Category: News

In a harrowing incident on Saturday, four members of the Nigerian military were injured after their patrol was hit by an improvised explosive device followed by a calculated ambush. The attack took place along the critical Damboa–Kumala–Maiduguri supply route in Borno State, according to security analyst Zagazola Makama, who shared details on his X account Sunday.

The assault unfolded around 11:45 a.m. on May 16, roughly nine kilometers from Kumala Junction in Konduga Local Government Area. Soldiers from the 25 Brigade, who were conducting a dominance patrol on the strategic highway, encountered a command-detonated IED believed to have been planted by suspected militants. Shortly after the blast, they came under enemy fire in a well-orchestrated ambush.

Despite the sudden attack, the troops fought valiantly and managed to push through, though four soldiers sustained injuries during the exchange. In response, reinforcements from the brigade headquarters, together with an Explosive Ordnance Disposal team, were dispatched to the area to clear the route and bolster ongoing security operations. The EOD team later discovered and safely neutralized another suspected IED along the same stretch of road.

Security sources also revealed that the troops successfully escorted 89 civilian vehicles through the corridor as a protective measure. However, 165 other vehicles were turned back to Damboa due to the heightened threat posed by the attack. The incident underscores the persistent danger faced by Nigerian forces and civilians in the region.

The Nigerian Senate has strongly denounced the kidnapping of 87 students and teachers across Borno and Oyo states within a single day, labeling these acts a direct strike against the country’s future prospects.

Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, through his media office on Sunday, voiced deep concern over the events, pointing out that they undermine past efforts to safeguard educational institutions nationwide.

In Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, 45 pupils and educators were seized by suspected gunmen. Meanwhile, in Askira/Uba Local Government Area of Borno State, Boko Haram terrorists reportedly abducted 42 individuals from Mussa Primary and Junior Secondary School.

Bamidele emphasized that these back-to-back incidents highlight an urgent need for enhanced security in schools, warning that ongoing attacks on learning centers jeopardize national growth and development.

He noted that the National Assembly is moving forward with constitutional amendments to create state police forces, a move he sees as essential for improving overall security. The proposal is nearly complete and will soon be sent to state Houses of Assembly for approval, he added.

As a stopgap, Bamidele urged federal and state authorities to bolster the Safe School Initiative, especially given the high number of out-of-school children in the country.

He called for cross-party support for security and constitutional reforms, insisting that the abductions should not be politicized. The Senate plans to pursue further legislative measures to address insecurity when it reconvenes.

Armed bandits launched an assault on several rural settlements west of Musawa town in Katsina State’s Musawa Local Government Area, causing residents to abandon their homes and rustling a significant number of livestock.

The incident was reported on Sunday by Bakatsine, a security analyst from the region, via X. He noted that women and children have been left homeless and stranded in Musawa town, lacking shelter, food, or any form of aid, while rains continue to fall and conditions worsen.

“The displaced families urgently need humanitarian help. Security agencies must step up their efforts and quickly intervene to safeguard communities in Musawa LGA and neighboring areas,” he posted on X.

Bakatsine also voiced optimism that peace and security will eventually return to the affected communities and to the nation at large.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) House of Representatives primary election for Epe Federal Constituency has been hit by controversy after aspirant BIA Eruobodo formally challenged the results from Ward M1, citing alleged irregularities that marred the voting process.

According to reports emerging from the collation centre, Eruobodo raised serious objections and staged a protest over what he described as questionable actions that compromised the integrity of the exercise in that ward. The aspirant argued that the irregularities undermined the credibility of the entire primary process.

The protest created tension among supporters and party stakeholders gathered at the venue. Electoral officials were forced to review complaints and reports concerning the conduct of the exercise in Ward M1 amid heightened emotions.

Following thorough deliberations among party officials, the election process in the ward was eventually nullified, pending further directives from the party’s national leadership. Security personnel and party stakeholders intervened to restore calm, urging all aspirants and their supporters to remain peaceful while allowing due process to take its course.

The incident has become a major topic of discussion within the constituency, shaping perceptions of the primary election outcome across Epe.

