Category: News

In Katsina State, a senior cleric has sounded the alarm over the closure of no fewer than ten churches following escalating bandit attacks. The Reverend in charge of ECWA in the region, Rev. Daniel Barau, revealed that worshippers and pastors have been forced to abandon their places of worship as insecurity worsens across multiple communities.

According to Barau, the affected local government areas include Kankia, Musawa, Kankara, and Malumfashi, where persistent raids, kidnappings, and killings have created a climate of fear. He described the situation in the Funtua zone as dire, noting that attacks occur daily, often at any time of day or night.

“There is hardly a day without an attack,” the cleric stated. “Bandits kidnap people, assault women, steal property, and kill anyone who resists.” He also alleged that armed groups are now demanding levies from farming communities before allowing them access to their fields for the current planting season.

Barau claimed that residents of Mazoji (B) Ward have been ordered to pay N30 million, while communities such as Maruji, Dan Ali, Ilali, Gwarjo, and Jimpi face demands of N10 million each. Over the last two weeks, he said, more than 20 people have lost their lives in the affected areas.

The insecurity has severely disrupted Christian worship, leading to the shutdown of churches in Boraji under Siyyaya Chiefdom, Yan Sako in Musawa and Matazu areas, as well as Tagabawa in Dutsin-Ma Local Government Area. Pastors have fled communities like Kakilawa, Sabon Layi Mazoji, and Gidan Mai Doki, leaving churches abandoned. Other closed places of worship include ECWA Church in Jimpi, a church in Gidan Damo, Mararar Kankara, a Catholic Church in Gidan Na Moni, and a church in Yan Mayu Takalafiya.

Rev. Barau appealed to the federal government, the Katsina State government, and the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) to urgently provide security reinforcements and humanitarian aid. “We plead for immediate intervention to prevent further displacement and loss of life,” he said, warning that without decisive action, more communities will be uprooted and religious activities will be completely halted.

The Federal Government of Nigeria has officially received the findings of an independent investigative committee established to probe allegations of corruption, torture, and other human rights abuses within the Nigerian Correctional Service.

Minister of Interior Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo made this known through a statement on his official social media handle. The panel, chaired by the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary Dr. Magdalene Ajani, completed its work after an 18-month investigation that began in November 2024.

Tunji-Ojo emphasized that the report’s conclusions will shape future reforms aimed at transforming correctional facilities across the country. He stated, ‘The findings will serve as a strong foundation for converting our correctional centers from mere holding places into true hubs of rehabilitation, reformation, restoration, and reintegration.’

The minister also highlighted progress in rehabilitation programs, noting a sharp decline in recidivism—from 11,616 inmates in 2023 to just 1,382 in 2025. Additionally, 62 inmates are now pursuing postgraduate degrees, 261 are enrolled in undergraduate programs, 1,125 are involved in ongoing educational studies, and 9,582 are participating in vocational and skill acquisition training.

‘As a government, we are dedicated to ensuring that no Nigerian, whether free or incarcerated, is left behind,’ Tunji-Ojo added. The government plans to implement the panel’s recommendations through robust monitoring and evaluation frameworks to strengthen correctional administration. ‘Our goal is clear. Never again should our correctional centers be associated with dehumanization, corruption, or discrimination,’ he concluded.

The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has introduced a special compensation package for Band A electricity customers who experienced power supply shortfalls due to grid generation constraints during February and March 2026. The announcement was made in a public notice on Thursday, citing significant generation deficits across the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI) that prevented Distribution Companies (DisCos) from meeting their committed service levels to some Band A customers.

According to NERC, these shortfalls stemmed largely from inadequate gas supply and vandalism of critical gas and transmission infrastructure—factors beyond the control of DisCos. The compensation covers the two-month period and applies to eligible customers on feeders that underperformed.

For Band A feeders that delivered an average of 18 to 20 hours of daily supply, existing compensation rules under Addendum No. NERC/2024/003 will apply for both Maximum Demand (MD) and Non-Maximum Demand (Non-MD) customers. However, feeders that supplied less than 18 hours will not be downgraded; instead, Non-MD customers will receive compensation equal to 20% of the approved February 2026 energy cap for their feeder, while MD customers will get 20% of the average energy billed per MD customer in February 2026.

