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Kwara Police Chief Visits Eruku Community After Security Breach, Vows to Restore Order

Toyin Adebayo
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Kwara Police Chief Visits Eruku Community After Security Breach, Vows to Restore Order

ERUKU, Kwara State – The Commissioner of Police in Kwara State, CP Adekimi Ojo, conducted an on-the-spot assessment in Eruku community, Ekiti Local Government Area, on Wednesday following reports of a recent security incident that has unsettled the area.

The high-level security delegation, which included the State Director of the Department of State Services (DSS), Mr. Micheal Oganwu, was received by the Owa of Eruku Land, His Royal Highness Oba Busari Ayinde Oyediran Olarenwaju, Amuludunloye I, in his palace.

The royal father expressed his profound regret over what he described as a “dastardly attack” on the community and appealed to the security chiefs for the deployment of more personnel to protect the lives and property of his subjects.

According to a statement signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, the CP was briefed upon arrival by the Divisional Police Officer in Eruku and other tactical commanders to coordinate an immediate security response.

CP Ojo also engaged with community leaders, local vigilante members, and residents, gathering firsthand accounts and reassuring them of the Command’s “unwavering commitment to safeguarding lives and property.”

The security team subsequently visited the Christ Apostolic Church, Oke-Isegun, in Eruku, where the resident pastor, Mr. Bamidele, narrated the details of the incident and led a tour of the church premises.

“The CP is leading a strategic evaluation of the incident, ensuring adequate deployment of personnel and resources to rescue the victims, arrest perpetrators, restore confidence, and maintain law and order within the community,” the statement read.

The Command has promised to provide further updates as the assessment progresses.

Nigeria’s Democracy Not Under Threat, Asserts Wike, Slams PDP Chairman’s ‘Reckless’ Comments

Toyin Adebayo
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Nigeria’s Democracy Not Under Threat, Asserts Wike, Slams PDP Chairman’s ‘Reckless’ Comments

ABUJA – The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, on Wednesday forcefully dismissed claims that Nigeria’s democracy is in peril, labeling recent allegations by a factional chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Tanimu Turaki, as “reckless political indulgence” designed to stoke national tension.

Wike issued the rebuttal during a courtesy visit by the board and management of the newly inaugurated South-South Development Commission (SSDC) at his office in Abuja.

The Minister took aim at Turaki’s televised remarks, which alleged a genocide against Christians in Nigeria and suggested the country’s democracy required foreign intervention to survive. Wike condemned such statements as a “national security threat” that misrepresents the nation to the international community.

“Look at what someone said yesterday. You have internal crises in your own party, yet you go on national television claiming there is genocide against Christians,” Wike stated. “Essentially, you are telling the world that this government is committing genocide… Some are even calling Trump to ‘save their democracy’. How can you call an outsider to save you when you can’t obey a simple court order?”

He asserted that the nation’s democratic institutions remain stable, arguing that the real danger lies in political actors who deliberately peddle incendiary claims. “You cannot keep your house in order and then blame others for your failures. Impunity cannot continue,” he added.

Shifting focus to the SSDC, Wike urged its leadership to shun political distractions and learn from the failures of past regional interventionist agencies, which he said collapsed due to “corruption, divided loyalties, and poor leadership.”

He cautioned the commission against repeating the mistakes of agencies like the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDC), where, he recalled, contractors “rushed in from Abuja with portfolios” while billions of naira in funding yielded minimal developmental impact.

“Don’t go and do streets that lead only to one person’s house. Don’t duplicate projects states or local governments are already doing,” Wike advised. “Go to the communities, ask them what their immediate needs are. Support the President fully. Don’t divide your loyalty. Your loyalty is to the President who appointed you.”

The FCT Minister, who acknowledged facing sustained political attacks since assuming office, encouraged the board to maintain integrity. “I am here as Minister because I knew I could do the work. And yes, you will step on toes. But I’m not afraid as long as I’m doing the right thing,” he said.

He concluded with a stern financial warning to the new team: “Today, you are united because there’s no project and no money yet. But the moment ₦50 billion drops and someone spends it without approval, fights will start. Don’t let that be your legacy.”

In her response, the SSDC Managing Director, Ms. Usoro Akpabio, assured the Minister of the commission’s commitment to its mandate. “On behalf of the good people of the South-South… be assured that we are fully committed to delivering on our mandate to drive regional development and economic growth,” she said.

UNICEF Condemns Kebbi School Attack, Demands Release of Abducted Students

Toyin Adebayo
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UNICEF Condemns Kebbi School Attack, Demands Release of Abducted Students

ABUJA – The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has issued a strong condemnation of a deadly attack on a Government Girls School in Kebbi State, which resulted in the killing of the school’s vice-principal and the reported abduction of at least 25 students.

