Candidates List: NDC Calls For Investigation Into Strange Names Of Contestants Released By INEC

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August 31, 2026

By Ayodele Oni

The Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, has called for an investigation into uploading and publication of unauthorized names in various constituencies, in the Anambra State House of Assembly.

The party accused the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, of illegally importing strange names to replace those ones submitted by the party.

Reacting to the list of candidates for the State Houses of Assembly elections published on Sunday by INEC, the NDC National Chairman, Sen. Moses Cleopas Zuwoghe, stated that names published by INEC look like a deliberate plot to sabotage the NDC ahead of the general elections and cause dissatisfaction among its millions of supporters.

The statement reads in part: “The Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, totally condemns the action of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and it’s officials over the uploading and publication of unauthorized names in various constituencies, principally in the Anambra State House of Assembly.”

It revealed that ten names unknown to the party; names not authorized by the party; names not sent by the party to INEC, in accordance with the law, have now been uploaded and published as candidates of the party.

The NDC Chairman’s statement continued:

“We call on the INEC Chairman to urgently and immediately cause an investigation into the matter and unravel how this came to be.”

The party emphasized that the investigation should also be extended to other constituencies nationwide, where the NDC has observed a pattern of fencing out authentic candidates of the party for INEC-chosen imposters.

“The same investigation should also be carried out in other constituencies like Benue, Imo and others, as this mischief has not only caused an embarrassment to the party, its leadership and genuine candidates, but has also caused a lot of disaffection among the millions of the party’s supporters all over the country and in the Diaspora.

“We, as a party, are also carrying out our own independent investigation, the preliminary findings of which are already pointing to the complicity of INEC officials in foisting names purporting to be our

candidates, but who are not from us, and using the uploading process as a tool of blackmail and intimidation against the party, and getting those names to be uploaded and published, for whatever

purpose or ulterior motive.

“I, as Chairman of the Party and custodian of the code given to the NDC for the upload of our candidates, never uploaded those names, and I unequivocally state that the party did not also upload those nine names.

“What happened was that after the conclusion of our primaries and the appeal process (which is also a part and parcel of the primaries and candidates nomination process), the stakeholders from

Anambra working with the party leadership, representatives of our presidential candidate, and the Appeals panel, which is the tradition of our party, produced a final list of candidates, a list which was signed off on by all.

“However, when that final list was uploaded to the INEC portal, using the code given us by the Electoral commission, the INEC officials who are in complete control of the backend of the portal

kept nine of the names on ‘Pending’ status.

“Their claim was that their system already had those names, which they said were submitted by their officials who monitored the NDC primaries on the field.

“Even after the NDC had formally appealed those names, on the ground that they did not come from the party’s nomination process, and also sent the names of the actual candidates nominated by the

party, with the necessary covering letter, INEC remained adamant.

“To further confirm that there was a predetermined effort on the part of INEC to impose the said nine candidates on the party, and embarrass both NDC and Mr. Peter Obi, INEC went behind the NDC to

collect the Form EC-9 directly from the candidates, bypassing the party, and uploading same.

“It then went ahead to publish the controversial names as authentic candidates of the party.

“This not only runs against the grain of the Electoral Act and INEC’s own guidelines, it is simply unacceptable.

“The worst INEC can do in a situation whereby the names submitted by the party do not tally with those INEC claimed to have received from its monitoring teams on the field is to leave the space blank, not to preload fictitious names and prevent the party from loading its genuine candidates.

“At the very worst, INEC could have left us with no candidates for those positions, if they knew they were unwilling to engage us in addressing any perceived anomaly”.

Sen. Cleopas frowned at the emerging pattern whereby INEC deliberately prevents parties from uploading

their rightful candidates, while criminally handpicking candidates for the parties and instigating a crisis of confidence and internal disharmony within the said parties.

He noted that this has been particularly so for the opposition parties.

Hisbah Can’t Operate In Plateau State- Gov

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James Orji

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August 31, 2026

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Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State has warned a group allegedly acting as Hisbah in Jos, the state’s capital to desist or face the wrath of the law.

Hisbah, the governor said is not permitted in the state, describing the activity of the group to be against the Constitution of the state and Federal Republic of Nigeria.

The governor’s remark was contained in a statement issued by Dr Gyang Bere, his Director of Press and Public Affairs, warning that any group acting as a parallel authority to the state government will be met with a strong response from his government.

