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Pope Leo Condemns Benue Massacre

June 16, 2025

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

Benue State youths, protesting against the continued killings of innocent people in parts of the state by suspected killer herdsmen were on Sunday June 15, 2025 violently dispersed by security personnel.

This is just as Pope Leo XIV added his voice to the worldwide condemnation of the gruesome killing of no fewer than 200 persons in a dusk attack in Yelewata and Daudu communities, Guma Local Government Area of Benue State by suspected killer herdsmen.

While offering the Angelus prayers at the St Peter’s Square in the Vatican, the Catholic Pontiff expressed serious concern over the massacre of many innocent souls in parts of Benue state Nigeria.

While also praying for the victims of the senseless violence and killings, the Pope urged the Nigeria authorities and security agencies to ensure the reign of peace, security and justice.

The Pope noted that most of the victims of the Yelewata attacks were already displaced persons taking refuge at a local Catholic mission.

“I am praying for security, justice and peace in Nigeria.

In a special way, I am thinking of the rural Christian communities of Benue State who have been relentless victims of violence”, Pope Leo stated.

The Source reports that some suspected killer herdsmen on Friday night June 13, 2025, attacked residents of Yelewata and Daudu communities, in the Guma Local Council.

The attack left in its trail about 200 deaths mostly women and children who were said to be residing in Internally displaced persons IDP camps.

Last Friday night’s attack was yet in the series of dastardly violence visited on many parts of Benue state of recent by suspected killer herdsmen.

The attacks have resulted in the death of hundreds of people including women and children with several homes and properties razed.

Police, on Sunday morning fired several canisters of tear gas to break the rank of hundreds of irate youth who blocked the ever busy Makurdi/Abuja highway to show their disapproval of the ongoing massacre in the State.

Dressed in all black attires, carrying palm fronds and placards with different inscriptions, the protesting youth decried the persistent killings of innocent people in the State.

They also lamented the seemingly nonchalant attitude of both of the Federal Government and security agencies towards halting the orgy of violent attacks.

The protesters who converged at the Wurukum Roundabout of the Road particularly expressed deep concern over Friday’s violent attack in Yelewata and Daudu communities.

Instructively, the attack came on the heels of the killing of no fewer than 20 persons on Wednesday June 11, 2025 in Akondotyough Bawa, and Mtswenem in Makurdi local Council.

However, while addressing the irate youth, the State Commissioner of Police, CP Emenari Ifeanyi, sued for calm and cooperation.

He appealed to the protesting youths not to do anything that can impede ongoing security operations.

He assured the youth that efforts are underway to combating the situation.

“Tell your people to calm down.We need the support of the youth and everybody in Benue state.

“This is a phase and we are passing through it already. We have already cut the head of the snake and we will get the peace that we deserve.

“Instead of being in the bush with other security agencies, we are here .If you prolong your actions ( protests) ,you are giving opportunity for the enemies plan. We have intelligence on their movement and we are blocking them”, CP Ifeanyi stated

Benue Killings: Insecurity Is Escalating In Nigeria

Ayodele Oni

June 16, 2025

By Ayodele Oni

Former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, has urged the Federal government to launch a prompt, transparent investigation into the attack in which over 200 persons were killed in Benue state.

He also pleaded that identities of the perpetrators must be swiftly uncovered and justice served.

Atiku pointed out that continued assault on innocent Nigerians is not just a local tragedy, it is a national emergency that demands immediate attention and decisive action.

Writing on the incident on his Facebook page, Atiku stated that “I am deeply anguished and shocked by the devastating news of the fresh attacks in Benue State, where over 100 innocent lives are feared lost.

“These killings, once again targeting defenceless communities, underscores the escalating insecurity crisis facing our nation. Words cannot adequately express the sorrow felt by those left widowed, orphaned, or displaced.

“My thoughts and prayers are with the families and communities who have suffered unimaginable loss. As a nation, we must pause and reflect on the mounting human toll of this senseless violence.

“I urge the Federal Government and Benue State authorities to: Launch a prompt, transparent investigation into the attack.

