party knowing our position, this will depend on if some of our people speak the same language. This experience made decisions maker to insist that any young recruit into our foreign service must have passed at ordinary level a Nigerian language.

One cannot overemphasize the importance of the ability to speak a mother tongue. Inability to do so undermines one’s indigenous personality and character in a world where confidence in one’s skin is an imperative for one to be able to assert one’s personality in a world of competition of cultural sensitivity. In conclusion, studies in mother tongues, many of which we have in Nigeria will continue to be an advantage for those who study for use in politics, business and the market place economics.

The Tanimu Turaki-led faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has petitioned the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court (FHC) on the party’s cases assigned to courts presided over by three judges of the court.

The judges are: Justices James Omotosho, Peter Odo Lifu, and Joyce Obehi Abdulmalik.

The faction described the courts presided over by the judges as ‘Courts of Particular Concern’.

It listed the courts and their judges in a letter, dated November 19 and signed by the National Secretary of the faction, Teofeek Arapaja, and addressed to the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court.

While Justice Omotosho and Lifu issued judgments stopping the party from proceeding with its just-concluded national convention in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, Justice Abdulmalalik is currently entertaining a suit against the party and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Arapaja wrote: ‘I have the instruction and authority of the National Chairman of our Party, the Peoples Democratic Party, and the entire members of the newly-elected National Working Committee (NWC) and the National Executive Committee (NEC) of our party to write this letter to Your Lordship concerning our fear and apprehension regarding all matters either filed by our party or against our party at the Federal High Court, Abuja Judicial Division.

‘My lord, it is of great concern to our party that it would appear that all matters for the past few years filed in the Federal High Court, Abuja Judicial Division, either for or against our party have always been assigned to the following three judges only, namely: Hon. Justice James Omotosho, Hon. Justice Peter Odo Lifu, and Hon. Justice Joyce Obehi Abdulmalik.

‘.There are other judges, numbering up to nine in the Abuja Judicial Division who could have taken up any of these matters, as the Abuja Division has 12 judges.

‘Several of our party members have recently complained bitterly to the newly elected members of the National Working Committee and the National Executive Committee of the above-mentioned scenario.

‘Indeed, all these three courts are viewed by party members and indeed the public as ‘courts of particular concern’ with regard to matters pertaining to or affecting the interest of the Peoples Democratic Party.

‘My lord, it is trite that justice must not only be done in all cases and circumstances with regard to matters pending and matters filed in the court of law, but justice must be seen to be done indeed by reasonable members of the society including the members of our party.

‘Given the current challenges facing the party, there is a high likelihood of cases being filed for or against the party.

‘It is in this respect that we humbly plead and beg that in no other matters or circumstances with regard to cases that may be filed by or against our party henceforth should be assigned to any of these three judges, since justice is rooted in trust and integrity.

‘Our party wishes to reiterate the fact that we have no iota of doubt with regard to the integrity of the Judiciary, particularly the Federal High Court, Abuja Judicial Division, headed by your lordship in dispensing justice in all cases, other than the above-highlighted fears and apprehension of our party.

‘Kindly accept the assurances and warm regards of the National Working Committee and the National Executive Committee of our great party.’

Fidson Healthcare Plc, one of Nigeria’s leading pharmaceutical companies, has appointed two distinguished female Independent Non-Executive Directors, Dr. Amina Mohammed-Baloni and Mrs. Hannah Emanehi Oyebanjo, to its Board. The strategic appointments, approved at a recent Board meeting, aim to strengthen corporate governance, leverage diverse expertise, and support Fidson’s vision for growth and industry leadership. The appointments take immediate effect, pending final shareholder approval at the next Annual General Meeting.

Dr. Amina Mohammed-Baloni (MBBS, FWACP, MPH) brings over 25 years of experience in clinical medicine, public health policy, and health systems governance. A Fellow of the West African College of Physicians, she is celebrated for impactful initiatives in maternal, child, and community health. Dr. Mohammed-Baloni previously served as Commissioner for Health in Kaduna State, pioneering reforms such as the Zipline drone partnership for medical supply distribution, a pharmaceutical manufacturing MOU with PMG-MAN, and notable COVID-19 pandemic management. She currently chairs the Bauchi State Specialist Hospital Board and serves on the Boards of the Solina Centre for International Development and Research (SCIDaR) and the African Resource Centre for Excellence in Supply Chain Management (ARC-ESM).

