The Kaduna State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party has condemned the recent spate of bandit attacks in parts of the state, as they described the development as “tragic” and “a failure of governance.”
The party said attacks in Kagara and Ugom communities, located in Giwa and Kajuru Local Government Areas, respectively, left two persons dead and several others injured between June 4 and 6, 2025.
In a statement issued on Saturday and signed by the Kaduna PDP Chairman, Edward Masha, the party expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives and the trauma inflicted on affected families.
The victims were identified as Salisu Aminu and Stephen Alhassan, and they were both described as respected community members.
“We extend our heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and pray for the quick recovery of those injured. The senseless violence must stop,” the statement said.
The PDP also berated both the state and federal governments over what it described as their “consistent failure to safeguard the lives and property of citizens.”
They called on Governor Uba Sani’s administration to immediately review its security architecture,particularly urging the Ministry of Internal Security and Home Affairs to wake up to its responsibilities.
“The APC-led government in Kaduna must act decisively.
“The Ministry of Internal Security has become alarmingly dormant.
“It must be revived to coordinate efforts with federal forces to prevent further bloodshed,” the party said.
The PDP further called on state agencies such as the State Emergency Management Agency and the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs to immediately render assistance to affected families.
Reaffirming its commitment to the welfare of Kaduna residents, the PDP vowed to continue holding the ruling party accountable, as it called on citizens to remain calm and hopeful ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Nigerian constitutional lawyer and human rights advocate, Professor Mike Ozekhome, (SAN), has advocated for improved funding and incentives for the nation’s judiciary, warning that continued neglect could undermine justice delivery.
During an interview on Channels Television’s “Hard Copy” program on Saturday, Ozekhome highlighted the deplorable conditions of many Nigerian courts, describing them as “dilapidated infrastructure” where judges often have to write proceedings with longhand.
He linked the judiciary’s struggles to the wider societal challenges, asserting that “garbage in, garbage out” applies to the justice system.
“We saw the visuals of some of the courts I wouldn’t sit there, but is the place where we are calling a hall of justice and these places are dilapidated infrastructure.
“The judiciary has been ignored for too long,” Ozekhome stated.
He emphasised that judges, being human beings, live in the same society where corruption is pervasive. To insulate them from such pressures, he argued, they must be “treated respectfully” and “well funded.”
The Senior Advocate of Nigeria acknowledged recent efforts by the current government to improve judicial remuneration, noting a new law from last year that saw Supreme Court justices’ salaries increase to approximately N54m per annum, or about N5.3m monthly.
While acknowledging that this might not fully offset the impact of inflation, he deemed it a “leap forward.”
However, Ozekhome stressed that more needs to be done.
He quoted an old adage saying, “A corrupt judge is more dangerous than a man armed with a dagger,” explaining that while a man with a dagger can be physically restrained, a corrupt judge “destroys the moral fiber of the society.”
He underlined the critical role of the judiciary in delivering justice between individuals and between citizens and the government, reiterating the necessity for judges to be sufficiently cared for to resist corruption and uphold the integrity of the justice system.
Ozekhome’s comments came in the wake of the recent suspension of the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria strike, which had been prompted by demands for better wages and improved working conditions.
President Bola Tinubu has expressed grief and extended his condolences to the family and friends of Nigerian boxing icon Obisia Nwankpa, who passed away on June 2, 2025, at the age of 75.
Nwankpa, a towering figure in Nigerian sports, carved a distinguished career that saw him represent the nation on the global stage.
He proudly competed for Nigeria at the 1972 Summer Olympics in Munich in the light-welterweight division.
His golden era continued as he secured gold medals at the 1973 All-Africa Games in Lagos and the 1974 British Commonwealth Games in Christchurch, New Zealand, both in the welterweight category. Throughout his illustrious career, Nwankpa held multiple prestigious titles, including Nigerian Lightweight Champion, African Boxing Union Light-Welterweight Champion, and Commonwealth Lightweight Champion.
In a statement signed and released by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, on Saturday, Tinubu paid tribute to the deceased, noting that Nwankpa’s contributions extended beyond his active fighting days.
“Nigeria’s sporting community and Nigerians will long remember the legendary boxer and coach for the honour he brought to the country in the ring and the exciting moments he gave to fans throughout his career,” the president stated.