Popular socialite and businessman, Cubana Chief Priest, has finally spoken out regarding the outcome of the All Progressives Congress (APC) House of Representatives primary election for the Orsu/Orlu/Oru East Federal Constituency in Imo State. In a detailed statement shared on his Instagram story on Sunday, he made it clear that he did not actually take part in the exercise after the party’s leadership implemented its zoning arrangement.

He explained that after consulting with Governor Hope Uzodimma, the party leader in the state, he was informed about the zoning policy within the federal constituency. According to him, the governor emphasized that Orlu LGA should be allowed to serve at least two terms before the seat moves to another LGA. The governor pointed out that his own local government, Oru East, where the incumbent comes from, should be given another chance, especially since his elder brother, Asiwaju Jerry Alagboso, had already served three terms in the House.

Cubana Chief Priest stated that he understood and respected this position, though he expressed his belief that the current officeholder was not meeting the expectations of the people. Ultimately, the party chose its preferred aspirants and instructed them to proceed to the field. In deference to the party’s decision, he opted not to participate. He emphasized that nobody saw him at any primary venue because he did not go there—he instead returned to Lagos immediately after the party’s decision was communicated to him early Saturday morning.

He dismissed rumors of his participation as laughable propaganda by misguided individuals. He also clarified that he is not indebted to anyone regarding his aspiration, which was driven purely by his personal desire to serve. He expressed no regret for raising political awareness in the constituency, stating that democracy is about participation and healthy engagement.

Furthermore, he reaffirmed his unwavering commitment to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s reelection in 2027 and pledged to continue mobilizing support for the Renewed Hope agenda. He urged his followers and members of the City Boy Movement to remain calm and loyal to the APC. Despite reports that he lost the primary with only 14 votes, he insists he was not a participant.

Prince Henry Odianosen Okojie, the spouse of popular Nollywood actress Mercy Johnson, has secured the All Progressives Congress (APC) ticket to represent the Esan North-East/Esan South-East Federal Constituency in the 2027 general elections. The victory came after the APC primary election, and Okojie expressed his gratitude to Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo and the party leadership for their unwavering support and confidence in his candidacy.

In his victory statement, Okojie said, “Today, I am profoundly humbled and honored to have won the APC primary election. I extend my sincere thanks to Governor Monday Okpebholo and our great party, the All Progressives Congress, for entrusting me with the responsibility of carrying the party’s flag in the upcoming National Assembly election.”

He further acknowledged the party’s leaders, members, supporters, and constituents for their trust and encouragement. “This triumph is not solely mine; it belongs to all who believe in purposeful leadership, unity, progress, and effective representation. I am dedicated to serving our people with commitment, loyalty, and integrity. Together, we will forge a brighter future for our constituency and uphold the principles of our party.”

Okojie called for unity and focus as they prepare for the general election, emphasizing collective effort toward victory.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) primary election committee for the House of Representatives has announced that the result of the Oye-Ikole federal constituency primary in Ekiti North Senatorial District is inconclusive. The declaration was made on Sunday morning by the committee chairman and chief returning officer, Wasiu Adedoyin, who cited challenges and crises during the Saturday election as the reason. He further stated that the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) will make the final decision regarding this constituency.

Notably, the sitting lawmaker, Akin Rotimi, who serves as the House spokesman, is vying for re-election, while his primary challenger is former legislator Bimbo Daramola. In other constituencies, declared winners include Ibrahim Olarewaju for Ilejemeje, Ido-Osi, Moba; Oladapo Karounwi for Ijero, Ekiti West, Efon; Femi Bamisile for Ekiti East, Emure, Gbonyin; Olusola Fatoba for Ado-Irepodun; and Toyin Okoro for Ikere, Ekiti South West, Ise-Orun.

Stanley Osifo, a presidential aspirant under the All Progressives Congress (APC), has expressed confidence that President Bola Tinubu would back his candidacy if he emerges as the party’s flagbearer for the 2027 elections.

During an appearance on Arise TV last Sunday, Osifo emphasized that the various aspirants within the APC are not adversaries. He argued that holding the presidency does not automatically secure victory in the primary election.

Osifo stated that unity remains a core strength of the APC, noting that members are not in competition but in collaboration. He remarked, “If I secure the nomination, Tinubu will work with me; conversely, if he wins, I will fully support him.” He added that there exists a strong mutual understanding among party members.

