Category: News

The Berom Youth Moulders (BYM) has issued a statement expressing deep dissatisfaction with the leadership of the Sector 4 Commander of the Special Task Force, Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP), in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State. Colonel Victor Asuquo and Operations Officer Captain Bello are accused of failing to address the escalating attacks in the region.

According to the BYM, the security situation in Barkin Ladi has worsened significantly, with troops displaying incompetence and a lack of urgency. The group alleges that between April and May 9, 2026, at least 34 innocent residents were killed in separate incidents, while over 70 hectares of farmland were destroyed by armed Fulani militias, exacerbating the humanitarian and economic crisis.

The statement, signed by National Publicity Secretary Rwang Tengwong on behalf of National President Barr. Dalyop Solomon Mwantiri, highlighted that despite numerous checkpoints and a visible security presence, attacks have continued unabated. Communities remain vulnerable and abandoned to armed invaders who move freely, spreading terror.

A particularly tragic event involved Mr. Gyang Kim Choji, a community member who provided accommodation for STF personnel. He was killed by suspected Fulani militias just meters from a checkpoint in front of his home. The BYM expressed outrage that the Guard Commander at the checkpoint dismissed allegations against the attackers without offering any explanation for the killing.

The group also noted that community members had repeatedly complained about the Guard Commander’s conduct, which included threats and intimidation. No action was taken until angry women protesters dismantled the checkpoint on the day of Mr. Choji’s burial.

Furthermore, the BYM expressed alarm over an alleged statement by Colonel Asuquo that the people “will see what will happen in the next two months since they are rejecting the military.” This comment has raised fears of further deterioration in security.

Recent attacks in Sabon Layi, central Barkin Ladi, involved heavily armed terrorists invading in broad daylight, shooting sporadically. One woman was killed, and a man with severe injuries was rushed to Jos University Teaching Hospital. Simultaneous attacks occurred in Rakung, Gangare, and the General Hospital area, leaving residents in constant fear.

The BYM demands the immediate redeployment of Colonel Asuquo and Captain Bello, stating that the people of Barkin Ladi have lost all confidence in their ability to protect lives and property. “The lives of the people matter, and no community should continue to bury its dead daily while security checkpoints merely count casualties,” the statement concluded.

The presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in the 2023 elections, Adewole Adebayo, has sounded an alarm over what he sees as a creeping authoritarianism in Nigeria, cautioning that democratic survival hinges on robust political competition and the freedom of citizens to associate.

Speaking on Saturday at the SDP national convention in Bauchi, he urged political leaders to address pressing national issues such as insecurity, economic hardship, and youth unemployment rather than focusing solely on power consolidation.

His remarks came shortly after delegates at the convention affirmed him as the party’s flagbearer for the 2027 general elections via a consensus voice vote. Adebayo highlighted the deteriorating state of governance, pointing to rising poverty, insecurity, and limited economic prospects for young people, as well as the poor condition of public healthcare.

He criticized political leaders for seeking medical care abroad and investing in foreign nations while domestic institutions crumble, insisting that officials should prioritize strengthening healthcare, education, and the economy over reliance on external systems.

On security, Adebayo questioned the effectiveness of the fight against terrorism and criminality, arguing that Nigerians deserve better protection and accountability from security agencies. He warned that growing political intolerance poses a serious threat to democratic governance, noting that “democracy can only survive when different political parties are allowed to compete freely and citizens are free to associate politically.”

Adebayo also alleged that even members of the ruling All Progressives Congress are experiencing internal suppression, with key decisions concentrated in the hands of a few individuals. Meanwhile, the Chairman of the SDP National Convention Committee, Usman Bugaje, accused the ruling party of shrinking democratic space and weakening opposition parties ahead of the 2027 elections, also criticizing the Independent National Electoral Commission and the judiciary for alleged political influence.

The convention, held at the Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Memorial Stadium in Bauchi, also elected new members of the party’s National Working Committee, including Professor Sadiq Umar Gombe as National Chairman.

Amnesty International has demanded an immediate investigation into the alleged torture and killing of a 16-year-old boy, Bishir Malam Dauda, while in police custody in Katsina State. The rights group stated that Bishir was reportedly tortured to death by officers from the Yankara police outpost in Faskari Local Government Area following his arrest for allegedly stealing a bag of soya beans.

In a statement released on its Facebook page on Saturday, Amnesty International revealed that its inquiry found the teenager was severely beaten with iron rods after being taken from his Tsangaya school on May 7, 2026. The organization said Bishir’s name was mentioned by a friend during a police investigation into the theft.