Tinubu further emphasised the nation’s indebtedness to the late champion for his post-retirement impact.
“The nation owes him a debt of gratitude for nurturing a new generation of boxers after retiring from active competition, including leading Nigeria’s boxing team to the Athens 2004 and Beijing 2008 Olympics,” he added, acknowledging Nwankpa’s role in mentoring aspiring talents.
The President concluded by offering prayers for the peaceful repose of Obisia Nwankpa’s soul and for divine comfort to all who mourn his passing.
Five-time Ballon d’Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo said Saturday the individual honour should be awarded to a player who won the Champions League.
Speaking ahead of Sunday’s Nations League final in Munich between Portugal and Spain, the veteran said “trophies” should determine who wins the Ballon d’Or.
“In my opinion, whoever wins it should be on a team that has won trophies. The Ballon d’Or winner should be in a team that has won the Champions League,” the 40-year-old forward told reporters.
First awarded in 1956 by French magazine France Football, the Ballon d’Or is awarded to the player considered the best over the previous season.
Paris Saint-Germain’s 5-0 thumping of Inter Milan in the Champions League final last Saturday led to growing calls for Ousmane Dembele to win this season’s gong.
Spain starlet Lamine Yamal’s superb display in Thursday’s 5-4 Nations League semi-final win over France, however, had some arguing the teenager should be awarded the Ballon d’Or, which would make the 17-year-old the youngest winner in its history.
France coach Didier Deschamps backed Dembele for the award, saying, “Considering the season Ousmane is having, he deserves it and that’s all I wish for him”.
At a press conference in Stuttgart on Saturday, France captain Kylian Mbappe told reporters he backed Dembele.
“Does anyone need me to explain? Right now we’re talking about Lamine Yamal and Ousmane Dembele, but I’m voting for Dembele.”
Ronaldo said he “cannot tell you who deserves it” this season.
Ronaldo’s five wins are bettered only by Argentinian Lionel Messi, who has won the award eight times.
The duo had a monopoly on the award for a decade from Ronaldo’s first win in 2008 to his last in 2017.
The current holder is Spain and Manchester City midfielder Rodri.
Gaza’s civil defence agency said Israeli forces killed at least 13 Palestinians on Saturday, six of them in a shooting incident near a US-backed aid distribution centre in the territory’s south.
Civil defence spokesman Mahmud Bassal told AFP that at around 7:00 am (0400 GMT), “six people were killed and several others wounded by the forces of the Israeli occupation near the Al-Alam roundabout” in southern Gaza’s Rafah area.
Gazans have massed at Al-Alam almost daily since late May to collect humanitarian aid at a centre about one kilometre (0.6 miles) away, operated by the US-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF).
Samir Abu Hadid, who was there early Saturday, told AFP that thousands of people had gathered near the roundabout.
“As soon as some people tried to advance towards the aid centre, the Israeli occupation forces opened fire from armoured vehicles stationed near the centre, firing into the air and then at civilians,” Abu Hadid said.
Contacted by AFP, the Israeli military said it was looking into the incident, the latest deadly fire near the Al-Alam aid point.
The GHF began operations in late May as Israel partially eased a more than two-month blockade on the Gaza Strip.
The United Nations, which has refused to cooperate with the GHF over neutrality concerns, has warned that Gaza’s entire population of more than two million people was at risk of starvation.
In the territory’s north early Saturday, Bassal said seven people were killed in an Israeli strike that hit a house near Gaza City’s Al-Shifa hospital.
The Israeli military said it was looking into the report.
The Campaign for Democratic and Workers’ Rights has faulted the Ogun government for failure to install speed breakers on the newly rehabilitated Ikangba/Agoro road, in Ijebu Ode area of the state.
The group claimed that the absence of these speed breakers is responsible for the frequent accidents and deaths recorded on the road almost daily.
In a statement on Saturday by the Coordinator of CDWR, Eko Nicholas, the group said at least eight lives had been lost, including two female students of Seico Secondary School who were writing the ongoing West African Senior School Certificate Examination, between February and June, when the rehabilitation of the road was completed.
The group stated that it was wrong for the government to have refused to yield to several past appeals regarding the need to construct speed breakers on the newly rehabilitated road, which would help mitigate the challenge of over-speeding by motorists plying this road.