“The identities of the perpetrators must be swiftly uncovered and justice served. Enhance security presence in the region, deploying necessary resources, personnel, equipment, and intelligence to guarantee the protection of vulnerable rural areas.

“Engage affected communities through dialogue, traditional leadership, and civil society to restore confidence and foster resilience.

“Accelerate compensation and support effort, including medical aid, trauma counselling, and livelihood restoration for survivors and bereaved families.

“This assault on innocent Nigerians is not just a local tragedy, it is a national emergency that demands immediate attention and decisive action.

“I call on all Nigerians regardless of tribe or religion to unite in condemning this atrocity. We must hold our leaders accountable and insist on sustainable solutions to the violent tragedies claiming lives across the country.

“May God comfort the grieving families, heal our nation, and help us reclaim peace and security for all.”

Prof Humphery Nwosu’s Family Thanks Tinubu For Honouring Him

James Orji

June 15, 2025

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has received applause from the family members of ex-Chairman of National Electoral Commission, NEC, the nation’s electoral umpire that conducted the botched June12, 2023 presidential election, won by the late business mogul and politician Moshood Kashimawo Abiola.

The family’s gratitude to the president was contained in a statement signed by his son, Nnaemeka Nwosu on Sunday.

Prof Nwosu had received accolades from not a few Nigerians due to his boldness to announce the result of the election even though Abiola was not declared winner by the junta.

President Tinubu had last week awarded Nwosu one of the highest national honours of the Commander of Order of the Niger, CON citing his courage to declare the results of the controversial election against the wishes of the military government at the time.

The magazine reported that President Tinubu also awarded other pro-democratic leaders with various national honours while addressing a joint session of the National Assembly during the Democracy Day celebration.

According to Nwosu’s family, the honour signifies President Tinubu’s recognition of Nwosu’s significant role in the struggle to restore democratic government in the country during the military era.

The statement reads in part: “We would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Bola Tinubu, and all Nigerians who advocated for the recognition of Prof. Humphrey Nwosu, for his crucial role in conducting the June 12, 1993 election, widely regarded as the freest and fairest in Nigeria’s history.Midterm In Office

“This honour serves as a significant acknowledgement of the contributions made by him and his colleagues at the then National Electoral Commission(now INEC) 32 years ago to bestow Nigeria the democracy it has today.

“While this moment is bittersweet due to his absence, his legacy remains an enduring source of inspiration for all Nigerians.

“The family of Prof. Humphrey Nwosu is thankful for this honour and wishes to express our appreciation to the President and everyone involved in making this recognition possible.

“We particularly wish to thank President Tinubu for the conferment of the national honour of CON on our late father over his crucial role in conducting the June 12, 1993 election.

“There are no words to adequately express the depth of gratitude we feel at this posthumous award.”

The magazine reported that controversy has trailed the national honours list announced by President Tinubu last week, due to the mix up in the details of the beneficiaries, while analysts insist that the list fell short of expectations as some Nigerians who deserved such honours were totally left out.

Lagos NYSC: Why We Sent Our Corp Members To Ondo, Kwara

James Orji

June 15, 2025

The National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, says its accommodation problems will soon become a thing of the past when its permanent site, being built by the Lagos state government is completed.

The NYSC state’s Coordinator, Mrs Christiana Salmwang made the remark at the weekend while expressing gratitude to the state governor Babajide Sanwoolu for embarking on the project of completing the new site in Agbowa, Ikorodu a suburb of the state.

She spoke during the swearing-in ceremony of the over 7000 newly deployed corps members under the 2025 Batch ‘A’, Stream 2, posted to the state.

According to her, the state NYSC had been forced to send corps members posted to the state, to Ondo, Osun, Ekiti, and Kwara due to the lack of space to accommodate them.

The NYSC coordinator said the state government has provided huge support to ensure that the site in Ikorodu is completed within the expected time frame saying the project “will resolve the longstanding accommodation challenges,” being faced by corps members when it’s completed. She also noted the ongoing efforts by the state government to repair its Temporary camp in Iyana Ipaja to make it liveable.

“We recently visited the site for an on-the-spot assessment and found that the work is nearing completion.