Mrs. Hannah Emanehi Oyebanjo (MCIoD, MCIM, MNIMN, FISMN, frpa) brings over 30 years of leadership in business growth, transformation, and marketing strategy. As Managing Director of Redwood Consulting, she has driven category-defining products and award-winning campaigns. She previously served as Marketing Director at GlaxoSmithKline and Colgate-Palmolive and was recently appointed to the Faculty for Marketing and Entrepreneurship at CEIBS. A recipient of the Marketing Icon Award and WIMCA Lifetime Achievement Award (2025), Mrs. Oyebanjo is a Fellow of ARCON and the Chartered Institute of Directors, holding a BSc in Chemistry and an MBA from Lagos Business School and the University of Cape Town. With their combined expertise, Fidson’s Board is well-positioned to drive innovation, governance excellence, and sustainable growth.

Former Commissioner for Works and Transport in Oyo State Prof. Abdul Rahman Afonja has dumped the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

He said his decision to leave the party followed consultations with stakeholders and political associates across the state.

A statement by Afonja, a former commissioner under Governor Seyi Makinde, said his decision to leave the party stemmed from lack of recognition for loyal members and the party’s failure to address internal injustices.

He added: ‘I hope this act will prompt reflection and reform before others feel compelled to follow my example.”

Afonja said during his tenure as a commissioner, he instilled discipline, encouraged professional development, prioritised workers’ welfare and championed teamwork and innovation, focusing on projects that would benefit Oyo State.

He said: ‘Even after my removal from office, I continued to support PDP, funding campaigns, mobilising security agencies for free elections and safeguarding ballot materials.’

He cited the 2023 general election and the 2024 local government poll as examples, particularly his role in protecting the electoral process in Ogbomoso at personal risk and expense.

‘I only not contributed to the 2023 and 2024 elections in Ogbomosho, but also campaigned for Governor Makinde in Hausa speaking communities of Sabo-both in Ibadan and Ogbomosho-thanks to my his fluency in Hausa.’

He lamented that despite the efforts, he received no recognition-no political appointment, civil service placement, or routine party slot-while others who engaged in anti party activities or accepted money from the opposition were rewarded.

Governor Dauda Lawal has approved full scholarships for all qualified Zamfara indigenes who want to pursue health-related courses at Igbinedion University, Benin City, Edo State.

This was revealed in a statement signed by the Executive Secretary of Zamfara State Scholarship Board, Professor Rasheedah Liman, on Tuesday.

The statement said, ‘We are pleased to inform the general public that Zamfara State students interested in studying health-related courses have been given full scholarships at Igbinedion University, Benin City, Edo State.

‘The students were interviewed and screened successfully and sent to the university to commence their studies.’

She said the ‘students are fully sponsored by the Executive Governor of Zamfara State, His Excellency Dr Dauda Lawal.’

Professor Liman commended Governor Lawal for creating the educational opportunity for the deserving students.

Earlier, Governor Lawal had offered full scholarships to all Zamfara State indigenes pursuing courses at the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology, Zaria.

He also paid for all the outstanding school fees and tuition for the state students studying various courses in Indian universities.

Governor Lawal, upon assuming office in May 2023, declared an emergency rule in education.

He vowed to overhaul the decayed sector for the overall well-being of the state by rebuilding infrastructure, payment of WAEC/NECO filing debts, improving teachers’ welfare and training and creating an enabling environment for learning across the state.

As part of activities to mark her 100 days in office, the Chairman of Ojo Local Government Area of Lagos State, Mrs Titilola Rufai, has unveiled a sports fiesta to unite and engage youths.

She said as much during a novelty match between Team Olojo FC and Team Osolu FC, organised by the council to mark the opening of the fiesta.

Rufai said the aim of the fiesta was to engage youths in sporting activities and bring them together.

‘The idea is to bring youths in the council together to engage in sporting activities because an idle hand is the devil’s workshop.

She said: ‘Apart from football tournament that will begin on Tuesday, we also have indoor games for our youths.