“Unaccompanied and without any adult relative present, Bishir was tied up by police and ordered to confess. He refused, leading to further torture until he lost consciousness,” the statement noted. The group alleged that officers later dumped his body at the Yankara Primary Healthcare Centre.

The rights organization described the incident as part of a broader pattern of human rights abuses by the Nigeria Police Force. “What happened to Bishir Malam Dauda highlights a systematic pattern of ruthless human rights violations where victims are arrested and tortured until they either confess or pay a bribe to be freed,” Amnesty International stated.

The group accused the police of operating with impunity, fostering fear and corruption among citizens. “The Nigeria Police, created to protect the people, has instead become a threat to society, torturing victims with complete impunity while creating a toxic climate of fear and corruption,” the organization added.

Amnesty International called for all officers involved directly or indirectly in the incident to be identified and prosecuted. “This tragedy must not be swept aside. Police officers responsible for this atrocity must be held accountable,” the statement said. The group also noted that its research since 2016 has consistently documented cases of torture, unlawful detention, and brutality by police officers against accused individuals.

Bayero University, Kano (BUK) has reopened the application portal for the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) for the 2025/2026 academic year, offering eligible students a final chance to apply.

The announcement came through a special bulletin released on Saturday in Kano, signed by the Director of Public Affairs, Lamara Garba, on behalf of the Registrar. Garba noted that the management’s request prompted the portal’s reopening, allowing qualified students to benefit from the program.

According to Garba, this is the last opportunity for students who have already completed their screening to start and finish their applications for both institutional charges and upkeep. The application window runs from May 8 to May 29, and all eligible students are urged to take this seriously.

Garba emphasized that applicants must adhere strictly to the instructions and upload necessary documents without mistakes to avoid delays or rejection. He also stated that applications for institutional charges and upkeep must be submitted together, as separate submissions may not be considered.

Furthermore, students were cautioned against using microfinance wallet accounts during the process. Garba added that applicants should ensure their email addresses are correct and accessible, and passwords must be kept safe for future portal access and status tracking.

BUK encourages all eligible students to seize this opportunity and complete their applications before the May 29 deadline to avoid missing out on the NELFUND scheme.

The Kano State government has terminated the appointment of a legal officer, Mustapha Nura Muhammad, following charges of document falsification, misuse of authority, and severe unprofessional behavior.

Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Abdulkarim Kabiru Maude, announced the termination in a statement, noting that the decision received the endorsement of the state Civil Service Commission after what he termed a transparent process and fair hearing.

The government emphasized that the move aligns with efforts to safeguard the credibility of the legal system and enforce high moral standards within the civil service.

“The credibility of our justice system is non-negotiable. Law professionals and public servants are expected to adhere to the highest level of ethics and professionalism while carrying out their duties,” the statement read.

The Attorney General cautioned that any behavior likely to erode public trust in the judicial process would be met with legal consequences.

He further stated that the administration of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf is dedicated to enhancing responsibility, orderliness, openness, and skill within the justice sector.

Maude also indicated that the government might initiate additional legal proceedings, such as reporting the case to the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee and pursuing criminal charges when appropriate.

“We will continue to pursue every lawful avenue, including a referral to the LPDC and possible criminal prosecution where needed, to ensure justice prevails and public confidence remains intact,” he said.

In a decisive blow against economic sabotage, operatives of the Nigerian Navy have seized approximately 1,600 liters of what is believed to be illegally refined diesel in Rivers State. The operation, a component of the broader anti-oil theft campaign tagged Operation Delta Sentinel, was carried out by personnel from the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Soroh.

Navy Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, the Director of Naval Information, disclosed the success in a statement issued from Abuja. He detailed that the enforcement action was triggered by actionable intelligence pointing to clandestine refining activities in the Okolomade community, situated within the Abua-Odual Local Government Area of Rivers State and close to the Bayelsa border.

According to Folorunsho, the navy’s Anti-Crude Oil Theft squad, operating in the Orashi Forest region, employed an unmanned aerial surveillance system to identify hidden caches of the product. This high-tech reconnaissance led to the discovery of 16 large sacks, each holding roughly 100 liters of suspect illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO).

Upon the arrival of naval forces, the individuals believed to be behind the illegal operation fled the scene. The confiscated materials have since been processed in accordance with standard operating procedures. Folorunsho emphasized that the navy remains steadfast in its mission to dismantle illicit refining networks and combat crude oil theft across the Niger Delta, vowing that there will be no refuge for those who undermine the nation’s economy. He reiterated that sustained patrols and operations will continue throughout the waterways and creeks under their jurisdiction.

Mohammed Sadis Buba, the 30-year-old aspiring lawmaker from Kaduna State, has successfully completed the All Progressives Congress (APC) screening process for the Sabon Gari Zaria Federal Constituency primary election. He assured the screening panel that Governor Uba Sani is aware of his ambitions and supports his candidacy.