The statement partly read, “The Campaign for Democratic and Workers’ Rights (CDWR) Ogun State chapter, for the umpteenth time call on government of Prince Dapo Abiodun to save the lives of residents of Obalende-Olorunsogo, Ikangba-Agoro, and other road users from the continuous, needless, and avoidable deaths on the newly rehabilitated road, by immediately constructing speed breakers, providing lightings and traffic signs.
“This is to limit and regulate vehicular speed and caution motorists against reckless driving.
“The Ikangba/Agoro road has become a death trap since the completion of rehabilitation works in February this year.
“Eight people have lost their lives thus far, on the road, as at the last count.
“Many have also sustained serious and life-threatening injuries.
“The most recent deaths include Mr Demion Chukwu, a 70-year-old man, who till his unfortunate death resided in Ikangba Housing estate. He died on the 2nd of June,2025, due to a fatal accident involving him on a motorcycle and another motorcycle (Okada) that occurred on Sunday, June 1st,2025.
“The other victim, a boy, resident in Sagamu, whose identity couldn’t be ascertained, had serious injuries and was admitted to one of the hospitals in Ijebu Ode. However, unconfirmed sources reported that he died on June 4, 2025.
“Recall also, that on the 23rd of May 2025, Mosaku Aisha and Omobewaji Sanni, two female students of Seico Senior Secondary School, Ikangba Town, who were writing the ongoing WASSCE were crushed to death by a truck on this same road”
The group urged the State Governor Dapo Abiodun to act on constructing speed breakers, streetlights, and traffic signs on the road to prevent the ugly occurrences.
Suspended Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has called on Muslims in the state and across the world to reflect on the values of sacrifice, obedience, and faith as they mark the Eid-el-Kabir, also known as Eid-al-Adha.
In his Sallah message on Friday, Fubara encouraged Muslims to use the occasion as an opportunity to pray for peace, unity, and prosperity, especially at a time when Nigeria faces serious challenges from insecurity and economic difficulties.
This was contained in a statement issued in Port Harcourt on Friday by his Chief Press Secretary, Nelson Chukwudi.
The statement read, “The governor, speaking on behalf of his wife and family, encouraged the Muslim community to recommit themselves to the principles of sacrifice, faith, and obedience.”
Fubara described these values as critical to building a stable and united society, even as he emphasised that without a shared vision and determined action, meaningful progress cannot be achieved.
He also appealed to Muslims to use this period to show kindness to those in need, especially the poor and vulnerable.
He further urged them to reach out in reconciliation, forgive past wrongs, and foster stronger ties within their communities.
Reflecting on recent times, Fubara acknowledged the patience and sacrifices made by the people in support of the state’s growth.
He admitted that while many aspirations remain unmet due to political challenges, notable achievements have still been recorded.
He reassured citizens that ongoing steps are being taken to stabilise governance and revive the economy, and pledged that their concerns will be addressed with practical solutions.
The governor also called for continued prayers for the peace and progress of Rivers State, while reaffirming his administration’s unwavering commitment to protecting the lives and welfare of all residents.
Some yet-to-be-identified assailants have attacked the office of vigilante operatives in the Umunze community, Orumba South Local Government Area of Anambra State.
It was gathered that during the attack that was carried out in the early hours of Thursday, the hoodlums set about five operational vehicles and some parts of the building housing the security operatives ablaze.
An eyewitness around the scene said, “The hoodlums invaded the premises in the early hours of Thursday and started shooting indiscriminately. The matter got escalated when the security operatives, in an attempt to resist the gunmen during the gun duel recorded a fatal injury on one of the security operatives.
“About five operational vehicles were set ablaze, and some parts of the security office also got burnt by the hoodlums, who later fled the scene before the arrival of the police-led joint security force.”
When contacted on Thursday, the spokesman for the Anambra State Police Command, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, confirmed the development and said the Police-led Joint Security Force had taken over the scene.
Ikenga said the police seek the collaborative efforts of the local communities on the ongoing onslaught operations in the area to ensure that those responsible for the attack are held accountable.
He said, “The Commissioner of Police, CP Ikioye Orutugu, has condemned the attack on vigilante operatives in Umunze Community, Orumba South Local Government Area, emphasising the need for community support to bring the perpetrators to justice.
“The unfortunate incident happened in the early hours of Thursday, where the suspected armed men attacked the vigilante’s office at Umunze and set five of their operational vehicles ablaze.
