Category: Metro

By Achadu Gabriel, kaduna 

Borno State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum, has donated N100 million to aid the families of slain soldiers and those wounded in the ongoing fight against insurgency in the northeast region, a statement by his media aide Abdurraman Bundi has declared.

The donation was made on Saturday at an Eid El-Kabir Sallah luncheon hosted jointly by the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, and the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hassan Abubakar, held at Maimalari Barracks in Maiduguri.

Governor Zulum presented a cheque of N100 million to the Theatre Commander of Operation Hadin Kai, Major General Abdussalam Abubakar, and stated that each of the soldiers wounded in action would be given N500,000, while the remaining amount would be distributed among families left by the soldiers killed in action in the ongoing fight against insurgency.

The presentation of the cheque was witnessed by the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hassan Abubakar and the Force Commander, Multi-National Joint Task Force (MNJTF), Major General Godwin Mutkut.

Other prominent personalities present include a member of the House of Representatives, Engr. Bukar Talba, Secretary to Borno State Government, Alhaji Bukar Tihani, Head of Service, Dr Muhammad Ghuluze, Ag Chief of Staff, Dr Babagana Mustapha Mallumbe, APC Chairman, Hon. Bello Ayuba, among many senior government officials.

Governor Zulum commended the resilience and patriotism of the Nigerian Armed Forces, emphasising that their sacrifices should never be forgotten. He said, “Your commitment on the frontlines, often under extreme conditions and far from your families, is not lost on us. We remain eternally grateful for your service and will never take your sacrifices for granted.”

The Governor also assured the military leadership of his continued support, stating, “Borno State will continue to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the Nigerian Army and all security agencies in the fight against insurgency and rebuilding our communities for a peaceful and prosperous future.”

Amgbare Ekaunkumo, Yenagoa 

On June 6, 2025, a celebration of life was held at Ijaw House, Yenagoa, to honour the remarkable life of Late Prophetess Daughter Wilson, who passed away at the age of 59. 

The event was attended by a diverse group of Bayelsans, including business leaders, prominent politicians, clergy members, academics, and well-wishers, who gathered to pay tribute to the deceased alongside the Wilson and Gideon families.

Delivering a sermon titled ” Let not your heart be troubled.” The Man  of God,  His Grace Archbishop Dr. Ege Eniyekenimi Israel of Salvation of Zion Nigeria/Overseas, the sermon resonated with messages of eternal hope. Quoting John 14:1-3, Archbishop Israel comforted mourners, saying..” In my Father’s house are many mansions.”  as late Prophetess Daughter Wilson has built her room in heaven 

He cited Revelation 21:4, assuring that “God shall wipe away all tears,” and urged all to emulate Sister Daughter’s life of love.

He challenged the congregation, to live a life that pleases God, noting that, what counts , is life you influence while on earth “Worldly riches fade; did you live a life pleasing to God.?”

Archbishop Israel who extolled the virtues of late Daughter Wilson, described her as a good woman who strived to ensure a peaceful home for the family she left behind, adding that the peaceful nature of the deceased was what endeared her not only to her immediate family, but also to her entire environment.

Pastor Reuben Wilson who is a Member Governing Council, University of Uyo described his elder sister as a woman with a heart of Gold whose kindness, generosity and compassion touched countless lives.

Wilson said his late elder sister’s love, guidance and unwavering support really shaped his life, noting that her memories would ever be remembered by the family.

He appreciated everyone who supported him towards the successful burial of his late elder sister and wished them journey mercies back to their various destination.

Also speaking, the Director General Pastor Reuben Initiative for Good Leadership and Accountability, PRIFGLA, Mr. Ebisinkumo Frank Soko said that though late Prophetess Daughter Wilson died at the age of 59, she fulfilled destiny.

The fourth son, Gad Gideon and the second daughter, Irene Biboye vowed to  uphold the values of love, unity and unshakable faith in God as examplefied by their late mother.

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From Abel zwanke, Lafia 

The Nasarawa State Police Command has dealt a significant blow to illegal arms trafficking with the arrest of two suspects carrying a large cache of high-powered weapons. The operation took place early this morning at about 3:09 a.m., when the police intercepted the suspects en route to Ilorin, Kwara State.

In a press release on wedsnesday signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Ramhan Nansel and sent to journalists quoting the commissioner of police CP Shetima Jauro Mohammed, saying the arrests were made following credible intelligence and swift action by the Anti-Kidnapping Unit.

 “This successful operation sends a clear message that Nasarawa is not a safe corridor for criminals,” he stated. “We remain committed to dismantling illegal arms networks and safeguarding our communities.”

