Category: News

A man who survived a kidnapping in Benue State has disclosed that armed herdsmen have transformed a forest in Otukpo Local Government Area into a criminal stronghold they call ‘Little Sambisa,’ where hostages are kept while ransoms are negotiated.

The survivor, Akubobi Fabian, made this known after he was set free following six days in captivity. He had been seized along the Ojano Road corridor near Ochobo Bridge.

Fabian recounted that he was heading home after purchasing supplies when assailants ambushed his vehicle around 9 p.m. They shot at the car, blew out a tire, and forced everyone into the bush.

“At first, we believed they were just robbers after our money, but they led us deep into the forest,” he said.

The captives walked throughout the night until they reached the kidnappers’ camp, where conditions were harsh during the entire six-day ordeal. Fabian stated that the abductors demanded N10 million for his release, while some other victims were told to pay up to N20 million.

“They asked for N10 million from me. Others were charged N20 million. My brother managed to gather N1 million, and after six days, they let me go,” he explained.

The kidnappers repeatedly referred to their camp as “Sambisa Forest,” a name famously linked to the Boko Haram hideout in northeastern Nigeria. Fabian added that the camp is located behind the Idoma Doctors Association building in Otukpo, and the abductors openly identified themselves as Fulani herdsmen.

Citizen journalist Meddy Olotu, who interviewed Fabian after his freedom, corroborated the story. Olotu noted that the same location has been used multiple times as a collection point for ransom payments related to kidnappings on the Ojano Road axis and surrounding areas.

“Several previous cases, involving students and travelers, had ransoms delivered at that very spot behind the Idoma Doctors Association building,” Olotu said.

He expressed concern that criminal activities persist in the area, with kidnappers conducting negotiations and collecting payments without any interference. Olotu also recalled an incident where a man was shot in Ojano, later died in hospital, and his body was placed in a morgue.

Fabian confirmed that one person lost their life during the attack that led to his abduction, as the gunmen opened fire near a checkpoint before forcing the group into the forest. He and other survivors reported the incident to the police upon their release.

The revelations have intensified worries about security in Benue South, especially along the Otukpo-Ojano route, where residents have frequently voiced concerns about rising kidnapping and violent attacks. As of now, security authorities have not formally responded to the allegations regarding the existence of the hideout.

The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has officially distanced itself from the Take It Back Movement, a group led by activist and former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore. NANS accuses the movement of disguising political ambitions under the cloak of activism.

In a statement released from Abuja, NANS President Akinteye Babatunde Afeez declared that the student body will not participate in any protests organized by the movement. He stressed that NANS’ advocacy methods are fundamentally different from those of the group.

Afeez raised concerns that the Take It Back Movement has muddied the waters between activism, journalism, and partisan politics, casting doubt on its genuine objectives. He asserted that the movement’s actions appear to serve political interests rather than advocating for pressing national issues.

The NANS president also refuted reports questioning his student status, labeling them as false and irresponsible. He affirmed that he is a legitimate student at Olusegun Agagu University of Science and Technology and criticized the publishing media house for failing to verify facts before going to print.

Afeez urged media organizations to uphold professional standards of accuracy and fairness. He further claimed that the Take It Back Movement is increasingly viewed as a political entity rather than an independent advocacy group.

Without providing evidence, he alleged that some individuals have linked the movement to groups like the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and the Eastern Security Network (ESN). Regarding the recent abductions of students and teachers, Afeez stated that NANS will not collaborate with Sowore or his movement in any related protests.

However, he commended organized labor and education stakeholders, including the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), for their advocacy on behalf of kidnap victims. Afeez reaffirmed NANS’ commitment to demanding the safe return of abducted students and holding authorities accountable for protecting educational institutions.

He emphasized that the association will continue to champion student interests through peaceful and lawful means, maintaining a dedication to national peace and stability and opposing any actions that could incite violence or public disorder.

In a significant counter-insurgency operation, soldiers from Operation Hadin Kai have successfully extracted five children who managed to flee from Boko Haram strongholds in Borno State. The escape occurred as intensified military actions put pressure on terrorist hideouts.

Security analyst Zagazola Makama, based in the Lake Chad region, shared the details via a social media post. He explained that the rescue missions took place on June 4, during routine perimeter sweeps and fighting patrols conducted by military forces in the northeastern theater.

According to Makama, troops from the 82 Division Task Force Battalion came across two female escapees—Aisha Idrisa, 13, and Fatima Abubakar, 11—near the Amuda area in Gwoza Local Government Area. The girls reportedly fled from a terrorist enclave in Sahalawa after relentless aerial bombardments and ground offensives forced insurgents to desert their positions.

