The Zamfara State Police Command, on Wednesday, June 3,2026, informed that concerted efforts are underway to track and rescue seven students of the Federal Polytechnic, Kaura Namoda, abducted by suspected terrorist elements.
The victims were said to have been kidnapped by the armed hoodlums at their off-campus lodge located on the outskirts of the Low Cost Estate area of Kaura Namoda.
According to local witness accounts, one of the students managed to escape, leaving six others- three males and three females in the den of rhe abductors.
Spokesperson for the Zamfara State Police Command, Yazid Abubakar, while confirming the unfortunate incident disclosed that security operatives are currently on the trail of the perpetrators.
Giving an insight into the actual circumstances surrounding the abduction, the Police spokesperson revealed that one of the students had gone out at night to ease himself, and in the process left the door open.
According to him, the development unfortunately, coincided with the time some suspected banditry elements were said to be passing through the area.
“One of the students went outside at night, claiming he wanted to urinate. Coincidentally, bandits passing through the area entered the house and abducted the students” the police spokesperson stated. The questions being asked are: Does the hostel have no restrooms? Why did the student go outside to pee, and why did he leave the door open? These are questions which answers Police must find, not a few people insist.
However, the Police has assured that all necessary machineries have been put in place to ensure the location , and safe rescue of the victims..
This was as the statement noted that the institution has been under enhanced security ,a situation that makes it extremely difficult for terrorists elements to penetrate.
Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, Presidential Candidate for the upcoming presidential election in 2027, Peter Obi, has pleaded with kidnappers holding school children and their teachers for over two weeks to release them for the sake of humanity.
Writing on his X platform on Wednesday, Obi said, “I am deeply shocked and heartbroken by the condition in which these abducted school children are, as seen from their flagellated bodies. It is a painful reminder of the depth of insecurity in our land.
“I have always made it clear that the society we abuse today will take its revenge on our children tomorrow. When I first began making that statement, some of these children were not even born. This is a classic example of how the abuse of governance and society today can produce devastating consequences long after the abusers are gone.
“It is on the same line that I argue that the loans our leaders take today will hurt our children in the future, as many of them will mature for repayment and consequences long after we are gone.
“To those holding these children, I make a direct appeal to your conscience. Remember that these are innocent children – sons and daughters of people who have placed their hopes, dreams, and entire future in them. In every one of them, you will find reflections of your own children, your own family, and your own humanity.
“No grievance, no hardship, no justification can ever outweigh the sanctity of a child’s life and innocence. Whatever path has led to this moment, there is still room for remorse, for humanity, and for a change of heart. I therefore appeal to your sense of mercy: release these children immediately. “Let them go. Return them safely to society to reunite with their families”
Former Labour Party, (LP), vice presidential candidate, Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed, has revealed reasons for not following Peter Obi to the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
Obi has since left ADC and now a Presidential candidate of National Democratic Congress, (NDC).
Baba-Ahmed also disclosed that three politicians had turned down request by the 2023 presidential candidate to be his running mate before he accepted.
Baba-Ahmed, who spoke during an interview with Symfoni TV, stated that his decision to run alongside Peter Obi in the 2023 presidential election was influenced by sympathy for him after three prominent politicians allegedly declined to join him.
According to him, many people misunderstood the nature of his relationship with Obi, stressing that sympathy played a significant role in his decision to support the former Anambra State governor.
“Obi approached three major politicians in 2022, but none agreed to align with him.
“They thought I would follow Peter Obi. People don’t understand between me and Peter Obi, I have a great deal of sympathy for him.
“And this sympathy was at the core of our relationship. People find it difficult to understand me.
“When he, Peter Obi, approached three major politicians in 2022 they avoided him. I would have been glad if in 2022 one of them went with Peter Obi.
“They all avoided him. I felt bad for him and for Nigeria as a nation. You and I know the reason and I don’t have to say it now. I took it upon myself because naturally I have always been a volunteer for Nigeria.