The state helmsman spoke after the group was alleged to be extorting and harassing the residents of the state and forcing them to adhere to Islamic sharia rules despite the fact that the North Central state is among the few states in the Northern Nigeria not being governed by the Islamic legal codes.

No fewer than 12 states in the region, dominated by muslims had signed to the Islamic jurisprudence amid protest that it’s against the Nigerian Constitution.

Plateau is a Christian dominated state.

According to Governor Mutfwang, the state government will no sit by and allow any group to harass the residents, saying his government is not targeting any religion, but will protect those living in the state regardless of their religion, ethnicity and backgrounds, by ensuring that everybody is treated equally under the rule of law.

He directed security agencies to arrest those parading themselves as Hisbah, saying resident of the state has the right to live, worship, work, conduct lawful business and go about their daily activities without intimidation or interference from any self-appointed authority.

“Plateau State has a proud tradition of peaceful coexistence among people of different faiths, ethnicities and backgrounds. Governor Mutfwang will continue to defend that tradition by ensuring that peace is protected, citizens are treated equally, and the rule of law remains supreme,” the governor stated.

The development, the magazine reports, is coming after reports that tension was rising in Sokoto state following alleged plan by the Hisbah Police in the state to force Christian worshipers to adhere to sharia law which requires male and female worshipers to adopt notable distance during worship.

The state government has denied the report, saying Hisbah is not after Christians.

Atiku Knocks Tinubu For Embarking On Vacation When Nigeria Is “Burning”; Tinubu Needs To “Refuel”

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James Orji

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August 31, 2026

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Presidential hopeful Atiku Abubakar has criticised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for traveling out of the country at a very critical time, saying the president has left a leadership gap in the nation’s leadership.

According to Abubakar who’s also the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress, ADC President Tinubu seems not to understand the enormity of his office as the country’s leader, particularly at this times when there are myriads of challenges facing the country.

He said Tinubu cannot be traveling out of the country at will as if he’s a private citizen, saying the president must understand his responsibility as the ‘sitting President of the Federal republic of Nigeria.”

The former vice president made the assertion on his verified X post on Sunday, few hours after the Presidency announced that Tinubu was traveling out of the country to Europe for a three week annual vacation.

Abubakar, however, said the president should not have chosen to travel out of the country at a time when Nigerians are facing serious economic and security challenges, citing for instance, that food prices have hit the roofs, petrol prices gone beyond the reach of Nigerian among other hardship Nigerians are battling under the Tinubu’s administration.

He questioned why Tinubu chose to go out of the country at the same time Vice President Kassim Shettima was also outside the country, adding that the two Nigerians were behaving as if their services are not needed at home.

“Consider what Bola Tinubu is leaving behind. Petrol priced beyond the reach of ordinary people. Families rationing food. Transport fares that have turned a journey to one’s own village into a luxury. Insecurity that buries Nigerians week after week. And in the middle of all this, President Tinubu has packed his bags for three weeks in Europe,” the ADC presidential candidate said.

“The Vice President is abroad on official duty. That makes the President’s decision even more difficult to understand. Leadership is not merely the constitutional right to occupy an office; it is the judgment to know when your country needs you at home.

“A father may travel when all is well. But when his roof is burning and his family is trapped inside, he does not pick up his suitcase and head for the airport.

“That is the issue here. It is not that a President must never rest or travel. It is that Nigeria is burning, and the President has chosen a boarding pass over the fire extinguisher.

“Millions of Nigerians are being grounded by hardship while their President is airborne. The people can barely afford to move, but the President keeps moving.

“A government that cannot feel the pain it inflicts will never summon the will to end it,” he noted.

In a statement issued on Sunday by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, the Presidency said Tinubu had departed for Europe to begin a three-week vacation as part of his annual leave.

The statement said that the president’s first stop will be in London, United Kingdom.

Tinubu, according to the statement, is expected to return home after the working vacation to participate in his party’s, the All Progressives Congress, APC election campaign for next year’s general election.

Meanwhile, Sunday Dare, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communication, in his justification of the president’s travel outside the country said the vacation was well deserved and it will allow the Tinubu to “refuel”.

AU: Tinubu Urges African Leaders To Take Firm Action Against South Africa Over Xenophobic Attacks

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James Orji

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August 31, 2026

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Cyril Ramaphosa - South African President — Cyril Ramaphosa, South African President

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has lodged a formal complaints at the African Union, AU against South Africa over recent xenophobic attacks on Nigerians and other Africans.

