Akpoti-Uduaghan Returns To Senate Chamber, Resumes Plenary

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Akinwale Kasali

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October 7, 2025

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By Akinwale Kasali

Nigerian Senators dress in Palestinian colors at Plenary

Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central Senatorial District, has finally returned to Plenary.

The embattled Senator returned to the Senate Chamber after completing her six months suspension.

Before resumption on Tuesday, her legal representative, Victor Giwa, during an interview with the Media had disclosed that the Senator would return to Plenary alongside her colleagues today, October 7th, 2025.

Previously, the upper legislative chamber had postponed its resumption from September 23 to October 7, 2025, thereby extending its annual break by two weeks and delaying discussions on a number of pressing national issues.

Her legal team had issued a warning to the Senate against any attempt to prevent her entry into the chambers, asserting that the Kogi Central Senator has already served her suspension and is legally entitled to resume her legislative responsibilities.

Giwa expressed confidence, saying he believed “the worst is over.”

He stated: “To me, our client should just go straight and resume on Tuesday. Anything else they say is just an opinion.

“As Femi Falana said, the Senate cannot become an institution that legalises illegality.

“You cannot muscle up the National Assembly to be at the dictates of a few persons. The National Assembly is a creation of law, and its actions must be determined by law, not by the whims of the leadership.”

He noted that preventing her from returning would contradict the Senate’s own decision and lead to “total chaos” within the Legislative arm.

“She has served out the six months, so whatever is to be in Court right now for it to determine whether your action in March was validly made.

“It has nothing to do with her resumption.

“If you deny her the chance to resume, it means that you are even going against your own resolution and the reason you suspended her for six months in the first place.

“That is total chaos you are fanning, and the National Assembly cannot be seen promoting such,” he cautioned.

In another development at the Senate Chamber, some Senators arrived dressed in Palestinian colours and attire, advocating for a free Palestine in a show of international solidarity.

FG Begs China For $2bn Loan To Build Power Grid

By

James Orji

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October 7, 2025

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The Federal Government is in advanced talks with China’s Export-Import Bank for a $2 billion loan to build a new electricity super grid designed to tackle Nigeria’s long-standing power supply challenges, Bloomberg reports.

Since President Bola Ahmed Tinubu came to power two years ago, the National Grid has collapsed many times, a situation that has raised doubts as to the seriousness of the administration to solve the country’s unending electricity problems. This move, therefore, is seen as a bold one on the part of the federal government to show Nigerians that it’s serious about ending power malaise in the country, according to experts in the sector.

The proposed grid project, according to the online newspaper, aims to strengthen power transmission across the eastern and western regions of the country, where most industrial consumers are based.

Adebayo Adelabu, the Minister of Power disclosed the plan at an economic summit in Abuja on Monday, saying the project was part of efforts to decentralise power generation and encourage heavy energy users who left the national grid due to its unreliability to reconnect.

“It’s part of plans to decentralise power generation in Nigeria and get the heavy commercial users that left the power grid because of its unreliability to return,” Adelabu said.

Bloomberg further reported that the minister’s team confirmed that negotiations with China’s Exim Bank were progressing, while the financing for the super grid had already received the Tinubu administration’s approval.

Nigeria’s electricity generation capacity is about 13 gigawatts, but only a third of that reaches consumers through the central grid, which frequently experiences system collapse.

By comparison, Bloomberg reported that South Africa, with a population a quarter of Nigeria’s, has about 70 gigawatts of installed generation capacity.

The unreliable power supply has forced many companies to depend on self-generated electricity, now accounting for nearly half of national consumption.

The new super grid, according to Adelabu, will improve power flow to industrial zones and encourage manufacturing growth.

The minister, the magazine reports, had earlier disclsoed that the federal government has embarked on N4 trillion bond issuance to settle outstanding debts to power generation companies, GenCos, and gas suppliers, not to power distribution companies, DisCos, in the country. .

Tinubu Has Compromised NASS, Judiciary- ADC Chair Mark

By

James Orji

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October 7, 2025

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The National Chairman of Nigeria’s coalition party, the African Democratic Congress, has criticised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC for subtly forcing the National Assembly and Judiciary to be the appendages of the executive.

