Category: News

Security operatives from Operation Enduring Peace have successfully thwarted an ambush launched by suspected armed militia members during a patrol mission in Jos South Local Government Area of Plateau State. The incident took place around 1:00 p.m. on Sunday, according to security sources cited by Zagazola Makama, after troops were alerted to gunfire in the Gero vicinity.

The sources indicated that soldiers from Sector 3 were dispatched to reinforce colleagues from Sector 6 already active in the region. As the troops attempted to join forces, they were ambushed by suspected militia fighters who sought to encircle them using elevated terrain.

In response, the security personnel deployed superior firepower, compelling the assailants to withdraw toward Nyango and Daron settlements within the same local government area. Military officials reported that ammunition was expended during the engagement, and pursuit operations continued across the affected zone.

Following the clash, authorities confirmed that nine cows were killed and five others sustained gunshot wounds in the earlier attack on herders. This violence adds to ongoing security challenges in Plateau State, where clashes among armed groups, herders, and local communities persist.

Security sources further noted that troops in neighboring Mangu Local Government Area recently faced attacks while responding to disturbances linked to illicit mining operations.

Anambra State Governor Charles Soludo has launched a campaign against fraudulent religious figures who exploit citizens with false promises. Speaking at St. Patrick’s Cathedral during the All Knights Day of the Catholic Diocese of Awka, he revealed that authorities have already detained several individuals who are now admitting their deceit.

Soludo accused these so-called ministers of promoting a gospel that avoids the true essence of sacrifice. He emphasized that the state will no longer tolerate such manipulations and called on church leaders to reinforce the value of hard work and integrity.

In a bold move, the governor challenged anyone claiming to perform genuine miracles to demonstrate their powers at Amaku Hospital. He stated, “Whoever wants to perform a miracle should come to Amaku Hospital.” This challenge underscores his commitment to exposing falsehood and restoring honesty in spiritual matters.

The crackdown is part of a broader vision for a cleaner, more transparent Anambra. Soludo insisted that the era of deceiving the vulnerable is over, warning that the state will remain vigilant against those who preach “salvation without the cross.”

The Taraba State Commissioner for Secondary, Technical and Vocational Education, Dr. Augustina Godwin, has demanded a complete eradication of examination malpractice during the 2026 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE). She issued this directive to principals, invigilators, and supervisors across the state during a sensitization meeting held over the weekend at the Government Technical and Training School in Jalingo.

Dr. Godwin emphasized that professionalism, discipline, and integrity must guide the administration of the exams. She reiterated the state government’s dedication, under Governor Dr. Agbu Kefas, to elevating educational standards and rebuilding trust in the examination process. The commissioner warned all exam officials and school heads to strictly follow WAEC regulations and avoid any form of cheating.

“Through hard work and credibility, Taraba State must continue to shine in academic excellence. We must collectively work to achieve zero malpractice in the WAEC examinations,” she declared.

The WAEC Branch Controller in the state praised Governor Kefas for his unwavering support for education, noting that he is the first governor to fully cover all 2026 WAEC fees, thereby reducing financial strain on families and increasing student participation. Additionally, the controller acknowledged the governor’s donation of a utility van and other assistance aimed at enhancing the operations of the examination body.

The sensitization event drew principals, invigilators, and supervisors from secondary schools in Lau, Karim Lamido, Jalingo, and Ardo-Kola Local Government Councils, all committed to ensuring a fair and transparent examination process.

Women from Umuariaga community in Abia State’s Ikwuano Local Government Area have voiced strong opposition to what they claim is a secret government plan to convert their agricultural land into a smart city housing estate. The protesters marched to the Government House in Umuahia, demanding transparency and the protection of their livelihoods.

Led by Mrs. Glory Orji, the women expressed alarm that individuals posing as government agents have been informing locals that the community’s flat lands have been designated for a government housing initiative. They stressed that such a move would devastate their ability to grow food and sustain their families.

“This is the only flat land we have. If they take it away, what will remain for our children? Where will we farm? How will we feed our families?” Orji questioned, highlighting the dire consequences of losing their farmland.

The protest also drew attention to ongoing grievances about cattle encroachment. The women noted that relevant government agencies have failed to address the persistent destruction of their crops by herders’ cattle, compounding their sense of injustice.

