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Plateau Shootings: Police Confirms 14 Deaths, Leaders Insist  27

By
Ayodele Oni
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Nigerian Police

 

By Ayodele Oni 

 

Death toll from the sporadic shootings by  terrorists on a motorcycle in Plateau State, Sunday evening, has been put at 14.

 

Some community leaders have disputed police claim insisting that not less than 27 persons were  killed.

 

The Plateau State Police Command confirmed on Monday that 14 people were killed when gunmen attacked the area at about 8:30 p.m. 

 

According to the Command’s spokesperson, SP Alfred Alabo, an initial 12 victims — 10 men and two women — died at the scene, while two additional bodies were recovered during a search operation on Monday morning.

 

Alabo said security operatives combed nearby bushes while pursuing the attackers, who fled after the assault. 

 

He added that the Commissioner of Police, CP Bassey Ewah, led a team of senior officers and tactical units to the community alongside other security agencies to restore calm.

 

Authorities say joint operations are ongoing to track down the perpetrators, with intensified efforts aimed at making arrests. The bodies of the victims have been deposited in a mortuary, and investigations are continuing.

 

However, community leaders dispute the official figures, describing the toll as significantly higher. 

 

Barrister Dalyop Solomon Mwantiri, President of the Berom Youth Moulders Association, said at least 27 people were feared dead.

 

Mwantiri claimed that 14 victims were killed on the spot, while 13 others later succumbed to injuries in hospital. He noted that the bodies had been returned to the community.

 

Condemning the attack, the youth leader described it as another tragic incident in a series of recurring security challenges in the state. He called on authorities to ensure those responsible are swiftly apprehended and brought to justice.

 

Police have appealed to residents to provide credible information that could assist in ongoing investigations.

 

The people had earlier Monday morning defied the 24 hours curfew imposed by the state government to protest against the killings, insisting that curfew cannot solve the prevailing security situation.

 

Joyce Lohya Ramnap, Commissioner for Information and Communication, had in a statement, stated that “The Plateau State Government in conjunction with security agencies wishes to inform the general public of the imposition of a 48 hour curfew within Jos North Local government Area with immediate effect,commencing from 12 midnight of 29th March, to 1st April, 2026.

 

‎”The government under the leadership of His Excellency, Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang strongly condemns this barbaric and unprovoked attack on innocent citizens and assures the public that all necessary measures are being taken to apprehend the perpetrators and bring them to justice.”

Ondo: Tension As Elected Official Slaps NULGE Chair, Councils Divided Over Impeachment

By
Ayodele Oni
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0
Owo LGA



By Ayodele Oni 

 

The leadership crisis rocking Owo local council area of Ondo State took a new dimension on Monday when a Councilor allegedly slapped the Council Union Chairman, Adene Adetunji.

 

Reports gathered reveal that workers and elected officials resumed at the secretariat amidst tension following rumour of a planned impeachment of the suspended council chairman, Tope Omolayo.

 

The festering leadership crisis degenerated into chaos, with reports of an assault on Adene Adetunji, the NULGE Chairman amidst a fresh plot to impeach the embattled council boss.

 

Eyewitnesses described a volatile scene as aggrieved Councilors, allegedly opposed to the return of the suspended chairman, converged on the secretariat in what many believe was a calculated move to initiate impeachment proceedings—even though the Chairman is yet to officially resume duties following his controversial suspension.

 

The situation quickly spiraled out of control when a heated confrontation broke out between council officials and members of the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), who were reportedly at the premises amid the unfolding political drama.

 

In the melee, Adenike Agbede, a Councilor, allegedly attacked the NULGE Chairman, slapping him and striking his right eye, an action that immediately sparked outrage and heightened tension within the council complex.

 

“The whole place became rowdy within minutes,” an eyewitness recounted. “People were shouting, pushing, and trying to take sides. It was complete chaos.”

 

Sources within the secretariat said the crisis stems from deep divisions among councilors over the leadership of the council, with a faction insisting on removing the chairman despite his unresolved suspension status

 

Staff members and onlookers reportedly fled for safety as the confrontation escalated, while security presence was said to be minimal at the early stage of the crisis.

 

The Legislative arm of Owo local government in Ondo State had suspended Tope Omolayo, the Chairman of the local government indefinitely for over three months now.

 

The suspension, which is with immediate effect, was over an alleged gross misconduct.