Initial questioning revealed that both girls are natives of Pulka community and were kidnapped by terrorists in 2025. Makama quoted them as saying, “The constant military pressure and shelling made the terrorists run away, giving us a chance to escape.”

After being rescued, the girls underwent screening, documentation, and were joyfully reunited with their families at the Pulka Internally Displaced Persons Camp, with camp officials overseeing the process.

In a separate incident, three other female escapees—Wuriya Kaka, 12, Fauza Abu, 13, and Hussaina Usman, 13—voluntarily gave themselves up to soldiers from the 26 Task Force Brigade in Gwoza. They had fled from Guduf Nagadayo in the Mandara Mountains. Makama noted that these three are now undergoing standard screening and profiling procedures.

Sam Amadi, the former chairman of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), has voiced strong disapproval of the primary elections conducted by the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC). In a scathing assessment shared via X on Thursday, Amadi characterized the NDC’s internal polls as deeply flawed and tainted by widespread manipulation.

According to Amadi, the NDC’s primaries were the least credible among the three major political parties that recently held internal elections in preparation for the 2027 general elections. He noted that while the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) also conducted problematic primaries, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) fared relatively better in terms of organization, though it was not without its own irregularities.

Amadi ranked the parties based on organizational efficiency, placing the ADC first, the APC second, and the NDC last. Despite this ranking, he emphasized that all three parties presided over primaries that were extensively rigged. He argued that achieving truly free and fair primaries is almost impossible under the current political climate and with the constrained timeframes available.

Amadi suggested that the NDC’s shortcomings might be partly excused by the limited time it had to prepare for the elections. However, he called on the party to significantly improve its processes if it hopes to be recognized as Nigeria’s primary opposition force. He pointed out that many participants in Nigerian politics are driven by greed and poverty, which exacerbates the challenges of conducting credible internal elections.

The Accord party has strongly condemned the assassination attempt on its Osogbo Local Government Area Chairman, Asimiyu Ajibola, describing the attack as politically motivated. The party is calling for a thorough investigation by the Nigeria Police and the Department of State Services to identify and prosecute the perpetrators.

In a statement released by its National Chairman, Barrister Maxwell Mgbudem, Accord expressed gratitude for the chairman’s survival and prayed for his swift recovery. The party noted that two gunmen opened fire on a Toyota Corolla carrying Ajibola and his associates in the MDS area of Osogbo on the night of June 3, 2026, resulting in multiple gunshot wounds. The chairman was rushed to the University Teaching Hospital in Osun State, where he is receiving treatment.

Accord condemned the increasing political violence targeting its members ahead of the August 12, 2026, governorship election, calling the attacks outrageous, barbaric, and wicked. The party alleged that opposition All Progressives Congress (APC) thugs have repeatedly attacked Accord members, the Imole Campaign, and public properties, including billboards and party secretariats, in an attempt to intimidate and suppress them. Accord further claimed that despite reporting these threats to security agencies, no arrests or prosecutions have been made.

“Enough is enough of this political violence. It is obvious that the ballot is stronger than the gun,” the statement read. Accord reiterated its commitment to issue-based politics and peaceful campaigning for the upcoming election. The party declared that it will not be cowed or intimidated by what it termed anti-democratic forces in Osun State.

Accord emphasized that Osun State remains its stronghold, with a pro-people governor who has delivered democratic dividends and deserves a second term. The party affirmed that the people of Osun are united behind Governor Ademola Adeleke, and together they will elevate the state to new levels of development and prosperity.

The Labour Party in Akwa Ibom State is facing a fresh internal conflict following the emergence of two governorship candidates from parallel primary elections held on May 30, 2026. The dispute has thrown the party into uncertainty as the 2027 general elections approach.

One faction, led by state chairman Comrade Lincoln Charles, conducted its primary at Port Harcourt Street, off Abak Road, where Emmanuel Ben was elected as the party’s flagbearer. Charles insisted that Ben was the only legitimate candidate, having purchased the nomination form and secured clearance from the national body. He dismissed other claimants as imposters unknown to INEC.

However, a rival faction loyal to Senator Nenadi Usman’s national leadership held its own primary at the party secretariat, producing Micheal Bush as the candidate. Dr. Kingsley Okundaye, chairman of the electoral committee for this faction, rejected Ben’s candidacy, arguing that Ben was never cleared by the national screening committee and therefore cannot appear on the ballot. Okundaye cited the Supreme Court judgment that recognized Usman as the legitimate national chairman, which he says validates only Bush’s primary.

There are allegations that Ben was sponsored by the ruling party in Akwa Ibom to destabilize the opposition, a claim that has further fueled tensions. The crisis mirrors wider challenges facing opposition parties in the state, with several others also experiencing post-primary disputes.

