Author: Gabby

The Lagos State Police Command has announced a comprehensive security operation across the metropolis to ensure a peaceful atmosphere for the upcoming Eid-el-Kabir and Children’s Day celebrations. In a statement issued on Wednesday, the command’s spokesperson, SP Abimbola Adebisi, revealed that the deployment is in line with an order from the Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Olatunji Disu, to protect key areas during the festive season.

Commissioner of Police, Mr. Fatai Tijani, stated that officers have been stationed at prayer grounds, leisure spots, highways, parks, and other sensitive locations. The goal is to safeguard lives and property throughout the twin festivities. He directed area commanders, divisional police officers, tactical commanders, personnel from the Police Mobile Force, and counter-terrorism units to ramp up visibility patrols and intensify anti-crime measures across the state.

The operation also involves specialists from the Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit, Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear operatives, as well as traffic officers. Tijani emphasized the need for effective crowd management and smooth traffic flow during the events. He urged all deployed personnel to act professionally, with civility and respect while carrying out their duties.

The police chief greeted Muslim faithful on the occasion of Eid-el-Kabir, wishing them a peaceful and crime-free celebration. He also extended warm wishes to children across Lagos for the 2026 Children’s Day, which coincides with the Sallah holidays. Tijani advised young people to steer clear of violence and crime, urging them to adopt positive values and stay alert to security issues.

He called on residents to remain watchful and promptly report any suspicious activities to the nearest police station. Additionally, he appealed to travelers and motorists to cooperate with security personnel stationed on highways and other duty posts, ensuring a harmonious and orderly celebration throughout Lagos.

This year’s Children’s Day was overshadowed by grief and anger as Nigerian celebrities took to social media to condemn the abduction of students in Oyo State. The hashtag #BringBackOurStudents trended as public figures called on the government to take immediate action.

Toke Makinwa shared a heartfelt prayer, expressing hope for divine intervention. Paul Okoye, known as Rudeboy, described the day as an ‘unhappy children’s day.’ Ruth Kadiri lamented that nowhere is safe anymore, noting that even mothers, teachers, and children are being taken from their homes and schools.

Veteran actress Patience Ozokwor questioned how children could be targeted while society remains silent. She demanded answers and urged for change. Mercy Eke, a former BBN star, emphasized that children should be playing and living freely, not in fear. She called on security agencies to fulfill their duty and bring the captives home.

Tayo Sobola warned Nigerians to be vigilant about their surroundings, as abductions can happen to anyone. Kehinde Bankole drew parallels to the Chibok girls’ kidnapping, insisting that lasting solutions are needed and that the government has a responsibility to protect its citizens.

Chiwetalu Agu provided details of the mass kidnappings in Mussa Town, Borno, and Oriire LGA, Oyo State, where over 70 children and several adults were taken. He asked what the government is doing and stated that the safety of children must not be negotiable.

The collective outcry underscores a nation weary of recurring insecurity, with celebrities using their platforms to demand accountability and the safe return of all victims.

As Muslims in Nigeria celebrate Eid al-Adha, Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal has made a passionate appeal for continued prayers aimed at achieving lasting peace and security in the state and the nation at large. In a broadcast on Wednesday, the governor congratulated the Muslim faithful on the festival, which symbolizes sacrifice, obedience, and devotion as demonstrated by Prophet Ibrahim.

Governor Lawal specifically called on residents, including those performing the Hajj pilgrimage, to remain steadfast in their supplications for peace, stability, and progress. He highlighted that the state administration has recorded notable successes in the fight against banditry, which has led to the gradual return of displaced communities to their original homes.

As an example, the governor pointed to the recent resettlement of thousands of internally displaced persons in Fegin Kanawa Village, located in Gusau Local Government Area, after more than a year of being away from their homes. He reiterated his administration’s unwavering commitment to facilitating the safe return of all displaced individuals and to sustaining efforts aimed at restoring peace in affected areas.

Lawal emphasized that collective prayers and the support of the people are crucial to the ongoing security and peace-building initiatives across the state. He wished all Muslims a peaceful Eid al-Adha and later participated in the Eid prayers at the Gusau Central Eid Prayer Ground.

Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, emphasized that Children’s Day is a timely reminder of the shared duty to care for, safeguard, and invest in the youth. He extended congratulations to children across the state and Nigeria on the 2026 Children’s Day celebration, calling them the hope, pride, and future of any society.

In a statement released in Osogbo through his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, Adeleke stressed that children are the reason why the government must persist in its efforts to create a brighter tomorrow. He described children as “the foundation of tomorrow’s Osun State” and asserted that every child deserves quality education, healthcare, protection, and equal opportunities, irrespective of their social background.

The governor highlighted that the dreams, talents, and aspirations of young people are vital for the state’s future growth and prosperity. He reiterated that every child—whether in public schools, private institutions, or government care homes—is equally important to his administration.

Adeleke reaffirmed his government’s dedication to policies and programs that support the welfare and development of children. He noted ongoing initiatives aimed at improving access to quality education, creating safe learning environments, enhancing child welfare services, and ensuring better living conditions for the youth.

He called on parents, guardians, teachers, and religious leaders to instill discipline, moral values, respect, and compassion in children, emphasizing that raising responsible citizens is a collective responsibility. Adeleke warned against child abuse, neglect, exploitation, and violence, stating that any society that fails to protect its children jeopardizes its own future.

“As we celebrate our children today, I assure every parent and child that our administration will leave no stone unturned in protecting and developing the future of our young ones,” the governor declared.

The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rasidi Ladoja, has issued a clear message to politicians eyeing the 2027 gubernatorial election in the state: their own achievements and popularity will determine who wins, not the endorsement of his name.

Speaking to journalists on Wednesday at his residence in Bodija, Ibadan, the monarch—who previously served as state governor—pointed out that many aspirants are currently using his name as a campaign tool. He described all local politicians as his children and said there is nothing wrong with them invoking his name if it helps their cause.

However, he stressed that the final decision rests with the electorate, who will assess each candidate’s background and public support. “Let them use my name to promote themselves if they find it useful. But at the end of the day, the people will choose their leader, not my name,” Ladoja stated.

The traditional ruler also addressed the recent abduction of 39 students and teachers in the Oriire Local Government Area. He expressed sadness over the incident but affirmed that the government and security agencies are working diligently to secure their release, though they cannot publicly disclose all details for security reasons.

In addition, Oba Ladoja condemned the growing problem of land grabbing across the ancient city, making it clear that such actions are unacceptable.

The 15th Emir of Kano, Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero, is set to kick off the customary Sallah horse-riding events, known as Hawan Daushe and Hawan Nassarawa, on Thursday and Friday respectively. This announcement came from Sarkin Dawaki Babba, a senior palace official, Alhaji Aminu Babba Dan’agundi, who confirmed that security forces have approved the traditional festivities.

Speaking on Wednesday, Dan’agundi revealed that the Hawan Daushe procession would see the Emir traversing the city center, deliberately avoiding the main Kano Emir’s Palace, which is currently under the occupation of the 16th Emir, Muhammadu Sanusi II. He added, “We have written to the police, and they have not said we shouldn’t carry out the exercise, so we are going to do it accordingly in a more peaceful way, starting from the Nassarawa Emir Palace to Kofar Nassarawa back to his home.”

On Friday, the route will shift, passing through state roads to Fagge and then to Mandawari, where the Emir will pause to prevent overcrowding given the anticipated large number of supporters. Dan’agundi assured the public that the events would be conducted peacefully and orderly, with supporters already cautioned against any actions that could lead to unrest.