“They thought I would follow Peter Obi to ADC, but I had given enough sympathy then. Obi does not own me. I own my independence.”
Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has welcomed the death sentence passed on four suspects responsible for
the June 5, 2022 terror attack on St. Francis Catholic Church, Owo.
The convicts, identified as Idris Abdulmalik Omeiza, Al-Qasim Idris, Jamiu Abdulmalik and Abdulhaleem Idris, were found guilty on a nine-count terrorism charge filed by the Department of State Services (DSS) on behalf of the Federal Government.
Delivering judgment on Wednesday, Justice Emeka Nwite held that the prosecution successfully established the case against the defendants beyond reasonable doubt.
The Governor, in a statement by the Chief Press Secretary, Ebenezer Adeniyan, commended the Judiciary and security agencies for securing the conviction and death sentence of the four suspects.
Aiyedatiwa described the court verdict as a victory for justice, the rule of law, and for all victims of the heinous attack that claimed the lives of innocent worshippers and left many others injured.
He noted that the diligence of the prosecution team, the thoroughness of investigators, and the courage of the judiciary have shown that government will not tolerate acts of terror or violence against its people.
“This judgment sends a clear message that those who take innocent lives will face the full weight of the law, no matter how long it takes.”
Governor Aiyedatiwa also appreciated the resilience of the people of Owo and the Catholic community who, despite the trauma, have remained steadfast and committed to peace.
He reassured all residents that his administration will continue to work closely with security agencies to strengthen intelligence gathering, protect public spaces, and ensure such a tragedy never repeats itself in our state.
While nothing can bring back the lives lost, the Governor said this judgment provides a measure of closure and hope that justice is possible.
He prayed for the repose of the souls of the departed and for God’s comfort for the families they left behind.
Senator Datti Baba-Ahmed, the Labour Party Vice Presidential Candidate in the 2023 General Elections, has insisted on his own political independence, despite pairing with Peter Obi.
This was as he blamed Obi for not being politically brave enough to confront the political monsters that infiltrated the ranks of the LP post-2023 polls.
In an interview with Sympony, Baba-Ahmed also lambasted the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, for choosing the wee hours to announce its 2023 Presidential results.
Rationalizing his decision to opt for the Peoples Redemption Party, PRP, instead of joining Obi at the time he left the LP, Baba-Ahmed whose brother is the Chairman of the PRP, emphasized that as a politician, he has got his own principles and conviction.
According to him, his political preferences are not dependent on those of Obi, his former presidential candidate, much as they ran on the same ticket.
He noted that while he was of the strong conviction that disagreements and crises within the LP could be handled, Obi felt otherwise, and left.
Baba-Ahmed explained that he does not actually believe in the philosophy of running away each time there are internal crises or disagreement within a system.
He emphasized that it makes more sense to stay and resolve differences in a political party than leaving, noting that any political party can face challenges anytime.
“People had thought that I would follow Peter Obi, but I felt I had given enough sympathy then, and I had also thought that as leaders, we ought to have stayed and solve the problem within the LP.
“If Julius Abure was the problem, what makes Obi think that Ralph Nwosu and/ or David Mark of the ADC will not be a problem later?
“What makes him think that the Seriake Dickson’s party, the NDC, will not become a problem? It is the same thing wherever you go.
“So on my own, I felt we should stay and fix the problem. But he (Obi) decided to move on”, he stated.
He explained that his political choices and destinations are fully made by him and not in anyway tied to the political future and preferences of Obi.
“With due respect, Peter Obi does not own and determine my politics. He does not own me. I am independent”, Baba-Ahmed added.
He, however, stated that Obi, as his former presidential candidate, is always in the picture of his political decisions, and the reasons for taking them.
According to him, when Obi was about joining the ADC, he offered his reasons for not playing along with his fears almost coming to pass.
When he (Obi) was about to move, I told him to go ahead. I equally gave my reasons for not joining the ADC. Today, almost all the reasons I gave have come to pass”, he noted.