Mark, a former Senate President said this will change when his party take over power in the next election, descrying the ruling party’s arm-twisting tactics to force the other two arms of government to do the wish of the Presidency.

He spokes on Tuesday while delivering his opening remarks at the ADC National Working Committee, NWC, meeting in Abuja, the nation’s capital.

The magazine had earlier reported that ADC is the party adopted by key coalition figures in the country, to out the APC and Tinubu from power in 2027.

According to Mark, the party will ensure that all the three arms of government function independently if allowed to rule the country, with the NASS allowed to perform its oversight functions while the judiciary will be allowed to defend the rights of Nigerians as provided in the country.

Mark stressed that the ADC will not compromise on its promise to embark on electoral reforms, in the country, urging members of the party to work collectively for its success and the general interest of Nigerians..

Mark: “The ADC will defend the separation of powers, restore legislative and judicial independence, and strengthen oversight so that budgets serve the public interest, not private appetites.

“We will end the culture of parallel budgets and extra-budgetary maneuvers by enforcing strict and transparent planning, timely appropriations, and rigorous auditing.

“The judiciary must again be a refuge for every citizen. We will back an independent, efficient, and trusted bench-appointments on merit, transparent case management, time-bound rulings, and a bias for justice over empty technicalities.”

“Nigerians are tired of slogans and statistics that do not translate into their welfare: food, power, jobs, and safety. We will focus on what works. We will pursue price stability and productivity through credible, rules-based coordination of fiscal and monetary policy. We will deliver reliable power supply by expanding power generation, fixing transmission bottlenecks, and rewarding distribution performance.

“We will secure our food supply by supporting farmers and agricultural value chains from inputs and storage to processing and markets. We will back small businesses and industry with affordable, performance-tied credit and local content that creates jobs, not rent. And we will shine a bright light on every naira-no parallel budgets, no black-box spending, no sacred cows. Judge us by what Nigerians feel in their daily lives, rhetorics and bland statistics: lower volatility, more reliable power, visible projects, and decent work.

“Our foreign policy will be Pan-African-rooted in regional integration and international peace. We will champion trade within Africa, harmonize standards that open markets for Nigerian goods and services, leverage diaspora capital, and build coalitions that keep our sub-region stable and prosperous.

“This National Working Committee has urgent tasks. We must review our constitution to reflect the new order, develop a code of ethics, financing rules, and compliance systems. We must establish functional ward, local government, and state structures with trained organizers, digital registers, and service desks. We will build a leadership pipeline through a merit-based academy-policy, ethics, communications, and delivery.

“We will receive reports from the Secretariat and zones and prepare for regular and off-cycle elections well in advance. And we will field only credible and viable candidates who meet the 4-pillar standard-Character, Competence, Courage, and Discipline.

“Nigeria and Nigerians-will accept nothing less. The political class has too often served itself. We must change this outdated pattern. We must model a new attitude to leadership across every sphere-public, private, and civic. Let it be said of the ADC that we kept faith with the people, that we were steady under pressure, honest in our dealings, and relentless in delivery. We do not seek power for its own sake; we seek it to build a legacy worthy of our children,” Mark stated.

Ekiti Agro-Allied International Cargo Airport Begins Commercial Flight Operations

By

Ayodele Oni

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October 7, 2025

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By Ayodele Oni

The Federal Government has given Ekiti Agro-Allied International Cargo Airport approval to commence scheduled flight operations, otherwise known as commercial flights, effective October 4th

The development follows the expiration of the initial approval for a non-scheduled flight approval for the airport by the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), in December 2024 and compliance with regulatory requirements.

The NCAA in the letter dated October 3, 2025 addressed to the Governor of the State, Mr Biodun Oyebanji, confirmed the new approval for scheduled flight. The approval will be for an initial period of six months.

According to the letter with reference number : NCAA/DAAS/TECH//043/Vol. 1/158 and signed by the Director, Aerodrome and Airspace Standards, Engr Godwin Balang, the validation inspection was conducted on the airport between June 16th – 19th, 2025.

“The outcome revealed that the basic operational requirements for scheduled flight operations to Ado-Ekiti Airport have been significantly complied with and the instrument flight check validation report conducted by NAMA indicates satisfactory compliance with regulatory requirements.

