An All Progressives Congress, APC, chieftain, Sani Abdullahi Shinkafi, has denied claims that former Zamfara State Governor Abdul’aziz Yari is sponsoring the African Democratic Congress, ADC, governorship candidate, Bilyaminu Yusuf Shinkafi.

In a statement on Saturday, Shinkafi said Bilyaminu was related to Yari by marriage as a cousin of the former governor’s wife, a daughter of the late Umaru Shinkafi.

He said Bilyaminu had sought the APC ticket for Zamfara North Senatorial District but was not cleared by the party’s screening committee ahead of the 2027 elections.

He subsequently joined the ADC to pursue his governorship ambition, Shinkafi added.

Shinkafi alleged that some political actors were spreading the claim to discredit Yari following his appointment as Director-General of President Bola Tinubu’s re-election campaign council.

He also denied claims that eight suspended members of the Zamfara State House of Assembly who recently resigned from the APC were Yari’s political allies.

By Emmanuel Yatai

Mr Felix Gonung, Chairman of Pankshin Local Government Council of Plateau, has vowed to crack down on suspected ritual killings after two deaths were recorded in the area within a month.

Gonung, who gave the assurance during an interview with journalists on Friday in Pankshinon, confirmed that vital organs were allegedly harvested from the victims.

He said three suspects were arrested following the discovery of a woman’s body last month.

He added that further investigations had led to the recovery of suspected fetish substances from the suspects, who had since been transferred to the police headquarters in Jos.

The council chairman said security agencies were also investigating the discovery of a young man’s body at Monday Market on Oct. 6, with vital organs allegedly missing.

He said the incident might be linked to cult activities among students or criminal elements operating within the student community

He assured residents that his administration was working with security agencies to address the situation and restore peace.

“I swore an oath to protect the lives and property of my people. However, the government’s security plans are confidential and the public will soon feel their results and impact.

“This administration, in collaboration with security agencies, is doing everything within its power to restore and maintain the long-existing peace in our communities,” he said.

Gonung disclosed that the council would introduce a policy requiring landlords and hotel operators to provide information about their tenants and guests, respectively.

“This will enable us to crack down on criminal syndicates who disguise themselves as students or guests to perpetrate crimes in the community,” he said.

He noted that Pankshin had enjoyed relative peace despite security challenges in other parts of the state, adding that the recent incidents had understandably heightened residents’ concerns.

He urged residents to remain calm and vigilant and report suspicious activities to the appropriate authorities.

Gonung also called for stronger collaboration among security agencies, traditional rulers, religious leaders and community stakeholders to tackle the menace, stressing that security was a collective responsibility. (NAN)

Edited by Blessing Odega and Philip Yatai