Prepaid customers will receive their compensation as token credits, while postpaid customers will see adjustments on their bills. NERC has mandated that compensation for February 2026 be completed by May 31, 2026, and for March 2026 by June 30, 2026. The commission also prohibited DisCos from using compensation credits to offset any existing customer debts and required them to clearly inform customers of the amount and period of compensation.

NERC reiterated its commitment to protecting electricity consumers and ensuring market stability. It will continue to monitor implementation and verify compliance to guarantee that all eligible customers receive their due compensation.

In a fresh wave of controversy, Prophet Jacob Dangyang, a clergyman based in Jos, Plateau State, has accused Fulani herders of forcefully occupying his community’s ancestral lands in Fass District, Riyom Local Government Area. The prophet, who leads the Global UpperRoom Revival Ministries, shared his allegations on social media, describing a distressing transformation from peaceful coexistence to violent takeover.

According to Dangyang, Fulani bandits have been attacking villages in Fass, killing or displacing residents, then planting their flags and renaming the areas they conquer. He recalled his childhood in Fass, where Fulani herders would peacefully graze during the dry season and leave before the rains, fertilizing the land with their cattle. This harmonious cycle persisted for generations, but suddenly shifted when the visitors turned aggressive, seizing control of the village and its farmlands.

The prophet lamented that many indigenous families, including his own, lost their properties. He stated that Fass is now predominantly Fulani, and original landowners like himself no longer have access to their own farmlands. He expressed frustration that his outcry has been met with threats and accusations of inciting unrest from authorities, who urge him to remain silent. But Dangyang insists he cannot stay quiet while families suffer such immense losses.

He declared his unwavering determination to speak out against the atrocities, emphasizing that he has only scratched the surface of what is occurring across Plateau. He called for the church to defend itself by acquiring weapons, a stance that has led to calls for his arrest. Dangyang challenged his critics, questioning why authorities focus on silencing him instead of arresting those who attack churches and kidnap worshippers. He asserted, “The land of Plateau will fight against the enemies of Plateau, and Jesus Christ will give us victory.”

Despite some improvements in Nigeria’s security landscape over recent years, the nation cannot be described as completely safe, according to a security expert. In an exclusive interview with DAILY POST, retired Army Captain and Country Director of the International Human Rights Commission (IHRC), Abdullahi Bokaji Adamu, shared his perspective on President Bola Tinubu’s third anniversary address.

President Tinubu had stated that security conditions are improving in parts of the country, citing military operations and reforms yielding results against terrorists, bandits, and kidnappers. Adamu noted that both statements—that some areas are safer and that serious insecurity persists—can coexist. He acknowledged that highways once notorious for kidnappings now have heightened military and police presence, and some terrorist leaders have been neutralized, but stressed that significant challenges remain.

Adamu pointed out that kidnappings for ransom continue in the North-West and North-Central regions, and rural communities still suffer attacks from bandits and armed groups. Farmers, herders, and travelers remain vulnerable. He emphasized that security gains are uneven and vary by state, making it premature to declare the country fully secure.

On whether security agencies can locate bandits and end the crisis, Adamu affirmed that modern agencies have intelligence capabilities, surveillance technology, and community networks to track criminal activities. However, completely ending banditry is complex due to vast forests, difficult terrain, alleged informants within communities, weak border controls, poverty, and unemployment that facilitate recruitment. He stressed that prosecution and conviction rates are often inadequate.

Despite these hurdles, Adamu believes banditry can be drastically reduced with stronger political will, better intelligence coordination, improved accountability, and sustained operations. He added that tackling insecurity goes beyond locating criminals; it requires arresting and prosecuting them, disrupting funding sources, stopping arms supplies, protecting vulnerable communities, and addressing the social and economic drivers of recruitment.

In summary, Adamu stated that while some regions show security improvements, persistent kidnappings and bandit attacks indicate much remains undone. Security agencies can locate bandit networks, but ending banditry demands a comprehensive, sustained national effort—not just military action alone.

The international human rights organization Amnesty International has voiced strong condemnation following the violent disruption of a peaceful demonstration in Ibadan, Oyo State. The group has urged the authorities to conduct a thorough investigation into the incident and to ensure that those responsible are held accountable through fair legal proceedings.

