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Kebbi Kidnapping: “How Can Over 500 Bandits Be Riding On Our Highways Without Detection?” – Gov Idris Wants Probe

By
Adesina Soyooye
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Governor Nasir Idris of Kebbi State

By Adesina Soyooye

A distraught Governor of Kebbi State, Nasir Idris, is holding the Military responsible for the abduction of 25 female students of the Government  Comprehensive Girls Secondary School, Maga, Kebbi State. He said the soldiers who were stationed to protect the area, inexplicably abandoned their beat 30 minutes before the terrorists stormed the school, killed the Vice Principal, a school guard, and abducted 25 students. One miraculously escaped.

Governor Idris has been lamenting since the attack on the school, and has not stopped to blame the Military for the ugly incident.

On Monday when he received the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Dr. Tajudeen Abbas in audience, Governor Idris called for a probe, and lamented: “If we knew they would leave our girls exposed, we would never have agreed to rely on deployed personnel.”

He questioned the rationale behind the withdrawal of troops shortly before the attack on the school and asked who gave the order.

He, also, wondered how such a large number of bandits on motorcycles could move freely on the highway without being detected.

He asked: “How can over 500 bandits be riding on motorcycles on our highways without being stopped? We have done our part for the Security Agencies. We provide logistics. We bought over 100 vehicles. Yet, the security architecture is not working.

“If we knew they would leave our girls exposed, we would never have agreed to rely on deployed personnel. We would have closed the school.

“I believe there are enemies working to destabilize this government and the Federal Government. The House must act, especially regarding the worsening security challenges.

“Yesterday, it was Kebbi, today it is Niger and Kwara — who knows where next? We must urgently tackle this situation.”

Speaker Abbas said he was in the school with his delegation to condole with the Government and people of Kebbi State over the sad abduction of the students and the killing of the Vice Principal and Watchman.

He donated the sum of ₦30 million to the families of the two slain officials. He, also, urged Governor Idris to immortalise the murdered Vice Principal for his courage.

Abass assured that everything will be done to secure the release of the students.

Imo Economic Summit Targets $1trillion Economy, Says Uzodimma

By
The Source
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Hope Uzodimma
Governor Hope Uzodimma

Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State has hinted at the benefits expected from the forthcoming Imo Economic Summit, suggesting that humongous gain of one trillion dollars ($1trillion) is being targeted.

Uzodimma spoke about his administration’s plan to launch this ambitious economic agenda with the hosting of Global Economic Summit and Tourism Revival Projects in Owerri and consequently, the target to build one trillion dollar economy in the State, weekend.

Speaking Sunday, November 23, 2025 at the Government House Banquet Hall Owerri, after the Feast of Christ the King, the Governor announced an ambitious slate of economic and cultural initiatives aimed at repositioning Imo State as a major national and international hub, including a World Investment and Economic Summit set to host prominent global leaders.

It was on a day the Governor also sent warning signals to those constituting themselves as obstacles to the ongoing Light Up Imo Project, noting that such obstacles will not deter his government from linking the State electricity infrastructure to the national grid.

“We cannot spend billions on power infrastructure and fail to distribute electricity to our people. By next week, we will take decisive steps,” the Governor said.

Governor Uzodimma expressed gratitude for public support and emphasised the importance of unity and collective progress.

“When we eat and work together, our blessings come faster,” he said.

He disclosed that the Investment and Economic Summit to be held December 4-5, 2025 in Owerri is intended to build one trillion dollar economy in Imo State; and that the event will be hosting former Secretary General of United Nations, a former British Prime Minister, the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and a couple of African Heads of State and leaders.

“It is a thing of joy, we want to announce Imo State to the world,” Uzodimma stressed.

He further revealed that Imo State will host the Ahiajoku Lecture Series on November 27 and 28, 2025.

The Ahiajoku Lecture Series, he said, has remained a cultural legacy established by former Governor Sam Mbakwe.

Describing the festival as one of the tourist indicators of Imo State economy, the Governor said that his administration is doing everything to rehabilitate and promote the festival as a long-term tourism asset.

“This monument will be one of the key tourist indicators of our State economy,”

he noted, urging citizens to participate.

“Ideas rule the world, and we are ready to rebuild the circle of excellence our state once represented.”

The Governor explained that insecurity and political interference had previously delayed these lofty initiatives.

