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Tinubu Approves Conversion Of Federal Polytechnic Nasarawa To University Of Mining

By
Ayodele Oni
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Bola Ahmed Tinubu

By ,Ayodele Oni 

 

President Bola Tinubu has approved the conversion of the Federal Polytechnic, Nasarawa, into the Federal University of Mining, Engineering and Technology, Nasarawa The move is aimed at strengthening technical education and advancing Nigeria’s solid minerals sector.

The approval, announced in a statement issued in Abuja on Friday by the President’s spokesman, Mr Bayo Onanuga, is expected to enhance the country’s capacity to train professionals in mining and technology while supporting industrial development.

According to the statement, the decision followed a proposal by Senator Ahmed Wadada, who represents Nasarawa West Senatorial District, for the establishment of a specialised institution that would harness the State’s abundant solid mineral resources and contribute to Nigeria’s industrialisation efforts.

 

President Tinubu said the new university would serve as a centre of excellence for teaching, research and innovation in mining, engineering, mineral processing, metallurgy, manufacturing and emerging technologies.

 

He noted that the institution would also help produce the skilled manpower required to promote value addition, technological progress and the sustainable development of Nigeria’s mineral resources.

 

The President further stated that the conversion is in line with his administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritises the establishment of specialised institutions to address key national development needs.

 

To facilitate the transition, Tinubu directed the Federal Ministry of Education, the National Universities Commission (NUC) and other relevant government agencies to commence the necessary administrative and regulatory processes.

 

He reaffirmed his administration’s resolve to continue investing in education, describing it as a critical driver of economic growth, innovation, employment generation and national development.

Police Arrest 80-Year Old, Four Community Leaders Over Murder Of Miyetti Allah Chairman In Benue State

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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Ardo Muhammad

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

 

The Benue State Police Command has announced the arrest of seven  key suspects, including an 80-year old man, and four local chiefs, in connection with the gruesome killing of the state’s Chairman of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association MACBAN, Ardo Risku Mohammad.

 

This is as the Command assured that investigations are still ongoing to unravel more masterminds behind the dastardly incident.

 

The source reports that the MACBAN leader and an associate, Yakubu Isah Mairiga, were on July 1, 2026,  reportedly ambushed and killed along Otukpo Local Government Area by  suspected hoodlums while returning from a peace meeting held in Ohinimini Local Council of the state.

 

The Benue State Police Command on July 2, 2026, barely 24 hours after the incident, reported the interception of no fewer than 10 suspects believed to be part of the attack and killings.

 

However, in a statement on Saturday, July 11, from its spokesperson, Udeme Edet, the Police disclosed the arrest of Chief Morgan Ejaga ,43 , Chief Moses Anteyi 45 , Chief John Ogli 58, Chief Yawuhu Adaji 49, Sylvester Ajonye 80 ,Aba Alexander Uloko ,59 ,and 45-old Fidelis Iduma as suspected key perpetrators of the killing of Muhammad and his associate.

 

According to the statement, the apprehension of the fresh suspects was sequel to  intelligence-driven operations to ascertain those behind the ambush and attack on the MACBAN state chairman.

 

The Command, while reaffirming its unflinching determination to get to the root of the unfortunate incident, also assured that all those directly and or remotely connected will be identified, arrested and prosecuted in accordance with extant laws of the country.

 

The State Commissioner of Police, CP Cletus Nwadiogbu, was quoted by the statement as lauding the high sense of professionalism exhibited by the investigative and tactical teams of the Command ,which he said has led to the significant progress so far recorded.

 

The latest arrest brings to 17 the number of suspects so far in custody over the incident.

Kidnappers Abduct Sympathizers Accompanying Body Of Late FRSC Commander For Burial In Benue State

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Augustine O Ikwue

By Akinwale Kasali

 

Suspected kidnappers have, allegedly, abducted several mourners accompanying the remains of the late Deputy Corps Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps, FRSC, Augustine O. Ikwue.

 

The body of the late Ikwue, popular as Etume Zero, was being transported to his hometown in Otukpo, Benue State, when kidnappers ambushed the mourners,  and abducted many of them.

 

The victims were travelling in a funeral convoy conveying the remains of the late FRSC officer for burial in Ai-Ode, Upu community, Otukpo Local Government Area, when gunmen ambushed them along the Ososo–Ajaokuta axis of Kogi State.