The suspects, Lawal Sani, 40, a commercial bus driver from Katsina State, and Dahiru Abdullahi, 75, a cattle trader known to operate in Nasarawa, were found with: General Purpose Machine Gun (GPMG), AK-47 rifles, TAB 06 rifle,1,096 rounds of 7.62 x 39mm ammunition, 20 rounds of 7.62mm NATO calibre ammunition, 4 empty magazines, 1 Toyota Hiace bus (grey, registration AAA 926 XL)

The suspects confessed to being paid ₦500,000 to transport the weapons from Benue State to Kwara State, a shipment that could have armed multiple criminal groups. “We are conducting a full-scale investigation to dismantle the entire network behind this crime,” CP Mohammed added.

The police  urged the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities via official hotlines. “Together, we will keep Nasarawa safe,” he affirmed.

The police continue to assure decisive action against all threats to peace and security in the state.

By Anne Azuka 

Youths from Ogbe-Akwu community in Ogwashi-Uku Kingdom has staged a peaceful protest to the Palace of His Royal Majesty, Obi (Dr) Ifechukwude Aninshi Okonjo II, and the Aniocha South Local Government Secretariat to register their deep frustration over the continued land invasion and harassment by individuals from the neighbouring Ibusa community.

The protesters, wielding placards with different inscriptions including “LGA help our farmers and hunters from molestation and intimidation on our farmlands. “We say no to Ibusa land grabbers”,  “Help us restore dignity ” and chanting peaceful slogans decried the recent spate of land-grabbing activities by  some persons from neighboring Ibusa community who have repeatedly trespassed on Ogwashi-Uku farmlands, forcibly chasing away elderly men and women—many of whom rely on the land for their subsistence farming.

The youths led by the President General of Ogwashi Uku Youth Development Association, Comrade Stanley Chiedu, expressed their growing anger over the persistent provocation, which they said , has pushed the patience of the Ogwashi-Uku people to its limits.

 According to them, the trespassers from Ibusa are operating under the guise of fake and discredited survey plans in a desperate attempt to hoodwink government officials and the general public into believing their unlawful territorial claims.

Addressing the crowd on behalf of His Royal Majesty at the Palace, the Palace Secretary, Prince Ifeakanachukwu Emordi, commended the youths for remaining peaceful and for not resorting to violence in the face of continuous provocation. 

He acknowledged the pain and distress being caused by the illegal activities of the land invaders and assured the protesters that the Obi of Ogwashi-Uku was actively pursuing justice through lawful and appropriate means.

Prince Emordi informed the gathering that there is already a Supreme Court judgment which declared the survey plan paraded by the land grabbers as invalid and of no legal consequence. 

He further disclosed that two separate lawsuits are currently ongoing at the Federal High Court in Abuja and the Delta State High Court in Asaba to address and conclusively determine the ownership of the disputed lands.

He cautioned the youths against taking the law into their own hands and emphasized the importance of allowing the legal process to take its course. 

“His Majesty has directed that the appropriate law enforcement agencies be notified about the criminal trespass and destruction being carried out by these invaders. 

“The Obi is committed to ensuring that justice is done and that those responsible are held accountable under the law.”Prince Emordi stated

President General of Ogwashi Uku Youths Development Association Comrade Stanley Chiedu who led the group through the streets of the ancient town called on relevant authorities to come to the aid of the  people of Ogwashi Uku as their  inheritance  has been taken in a broad daylight without any recourse to anybody.

According to him: “For over a long time, the respective farmers have been molested,  their farm produce destroyed by elements suspected to be land grabbers from Ibusa Community. 

 “Today, they have decided to cry out to government authorities, security agencies  and traditional ruler of Ogwashi Uku for help.

 “What is happening today in Ogwashi Uku bush is an eyesore, where people can no longer go to their farm safely,  where our inheritance has been taken in a broad daylight without any recourse to anybody. 

“Our only source of livelihood is farming as we are aware and today we can no longer farm. 

“Our brothers and youths on daily basis are being chased away, our women are being chased, our hunters can no longer hunt and these are what we are known for. 

“We call on the local government chairman, the area commander, the DPO, the prescribed authority for Ogwashi Uku to come to our aid today because as it stands we can no longer take what is happening in the bush.

EN

The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) has revealed that at least 1,385 children were recruited by Boko Haram between 2017 and 2019 across Borno State and other parts of Nigeria’s North-East.

This alarming figure was disclosed by UNODC Country Director in Nigeria, Mr. Cheikh Ousmane Toure, during the 5th World Congress on Justice with Children, held Monday in Maiduguri. The event was themed: “Advancing Child-Centred Justice: Preventing and Responding to Violence Affecting Children in Justice Systems.”