 

The suspension was part of the resolutions of the Owo Local Government Legislative Council, under the leadership of Doyin Adebayo, at its sitting in Owo. The decision was passed by majority of the 11councillors in the Legislative Council.

 

According to the resolution signed by the two-third majority of the council Lawmakers, “the Owo Local Government Legislative Council, under the House Leader, Hon. Doyin Adebayo, has taken decisive action to ensure good governance and accountability in Owo Local Government Area.

 

“The allegations against Hon. Omolayo include financial improprieties, utter violation of statutory budget and IGR regulations, disrespect to traditional heads, and failure to conduct himself in an appropriate manner. These allegations are serious and require thorough investigation.

 

“During the period of suspension, Hon. Hamed Ibrahim, the Vice Chairman, shall act as the Chairman of the Local Government Area Council. The investigation into the allegations shall be conducted in a fair, transparent, and impartial manner.”

 

Omolayo had denied the allegations and even reached out to apologize to the Olowo of Owo Oba Gbadegesin Ogunoye, whom he had earlier allegedly accused of making spurious financial demands from him.

Jonathan Condoles With El-Rufai Over Mother’s Passing

By
The Source
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Goodluck Jonathan
Former President, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan

Former President Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan has commiserated with former Kaduna governor Nasir El-Rufai following the death of his mother, Hajiya Umma El-Rufai.

In a condolence message released by his media office, the former President lamented the passing of the revered matriarch noting that the death of a parent is always a painful experience.

He said: “I was deeply saddened to learn of the passing of your beloved mother, Hajiya Umma El-Rufai. Please accept my heartfelt condolences during this difficult time.”

Nasir El-Rufai and His Mother

Describing the love of a mother as eternal, Dr. Jonathan prayed to God to grant Elrufai and his family the fortitude to bear the irreplaceable loss.

He stated further: “I can only imagine the depth of your grief, but I trust that the memories of her love and guidance will continue to sustain you and your family. May God bless her soul and grant you and your loved ones the fortitude to bear this great loss.”



Ikechukwu Eze

 

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

.

Borno: Gov. Zulum Dissolves State Executive Council

By
Ayodele Oni
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Professor Babagana Zulum

By Ayodele Oni

To allow those seeking elective positions time, Borno State Governor, Prof Babagana Zulum, has approved the immediate dissolution of the State Executive Council.

This was contained in a statement issued Monday by the Secretary to the State Government, Bukar Tijani.

According to the statement, the decision is to provide an enabling environment for any member of the council who may wish to contest elective positions in the forthcoming general elections.

Governor Zulum directed all commissioners to hand over the affairs of their respective ministries to the Permanent Secretaries on or before Friday, April 3, 2026.

He expressed his profound appreciation to the outgoing commissioners for their dedication, commitment, and invaluable contributions to the development and service of the people of Borno State.

The development comes 24 hours before the deadline given by President Bola Tinubu for all political appointees under his administration intending to contest elective positions in the 2027 general elections to resign their appointments.

Palm Sunday: Aggrieved Members Lock-up Anglican Church In Ondo, Accuses Cleric Of High-handedness

By
Ayodele Oni
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Ondo Anglican Church Locked Cleric Out
St. David Anglican Church, Ibulesoro, in Ifedore Local Government Area of Ondo State

By Ayodele Oni

He curses the congregregants, fiddles with finances, they allege, and have asked the Bishop to remove him

As Christians observed pa3lm Sunday on Sunday, St. David Anglican Church, Ibulesoro, in Ifedore Local Government Area of Ondo State, was under lock and key as aggrieved Church members prevented the Clergy from conducting service.

They shut down the Church building and forced out the presiding cleric, Venerable Adebanjo over allegations of high-handedness and financial impropriety.

The dramatic scene saw men, women, and youths barricade the church entrance, locking both the main building and its gates, while openly declaring their rejection of the Cleric’s leadership

“We are not fighting God, and we are not fighting the Church,” one of the aggrieved members said. “But we are no longer interested in his leadership. He should not come here again to preside over our services.”

Sunday’s protest, which was the high point of crisis, has been brewing for weeks, as congregants accused the Cleric of sidelining Church elders in decision-making, particularly on financial matters.

A senior member alleged, “On the issue of expenditure of Church money, the Reverend awards contracts without involving the elders. He will then ask those he gave the jobs to return a percentage to him. That is unacceptable to us.”