“In view of the above and in line with the provisions of Nig CARs Part 12 Vol. 1, 2023, I have been directed to convey the Authority’s Interim Operational Permit subject to the limitations of VFR or daylight (sunrise to sunset) operations.

“Furthermore, Your Excellency is respectfully invited to note that this interim Operational Permit is to enable Ekiti Agro-Allied International Cargo Airport implement outstanding gaps and commence the certification process which will allow for issuance of Aerodrome Operational Permit with three years validity in accordance with the Nig.CARS Part 12 Vol.1”

Meanwhile, Ekiti State Government is in the advanced stage of installing the Instrument Landing System (ILS) to position the airport for night and all weather operations.

In a statement on Tuesday, signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Yinka Oyebode, Governor Oyebanji hailed the development as a major boost to the economic development of the state.

He added that the commencement of commercial operations at the airport would boost agribusiness, tourism development, commercial activities, and medical tourism, which will further position the state as a destination of choice for people looking for where to live, work, invest and relax.

The Governor thanked President Bola Tinubu for providing the enabling environment for socioeconomic development at the national and subnational levels.

He also thanked his immediate predecessor in office, Dr Kayode Fayemi, who laid the foundation of the airport project in 2019 and the founder of Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD), Aare Afe Babalola (SAN) for his remarkable contributions to the airport project as well as members of the Airport Committee.

Mullally: Nigeria’s Anglican Communion Severes Spiritual Relationship With Church Of England

By

Ayodele Oni

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October 7, 2025

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Most Revd Henry Ndukuba and Bishop Sarah Mullally

By Ayodele Oni

An advocate of same sex marriage cannot lead Congregation

The Church of Nigeria, (Anglican Communion) has taken a stand on the appointment of Bishop Sarah Mullally as the new Archbishop of Canterbury, declaring that an advocate of same sex marriage cannot lead the Congregation.

As a result of this, the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) has declared its spiritual independence from the Church of England following the appointment of Bishop Sarah Mullally as the new Archbishop of Canterbury.

In a statement issued by the Primate, the Most Rev’d Henry Ndukuba, the Church described the October 3 announcement as “devastating” and “insensitive.”

According to the statement, the decision poses a “double jeopardy” to the Faith. “First, it disregards the conviction of the majority of Anglicans who cannot accept female headship in the Episcopate; and second, it is deeply troubling that Bishop Sarah Mullally is a strong supporter of same-sex marriage.”

The Church recalled Bishop Mullally’s 2023 remarks after the Church of England approved blessings for same-sex couples, when she called the decision “a moment of hope.” It said such views further damage unity within the Anglican Communion.

“It remains unclear how someone who upholds same-sex marriage can hope to heal the already fractured fabric of the Communion,” the statement noted, adding that global Anglicanism could no longer rely on the moral and spiritual leadership of the Church of England.

Reaffirming its commitment to the Global Anglican Future Conference (GAFCON), the Church of Nigeria said it would continue to uphold Biblical Authority, the historic creeds, evangelism, and holy living—“irrespective of the ongoing revisionist agenda.”

The statement ended with a call to conservative Anglicans in England and beyond to remain steadfast.

“We encourage all faithful brothers and sisters in the Church of England who have resisted the aberration called same-sex marriage to continue contending for the Faith once delivered to the Saints (Jude 1:3).”

CBN Limits POS Transactions As Agent Banking Fraud Spikes

By

James Orji

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October 7, 2025

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A new order by the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, has pegged the daily cumulative transactions of Point of Service Operators, POS, also known as Agent Banking at N1.2 million, while daily withdrawal of an individual customer has also been limited to N100,000.

The order was contained in a new operational guidelines issued by the Yemi cardoso-led CBN released to all financial institutions in the country on Monday, even as industry analysts insist that the order was part of the apex bank’s move to contain fraud associated with agent banking.

The directive also comes two months after Monday Ubani, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, SAN raised the alarm, to the effect that POS are being used by criminal syndicates, kidnappers, fraudsters, and money launderers to move billions of naira beyond the reach of security agents.