“We believe its completion will resolve the longstanding accommodation challenges we’ve faced over the years.

“It is due to the lack of adequate accommodation that we have had to send some corps members—as we have done with the current batch—to other states such as Ondo, Osun, Ekiti, Kwara, and so on for their three-week orientation course before returning to Lagos for their primary assignments,” she stated.

The magazine reports that the state chapter of the NYSC has been using its temporary site in Iyana Ipaja for years, a situation that has posed serious accommodation problems for corp members posted to the state because of its small size.

Dangote Begins Nationwide Petrol, Diesel Distribution With 4000 Tankers

James Orji

June 15, 2025

Dangote Petroleum Refinery is pleased to announce the commencement of a significant national initiative designed to transform Nigeria’s fuel distribution landscape. Effective 15th of August 2025, the Refinery will begin the distribution of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) and diesel to marketers, petrol dealers, manufacturers, telecoms firms, aviation, and other large users across the country, with free logistics to boost distribution network.

To ensure smooth take-off of this scheme, Dangote Refinery has invested in the procurement of 4,000 brand-new Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)-powered tankers. This phase of the programme will continue over an extended timeframe. The refinery is also investing in Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) stations, commonly referred to as daughter booster stations, supported by a fleet of over 100 CNG tankers across the country to ensure seamless product distribution.

This strategic programme is part of our broader commitment to eliminating logistics costs, enhancing energy efficiency, promoting sustainability and supporting Nigeria’s economic development. It affirms our dedication to improving the availability and affordability of fuel, in support of broader efforts to strengthen the economy and improve the well-being of all Nigerians.

Under this initiative, all petrol stations purchasing PMS and diesel from the Dangote Petroleum Refinery will benefit from this enhanced logistics support. Key sectors such as manufacturing, telecommunications, and others will also gain from this transformative initiative, as reduced fuel costs will contribute to lower production costs, reduced inflation, and foster economic growth. Players in these key sectors and others can purchase directly from the Dangote Petroleum Refinery.

In addition, the refinery will offer a credit facility to those purchasing a minimum of 500,000 litres—allowing them to obtain an additional 500,000 litres on credit for two weeks, under bank guarantee.

This pioneering effort marks a major milestone in our vision to revolutionise Nigeria’s energy sector. Dangote Refinery is dedicated to ensuring that no place is left behind. Our goal is to provide equitable access to affordable fuel for all Nigerians, regardless of location, making energy more accessible and sustainable for everyone, wherever they may be.

It is expected to revitalise previously inactive petrol stations, thereby driving job creation, stimulating small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), increasing government revenue, improving fuel access in rural and underserved communities, and strengthening investor confidence in Nigeria’s downstream petroleum sector.

This initiative is inline with the Renewed Hope Agenda of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, reflecting our shared commitment to economic progress, stability, and inclusive development. We sincerely thank the Federal Government for its continued support, especially through the Naira-for-Crude scheme, which has helped stabilise fuel supply amid global price volatility. It marks a major revolution in the midstream and downstream sectors and stands as a key example of President Bola Tinubu’s bold and reformative economic policies.

We invite marketers, petrol dealers, manufacturers, telecom companies, and all key stakeholders to embrace this landmark initiative. The registration process, including Know Your Customer (KYC) verification, will take place from 16 June to 15 August, spanning a total of 60 days. For enquiries, please call +234 707 470 2099, +234 707 470 2100, +234 816 961 8390, +234 703 796 8308, +234 812 362 2893. Email: Email: [email protected].

Dangote Petroleum Refinery remains a proud partner in this national journey— a truly Nigerian company of global standards, dedicated to the well-being of all Nigerians

Obi Arrived UK On Air Peace Preaches Support For Local Businesses

The Source

June 15, 2025

The Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 election, Peter Obi, has again reiterated his call for necessary support and encouragement to local Businesses.

Obi, who flew into the United Kingdom at the weekend on a local airline, Air Peace, wrote in his X handle that the flight was smooth and lively.

He appealed to Nigerian elites to always support and patronise local Businesses as it’s not easy to establish and sustain a viable business.