Beyond financial concerns, members also decried what they described as verbal abuse and spiritual intimidation from the pulpit.

“He mocks this community and says we are ‘light’ and have no value,” another member lamented. “Imagine a Reverend cursing members of his own Church. We cannot continue like this.”

Youth members of the Church appeared particularly aggrieved, accusing the Cleric of repeatedly insulting them during sermons.

“One of the youth leaders said, “Every Sunday, he turns us into sermon topics, calling us ‘Yahoo boys.’ Because of that, many youths have stopped coming to church.”

The youth further revealed that internal tensions disrupted key church activities, including the cancellation of the Church’s annual harvest in 2025.

“We were not allowed to hold our harvest because he said the offerings were from fraudsters and ritualists. That statement drove many people away.

“We informed the Bishop and asked for his redeployment,” a Church elder said. “He came, but since then, there has been no response. We have even paid all the Cleric ’s entitlements as requested, yet nothing has changed,” the youth leader claimed

Determined to press their demands, the congregation insisted that the church would remain shut until their grievances are addressed.

“If the Bishop is ready to redeploy him, let him do so,” another member declared. “If not, we will not open this church again. We cannot continue in this situation.”

Despite the tension, the protesters maintained that their actions were peaceful and aimed solely at restoring order and dignity within the Church.

Recapitalisation Deadline: FUGAZ Mobilise N17trn Capital As 12 Banks Struggle

By
James Orji
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0
Yemi Cardoso - CBN Governor

With less than 24 hours to the recapitalisation deadline set by the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, indications have emerged that about 12 commercial banks may fail to meet the requirement.

The CBN had fixed March 31, 2026, as the final deadline for banks to shore up their capital base in line with its directive aimed at strengthening the financial system.

Findings show that out of the 44 deposit money banks operating in the country, only 32 have successfully met the recapitalisation threshold. The remaining 12 lenders are still exploring last-minute options to comply and avoid regulatory sanctions.

Industry sources reveal that some of the affected banks are pursuing merger arrangements, while others are considering private placements as alternative means of raising the required capital before the deadline expires. However, uncertainty persists over their ability to conclude these processes within the limited timeframe.

Speaking on the development, CBN Governor, Yemi Cardoso, said the recapitalisation exercise has recorded significant progress, noting that the majority of banks have complied.

According to him, the exercise has strengthened the resilience of Nigeria’s banking sector and positioned it to better mobilise long-term capital for economic growth.

“The banking sector recapitalisation programme has recorded commendable progress, with 32 banks having already met the revised capital requirements. This achievement has significantly strengthened the resilience and capacity of the Nigerian banking system, positioning it to effectively mobilise long-term capital, support productive investment, and play its critical role in enabling the transition towards a $1 trillion economy,” Cardoso said.

Meanwhile, data from the apex bank indicates that the combined market value of 13 listed banks on the Nigerian Exchange Limited, NGX, including the tier-one “FUGAZ” banks, has exceeded ₦20 trillion.

The FUGAZ banks—First Bank of Nigeria Holdings Plc, United Bank for Africa, Guaranty Trust Holding Company, Access Holdings Plc, and Zenith Bank Plc—continue to dominate the market.

Other listed lenders include Fidelity Bank Plc, FCMB Group Plc, Sterling Financial Holdings Company, Ecobank Transnational Incorporated, Wema Bank Plc, Unity Bank Plc, Jaiz Bank Plc, and Stanbic IBTC Holdings Plc.

Breakdown of market capitalisation shows that GTCO and Zenith Bank lead with ₦4.2 trillion each, followed by First HoldCo at ₦2.2 trillion. Stanbic IBTC and UBA both stand at ₦2.1 trillion, while Access Holdings is valued at ₦1.39 trillion.

Others include Ecobank (₦1.09 trillion), Wema Bank (₦1.06 trillion), Fidelity Bank (₦971.4 billion), FCMB Group (₦511.1 billion), Jaiz Bank (₦465.96 billion), Sterling Financial Holdings (₦419.5 billion), and Unity Bank (₦17.65 billion).