He criticised individuals who vandalised public property—including a recent incident involving an unauthorised alteration of a government-built roundabout.

“Government property is not nobody’s property. Conduct is part of success. We must begin to behave ourselves as responsible citizens.”

The Governor outlined ongoing efforts to rebuild Imo’s public sector, emphasising that prosperity depends on functional public schools, hospitals, transportation systems, and infrastructure.

He noted that even substantial wage increases cannot compensate for the high cost of private healthcare and schooling, making government services essential for affordability.

“If our schools and hospitals work, a civil servant can run a household comfortably,” he said.

On the ongoing Light Up Imo Project, he vowed to confront any federal-level political obstacles preventing the State from connecting its completed power infrastructure to the grid.

The Governor urged citizens to prioritise the State’s collective interest over personal or political differences, calling on residents to stand together for the future of Imo State.

Nnamdi Kanu: South East Reps Caucus Seeks Presidential Pardon

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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Nnamdi Kanu
Mazi Nnamdi Kanu

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The South-east caucus of the  House of Representatives on Monday, November 24, 2025, urged President Bola  Tinubu to consider exploring political options in resolving the issue involving convicted leader of the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra, IPOB,Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.

The Source reports that Kanu was on Thursday November 20, convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment by Justice James Omotosho of a Federal High Court Abuja on charges bordering on terrorism and related offences.

The IPOB leader has since been relocated from the custody of the Department of State Service, DSS, to Sokoto Correctional Centre for the commencement of his jail term.

According to the South-east caucus, granting the IPOB leader a Presidential pardon will help in dousing tension, and restoring stability to the restive region.

The statement which was read by the leader of the caucus, Hon Igariwey Iduma Enwo, noted that much as the judgment has been delivered, the President could invoke his constitutional powers to grant Kanu a reprieve in the interest of national unity and peace.

“The South East Caucus of the House of Representatives met today the 24th of November 2025, in Abuja to review the recent judgment in the case of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu,and to assess its implications for peace, security and stability in the South East region and the nation at large.

“As elected representatives, we reaffirm our total respect for the judiciary and the processes that led to the conviction.

” However, our responsibility also requires us to speak with clarity when a legal matter evolves into a broader national concern, with serious humanitarian, economic and security consequences.

“After extensive deliberation, the Caucus resolved to humbly appeal to the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency Bola Ahmed Tinubu ,GCFR ,to consider a political and humanitarian intervention using the constitutional powers granted under Section 175 of the 1999 Constitution ,to grant pardon to Mazi Kanu .

“Our appeal is grounded on the consideration that the continued detention of Mazi Kanu has contributed significantly to tension and agitations in the South East.

“Despite numerous calls for calm, the atmosphere remains strained. A Presidential act of mercy at this time has the potential to de-escalate tension, restore normalcy ,and reduce the cycle of security operations and civil resistance.

”Beyond its political nature, this matter has taken a deep emotional toll on families, communities, and the general populace.

“The South-east has experienced profound social disruptions – closed markets,  interrupted schooling, reduced commercial activities and fear. A political resolution would ease these human burdens and allow communities to return to a dignified life.

“Nigeria had, in critical moments, relied on Presidential magnanimity to heal divisions and consolidate peace. Indeed, the authors of our Constitution conceived of Section 175, in anticipation that the bare dictates of the law may sometimes prove insufficient in tackling complex legal issues that are better handled politically via presidential discretion.

“It is our belief that an act of clemency by the President would resonate deeply across the country as a symbol of inclusiveness, fairness, and leadership that prioritizes healing over division. It would send a clear message that dialogue is still possible, even in difficult circumstances”, the Caucus stated .

“You Are Not Wanted In Our Party; You Are A Liability” Forum Of APC Councilors Tells Plateau Governor, Mutfwang

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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Governor Caleb Mutfwang

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Plateau State Chapter of the Forum of Former Elected Councilors, has kicked against the planned defection of the State Governor Caleb Mutfwang to the All Progressive Congress, APC, insisting that he is not at all welcome.

This is as the Forum reminded the Governor that APC still remains that Muslim/Muslim ticket party he demonized in the count down to the 2023 general elections.

The former Councilors’ position is coming against the backdrop of Tuesday November 18, 2025, statement from the Coalition of Concerned Former APC Councilors and Grassroots Mobilizers CFACGM  calling on Governor Mutfwang to join the APC.