In a statement released on Tuesday, the UN agency demanded the immediate and unconditional release of the abducted girls, labeling the assault a grave violation of international law and children’s fundamental rights.

The attack on the school in the Maga community is the latest incident highlighting the persistent insecurity threatening education in northern Nigeria. UNICEF’s Communication Specialist in Nigeria, Sussan Akila, described the event as “yet another stark reminder of the urgent need to protect children, schools, and the personnel they rely upon to learn safely.”

The agency expressed solidarity with the affected community, stating, “We stand with the affected community at this difficult time. Our heartfelt condolences go to those who have lost their loved ones, and we wish a full recovery for those injured.”

In its statement, UNICEF underscored the legal obligations to safeguard educational institutions. “Students, education facilities, and their personnel should be protected under international law from any form of attack, and those responsible must be held to account in accordance with national and international standards,” Akila emphasized.

The organization also reminded Nigerian authorities of their commitment to the Safe Schools Declaration, an international agreement endorsed by the country in 2015 designed to protect learning environments from violence and ensure safe access to education, particularly during conflicts.

Call for intensified efforts to fully implement the declaration and strengthen national child protection systems was a central part of UNICEF’s message. The agency reaffirmed its commitment to collaborating with government partners, civil society, and local communities to enhance school safety, insisting that “no child should be put at risk while pursuing an education.”

Zulum Pledges Enhanced Access to Justice for Borno’s Insurgency Victims

Ola Akinola
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Zulum Pledges Enhanced Access to Justice for Borno’s Insurgency Victims

MAIDUGURI – Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, has pledged his administration’s commitment to ensuring citizens, particularly victims of the Boko Haram insurgency, have robust access to justice.

The Governor made the assurance on Monday during a meeting with the Director-General of the Legal Aid Council of Nigeria, Barrister Aliyu Bagudu Abubakar, and his management team at the Government House in Maiduguri.

Governor Zulum emphasized the critical need for legal representation for the state’s most vulnerable populations and directed state officials to collaborate closely with the federal council.

“Let me assure you that our people will not be left behind in access to justice, especially the teeming vulnerable people who are victims of Boko Haram insurgency,” Zulum stated.

He issued a directive for a harmonized legal aid framework, instructing that “the office of the Attorney General should work closely with your office to come up with a plan on how to harmonize the Office of Public Defenders and that of Citizens Rights Department already existing in the state for the benefit of our people.”

While acknowledging the state’s limited resources, the Governor urged the Council to submit a formal request for support, promising that “we shall look into your demands and see how we can address some of them.”

In his remarks, the Legal Aid Council’s Director-General, Barrister Aliyu Bagudu Abubakar, detailed the council’s extensive work in the state, providing crucial legal services to insurgency victims and displaced persons. He reported that from 2021 to 2023, the council successfully handled over 2,500 cases, including criminal defence, civil matters like property disputes, family law, and gender-based violence, as well as mediation.

To enhance this work, Barrister Abubakar requested operational vehicles, an annual subvention, and office furniture and equipment from the state government.

The high-level meeting was attended by the Deputy Governor, Hon. Umar Usman Kadafur; the Senator representing Borno Central, Senator Kaka Shehu Lawan SAN; the Acting Chief of Staff, Dr. Babagana Malumbe; other members of the State Executive Council, and Special Advisers.

UNICEF Urges Nigeria to Uphold Safe Schools Pledge Following Kebbi Abduction

Toyin Adebayo
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0
UNICEF Urges Nigeria to Uphold Safe Schools Pledge Following Kebbi Abduction

ABUJA – The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has issued a forceful call for the Nigerian government to intensify the protection of children and educational facilities, following a recent deadly attack and mass abduction at a girls’ school in Kebbi State.

In a statement released from its Abuja office, the UN agency condemned the assault on a Government Girls School in the Maga community, which resulted in the death of the school’s Vice-Principal and the reported kidnapping of 25 students. The incident is the latest in a series of attacks targeting schools in northern Nigeria.

UNICEF emphasized that authorities have a legal and moral obligation to ensure the safety of students and educational personnel, urging them to fully implement the international Safe Schools Declaration, which Nigeria endorsed in 2015.

“The tragic incident in Kebbi is another stark reminder of the urgent need to protect children, schools, and the personnel they rely upon to learn safely,” the statement read.

The declaration outlines concrete measures for safeguarding the civilian nature of schools and universities during periods of conflict, aiming to ensure students’ safe access to education. UNICEF called on “all relevant stakeholders” to redouble efforts to translate this commitment into action, citing the “porous learning environment” in many Nigerian schools that leaves children vulnerable to attack and abduction.

