A chieftain of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, Rabiu Kwankwaso, has condemned the recent attacks by suspected gunmen on communities in Plateau State, describing the killings as “senseless bloodshed” and a clear failure of government.
The attacks occurred on Sunday in Gari Ya Waye community in Angwan Rukuba district of Jos and Kahir village in Kagarko Local Government Area, leaving dozens dead and several others seriously injured.
The incidents have drawn widespread condemnation, with security agencies reportedly launching a manhunt for the perpetrators.
Reacting in a statement shared on his verified X handle, Kwankwaso, a former governor of Kano State and ex-Minister of Defence, said the attacks highlight the government’s inability to curb persistent insecurity across the country.
He argued that the continued violence suggests a lack of political will to end the culture of impunity, stressing that there is little evidence to show any meaningful improvement in the nation’s security situation.
According to him, the recurring violence in Plateau State and other troubled regions should no longer be tolerated, urging the government to handle the problem of insecurity as a national emergency.
“The recurring violence in Plateau State, and indeed across several parts of Nigeria, can no longer be treated as business as usual. It demands to be treated as the national emergency that it has been declared to be by the Federal and State Governments,” he said.
Kwankwaso further stressed that all Nigerians deserve to live in peace, irrespective of ethnic, religious, or social differences.
“Our people deserve the right to live in peace, security, and dignity, regardless of their ethnicity or faith,” he said.
Plateau Killings: Kwankwaso Condemns ‘Senseless Bloodshed’, Says Govt Has Failed
Zenith Bank, Ford Foundation Honour Unsung ‘Sheroes’ With Inaugural Woman Of Power Award
Zenith Bank has held the climax of its month-long activities to commemorate March as women’s month. The event which held at The Civic Centre, was the second of such activity at the Centre, having held the International Women Day Seminar on the 9th of March, 2026. The event was to honour and give awards to exceptional women who have shown resilience in their communities with heir vocation impacting lives sustainably.
Speakers after speakers eulogized Zenith Bank for its people-centred activities and appreciated the Ford Foundation for identifying the Bank as a worthy partner in its push to support women in their peculiar cultural and economic conditions across the world.
Themed “Celebrating Resilience, Leadership, and Generosity” the award recognised 19 women who were selected from the six geo-political zones in trade, petty manufacturing, education, and agriculture. These women demonstrated extraordinary strength, leadership, and impact despite the significant challenges posed by the difficult economic situation in the country.
According to the organisers, the initiative provided a platform to showcase unsung “Sheroes” — everyday women who are making meaningful contributions in their communities and fields. These include market women, small-scale business owners, community leaders, educators, healthcare workers, and many others whose vital roles often go unnoticed.
The sponsors of the event noted that each awardee exhibited excellence in several key areas, including leadership and initiative, community impact, innovativeness and resourcefulness, perseverance, integrity, community trust, and philanthropy.
Among those honoured were:
- Mrs Regina Amankulor, a retired nurse empowering young people in Umuode-Nsulu community, Isiala Ngwa North LGA, Abia State;
- Mary Matanmi, Coordinator of the Nigeria Association of Hairdressers, Barbers and Cosmetologists, Lagos State chapter;
- Ifeanyi P. Ugwueze, a Guidance Counsellor and Life Coach who continues to thrive despite blindness and is currently pursuing a doctorate degree.
Others include:
- Amina Musa, a trade educator based in Karonmajiji, AMAC, Abuja;
- Adenike A. Lambo, the Iyaloja of Ilorin;
- Sadiya Abubakar, an educator in Jibi (Deidei), Bwari Area Council, FCT;
- Erikan Idem Andrew, a market woman with significant community impact in Port Harcourt;
- Ngozi B. Nwankpa, an Aba-based fashion designer;
- Hadiza Umar, a Development Specialist based in Kaduna, Kaduna State;
- Joy C. Ezenwa(aka Mama Amala), a trader at Sabon Gari Market, Kano;
- Shola Esther Babalola(Mama Sho), promoter of natural honey and founder of the Mama Sho Honey brand in Lagos;
- Josephine Ugwu, a staff member of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), honoured for her honesty in recovering and returning millions of naira mistakenly dropped by passengers at Murtala Muhammed Airport, Lagos.
- And many others.