At an interactive session with the Media on Monday November 24,2025 in Jos the State capital , Chairman of the Forum, Hon Dabit John Dashe, while  describing the Coalition as non-existent and faceless, noted that its call smacks of desperation on the part of the Governor and his paid agents .

According to him, the position of the so-called Coalition is akin to attempting to smuggle the Governor into APC through the back door.

“In the first place, we urge the general public to note that this group CFACGZM does not represent the interest of either the former or the present Councilors in Plateau state.

“This group has called on Governor Caleb Mutfwang to join the APC. We view this as a desperate attempt by the Governor and his agents to smuggle him into the party through the back door.

“The Governor has consistently stated that there is no APC in Plateau State, and has no intention of joining a party on the verge of collapse. His recent desperation to join the APC is, therefore, puzzling”,  Dashe state .

He lampooned the Governor over his abysmal performance in office, noting that rather being an asset, he will become a heavy liability to the APC .

He berated the Governor and his administration for visiting on the people of the State untold hardship and suffering, through crass misgovernance.

“The Mutfwang Government has disregarded over 4000 plateau youths in the State, the same Government ignored the Supreme Court judgment and sacked democratically elected Chairmen and Councilors from all the 17 Local Councils of Plateau State .

“Such actions disqualify Governor Mutfwang from joining our Progressive Party.

“His administration’s failures in governance , infrastructure deficit, termination of employment of Plateau youths, destruction of widows and young people’s businesses in the State, make him an unsuitable candidate for our party.

“During the 2023 Presidential campaign, the Governor’s divisive rhetorics and actions, including calumnious campaigns against the then presidential and Vice presidential candidates, Bola Ahmed Tinubu’ and Kashim Shettima.

“We still want to remind.the Governor that our party is still the Muslim-Muslim ticket he demonized in 2023. His desperation.to join the APC raises suspicion about his motives. We believe that accepting him would be a self-infliction on our party .

“We reject any attempt to bring Governor Mutfwang into our party, and urge him to remain in the PDP, allowing us to work as opposition and hold him accountable thereby strengthening democracy”, Dashe noted.

Zamfara Tightens Security Around Schools, Insists On No Closure

By
Ayodele Oni
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Dauda Lawal - Zamfra State Governor

By Ayodele Oni

Zamfara State Government has said that authorities are strengthening security in and around schools to deter bandit attacks instead of shutting down due to insurgence.

The State Government pointed out the measure would protect learning centres and ensure that pupils continue classes without fear of attacks.

The State Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Wadatau Madawaki,  made this known during a press briefing after an event organised by the Federated Association of Zamfara State Students in Gusau, the state capital.

“We have already done our work, but when it comes to the issue of security, you keep it to yourself.

“We have taken steps to safeguard the interests of our students. The security of the schools and children is well taken care of.

“We are in contact with all the security agencies, and they are giving us the necessary support to ensure our schools operate without hindrance.

“We believe nothing will happen, and our education will continue to flourish until the end of the academic term.

“Many States in the north have ordered immediate closure of schools, but Zamfara will not follow suit. Instead, authorities are strengthening security in and around schools to deter bandit attacks.

“Most of the states that have closed their schools operate boarding systems where students stay in hostels. Bandits often strike at night when people are asleep. Here, we are yet to resume our boarding system. Our schools run during the day.

“Where we feel there is insecurity, the schools have already been closed. Where there is relative peace, we have allowed students to continue since the term is almost ending. If there is a need to extend holidays, we shall do so.”

Schools in two states of Kebbi and Niger had been attacked with the bandits abducting the pupils and staff.

Fmr DSP, Ekweremadu To Continue Prison Term In UK, As Nigeria’s Request Fails

By
Ayodele Oni
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Ike Ekweremadu

By Ayodele Oni

Nigeria’s request from the United Kingdom (UK) to transfer Ike Ekweremadu, a former Deputy Senate President, to complete his prison term in the country has suffered a setback.

The UK Government has rejected the Federal Government ’s request, citing lack of trust on the part of Nigeria government.

Ekweremadu is currently serving a prison sentence in the UK for organ trafficking.

He was convicted in March 2023 and sentenced to nine years and eight months for conspiring to exploit a young man’s kidney.

In November, President Bola Tinubu sent a high-level delegation to London to discuss Ekweremadu’s case and explore the possibility of him serving the remainder of his prison term in Nigeria.