Checks from the Fraud and Forgeries Report for Q1 2024 by the Financial Institutions Training Centre (FITC) indicate that POS fraud cases jumped by 31.12 per cent, rising from 2,683 incidents in Q4 2023 to 3,518 cases in Q1 2024 alone.

What this means, according to experts, is that POS-related frauds accounted for 30.67 per cent of the 11,472 total fraud cases reported last year, making it the biggest contributor to fraud in Nigeria’s financial system.

According to the CBN circular (PSP/DIR/CON/CWO/001/049 signed by the Director of the Payments System Management Department, Musa Jimoh, the CBN aims to strengthen financial stability, promote inclusion, and protect consumers from fraud and other financial crimes.

The circular, addressed to all commercial banks, other financial institutions, OFIs and payment service providers, takes immediate effect, while provisions on agent location and exclusivity will become effective from April next year.

The circular read“The Central Bank of Nigeria, in furtherance of its mandate for the stability of the financial system and pursuant to its role in deepening the financial system, hereby issues the Guidelines for the Operations of Agent Banking in Nigeria.

“The guidelines aim to establish minimum standards for operating agent banking in Nigeria, enhancing agent banking to provide financial services and promoting financial inclusion, encouraging responsible market conduct and improving service quality in Agent Banking operations.

“This circular takes effect from the date of release, while the implementation of agent location and agent exclusivity shall be with effect from April 1, 2026.

“All stakeholders are required to ensure strict compliance with the Guidelines and all other regulations, as the CBN continues to monitor developments and issue guidance as may be appropriate.”

The apex bank also directed that all agent banking transactions must be conducted through a dedicated account or wallet maintained by the principal financial institution to ensure transparency and better oversight.

The CBN warned that using non-designated accounts for agent operations would constitute a regulatory violation and attract sanctions with agents found guilty of misconduct, fraud, or related offences will be held personally liable and may be placed on industry watchlists or have their agreements terminated.

Principals, which are financial institutions, are now required to publish and regularly update the list of all their agents on their official websites and display them within their branches.

Super agents must have at least 50 agents distributed across the six geopolitical zones to ensure wider coverage and access to financial services in underserved areas.

The guidelines also stipulate that no agent can relocate, transfer, or close its banking premises without prior written approval from its principal or super agent.

The CBN also noted that a relocation notice must be displayed prominently at the business premises for at least 30 days to notify customers.

All agent transactions must now be conducted in real time using a secure, interoperable payment infrastructure while financial institutions are mandated to deploy technologies that enable instant settlements and immediate reversals in the event of system failure.

Transaction receipts must include the agent’s name and geographical coordinates, while audit trails and settlement records are to be preserved for at least five years to support regulatory oversight.

Although the new framework pegs the daily cumulative cash-out limit at N1.2 million per agent, the apex bank reserves the right to review the limit in line with the CBN Guide to Charges for Banks and Other Financial Institutions.

“POS agents are restricted to a maximum of N1.2 million per day. Individual customers are limited to N100,000 in daily transactions.

“These limits are intended to curb misuse, enhance financial integrity, and protect consumers within the agent banking framework,” CBN said.

Ubani had in June this year called on the CBN to further tighten the belt on POS operations in the country by enforcing strict licensing, transaction limits, and mandatory linkage of all POS devices and bank accounts to operators’ Bank Verification Numbers, BVN, and National Identification Numbers, NIN.
In a statement titled “The Urgent Need to Regulate POS Transactions in Nigeria’s Financial Ecosystem”, Ubani accused the CBN and other financial regulators of allowing POS operators to fester crimes without blocking the loopholes.

“What we are seeing now is frightening. POS terminals have become the preferred method for criminals to move large sums of money anonymously. Kidnappers now demand ransom via POS, and fraudsters launder stolen funds through agents who collect and disburse without verifying identities,” Ubani said.

Presidential Bid: I’m Not In Any Political Alliance With Jonathan – Fmr. Ondo Gov. Mimiko

By

Ayodele Oni

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October 6, 2025

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By Ayodele Oni

Former Ondo State Governor, Olusegun Mimiko, has clarified that there is no contact or any appointment from former President Goodluck Jonathan concerning any political project.