“I just arrived in the UK this morning, on Air Peace from Lagos to London. I have now taken almost a dozen flights to or from London on this airline. I want to sincerely thank the management and staff of Air Peace for their professionalism, consistency, and competence on this route.

“Once again, I use this opportunity to appeal to Nigerian Elites and political leaders to give strong and deliberate support to indigenous businesses. It is never easy to run any business in our difficult environment, let alone highly capital-intensive sectors like air and land transportation, especially given the challenges of competitiveness and rising operational costs.

“Nigerian businesses need our encouragement and patronage, not harassment or unnecessary intimidation. Supporting local businesses, particularly those that create massive employment, is critical for job creation, economic growth, and sustainable national development.

A new Nigeria is POssible.

“I Am Not Bothered: In The End, Victory Will Come Our Way” – Gov Fubara

Suleiman Anyalewechi

June 14, 2025

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

“No King lives forever; that is the truth ,and no authority lasts forever .But what is important is that within the period that you are in power or when you reign, try and do wonderful things that will speak for you forever”

With the above words, suspended Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, played down, albeit philosophically, the disappointment of President Bola Tinubu’s failure to leverage the occasion of this year’s Democracy Day to restore democratic order in Rivers State.

The Source reports that expectations had been high that the President who on March, 18, 2025 proclaimed emergency rule in Rivers State, and appointed a Sole Administrator after suspending the Governor, his deputy and the state lawmakers for six months, will use the opportunity of the Democracy Day to restore constitutional order in the State.

But at a joint sitting of the two chambers of the National Assembly on Thursday ,the President rather sought to consolidate the reign of the Administrator Vice Admiral rtd Ibok-Ete Ibas, leaving not a few observers seriously bewildered and disappointed.

However, at an event in Bonny, on Saturday, June 14, 2025, Governor Fubara expressed the optimism that he will triumph at the end of the current tribulations.

According to him, he does not, in anyway, feel shortchanged or losing anything, insisting that victory will smile on him in the end.

God, he said, has continued to keep and strengthen him so much so that he does not feel any personal loss.

What is important, according to him, is to always remain focused, sincere and committed to a good cause in life.

For him, it is not the power in one’s hands that matters, but the use to which it is put, especially in the service of humanity.

“Everybody will not like your style, but when you know that what you doing is right,

you are sure that in 25 to 30 years, if placed in any box, and you are asked a question, you can defend your action. That is what makes you a man.

“Some people accuse me of a lot of things, but the truth is that I can’t be what I am not, or who i am not.

“My message to you our people is for you to be strong. At times you need to lose first to win. For me and anybody who believes in me, I have never considered myself losing anything. It is only when you attach life to things that it will bother you.

“I know that at the end of the day our victory will come to us because we are standing on a solid rock.” Fubara stated

Supreme Court Clarifies Visit Of One Of Its Justices To Edo

Ayodele Oni

June 14, 2025

By Ayodele Oni

The Supreme Court has flayed deliberate attempts to undermine its credibility.

The Apex Court warned against peddling falsehood and mischievous reports against Justices on its bench and the judiciary as an institution.

The Court on Saturday insisted that it will no longer tolerate deliberate falsehood being propagated to lower integrity of individual Justices and the judiciary.

Reacting to social media report that one of its Justices travelled to Benin City on account of a political case recently filed before the Court, it urged commentators on judicial matters to always exercise responsibility, discretion and restraint in their comments.

A statement signed by Dr. Festus Akande, the Director of Information and Public Relations of the Supreme Court, expressed displeasure over the falsehood social media news against the Justice.

The statement read in part: “The attention of the Supreme Court has been drawn to a disturbing and false narrative being circulated on social media and certain online platforms alleging that a Justice of the Supreme Court travelled to Benin City on account of a political case recently filed before the Court.

“For the avoidance of doubt, the Honourable Justice in question travelled to Benin City on Thursday, 12th June, 2025 to attend the funeral rites of the late mother of Mr. Hannibal Uwaifo, a senior member of the Bar and immediate past President of the African Bar Association.

“Prior to the journey, the said Justice formally sought and obtained permission from the Honourable Chief Justice of Nigeria to embark on the trip.