When questioned about what motivated him to enter the race, Buba responded, “It’s not about me; it’s the people who called me to serve.” He emphasized that his decision to seek the party’s ticket stems from a sense of duty to his constituents.

Buba acknowledged that his opponent in the primary is the incumbent representative, who is reluctant to step aside. “We are only two candidates vying for the APC ticket. My competitor is a current lawmaker,” he stated.

The aspiring congressman remains confident that his grassroots support will carry him through the primaries, despite the challenge of facing a sitting politician.

The death of Eluyera Kolade, an Accord party agent in Ikire, has sparked a heated political controversy involving the Accord party, the APC campaign council, and the Imole campaign team. Kolade, who was the son of the party’s Women Leader, was killed in broad daylight, prompting widespread condemnation.

The Osun State Police Command has confirmed that Kolade died from gunshot wounds and has launched an investigation into the incident. According to the police, officers responded swiftly after receiving a report and found youths carrying the victim’s body to the station, where they were calmed down.

Accord party chairman Pastor Victor Akande denounced the killing as “callous and barbaric” and alleged that thugs linked to the APC were responsible. He noted that the deceased was a dedicated polling unit agent known for his uncompromising stance, and expressed concern over rising political violence ahead of the August 15 governorship election.

The Imole Campaign Council also voiced outrage, calling the killing “tragic and shocking.” Spokesperson Pelumi Olajengbesi stated that the council had previously reported incidents of violence and intimidation in the area to security agencies. He urged the Inspector General of Police to ensure a thorough investigation and prosecution of all culprits, regardless of their political affiliation.

In contrast, the APC campaign council rejected the allegations as false and fabricated. Kola Olabisi, co-chairman of the party’s media committee, said linking the death to APC members was a ploy to gain political advantage. He emphasized that violence is not part of their political culture and called for a police investigation without interference.

Meanwhile, the police have deployed additional personnel to Ikire to maintain order and support the investigation. The body of Kolade has been deposited at a morgue for autopsy. The command assured residents that efforts are ongoing to apprehend the perpetrators and ensure justice.

The Social Democratic Party (SDP) has launched a sharp critique against the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), accusing it of deepening economic misery and manipulating state institutions to stifle political competition. Usman Bugaje, who chairs the SDP’s Convention Planning Committee, delivered these remarks during the party’s national convention and presidential primaries held in Bauchi.

Bugaje alleged that under APC governance, Nigeria has been drained of its resources, leaving citizens to grapple with rampant insecurity, exorbitant fuel costs, widespread joblessness, and erratic power supply. He painted a grim picture of Nigerians returning to dark homes and struggling to afford basic meals amidst severe economic strain.

The SDP chieftain further accused the APC of weaponizing institutions like the judiciary and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to serve partisan interests. He claimed these bodies have been reduced to tools for unscrupulous politicians, thereby undermining the democratic process.

Drawing parallels with the regime of late military ruler Sani Abacha, Bugaje warned that attempts to silence opposition and shrink democratic space would fail, as history shows such measures are unsustainable. He asserted that the current political climate resembles the repressive tactics of the past.

Positioning the SDP as a viable alternative, Bugaje emphasized that unlike established parties controlled by wealthy elites, his party would field competent and energetic candidates. He called on Nigerians to rally behind the SDP’s convention theme: Building a People’s Coalition to Secure Our Homeland and Defeat Poverty.

Bugaje concluded by urging ordinary citizens to prepare for sacrifice, courage, and determination ahead of the 2027 general elections, stressing that meaningful change requires collective effort.

The All Progressives Congress in Bauchi State has resolved to conduct direct primaries to pick its candidates for the 2027 governorship election and other positions. This decision emerged from a broad stakeholders’ meeting in Bauchi aimed at curbing internal conflicts that have previously plagued the party.

A party insider who spoke with Daily Post on Saturday disclosed that the gathering agreed to discard the consensus method in favor of a system where registered members vote directly for aspirants. The source emphasized that this approach would enhance transparency and equity, allowing every contender a fair shot.

“Direct primaries will make the process more credible because the results will be clear for all to see,” the source remarked. The change is expected to fortify internal democracy and produce candidates with authentic grassroots backing. Party leaders believe this strategy will minimize disagreements, reduce post-primary litigation, and strengthen the APC’s position ahead of the 2027 polls.

The resolution is now set to be submitted to the State Executive Council for endorsement before an official declaration. Notable attendees included senators, House of Representatives members, former governors, ex-Speaker Yakubu Dogara, state executive officials, local government party chairmen, and other stakeholders.