In a statement released on Thursday, Amnesty International detailed that the protest, organized by the Take It Back Movement under the banner #BringBackOurPupilsAndTeachers, was met with aggression from individuals allegedly hired to quell the demonstration. The protesters had been marching from the Mokola area toward Bodija on Tuesday, June 2, when they were attacked near Sango.

The demonstration aimed to highlight what organizers see as a failure by authorities to provide adequate protection for schools, pupils, and teachers against abductions carried out by armed groups. According to the rights group, several protesters suffered injuries, vehicles were vandalized, and personal property was stolen during the attack.

Amnesty International expressed concern over what it described as a troubling trend of using thugs to suppress peaceful assemblies, warning that such actions violate the constitutional right to freedom of assembly. The organization emphasized that people must be able to freely exercise their right to peaceful protest without fear of violence or intimidation. It stated, “Any act capable of undermining freedom of assembly is illegal and portrays unacceptable intolerance of peaceful dissent.”

The group called on Nigerian authorities to protect citizens’ rights to peaceful assembly and to ensure that lawful protesters are shielded from violence and harassment.

Former presidential candidate Peter Obi has advised young Nigerians to stop shifting responsibilities onto Pastor Enoch Adeboye, describing the practice as unjust. Speaking via a post on X on Thursday, Obi emphasized that the 84-year-old cleric should not be burdened with tasks that belong to the younger generation.

Obi’s comments come amid a wave of online criticism targeting the Redeemed Christian Church of God General Overseer over Nigeria’s worsening insecurity. Some young Nigerians had called on Adeboye to lead protests similar to those he organized during former President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration.

According to Obi, it is unfair for able-bodied youths to expect the elderly pastor to solve problems they themselves should address. He stressed that the responsibility of building a better nation rests squarely on the shoulders of the younger generation. They must lead conversations, champion reforms, and drive the change Nigeria urgently needs.

The former Anambra State governor also warned against falling into ethnic and religious traps set by politicians. He noted that during the 2023 elections, especially in Lagos, discussions on governance and development were hijacked by tribal sentiments. Obi expressed concern that similar divisive tactics are being resurrected, often subtly, through narratives designed to create suspicion.

He stated that politicians who lack ideas, character, performance, and vision often exploit identity differences to gain political advantage. Obi urged Nigerians to be vigilant and not allow themselves to be used as tools for disunity.

Defending Adeboye, Obi described him as one of the nation’s foremost fathers of faith, who has consistently preached peace, prayer, love, reconciliation, and national unity. Even when provoked, Adeboye has responded with humility, restraint, wisdom, and grace, Obi added.

“Let me state clearly that Pastor Enoch Adeboye remains one of the foremost fathers of faith in our nation. For decades, he has consistently preached the virtues of peace, prayer, love, reconciliation, and national unity. Even when faced with provocation, his response has always reflected humility, restraint, wisdom, and grace,” Obi said.

He reiterated that the youth must not transfer their duties to elders. Instead, they should take ownership of Nigeria’s reform agenda and resist being used to promote division. Obi’s statement serves as a call to action for young Nigerians to step up and lead, rather than waiting for others to act.

The Obidient Movement, alongside stakeholders from the Kaduna South senatorial district, has expressed strong support for zoning the governorship ticket to Southern Kaduna, arguing this strategy would significantly boost the party’s chances in the 2027 general elections.

Pastor Isaac Ango Makama, who serves as coordinator for both the Obidient Movement and NDC stakeholders in the southern zone, made this known during a press briefing in Kaduna on Wednesday. He noted that rival parties have already made their zoning decisions: the APC and PDP have chosen candidates from the central zone, while the ADC has picked a candidate from the northern district. This leaves the NDC with a clear advantage if it opts for a Southern Kaduna candidate.

According to Makama, fielding a candidate from Southern Kaduna would energize the NDC’s campaign by inspiring voters who yearn for a break from traditional political dynamics. He emphasized that such a move would signal the party’s commitment to rewarding dedication, honoring diversity, and upholding fairness and inclusivity.

Makama clarified that the request is being made peacefully and democratically, with the aim of fostering party unity. He stressed that they are not opposing any other region or faction but are pushing for a decision grounded in recent electoral trends and the hopes of numerous party members across Kaduna State.