Baba-Ahmed took a swipe at the INEC overs its decision to announce the results of the 2023 general elections at about 4 am.
According to him, no credible institution, the world over, will choose such an odd hour to announce the results of an important exercise as the Presidential election of a country.
He expressed serious disappointment and concern that Nigerians, despite the obviously flawed, and hugely compromised nature of the exercise, appear to have moved on.
“I keep asking why Nigerians accept everything. How can an INEC Chairman assure African leaders, including former South African President,Thabo Mbeki, that election results would be announced at about 9 am, only to go ahead and announce them at about 4 am?”, Baba-Ahmed queried.
Four years after, a Federal High Court in Abuja has sentenced four members of a terrorist group to death by hanging over their involvement in the June 5, 2022, attack on St. Francis Catholic Church, Owo, Ondo State.
The convicts, identified as Idris Abdulmalik Omeiza, Al-Qasim Idris, Jamiu Abdulmalik and Abdulhaleem Idris, were found guilty on a nine-count terrorism charge filed by the Department of State Services (DSS) on behalf of the Federal Government.
Delivering judgment on Wednesday, Justice Emeka Nwite, held that the prosecution successfully established the case against the defendants beyond reasonable doubt.
The court found that the four men were active members of a terrorist cell and participated in the deadly church attack.
However, the fifth defendant, Momoh Otuho Abubakar, was discharged and acquitted after the court ruled that there was insufficient evidence linking him to the crime.
The Pentecost Sunday attack at St. Francis Catholic Church left more than 40 worshippers dead and over 100 others injured.
Prosecutors told the court that the attackers stormed the church, held worshippers hostage and carried out the assault using improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and AK-47 rifles.
During the trial, the prosecution presented 11 witnesses and tendered 23 exhibits, including confessional statements, a digital forensic report and a mobile phone allegedly containing communications exchanged by the defendants before and after the attack.
Among the witnesses was a Catholic Priest who recounted how the assailants detonated, at least, three explosive devices inside the Church, causing widespread casualties and destruction.
Based on the evidence presented, the court convicted the four defendants and sentenced them to death by hanging.
The convicts still have the chance of appeal up to the Supreme Court.
●Endorses Hayatu-Deen as the most qualified Presidential material of all aspirants. “By all standards, the Nigeria that we want to bequeat to another leader today, of the three, no one comes close to Hayatu-Deen”
Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, (SGF), and ex-North East Vice Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Babachir Lawal, has revealed that there exists two categories of Nigerians.
Speaking during a national television interview, Lawal went further to classify them as categories one and two.
“There are two categories of people. There are category one and category two. You and I are in category two.
“Those in category one think that they are entitled to having whatever they want at the time they want in the manner they want because they are in category one.”
The former SGF linked his position to what he described as years of discrimination experienced as a Christian from the Kilba ethnic group in Adamawa State.
“All my life, I’ve grown up facing discriminations, having to work more than any other person to prove my competence.
“I’ve had to work more than double to show somebody that I’m competent for the position I’m occupying,” he explained.
According to him, such experiences shaped his views on identity politics in Northern Nigeria.
Lawal also defended his earlier praise for defeated presidential aspirant of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Mohammed Hayatu-Deen, describing him as the most qualified among the contenders.
“By all standards, the Nigeria that we want to bequeath to another leader today, of the three, no one comes close to Hayatu-Deen.
“A world-renowned economist, somebody who has distinguished himself in the corporate world, a man that is coming into politics with no baggage at all,” he said.
He argued that if northern politicians were seeking to reclaim the presidency, competence should be the overriding consideration.
“If we are going to do that as northerners, we should as well then do it with a competent person.”
The Ondo State Government and Police Command have given update on the security situation in the State following a Wednesday early morning rush by parents and guardians to withdraw their children from school.
Report monitored in the State capital revealed that some parents rushed back to schools to pick their children following information that bandits have invaded Akure and combing schools.
