Year: 2025

One officer killed as Police neutralise 12 bandits in Benue

The Police Command in Benue says it has neutralised 12 bandits terrorising the Buruku Local Government Area (LGA) of the state.

The command’s Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Sewuese Anene, made the disclosure in a statement on Thursday in Makurdi.

Anene said that the command unfortunately lost one of its personnel, Insp. Terfa Anyiatse, during an exchange of gunfire with the bandits.

The PPRO stated that the Commissioner of Police (CP), Steve Yabanet, had on March 6 ordered tactical commanders and divisional police officers to clamp down on criminals in the state.

Anene said that the order became necessary when the command noticed a regrouping of criminal gangs.

She said that following the directives, the Operation Zenda Joint Taskforce embarked on raids across the state.

According to her, on March 19, while some of the operatives were on their way to a criminal hideout at Agwabi, Tombo Ward, Buruku LGA, they ran into an ambush laid by the bandits who engaged the police in a fierce gun duel.

“The police countered the ambush with superior firepower that subdued the gang.

“At the end of the crossfire, 12 bandits were neutralised while others escaped with gunshot wounds.

“The bandits were taken to a hospital where they were confirmed dead and the corpses deposited at the hospital mortuary.

“Items recovered from them include three AK-47 rifles, six rounds of live ammunition, camouflage uniforms and assorted charms.

“Unfortunately, one of the police team members, Insp. Terfa Anyiatse, sustained a gunshot injury and was eventually confirmed dead by a doctor. His corpse has also been deposited at the morgue,” she said.

The CP commiserated with family and friends of the deceased officer and prayed for the repose of his soul.

He also extolled the courage of the operatives involved in the operation.

“Similarly, operations carried out around Daudu and Makurdi by various divisions led to the recovery of seven locally made pistols and the arrest of five suspected robbers and 32 suspected cultists,” she added.

 

 

Abuja truck explosion: Agency urges blood donation for victims

By Lara Adejoro

The National Blood Service Agency has called on Nigerians, particularly residents of the Federal Capital Territory to donate blood to support victims of the tanker explosion that occurred on the Aya-Karu expressway, Abuja.

The NBSA, in a statement on Thursday signed by its Director General, Prof Saleh Yuguda, said the incident resulted in multiple casualties, many of whom require immediate blood transfusions.

Yuguda stated that hospitals and emergency response teams are working tirelessly to save lives, but an adequate blood supply is crucial to their efforts.

According to the National Emergency Management Agency, the incident involved a Compressed Natural Gas truck that lost control and crashed into another truck along AYA-Karu expressway on Wednesday at about 7pm.

NEMA said six fatalities were recorded, 18 vehicles burnt, but the number of injured victims are yet to determined.

It added that the injured victims were taken to National Hospital, State House Clinic, Karu General Hospital, and Customs Clinic, Karu for medical attention.

Meanwhile, the NBSA said, “We urge all eligible donors to visit designated blood donation centres and hospitals across the FCT to make voluntary blood donations. Your generosity can make the difference between life and death for those in critical condition.

” For further inquiries and directions to the nearest donation centers, please contact the National Blood Service Agency at 39 Abidjan Street , Zone Wuse or call 07088370905. Together, we can save lives.”

LIST: Finland tops Global Happiness index as Nigeria ranks 105th

By Olaniyi Apanp

As the world marks the International Day of Happiness, Nigeria has been ranked 105th out of 147 countries in the latest Global Happiness Report. The country also sits in tenth position among African nations.

The report, released on Thursday by the Global Happiness Council, evaluates happiness levels based on individuals’ assessments of their lives.

Finland retained its spot as the world’s happiest country for the eighth consecutive year, while the United States and the United Kingdom dropped further down the rankings, placing 23rd and 24th, respectively—the lowest positions ever recorded for both nations.

In Africa, Libya emerged as the highest-ranked country, securing 79th place globally.

The ranking is based on a three-year average of survey responses measuring factors such as social support, income levels, freedom, generosity, and corruption perception.

Top 10 Happiest Countries

  1. Finland
  2. Denmark
  3. Iceland
  4. Sweden
  5. Netherlands
  6. Costa Rica
  7. Norway
  8. Israel
  9. Luxembourg
  10. Mexico

  1. Nigeria

Global football heats up as UEFA, World Cup qualifiers deliver thrilling matches

UEFA Nations League (CREDIT: UEFA I X)

By Makua Ubanagu

Football fans across the globe are in for a thrilling Thursday as both the UEFA Nations League and the CAF World Cup Qualification matches promise high-stakes action.