Toure noted that children in Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe states have endured the worst of the insurgency since 2009, facing abductions, trafficking, and forced recruitment into armed groups.

“Available reports indicate that at least 1,385 children were recruited between 2017 and 2019 alone,” Toure said.
“These are not just statistics. Each number reflects a child whose life and future are in jeopardy. About 60 percent of the victims are youths, and Nigeria’s future depends on safeguarding and empowering this demographic.”

He called for urgent and sustained action to protect children from violence and exploitation, particularly in conflict zones like the North-East.

Toure commended the resilience of the region’s youth, especially the Youth Peace Champions, a UNODC-backed initiative promoting peacebuilding and peer advocacy for child protection.

“These young leaders are spreading awareness, mentoring peers, and pushing for restorative justice. They are demonstrating what inclusive and grassroots-led development looks like,” he said.

Since assuming his role in Nigeria in October 2024, Toure has prioritised youth-led initiatives and women’s empowerment across all UNODC programs.
“Every project must show tangible results—especially for youths, women, and persons with disabilities,” he added.

He also expressed hope that the success of the Youth Peace Champions in the North-East would inspire similar movements in other regions, including the North-West, North-Central, and southern parts of Nigeria.

“This is the inclusive strategy Nigeria needs. The voices of young people must be amplified—locally, nationally, and globally,” Toure said.

He called on government agencies, justice stakeholders, development partners, and civil society to go beyond rhetoric and take concrete action.

“Child protection is not optional. Prevention demands more than words—it requires funding, commitment, and measurable accountability,” he stated.
“Together, we can create a future where every Nigerian child is protected, empowered, and never left behind.”

Speaking at the event, Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Zulum, reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to prioritising children in policy decisions, especially regarding juvenile justice.

Represented by the Commissioner of Justice, Hauwa Mohammed, Zulum described the event as timely, highlighting the deep physical, emotional, and psychological trauma inflicted on children during over a decade of insurgency.

He pledged that no child affected by conflict would be allowed to fall into the hands of recruiters or armed groups again.

The governor also vowed that through the Ministries of Justice and Women’s Affairs and Social Development, Borno State would work to protect children’s rights, ensure access to education, justice, welfare, and shield them from forced labour or exploitation in conflict.

Troops of Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK) successfully thwarted a coordinated attack by Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorists in the early hours of Tuesday, May 27, 2025, at their base in New Marte, Borno State.

According to a statement by Captain Reuben Kovangiva, Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations for OPHK, the offensive was repelled through the combined efforts of ground troops and the Air Component of the operation.

Captain Kovangiva confirmed that dozens of terrorists were neutralized in the confrontation, although two Nigerian soldiers lost their lives in the line of duty.

The terrorists reportedly attempted to breach the military base but were met with fierce resistance. The Air Component swiftly deployed Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) assets and delivered precision strikes on retreating insurgents, significantly reducing their numbers.

During the counteroffensive, troops recovered a Vehicle-Borne Improvised Explosive Device (VBIED) SUV abandoned by the fleeing attackers. Several motorcycles used by the terrorists were also destroyed.

Further search operations in the area revealed more enemy casualties, as troops found multiple bodies and blood trails along the terrorists’ withdrawal path, indicating additional losses.

In a related incident, troops also repelled another attack on the Forward Operating Base in Kumshe, showcasing the growing synergy between different components of OPHK.

“The collaborative effort underscores the renewed unity and determination of our forces to eliminate terrorism and restore lasting peace to the North East,” Captain Kovangiva stated.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned three bankers and four accomplices before the Federal High Court in Lagos over their alleged involvement in a massive N8.5 billion fraud.

The accused bankers — Samuel Ihechukwu Asiegbu, Fabian Onyeimachi, and Kingsley Ejim Kelechi — were arraigned alongside Hannah Okunlola Adesokan, Hamza Zakariya, Achionu Ubaku, and Sunday Osademe on an eight-count charge bordering on conspiracy and obtaining money by false pretence.

According to a statement released on Monday by EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale, the defendants allegedly manipulated internal systems of a commercial bank and altered sensitive financial data in January 2025, resulting in a loss of N8,568,090,500.

The EFCC further alleged that the suspects collaborated with others still at large to execute the fraudulent transactions for their personal gain. The offences are said to violate Section 27(1)(a) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015.

All seven defendants pleaded not guilty when the charges were read in court.

Prosecution counsel, Aso Peters, subsequently requested the court to set a trial date and remand the defendants in the custody of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS). However, the lawyer representing Hannah Okunlola asked that she be kept in EFCC custody due to health concerns.

