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Terrorists Storm Catholic College In Niger, Kidnap Students, Teachers,  Govt Says School Defied Order To Close

By
Ayodele Oni
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St Mary’s School - Niger State

By Ayodele Oni

An unspecified number of students and staff of the St. Mary’s School, a Catholic institution located in Papiri community, Agwara Local Government Area of Niger State were reportedly abducted by terrorists.

The latest abduction comes days after a similar attack in Maga, Kebbi State, where 25 students were kidnapped, heightening concerns over the deteriorating security situation in educational institutions across the country.

The incident occurred between 2.00am and 3.00am on Friday.

Confirming the incident in a statement, the Niger state government said it has received with deep sadness the disturbing news of the kidnapping of pupils from St. Mary’s School in Agwara Local Government Area.

“The exact number of abducted pupils is yet to be confirmed as security agencies continue to assess the situation,” the statement disclosed.

The statement, signed by Abubakar Usman, secretary to the Niger state government, stated that the state received prior intelligence report indicating an increased threat level in parts of the northern senatorial district.

“In response to these credible security alerts, the State Government had earlier issued a clear directive suspending all construction activities and ordering the temporary closure of all boarding schools within the affected zone as a precautionary measure,” the statement reads.

The statement explained that St. Mary’s School, however, proceeded to reopen and resume academic activities without notifying or seeking clearance from the state.

“Security agencies have since commenced a full-scale investigation and search-and-rescue operations to ensure the safe return of the pupils.

“The Niger State Government is in close communication with all relevant security formations and will provide continuous updates as more information becomes available.

“The Government urges school proprietors, community leaders, and all stakeholders to adhere strictly to security advisories issued in the interest of public safety.

“The protection of lives, especially those of our children, remains the utmost priority of this administration,” statement added.

Shock As Segun Awolowo Dies, Family Says It Is Shattered

By
Adesina Soyooye
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Segun Awolowo

By Adesina Soyooye

Olusegun Awolowo, a grandson of late Chief Obafemi Awolowo, is dead.

Segun, as he was popularly known, was the first grandson of the late sage whose father was also the first son of Chief Obafemi Awolowo. His mother is Sisi Abba Folawiyo

The Awolowo Family confirmed his passing in a statement which read thus:

Statement on the Passing of Olusegun Awolowo

“With extremely heavy hearts, we announce the passing of our beloved husband,  father and grandfather- Olusegun Awolowo.

“He was the world’s most phenomenal husband, father and grandfather — steady, wise, endlessly loving, and the constant anchor of our family. A painfully loyal servant to Nigeria, he dedicated his life to the service of his country with vision,  integrity, passion, and unwavering commitment. He was a true family man, a great friend, a wonderful servant of God, and a deeply beautiful human being.

“He loved his family.

He loved his work.

He loved his country.

And he lived every day with purpose, humility, and a generous spirit that touched everyone who knew him.

“We are shattered by this loss, but forever grateful for his life, his legacy, and the love he poured into all of us. May his gentle soul rest in perfect peace.

“The Awolowo Family”

Segun, a Lawyer,  was a former Executive Director of  Nigerian Export Promotion Council.

He was married to Bola, a Lawyer, with whom he had lovely children. Their son is also a Lawyer.

Cause of death is not yet public.

Zamfara Set For Mass Wedding Of 200 Orphans

By
Ayodele Oni
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Zamfara Set For Mass wedding Of 200 Orphans

By Ayodele Oni

Zamfara State government has announced plans to conduct a mass wedding for over 200 orphans.

The executive secretary of the State Zakkat and Endowment Board, Malam Habibu Balarabe, disclosed this to journalists in Gusau.

According to him, the ceremony is scheduled for Monday, November 23, 2025, at the Board’s premises, noting that all beneficiaries for the mass wedding have been screened and selected.

In addition to the wedding programme, the Board will also provide grants for 200 women engaged in small-scale businesses to support and expand their livelihoods.