 

The attackers intercepted the convoy, abducted several mourners and  made away with the corpse of the deceased officer but abandoned it later.

 

Making this disclosure was a Citizen journalist and activist, Meddy Olotu. He said the kidnappers later abandoned the corpse around Ejule in Kogi State, where it was subsequently recovered.

 

According to him, the abductors are demanding a ransom of ₦50 million for the release of the victims.

 

He described the incident as tragic and disturbing, lamenting the worsening state of insecurity in the country.

 

“What kind of country are we living in? Even the dead cannot rest in peace,” he said.

 

The deceased was an FRSC Deputy Corps Commander, whose remains was scheduled to be laid to rest on Friday in Ai-Ode, Upu community, Otukpo LGA of Benue State, before the funeral procession was violently disrupted by the suspected kidnappers.

Gov. Okpebholo, APC Laud Turn Out At Edo LG Poll

By
Ayodele Oni
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Edo LG Election

By Ayodele Oni

 

Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo and the All Progressives Congress (APC) have described voters turnout in the ongoing Local Government Area election in the state as impressive, adding that the it is a true reflection of his good governance.

 

Okpebholo made the remark shortly after he cast his vote at Ward 2, Udomi Primary School, in Esan Central Local Government Area.

 

He arrived at his polling unit at about 10:24 a.m. and joined other voters on queue before exercising his civic responsibility at exactly 10:40 a.m.

 

The governor commended voters for their orderly conduct and said reports reaching him from other parts of the state indicated that the election was progressing peacefully.

 

“By the grace of God, a winner will emerge at the end of today’s election,” he said.

 

The governor urged residents to continue conducting themselves peacefully throughout the voting process and to await for official declaration of results by the Edo State Independent Electoral Commission (EDSIEC).

 

Some Leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) expressed satisfaction with voters turnout and the peaceful conduct of the Edo local government election after casting their ballots in Benin City.

 

Voting commenced at about 9:00 a.m. at Ward 7, Polling Unit 42, New Benin, where the Edo APC Secretary, Lawrence Okah, voted.

 

The polling unit recorded a large turnout of voters, with many waiting patiently to cast their ballots in an orderly atmosphere.

 

Okah, who spoke to newsmen after casting his vote, dismissed claims that the election started late at his polling unit.

 

He said electoral officials arrived early and voting commenced once a sizeable number of voters had gathered.

 

Voters at Ward 7, unit 42 New Benin

“We started on time. The officials were here early, and when the crowd became sizeable, we began the process. As you can see, the turnout is impressive.

 

“People came out because they believe in the process, and everything is going smoothly. I am confident they will vote for the APC,” he said.

 

At Ward 7, Polling Unit 20, Edokpolor, the APC chairmanship candidate, Gabriel Edusei, also commended the turnout after casting his vote.

 

Gabriel Edusei casting his vote

Edusei described the voter participation as encouraging, saying it surpassed what he had witnessed in previous elections.

 

He attributed the turnout to what he described as the performance of the APC-led administration in Edo and expressed optimism that the party would emerge victorious.

 

Voters casting their votes at Ward 7, unit 20, Edokplor

The APC chairmanship candidate also noted the presence of agents of other political parties at the polling unit, describing it as an indication of transparency in the electoral process.

A List Of  Security Operatives Team Behind Rescue of Abducted Oyo Pupils, Teachers  56 Days After

By
Adesina Soyooye
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Soldiers that Rescued Oyo Pupils

By Adesina Soyooye

 

A release by the Nigerian Army has revealed details of the coordinated security operation which  culminated in the rescue of pupils and teachers kidnapped from three schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State. They were in captivity for 56 days.

 

The intelligence-led operation, which concluded on July 10, 2026, involved multiple security and intelligence agencies working together to locate the victims and dismantle the kidnappers’ network.

 

The Army said the mission was coordinated by Maj. Geeral Chinedu Nnebeife who is the General Officer Commanding (GOC)  2 Division, Nigerian Army, Ibadan.

 

Major General Nnebeife assumed command of the division on August 19, 2025. He succeeded Major. General  Obinna Onubogu. Nnebeife, during his inauguration, pledged to strengthen military operations, and  prioritize troop welfare as well as  operational effectiveness.