The UEFA Nations League quarterfinals will see some of Europe’s footballing giants battle for a place in the semi-finals.

The Netherlands will take on Spain at 20:45, while Croatia faces a tough test against France at the same time.

Elsewhere, Denmark will lock horns with Portugal, and Italy will go head-to-head with Germany in another highly anticipated clash.

In addition to the quarterfinals, the UEFA Nations League will also feature relegation and promotion matches across different leagues.

In League B, Armenia will play against Georgia at 18:00, followed by Kosovo vs. Iceland, Bulgaria vs. Ireland, and Slovakia vs. Slovenia at 20:45.

Meanwhile, League A’s relegation and promotion battles will see Turkey face Hungary at 18:00, while Ukraine will take on Belgium, Austria will battle Serbia, and Greece will meet Scotland at 20:45.

On the African front, the CAF World Cup Qualification group stage continues with crucial encounters.

The day kicks off with Mozambique facing Uganda at 14:00. Later, Zimbabwe will host Benin at 17:00, while Malawi takes on Namibia at the same time.

Sierra Leone will play against Guinea-Bissau, and Cape Verde will challenge Mauritius, both at 17:00.

In the evening fixtures, Gambia will square off against Kenya at 20:00, with Gabon facing Seychelles and Libya battling Angola at the same time.

The final match of the day will see Comoros take on Mali at 22:00.

NJC dismisses reports of Nnamdi Kanu’s release, repatriation

IPOB leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu

By Deborah Musa

The National Judicial Council has disclaimed reports that the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu, has been released and repatriated back to Kenya.

NJC in a statement signed by its Deputy Director of Information, Kemi Ogedengbe, on Thursday in Abuja, emphasised that the purported report is a fabrication and a figment of the writers’ imagination.

The council clarified that while the release is attributed to the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, there is no court decision from her to substantiate the claim.

Kanu is currently facing a seven-count terrorism charge brought against him by the Federal Government.

He was first arrested on October 14, 2015, following his return to Nigeria from the UK. He was later granted bail in 2017 on health grounds after being detained at the Kuje Correctional Facility.

However, Kanu jumped bail and returned to the United Kingdom. He was re-arrested in Kenya in 2021 and extradited to Nigeria, where he has remained in the custody of the Department of State Services till date.

Kanu’s trial, which was briefly stalled due to his demand for a change in his trial judge, is set to continue on Friday, March 21, before Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja.

The statement read, “The attention of the National Judicial Council has been drawn to media reports that the Chief Justice of Nigeria and Chairman of the Council, Hon. Justice Kudirat Motonmori Olatokunbo Kekere-Ekun, has ordered the release of the detained Nnamdi Kanu and his repatriation to Kenya.

“The council wishes to state that the media report is false and a figment of the writer’s imagination, as there are no court proceedings, decisions, or judgments where such statements ascribed to His Lordship were made.

“The council categorically emphasizes that the Hon. CJN neither presided over any case involving Kanu at the apex court, where jurisdiction issues were argued, nor made any such pronouncement.”

The council added that the CJN never wrote any formal letter to the Kenyan Government or High Commission apologising for the arrest of Nnamdi Kanu or his trial. It urged members of the public to disregard the fake story.

 

BREAKING: Atiku, Obi, others urge N’Assembly to reject Tinubu’s emergency rule in Rivers

L-R: 2023 Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar and the Labour Party candidate, Mr Peter Obi,

The 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, Atiku Abubakar, along with his Labour Party counterpart, Peter Obi, and other opposition leaders, have called on the National Assembly to oppose President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State.

Atiku, speaking on behalf of the opposition leaders at an ongoing press conference at Yar’Adua Centre in Abuja, accused Tinubu of favouritism and the improper use of Section 305 regarding the state of emergency.

He stated, “We call on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to immediately revoke this unconstitutional proclamation and reinstate the elected Governor, Deputy Governor, and State Assembly of Rivers State.

“We call on patriotic Senators and Representatives to vote against this illegal action when it comes before them for approval.

“The National Assembly must stand on the right side of history and not allow itself to be used to legitimise an unconstitutional power grab.”

Recall that Rivers State has been engulfed in political instability for nearly two years as former Governor Nyesom Wike and his successor, Siminalayi Fubara, vie for supremacy, leading to a governance deadlock in the oil-rich state.

As a result, the President declared a state of emergency in the state on Tuesday during a nationwide broadcast.

He stressed the need for order and suspended Fubara, his deputy, Mrs. Ngozi Odu, and all elected members of the state House of Assembly for six months.

Additionally, retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ette Ibas was appointed as the state’s administrator.