Represented by Vice President Kassim Shettima at the 21st Extraordinary Session of the Assembly of the Union in Luanda, Angola, President Tinubu urged the union to take a firm stand against South Africa, saying the attacks threatens peaceful co-existence in the continent.

The xenophobic attacks have been sustained in the last few months by south Africans groups and individuals who attack Nigerians and other people from the continents, especially blacks after accusing them of breaching the country’s immigration laws.

The angry South Africans have also claimed that the problems of unemployment in the country is caused by the influx of foreigners into their country.

In response, Nigerians and other African governments have taken steeps to evacuate their citizens from the country. Last week, over 70 Nigerians were evacuated from the country to prevent them from being attacked.

Not a few Nigerians have called for a strong retaliatory and diplomatic action against the President Cyril Ramphosa-led country over the unprovoked attacks.

President Nigeria’s formal complaint to the union, President Tinubu raised concern over what he decsribed as the ‘recring xenophobic and Afrophobic attacks by South Africans against blacks in the country, urging the Council to call the country to order as the attack is capable of destroying the solidarity among African countries.

According to a statement issued by Stanley Nkwocha, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Communications, Tinubu called on the AU to make the issue a major focus during its upcoming 40th Ordinary Session of the AU Assembly, scheduled for January 2027, demanding a collective action against South Africa by other African leaders.

Tinubu: “Nigeria wishes to express its concern over the recurring xenophobic and Afrophobic attacks against Africans and other nationals in South Africa.

“While recognising South Africa’s sovereign right to enforce its immigration laws and acknowledging its contributions to the continent, Nigeria stresses that such attacks undermine African solidarity, unity and peaceful coexistence, and require urgent collective attention.

“It is on this note that Nigeria calls on this august Assembly to place the matter on the agenda of the upcoming 40th Ordinary Session of the AU Assembly, scheduled for January 2027, for consideration and appropriate action.”

“Even If My Father Emerges From His Ordeal Like Gandhi, Forgives, Forgets, I’ll Never Forgive APC” – El-Rufai’s Son

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Ayodele Oni

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August 30, 2026

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Nasir El-Rufai and Son - Bashir El-Rufai — Nasir El-Rufai and Son, Bashir El-Rufai

By Ayodele Oni

Bashir El-Rufai, son of former governor Nasir El-Rufai, has vowed to seek political power with the intention of confronting those within the All Progressives Congress APC whom he accused of turning against his family at its most vulnerable moment.

Bashir insisted that he will not forgive the APC over what he described as the party’s attacks on his family.

According to him, his resolve would remain unchanged, even if his father eventually emerges victorious from his ongoing legal ordeal and chooses to forgive those he believes have wronged the family.

In a series of posts on X, he stated that

“Even if my father emerges from his ordeal like Gandhi and forgives and forgets, I won’t.

“I will acquire power somehow for the sole reason of terrorising those (APC) that attacked like wolves upon my family at our weakest. Friend or foe, it won’t matter.”

Bashir, however, made an exception for one of his brothers, Mahmud Ribaud, whom he described as his biological brother.

“Only @mahmudribadu will be spared. That one is my biological brother. Everyone else is fair game,” he stated.

The outburst comes amid an escalating public disagreement between Bashir and his brother, Bello El-Rufai, a member of the House of Representatives representing Kaduna North Federal Constituency.

Bashir has criticised Bello over his political trajectory, particularly his decision to remain in the APC after their father left the party.

Nasir El-Rufai resigned his membership of the APC in March 2025 and subsequently aligned with the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

Bello, however, remained in the APC until May 7, 2026, when he defected to the ADC and joined his father in the opposition party.

Bashir accused his brother of prioritising political interests over family loyalty, alleging that Bello only turned to the family after his relationship with Governor Uba Sani deteriorated.

“Stuck with Uba Sani until he realized he is being dumped then suddenly remembered family loyalty and moved to ADC. Where was he since? Purely serving his interest,” Bashir wrote.

The relationship between El-Rufai and Sani, once political allies, deteriorated after Sani succeeded El-Rufai as Kaduna governor in 2023. Their fallout has since spilled into political and legal disputes.

Meanwhile, Nasir El-Rufai has remained in the custody of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) for about 200 days amid an ongoing corruption case.

The former governor is facing prosecution before the Federal High Court in Abuja over allegations including abuse of office, financial impropriety and fraud allegedly committed while he was governor of Kaduna State.El-Rufai has denied the allegations.