 

He, also, served as the Force Commander of Operation FANSAN YAMA Sector 3, one of the Nigerian Army’s internal security operations established to combat terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and other violent crimes.

 

The Army disclosed that the agencies involved included:

*Nigerian Army

*Nigerian Navy

*Nigerian Air Force

*Nigerian Police

*Department of State Services (DSS)

*National Intelligence Agency.

*Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC)

*Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA)

*National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC)

*Defence Headquarters

*Amotekun Corp

*Local Vigilantes

*Hunters Familiar with the terrain.

 

The operation, said the Army, also, featured specialised military and tactical units trained in hostage rescue, counter-terrorism and intelligence operations.

 

The several specialised formations which  supported the operation include:

*Nigerian Navy Special Operations Forces

*Nigerian Army Trained Snipers

*Nigerian Navy Special Boat Service

*Defence Headquarters Special Operations Forces

*Police Intelligence Response Team

*DSS Special Tactical and Anti-Terrorism Team

 

These units worked together to identify the kidnappers, track their movements and disrupt their support network.

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) provided intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance support throughout the operation.

 

The Army said aerial surveillance by the Air Force helped monitor the  hideouts of criminals gather intelligence and track activities around locations linked to the abductors.

 

Not exempted are Local hunters and vigilantes  contributed by providing valuable knowledge of the forests and surrounding communities.

 

The Army said the prolonged operation focused on:

 

(Special Tactical Units Deployed

 

The Army said several specified formations supported the operation, including:

 

*Nigerian Army Special Operations Forces

*Nigerian Army Trained Snipers

*Nigerian Navy Special Operations Forces

*Nigerian Navy Special Boat Service

*Defence Headquarters Special Operations Forces

*Police Intelligence Response Team

*DSS Special Tactical and Anti-Terrorism Team

Operation targeted kidnappers network

 

According to the Army, prolonged operation focused on:

 

*Locating the abducted pupils and teachers.

*Identifying the kidnappers’ leaders

*Destroying logistics and supply channels

*Arresting collaborators

*Mapping and monitoring suspected hideouts.

 

According to the military, sustained pressure from the joint security team eventually led to the successful rescue of the victim.

NDC Presidential Candidate, Obi Welcomes Rescue Of Oyo Victims, Canvases Safer Environment For Learning

By
The Source
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Peter Obi
Mr Peter Obi

By Ayodele Oni

 

Nigeria Democratic Congress, (NDC) presidential candidate, Peter Obi has stressed that kidnapping of school children shows the need for Nigeria to strengthen its security system and make the protection of lives and property a top priority.

 

Obi added that every child deserves to learn in a safe environment without fear of violence or kidnapping.

 

Obi welcomed the rescue of the Oriire school children and teachers kidnapped in Oyo State, describing their safe return as a moment that deserves thanksgiving.

 

In a statement shared on X , Obi stated that he was relieved and happy that the victims had regained their freedom.

 

He thanked the security personnel and everyone that worked behind the scenes to make the rescue successful.

 

While celebrating the development, Obi pointed out that no child should have to experience the trauma of abduction.

 

He also congratulated the rescued children, their families, their schools and Nigerians, saying the successful operation was a source of joy for the country.

 

His reaction came after President Bola Tinubu announced that the pupils and teachers abducted by Ansaru terrorists in Oyo State were rescued alive and unharmed by security forces.

 

According to the President, no ransom was paid and no concession was made to secure their release.

 

Tinubu praised the security personnel involved in the operation for their courage, discipline and professionalism, and vowed that the government would continue to pursue terrorists and protect communities across Nigeria.

Nnebeife: The Anambra-born General Who Led The Operation To Rescue Oyo Pupils And Teachers

By
The Source
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Major General Chinedu Ralph Nnebeife
Major General Chinedu Ralph Nnebeife

By Ken Chukwudi Ralph

 

Major General Chinedu Ralph Nnebeife is the General Officer Commanding, GOC, 2 Division of the Nigerian Army Ibadan, Oyo State.

 

The Division oversees about 9 Brigades under its jurisdictions.

 

The fine gentleman and thorough bred officer was the one who coordinated the successful rescue of the 49 Oyo school pupils and their teachers.

 

The Major General is from Umuogbu Village Awka, Anambra  State.

 

His colleagues say the General has always proven himself in assigned roles and responsibilities in his military career with the Nigerian Army.

