Category: News

Violence erupted during the All Progressives Congress (APC) senatorial primaries in Ondo State on Monday, as gunshots rang out across multiple wards in the Ondo Central Senatorial District. Suspected political thugs stormed the venues, causing chaos and endangering lives.

The attackers, believed to be backers of a rival aspirant, targeted Ward 5 Okelisa on Amudipe Street in Akure, the state capital. There, they assaulted supporters of the incumbent senator, Adeniyi Adegbomire, who is also vying for the party’s ticket.

Adegbomire had a narrow escape after his vehicle was struck by gunfire. Security personnel swiftly whisked him away from the scene as bullets flew. The thugs fired indiscriminately into the air and also shot at the senator’s car, leaving visible bullet marks.

Journalists covering the event, pupils from Ebenezer Primary School, and local traders were forced to flee for safety as the gunfire intensified. The assailants also wielded machetes, attacking voters and disrupting the vote-counting process at the ward.

Speaking to reporters, Adegbomire condemned the incident, calling it a deliberate sabotage. He claimed that the process was leaning in his favor before the thugs intervened. According to him, his supporters were being counted, and he had around 360 backers, while the other aspirants had fewer. When it became evident that he was leading, the thugs invaded.

Adegbomire alleged that the thugs were deployed to prevent his supporters from accessing the polling stations. He reported that similar attacks were occurring across the senatorial district, with his supporters being turned away and told to go home if they weren’t voting for a particular candidate. He accused the opposition of using hired thugs to intimidate voters.

In a significant political development, the former Senate Leader, Ali Ndume, has been affirmed as the consensus candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the Borno South senatorial election scheduled for 2027. This announcement came in a statement issued on Monday, after Ndume was returned unopposed via an affirmation process during the party’s primary held in Maiduguri, the capital of Borno State.

Ndume’s emergence as the consensus candidate followed the voluntary withdrawal of his primary challenger, Abdullahi Askira, the Deputy Speaker of the Borno State House of Assembly. Askira stepped down last month after extensive consultations and appeals from party leaders within the district, prioritizing party unity over personal ambition.

With this ticket, Ndume is poised for a potential fifth term in the National Assembly if he wins the 2027 general elections. The lawmaker expressed gratitude to APC stakeholders, delegates, and party faithful in Borno South for their trust in him to continue representing their interests. He specifically commended Askira for his loyalty and decision to drop his aspiration in deference to the party’s leadership.

Ndume stated, ‘I want to thank our elders in the Borno South Senatorial District for their unwavering support. I assure them that I will always promote their interests. I must commend Hon. Askira, who heeded the appeals of party leaders and stepped down. His loyalty is exemplary.’ He also called for continued unity and collaboration among party members as Nigeria gears up for the general elections.

The Ekiti State Deputy Governor, Mrs Monisade Afuye, has called on opposition parties to adopt the All Progressives Congress (APC) approach to credible competition and internal polls. She maintained that the APC has set a benchmark for democratic conduct within its ranks.

Afuye noted that reports from across the country highlighting the peaceful and credible outcomes of the APC senatorial and House of Representatives primaries demonstrate the party’s unwavering dedication to internal democracy and political integrity. She made these remarks in Ikere Ekiti after voting at Atiba/Aafin Ward during the APC senatorial primary for Ekiti South Senatorial District on Monday.

Key contenders in the Ekiti South senatorial race include the incumbent senator and Senate spokesperson, Senator Yemi Adaramodu; former Senate Minority Leader, Senator Biodun Olujimi; and former House of Representatives member, Bamidele Faparusi.

Following the primary, Afuye commended party members for their orderly conduct and urged all candidates to accept the election results gracefully. She emphasized the need for contenders to avoid inflammatory remarks that could incite their supporters to violence or disrupt the state’s peace.

She acknowledged that a few concerns were raised during the House of Representatives primaries held on Saturday, describing them as part of the democratic process. She assured that the party would review these matters and take appropriate action to address members’ grievances.

Afuye praised Governor Biodun Oyebanji for remaining neutral during the primary and for rejecting the practice of name-dropping by some candidates. She stated, “No political process is entirely flawless. When issues arise, the party has mechanisms to handle them. The APC is a party of justice and fairness. No one will be cheated in this primary.”