Dr Mimiko, who now romances the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), again found himself at the centre of political speculation, following a media report alleging his appointment as a consultant to Jonathan ahead of a possible 2027 political move.

He is a two-term Governor of Ondo State – first on the ticket of the Labour Party (LP) and later decamped to the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).

Since he left office almost 10 years ago, Dr Mimiko has maintained a quiet political life watching events as they unfold.

Although, he has not publicly defected to APC, he directed his followers to vote for Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa during the 2024 governorship election in Ondo State.

Jonathan is being rumoured to be nursing a presidential ambition ahead 2027. He has neither confirmed nor denied.

But in a reaction, Mimiko’s former Chief Press Secretary, Eni Akinsola, dismissed the report as unfounded and mischievous, describing it as another attempt to drag the former Governor into premature political permutations.

Writing on his Facebook page on Monday, Akinsola said the publication, which claimed Mimiko has been appointed to head a consultation group for Jonathan’s supposed campaign in the South-West, lacked credibility.

“The report did not name who made or announced the said appointment, where or when it was made. It also admitted it could not hear from Dr. Mimiko before publication,” Akinsola noted, calling it “a concocted rumour dressed as news.”

He emphasized that while Mimiko maintains deep respect for Jonathan, there has been no contact or appointment between them concerning any political project.

“The Mimiko that I know respects former President Jonathan but has neither been reached nor appointed for a campaign that is still the subject, and may well end as a subject, of fanciful speculation,” he stated, adding that the former governor “is not job-hunting.”

Observers note that Mimiko, once a key ally of Jonathan and a major voice in South-West politics, has kept a low profile in recent years.

His name, however, continues to surface whenever political alignments begin to shift ahead of election cycles.

Jonathan Leads West African Elders Forum Pre-Election Mediation Mission To Guinea-Bissau

By

The Source

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October 6, 2025

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The West African Elders Forum (WAEF) is pleased to announce the deployment of a Pre-Election Mission to the Republic of Guinea-Bissau, taking place from October 5 to 8, 2025,ahead of the country’s General Elections scheduled for November 2025.
Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, former President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and Chair of WAEF, is the head of the delegation. During the three-day visit, the delegation will engage with the President of Guinea-Bissau, political parties, electoral commission, civil society organisations, and other key stakeholders. The mission aims to promote peaceful, inclusive, and credible elections, and to encourage all parties to commit to dialogue, respect for the rule of law, and non-violence throughout the electoral process.

This mission to Guinea-Bissau underscores WAEF’s ongoing dedication to fostering stability and unity in the sub-region through peaceful political engagement.

Established as a home-grown, non-partisan platform of former Heads of State and Government, WAEF leverages the experience and influence of its members to support peacebuilding and democratic governance across the West African sub-region.

According to Ms Ann Iyonu the executive director of the Goodluck Jonathan Foundation and director-general of WAEF, the elders’ consultations in Bissau were intended to deepen the trust of the citizens towards ensuring a hitch-free election.

She added that the mission aligns with the Forum’s commitment to supporting democratic consolidation, good governance, and peaceful political transitions across West Africa.

Ikechukwu Eze

S.A. to H.E. Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan

Former Nigerian President and Chair, WAEF

Air Vice Marshal Obierika Dies Mid-air On British Airways

By

Adesina Soyooye

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October 6, 2025

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By Adesina Soyooye

A retired Nigerian Air Force Senior Officer, Air Vice Marshal Osita Obierika, has died mid-air on a British Airways flight en route Abuja from Heathrow Airport, London.

An accomplished Officer and gentleman man, fondly called “Prof”, he was a native of Enugu- Ukwu, Anambra State.

Allegedly in his early 80’s, he has been battling with cancer-related ill-health in London and had, also had treatment at Philadelphia, USA. A mourning colleague lamented that the late AVM had assured him he would be on his feet soon.

It is not known why he left London, but speculation is that he may have been told that the end was near, prompting him to take the difficult decision to fly back home.

A reliable source at the Abuja Airport, said a number of senior officers were there waiting to receive him on arrival when the news of his passing on board the flight was broken to them. They were devastated, the source said.