He called on the national and state leadership of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, including Senator Seriake Dickson, presidential candidate Peter Obi, Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso, party elders, State Chairman Mordecai Ibrahim, youth groups, women leaders, and all stakeholders to endorse the zoning of the governorship ticket to the Kaduna South senatorial district.

Makama argued that zoning the ticket to Kaduna South is more than a political move—it acknowledges the sacrifices and unwavering democratic spirit of a people who have remained committed to the fight for a better Kaduna State. He asserted that Southern Kaduna has capable men and women with the expertise and vision to lead the state effectively, and that the issue is about ensuring every part of the state has a fair chance at the highest office.

The coordinator highlighted that as the NDC aims to present itself as a credible alternative in Kaduna State, it cannot overlook the political bravery and dedication shown by the people of Southern Kaduna. They stood firm for change during challenging times, and they deserve recognition and inclusion in the party’s leadership plans.

Makama recalled that during the 2023 elections, Southern Kaduna stood out as one of the strongest backers of the movement for change led by Peter Obi and the Labour Party. While many areas were swayed by ethnic, religious, and establishment politics, the people of Southern Kaduna overwhelmingly chose competence, accountability, national unity, and a fresh political path.

With an eye on the 2027 general elections, the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Jigawa State is intensifying its organizational groundwork. Party officials have announced the inauguration of new ward-level secretariats, starting with a freshly commissioned office in Garki local government area, as part of a strategic push to secure a sweeping victory.

Adamu Hudu Kore, chairman of the Garki council, disclosed during a press briefing on Wednesday that the party has already opened one ward office and plans to unveil two more each month until all 11 wards in the area have their own operational hubs. According to Kore, these facilities will serve as central points for party activities, community outreach, and member mobilization.

The initiative also attracted a wave of defectors from rival political parties, who joined the APC ranks. Kore emphasized that Garki remains a stronghold of the APC and that Jigawa as a whole is securely within the party’s grip. He reiterated his administration’s commitment to bolstering democratic institutions and creating platforms for grassroots political participation.

This grassroots expansion reflects the APC’s broader strategy to entrench its presence well ahead of the 2027 polls, ensuring that no ward is left behind in the race for votes.

The Federal High Court in Abuja has postponed the hearing of a lawsuit challenging the interim leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), which is currently led by former Senate President David Mark, to June 8.

Justice Peter Lifu granted the adjournment after the plaintiff’s counsel, Robert Emukpoeruo, requested additional time due to the absence of lawyers for parties seeking to join the case.

The suit, filed by Nafiu-Bala Gombe, questions the legitimacy of the party’s current leadership structure.

During Wednesday’s session, only the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the parties seeking joinder were absent. The court noted that INEC had received hearing notices, but those seeking joinder had not been served.

ADC’s lawyer, Shaibu Aruwa, asked the court to allow the interested parties to present reasons for joining the case, pointing out that issues concerning them had arisen in earlier proceedings before Justice Emeka Nwite.

Emukpoeruo countered by reminding the court that both the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court had ordered an expedited hearing. However, he sought a brief adjournment to file and serve all necessary documents for a fair hearing.

Lawyers representing David Mark, former Governor Rauf Aregbesola, and former ADC National Chairman Ralph Nwosu did not oppose the request.

Defense lawyers accused the plaintiff of causing delays by seeking to reassign the case when it was before Justice Nwite, contrary to the Supreme Court’s directive for an accelerated hearing.

Justice Lifu rejected this argument, stating that parties cannot choose their judge. He emphasized his duty to ensure justice, having been assigned the case by the Chief Judge and guided by the Supreme Court’s instructions.

The judge took responsibility for the failure to serve hearing notices on those seeking joinder and ordered the court bailiff to complete service within 24 hours.

“In the circumstances of this case and the overall interest of justice and in compliance with the orders of the Supreme Court and Court of Appeal, this case is hereby given accelerated hearing,” Justice Lifu ruled.

He directed all parties to file and exchange their documents before the next hearing date.

Gombe is seeking a court order to bar David Mark, Aregbesola, and members of the ADC’s interim National Working Committee from acting as party leaders, arguing that their emergence violated the party’s constitution and the Electoral Act.

Defendants in the case include the ADC, David Mark, Aregbesola, INEC, and Ralph Nwosu.