 

His unassuming nature and accomplishments has seen his steady rise in rank.

 

Currently a two-star General taking the responsibility of a Division with 9 Brigades under his command and the successful rescue of the Oyo School pupils and teachers, he has once again proves his mettle by  leading such a sophisticated rescue operation.

 

The Major General, during the course of his career also rescued kidnapped victims in Kwara State.

 

For the first time in the history of  the rescue of mass abductees, especially, school children and students, the Federal Government announced the arrest of the kidnappers, (eight of them), and the neutralisation of many others.

 

*With minimal editing*

Gov. Makinde Reveals Some Security Operatives Paid Ultimate Price, Assures Rehabilitation Of Rescued Victims

By
Ayodele Oni
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Seyi Makinde
Seyi Makinde

By Ayodele Oni 

 

Even though he was not explicit, Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has revealed that there were casualties on the side of gallant security operatives during the operations which led to the rescue of the abducted Oyo pupils and their teachers. 

 

“We, also commend the security agencies that took part in the rescue operations for their sacrifices. 

“May the souls of those who paid the ultimate price rest in peace and may God comfort their families”, the Governor said.

 

The Governor 

expressed relief over the rescue of the abducted school children and teachers in Ogbomoso, exclaiming: “I am overjoyed”.

 

In his first reaction to the release of the abducted school children and their teachers on Friday 56 days after their abduction, Governor Makinde thanked President Bola Tinubu and all the security agencies as well as the media for their efforts in achieving the successful rescue.

 

The 39 students and pupils as well as seven of their teachers were abducted from three schools – Baptist Nursery and Primary School in Yawota, Community Grammar School in Esiele, and L.A. Primary School in Ahoro-Esiele – in Orire local government area of Oyo State in the morning hours of May 15, 2026, by suspected Boko Haram insurgents and whisked away into the forests.

 

The gunmen had invaded the school on several motorcycles dressed in military camouflage and started shooting sporadically, killing one teacher who reportedly resisted the snatching of his motorcycle to ferry the children away.

 

One of the abducted persons, a mathematics teacher, Michael Oyedokun, was publicly beheaded in custody.

 

Expressing his joy over the release, the governor said, “It’s such a big relief for all of us and for those waiting for these past 57 days. 

 

“I think it’s a big relief for all of us and we use the opportunity to say thank you to our Service Commanders, to the Nigerian Police, the DSS, the military, and of course the President for pushing really hard to have this done.

 

“I think I am just right now overjoyed, and I cannot really say much. I will talk much later when I can put my thoughts together.

 

“And we are also grateful to the press for sustaining the pressure on everybody until we got to this point.”

 

Governor Makinde disclosed that the state government would prioritise their reunion with their families and provide the necessary support for their rehabilitation in order to recover from the traumatic experience.

 

He said, “I am really grateful for the safe return of the children and teachers abducted from Oriire LGA 56 days ago. 

 

“Our priority now is to ensure they are reunited with their families and support their rehabilitation after this traumatic experience.”

 

Paying tribute to security personnel who lost their lives during the operation, he said “We also commend the security agencies that took part in the rescue operations for their sacrifices. 

 

“May the souls of those who paid the ultimate price rest in peace, and may God comfort their families.”

LP Reps Candidate, Anyanwu-Akeredolu Decries Neglect Of Imo Market, Promises Upgrade

By
Ayodele Oni
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Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu
Dr. Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu

By Ayodele Oni

 

Labour Party, (LP) candidate for the Owerri Federal Constituency in the 2027 House of Representatives election, Dr. Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu, has condemned the abandonment of the historic Orie Obibi Market in Imo State, describing its state as a symbol of decades of neglect and missed economic opportunities.

 

In a position paper titled “Orie Obibi Market: A Symbol of Neglect, A Vision for Renewal,” the former First Lady of Ondo State said it was unacceptable that one of the busiest traditional markets in the old Owerri Province still lacked basic infrastructure despite its enduring commercial importance.

 

According to her, Orie Obibi Market has for generations served as a major trading hub attracting merchants and buyers from across the South-East and South-South, including Aba, Port Harcourt, Umuahia, Onitsha and Calabar, yet its facilities have remained largely unchanged for over a century.