The fight which was scheduled to arrive Abuja, Nigeria, by 5.00am, Monday, having departed Heathrow by 11.00pm, Sunday, declared an onboard emergency, and diverted to Barcelona’s El Prat Airport, to land.

It is not known if his body was deposited at a funeral home in Barcelona pending when an arrangement will be made to fly him home or if he would be brought back to Abuja on a rescheduled BA flight after protocols.

The stress, allegedly, triggered another medical emergency on board, this time of an unnamed pregnant woman whose condition waa not yet known at the time of filing this report.

An email to passengers by British Airways apologized for the disruption.

‘’Passengers are advised to expect an email with more information and can reach out to the airline’s Live Chat feature for support. British Airways acknowledges the inconvenience and thanks passengers for their patience and understanding,” the airline told the affected passengers in a general message.

An update from the airline mid-afternoon Monday informed that: “We’d like to advise that the replacement aircraft for your flight to Abuja is now on its way. The estimated time of departure from Barcelona is 14:50 local time, with arrival into Abuja expected at approximately 17:45 local time. We understand the inconvenience caused and thank you for your patience. We look forward to welcoming you on board soon. British Airways”

The late AVM Obierika was very beloved and well regarded and respected in the Airforce. He was of the NDA 1973 set.

Families Grieve As Bride Dies Two Days To Wedding, Teenager Hangs Self

By

Ayodele Oni

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October 6, 2025

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By Ayodele Oni

It was a grieving and mourning period for two families in Abia and Benue states. A bride-to-be, Mirian Chinonso Sunday, died two days before her traditional wedding while a teenager, Tersoo Veregh, hanged himself.

Mirian reportedly passed away last Friday, in Umuahia, after suddenly complaining of chest pain.

Report indicate that the bride-to-be was on her way to the market when she fell ill and was rushed to the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Umuahia, where doctors battled to save her life.

She was said to have suffered internal bleeding and underwent surgery, but did not survive.

Her traditional wedding to her fiancé, Ugochukwu Princewill, popularly known as Donish Gold, was scheduled for Sunday, October 5.

Only a day earlier, the groom had shared their pre-wedding photos, expressing joy and anticipation for the ceremony.

“Sunday we party. 5th October. Thank you so much for choosing me, my baby girl…. love is a beautiful thing,” he had written.

The heartbreaking news has since sparked a wave of grief on social media. Friends and loved ones flooded Facebook with tributes, describing Miriam as healthy, full of life, and excited about her big day.

A close friend, Christian Ojike Agbaeze, wrote: “A day made for celebration has turned to condolences. Blessing, this was not the plan.

“Uka my man, Donish Gold, take heart. You don’t deserve such cruelty from this world. Nigerian medical system failed you. Saddest month ever. Why God?”

Another mourner described her as “a happy soul snatched away at her happiest moment.”

The MC contracted to anchor the wedding also expressed his grief, recalling their last conversation about the big day.

“From marriage plans to funeral tears in just one night… it’s too heavy. Life truly is fragile,” he lamented.

Meanwhile, a teenage boy identified as Tersoo Veregh was found hanging from the roof of his father’s house on Lorkyaako Street, High Level area of Makurdi, Benue State.

A counter insurgency expert, Zagazola Makama, shared the story in a post on X, that the incident occurred on Saturday.

According to Makama, the father of the teenage boy had woken up around 2 a.m. to discover that his son was hanging in what was suspected to be a case of suicide.

He noted that police officers from a division in the area visited the scene of the incident and recovered the body to a morgue.

Makama said: “The deceased’s father discovered the tragic scene at about 2:00 a.m. on October 4 when he came out of his room to ease himself and found his son hanging from the roof of the building.

“Upon receiving the report, the Divisional Police Officer in ‘B’ Division, Makurdi, led a team of detectives to the scene.

“The corpse was photographed and later evacuated to the Benue State University Teaching Hospital mortuary.”

When contacted for reaction, the Benue State Police Public Relations Officer, Udeme Edet, confirmed the incident. She noted that the police have commenced an investigation into the matter.

“We are aware of the incident, and for now, the investigation is ongoing on the matter,” Edet said in a telephone conversation.