In her keynote address, the Group Managing Director of Zenith Bank, Dame Dr. Adaora Umeoji, OON, who was represented by Executive Director, Adobi Nwapa, praised the awardees and reaffirmed the bank’s strong commitment to women’s empowerment. She noted that “Zenith Bank’s commitment to gender inclusion is not a rhetoric but one of the ethos that the bank holds very dearly”. In her words, she also said, “Zenith Bank has a 50-50 gender ratio with women occupying strategic positions in the bank’s management and Board up to the current Group Managing Director being the very first female to hold that position.
The Regional Director of the Ford Foundation, Dr Chichi Aniagolu, described the Woman of Power Award as an eye-opener, noting that her team’s journey across the country revealed the vast and often overlooked facets of human potential among Nigerian women.
Both the Ford Foundation and Zenith Bank Plc have pledged to sustain and grow the initiative in the coming years.
Zenith Bank used the forum to notify the women of their various women-targeted products and initiatives, including the Z-Woman initiative, and the Bank’s 19-year sole sponsorship of the NBBF Women’s Basketball League; thus, further highlighting its position at the forefront of women empowerment and economic inclusion across the country.
Minor Beats Security Barrier In A Daring Stowaway Attempt, Sparks Airport Scare
By Akinwale Kasali
Panic gripped Airport Officilas at the ever busy Murtala Muhammed International Airport on Monday, when a 14-year-old boy was intercepted in a daring stowaway attempt that raised fresh concerns over aviation security.
The teenager, identified as Eke Miracle, was apprehended by operatives of the Airport Police Command after he gained access to a highly restricted section of the facility.
It was gathered from the Airport Police Command that the minor was found at the tarmac, allegedly attempting to conceal himself beneath an aircraft in what officials described as a grave security breach.
The incident, which occurred within one of the most sensitive zones of the airport triggered immediate intervention by security personnel on routine patrol.
Police sources said preliminary investigations revealed that the boy had unlawfully accessed the restricted area without clearance in violation of established aviation safety regulations.
The act, officials noted, contravenes provisions of the bylaws of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, which strictly prohibit unauthorized entry into secured operational zones.
Following his interception, the minor was taken into protective custody, with authorities emphasising adherence to due process and child protection standards.
His parents were promptly contacted while the interview process was conducted in their presence to ensure compliance with established juvenile procedures.
Officials further confirmed that the boy was treated with care and provided necessary welfare support throughout the period of custody.
Reacting to the development, the Commissioner of Police, Airport Command, Ogunbode Olufunke, reaffirmed the Command’s zero tolerance for breaches within the aviation space.
She described the airport as a critical national asset, stressing that strict compliance with security protocols remains non-negotiable.
The Police Chief also called on parents and guardians to be more vigilant, warning against the dangers associated with unsupervised movements of minors around high-risk locations.
While assuring that the matter would be handled with sensitivity, she noted that due legal procedures would be followed in line with juvenile justice provisions.
Authorities confirmed that the case would be taken before the appropriate juvenile court as investigations continue.
The Command reiterated its commitment to safeguarding the nation’s aviation infrastructure, insisting that security and the protection of lives remain paramount across all airport operations.
Nigerian Authorities Planning To Arrest My Elder Brother To Force Me Into A Truce With Them – El-Rufai
By Suleiman Anyalewechi
Embattled former Governor of Kaduna State, Malam Nasir El-Rufai, has alleged that plans are underway by the Federal Government-backed agencies to arrest his elder brother, Bashir El-Rufai, in a veiled move to force him into political negotiations.
The Source reports that El-Rufai, a prominent figure in the opposition Coalition platform, the African Democratic Congress, ADC, is facing inter-agency investigations and prosecutions over multiple charges bordering on alleged money laundering, diversion of public funds and security related Offences.
The former Governor whose bail application, following his arraignment at a Federal High Court Kaduna by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, ICPC, over alleged money laundering and inflation of severance package to the tune of over N579 billion, was to come up for ruling on Tuesday March 31, 2026, was however, granted bail on compassionate grounds following the death of his mother last week.
But according to him, his elder brother, who is currently outside the country, could not be part of the funeral ceremony of their mother Hajia Umma El-Rufai, owing to credible intelligence indicating that he has been penciled down for arrest by relevant Federal Government bodies.
In a video message online, El-Rufai alleged that such a sinister move is part of a well scripted plot to compel him into negotiations.