 

She lamented that traders still operate from makeshift wooden stalls roofed with ageing corrugated iron sheets, while poor sanitation, blocked drainage channels and indiscriminate waste disposal continue to pose serious environmental and public health risks.

 

Anyanwu-Akeredolu, who traced her maternal roots to Obibiezena, said the condition of the market was particularly painful because of her personal connection to the community

 

“I grew up around this environment. Orie Obibi was part of our commercial and social life. I know this market intimately. I know its history, what it once represented and what it still represents to thousands of traders and families today,” she said.

 

She expressed concern that despite the market’s strategic role in the local economy, little had been done to modernise it, adding that communities lose significant economic opportunities when markets are neglected.

 

The Labour Party candidate also noted that the current member representing Owerri Federal Constituency is from Obibiezena, saying many residents would have expected the market to have evolved into a model rural commercial centre.

 

She stressed that the issue extended beyond infrastructure, describing it as one of dignity, public health and economic empowerment for thousands of traders who depend on the market for their livelihoods.

 

Anyanwu-Akeredolu pledged that if elected to the House of Representatives, she would work with the Federal Government, the Imo State Government, Owerri North Local Government Council, development partners and the private sector to pursue the comprehensive remodelling of the market.

 

She stated that the proposed upgrade would include the construction of modern lock-up shops and open stalls, potable water supply, sanitation facilities, efficient drainage systems, solar-powered street lighting, improved internal roads, parking spaces, a primary healthcare centre, security posts, fire safety facilities and digital market administration.

 

According to her, the project would stimulate commercial activities, create employment, improve agricultural marketing, enhance environmental sanitation, increase internally generated revenue and restore Orie Obibi’s status as one of the leading traditional markets in the South-East.

 

She also argued that women bring a unique perspective to governance because they pay closer attention to issues affecting health, sanitation, family welfare and the daily realities of market women.

 

The LP candidate maintained that representation should be measured by tangible improvements in people’s lives rather than political rhetoric, insisting that the remodelling of Orie Obibi Market would be one of her flagship constituency projects if elected in 2027.

One Month Operation Led To Rescue Of Oyo School Children, Teachers – Army

By
Ayodele Oni
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Oyo Kidnapped victims

By Ayodele Oni

 

It has been revealed that troops of the Nigerian Army, led by the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 2 Division, Major General CR Nnebeife, headed the operation which led to the rescue of the abducted Oriire school children and teachers in Oyo state.

 

The operation was carried out alongside special units from the Office of the National Security Adviser, the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), Defence Headquarters, the Nigerian Navy, Nigerian Air Force, Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services (DSS), National Intelligence Agency (NIA), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), as well as local vigilantes, hunters and Amotekun personnel.

 

The Nigerian Army also disclosed that the operation was the result of a month-long, intelligence-driven joint security operation involving multiple agencies.

 

In a statement issued by the Acting Deputy Director, 2 Division Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Colonel Danjuma Jonah Danjuma, the Army said the carefully planned operation, which culminated on July 10, 2026, focused on tracking and dismantling the terrorist network responsible for the abduction of the pupils and teachers on May 15, 2026.

 

“Security forces targeted the kidnappers’ kingpins, logistics networks, informants and hideouts within the Old Oyo National Park and other locations.”

 

The statement disclosed that multiple arrests were made in Oyo State and other parts of the country, disrupting the criminal network and mounting sustained pressure that eventually forced the terrorists to unconditionally release the victims.

 

It added that follow-up operations are ongoing to apprehend other members of the group.

 

The Army explained that the operation was deliberately executed with precision to avoid collateral damage and ensure the safe rescue of the children and teachers, although some security personnel sustained casualties during the mission.

 

The rescued victims are currently receiving medical attention at an undisclosed hospital and will be handed over to the Oyo State Government for reunification with their families.

 

The GOC, on behalf of all participating security agencies, expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his strategic guidance and support, which he said contributed significantly to the success of the operation.

 

He also thanked Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, the Minister of Defence, the Chief of Defence Staff, the Chief of Army Staff, other Service Chiefs, the Inspector-General of Police, the Directors-General of the DSS and NIA, and heads of other security agencies for their cooperation and seamless coordination throughout the operation.

 

The Army further commended the media and Nigerians for their patience and confidence in the nation’s security architecture, urging citizens to remain vigilant and continue providing timely and credible intelligence to support ongoing efforts to protect lives and property across the country.

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