Category: News

The governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Kwara State, Kale Kawu, has voiced deep concern over the escalating security crisis affecting various parts of the state. His remarks came following the tragic death of Oba Salman Olatunji Aweda, a monarch from the Olayinka community in Ifelodun Local Government Area, who was killed while in the custody of bandits.

Speaking from Ilorin on Wednesday, Kawu described the repeated attacks on traditional rulers, community leaders, and ordinary citizens as deeply troubling. He stressed that these incidents have left many residents in a state of constant fear.

The PDP flagbearer for the 2027 elections called on the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) government to take more decisive action to protect the people. He emphasized that the current level of insecurity is unacceptable and demands urgent attention.

Kawu expressed profound sorrow over the monarch’s death, noting that reports indicate the community had raised approximately N21 million in ransom, along with other items demanded by the kidnappers, yet the traditional leader was not released alive. He described the circumstances as heartbreaking and deeply disturbing.

Highlighting the broader implications, Kawu noted that the loss of the traditional ruler is not just a personal tragedy for his family and community but also a significant blow to the traditional institution and the entire state. He urged the state government and security agencies to take immediate and robust measures to safeguard lives and property.

“It is alarming that our communities continue to live in fear due to persistent security failures. The primary duty of any government is to protect its citizens, and far more must be done to rid our towns and villages of criminal elements,” Kawu stated.

He further called for enhanced intelligence gathering, improved collaboration among security bodies, and the provision of adequate resources to combat crime effectively. Additionally, he appealed to residents to remain vigilant and cooperate with authorities by sharing information that could prevent future attacks.

The Niger State Police Command has launched an immediate enforcement operation targeting vehicles with obscured, tampered, or missing registration plates. This initiative, announced by Police Public Relations Officer SP Wasiu Abiodun, aims to curb the rising practice where motorists intentionally hide or alter their number plates.

The crackdown is based on Section 10(3) of the Road Traffic Act 2004 and Regulation 38 of the National Road Traffic Regulations 2012, which mandate that all vehicles on public roads must visibly display valid registration plates at all times. Commissioner of Police CP Adamu Abdullahi Elleman has directed all Area Commanders and Divisional Police Officers to begin enforcement across the state.

Vehicle owners are urged to ensure their vehicles are properly registered, with number plates displayed both front and rear, and to remove any covers or obstructions that prevent clear identification. The command also calls on motorists, transport unions, and the public to support the police during this exercise, emphasizing that the measure is essential for public safety and national security.

In a decisive move to safeguard public health, the Niger State Government has rolled out enhanced screening protocols for pilgrims returning from Saudi Arabia, aiming to intercept any potential cases of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) before they can spread within the state.

Health teams stationed at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Airport in Minna are conducting rigorous temperature checks and medical evaluations on all incoming pilgrims. This action comes amid elevated fears following recent Ebola outbreaks in several African nations, including Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Dr. Ibrahim Idris, the Director of Public Health, who oversaw the operation, confirmed that no returnee has exhibited signs of Ebola or any febrile illness thus far. He emphasized that the screenings are a proactive strategy to detect and contain infectious diseases early.

Representing the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Murtala Bagana, Dr. Idris revealed that the state is gearing up to reactivate its Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) as part of a broader preparedness plan against Ebola and other infectious threats. He stated that the Ministry of Health is collaborating closely with key stakeholders to prevent diseases of public health importance from entering the state through international travel corridors.

The Acting Airport Manager and Head of Security, Nafiu H. Na’Abba, confirmed that airport authorities have received explicit instructions to ensure stringent checks on all passengers arriving from Saudi Arabia. He added that airport staff have been fully mobilized to support health officials in screening, temperature monitoring, crowd control, and enforcement of public health guidelines.

Nigeria has directed states with international airports and border crossings to step up passenger screening and disease surveillance nationwide. This heightened vigilance reflects the growing concern over Ebola outbreaks elsewhere in Africa, prompting authorities to bolster their response mechanisms and protect the population from a potential importation of the virus.

In a landmark gathering held in Asaba, a wide array of stakeholders from Delta State came together to forge a united front against terrorism, kidnapping, and other criminal activities. The summit, convened by the state government, saw participation from heads of security agencies, local government chairmen, traditional rulers, community leaders, civil society groups, youth and women organizations, and members of the business community. Their shared goal was to deliberate on strategies to bolster peace and security across the state.

During his keynote address titled “Security: A Collective Responsibility,” Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori emphasized that safeguarding lives and property is the bedrock of sustainable development. He argued that no society can flourish amid fear and instability. “Security remains the foundation of every prosperous society. Without peace and stability, economic growth slows, investments decline, and communities struggle to thrive,” he stated. The governor underscored that while government and security agencies bear constitutional duties to enforce law and order, enduring peace can only arise from collaboration among all sectors of society.