“My eldest brother,Bashir El-Rufai, couldn’t come for our mother’s funeral because we heard that they (Nigerian authorities) had planned to have him arrested when he steps foot in the country. So we asked him to stay in Cairo.
“They believe that if they arrest him, it will force me to negotiate”, El-Rufai stated.
It would be recalled that El-Rufai had a couple of weeks ago, while in custod, alleged that the ICPC had made his renounciation of active partisan politics as a necessary pre-condition for his freedom.
According to him, following his refusal to make any statements in detention, insisting instead to defend himself in court, the anti-graft Commission had made it clear that unless he reached an agreement to halt participation in political activities ahead of the 2027 polls, he will not regain his freedom.
The Source further reports that former Minister of Youths and Sports Development Solomon Dalung, had earlier stated that President Bola Tinubu’s administration is so scared of the former Kaduna state Governor that it can go to any length to keep him out of circulation .
According to him, it was a great error of judgment on El-Rufai’s part to have walked himself into the hands of security agencies the way he did on Monday February 16 2026 when he voluntarily honoured an invitation from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.
“El-Rufai made a great mistake by turning himself in to security agencies .
“The Government is really afraid of El-Rufai which is why they decided to arrest him at the airport immediately after arriving in the country from Egypt.
“But they (Government) equally knew that trying to arrest him could lead to some unintended consequences.
“So, for El-Rufai to voluntarily submit himself was a great mistake for a Comrade and a fighter to make” Dalung noted .
PDP Crisis: Turaki Faction Labels Wike-Backed Convention ‘Jamboree’
The faction of the Peoples Democratic Party loyal to Tanimu Turaki has rejected the National Convention conducted by a rival group within the party.
The opposing faction, led by Abdulrahman Muhammed, held the elective convention in Abuja on Sunday, where members of the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) were elected.
The convention has reportedly been certified by the Independent National Electoral Commission.
However, in a statement issued on Monday, the National Publicity Secretary of the Turaki faction, Ini Ememobong, dismissed the exercise as a “jamboree,” alleging it was orchestrated by allies of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.
Ememobong argued that the convention violated a directive of the Court of Appeal, which had urged both factions to seek an amicable resolution to the leadership crisis within the party. He further noted that it was improper for the Muhammed faction to proceed with the convention while the matter remains before the Supreme Court of Nigeria.
He warned that the action could deepen divisions within the already crisis-ridden party.
“We reassure that we have taken this matter to the Supreme Court for determination of all issues relating to the leadership of our party, particularly as it concerns what constitutes an internal affair,” he said.
“The validity of that gathering is now before the court, and we will diligently pursue the matter to its logical conclusion.”
Meanwhile Nigeria’s electoral umpire has formally recognised the Muhammed NWC backed by Wike, the FCT Minister.
INEC made its position known on its official website on Monday, where it published the updated leadership of the opposition party.
Those listed include Abdulrahman Mohammed as National Chairman and Samuel Anyanwu as National Secretary, alongside other members of the party’s national leadership.
Plateau Attacks: Failure Of Nigeria’s Security Apparatus – Obi, Akpoti-Uduaghan
By Ayodele Oni
Peter Obi, former Labour Party, (LP), presidential candidate has said the latest attacks in Plateau state demonstrated “insecurity innocent citizens face in our nation without any protection.”
Also, the Senator representing Kogi Central, Natasha Apoti-Uduaghan, condemned the latest wave of violence in Plateau State, warning that Nigeria is gradually becoming desensitised to the loss of human lives.
Obi made his position known via his official X handle after reports of a deadly attack in the Angwan Rukuba area of Jos North Local Government Area.
Reacting to the incident, he said, “Arriving back from my visit to Kano this evening, I received disturbing news and images from Jos of a painful attack at the Angwa Rukuba area, Jos North, Plateau State.”
He expressed concern over the recurring nature of such attacks, stating, “The recurring loss of innocent lives in Plateau State reminds us, yet again, of the insecurity innocent citizens face in our nation without any protection.”
Obi added that the situation reflects a dangerous trend, noting, “These continuous devastating headlines are a reminder of a nation that is steadily normalising the loss of its own people.”
Criticising the lack of decisive action, he said, “It is unacceptable that these attacks happen with such frequency, and even more unacceptable that there seems to be no decisive, sustained strategy to end them. No nation or leader normalises tragedy.”