The agency’s Communication Specialist, Susan Akila, stated that those responsible for attacks on children must be held accountable in accordance with both national and international legal standards.

“We stand with the affected community at this difficult time. Our heartfelt condolences go to those who have lost their loved ones, and we wish a full recovery for those injured,” the statement expressed, while also demanding the swift and unconditional release of the abducted girls.

Emphasizing the fundamental right to education, UNICEF asserted, “No child should be put at risk while pursuing an education.”

The agency confirmed it is collaborating with government partners, civil society, and local communities to strengthen child protection systems and promote safe, inclusive learning environments across Nigeria. “These systems and environments must be reinforced to prevent future tragedies,” the statement concluded.

Labour Party Senator Okey Ezea Dies at 62 After Brief Illness

Ola Akinola
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Labour Party Senator Okey Ezea Dies at 62 After Brief Illness

ABUJA — Nigeria’s political landscape was plunged into grief on Wednesday as Senator Okey Ezea, the Labour Party (LP) lawmaker representing Enugu North Senatorial District, passed away at age 62 following a brief illness, his family confirmed in a somber announcement.

The 10th Senate’s only steadfast LP representative from Enugu State—renowned for resisting defection pressures to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC)—succumbed late Tuesday, November 18, 2025, at approximately 11:07 p.m. in a private hospital in Lagos, according to a statement by his son, Jideofor Ezea. Earlier reports of his death in London or the UK appear to stem from prior medical travels, including treatment in Germany, but the family clarified the final moments occurred in Nigeria’s commercial capital.

Born August 11, 1963, in Itchi, Igbo-Eze South Local Government Area of Enugu State, Ezea—affectionately known as “Ideke”—stormed into national politics in 2023, defeating then-incumbent Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi’s preferred candidate in a stunning upset that marked his senatorial debut. 6 His tenure was marked by principled advocacy: He chaired the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions at the 10th Assembly’s outset, later serving as Vice Chairman of committees on Housing and Urban Development, Cooperation and Integration in Africa and NEPAD, and Culture and Creative Economy.

Prior to the Senate, Ezea held sway as Chairman of the Federal Medical Centre in Jalingo, Taraba State, blending his medical background with a fierce commitment to public service. His unyielding loyalty to the LP amid widespread crossovers from Enugu lawmakers earned him admiration as a “voice of integrity” for the Nsukka zone.

Tributes poured in swiftly, casting Ezea as a “man with a heart of gold” whose absence would echo profoundly. Elder statesman Chief Nkem Ossai, a close associate, lamented the void in Enugu North, saying the news had “plunged Nsukka and the entire zone into mourning.” Enugu State House Assembly member Malachy Okey Onyechi (Nsukka West) echoed the sentiment: “Nsukka has lost a voice… His untimely death has plunged not only the Nsukka Zone but the entire Enugu State into mourning.”

Former Abia Governor and Senate Chief Whip Senator Orji Uzor Kalu described the loss as “heartbreaking, devastating, and personally painful,” recalling their “close and sincere bond” forged in mutual respect and shared Catholic faith. “His death is a painful blow that has left me personally devastated,” Kalu wrote in an emotional message, extending condolences to Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Enugu’s people. “The Senate has lost a principled voice, one who contributed with clarity, courage, and unshakable conviction.”

Kogi Central’s Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, a fellow opposition stalwart, mourned a “gentle and wise colleague” whose prayers sustained her through “darkest moments. “You were a good man! Wise and gentle… I will miss you in chambers,” she posted, adding that Enugu North and Kogi Central “honour your senator and mourn with you.”

The Senate, gripped by sorrow, suspended proceedings briefly on Wednesday to observe a minute of silence, with formal valedictories anticipated in the coming days. Ezea is survived by his wife, Chioma, and four children, including Jideofor, who implored prayers for the family “during this difficult time.”

As flags fly at half-mast over the National Assembly, Ezea’s legacy—a blend of resilience, ethical fortitude, and regional advocacy—stands as a clarion call for the opposition’s enduring fight in Nigeria’s fractious democracy.

Reps Push Landmark Bill to Guarantee Rights, Healthcare, and Dignity for Nigeria’s Elderly

Ola Akinola
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0
Reps Push Landmark Bill to Guarantee Rights, Healthcare, and Dignity for Nigeria’s Elderly

ABUJA — The House of Representatives on Wednesday advanced a groundbreaking legislative effort to protect the country’s growing elderly population, holding a well-attended public hearing on House Bill 2098, which seeks to establish enforceable legal rights and comprehensive social protection for senior citizens.