Oborevwori called for enhanced public cooperation with security forces, highlighting the critical role of intelligence gathering and prompt information sharing. He remarked, “If you don’t share information, security agencies are not magicians. They operate based on intelligence and credible information. Criminals thrive when communities remain silent and stakeholders work in isolation. The strongest security systems are built on trust, cooperation, vigilance and timely sharing of information. If you see something, say something.”

The governor also issued a resounding condemnation of all acts of terrorism across Nigeria, reaffirming Delta State’s commitment to standing against terror until the nation is fully safe. He urged every resident to be security conscious and to report suspicious activities to law enforcement agencies, asserting that collective effort can enhance community peace and security.

Earlier, Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Kingsley Emu, explained that the summit was organized in response to escalating security concerns nationwide and the imperative for proactive engagement with key stakeholders. He noted that the event aimed not only to identify security challenges but also to craft actionable solutions to strengthen peace and security throughout Delta State.

The Kwara State Government, led by Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, has initiated legal proceedings against former Senate President Bukola Saraki, accusing him of cyberbullying and defamation. The lawsuit stems from a social media post Saraki made on April 17, 2026, which the governor claims attacked his reputation and constituted both defamation and cyberbullying.

Saraki’s legal team appeared before Justice M. O. Folorunso at the Kwara State High Court in Ilorin on Wednesday to defend the former Senate President and two-term governor. The governor’s lawyers argued that by questioning his educational qualifications in the post, Saraki’s statement could potentially disrupt public peace in the state. They requested a bench warrant and a court order to compel Saraki’s appearance in court.

However, Saraki’s lawyers countered that the court processes were improperly filed and that the high court lacks jurisdiction to hear the case. They maintained that Saraki’s post on Facebook and X (formerly Twitter) was a legitimate exercise of his freedom of speech and right to reply as the leader of the opposition to the governor’s political party. After hearing both sides, the court adjourned the matter to July 3, 2026, for a ruling on the applications.

In a statement through Abdulganiyu Abdulqadir, Saraki urged his supporters to remain calm and law-abiding. He expressed confidence that the oppressive tactics meant to intimidate and silence him would fail, vowing to continue speaking on matters of public interest. He reminded his supporters that the current administration has only 11 months left in office, describing the legal action as a temporary inconvenience.

Human rights watchdog Amnesty International has voiced outrage following a brutal assault on the Irigwe settlement in Angwan Magaji, situated in Kamaru Ward, Kauru Local Government Area of Kaduna State. The attack, carried out by armed assailants late on June 16, 2026, left nine individuals dead and 11 others wounded.

According to the organization, the victims included two young children aged four and five. The gunmen carried out the raid under cover of darkness, with three women reportedly targeted inside their residences. Many victims suffered gruesome deaths, and search operations are still underway for community members who remain unaccounted for.

Amnesty International described this incident as among the most severe acts of violence in recent memory in Southern Kaduna, highlighting the persistent security crisis plaguing the region. A statement from the group read, “This is arguably one of the most lethal assaults in recent times in southern Kaduna, marking yet another instance where a rural populace has been devastated by a nocturnal attack.”

The organization decried what it termed a relentless pattern of killings, kidnappings, and aggression in Southern Kaduna, urging authorities to act swiftly to safeguard lives and enforce accountability. It emphasized that the ongoing violence, coupled with the impunity enjoyed by perpetrators, continues to gravely threaten residents’ fundamental right to life.

On Wednesday, commercial tricycle drivers in Warri took to the streets, marching to the Delta State Board of Internal Revenue (DBIR) headquarters. They voiced grievances over what they described as persistent harassment, extortion, and unlawful arrests by police officers.

The demonstrators blocked a lane of the main highway leading to the airport, singing solidarity songs as they carried placards. Their signs read messages such as: “License Office, tell us why our plate numbers are not registered in your system. Police are harassing us” and “Government provide us with jobs please. Police leave Keke riders alone”.

According to the protesters, police in Warri and surrounding areas have been routinely arresting them illegally and demanding daily payments of ten thousand naira (N10,000). They warned that if government agencies do not intervene amicably, the situation could escalate into a major crisis.

One operator from the Eyekpimi family of Okere-Urhobo community stated that if authorities are searching for “illegal officers” involved in number plate fraud, they should target the DBIR office rather than arresting innocent riders on the road. He emphasized that the riders are only trying to support themselves and their families.

He also appealed to Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, noting that the governor might be unaware of the situation in Warri. “Governor, the police in Warri are harassing us. Area Command, Ekpan, ‘B’ Division, and all of them,” he said.