‘They are ludo , snooker, scramble, table-tennis, ayo olopon, draught and boxing. This is the maiden edition. The idea is to bring out talents and stars.’

Mr Ege Olusegun, who represents Ojo Constituency 01 in the Lagos State House of Assembly, said the fiesta was a good beginning for the chairman.

The Osolu of Irewe Kingdom in Ojo, Oba Abideen Adekanbi, said the fiesta would encourage youths to concentrate more on sports, instead of engaging in cultism, crime and drug abuse.

Chief Ajao Obasa, the Akogun of Ojo land, representing Oba Kalid Rufai, the Olojo of Ojo Kingdom, said the fiesta would promote unity among youths.

The Chairman, Local Organising Committee of the fiesta, Alhaji Moruf Adekunle, said the football competition would be on for four weeks, while indoor games would be held for two days.

He said the winner of the football competition would go home with N500,000, second position would collect N300,000, while third position would go home with N100,000.

Adekunle said winners in indoor games would go home with fabulous prizes.

Governors Sheriff Oborevwori (Delta) and Abdullahi Sule (Nasarawa) yesterday presented the 2026 Appropriation Bills to the Houses of Assembly for scrutiny and approval.

They presented N1.664 trillion, and N517.5 billion proposed budgets to the Houses of Assembly for the incoming year.

Giving a breakdown of the proposed budget, Oborevwori said N499 billion, representing 30 per cent, is for recurrent expenditure, while N1.165 trillion, representing 70 per cent of total budget, is for capital expenditure.

The governor said the proposed budget size indicated an increase of N685 billion or 70 per cent over that of the outgoing year.

He added that the proposed budget would be mainly funded from Statutory Allocation, Internally Generated Revenue (IGR), Mineral Derivation, Value Added Tax (VAT), Other Capital Receipts and Savings and Oil Revenue Recoveries.

Oborevwori said N720 billion, or 43.28 per cent of total projected revenue, is expected from statutory allocation which he said was boosted by post-subsidy FAAC inflows and improved oil production stability in the Niger Delta.

The governor said the state’s IGR is projected at N250 billion, representing an 86.5 per cent increase over that of 2025.

He stated that the projected increase in the state’s IGR was driven by ongoing reforms to plug leakages and widen the tax net.

According to him, VAT receipts are expected to rise sharply to N120 billion, buoyed by improved federal administration of the tax.

Oborevwori said: ‘Capital receipts, however, have been deliberately cut down to N25 billion, a 73 per cent reduction, as the government pushes towards a zero-borrowing fiscal strategy.

‘Savings and oil revenue recoveries are projected to contribute N489 billion. This is a testament to prudent and disciplined financial management.’

According to him, the proposed recurrent expenditure estimates for 2026 of N499 billion comprise personnel costs of N185 billion, representing 37 per cent of the proposed recurrent budget, while N204 billion, representing approximately 41 per cent, is earmarked for overheads.

Oborevwori explained that the balance of 22 per cent or N110 billion was accounted for by social contributions, benefits, and grants.

The governor emphasised that the personnel cost of N185 billion anticipated the annual increments and allowances, while the overhead cost mirrors the inflationary trend in the country.

Analysing the proposed capital expenditure estimate of N1.165 trillion, Oborevwori noted that the proposal was N535 billion or 85 per cent higher than the 2025 capital budget of N630 Billion.

‘This is largely accounted for by the larger budget size of N1.664 trillion, as against the N979.2 billion of 2025,’ he said.

Highlighting the priority sectors of the budget, Oborevwori said N450 billion was budgeted for road infrastructure, N105.086 billion for education, N50.067 billion for health, N20 billion for Delta State Capital Territory Development Agency and N20 billion for Warri, Uvwie and Environs Development Agency.

According to him, N16 billion was budgeted for Power and Energy, N10 billion for Agriculture, N20 billion for Social Protection, adding that the sum of N100 billion was budgeted for local government intervention in the 25 local government areas in the state (N4 billion per local government).

Reviewing the performance of this year’s budget, named: ‘Budget of Fiscal Consolidation,’ where N979,228,818,719 was approved for funding both capital and recurrent expenditures, the governor said the performance of the budget was encouraging.