Balarabe stated that 100 women have completed a three-week poultry farming training programme and will receive starter packs to begin their ventures.

He added that the Board has also made arrangements to settle selected debt cases in Shari’ah Courts and correctional centres across the state.

The executive secretary further announced that some orphans have undergone computer literacy training and will receive starter packs during the ceremony.

Mass weddings are not new in northern Nigeria, and in recent years, they’ve become a way for leaders and communities to support vulnerable families.

In February 2025, Kebbi State Governor Nasir Idris sponsored the wedding of 300 couples, covering all dowries, totalling about N54 million.

The ceremony took place at the Emir of Gwandu’s palace and drew top dignitaries, including former APC National Chairman Abdullahi Ganduje and the Emir of Gwandu.

Clerics officiated the marriages after each bride’s N180,000 dowry was paid while Couples also received financial gifts, including N50,000 from the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning and more support from lawmakers.

Similarly, in 2024, Rep. Abdulmalik Zubairu sponsored the wedding of 105 orphans and underprivileged brides, many of whom lost their parents to banditry.

He paid their dowries, provided household items, and supported both brides and grooms with cash to help them start small businesses.

These initiatives were aimed at easing hardship, supporting victims of insecurity, and helping young couples build stable homes.

Progressive Governors Forum Assures Support For Swift, Safe Rescue Of Kidnapped Kebbi Students

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School - Kebbi State

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The All Progressive Congress, APC, Governors Forum has described the attack and abduction of Kebbi State female students as tragic, painful and totally unacceptable.

This is as  it pledged to lend all required support to the ongoing efforts at rescuing the kidnapped students.

On a sympathy and solidarity visit to Kebbi State on Thursday, November, 20, 2025, the Progressive Governors, led by their Chairman and Governor of Imo state , Senator Hope Uzodinma expressed their support to the efforts of the President Bola Tinubu’s administration to promote and strengthen national security, with a view to halting the ugly trend of insecurity ravaging some parts of the country.

The Source reports that some suspected terrorist elements in the early hours of Monday, November 17, attacked  Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School Maga in Danko/Wasagu Local Council of Kebbi state, killing the Vice Principal before abducting 25 of the students from their  hostel.

Governor Uzodinma assured the Kebbi State authorities and parents/guardians of the kidnapped students that the Forum will collaborate with all the relevant authorities to ensure the swift and safe return of the girls .

He emphasized that the Forum’s visit is to show its solidarity with the Government and good people of Kebbi State as well as the families of the victims.

“The incident is painful ,and we deemed it necessary to identify with you at this difficult time.

“We are your brothers in unity, standing firmly behind President Bola Tinubu to ensure that national security is strengthened, and that this ugly trend of insecurity is curbed.

“As Governors in the PGF, we are united and committed to doing whatever is legally possible to secure Nigeria and sustain out democracy”, the PGF chairman stated .

Governor Uzodinma, on behalf of the APC Governors, also  commiserated with the Government and people of Kebbi state,as well as the families of  victims of the recent violent attack in Zuru Emirate Council.

The Kebbi State Governor, Dr Mohammed Idris, while appreciating his APC colleagues for the visit and words of encouragement, informed that President Tinubu has assured them that no stone will be left unturned in ensuring swift and safe rescue of the kidnapped students.

According to him, already the Federal Government has been doing everything humanly possible to bring the situation under control.

Some of those who accompanied Governor Uzodinma on the visit were Nasarawa state Deputy Governor, Emmanuel Akabe, Lucky Aiyedatwa of Ondo State, Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State, Kogi State Governor Usman Ododo, Governor Umar Namadi of Jigawa State ,the Minister for Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Atiku Bagudu  among others.

Insecurity: Southeast Stakeholders’ Summit Insists On Ban Of Open Grazing

By
Ayodele Oni
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Fulani Cattle Breeders - Herdsmen

By Ayodele Oni

In a move to tackle the escalating wave of insecurity gripping the Southeast, a stakeholders’ summit has recommended total ban of open grazing by herdsmen in the  region.