Addressing the protesters, Abia State Commissioner for Finance, Uwaoma Ukandu, assured them that their concerns would be relayed to Governor Alex Otti. He pledged a thorough investigation and appealed for calm, promising that the issues raised would be resolved.

The women urged Governor Otti to safeguard indigenous land rights and prevent any further unauthorized acquisition of their community’s land.

For residents of Mararaba, a suburb on the outskirts of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), and other travelers, the daily commute has become a source of immense frustration as traffic congestion hits unprecedented levels. This densely populated area is home to numerous civil servants and business owners who work in Abuja, attracted by more affordable housing. It also serves as a key entry point for travelers coming from southern Nigeria into the capital, earning a reputation as one of the region’s busiest corridors, with queues stretching up to 11 kilometers during peak hours.

The situation has deteriorated significantly following the demolition of the old Mararaba Bridge and the ongoing construction of a new twin flyover on the Abuja-Keffi Expressway, as reported by DAILY POST. The bridge was removed months ago to make way for a planned overhead structure, leaving those commuting between Keffi and the FCT in an even more precarious position. Many commuters shared their struggles with our correspondent, highlighting how the construction equipment has narrowed the road, forcing thousands into an agonizingly slow crawl with no viable alternative routes.

One motorist, who spent over an hour stuck in traffic, described the ordeal as exasperating. He noted that the jam began immediately after the Sani Abacha Bus Terminal at One Man Village, just before Mararaba, and persisted until the police checkpoint at the boundary between the FCT and Nasarawa State. Another commuter named Sunny lamented the lack of proper traffic management, saying that only a few officers were visible, leaving drivers to navigate the chaotic stretch on their own. Poor lighting in certain sections also raised concerns about potential accidents.

A female commuter, Nkechi Ikechukwu, revealed that she now wakes up at 4 a.m. instead of 5 a.m. to prepare for work, just to avoid the worst of the gridlock. She noted that Mararaba has always been notorious for traffic jams, especially during morning and evening rush hours, but the construction has made it unbearable. Abdul Mustapha urged authorities to improve coordination with construction companies, provide timely updates, and deploy more personnel to manage traffic. He also called on the federal government to expedite the project to ease the suffering of motorists and commuters, stating that it is exhausting to face such heavy traffic after a long day at work.

The Rivers State Police Command has announced a new enforcement drive targeting vehicle-related crime, prohibiting the use of covered or altered license plates and vehicles without registration. Public Relations Officer Agabe Blessing Kaborlo issued a statement on Sunday declaring that motorists violating these rules will face immediate arrest and prosecution.

This crackdown is part of broader security measures to combat “one-chance” robberies, kidnappings, and other violent offenses. The police also confirmed that the existing restriction on tricycle operations between 10:00 p.m. and early morning remains in effect.

According to the Command, these actions are designed to dismantle criminal networks that misuse commercial transport. The statement emphasized that covering, altering, or driving without a plate number is strictly forbidden, and the Commissioner of Police has ordered the arrest of offenders without delay.

Unregistered vehicles will no longer be allowed on Rivers roads, and owners are urged to regularize their documentation immediately. Starting May 18, 2026, commercial keke-buses with tinted glass or any covering that hides occupants’ identities will be impounded, and operators will face legal action.

The police explained that the measures target rising “one-chance” incidents, where criminals pose as transport providers to rob passengers. Residents are advised to avoid boarding vehicles in isolated or poorly lit areas, stay vigilant at night, and photograph or note registration numbers before boarding to share with trusted contacts for safety.

The continuing detention of Abdullahi Bello Bodejo, a prominent aspirant for the Taraba Central Senatorial seat, has stirred a new wave of dispute in Taraba State. Bodejo, who also heads the Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore Socio-Cultural Association, was taken into custody by DSS operatives in Jalingo on May 7, 2026, and subsequently moved to Abuja. Reports indicate that he is now being held by the EFCC.

Allegations have emerged that within two days of his arrest, authorities pressured him to drop his 2027 senatorial ambitions as a condition for release. Sources claim he was advised to wait until 2031 to contest. Bodejo’s campaign director, Adamu Isa, strongly condemned the arrest, calling it degrading and noting that the aspirant was paraded like a common criminal before his followers.