The delegation comprises Yusuf Tuggar, minister of foreign affairs, and Lateef Fagbemi, attorney-general of the federation and minister of justice.

However, the UK Guardian, quoting an unnamed official of ministry of justice (MoJ), reported that the Nigerian Government’s request was rejected.

“A source at the MoJ has confirmed the request was rejected.

“It is understood the UK government was concerned that Nigeria could offer no guarantees that Ekweremadu would continue his prison sentence after being deported.

“Any prisoner transfer is at our discretion following a careful assessment of whether it would be in the interests of justice.

“The UK will not tolerate modern slavery and any offender will face the full force of UK law,” the UK Guardian quoted the official as saying.

Brig-Gen Abu Ali, Former Military Administrator Of Bauchi State Dies, Gov Muhammed Mourns

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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rigadier General Abu Ali

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammad has expressed deep sorrow over the death of Brigadier General Abu Ali, a former Military Administrator of the State.

Ali passed on in the early hours of Monday November 24 ,2025 .

He died from complications arising from old age .

Ali  was the Military Administrator of Bauchi State between 1990 and 1992 during the General Ibrahim Babangida’s regime.

He  handed  over to  Governor Alhaji Dahiru Sadi of the National Republican Convention NRC  after emerging victorious against the Social Democratic party SDP

Until his death, Ali was the Etsu Bassa Nge Kingdom in Kogi state ,a position he was appointed to in 2000 by late Governor Abubakar Audu.

His death was announced by the Kogi State Governor , Ahmed Usman Ododo on his Facebook Page on Monday.’

“We just lost His Majesty, King Alhaji Abu Ali ,the Etsu of Bassa-Nge Kingdom.

” May his soul rest in Jannatul Firdaus ” the Kogi Governor wrote .

Governor Muhammad noted that the late General Ali was known for his humility , integrity and dedication .

“His life was a model of service to his soldiers ,to the people of Bauchi and to his cultural community.

“During the ethno-religious unrest in 1991 , General Abu Ali acted decisively to restore peace , imposing a curfew and deploying security forces .

“He also peacefully handed over power to a democratically elected Government in January 1992 , showing respect for democratic governance

“May the memory of Brigadier General (rtd) Abu Ali continue to inspire us all as a servant-leader ,a visionary ,and a man of courage and compassion ” Gov Muhammad stated .

Brigadier-General Ali was the son of Late Col Muhammad Abu Ali who was reportedly killed by Boko Haram terrorists in an ambush in Malami Fatori ,Borno state on November 4, 2016 .

How Odira Nwobu, Nollywood Actor, Died Of High Blood Pressure In South Africa

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Odira Nwobu

By Akinwale Kasali

The death of Odira Nwobu, a popular Actor and Content Creator still remains a rude shock to the Nigeria Make Believe Industry, popular as Nollywood, and to many of his colleagues and fans.

However, despite the news that he died of high blood pressure at a Night Club in South Africa, it was gathered from his friends and colleagues that he had been involved in a ghastly motor accident that almost claimed his life months ago.

Sources informed the magazine that he had a Thanksgiving Service in South Africa before his passing.

His death was announced in a Facebook post on Monday by Awuzie Frankline, a blogger and content creator, who also posted a video of Nwobu’s lying lifeless.

Although Frankline did not state the circumstances surrounding Nwobu’s death, it was learned from the post that the actor reportedly died some hours after clubbing in South Africa over the weekend.

In a series of posts on Facebook, he wrote: “God Why ! ODIRA why leave us… The Call I received now was not a good one. #Odiegwu.”

In another post, Frankline wrote: “You were full of life even some hours ago in South Africa, and you even had your thanksgiving service just a few months ago. Many people came to celebrate with you. How can you return from South Africa lifeless? Honestly, I am drowning in tears. De@th is Rude. I am heartbroken.”

Evan Okoro, a comedian, also posted a picture of Nwobu on her Facebook page saying, “How now, I can’t believe this nooooo”.

According to reports from Stanley ontop, a popular producer and blogger, he had high blood pressure. “Omo, it’s well. Someone who was in the club last night. OMG, my heart is broken. Rest well, Odira. Black Monday in Nollywood.”