The summit coordinated by the Senate and held in Enugu, on Thursday, promised an “all-hands-on-deck” approach and a firm commitment to addressing region-specific issues, notably the conflict arising from open grazing.

The National Security Summit drew a comprehensive assembly of key actors, including lawmakers, respected traditional rulers, representatives of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, security agencies, local government chairmen, town union leaders, and religious organizations, reflecting the gravity of the crisis.

Coordinating the Southeast edition, Senator Austin Akobundu underscored the urgency of the gathering, stressing the need to gather firsthand perspectives from the communities hardest hit by violence and instability.

He painted a grim picture of the region’s current state, lamenting the “alarming rise in insecurity” characterized by killings, property destruction, and a severe disruption of daily life.

“Whole communities are traumatized and displaced, farmlands abandoned, schools disrupted, with grave socioeconomic consequences including spikes in poverty, hunger, and illiteracy,” Akobundu asserted.

While condemning violent agitations, the Senator maintained that violence could not be a path to self-determination.

He called for a focus on addressing the deep-rooted issues fuelling the unrest, citing inequity, marginalization, youth unemployment, and poverty as critical areas for intervention to restore lasting peace.

Akobundu acknowledged the efforts of the Southeast governors in combating the challenges and assured participants that the Senate would act swiftly on the summit’s suggestions, including potential legislative action to amend, repeal, or enact new laws to strengthen national security architecture.

Adding a regional voice to the discourse, Hon. Uche Ugwu, Speaker of the Enugu State House of Assembly, hailed the summit as a timely platform for the region to articulate its concerns and propose viable solutions.

Ugwu stressed that sustainable security hinges on robust intelligence gathering and economic stability, urging authorities to focus on these areas to mitigate the vulnerability of the region’s youth.

The Speaker highlighted the critical need to rebuild trust between communities and security agencies, adding that “When communities trust their security agencies and when leaders speak with one voice, insecurity loses its strength.”

Ugwu pinpointed the perennial conflicts between farmers and herders as a major source of violence, taking a firm stand against open grazing.

“Anything open grazing in the Southeast is against the peace of the land,” he firmly declared, advocating its immediate cessation in the region.

The Speaker renewed the persistent call for the establishment of state police, arguing that decentralized policing would significantly enhance security by ensuring law enforcement is closer to the populace and capable of quicker response times.

“Security cannot be achieved by force alone,” Ugwu concluded, emphasizing that creating an enabling environment remains paramount for community safety.”

Also, the chairman, Enugu state traditional rulers council, Igwe Samuel Asadu commended the senate initiative, acknowledging the efficacy of the grassroots approach to security emphasized by the summit.

Igwe Asadu expressed readiness of the community leaderships in the state in tackling insecurity from its very base by aiding intelligence gathering.

The summit is part of a nationwide series by the Senate committed to identifying region-specific solutions, aiming for a unified and collaborative effort amongst all stakeholders to address Nigeria’s multifaceted security challenges.

Kebbi Assembly Suspends LG Chairman For Alleged Diversion Of Transformers

By
Ayodele Oni
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Kebbi House of Assembly

By Ayodele Oni

Kebbi State House of Assembly’s special committee has recommended the suspension of Muhammad Fawa as chairman of Fakai Local Government Council for six months for an alleged  gross misconduct and negligence of duty.

The committee also recommended an award for a top official of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, (NSCDC) for diligently assisting the committee in its tasks

The committee was constituted to investigate the vandalization of electric transformers, illegal allocation of farm lands, and breach of contract for the rehabilitation of Mahuta Dam in Fakai Local Government Area.

‎The committee, led by Salihu Dangoje, conducted a fact-finding mission to Fakai Local Government Area, visited the local government secretariat, security agencies, the dam site, and the Chiefdom palace in Mahuta.