Tinubu’s Ministers Weigh Resignation Over 2027 Ambitions As Deadline Pressure Mounts

By
James Orji
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1
Prof Ali Pate

There are strong indications that several ministers and political appointees in the administration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu may resign their positions within the next 24 hours to pursue political ambitions ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The development follows last week’s directive issued by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, SGF George Akume, mandating all political appointees intending to contest elections to resign on or before March 31, 2026.
The directive, according to the SGF, is in compliance with Section 88(1) of the Electoral Act 2026 and guidelines set by the Independent National Electoral Commission for the 2027 general elections.
Affected officials include ministers, ministers of state, special advisers, senior special assistants, special assistants, personal assistants to the president, as well as directors-general, chief executive officers of federal agencies, and other political appointees.
“Accordingly, all affected officials are required to submit their formal resignation letters through the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation not later than March 31, 2026,” the circular stated.
However, with less than 24 hours to the deadline, findings indicate that several appointees—particularly ministers—remain undecided.
Presidency sources in Abuja, the nation’s capital revealed that some ministers believed to be nursing governorship ambitions are still weighing their options. Among them are the Minister of Health, Muhammad Ali Pate; Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu; Minister of Communications, Bosun Tijani; Minister of Agriculture, Abubakar Kyari; and Minister of Transport, Saidu Alkali.
Others reportedly considering similar moves include the Minister of Foreign Affairs and the Minister of Education, though confirmations remain fluid.
Apart from the ministers, key presidential aides such as Femi Gbajabiamila, Chief of Staff to the President, and Muri Okunola, the President’s Principal Secretary, are also said to be weighing governorship bids in Lagos State.
However, emerging political calculations appear to be reshaping decisions. Sources indicate that both Gbajabiamila and Okunola are reconsidering their ambitions following reports that the current Deputy Governor, Obafemi Hamzat, is favoured as the consensus candidate of the ruling party.
Party insiders disclosed that a recent meeting of South-West APC leaders with President Tinubu in Lagos may have produced informal agreements on consensus candidates across the region.
Governorship elections are expected to hold in Lagos, Ogun, and Oyo states in 2027, while Osun State is set for an earlier poll in September 2026, according to INEC’s timetable.
In Bauchi State, where two ministers are believed to be eyeing the seat of incumbent governor Bala Mohammed, uncertainty over presidential backing is said to be fueling hesitation.

According to party sources in Oyo state, the Minister of Power, Adelabu is said to be wiehging his governorship ambition against recent reports, to the effect that the presidency favours Senator Sarafa Ali as APC governorship candidate in the upcoming election. Whether Adelabu will drop out of the race by resigning his position, is still a subject of speculations, particularly after the minister disclosed last week that he’s still in the race.
“It would be risky to resign from a ministerial position without clarity on party support,” a presidency source said.
Meanwhile, pressure is mounting on all affected appointees to comply with the directive before the close of business on Tuesday. Failure to do so, insiders say, would signal abandonment of any plans to contest in the 2027 elections.

Jos North Shootings: Plateau Imposes 24 Hours Curfew

By
Ayodele Oni
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0
Governor Caleb Mutfwang

By Ayodele Oni

The Plateau State Government has imposed 24 hours curfew on Jos North local government, following attacks on residents of the area by unidentified gunmen riding a motorcycle.

This was contained in a Government statement on Sunday, signed by Joyce Lohya Ramnap, Commissioner for Information and Communication.

‎The statement reads: “A tragic security incident occurred at Gari Ya Waye community Angwan Rukuba today  Sunday 29th March, 2028, resulting in the loss of lives, while several others sustained varying degrees of injuries.

‎”The Plateau State Government in conjunction with security agencies wishes to inform the general public of the imposition of a 48 hour curfew within Jos North Local government Area with immediate effect, commencing from 12 midnight of 29th March, to 1st April, 2026.

‎

‎”The Government under the leadership of His Excellency, Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, strongly condemns this barbaric and unprovoked attack on innocent citizens and assures the public that all necessary measures are being taken to apprehend the perpetrators and bring them to justice.

‎

‎”Citizens are urged to remain calm, stay vigilant, and cooperate fully with security agencies by providing any useful information that may aid ongoing investigations.”

Report revealed that in Anguwan Rukuba, in Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State, there was a deadly shooting incident on Sunday evening.

It was learnt that unidentified gunmen, reportedly riding on a motorcycle, shot and killed an unspecified number of youths in the area.

A resident, narrated “The attackers just rode past and started shooting sporadically. People were running in different directions.

“The attackers just rode past and started shooting sporadically. People were running in different directions.”

In the aftermath of the attack, angry youths reportedly blocked major roads within the community, raising fears of escalating tension.