Chairperson of the Committee on Women Affairs and Social Development, Hon. Kafilat Ogbara, declared the proposed Older Persons (Rights and Privileges) Bill a “moral imperative,” stressing that Nigeria owes its senior citizens—who built the nation through decades of sacrifice—dignified healthcare, economic security, and full societal inclusion.

“This is not charity; it is justice,” Ogbara told a packed hearing room that included elderly Nigerians, civil society groups, healthcare providers, social workers, and community leaders. “The true measure of any society is how it treats its most vulnerable. Today we take a giant step toward ensuring our parents and grandparents live their later years with respect, security, and honour.”

Key provisions of HB 2098 include:

  • Guaranteed access to affordable and age-appropriate healthcare
  • Economic relief measures, including pensions and social grants
  • Protection from abuse, neglect, and discrimination
  • Promotion of active participation in civic and community life
  • Establishment of a dedicated agency to monitor implementation

Ogbara emphasised that with Nigeria’s elderly population projected to double by 2050, the bill is both timely and forward-looking. “What we legislate today is the safety net we ourselves will need tomorrow,” she said. “Aging is not a burden—it is a privilege we must safeguard for every citizen.”

Stakeholders unanimously praised the initiative, describing it as long overdue in a country where many seniors currently depend on family support amid inadequate pension systems and limited geriatric care.

The public hearing featured emotional testimonies from elderly attendees who shared experiences of financial hardship, healthcare denial, and social isolation.

Lawmakers assured participants that their inputs will directly shape the final bill, with committee members pledging to fast-track its passage before the end of the 10th Assembly.

As Nigeria joins a growing list of African nations enacting specific elder-rights legislation, Wednesday’s session signalled a clear parliamentary commitment: the era of neglecting the country’s senior citizens is drawing to a close.

Reps Vow Arrest Warrants for BOA MD, ARCN DG in N1.2trn Agric Fund Probe

Toyin Adebayo
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Reps Vow Arrest Warrants for BOA MD, ARCN DG in N1.2trn Agric Fund Probe

ABUJA — The House of Representatives Committee on Nutrition and Food Security on Tuesday ramped up its scrutiny of alleged mismanagement in Nigeria’s agricultural intervention schemes, issuing stark threats of bench warrants against the Managing Director of the Bank of Agriculture (BOA), Ayo Sontinrin, and the Director-General of the Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria (ARCN), Dr. Abubakar Adamu Dabban, for repeatedly snubbing summons.

Committee Chairman Hon. Chike Okafor delivered the ultimatum during the third leg of the investigative hearing into the purported diversion of N1.2 trillion in federal funds disbursed outside the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security. The probe, greenlit by the House on July 1, 2025, spans multiple committees and targets high-profile programs like the Central Bank’s Anchor Borrowers’ Programme (ABP), which alone channeled N1.12 trillion to 4.67 million farmers via 563 anchors.

Okafor dismissed the duo’s excuses—BOA citing a recent leadership transition—as “flimsy” and “unacceptable,” emphasizing Parliament’s quasi-judicial clout. “We are not the police, but we will invoke the full weight of the law to compel attendance,” he warned, setting Wednesday as their final deadline. He contrasted their evasion with cooperative entities like the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), which attended inaugural sessions on April 8 and June 16, 2025, alongside participating financial institutions (PFIs). Sterling Bank’s denial of debts under ABP was corroborated by CBN correspondence dated June 25, 2025, clearing it from scrutiny.

The National Agricultural Land Development Authority (NALDA) also drew ire for similar stonewalling, but the committee lauded the National Agricultural Seeds Council (NASC), discharging it after Director-General Alhaji Fatuhu Mohammed’s testimony confirmed no involvement in the schemes. Okafor hailed Mohammed’s “exemplary” compliance, underscoring the probe’s aim to safeguard food security amid Nigeria’s hunger crisis.

Microfinance Bank Faces CBN Over Loan Discrepancy

Tensions flared when Prospect Microfinance Bank’s MD, Isaac Inwang, clashed with CBN officials over ABP disbursements. Inwang claimed receipt of N14.6 million for 30 poultry farmers, with N6 million recovered but held pending CBN guidance. CBN’s Deputy Director Hassan Tom fired back, insisting N15.5 million was released and accusing the bank of breaching guidelines by sitting on recoveries for over three years.

Okafor ordered Prospect to furnish all CBN correspondence by November 19, vowing to unpack the “inconsistencies” that could signal deeper irregularities in a program already under fire for N500 billion in losses from earlier cycles.