Eyekpimi argued that their number plates were legitimately registered by the licensing office, questioning: “Do we have machines to print illegal plate numbers? If Police are looking for illegal officers who make number plates, they should go and arrest them at the licensing office. Not on the road to arrest us.”

The protesters vowed to continue until illegal arrests and the daily N10,000 extortion by police in Warri and its environs stop.

Another tricycle operator, Jeffery Awhe Akioja, echoed similar concerns. He mentioned other illegal “development fees” that police collect on the road daily. He recalled previous challenges: “They came with baskets and waste bins, we overcame that. They came with tarpaulins and said we should not paint our Keke black, we overcame that too.”

Akioja explained that they purchased their tricycles on hire purchase, costing between 8 to 9 million naira, and are struggling to make payments due to the lack of jobs in the country and state. He added: “If they seize your Keke, you pay N10,000. If you don’t have it, they arrest you and take you to the station. Yet it is the State Government that registers plate numbers for us, not ourselves.”

He stressed that the protest was directed at the licensing office due to police harassment, illegal arrests, and extortion. “B Division won’t let us rest. Mopol base, Ogunu, Enerhen—all of them. Enough is enough.”

Wisdom Omoteh, another rider, recounted his own experience: police from Enerhen Division stopped him, checked his documents—which were correct—but still claimed the number plate lacked paperwork. He demanded that authorities go after the licensing office instead of innocent riders.

The Bauchi State Police Command has begun a statewide operation targeting vehicles without proper registration, those with obscured number plates, and those displaying fake or unauthorized plates. Mobile courts are now in place at the five area command headquarters and key points in Bauchi metropolis to ensure quick prosecution of violators.

Commissioner of Police, CP Sani-Omolori Aliyu, stated that the move follows a directive from the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu. The crackdown aims to improve road safety and beef up security across the state, as unregistered vehicles are often linked to serious crimes like kidnapping and armed robbery.

In a statement by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Nafiu Habib, the command warned that any vehicle found in violation of the law would be impounded and offenders taken before the mobile courts. Penalties include fines and other sanctions under Nigeria’s vehicle registration and licensing laws.

Aliyu emphasized that the exercise is not intended to harass motorists but to protect lives and property. He urged vehicle owners to regularize their registration documents, display plates properly, and avoid covering or altering them.

The police called for public cooperation, noting that the operation will be sustained without compromise as part of broader efforts to eliminate untraceable vehicles used by criminals and create a safer environment for Bauchi residents.

The former Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, has firmly denied rumors suggesting he intends to leave the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the Social Democratic Party (SDP) ahead of the 2027 elections. In a statement released by his media aide, Femi Awogboro, in Ibadan, Oyo State, on Wednesday, Adelabu dismissed the speculation as unfounded and malicious. The statement emphasized that Adelabu remains a dedicated APC member and that the rumors are designed to mislead the public. Addressing the false claims, he insisted that no amount of propaganda can sway his allegiance to the party. The rumor, which circulated online on Tuesday, had alleged that the former Central Bank of Nigeria deputy governor was planning a political switch. However, Adelabu labeled it a calculated attempt to generate unwarranted media attention and create a nonexistent trend. He urged the public to disregard the falsehood and reaffirmed his commitment to the APC.

The national chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Nentawe Yilwatda, has voiced strong confidence that the party will secure a win in the upcoming Ekiti State governorship election. This assertion is rooted in Governor Abiodun Oyebanji’s track record and the evident support he enjoys across the state.

Yilwatda made these remarks on Tuesday via a post on X, following his participation in the APC’s mega rally in Ekiti State. The event was also attended by Vice President Kashim Shettima, members of the National Working Committee, governors, and other key party figures.

He highlighted that the impressive turnout at the rally was a clear indicator of the governor’s widespread popularity and acceptance among Ekiti residents. According to Yilwatda, the people are eager to show their appreciation by granting Oyebanji a second term.

The APC chairman elaborated on Oyebanji’s achievements, noting that the governor has fulfilled the trust placed in him. Key accomplishments include the construction and rehabilitation of roads, enhanced investments in education, and policies focused on human capital development.

Yilwatda emphasized that the tangible results of the administration’s efforts are visible throughout the state, fostering confidence and backing from the electorate. He expressed optimism about the APC’s electoral prospects, linking the anticipated victory directly to the governor’s commendable service and the strong support from Ekiti’s citizens.

“Governor Oyebanji has truly justified the confidence the people have in him. Under his leadership, critical road networks have been built and upgraded, linking communities and boosting economic activities. His administration has also fostered an environment where students can thrive, with substantial investments in education and human capital,” Yilwatda said.

“Today, evidence of good governance is everywhere in Ekiti. The people recognize Governor Oyebanji’s efforts and take pride in his accomplishments. That’s why thousands willingly showed up at the rally to express their support and reaffirm their trust in his leadership,” he added.