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‎The committee in its report stated that

‎investigation revealed that the KEDCO Manager, Malam Nasiru, refused to appear before the committee, while the Council Chairman of Fakai Local Government, Fawa, confessed to misappropriating five transformers which he sold for ₦12.5 million.

The committee discovered that the money was transferred to three accounts: S.Y Fakai Global Resources (₦6,000,000), Muhammad Abdullahi Bunza (₦3,000,000), and Aliyu Abubakar Gwandu (₦3,500,000).

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‎It further revealed that the committee also found irregularities in the allocation of farm lands in Kangi, Bangu, and Jagala villages of Marafa District, attributing it to negligence of duty by some local government officials.

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‎The committee found chairman of Fakai Local Government,  Fawa, guilty of breach of contract for the rehabilitation of Mahuta Dam, with the revealing that the contract was never awarded to any company despite receiving the contract sum.

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‎The committee recommended that the rehabilitation of Mahuta Dam commence immediately, all illegal allocations of farm lands be revoked, and an official of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corp, C.O. Sani Abdullahi Isah, be commended for his efforts.

Speaker of the Kebbi State House of Assembly, Muhammad Usman Zuru, commended the committee for the work and presented a commendation letter and ₦100,000 to the NSCDC official along with a new Daylong motorcycle as a reward.

Conviction: Nnamdi Kanu Goes To Court Of Appeal

By
The Source
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Nnamdi Kanu in Court

By Gideon Njoku

Convicted and jailed Leader of the Indigenous Peoples Of Biafra, IPOB, Nnamdi Kanu, will proceed to the Court of Appeal to challenge his conviction.

A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja, and presided over by the Honourable Justice James Omotosho on Thursday, 20th November, 2025, convicted Kanu on all the seven-count charges preferred against him by the Federal Government.

Four of the charges carry death sentences, but the Judge sentenced him to life imprisonment, and explained that he decided to show mercy to the convict inspite of what the Judge noted as his unruly attitude and arrogance and non exhibition  of any remorse.

However, a fuming Alloy Ejimakor, long standing Kanu’s Special Counsel, who later became his legal consultant, while speaking to Journalists after the judgement, revealed Kanu would, immediately, proceed to the Court of Appeal.

Ejimakor said that Kanu did nothing to deserve the sentences and that they would go on appeal where he said Kanu’s conviction will be overturned.

Earlier, Justice Omotosho had walked Kanu out of his Court for being “unruly”. He loudly, and violently, almost, challenged the Judge in Court.

Nnamdi Kanu Escapes Death Sentence, Bags Four Life Sentences

By
The Source
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Nnamdi Kanu
Mazi Nnamdi Kanu

By Gideon Njoku

After about a seven-year trial,  Leader of the Indigenous Peoples Of Biafra, IPOB, Nnamdi Kanu, has been sentenced to four life sentences.

Charges, 1,4, 5, and 6, preferred against him, and for which he was convicted, and bagged the life sentences, ordinarily, carry death sentences.

In sentencing him to four life imprisonment, the Honourable Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Abuja, said he was only showing mercy.

Quoting from the book of Mathew in the Holy Bible, Omotosho said he had to show mercy inspite of what he described  as Kanu’s unruly behavior in Court, his arrogance, pride, and absolutely no remorse for the serious offences for which he was convicted.

Other sentences Kanu bagged include a 20-year and five-year terms.

Kanu was, also, barred from being near any electronic gadget or other appliances unless approved by the National Security Adviser.

And, according to the Judge, considering the mayhem he inflicted on his people, the Court insisted that he be put under protective custody.

On where Kanu would serve his jail term, Justice Omotosho ruled out Kuje Prisons an not viable.

Over 3,000 Killed, About 300,000 Christians/Farmers Displaced In Taraba – Catholic Church

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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Very Rev Father Simon Akuraga

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

For the second time in less than a month ,the Catholic Diocese of Wukari ,has raised the alarm over alleged mass killings and destruction of properties ongoing in the Southern Taraba District.