In his latest legal action, the former governor filed a N10 billion suit against the ICPC, its chairman and the Attorney-General of the Federation over alleged restrictions on his access to family members while in custody.

The suit, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1852/2026 and filed on August 13 by his lawyer, Ubong Akpan, seeks nine reliefs.

El-Rufai is asking the court to affirm that his fundamental rights under Part IV of the 1999 Constitution remain enforceable despite his detention.

He also wants the court to declare that the alleged repeated denial of access to his wife, Aichatou Asabe, and son, Abba El-Rufai, particularly for the provision of food, medication and other necessities, violates his constitutional rights.

Osun Gov. Election: Oyebamiji Accepts Outcome, Congratulates Adeleke, Condemns Post-Election Killings

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Ayodele Oni

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August 30, 2026

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By Ayodele Oni

Sixteen days after and in what looks as admittance of defeat, the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in the August 15, 2026 election in Osun State, Asiwaju Bola Oyebamiji (AMBO), has congratulated Governor Ademola Adeleke on his victory as declared by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Oyebamiji, who spoke in Osogbo while addressing APC leaders, members and supporters on the outcome of the election and preparations for the 2027 general elections, also called on Adeleke, as the state’s Chief Security Officer, to take immediate steps to end the killings, harassment and intimidation of APC members and supporters.

The APC candidate expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu for his support before, during and after the governorship election, while also commending former Governor Bisi Akande for his counsel and support.

He similarly praised the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy and former Osun State Governor, Adegboyega Oyetola, for what he described as his efforts in repositioning the APC in Osun State.

Recalling his emergence as the APC governorship candidate in December 2025, Oyebamiji said the various tendencies within the party subsequently put aside their differences and worked towards a common objective of securing victory for the party.

He noted that the campaign traversed all parts of the state, engaging civil servants, retirees, artisans, students, youths, entrepreneurs, women, professionals, sporting groups, persons living with disabilities and religious organisations.

However, Oyebamiji expressed deep concern over what he described as unwarranted violence before, during and particularly after the election.

He specifically recalled the killings of former Irewole Local Government Chairman, Hon. Remi Abass; APC Chairman in Atakumosa Local Government, Chief Gbenga Ogbara; Dele Ayegbo, nephew of the Director-General of the APC Governorship Campaign Council, Hon. Wole Oke; and more than 35 other victims.

He called on the Nigeria Police Force to thoroughly investigate the killings and ensure that those responsible were brought to justice.

Oyebamiji also extended his condolences to the families of victims of political violence, assuring them that they would not be abandoned.

While congratulating Adeleke on his victory and joining Osun State in commemorating its 35th anniversary, Oyebamiji urged the governor to use his constitutional responsibilities to protect the lives and property of residents.

He condemned attacks on APC members, supporters and businesses based on perceived political affiliations, describing such actions as unacceptable in a state seeking to attract investment and create employment opportunities.

According to him, “The senseless killings, harassment and intimidation of members and supporters of our party must therefore stop forthwith.”

On the post-election situation, the APC candidate said the party would continue to pursue justice and fairness through lawful and constitutional means, particularly with respect to the electoral process.

He urged APC members not to be discouraged by the outcome of the election, but to remain committed to democracy and have confidence in the institutions established to protect their democratic rights.

Oyebamiji called on APC leaders, members and supporters across Osun State to begin preparations for the 2027 general elections, particularly the re-election bid of President Tinubu.

He urged party members to close ranks, strengthen the party’s structures and work towards securing victories for Tinubu and other APC candidates in Osun State.

Oyebamiji commended APC members for their resilience and commitment, saying the party would continue to pursue its vision of a greater Osun where resources are equitably deployed, opportunities are accessible to all and governance serves the broader interests of the people.

APC National Scribe Basiru, Visits Gov. Adeleke, Acknowledges His Victory In Osun Poll

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Ayodele Oni

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August 30, 2026

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By Ayodele Oni

As part of reconciliation efforts, National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Surajudeen Basiru, has visited Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, following the governor’s victory in the August 15 governorship election.

Basiru explained that the visit was aimed at congratulating Adeleke on his electoral victory, appreciating him for attending the burial of his late mother, and discussing plans to secure Osun State for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

The APC chieftain disclosed that Governor Adeleke has promised to support efforts toward delivering the state for President Tinubu in the next presidential election.

Basiru stated that the meeting was also an opportunity to personally appreciate the governor for his presence during his mother’s burial and to discuss political cooperation ahead of 2027.