Wednesday’s session looms with BOA, ARCN, NIRSAL Plc, and others on the docket, as lawmakers signal no leniency in rooting out what they call a “scandal threatening Nigeria’s breadbasket.” With food inflation hovering above 30%, the probe’s revelations could reshape accountability in agri-financing—or expose systemic rot that has long starved smallholder farmers of promised lifelines.

Boko Haram: Zulum meets COAS, says the worst is over.

Toyin Adebayo
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Boko Haram: Zulum meets COAS, says the worst is over.

Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, has stated that the worst of Boko Haram insurgency is over, even as he acknowledged recent surges in attacks by the terrorist group.

Governor Zulum made the statement on Wednesday during a meeting with the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Shuaibu Waidi, in Maiduguri.

Zulum, while delivering his remarks at the meeting, further explained his statement by reflecting on the more escalated security situation the state had previously endured. He stated that compared to the peak of the crisis years ago, the current security landscape, despite recent setbacks, shows significant improvement.

Zulum also called on the people of Borno State to continue giving their necessary cooperation and support to the military and other security agencies. He emphasised that the war against terrorism requires a collective effort, urging residents to be vigilant and provide timely intelligence to security operatives to prevent attacks and ensure a lasting return to peace in the state.

“Yes, we have witnessed a series of attacks on our communities and the security forces, but the worst is over; we shall continue to collaborate and provide the needed intelligence to our security forces to bring this madness to an end,” Zulum said.

“The frequency and scale of attacks on our communities then were overwhelming. Today, while we grieve any single setback, we can also see that the worst is indeed behind us. The trajectory is towards peace, and we are committed to sustaining it,” he added.

Zulum commiserated with the Nigerian Army over the recent tactical setbacks across the theatre. He praised the sacrifice and bravery of the officers and soldiers, describing them as heroes who, in some cases, pay the ultimate price for the nation’s security.

“On behalf of the government and people of Borno State, I wish to reiterate that we stand with the officers and soldiers of the Nigerian Armed Forces. We will not take their sacrifice for granted,” the governor said.

Also speaking, the Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen. Waidi, while giving the assurance of the Army headquarters to provide necessary logistics to the troops, also commended Governor Zulum for his support to the armed forces.

He said, “I want to most sincerely, on behalf of the officers and men of the Nigerian Army, extend our appreciation to His Excellency for visiting us at a time like this. We appreciate your support in Borno.”

He added, “We have confidence in our society here in the theatre and from the Army headquarters, we will provide all the necessary resources needed to ensure they achieve their mission.”

The meeting was attended by the Acting Chief of Staff, Dr Babagana Mustapha Mallumbe, Commissioner of Information and Internal Security, Professor Usman Tar, Special Adviser on Security, Brigadier General Abdullaho Ishaq (Rtd) and other senior government officials.

COURT JAILS ISWAP COMMANDER 20 YEARS AS JUDGE ORDERS DERADICALISATION BEFORE RELEASE

Roland Edet
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COURT JAILS ISWAP COMMANDER 20 YEARS AS JUDGE ORDERS DERADICALISATION BEFORE RELEASE

A Federal High Court in Abuja has sentenced a notorious commander of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), Hussaini Ismaila, to 20 years in prison after he pleaded guilty to multiple terrorism charges linked to coordinated attacks on police formations in Kano State.

Justice Emeka Nwite delivered the judgment on Tuesday, convicting Ismaila — popularly known as Mai Tangaran — on a four-count charge filed by the Department of State Services (DSS).

Ismaila masterminded the 2012 bomb and gun attacks on the Police Headquarters in Bompai, the Mobile Police Base on Kabuga Road, the Pharm Centre Police Station, the Angwa Uku Police Station, and other locations in Kano, leaving scores injured. He was arrested on August 31, 2017 in Tsamiyya Babba Village, Gezewa LGA.

The case dragged for years due to interlocutory appeals and a trial-within-trial to determine whether his confessional statements were voluntarily given. The prosecution eventually called five witnesses, including two DSS operatives and two eyewitnesses.

Initially pleading not guilty, the ISWAP leader changed his plea after the fifth prosecution witness testified. His lawyer, P. B. Onijah, asked the court for leniency, saying the defendant was remorseful.

Justice Nwite ruled that Ismaila was guilty on all charges, sentencing him to 15 years on count one and 20 years each on counts two, three, and four, to run concurrently. The sentence will be counted from the date of his arrest in 2017.

In a significant directive, the judge ordered that after serving his term, Ismaila must undergo rehabilitation and deradicalisation before any reintegration into society.

The Controller-General of the Nigerian Correctional Service was also authorised to designate any suitable facility for the convict’s imprisonment.

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