Within hours of the declaration, military forces took control of the Rivers Government House in Port Harcourt.

While Fubara expressed his concerns and called for calm, the state House of Assembly supported the President’s decision.

Other opposition leaders present at the ongoing press conference include Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, who is represented by Yunusa Tanko, former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal, former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, National Secretary of the Coalition of United Political Parties, Peter Ahmeh, and Convenor of the Alternative, Segun Showunmi, among others.

Among those whose apologies were announced are former governors Rotimi Amaechi (Rivers), Kayode Fayemi (Ekiti), and the immediate past National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Abdullahi Adamu, among others.

Details shortly…

Property mogul, Dr Shakirat Ayobami floats NGO

Property mogul, Dr Shakirat Ayobami floats NGO

In the competitive landscape of Nigeria’s real estate industry, Dr. Shakirat Ayobami emerges as a formidable leader and innovative force. As the founder and driving force behind White Rose Properties, she has successfully carved out a distinct niche for herself in a sector that has historically been dominated by men. Her journey is a testament to resilience, marked by her unwavering determination to overcome challenges and break through the barriers that often hinder women’s progress in such fields.

Dr Ayobami’s strategic mindset and sharp business acumen have been pivotal in elevating her company to unprecedented heights, allowing it to thrive despite fierce competition. Her achievements reflect not only her hard work and dedication but also serve as a powerful challenge to societal stereotypes that often discourage women from pursuing ambitious careers. Despite facing scepticism and criticism from some quarters, her success stands as a beacon for aspiring entrepreneurs, particularly women, in Nigeria. Through her leadership and commitment to excellence, Dr. Ayobami is reshaping the future of the real estate sector.

Starting her career as a property realtor, Dr. Ayobami embodies the “girl child can do spirit,” which champions resilience, determination, and hard work. With years of experience that have transformed her ideas into stunning condominiums and homes that enrich the skylines of Lagos, she has remained steadfastly connected to her humble beginnings. Her journey has been one of grit; having faced significant challenges before reaching the pinnacle of the real estate business, she now owns properties in prime locations across Lagos and has built a loyal clientele. This loyalty stems from her meticulous attention to detail and her passion for delivering exceptional quality in every project.

In her commitment to giving back to society, Dr. Ayobami recently established The White Rose Foundation, a non-governmental organization dedicated to supporting abandoned children whose families can no longer afford their educational needs. Over the years, her deep sense of social responsibility has driven her to pay school fees for vulnerable children, an effort that has cost her millions of Naira. As demand for assistance grew, she decided to channel the proceeds from her business to expand her charitable efforts, ensuring that more beneficiaries could benefit from her foundation’s initiatives. In celebration of her 40th birthday, she aims to touch more lives through educational grants, reflecting her desire to empower youth and create a brighter future.

In contrast to many of her peers who might host extravagant parties to mark such milestones, Dr Ayobami has chosen to adopt over 100 vulnerable children in each state across the nation to benefit from her scholarship scheme. This initiative is designed to empower them and offer them a more promising future. She plans to initiate the selection process in her home state of Osun and subsequently extend it to Lagos State, where she resides.

“The desire to establish a charity organization stems from my own experiences as a woman, which have shaped my perspective on life,” Dr. Ayobami explains. “I recognize that to break the cycle of adversity that I endured while growing up, I must ensure that others have access to the educational opportunities I once fought for. My educational scheme is not just about empowerment; it is about opening doors to new possibilities for these children in the future.” With her unwavering vision and commitment to social change, Dr Shakirat Ayobami is making a profound impact, one life at a time.

NHIA, NACA to expand health insurance for people living with HIV

Director General of NHIA, Dr Kelechi Ohiri

By Lara Adejoro

The National Health Insurance Authority and the National Agency for the Control of AIDS have initiated a strategic partnership aimed at expanding health insurance coverage for People Living with HIV and other vulnerable populations.

The Director-General of NHIA, Dr. Kelechi Ohiri, disclosed this collaboration via his X handle on Wednesday, emphasizing its role in ensuring financial protection and access to comprehensive healthcare services for PLHIV.

“This collaboration is a significant step toward ensuring financial protection, improving their quality of life, and enhancing access to comprehensive healthcare services. By strengthening health insurance, we are driving progress toward Universal Health Coverage,” Ohiri wrote.

Similarly, NACA, in a statement, confirmed that its management team, led by Director-General, Dr. Temitope Ilori, visited NHIA to discuss sustainable healthcare solutions for PLHIV.