Calling for urgent change, Obi declared, “The safety of Nigerian lives must become non-negotiable, we cannot continue to mourn what should have been prevented. Enough is enough.”
Senator Apoti-Uduaghan, criticised the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa, following the deadly attack.
The lawmaker reacted after the March 27 incident that left more than 30 people dead. Most of the victims were said to be Christian worshippers.
In a statement released on her official social media pages, the senator described the killings as yet another failure of the country’s security system.
She said the incident shows that many Nigerians are still exposed to danger despite repeated assurances from authorities.
“Dear General Christopher Musa, Angwan Rukuba is another brutal reminder that Nigerians remain unprotected.
“During your screening at the Senate chambers, your words were filled with promises, and I allowed myself a sigh of relief,” she wrote.
Akpoti-Uduaghan did not hold back in her demand for urgent action, calling on the Defence Minister to prove his capacity or vacate office.
“Well, prove now you are different and secure lives, or step aside. Enough of condolences. Enough of excuses. Nigerians want action, protection, and results!” she added.
Reports from Angwan Rukuba indicate that the attackers struck with little resistance, leaving behind destruction and grief. Families have since been thrown into mourning, while survivors struggle to come to terms with the loss of loved ones.
Fmr. Kano APC Gov. Candidate, Gawuna, Resigns As Chairman FMBN
By Suleiman Anyalewechi
President Bola Tinubu may have failed in his last minute efforts to dissuade the All Progressive Congress, APC, Kano State gubernatorial candidate in the 2023 general elections Dr Nasir Gawuna, from ditching the party.
This followed the surprise resignation of Gawuna from his position as the Chairman of the Board of Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria, FMBN.
The Source reports that concerted efforts had, in the last couple days, been made by the President through some powerful Kano stakeholders to convince Gawuna, who served as Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje’s Deputy between 2015 and 2023 to shelve his planned defection bid.
His resignation as the Chairman of the FMBN
Board is generally perceived as a clear indication that the over three-time Chairman of the densely populated and swing Nasarawa local council of Kano, is irreversibly committed to making a switch.
There are growing speculations linking him to the Kano State gubernatorial contest, having been allegedly recruited by the Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso-led Kwankwasiyya movement.
Gawuna, according to sources, is billed to defect from the APC to the ADC any moment from Tuesday March 31,2026.
But in his letter of resignation dated March 27, 2026, Gawuna attributed his decision to an earlier Presidential directives for persons interested in political contests to resign their positions on or before March 31, 2026.
“My resignation is in strict compliance with the President’s directive requiring all political appointees to step down in accordance with the provisions of the Electoral Act”, Gawuna stated.
He expressed his appreciation to President Tinubu for the opportunity given to him to serve the country.
“I am profoundly grateful to His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the confidence reposed in me to serve.
“It has been a privilege to contribute to the growth and development of the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria and our great country”,he added.
Instructively, if all political calculations in the new realignment order in Kano go as envisaged, Dr Gawuna and Governor Abba Kabiru Yusuf are likely to face each other in an interesting re-match in 2027 from reverse political camps.
In 2023, while Kwankwaso floated Governor Yusuf on the platform of the NNPP, his erstwhile Deputy, successor and bitter political rival former Governor Ganduje, backed his then Deputy, Gawuna on the platform of the APC.
However, the battle of 2027 will see Governor Yusuf who earlier in the year defected to the APC/Dr Ganduje camp confronting Gawuna who will most likely be sponsored by the Kwankwasiyya Movement
Gawuna’s potential exit is said to be causing a serious nightmare in APC, with President Tinubu believed to be greatly disturbed about the likely consequences on his electoral fortune in the all-important Kano State.
NNPP In Alliance With ADC; Kwankwaso’s Exit Part Of Deal – NNPP Spokesman
By Suleiman Anyalewechi
The New Nigeria Peoples Party, NNPP, on Monday, March 30, 2026, announced that it has entered into an alliance with the African Democratic Congress, ADC, ahead of the 2027 Presidential polls.
The revelation is coming just 24 hours after the resignation of Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso, its National Leader and Presidential Candidate in the 2023 general elections.
The leader of the Kwankwasiyya Movement and former Governor of Kano State, had, on Sunday March 29, formally resigned from the NNPP, citing recent events within the country’s political landscape which call for realignments, as a major reason for his action.