Isa emphasized that Bodejo, a member of the All Progressives Congress, has been a loyal party man who used personal funds and networks to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2023 elections. He argued that those opposing Bodejo’s candidacy should resort to dialogue rather than using security agencies for intimidation. Isa called on APC national leaders and stakeholders to ensure justice and secure Bodejo’s release. He also disclosed that a purported APC consensus committee in Taraba had never engaged Bodejo before his arrest.

In a landmark ruling, an Owerri High Court in Imo State has condemned a 34-year-old man, Johnbosco Chidera Ashiegbu, to death by hanging for his involvement in multiple armed robbery and kidnapping incidents. The court found him guilty on all eight counts brought against him.

Ashiegbu, who hails from Amaiyi Akabo in Ikeduru Local Government Area, was apprehended in 2024 along Okigwe Road, Owerri, while driving a stolen vehicle. During interrogation, he admitted to being a serial offender, leading a gang that operated across Imo and Abia States, engaging in armed robbery and hostage-taking.

Presiding Judge C.N. Akowundu declared that the prosecution had established guilt beyond reasonable doubt on all charges. The court recounted how in 2024, Ashiegbu and his accomplices, who remain at large, followed Mr. Rex Edwin Achiefula to his residence in Aba. They ambushed him and his wife, stealing their car and US$2,800. While the wife was released on the roadside, the husband was taken hostage and held for nearly six days at an undisclosed location.

On the same day, before the couple’s abduction, the gang had already seized Emmanuel Okezie, who was also driving on the same route. Both victims were freed only after ransoms of ₦3.7 million and ₦15 million were paid, respectively.

Justice Akobundu noted that Ashiegbu owned a fleet of cars and routinely transferred stolen vehicles to his name, even gifting some to his elder brother and sister on her birthday. The defense counsel pleaded for leniency, arguing that the convict had no prior record and was the sole breadwinner for his family. However, the judge dismissed this plea, stating that Ashiegbu displayed no remorse throughout the trial.

The prosecution, led by Senior State Counsel Ikenna Obi from the Ministry of Justice, urged the court to deliver a verdict in line with the law, emphasizing the convict’s lack of repentance. Ultimately, the judge sentenced Ashiegbu to death by hanging for his crimes.

In a recent reflection on Nigeria’s civil war, former President Olusegun Obasanjo expressed regret that Nigerian troops ever had to engage Biafran forces. Speaking in Abeokuta on May 11, 2026, he recalled his time as a commander during the 1967–1970 conflict and stressed that civil wars are fundamentally different from external wars because the aim must be peace, not destruction.

Obasanjo noted that both Nigerian and Biafran soldiers were citizens of the same nation, which made the fighting emotionally wrenching for everyone involved. “We shouldn’t have fought ourselves,” he stated. “Civil war is unlike battling an external enemy because you end up fighting your own brothers.”

The former leader emphasized that the hard lessons from the war should inspire Nigerians to champion peace, dialogue, and unity to avert any future national conflict. He urged the country to prioritize reconciliation over division.

Eight aspirants contesting the Kano Central Senatorial seat have made a significant political move by stepping aside from the race. Their decision, which paves the way for former Governor Ibrahim Shekarau to become the consensus candidate, is largely credited to the intervention of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf. According to Usman Bala, who speaks for the group, the aspirants hold deep respect for Governor Yusuf, which is why they readily accepted his peace initiative.

In a recent development, the governor successfully mediated a long-standing dispute surrounding the ticket for Kano Central, widely acknowledged as Nigeria’s largest senatorial district. This area includes 15 local government areas and a population exceeding 10 million. The resolution came after a key reconciliation meeting in Abuja, where all parties agreed to prioritize unity over individual ambitions.

Usman Bala emphasized that every one of the eight aspirants supported the governor’s proposal wholeheartedly, viewing it as a wise and timely move that brought together competing interests. Their withdrawal was voluntary, aimed at strengthening the party ahead of the 2027 elections. Governor Yusuf praised the aspirants for their selflessness, calling their actions a model of maturity and sacrifice.

Shekarau, in his response, expressed gratitude to the governor for fostering peace and to the other contenders for their support. He reaffirmed his commitment to the APC’s success in the upcoming polls. The governor also reiterated his dedication to dialogue and consensus-building as essential tools for political stability and development, expressing confidence that the new understanding will enhance Kano’s national political influence.