She added, “Governor Oyebanji has shown neutrality. He respects the people’s will over imposition. Whatever happens in this primary should be seen as a family matter. Infighting is counterproductive. Losing today doesn’t mean you can’t win tomorrow. Those who win should embrace others. That’s the essence of democracy.”

The Ogun State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has officially revealed the winners of its House of Representatives primary elections held across the state on Saturday.

Philip Shaibu, who chaired the Ogun State APC National Assembly Primary Elections Committee, announced the outcomes at the party’s secretariat in Abeokuta after collating reports from various federal constituencies.

In Ikenne/Sagamu/Remo North Federal Constituency, Funmi Efuwape emerged as the party’s flagbearer. For Abeokuta North/Obafemi Owode/Odeda Federal Constituency, Olumide Osoba secured the nomination.

Moruf Afuape clinched the ticket for Abeokuta South Federal Constituency, while Toyin Taiwo won in Yewa South/Ipokia Federal Constituency.

The committee further declared Olanrewaju Bashorun as the winner for Ado-Odo/Ota Federal Constituency, and Adijat Adeleye as the candidate for Ifo/Ewekoro Federal Constituency.

In Ijebu North/Ijebu East/Ogun Waterside Federal Constituency, Joseph Adegbesan emerged victorious, and Razaq Dadah obtained the ticket for Ijebu-Ode/Odogbolu/Ijebu North East Federal Constituency.

Gboyega Isiaka was also named the winner of the primary election for Imeko Afon/Yewa North Federal Constituency.

The party confirmed that the results followed the successful conduct of primaries across the affected constituencies in the state.

The Federal High Court in Abuja has ruled to release Justice Chidiebere, widely recognized as ‘Justice Crack,’ on bail. The judge, Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, set the bail amount at N5 million with a requirement of one surety of equal value.

On Monday, the Federal Government commenced its legal proceedings against the blogger, presenting its initial witness, Uruntu Douglas, an operative of the Department of State Services (DSS). This development occurred after a delay in the hearing of the bail application last Thursday, which was caused by a disagreement between two legal representatives each claiming to represent Crack.

The DSS is prosecuting Justice Crack for alleged cybercrimes connected to a viral video involving the Nigerian Army. The court’s decision to grant bail marks a significant step in the ongoing legal process.

The abduction of students and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area has led to a noticeable absence of learners in schools across the region. Educators took to the streets early Monday morning, holding a peaceful protest to demand immediate action from authorities.

According to reports, approximately 39 students and seven teachers were taken by unknown assailants on Friday from multiple communities within the local government area. The incident has sparked widespread fear among residents.

Our correspondent observed that school premises remained largely empty on Monday, a sharp contrast to the usual bustling activity. Many parents opted to keep their children at home due to safety concerns.

Carrying placards and chanting solidarity songs, the protesting teachers urged the government and security forces to expedite the rescue of their abducted colleagues and students. The demonstrators emphasized the need for a swift and safe return of all victims.

A teacher from one of the affected schools shared, “In my school, only two students showed up, along with one or two teachers by the time I left. We didn’t even enter the school grounds; we stayed at the gate, afraid of what might happen.”

The peaceful protest underscores the growing anxiety in the community as families await news of their loved ones. Authorities have yet to release an official statement on the abduction.

The Borno State Government has announced a coordinated effort with security forces to ensure the safe return of 42 students and children who were kidnapped from a school in Mussa, Askira-Uba Local Government Area. The abduction occurred last Friday during an early morning raid that also targeted nearby homes, according to officials.

Mallam Dauda Iliya, Special Adviser and spokesperson to Governor Babagana Umara Zulum, confirmed the rescue mission in a statement from Maiduguri. He revealed that Governor Zulum has been holding intensive meetings with heads of security agencies, including the military and police, to streamline rescue operations. The state government’s top priority, Iliya stressed, is to bring the abducted pupils, students, and other victims back safely to their families.

“Governor Zulum has been in constant engagement with security agencies since the incident occurred to ensure the abductees are rescued and reunited with their loved ones,” Iliya stated.

