By Noah Ocheni, Lokoja

Three people were killed after suspected bandits attacked a secondary school in Iluke-Bunu Community, Kabba-Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State, during the ongoing West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE), authorities said.

According to residents, the attackers, who reportedly arrived on motorcycles and wore military-style uniforms, invaded the community and headed to Government Secondary School, Iluke, while examinations were in progress.

The Kogi State Police Command confirmed receiving a distress call about armed men allegedly attempting to abduct students and residents. In a statement by Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Saliu Oyiza Afusat, the command said the Divisional Police Officer mobilised police personnel, tactical operatives, military personnel, and local vigilantes to the scene.

Police said the joint security team engaged the attackers in a gun battle, forcing them to retreat into nearby bushes. While investigations are ongoing, the command said there was no confirmed mass abduction. However, three people lost their lives during the incident: Mr. Ganiyu Anifowose, Vice Principal of UBE Secondary/Primary School, Iluke; Mr. Sunday Jacob Alhassan, 70; and six-year-old Sunday Ayele.

The police also reported that one suspected attacker was killed during the exchange, while a member of the security team sustained gunshot injuries and is receiving treatment.In a separate statement, Kogi State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Femi Fanwo, commended security personnel for preventing what he described as a potential mass abduction of students.Security agencies have launched ongoing operations to apprehend the fleeing suspects.

By Okechukwu Keshi Ukegbu

A political and human rights activist, Comrade Lowell Chizuru Odoemelam, has called on the Federal Government to strengthen efforts to address the country’s security challenges, saying the situation requires urgent and decisive action.

Speaking on the state of insecurity in Nigeria, Odoemelam said the persistent attacks and violence across parts of the country remain a major concern for citizens and demand a more coordinated response from relevant authorities. “The security situation in the country poses a grave concern and requires a frontal approach to resolve,” he said, adding that government actions should focus on practical measures capable of improving safety and protecting lives.

The activist also expressed concern over the Senate’s reported decision not to proceed with a probe of funds allocated for the procurement of weapons and other security logistics. He argued that transparency and accountability are important in ensuring resources meant for security are effectively utilised. Odoemelam further drew attention to recurring incidents along the Aba–Ikot Ekpene highway, which he said have resulted in the loss of lives and heightened fears among residents and commuters.

According to him, the situation requires urgent intervention to improve security and safeguard people living and travelling along the route. He urged the Federal Government and security agencies to intensify efforts to tackle insecurity and restore public confidence across affected communities.

By Jabiru Hassan, Katsina

Katsina State Governor, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, has received a Special Recognition Award at the maiden National Summit of State Social Health Insurance Agencies (SSHIAs) in Akure, Ondo State, in recognition of his contributions to healthcare development and health insurance expansion.

According to summit organisers, the award acknowledges initiatives in medical education, primary healthcare development, and digital health insurance transparency aimed at improving access to affordable healthcare in Katsina State.

Represented by the Commissioner for Health, Musa Adamu Funtua, Governor Radda thanked the organisers and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC). He said the state had recorded progress through investments in primary healthcare, expanded health insurance coverage, and community-based healthcare programmes designed to improve access to quality medical services.

Radda also commended the Katsina State Contributory Healthcare Management Agency (KSCHMA) and its Executive Secretary, Dr. Muhammad Safana, for advancing healthcare reforms and increasing health insurance enrollment across formal and informal sectors.The governor welcomed the Federal Government’s decision to increase the Basic Health Care Provision Fund allocation from one percent to two percent of the Consolidated Revenue Fund, describing it as a boost for healthcare financing nationwide.

Speaking at the summit, Dr. Safana disclosed that State Social Health Insurance Agencies had enrolled more than 14 million Nigerians into health insurance schemes as of April 2026. The summit, themed “Economic Realities and the Universal Health Coverage Dream: Mobilising States for Scalable Health Insurance,” brought together health sector stakeholders from across Nigeria.