Adeleke contested the August 15 governorship election under the platform of the Accord Party and secured 511,067 votes to defeat the APC candidate, Bola Oyebamiji, who polled 444,815 votes.

The governor reportedly won in 19 of Osun State’s 30 local government areas, while Oyebamiji secured victory in 11 local government areas.

Candidate of the All Progressives Congress in the poll, Bola Oyebamiji had earlier congratulated governor Adeleke.

Oyebamiji stated that “As a party committed to the rule of law, we shall continue to pursue justice and fairness through lawful and constitutional means, particularly in relation to our electoral processes.

“I therefore urge you not to be discouraged or despair. We must remain resolute, sustain our faith in democracy and continue to have confidence in the institutions established to protect our democratic rights.

“In the spirit of democracy and as we commemorate the 35th anniversary of the creation of our dear Osun State, I congratulate His Excellency, Senator Ademola Adeleke, the Executive Governor of Osun State, on his victory in the August 15, 2026 governorship election as declared by the Independent National Electoral Commission.

“At the same time, I call on Mr. Governor, as the Chief Security Officer of the state, to do everything within his constitutional responsibility to protect the lives and property of all citizens, particularly during this sensitive post-election period.”

Ondo Releases N10 Billion For Food Security

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Ayodele Oni

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August 30, 2026

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By Ayodele Oni

Ondo State Government has released over N10 billion for agricultural development as part of efforts to enhance food security, attract private investment and strengthen agricultural value chains across the state.

The Chief Press Secretary to Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, Ebenezer Adeniyan, disclosed this during a press briefinv highlighting the administration’s achievements and ongoing interventions in the agricultural sector.

Adeniyan explained that the government’s agricultural strategy is anchored on large-scale investment, farmer support, value-chain development and measures aimed at boosting food production and reducing inflation.

According to him, the administration is opening up large expanses of farmland, attracting private-sector investors and constructing rural roads to facilitate the movement of farm produce from rural communities to markets.

“Governor Aiyedatiwa’s agricultural strategy focuses on large-scale investment, food security, value-chain development and farmer support.

“The administration is opening up large areas of farmland, attracting private investors, ensuring EU-compliant cocoa production for international markets and constructing rural roads to facilitate the movement of farm produce.”

He noted that immediate interventions, including grain distribution and programmes under the Ondo State Agribusiness and Commodity Association (OSACA), are helping to address food inflation while improving the welfare of farmers across the state.

Adeniyan stated that the administration’s investment drive has continued to attract investors to the agricultural sector, adding that over 500 young people have been trained and empowered in modern agricultural practices.

The governor’s spokesperson also highlighted efforts to strengthen the cocoa industry, describing the sector as a major pillar of the state’s agricultural development agenda.

He revealed that Governor Aiyedatiwa recently inaugurated the Ondo State Cocoa Revolution and Management Board to sustain the state’s position as Nigeria’s leading cocoa producer.

In addition, the State Strategic Committee on European Union Deforestation-Free Regulation Compliance has been inaugurated to ensure that cocoa produced in Ondo State meets international standards required for access to global markets.

Adeniyan disclosed that over 14,000 smallholder cocoa and oil palm farmers have been profiled under the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) Global Environment Facility-7 programme across eight local government areas of the state.

Speaking on efforts to guarantee quality cocoa production, he said the government has intensified monitoring activities through relevant agencies and the Ministry of Agriculture.

“And for cocoa, yes, this is one area that this administration has taken a lot of work on.

“Like I said earlier, we have the government-suited cocoa regulation agency, and also we are monitoring. The Commissioner for Agriculture and members of the team from that ministry, you’ll see that once in a while they go into the farms and they seize bad contaminated cocoa or cocoa gotten through illegal means.

“That is to ensure that whatever cocoa that is being produced meets international market standards, and that is why that committee on EU regulation was constituted. So we’ll continue to ensure that cocoa being produced meets international market standards.”

He reiterated the administration’s commitment to sustaining reforms that will boost agricultural productivity, improve farmers’ incomes and position Ondo State as a leading destination for agribusiness investment.

Banditry: Niger Christians Pray Against Banditry, Calls For Deployment Of More Security Personnel

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Ayodele Oni

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August 30, 2026

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By Ayodele Oni

Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Niger State chapter, rallied worshippers on Sunday to pray against incessant banditry during which they called for more security presence at places of worship especially during Fridays Jumu’at prayers and Sundays services.