“The security operatives, in an attempt to resist the gunmen during the gun duel, recorded a fatal injury on one of the security operatives. Some parts of the security office also got burnt by the hoodlums.
“Given the above, the police-led Joint Security Force has taken over the scene and seeks the collaborative efforts of the local communities on the ongoing onslaught operations in the area to ensure that those responsible for the attack are held accountable.
“Further developments shall be communicated, please.”
Commuters across the Lagos metropolis were once again trapped in a frustrating gridlock on Thursday, with vehicular movement grinding to a halt for hours, an ordeal that appears to have no end in sight.
For those heading out of Lagos via the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, the traffic bottleneck, which began at the popular Otedola Bridge, stretched through the Ogun State corridor and terminated at the Fatgbem Filling Station, leaving thousands stranded or trekking.
Stranded passengers, unable to wait for commercial buses caught in the gridlock, were seen trekking towards the Fatgbem filling station.
Others, particularly the elderly and families with children, stood helplessly by the roadside under the sun.
The usually bustling Berger Bus Stop, which serves passengers heading to Mowe, Magboro, Wawa, and Arepo, was nearly deserted.
The Berger bus shed and its space were fully consumed by vehicles stuck in traffic and stranded passengers.
Vendors, taking advantage of the standstill, moved freely between vehicles, selling sachet water, soft drinks, and snacks.
Commercial drivers who managed to navigate through the chaos exploited the situation by increasing transport fares from the usual N500–N700 to as high as N2,000.
Occasionally, a few sympathetic private car owners were seen picking up exhausted passengers.
Speaking with PUNCH Metro, a commuter, Kazeem Olarewaju, described the situation as unbearable.
Olarewaju said, “I don’t understand why a few people are allowed to inconvenience everyone else.
“Why can’t the government relocate these ram sellers? Why should people suffer like this just because they want to use a public road?
“This is 5 p.m. I left the Lagos Secretariat around 3 pm, and I’ve barely moved. The bus fare has tripled.”
Another road user, who declined to give his name, echoed the same frustration and urged the government to relocate the Kara market.
“You won’t see any of our leaders plying this road. It’s only the common man. Please, help us beg them to move this market elsewhere.
“It’s not a difficult thing to do if the government truly wants to help us, especially during festive seasons,” he noted.
Ademola, a passenger travelling to Ibadan with his family, described the Kara market as a recurring problem.
He lamented, “That market has become a menace for road users during Sallah celebrations. This isn’t the first time commuters are facing this kind of hardship.
“If it’s not road repairs, it’s ram sellers. Every year, there’s a problem. The FRSC officials are trying, but this is beyond just traffic control.”
The spokesperson for the Ogun State Sector Command of the FRSC, Florence Okpe, had confirmed the situation and attributed the congestion to increased pre-Sallah activities at the Kara Market.
“Our officials are already on the ground and will remain there to manage the traffic throughout the festive period,” she had told our correspondent on Wednesday.
Meanwhile, massive gridlock was witnessed across several parts of Lagos on Thursday evening as pre-Sallah market activities and the usual closing-hour rush brought vehicular movement to a crawl in major commercial corridors.
The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority, in a traffic update posted via its official X handle at 4:26 p.m., reported that the CMS Bridge inward Offin Canal Market was experiencing significant congestion due to market-related activities.
“There is slow movement on the CMS bridge heading towards Offin Canal Market, specifically impacted by vehicles entering and exiting the market area.
“However, the stretch immediately following Offin Canal Market to the Ijora Olopa by NEPA intersection is currently clear,” LASTMA stated.
The agency further revealed that traffic was building up steadily along Broad Street, with congestion stretching toward the Apongbon underbridge section.
“The congestion is tied to activities at Offin Canal Market and Olowogbowo, alongside the usual evening rush,” it added.
In contrast, LASTMA noted that traffic was flowing smoothly on Eko Bridge by the NEPA intersection heading toward Apongbon.
It also said that movement was “good” descending Eko Bridge toward CMS, Elegbeta Mini Stadium, and the Ebute-Ero Market areas.
According to the agency, the stretch from Ebute-Ero Market through Leventis, UBA Roundabout, and extending to the inner and outer Marina remained clear, with “traffic moving without obstruction.”