2027: APC Risks Losing Adamawa Over Fintiri, Ribadu’s Succession Dispute — Jalo Warns

By
James Orji
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0
Governor Ahmadu Fintiri of Adamawa State
Governor Ahmadu Fintiri

A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Adamawa State, Abubakar Jalo, has warned that the party may lose the state in the 2027 governorship election if the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, is allowed to determine the successor to Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri.Governor Fintiri, who recently defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the APC, is set to leave office in 2027 after completing the constitutionally mandated two terms.
However, tensions are reportedly mounting between the governor and Ribadu over control of the party structure and the choice of the next governorship candidate.
Sources within the state indicate that Ribadu has strengthened his political influence following the emergence of Idris Shuaibu, a former Adamawa APC chairman, as North-East Vice Chairman during the party’s recent National Congress in Abuja.
At the congress, members of the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) were elected by consensus, including National Chairman Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda and National Secretary Senator Ajibola Basiru.
Speaking with The Punch, Jalo alleged that the NSA is working aggressively to install a loyalist as the next governor, warning that such a move could trigger backlash within the party.
“Some people are working for a Fulani candidate on the APC platform come 2027, but that will be the end of the party during the governorship poll,” Jalo said.
He cautioned that supporters of the incumbent governor might revolt electorally if Fintiri is denied the opportunity to influence his successor.
“We in Adamawa are all for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, but for governorship, we are counting on our governor to pick his successor,” he added.
Jalo referenced the 2015 governorship election, claiming that Ribadu’s emergence as PDP candidate at the time—allegedly through imposition—led to the party’s defeat in the state.
“When Ribadu was imposed on the PDP as governorship candidate in 2015, he lost, even in his own voting unit,” Jalo said.
“APC should avoid such a development, or we can vote for any governorship candidate from any political party.”
Despite their grievances, Jalo stressed that the governor’s supporters remain committed to supporting Tinubu’s re-election bid, but may reject any governorship candidate perceived as imposed by the party’s national leadership.
Governor Fintiri, who formally joined the APC on March 3, 2026, said his defection was driven by political survival and the need to support the continuation of power in southern Nigeria.
“I have been a central player in my former party, the PDP. I have not seen any candidate declare interest, and I cannot remain and jeopardize my political future,” Fintiri said.
“A northerner has no business vying for the presidency at the moment. It is the turn of the South.”

Former AGF Aondoakaa Dumps  APC, May Battle Gov. Alia For Benue’s Top Seat

By
Adesina Soyooye
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0
Michael Aondoakaa
Michael Aondoakaa

By Adesina Soyooye

Extending appreciation and commendation to President Bola Tinubu and the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, former Attorney General and Minister for Justice, Michael Aondoakaa, has resigned his membership of the All Progressives Congress, APC.

While dumping the Party to which he decamped to from the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, under which he served in the Government of late President Umaru Yar’adua, Aondoakaa, SAN, did not disclose where he is headed to, yet. Speculations, however, point toward the African Democratic Congress, ADC.

His resignation took effect from March, 28, 2026.

In a statement he issued, the former Cabinet Minister said he resigned from the APC after a “careful reflection and wide consultations with my family, political associates, and supporters.”

He added that his decision is embedded “in the overall interest of my people and democratic values.”

He  commended the  President Bola Tinubu’s  leadership and described  his administration as visionary. He noted the support Benue State has received under Tinubu’s leadership and assured the President of his continued loyalty to the “Renewed Hope Agenda.”

Aondoakaa, also, commended and praised  Senator Akume, for his leadership within the APC in Benue State, and  acknowledged the SGF’s role in shaping the state’s political landscape. He assured the Akume of his deep and enduring respect.

He, also, thanked party members and leadership across Ushongo Local Government Area and the wider Benue State, and noted the importance of relationships and experiences gained during his political career.

To his supporters, he pleaded for calm and patience. He said: “At this critical time, I call on all my supporters and associates to remain calm, peaceful, and steadfast. A new direction aimed at salvaging and repositioning Benue State in the best interest of our people will be communicated in due course.”

Political observers, however, noted that Aondoakaa did not extend the same appreciation, or commendation, to the State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia. Speculation, therefore, is that he may be headed to the ADC from where he would run for the Governorship of the State, backed by SGF Akume who has since fallen out with political godson, Governor Alia.

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