A statement by Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Ebenezer Adeniyan, stated that “Ondo State Government has become aware of false reports circulating on social media and messaging platforms alleging an incident of kidnapping in a school within Akure metropolis.
“The Government categorically states that there is no record, report, or incident of kidnapping in any primary, secondary, or tertiary institution in Akure. All schools in the state capital are safe, open, and conducting academic activities without disruption.
“Security agencies, including the Police, Amotekun Corps, and DSS, have verified all school environments in Akure and confirmed normalcy.
“The Government, in collaboration with school authorities and parents, has maintained strict security protocols across all schools to ensure the safety of pupils and students at all times.
“We urge members of the public, especially parents and guardians, to disregard the fake news and refrain from sharing unverified information that is capable of causing panic and anxiety.
“The safety of our children and teachers remains a top priority for the Aiyedatiwa administration. We encourage anyone with genuine security concerns to report directly to the nearest police or Amotekun station/post.”
The Ondo State Police Command in its reaction, through a statement, dismissed the rumours urging residents to go about their normal duties.
Signed by the spokesman, Abayomi Jimoh, it reads: “The Command wishes to assure residents, particularly parents, students, school authorities and the general public, that there is no credible intelligence or reported incident indicating the presence or invasion of bandits in Akure.
“Comprehensive security assessments and intelligence gathering efforts conducted by the Command have not revealed any threat that should warrant panic or disruption of normal activities.
“The Commissioner of Police, CP Felix Ohagwu, urges parents and guardians not to be alarmed by unverified information capable of creating unnecessary fear and anxiety.
“Students are encouraged to continue their academic activities without apprehension, as adequate security measures have been put in place across the state to guarantee the safety of lives and property.
“The Command warns individuals against the deliberate spread of false information capable of causing public disorder, noting that anyone found responsible for disseminating misinformation intended to incite panic will be investigated and dealt with in accordance with the law.
“Residents are advised to remain vigilant and continue to cooperate with security agencies by reporting any suspicious activity through the nearest police station or established emergency channels.”
Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation(SFG), and ex-North East Vice Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Babachir Lawal, has insisted that there are documentary evidence to back his claim that results of the Presidential primary election was rigged in favour of Atiku Abubakar.
Lawal also reiterated his position that for now, he has effectively withdrawn from active partisan politics and was undecided about whom to support in the next presidential election.
“I have now retired from politics. I’m not canvassing for votes for anybody.
“I have one vote to myself that I keep to myself. I might even vote for Omoyele Sowore.”
Speaking during a national television interview on Tuesday, Lawal maintained that the outcome of the primary election did not reflect the actual votes cast in several locations, alleging that results were altered during collation.
“First of all, it was rigged,” Lawal said when asked about his claims.
The former SGF pointed out that he has documentary evidence showing discrepancies between results announced at local levels and those eventually submitted to the party’s national collation centre in Abuja.
“I have evidence. I have evidence from a primary, from a local government, for example, the results of the election returned was Hayatu-Deen had 20,000 votes, whereas Atiku Abubakar had 1,000 and something votes. But the result that ended up in Abuja was reversed, was inverted.”
Lawal further alleged that even officials involved in the collation process expressed concerns over how certain results were handled.
“The returning officer at the State was telling me when I complained, how come these results are not reflected on the result tally that you have?
He said, ‘How can we embarrass Atiku Abubakar in his home state?’ Can you imagine that?” he said, adding that the official’s responsibility should have been limited to transmitting results as received from the polling and collation centres.
Lawal claimed that the alleged manipulation extended beyond the presidential contest and affected other elective positions.
“I know, for example, one candidate who won the House of Representatives election in my state is not the name that was announced at the coalition centre.
Atiku Abubakar
“I know somebody from Adamawa, Yola North, Yola South constituency who won landslide. His name is not on that sheet that eventually got to Abuja.”
He also questioned delays in transmitting results from Adamawa State, alleging that the state’s returning officer held on to the documents for days before presenting them in Abuja.
“It took our own returning officer close to three days before the results were submitted in Abuja. What were they doing with the results?