‘From January to October 2025, the actual revenue receipts from the Federation Account Allocation Committee and Internally Generated Revenue stood at N738.640 billion, representing 90.5 per cent of the proportionate budget of N816,024,015,599.

‘The recurrent expenditure for the period under review was N340,554,006,448, as against a proportionate amount of N290,639,798,863.50, representing 117 per cent performance.

‘The sum of N509,780,336,370 was expended during the period under review, as against a proportionate amount of N525,384,216,736, representing 97 per cent performance.

‘It is pertinent to appreciate this stellar performance. It is also gladdening to note that the bold and reformist policies of the Federal Government have started to yield the desired result and the country is beginning to turn the corner,’ Oborevwori added.

Speaker Emomotimi Guwor praised the Oborevwori administration for the steady strides it had recorded under the Renewed Hope for M.O.R.E.

Also, presenting a budget proposal of N517.539,050,910.77 billion for the year 2026 to the State House of Assembly for approval, Governor Sule urged the House of Assembly to examine the details and ensure expeditious approval.

Receiving the Appropriation Bill, Speaker Danladi Jatau assured the governor of effective synergy and speedy passage.

Governor Sule said: ‘Mr. Speaker, the Fiscal Year 2026 Appropriation Bill is anchored on the theme: Budget of Strategic Consolidation. In line with our development agenda, the 2026 budget seeks to consolidate ongoing infrastructure projects to enhance connectivity and economic competitiveness.

‘Expand job creation through industrialization, SME support, and agricultural productivity, Improve the quality and accessibility of basic healthcare and education services.

‘Intensify urban renewal efforts and strengthen environmental management among others,’ he said.

According to the governor, the total expenditure budget for fiscal year 2026 is structured into N212,789,330,249.07 only. This represents 41.12% recurrent expenditure.

‘And a total capital expenditure of N304,749,720,661.70 representing 58.88%,’ he said.

Sule said the ratio of the recurrent to capital spending shows another improvement in his administration’s commitment to investing in capital spending.

‘Budget allocation based on main sectors is as follows: Administrative Sector: N108.70 billion, Economic Sector: N221.84 billion

Law and Justice Sector: N16.09 billionSocial Sector: N170.92 billion.

‘Further breakdown into sub-sectors shows that: Infrastructure-N 157.80 billion representing 30.49 per cent while Education sector takes N92.91 billion representing 7.95 per cent, Science, Technology and

Digital Economy was allocated N4.92 billion, representing 0.95%, as well as Governance, Security and General Administration – N142.96 billion representing 27.62%, Finance, Investment and Trade N39.19 billion representing 7.57 per cent.

Others are: Health – N37.19 billion representing 7.19 PER CENT, Agriculture and

Water Resources – N31.85 billion representing 6.15 per cent, Environment and Community Development – N28.32 billion representing 5.42 per cent, Information and Tourism – N18.65 billion representing 3.60 per cent, Legislation – N16.59 billion representing 3.21 per cent

‘Law and Justice – N16.09 billion, representing 3.11 per cent, Youth and Sport Development N10.01 billion representing 1.93, Humanitarian and Women Empowerment- N2.50 billion representing 0.48 per cent,’ he said.

The governor said that his administration remain committed to enhancing capacity to serve the people of Nasarawa State.

Also, in Katsina State, Governor Radda received and signed into law the 2026 Appropriation Bill, named: Building Your Future III, which he presented to the House of Assembly on November 4.

The lawmakers approved the Bill within a 21-day period, returning the figures the governor presented before them unaltered.

The proposed budget contains a Recurrent Expenditure of 18 per cent, and Capital Expenditure of 81 per cent.

During the signing ceremony at the Government House in Katsina, Radda said details of the budget was not compiled till the opinions of the people from the 361 wards across the 34 councils were sought through several town hall meetings.

He said: ‘More than 70,000 people attended the town hall meetings, with the attendees itemizing those things they wanted government to do for them which was incorporated into the budget.

‘The synergy between government and the lawmakers was a commendable one, we call on them to ensure the cooperation continued unabated.

‘Government had sent several bills to the house which has been passed into law, and more Bills would be coming in the months for the lawmaker’s consideration.’