“This private visit was strictly for the purposes of condolence and bereavement as is customary and humane.

“The Honourable Justice neither attended any political meeting nor solicited for inclusion on any panel as falsely alleged.

“In fact, apart from the funeral service held at St. Matthew’s Catholic Church and a brief stop at the service of songs, the Honourable Justice retired to his hotel room without attending any further gatherings or receptions.

“The image being circulated purportedly as evidence merely shows the Justice returning alone to his hotel, hardly a basis for the sensational claims being peddled.

“The Supreme Court wishes to state unequivocally that this sort of baseless speculation and malicious conjecture, especially when publicly propagated by persons who ought to know better, is not only unhelpful but also deeply harmful to the integrity of the Judiciary.

“We strongly urge members of the public, especially commentators on judicial matters to exercise responsibility and discretion.

“Where there is any doubt or lack of clarity, the appropriate step is to seek verification from the Supreme Court through its official communication channels rather than resorting to the spread of falsehoods aimed at maligning the image of the Justices or bringing the judiciary into disrepute.

“The Judiciary remains committed to upholding the rule of law and will not be distracted by deliberate attempts to undermine its credibility.”

Perm Sec, Four Others Electrocuted To Death, 13 Critically Injured

Suleiman Anyalewechi

June 14, 2025

By Akinwale Kasali and Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Gombe State Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Special Duties and Regional Integration, Yusuf Kulani and four others have been electrocuted.

The Gombe State Police Command on Saturday June 14, 2025,announced the death of five persons from electrocution arising from electricity current surge. The dead include a Permanent Secretary in the State Civil Service.

No fewer than 13 others sustained varying degrees of injuries in the unfortunate incident which occurred early Saturday morning in the Tudun Wadan Pantami Community of Gombe metropolis.

Mourning the dead, the Governor described the incident as heartbreaking and a colossal loss, not only to the immediate families of the deceased, but to the entire Gombe State.

“I received with profound sadness the devastating news of the tragic electrocution incident that occurred in the early hours of Saturday, 14th June 2025, in Tudun-Wadan Pantami, which led to the death of five individuals and left several others injured.

“This heart-wrenching incident, reportedly caused by a high-voltage surge from a nearby electricity transformer, has plunged our state into mourning.

“The demise of Alhaji Yusuf Kulani and others in such a devastating incident is deeply painful. Alhaji Kulani was a diligent, disciplined, and patriotic officer who served our dear state with integrity and commitment. The loss of such valuable lives, including other promising citizens, is a painful blow not only to their immediate families but to the entire Gombe State.

“Let me assure the affected families and the general public that we will collaborate with relevant authorities to ensure a thorough investigation into the root cause of this tragedy and take all appropriate measures to prevent such heartbreaking incidents from recurring.

“On behalf of the government and people of Gombe State, I extend my heartfelt condolences to the families and loved ones of all those who lost their lives in this tragic event. May Allah grant the souls of the deceased eternal rest in Aljannat Firdaus and give their families the fortitude to bear the huge loss. I also pray for the quick and full recovery of those who sustained injuries”.

A statement from the Command’s spokesperson Buhari Abdullahi, a DSP, blamed the incident on high-voltage surge from the community’s electricity transformer.

According to Abdullahi ,operatives from the Low-cost Divisional Police formation ,while responding to distress calls promptly evacuated the victims. The injured are be currently receiving medical attention.

“Preliminary investigation revealed that the unfortunate incident claimed the lives of five persons while 13 others sustained varying degrees of injuries.

The deceased have been deposited at the following morgues: three at the Federal Teaching Hospital FTH Gombe; one at the State Specialist Hospital ,and one at Bolari Filin Hospital Kwallo Mortuary” the police stated

This is just as the state Commissioner of Police CP Bello Yahaya extended his heartfelt condolences to the families ,relations and friends of the victims.

While praying for the quick recovery of the injured, CP Yahaya pledged that a comprehensive inquest will be carried to unravel the circumstances surrounding the sad development, with a view to preventing a future occurrence.