The Catholic family said several Christians and farming communities in Takum ,Ussa ,as well as other local councils  within the Southern part of Taraba State have been subjected to a renewed wave of violent attacks, leading to several deaths and destruction of farmlands and other valuables..

The Source reports that the Wukari Catholic authorities had, a few weeks back, cried out to both the Federal Government and Taraba state authorities over the alleged killing of innocent residents , displacement of over 1000 persons  ,as well as the destruction and most times take over of their farmlands by the invading forces, suspected to be Fulani herdsmen.

In a statement on Thursday, November 20, 2025, jointly issued by Rev Fr Prof. Anthony I Bature ,(Vicar Administration), Very Rev Fr Simon Akuraga (Chancellor) and Rev Fr Moses Angyian, the Chairman of the NCDPA , the Church  informed that no fewer than 50  persons have been killed in the last few weeks, with several hundreds displaced following an upsurge in violent attacks by suspected herdsmen.

The Diocese claimed that over 335 communities ,and Churches have been laid to waste as a result of incessant attacks in the last 30 years.

According to the Diocese, more than 3,000 persons have also lost their lives to the unprovoked violent activities of the terrorists.

This is as it regretted that over 300,000 people have been displaced. Most of the homeless and displaced people the Catholic Diocese noted are widows, children and orphans.

According to the Church, about 20 communities in Takum Local Council have been subjected to unmitigated violent attacks in the past few days, with several people killed,homes and farmlands destroyed and their owners displaced by the attackers .

The Catholic family ,which pointedly accused suspected Fulani herdsmen of being behind the dastardly attacks, further noted that several communities within Ussa Local Government Area have also witnessed attacks in the last few days , with over 70 people reported losing their lives collectively in Ussa and Takum Local Councils.

In view of the precarious situation of the people, the Church appealed to the Federal Government ,and Taraba state authorities to scale up security posts in all the affected areas , with more security personnel and equipment deployed.

Similarly, it called on the state Government to ensure an immediate provision of relief materials and other palliative including medical items to displaced persons

While the interim reliefs are being provided ,the Diocese appealed for some long term measures ,to adequately rehabilitate and reintegrate the displaced persons.

The Source further reports that the Catholic church’s outcry is coming amidst global attention provoked by the United States of America’s USA allegations of Christian genocide in Nigeria .

The USA President, Donald Trump, and the Congress despite Nigerian Government’s denial, have insisted that Christians have been subjected to persecution and mas killing in the country.

Nnamdi Kanu Found Guilty Of All Seven-count Charges – Three Carry Death Sentences

By
The Source
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Nnamdi Kanu
Mazi Nnamdi Kanu

By Gideon Njoku

Leader of the Indigenous People Of Biafra, IPOB, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, has been convicted on all seven count charges preferred against him by the Federal Government.

The charges mainly border on terrorism.

Counts 1, 2, 4, carry death sentences.

While rounding-off the judgement which lasted for over four hours, the Honourable Justice James Omotosho, who had earlier ordered Kanu out of the Court because of what was seen as his unruly behaviour inside the Court, called Kanu a terrorist.

The Court has risen to reconvene in about two hours time for sentencing.

The lead prosecuting Lawyer, has asked for the death sentence.

However, Kanu’s representative in the House of Representatives, Honourable Obinna Aguocha, who addressed the Court, pleaded for mercy on his behalf, in the sentencing.

The Judge had called on Kanu’s Special Counsel, Alloy Ejimakor to speak, but Ejimakor, who was not robed, since he and others had been stood down by Kanu, passed it on to Aguocha.

Opinion is that Kanu would get the death sentence. It would then remain for him to either appeal, or for the Federal Government to forgive him later. That is where the South-east Governors and other serious stakeholders in the region would, and could come in.

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