The late Nwobu was admired for his unique comedic style, memorable roles, and lively presence on screen. Over the years, he built a strong fan base and made notable contributions to Nollywood and digital content creation.

Tribute has been pouring in over his sudden demise, but the Actors Guild of Nigeria,  AGN, is yet to issue an official statement on his passing.

Nigeria Delegation In US, Refutes Genocide Allegation, Insists Attacks Cut Across Religious, Ethnic Lines

By
Ayodele Oni
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Nigeria Delegation In US

By Ayodele Oni

Nigeria has finally reached out to the United States, (US) on the unabated security challenges and other issues bordering on cooperation.

Discussions and engagements were held last week between a high-level Nigerian delegation and US officials which are expected help strengthen security partnerships between the two countries and open new avenues for cooperation to protect Nigerian citizens.

A statement on Monday by the Special Adviser to the President, (Information and Strategy), Bayo Onanuga, revealed that the delegation, led by the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, met with senior officials across the US Congress, the White House Faith Office, the State Department, the National Security Council, and the Department of War.

“In all engagements in Washington, DC, the Nigerian delegation refuted allegations of genocide in Nigeria, emphasising that violent attacks affect families and communities across religious and ethnic lines.

“The delegation strongly rejected wrongful framing of the situation, saying such would only divide Nigerians and distort the realities on the ground.

“Following these engagements, the United States Government affirmed its readiness to deepen security cooperation with Nigeria.

“This includes enhanced intelligence support, expedited processing of defence equipment requests, and the potential provision of excess defence articles—subject to availability—to reinforce ongoing operations against terrorists and violent extremist groups.

“The United States also expressed its willingness to extend complementary support, including humanitarian assistance to affected populations in the Middle Belt and technical support to strengthen early-warning mechanisms.

“Both countries agreed to implement immediately a non-binding cooperation framework and to establish a Joint Working Group to ensure a unified and coordinated approach to the agreed areas of cooperation.

“In return, the Nigerian delegation reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening civilian protection measures.

“The discussions provided ample opportunity to correct misconceptions about Nigeria, forged a constructive, solution-driven partnership with the United States, reinforced mutual trust, and advanced a coordinated approach to protecting vulnerable communities, especially in the Middle Belt.

“The Federal Government restates its awareness of heightened sensitivities regarding religious freedom and security, and urges citizens to remain assured that firm, urgent, and coordinated steps are being taken to secure the nation.”

Members of the delegation included Lateef Olasunkanmi Fagbemi, Attorney General of the Federation; Mr. Kayode Egbetokun, Inspector General of Police; General Christopher Musa, Chief of Defence Staff; Lt. Gen. Emmanuel Parker Undiandeye.

Others are Chief of Defence Intelligence; Ms. Idayat Hassan, Special Adviser to the NSA; and Ambassador Ibrahim Babani, Director of Foreign Relations at the Office of the National Security Adviser.

Insecurity: SW Governors Meet In Ibadan

By
Ayodele Oni
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South West Governors

By Ayodele Oni

In an apparent swift response to escalating security threats across Nigeria, South West governors are currently meeting in Ibadan, Oyo state.

The governors from the six states  gathered for an urgent, closed-door meeting being hosted by Oyo Governor Seyi Makinde at the Governor’s Office in Agodi.

The unscheduled summit underscores the gravity of recent intelligence reports warning of a potential influx of bandits and terrorists into the area.

The governors include Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Lagos), Dapo Abiodun (Ogun), Seyi Makinde (Oyo), Ademola Adeleke (Osun), Lucky Aiyedatiwa (Ondo), and Biodun Oyebanji (Ekiti).

Sources close to the meeting, revealed that discussions are centered on bolstering regional defenses against “rising security threats and emerging challenges,” with a particular focus on the operations of the Amotekun security outfit.

The agenda also encompasses fast-tracking infrastructure projects and advancing the Development Agenda for Western Nigeria (DAWN) to foster stronger regional integration.

No official communiqués has been released as of press time, but it was gathered that the convergence comes against a backdrop of heightened apprehensions over spillover violence from Nigeria’s volatile North West and North Central zones.

Just six days ago, Aare Onakakanfo of Yorubaland, Gani Adams, issued a stark warning that “terrorists and bandits are plotting to attack the South West.”

Citing covert threats to economic stability and national security, Adams emphasized that such incursions could undermine the Yoruba nation’s progress, urging immediate vigilance.

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