“I Criticise Tinubu, Didn’t Vote For Him, So Expected No National Honour From Him”, Ojudu

Akinwale Kasali

June 14, 2025

By Akinwale Kasali

“President Muhammadu Buhari Conferred CON on me in 2023. I am grateful to him”

A couple of days after President Bola Tinubu conferred National Honours on those he called heroes of Democratic struggle including Journalists, one of the foremost activists, denied the honour, Senator Babafemi Ojudu, has spoken.

Ojudu, Political Adviser to former Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, was conspicuously absent from the honour’s list.

The former Senator who represented Ekiti Central District, said that he was not expecting recognition from the President Tinubu-led administration, considering his criticisms of the Government.

He congratulated the honourees while recalling his contribution during the pro-democracy struggle alongside those who made the list in a statement released on Saturday.

“Let me begin by extending my heartfelt congratulations to my colleagues—Dapo Olorunyomi, Bayo Onanuga, Kunle Ajibade, Seye Kehinde, and many others—who have been deservedly recognized for their courage and contribution to the fight for democracy.

“Their recognition is, also, in many ways, recognition of all of us who walked that difficult road. Any honor extended to them is an honor I proudly share.

“That said, I feel compelled to clarify that my involvement in the pro-democracy movement was never motivated by the expectation of a national honour.

“I did what I did—risking my life, enduring imprisonment, torture, and other deprivations—not for reward, but out of conviction and in obedience to my conscience.

“I believed then, as I still do now, that the Nigerian people deserve freedom, dignity, and the right to determine their future.

“It would be unrealistic, especially in the African political context, to expect magnanimity from a sitting President toward individuals who have been openly critical of his policies or withheld support for his political ambitions.

“I did not vote for this President in 2023 and have remained vocal about the direction of his administration. I understand, therefore, the political nature of recognition and take no offense in being omitted from the list.

“As a matter of fact, I remain grateful to the previous administration under President Muhammadu Buhari, which honoured me with the national award of Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON) in 2023.

“While I did not set out in search of accolades, I accepted that honor in the spirit of national unity and recognition of a shared history.” Ojudu wrote.

The former lawmaker however called on the President to bestow the greatest honour to Nigerians which is good governance.

He noted the challenges currently facing the country.

“As we celebrate our colleagues who have been recognised, I believe we should collectively call on President Tinubu to bestow the greatest honour possible—not just on individuals, but on the entire Nigerian populace. That honour lies in good governance.

“Nigerians today are facing hardships that, in many cases, rival or even surpass the difficulties experienced under military rule. From economic instability to growing insecurity, from lack of access to basic services to a feeling of disenfranchisement, the promise of democracy seems distant for many of our fellow citizens”, Ojudu said.

He, however, stressed that true dividend of democracy goes beyond symbolic recognition, but addressing the yearnings of the people who are being impoverished.

Ojudu also highlighted key areas President Tinubu can display his democratic principles.

“The true dividend of democracy must go beyond symbolic recognition. It must be seen in:

A free and fair electoral process where every vote counts;
Strong and accountable political institutions;
An economy that allows citizens to live with dignity;
A society where life and property are secure;
And a government that listens and responds to the people it serves.

“This, I believe, is the legacy that those of us who fought for democracy envisioned. And this, I hope, is the path the current administration will embrace”.

It would be recalled that many people habe criticised the choice of honorees, who were believed to have contributed to the battle to drive the Military back to the Barracks after about 16 years interregnum.

It would be recalled that President Tinubu conferred Posthumous Honours on late Political Actors and Activists such as Alhaja Kudirat Abiola, wife of the late Chief Moshood Abiola, Human Rights Lawyer, Chief Gani Fawehinmi, Dr. Ken Saro-Wiwa a Writer, Environmentalists and Ogoni Peoples’ Rights Agitator and members of the Ogoni Nine amongst others.

While some members of the public commended the President for the recognition of the individuals, some faulted the selection process as they noted prominent public figures were omitted from the list.

Amongst the June 12 and pro-democracy activists considered deserving of national honour but who were omitted include Ovation Magazine publisher, Aare Dele Momodu; activist and Sahara Reporters publisher, Omoyele Sowore; and journalist, Senator Babafemi Ojudu amongst others.

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