Security sources earlier disclosed that the victims include four secondary school students, 28 primary school pupils, and 10 children taken from nearby residences. Senator Ali Ndume confirmed the attack, describing it as “barbaric and heartbreaking,” and called on troops of Operation Hadin Kai to intensify rescue efforts. Ndume warned that the incident signals a resurgence of insecurity in parts of Chibok and Askira-Uba, urging a swift military response to secure the captives.

Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), has restated the Nigerian Army’s unwavering dedication to eradicating terrorism, banditry, and other security challenges across Nigeria. Speaking at the opening of the COAS First Bi-Annual Conference 2026 in Abuja, he emphasized that the army would achieve this through greater professionalism, operational efficiency, and stronger collaboration with other security forces.

The conference, held at the Nigerian Army Conference Centre, gathered principal staff officers, formation commanders, heads of military establishments, senior officers, regimental sergeant majors, and representatives from various security agencies. They convened to assess the nation’s security landscape and refine operational tactics.

Shaibu highlighted that troops have achieved significant victories in multiple operational zones, especially in the North-East, North-West, and North-Central regions. He praised soldiers for their bravery, resilience, and professionalism during counter-insurgency and anti-banditry missions, despite challenging conditions.

He noted that the Nigerian Army remains committed to safeguarding national sovereignty and fostering a secure environment for economic and social progress. While acknowledging operational setbacks, Shaibu stressed that these would not deter troops from confronting criminal elements. “Our journey has not been without setbacks, but the Nigerian Army remains resolute and committed to addressing all security challenges confronting our dear nation,” he stated.

The COAS underscored the need for innovative approaches, realistic operational evaluations, and enhanced coordination among security agencies to adapt to evolving threats. The conference aims to review ongoing missions, identify obstacles, and formulate effective strategies to boost performance.

Shaibu reiterated his command philosophy: building a professional, battle-ready, and adaptable army that can fulfill its constitutional duties within a joint and multi-agency framework. He announced that Army Headquarters has increased support for troops through better logistics, realistic training, and improved welfare programs.

He also stressed the importance of discipline, loyalty, and professionalism, urging officers and soldiers to uphold high standards and strictly follow rules of engagement. The COAS commended the troops for their sacrifices and patriotism, assuring them of continued backing from Army Headquarters and the Federal Government.

A medical professional, Dr. Abdullahi Nasiru, has cautioned Nigerians that the early signs of Ebola Virus Disease can be easily confused with malaria, urging individuals to avoid self-treatment and seek proper healthcare.

In a statement issued in Abuja on Monday, Dr. Nasiru explained that initial Ebola indicators like fever, headache, fatigue, muscle aches, and weakness closely mirror those of malaria, which can delay detection and increase risk.

He highlighted a common and risky practice among Nigerians: assuming any fever is malaria and treating it at home. According to him, this habit is perilous, especially during an outbreak.

“Ebola’s early phase presents symptoms that resemble malaria—fever, body weakness, headache, and vomiting are often overlooked or managed casually at home,” Nasiru noted.

The expert urged the public to go to a hospital immediately if symptoms continue or worsen, emphasizing that early identification and care are vital for controlling infectious diseases.

Beyond individual action, Dr. Nasiru called on health authorities to ramp up public education campaigns, particularly in rural areas, to curb panic and misinformation when outbreaks occur.

He also advised people to practice good hygiene, steer clear of infected individuals, and promptly report any suspected cases to health officials for swift intervention.

United States Congressman Riley Moore has delivered a strong message to those targeting Christians in Nigeria: there will be consequences. In a recent interview on NewsNation with anchor Anna Kooiman, Moore, a Republican member of the House Appropriations Committee, highlighted the ongoing religious persecution in northeastern Nigeria and emphasized that the Trump administration is taking decisive action.

Moore credited President Donald Trump for orchestrating a joint Nigerian-American operation that resulted in the death of Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, identified as the global second-in-command of ISIS. This strike, Moore said, sends an unmistakable signal: those who harm innocent Christians will be pursued and brought to justice. “Do not test President Trump’s resolve,” Moore wrote on his X account, sharing a clip from the interview.

The congressman noted that Trump’s engagement with Nigeria intensified after the president designated the country as a nation of particular concern in October of the previous year. Moore also revealed that Trump personally tasked him with investigating the situation on the ground. The lawmaker’s remarks underscore a renewed focus on protecting religious freedom and combating terrorism in the region.