LASTMA officials were observed at several choke points, coordinating traffic to ease the flow and reduce delays.
In areas like Egbeda, particularly along the Idimu-Isheri Road corridor, traffic was intense due to high volumes of ram trading activities.
A similar scene unfolded around the College Bus Stop in Ikotun, where makeshift ram markets had sprung up in open spaces, further compounding vehicular delays.
WBC title holder and 2022 Commonwealth medallist Elizabeth Oshoba talks about winning a world title, beating the odds to win a medal in Birmingham, her boxing journey and more in this interview with PETER AKINBO
How did you start boxing?
It was actually my brother who introduced me to it; he came to me when I was 12 and said he wanted me to start boxing, he said, ‘I saw one video of a girl boxing and she is just like you, you guys look alike so I would like you to try boxing too’ but I told him I don’t want to box. So, actually, I do sports, I like sports, then I played football, I played table tennis then too, all these street sports, but I said I couldn’t do boxing, I didn’t want them to spoil my fine face, I can’t do it. My parents like sports as well, so they encouraged me, and one particular day, my Dad lied to me that we should go out to get fuel and he drove me to coach Smart of Smart Boxing, and when we got there was when I realised it was a boxing gym. The coach was now encouraging me too, and I saw a lot of ladies like me boxing so I now decided I could do this if these ones were doing it because I had the mind that if they saw me outside, they could just beat me and go, and I can’t let that happen and that is when I started.
When you first started boxing, did guys in the neighbourhood try to fight you?
Actually, when I started boxing, I was going to a public school so some of my schoolmates stayed in the area of the boxing gym, and when they saw me there, the next day they came to school and told everyone I was fighting boxing, and the guys then in the school did not want to accept that a lady could be doing this so they started bullying me, and it got to the point that I had to fight back, although it is not professional and we shouldn’t fight back, I had to just fight back but then I fought with a guy in my class and he started bleeding and that was when they all knew that I was a good boxer and they started leaving me alone.
Since you started your career till now, what will you define as the highlight of your career?
When I won the WBC world title and when I went for the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, I couldn’t believe it, God did it so those are the best ones so far from me. I couldn’t believe I could make it to the Games and even win a silver medal, it was a very tough journey for me before I got to the Games dealing with a COVID-19 positive test before it later showed negative after three tests and I made the trip.
How did you and the family feel when you won the silver medal?
I was the happiest person in the world when I won the silver medal. I thanked God a lot because after all that I went through, I did not expect this at all, I was even happier than the person who won gold, I was so glad, that was my happiest moment. Initially, while I was training, I believed I would win the gold medal but after what happened, being weak, losing weight, and not training enough gave me second thoughts so I really value the silver medal. My family were watching the fight live with me and after I got my medal, they were so excited and happy for me.
Where is your medal now?
It is with me in the UK, I carry it everywhere I go, I don’t leave it in Nigeria, and the National honours I got from President Muhammadu Buhari after coming back from the Games. That is what I worked for so I cannot just treat it anyhow, I need to take care of it very well.
You are fighting now in the United Kingdom professionally in the super-featherweight, how is it going?
It is going very well, and very soon, I will fight for more titles. I have won all of my fights now, seven fights in the UK and two in Nigeria.
How did you feel when you won the WBC silver title?
I was on top of the world. I am very happy with this title, it is my first (world) title but I am still focused and I can’t wait to fight more world title fights, win more and claim the main WBC belt. The IBO belt too is very important to me and I am happy to have achieved this success. It wasn’t easy though, but I am fully prepared for any kind of opponent. I knew I was going to be announced the winner once the fights ended.
Do you think your training in Nigeria prepared you for your fights abroad?
I had tough training, sparred with male boxers and had to improvise a lot back home in Nigeria. I had to motivate myself a lot. So, I think that prepared me for the opportunities I am seeing now, all those challenges made me stronger. Whenever I remember those moments, it really motivates me to give more than 100 per cent.
What will you call the lowest point of your career?
That was when I lost in the semi-final at the All African Games in 2019 in Morocco; that was my first time representing Nigeria and I won the bronze medal then.
Any advice for young female boxers in Nigeria?
I would like to tell them not to give up on whatever they are doing. No matter how difficult it is, no matter the struggle, hard work is going to pay off, they should not give up and keep working towards their goals.