But speaking on a Channels Television programme Monday, the party’s spokesperson, Ladipo Johnson, informed that the NNPP will still be very active on the political field in 2027, despite Senator Kwankwaso’s exit.
He explained that the party and its leadership were fully part of the discussions that led to the exit of its former presidential candidate.
“The NNPP will continue to contest elections. Although at the level of the Presidential contest, we will be aligning with the ADC, and maybe some of the national elections. But we are going to field candidates at the state level”, Johnson stated.
He revealed that several alignment talks were held between the NNPP and the opposition camp before a decision was reached for Kwankwaso to leave.
According to him, Senator Kwankwaso’s exit, rather than being a minus for the NNPP, will be a huge boost for the opposition Coalition.
He emphasized that opposition leaders across party lines are working assiduously towards ensuring Nigeria’s rescue.
Johnson gave the assurance that the former Kano State Governor is surely ADC bound , alongside his supporters , including members of the Kwankwasiyya Movement.
“There were a lot discussions before the exit of Senator Kwankwaso ,and more talks are ongoing among leaders of the opposition camp.
” Finally, some of the opposition leaders have come together ,and deci that it will best serve their purposes ,and that of Nigerians for them to come together under one platform to offer themselves as an alternative ahead of the 2027 elections.
“Kwankwaso resigned from the New Nigeria Peoples Party ,and will cross over to the ADC today in Kano state” the NNPP spokesman explained.
Kwankwaso’s Son Resigns From NNPP, Defects To ADC
By Adesina Soyooye
On the day his father, Dr. Rabiu Kwankwaso formally dumped the New Nigeria Peoples Party, NNPP for the African Democratic Congress, ADC, Mustapha Rabiu Kwankwaso, has followed same path. Aside from being a son of Kwankwaso, Mustapha is also the Secretary of the Kwankwasiyya Movement founded by his father.
In a post on his Facebook page, Monday, Mustapha in a statement titled “RESIGNATION FROM THE NNPP” stated:
“I want to inform the general public that as of today, I have officially resigned my membership from the New Nigeria People’s Party, NNPP.”
He disclosed that he is already in the process of joining the African Democratic Congress (ADC), and described the move as the beginning of a new chapter in his political journey.
He said: “This decision has not been taken lightly, and I want to assure you that it is a deliberate and well-considered move. I am currently in the process of joining the African Democratic Congress, ADC, and I am excited about this new chapter in my political journey.
“My decision to join the ADC is driven by my conviction that it is best positioned to bring the desired change and progress to our country, Nigeria, and particularly to our state, Kano. I believe that the ADC, with its vision and values, offers a viable platform for us to work together towards achieving our shared goals of good governance, economic prosperity, and improved well-being for all.”
A mammoth crowd was at hand in Kano to receive the former Governor of Kwara State on Monday. It was also witnessed by the leadership of the ADC.
Senator Ibrahim Khalid Mustapha Dumps PDP
By Adesina Soyooye
The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has continued to lose its relevance through bleeding. The defection of its members in droves is not abetting.
The latest is Ibrahim Khalid Mustapha, the Senator who represents Kaduna North Senatorial District in the National Assembly. In resigning, Senator Mustapha cited unresolved internal crises rocking the party.
His resignation was contained in a letter dated March 27, 2026, and addressed to the PDP Ward Chairman of Soba Ward in Soba Local Government Area.
The persistent leadership tussles, ongoing court cases, and divisions within the party,Mustapha said, made his continued participation difficult.
He said: “The internal crisis, unending court cases and the resulting leadership disagreement and divisions within the party at various levels have made it increasingly difficult for me to continue my membership, active participation and commitment as a member.”
The Senator pointed out that the recurring conflicts have eroded the unity and clear direction that was once the hallmark of the party. This, he said, has made it challenging for him to align with its current structure and operations.
The situation, according to him, within the party, no longer reflects the ideals which initially attracted him to the PDP.
Mustapha expressed gratitude to party members and supporters for standing by him throughout his political journey.
“I sincerely thank all the party faithful for their support and belief in me over the years. You have been a strong pillar and I remain deeply appreciative of the trust and encouragement I have received.”
There are strong speculations that he is likely heading to the African Democratic Congress, ADC.