The Nigeria Table Tennis Federation (NTTF) has lodged a formal petition with the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) after its players were denied entry visas to compete at the on-going 2025 World Youth Championships in Romania.

The development has sparked concern within Nigeria’s table tennis community, as the setback threatens the country’s participation in one of the sport’s most prestigious youth tournaments.

In a letter signed by NTTF President Adesoji Tayo, the federation condemned the decision, describing it as a violation of the principles of international sportsmanship, inclusivity, and fair participation that ITTF and its partners uphold.

‘As an official representative of Nigeria and Africa in this prestigious global event, I firmly believe that the reasons provided for the visa refusal are unjust, discriminatory, and contrary to the spirit of unity which international sports is designed to foster,’ Tayo stated.

Despite weeks of intensive training by players and coaches, the visa denial has dampened the spirit of the contingent and resulted in financial losses for the federation. Nigeria was set to represent Africa in the boys’ U-19 and U-15 team events, having qualified as continental champions at the African Youth Championships in Lagos.

The NTTF further noted: ‘Since our inability to participate is not a fault of NTTF, we hereby formally notify the ITTF and the host federation, Romania Table Tennis Federation, that NTTF will not be liable for any penalties or financial obligations arising from accommodation or hospitality reservations made in relation to this event.’

Tayo urged ITTF to urgently intervene to prevent similar occurrences in the future, stressing that the visa refusal has disrupted Nigeria’s ambition of grooming another generation of world-class players.

Former Kaduna State governor Nasir El Rufai thought he had put his successor under fire by alleging that Governor Uba Sani is paying ransom to bandits to keep the peace. The governor fired back through his aide, and asked the fellow who barked around as chief executive to prove his allegations.

He made the allegation recently on Channels Television where he often goes to weep in public. The commissioner for internal security and home affairs, Sule Shu’aibu was unsparing as he described the former governor’s contention as ‘reckless, baseless and deliberately misleading.’

Taking another swipe at El-Rufai, he said the APC defector was ‘weaponising a sensitive security issue for political grandstanding.’

Shu’aibu noted as Governor Sani had done several times, that the present chief executive has never authorised, negotiated, or paid any money to the hoodlums. ‘Not one naira. Not one kobo,’ the commissioner said.

Now, the shoe is on the other foot. Let him who charges, prove. He was even given a deadline: one week. This is an unfamiliar territory for El Rufai who has a knack for raising the stakes.

But he was not properly interrogated when he made that claim. A reporter ought to make a man answer for his own sins when he commits it in public. Was it not this same El Rufai who boasted that he was paying ransom, and that there was nothing wrong with it? So, why was he angry if, for the sake of argument, the present governor is paying ransom?

We must note that he paid ransom for nothing because he left the state in a state of violence like neighbouring Katsina State today. He did not understand his own contradiction when he spoke. Places like Birnin Gwari were no-go areas for regular folks. There were no markets or businesses there throughout his tenure as governor. The bandits were in charge of their areas just as he was in charge of the state house in Kaduna.

The governor has said he is not just using carrots but also sticks. Carrots in terms of providing platforms for engaging the idle like the 2.5 million citizens who now have bank accounts. To be idle is to do havoc.

In Southern Kaduna, the nation heard news as though a routine about kidnappings, house and village burnings, and killings. He declared states of emergency without security and the emergencies were invitation to fatal treats.

If he is alleging with evidence, let the world see it. Any man who wants to play hardball must have hard evidence. If he does not provide evidence, he would be seen as mere rabble rouser and bellyaching over the successes of his successor. It would be regarded then, not just as bellyaching, but also an act of envy. It is an open advertisement of his failure in eight years.

Not long ago, he was roundly defeated in local elections in which the governor said elections are not won on social media posts. He and his son are adept at superficial posts and meretricious claims, just as the one he is being challenged to provide proof.

Even the national security adviser Nuhu Ribadu has said no bandit was paid. If El Rufai paid ransom and it did not work, why would he expect that ransoms would be responsible for peace in Kaduna? We have seen that ransoms only bring respites and not enduring peace. Ransoms don’t pay forward. The people return for more ransoms. And to do that, they foment violence. We have not seen such rhythm of violence and peace in the state. Over to you, Malam. Where is your proof? Time is ticking.