Key highlights of the discussions included the expansion of health insurance coverage to over 19 million Nigerians, increased support for vulnerable groups, including PLHIV, integration of HIV and Tuberculosis treatment into NHIA benefits, and domestic resource mobilization for long-term impact.

“Collaboration is key to a healthier future,” NACA stated.

According to NACA, Nigeria currently has an HIV prevalence rate of 1.4 percent among people aged 15 to 64 years, with an estimated two million individuals living with HIV. Of these, 1.6 million are on treatment.

The 2023 UNAIDS report also revealed that approximately 160,000 children aged 0 to 14 are living with HIV in Nigeria, with 22,000 new infections and 15,000 AIDS-related deaths recorded annually.

Despite some progress, the country’s prevention of mother-to-child transmission and paediatric HIV coverage remain below 33 percent, falling significantly short of the 95 percent target.

Constituents push to recall Natasha, INEC disowns exercise

Natasha Akpoti-Uduagan

By Gbenga Odogun

Some constituents of Kogi Central Senatorial District have initiated a recall process against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, citing a vote of no confidence in her representation.

The recall process, witnessed in Okehi Local Government Area on Wednesday, saw a large number of electorates on the queue to register their support for the recall process.

One of the electorates, Nura Ibrahim, said the exercise is being carried out beyond party lines because of the growing dissatisfaction among constituents with Akpoti-Uduaghan’s performance, particularly in addressing key issues like poverty, infrastructure, and education.

“The decision to initiate the recall process was not taken lightly, with key stakeholders stating that they had tried to engage with Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan on several occasions, but their efforts were met with disdain and arrogance,” he said.

The recall process is expected to take two days across all polling units in the five local governments of Kogi Central.

During this time, constituents will be required to sign a petition calling for the senator’s recall.

However, our correspondent gathered that constituents were reportedly tricked into appending their signature after a town crier went around Okehi on Tuesday, inviting people for empowerment, but on getting there, they were asked to submit their voter card number in exchange for money.

Our correspondent also contacted the state Resident Electoral Commissioner, Gabriel Longpet, who denied any knowledge of a recall.

“I am not aware of any recall process, apart from the unconfirmed reports flying about on social media.

“No one has contacted me about any recall in any part of the state,” Longpet said.

PUNCH Online recalls that Akpoti-Uduaghan is currently serving a six-month suspension after she allegedly ran foul of Senate rules during a face-off with the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio

She subsequently accused the Senate president of alleged sexual harassment.

PUNCH Online reports that a petition for recall of a lawmaker shall be presented to the Chairman of the
Commission by representatives of the petitioners, having notified the member sought to be recalled, in writing, of the receipt of the petition.

According to INEC’s regulations and guidelines for a recall, such notification shall be delivered to his/her official address, and the presiding officer of the applicable legislature will be copied and published on the Commission’s website.

Also, the commission will ascertain that the petition is signed by more than one-half of the registered voters in the member’s constituency, and the list of signatories to the petition shall constitute the Register of Petitioners (Form EC41) for the purpose of the recall.

According to the guidelines, verification shall be carried out in the Polling Units at the constituency of the member sought to be recalled.

Military rescues 101 kidnap victims, kills 10 terrorists in Katsina, Zamfara

FILE: Terrorists group

By Animashaun Salman

Troops of Sector 2, in collaboration with the Air Component of Operation Fansan Yamma, have rescued 101 kidnapped victims in separate operations conducted in Katsina and Zamfara states.

The military also neutralized 10 terrorists in a gun battle in the Faru District of Maradun Local Government Area of Zamfara State.

A statement by the Coordinator of the Joint Media Coordination Centre, Lt Col Abubakar Abdullahi, on Tuesday, said the operations took place on March 17 and 18.

The statement read, “The operation commenced in Katsina State, where troops launched an assault on a terrorist hideout at Pauwa High Ground in Kankara Local Government Area. In the ensuing battle, three terrorists were neutralized, and 84 kidnapped victims were rescued. The victims were later handed over to local authorities for care and reunification with their families.

“In Zamfara, the troops, acting on intelligence, raided the Bagabuzu area of Faru District in Maradun Local Government Area. The operation resulted in the killing of seven terrorists and the recovery of a motorcycle and other items used by the criminals.

“Additionally, 17 kidnapped victims, abducted from Tsibiri and Doka villages in Shinkafi Local Government Area, were rescued. The victims were immediately taken to a local hospital for medical attention.”

The statement added that Operation Fansan Yamma remains committed to ensuring the safety and security of communities in Katsina and Zamfara states.

Residents were urged to remain vigilant and cooperate with security forces, as community support plays a crucial role in the fight against terrorism in the region.

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