“He left Yola on the same day that the result was to be collated, but he didn’t hand them over. By the time he handed them over, it was all childish, mutilated, manipulated results,” he pointed out.
The former ADC chieftain stressed that his opposition to the outcome was rooted in principle rather than personal preference for any candidate.
“If I think Atiku had won free and fair and square, I’ll kill myself supporting him, campaigning for him.
“This thing arises from my belief. It’s fundamental to me that if we want to fix Nigeria, we must first of all fix the political processes through which our leaders emerge.
“If the process of emergence is fraudulent, is defective, the chances of producing good leaders will not be there,” he said.
Lawal argued that internal democracy within political parties was essential to strengthening Nigeria’s democratic system.
“So it’s fundamental to me that internal democracy within political parties must be practised and strictly adhered to. So when you breach this, I don’t know what else I’ll be doing in politics.”
On the controversial statement in which Lawal described Atiku and some of his supporters using ethnic and religious terms that critics argued could inflame divisions, he affirmed that he would not withdraw the remarks, even if they were perceived as polarising.
“I will not,” he said.
The former SGF linked his position to what he described as years of discrimination experienced as a Christian from the Kilba ethnic group in Adamawa State.
“All my life, I’ve grown up facing discriminations, having to work more than any other person to prove my competence.
“I’ve had to work more than double to show somebody that I’m competent for the position I’m occupying,” he explained.
According to him, such experiences shaped his views on identity politics in Northern Nigeria.
“There are two categories of people. There are category one and category two. You and I are in category two.
“Those in category one think that they are entitled to having whatever they want at the time they want in the manner they want because they are in category one.”
Lawal also defended his earlier praise for defeated presidential aspirant Mohammed Hayatu-Deen, describing him as the most qualified among the contenders.
“By all standards, the Nigeria that we want to bequeath to another leader today, of the three, no one comes close to Hayatu-Deen.
“A world-renowned economist, somebody who has distinguished himself in the corporate world, a man that is coming into politics with no baggage at all,” he said.
He argued that if northern politicians were seeking to reclaim the presidency, competence should be the overriding consideration.
“If we are going to do that as northerners, we should as well then do it with a competent person.
Pressed on whether he would support a possible alliance involving Peter Obi and Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, Lawal said he had yet to make a decision.
“I’m still waiting. At least I’ve made a choice so far. I eliminated APC. Now I’ve eliminated ADC. I’m waiting for other people to throw up their candidates.”
Olaide Busayo Adegoke John-Paul, sister to former Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, and her twin sons have been kidnapped in Ibadan, the Oyo state’s capital.
The former Minister is an All Progressives Congress, APC governorship aspirants in the state. The magazine could not confirm whether the abduction has any link to the political situation n the state or the riotous APC primary contest.
According to a statement issued by the Adelabu’s family on Wednesday, Mrs. John-Paul and her 12-year-old twin sons, Peter and Paul, were kidnapped by armed gunmen at about 7:30 a.m. on Wednesday while she was taking the children to school.
The family said the incident was immediately reported to relevant security and law enforcement agencies, which have since commenced investigations and rescue efforts.
Mrs. John-Paul, 43, is the youngest of five children of Mrs. Olufunmilayo Aduke Adegoke Adelabu. The family disclosed that she recently retired after a career spanning the Central Bank of Nigeria and First Bank Pension Custodian and had relocated to Ibadan with her children while preparing to join her husband in the United States.
The statement said security agencies had swung into action and were working to secure the safe release of the victims and apprehend those responsible for the abduction.
Chief Adelabu and members of the family expressed deep concern over the incident but said they remained confident in the capacity of security operatives to rescue the victims safely.
The family appealed to the public to remain calm, avoid speculation and refrain from circulating unverified information that could undermine ongoing security operations.
They also called on anyone with useful information that could assist investigators to report such details through the appropriate channels.
The family pledged to continue cooperating with security agencies and said further updates would be provided as developments unfold.