Presiding judge, Justice Daniel Osiagor, granted the prosecution’s request and adjourned the trial to June 6, 2025.

In the meantime, five of the accused were ordered to be remanded in the custody of the Nigerian Correctional Service, while Kingsley Ejim Kelechi was permitted to remain on his existing bail. Hannah Okunlola was directed to remain in EFCC custody pending further proceedings.

By Sagir Sadisu Buhari.

  As the All Progressives Congress (APC) seeks to strengthen its presence in Kano State, one name stands out: His Excellency, Honourable Murtala Sule Garo.

A dedicated grassroots politician and former Deputy Gubernatorial Candidate during the 2023 General Elections, Honourable Garo has garnered immense support from millions of APC supporters across Kano’s 44 local governments. 

His unwavering commitment to the party and its supporters is evident in his tireless efforts, even without a federal appointment. Honourable Garo’s leadership and vision have earned him a special place in the hearts of millions of APC supporters in Kano State. 

Given his proven track record and widespread popularity, we respectfully recommend His Excellency, Honourable Murtala Sule Garo for a federal appointment, recognizing his dedication to the party and the people.

This recognition would further solidify the APC’s grassroots support and position it for success in the 2027 elections.God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.  With utmost respect. 

Dr Sagir S Buhari FCIA Member, Governing Council, Federal Polytechnic Kabo, Kano State (Studied Political Science and International Relations) buharisageer@gmail.com

The late former deputy Governor of Plateau state Professor Sonni Gwanle Tyoden who died on the 4th of May 2025 will be buried on 24th of May 2025 at Pushit, Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau.

A statement made available to our correspodent and signed by Rt Hon. Joyce Lohya Ramnap mni, the Chairman, media and Publicity of the funeral committee of the late deputy governor reads that the “Pateau State Government, with deep sorrow and a profound sense of loss, announces the funeral arrangements for the former Deputy Governor of Plateau State, Professor Sonni Gwanle Tyoden, whose passing occurred on Saturday, 4th May, 2025.”
The statement added that there would be a Valedictory Session by the Senate of the University of Jos which would hold on Wednesday, 21st May 2025, at the Senate Chambers, University of Jos.

“There would also be Day of Tributes organized by the Department of Political Science, University of Jos at the Social Science Lecture Theatre, University of Jos on Thursday 22nd May 2025.

A service of song would also hold on Friday 23rd of May 2025 at the Crispan Suites and Event Centre, Jos

While a funeral service at the COCIN Headquarters Church, Jos on Saturday, 24th May 2025 .

Following the funeral service, the body will be conveyed to his residence in Pushit, Mangu Local Government Area, Plateau State, for final interment.

“We are comforted by the words of Scripture: “He will swallow up death forever. The Sovereign Lord will wipe away the tears from all faces.” — Isaiah 25:8.”

“May the soul of Professor Sonni Gwanle Tyoden rest in eternal peace, the statement futher reads.

The Abia State branch of the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) has strongly condemned a tragic case of domestic violence in which a man allegedly set his wife and three children ablaze, resulting in the death of one of his daughters.

The incident occurred in the early hours of Saturday, between 1 a.m. and 2 a.m., in Onicha Ngwa community, Obingwa Local Government Area. The suspect, 40-year-old Mr. Udochi Amala, reportedly accused his wife, Mrs. Amarachi Amala, of infidelity before setting their home on fire, engulfing himself, his wife, and their children in flames.

Udochi, who hails from Amapu Ihe village in Osisioma LGA, attempted to flee the scene but was apprehended. He sustained burns during the incident and reportedly confessed: “I had an issue with my wife, and I didn’t know it would get to this extent. I am tired of life.” He also admitted he had no concrete evidence of his wife being unfaithful.

One of their daughters died from injuries sustained in the fire, while reports from an unconfirmed source suggest that Mrs. Amala and the two remaining children later passed away on Monday while receiving treatment at a hospital.

The Abia State Police Command confirmed the incident through its spokesperson, DSP Maureen Chinaka, who stated that an investigation is ongoing.

In a statement released on Tuesday, FIDA Abia expressed “shock, outrage, and deep concern” over what it described as a horrific act and a gross violation of human rights. Signed by Chairperson Njideka Aniawonwa and Secretary Eberechukwu Kanu Oji, the organization demanded a thorough investigation and justice for the victims.

FIDA also called for stronger protection and support systems for survivors of domestic violence and reiterated its commitment to advocating for the rights and safety of women and children. The group urged the public to report any instances of domestic or child abuse and to actively participate in efforts to safeguard vulnerable individuals.