In the Action Democratic Congress (ADC), governorship aspirant Barrister Mfon Peter alleged foul play after losing the primary to Senator John Akpanudoedehe. Peter accused the state government of sponsoring rival candidates and disenfranchising his supporters. He has petitioned the party’s appeal committee, demanding a fresh primary.

Similarly, Dr. Tom Fredfish, a House of Representatives candidate under the APM, raised concerns about government infiltration of opposition parties, urging the judiciary to uphold justice and encouraging genuine candidates to remain steadfast. He emphasized that the electorate will ultimately decide the fate of all candidates.

The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has refuted allegations that it imposed candidates during its recent primary elections across various constituencies.

In a statement released on Thursday, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Osa Director, clarified that all aspirants were received by the party, given attention, and directed to engage with appropriate leaders and grassroots stakeholders in their respective states.

Director emphasized that the NDC operates under an established stakeholder leadership structure that includes caucus heads in every state of the federation. He reiterated the party’s commitment to principles of leadership, consultation, inclusiveness, and consensus-building.

He further stressed the party’s dedication to encouraging women’s participation in elective offices, noting that this has been implemented in several instances. “At no time has the NDC National Secretariat been involved in picking, choosing, or imposing candidates on any constituency or state,” Director stated.

The party acknowledged reports of some aspirants prematurely declaring themselves as candidates and complaints raised concerning certain aspects of the process. According to Director, these issues have been brought to the attention of the appeal panel and party leadership, and have already been addressed.

The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has disclosed that more than half of its aspirants for the 2027 general elections were chosen through consensus agreements. This statement was made by the party’s national spokesman, Osa Director, during an interview on Arise Television on Thursday.

Director emphasized that the NDC is committed to fostering a transparent and inclusive democratic process, distinguishing itself from traditional political practices. He noted that some individuals are attempting to undermine the party’s progress by claiming the NDC is no different from other political entities.

“Over 50% of NDC candidates emerged through consensus,” Director stated. “The NDC will conduct itself in a manner that breaks away from business as usual. That is our promise to Nigerians.” He further explained that the party is attracting numerous supporters, but only some will ultimately be chosen, which may lead to disappointment among those not selected. However, he assured that no one is rejected in the NDC.

Drawing an analogy, Director described the NDC as a “political Noah’s Ark,” serving as a vehicle to transform Nigeria into a place of salvation, progress, and inclusive development. The party aims to embrace a new era of growth and opportunity for all citizens.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has officially rejected a document claiming to list its senatorial candidates for upcoming elections, labeling it as entirely fraudulent. The party, through its National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, released a statement clarifying that the so-called “Concluded List of APC Senatorial Candidates So Far” was never issued by the party.

Morka emphasized that no such list has been released and warned the public against spreading unverified information that could mislead party members and the general populace. The statement explicitly declared the list as fake and unauthorised.

The APC urged all stakeholders, including party loyalists, media houses, and the public at large, to completely disregard the publication. It highlighted that only the National Working Committee (NWC) holds the authority to announce candidates, which must be done through official channels after primary elections and other constitutional procedures.

The ruling party expressed deep concern that false information of this nature could sow confusion and erode trust in its internal democratic processes. The statement appealed to all members and stakeholders to abstain from circulating unverified content that might damage the party’s integrity.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has officially launched appeal panels to address complaints arising from its recently held presidential, governorship, National Assembly, and state legislative primaries. This move aims to enhance transparency, fairness, and internal democracy within the party’s candidate selection process.

In a statement released on Thursday by National Publicity Secretary Jungudo Mohammed, the party confirmed that these panels will review grievances from aspirants and stakeholders who are dissatisfied with the primary outcomes. The committees are tasked with examining appeals and providing recommendations aligned with the PDP’s constitution, electoral guidelines, and relevant legal provisions.

“The appeal panels will hear and review appeals from contestants and stakeholders who are dissatisfied with the outcome of the primaries. They will also make recommendations in line with the party’s Constitution, Electoral Guidelines and relevant provisions of the law,” Mohammed stated.

He emphasized that this initiative underscores the PDP’s commitment to a credible and transparent candidate selection process ahead of upcoming elections. Mohammed disclosed that the party’s National Chairman, Abdulrahman Mohammed, will head the panel overseeing governorship and presidential primary disputes, with former National Secretary Samuel Anyanwu serving as a member.

Additionally, the spokesman revealed that Suleiman Afolagbe will chair the panel responsible for appeals related to state assembly and National Assembly primaries. The nine-member legislative panel is scheduled to convene on June 8 and June 9 at the National Working Committee (NWC) Hall in the party’s national secretariat in Abuja. Meanwhile, the 24-member governorship and presidential panel will begin its sittings on June 10 at the same venue.