By Abigail David

The first batch of Nigerians being repatriated from South Africa following recent xenophobic attacks is expected to arrive at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, on Thursday morning.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs disclosed this in a statement issued on Tuesday by its spokesperson, Kimiebi Ebienfa.

According to the ministry, the returnees will travel aboard an Air Peace flight scheduled to depart O.R. Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg on Wednesday night and land in Lagos at about 5 a.m. on Thursday.

The evacuation follows renewed concerns over attacks on foreign nationals in parts of South Africa, prompting the Federal Government to facilitate the voluntary return of affected Nigerians.

The government said the exercise forms part of efforts to safeguard the welfare of its citizens abroad while engaging relevant South African authorities to address the situation.

Nigerian officials had earlier assured citizens residing in South Africa of continued support and measures aimed at ensuring their safety amid the unrest.

By Abigail David

Popular Islamic cleric, Ahmad Gumi, has defended his visit to Ibadan, Oyo State, dismissing criticisms that he was promoting northern Islamic ideologies or attempting to influence the region’s religious landscape.

In a Facebook post on Tuesday, Gumi said no individual or group could prevent him from travelling to any part of Nigeria, stressing that his visit to the South-West was not at the invitation of any local Muslim organisation or individual.

According to the cleric, he attended the event in his capacity as a representative of the Coalition of Northern Muslim Ulama.

“I was in Ibadan, not by the invitation of any South-West Muslim individual or group, but as a representative of the Coalition of Northern Muslim Ulama. Can anybody stop me from going anywhere in Nigeria?” he wrote.

Gumi’s comments came amid renewed debates over alleged demands by kidnappers holding pupils and teachers abducted in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.

The abducted principal of Community High School, Esiele, Mrs. Rachael Alamu, recently appeared in a viral video from captivity, denying reports that the abductors demanded the introduction of Sharia law or a N1 billion ransom.

According to Alamu, the kidnappers’ primary demand was the release of some of their associates in government custody.

The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) also rejected claims that the abductors sought the implementation of Sharia law, describing the allegation as false and intended to portray Islam negatively.

Aligning with MURIC’s position, Gumi said the controversy surrounding his Ibadan visit reflected growing Islamophobia in South-West politics and suggested that he had been unnecessarily drawn into local political disputes.

Gumi visited Ibadan in November 2025 as a special guest and speaker at the Southern Nigerian Ulama Summit held at the University of Ibadan, where he also attended a courtesy meeting with Muslim scholars from across the country.

By Okechukwu Keshi Ukegbu

Aspirant for the Obingwa East State Constituency seat, George Nwankwo, has pledged to sustain the legacy of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) in Abia State, describing the party as a significant political force whose ideals must be preserved.

Nwankwo said that despite challenges facing the party, he remains committed to strengthening its presence in Abia State, the South-East and across Nigeria.

According to him, one of the driving forces behind his aspiration is the desire to ensure that the achievements and values associated with APGA do not fade away.

“The party has played a significant role in the political development of the South-East and Nigeria as a whole. I am among those who believe that the legacy of APGA must be sustained and strengthened,” he said.

The aspirant stated that youth empowerment would be a major focus of his legislative agenda if elected.

He noted that unemployment remains one of the major factors contributing to insecurity in the country and stressed the need for deliberate policies aimed at engaging young people productively.

“I am looking forward to a situation where the energies of our youths are meaningfully engaged. One of the major triggers of insecurity in the country is unemployment. If young people are gainfully employed and empowered, the rate of crime will reduce significantly,” he said.

Nwankwo appealed to residents of Obingwa East across all segments of society to support his aspiration, assuring them of effective representation and people-oriented legislative initiatives.

He expressed confidence that with the support of the electorate, he would contribute to the development of the constituency and advance policies that promote youth empowerment, security and economic growth.