Iduma Enwo Igariwey, the representative for Afikpo/Edda Federal Constituency in Ebonyi State, has categorically rejected claims that he was barred from participating in the All Progressives Congress (APC) primary election.

Social media and news outlets had widely reported that Igariwey was disqualified from the party primaries. However, the lawmaker, who was declared the winner by the House of Representatives primary election committee for his constituency, insisted that no such disqualification occurred.

Igariwey accused mischief makers of deliberately inserting the name ‘Idu Igariwe’ into documents, which is not his official name, in an attempt to create confusion and mislead the public.

Expressing his satisfaction, he stated: “I feel great and very happy about my victory in the House of Representatives primaries for Afikpo/Edda Federal Constituency. It shows the confidence my constituency has in me after years of representation. The outcome was resounding, and I am deeply grateful.”

He further explained: “Nobody disqualified me. The document circulating does not bear my correct name. It lists ‘Iduma Igariwey Enwo,’ which is my actual legal name. So, the rumor is completely foreign to me.”

The lawmaker elaborated on the legal requirements for disqualification: “As a seasoned lawmaker serving my third term and heading for a fourth, and having been part of the constitutional review committee since 2015, I am well-versed in the constitution and electoral act. Section 85 of the Electoral Act stipulates that disqualification of an aspirant must follow constitutional guidelines. Factors like incorrect certificates, insufficient age, or membership in a secret society are grounds, but only after a fair hearing. You cannot simply wake up and disqualify someone without due process.”

He reiterated: “What is being spread is not about me. They wrote ‘Idu Igariwe,’ which is not my name. I am Iduma Enwo Igariwey. Someone may have tried to smuggle in something that shouldn’t be there.”

Earlier, Alphonsus Nwali, chairman of the primary election panel, confirmed that Igariwey won with 5,368 votes in Edda and 9,785 votes in Afikpo, totaling 15,157 votes, securing his candidacy for the 2027 elections.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) House of Representatives Primary Election Committee in Rivers State has expressed satisfaction with the conduct of party members during the primaries, noting that the exercise was largely peaceful.

Held on Saturday across the 23 local government areas of the state, the primaries produced 13 candidates for the federal constituencies ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Wahab Owokoniran, Chairman of the committee and Pro-Chancellor of the Federal University of Transportation, remarked that he was pleasantly surprised by the absence of violence, given the political tensions often associated with Rivers State. He noted that aspirants who met the requirements of the party’s constitution and electoral guidelines emerged as winners.

Owokoniran announced the results at the APC secretariat in Port Harcourt on Saturday night, revealing that some constituencies had only one aspirant while others witnessed contests between two candidates. He expressed optimism that party members would maintain the same level of discipline and unity during the general elections and voiced confidence in the APC’s prospects of winning Rivers State in 2027.

Chibike Ikenga, the party’s State Publicity Secretary, also described the primaries as peaceful and successful. He urged victorious aspirants to remain humble and focused, while offering words of encouragement to those who did not succeed. Ikenga emphasized that the party has mechanisms to unite members and rally support for candidates to defeat the opposition in the general election.

Among the winners declared were Speaker Martin Amaewhule for Obio/Akpor Federal Constituency, Precious Igwe for Port Harcourt I, Blessing Amadi for Port Harcourt II, Dunamene Deekor for Gokana/Khana, Felix Nwaeke for Eleme/Tai/Oyigbo, Isobo Solomon for Akuku-Toru/Asari-Toru, and Linda Somiari-Steward for Okrika/Ogu/Bolo. Other successful aspirants included Solomon Bob for Obua/Odual/Ahoada East, Victor Obuzor for Ahoada West/Ogba-Egbema-Ndoni, Frederick Apiafi for Andoni/Opobo/Nkoro, Ozuzum Nwamaka for Etche/Omuma, Cyril Hart for Bonny/Degema, and Onyeozu Joy Nyebuchi for Ikwerre/Emohua.

Officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission, including Rivers State Resident Electoral Commissioner Dr. Johnson Sinikiem, were present at the party secretariat during the announcement. The primaries followed the disqualification of four aspirants alleged to be loyal to Governor Siminalayi Fubara, including serving House of Representatives members Awaji Inombek Abiante and Boma Goodhead, as well as retired Air Commodore John Opera and Anderson Igbiki.