Chairman of the CAN in Niger state, Most Rev. Dr. Bulus Dauwa Yohanna made the disclosure in a homily on Sunday at the St. Michael Catholic Cathedral Church, Kontagora, following the abduction of unspecified number of worshippers from mosques in Dekara, Kpenya, Sabon-Gida and Gidan-Zana in Borgu local government area of Niger state during Jumu’at prayers on Friday, August 21, 2026.

Accordingly, he said “the whole of Borgu Emirate which include Agwara and Borgu LGAs need strong and permanent security presence so that those in the rural communities can live without fear of being abducted.”

While appealing for a beefed up in security at places of worship, the Chairman who is also the Catholic Bishop of Kontagora Diocese, condemned in strong terms the abduction of hundreds of Muslim worshippers during Jumu’at prayers.

In his words: “for us, an attack on any place of worship, irrespective of religion, is an attack on the sanctity of places of worship and a threat to the wider community.

‎ “And as a Body, we express solidarity with the victims and their families and share in the grief of the affected Muslim communities.

“Millions of Christians and all the churches across the state have intensified prayers for the safe returns of the abducted worshippers in Borgu local government area.

“As a Body, we have set aside today (Sunday) to call on all Nigerlites, Christians and churches across Niger State to use this Sunday service to cry to God and to pray specifically for the safe return of the abductees and for God to help our security agencies.

“We are praying and we believe God has heard and answered our prayers already.”

Bishop Yohanna commended the Federal and State Governments, as well as security agencies for their roles so far

FG Moves To Prevent Spread Of Diphtheria In Katsina, Kano

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Ayodele Oni

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August 30, 2026

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By Ayodele Oni

Following outbreak of diphtheria in Katsina and Kano states, the Federal Government has deployed 500,000 doses of vaccines to Katsina and Kano states and activated a multi-agency emergency task force to contain outbreak of the disease affecting children in parts of the two states.

The intervention followed a directive by the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, as the government intensified efforts to strengthen disease surveillance, close immunisation gaps and improve access to treatment in affected communities.

The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare revealed that the emergency response would be coordinated in collaboration with the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), affected state governments and international health partners.

According to the ministry, the task force will be co-chaired by the Director-General of the NCDC and the Director of Public Health.

Its membership includes representatives of the NPHCDA, the health commissioners of Katsina, Kano, Zamfara and Sokoto states, the World Health Organisation and UNICEF, as well as the National Tuberculosis and Leprosy Control Programme in Katsina State.

The Chief Epidemiologist of the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare will serve as the secretary of the task force.

The government said the team had been directed to immediately focus on outbreak containment, expanded immunisation, improved treatment access and emergency support for referral facilities.

“The Federal Government has activated an emergency task force to contain the outbreak of diphtheria among children in parts of Katsina and Kano States, with immediate measures being deployed to strengthen surveillance, close immunisation gaps and ensure timely access to treatment,” the ministry said.

“As part of the containment strategy, health authorities will conduct outbreak investigations, strengthen disease surveillance and intensify community sensitisation to ensure that unvaccinated children are reached.

“The NPHCDA has already deployed 500,000 doses of vaccines to Katsina and Kano to support intensified immunisation activities in affected and high-risk communities.

“As part of the immediate response, NPHCDA has deployed 500,000 doses of vaccines to Katsina and Kano States to support intensified immunisation activities in affected and at-risk communities.

“The Federal Government will also work with the Katsina State Government to establish treatment annexes in hospitals across the state’s three senatorial districts — Katsina, Daura and Funtua.

“The measure is aimed at bringing treatment closer to affected communities and ensuring early medical intervention for infected children.

“The government also announced emergency support for the Federal Teaching Hospital, Katsina, which serves as a major referral centre for the state and parts of neighbouring states.

“The support will include the provision of Diphtheria Antitoxin, intravenous antibiotics, additional clinical personnel and personal protective equipment.

“The task force is expected to provide weekly updates to the Coordinating Minister on the progress of the response, emerging challenges and additional requirements, while critical bottlenecks will be escalated for immediate resolution.

“The Federal Government reaffirmed its commitment to protecting children from vaccine-preventable diseases and bringing the outbreak under control.

“The Federal Government reaffirms its resolve to protect Nigerian children from vaccine-preventable diseases and remains committed to a swift, coordinated and evidence-based response to bring the outbreak under control,” the ministry added.

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