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Police dismiss reports of relocation of abducted school children, teachers in Oyo

Marcus FATUNMOLE
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Police dismiss reports of relocation of abducted school children, teachers in Oyo

THE Police Command in Oyo state has dismissed reports on social media that school children and their teachers abducted in Oriire Local Government of the state have been moved to Kaduna State by helicopter.

A statement by the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) in the state, Olayinka Ayanlade, a deputy superintendent of police, on Tuesday in Ibadan, said that the report and video alluding to this were entirely false, unverified, misleading, and devoid of any factual basis.

He added that the report also lacked credibility, substance, and the requisite threshold of authenticity expected of information relating to such a sensitive security matter.

“The said video claimed that the abducted school children and teachers from Ahoro-Esiele and Yawota Communities in Orire Local Government Area of Oyo state have been moved to Kaduna State via a helicopter.

“Members of the public are hereby informed that intensive rescue operations remain ongoing. The Oyo State Police Command, in close collaboration with other security and intelligence agencies, has significantly intensified efforts aimed at ensuring the safe rescue of all abducted victims,” said the command.

It also said it was intensifying efforts towards their prompt reunification with their families, and the apprehension and prosecution of those responsible for the attack.

Ayanlade further stated that the command was deeply concerned about the deliberate spread of misinformation and disinformation by certain individuals.

According to him, these unknown individuals seek to undermine public confidence in the ongoing rescue efforts and the sacrifices being made daily by security personnel working tirelessly to secure the release of the victims.

He added that such actions were not only irresponsible, but also capable of creating unnecessary panic, misleading the public, and obstructing security operations.

“The Oyo State Police Command therefore strongly warns against the dissemination of false, unverified, or malicious information, particularly on matters affecting public safety and national security.

“Individuals or groups found to be originating, promoting, or circulating misleading content intended to cast doubt on the integrity, professionalism, and commitment of security institutions, will be identified and dealt with in accordance with the law, “he said.

Ayanlade urged residents of Oyo State and the general public to remain calm, vigilant, and supportive of ongoing security efforts.

“Citizens are encouraged to rely only on information disseminated through official channels and verified sources while refraining from sharing speculative or unconfirmed reports.

“The command remains steadfast in its commitment to protecting lives and property and assures the public that every available resource is being deployed to secure the safe return of the abducted children and teachers, “he said. (NAN)

Edgar Lungu’s family secures final legal victory in burial row with Zambian govt

Marcus FATUNMOLE
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Edgar Lungu’s family secures final legal victory in burial row with Zambian govt

A SOUTH African appeals court ruled on Tuesday that the family of former Zambian President Edgar ​Lungu should decide where he is buried.

The appeal court overturned a lower court’s order that ‌Zambia’s government could repatriate Lungu’s body for a state funeral.

Lungu, who led Zambia from 2015 to 2021, died in South Africa a year ago while undergoing medical treatment.

His body has remained in ​South Africa since.

His family and the Zambian government have wrangled ​over whether he should be buried at a site designated for ⁠Zambia’s former presidents in the capital Lusaka, or privately in South Africa as ​his family prefers.

Lungu and his successor, current President Hakainde Hichilema, were longstanding political rivals, ​and his family says Lungu would not have wanted Hichilema to be present at his funeral.

Zambia’s Attorney General Mulilo Kabesha said the government respected the South African court’s decision, though it ​did not agree with the majority judgment.

“We will not exercise our right to ​appeal to the Constitutional Court. We will not take the matter any further,” Kabesha said.

In its ‌judgment ⁠on Tuesday, South Africa’s Supreme Court of Appeal said the Zambian government failed to show it had a legal right under South African law to override the family’s wishes on where and how Lungu should be buried.

It also rejected Zambia’s ​argument that a binding ​agreement had been ⁠reached with the family over the funeral, saying that evidence pointed to ongoing negotiations rather than a final deal.

South Africa’s ​government has said it has an obligation to respect the ​wishes of ⁠Lungu’s family, but it also said it felt a state burial in Zambia would be the most fitting outcome for the former leader.

Lungu drove Zambia deeply into debt during ⁠his ​roughly six years in power.

The country defaulted on ​its international debt in 2020, precipitating his election loss. Hichilema will seek re-election for a second five-year term at an election in August.

(Reuters/NAN)

Kebbi South senator dumps APC for ADC over primary election dispute

Esther Tomo
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Kebbi South senator dumps APC for ADC over primary election dispute

THE senator representing Kebbi South Senatorial District, Garba Maidoki, has quit the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the African Democratic Congress (ADC)

He blamed his decision on unresolved disagreements within the ruling party in the state. 

The lawmaker’s decision was made known during Tuesday’s Senate sitting through a letter addressed to the Senate President, Godawill Akpabio.

The letter was read before members of the Upper Chamber by Deputy Senate President, Barau Jibrin, who presided over the plenary according to a report by TheCable.

Maidoki explained that he arrived at the decision after consulting people in his constituency and reviewing developments within the APC, particularly the controversies that followed the party’s primary elections in his state.

In the letter, he stated: “I am writing to inform Your Excellency, the President of the Senate, and my distinguished colleagues of my defection from the All Progressives Congress, APC, to the African Democratic Congress, ADC.”

He added: “My decision is based on the lingering internal crisis of the APC that has made my political inspiration a source of concern.”

According to the senator, the ADC provides a better opportunity for him to pursue the interests of his constituents and contribute to national development.

“I believe that the ideas of the ADC are better for the benefit of my senatorial district and Nigeria at large,” he said.

Maidoki also criticised the APC’s handling of its recent primary elections in Kebbi, accusing the party of failing to uphold its proclaimed values.

“The All Progressives Congress, APC, has not exhibited its slogan of justice, peace, and unity, especially in Kebbi State during the just concluded primary elections,” he said.

“It is in this regard, therefore, that I wish to inform you of my defection to the African Democratic Congress, which I believe guarantees my political aspiration.”

Following the announcement, the Deputy Senate President challenged the claim that the APC was facing a serious crisis in Kebbi State.

He appealed to the senator to reconsider his decision, assuring him that any disagreements within the party could be resolved through dialogue.

“But I beg to disagree with you here. There is no internal crisis in the APC,” Jibrin said.

“Let me ask that you allow me to intervene to reconcile you and I know there is no problem, there is no internal problem in the APC in Kebbi state. It might be because of family disputes. If you allow me, I can come in to reconcile you.”

Despite the appeal, Maidoki maintained his position and declined the offer for reconciliation.

The senator’s exit comes shortly after he withdrew his membership from the APC ahead of the party’s senatorial primary contest. In a resignation letter dated May 14 and sent to his ward leadership in Rafin Zuru, Zuru Local Government Area, he had already expressed dissatisfaction with what he described as disputes within the party.

Maidoki currently heads the Senate Committee on Legislative Compliance and also serves as Vice Chairman of the Senate Committee on Information and National Orientation.

His move is expected to strengthen the ADC’s presence in Kebbi State as political realignments continue ahead of the 2027 general elections. The development also highlights growing dissatisfaction among some APC members over the conduct of party primaries and internal political arrangements.

The ICIR earlier reported that nine senators from different political parties were among others who announced their defections to opposition platforms, with many citing internal disputes and challenges within their former parties.

Troops rescue 47 from ISWAP enclave in Borno

Mustapha USMAN
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Troops rescue 47 from ISWAP enclave in Borno

TROOPS of the Joint Task Force (North East), Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK), have rescued 47 persons, mostly women and children, from the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) enclave in Kangarwa, Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno.

This is contained in a statement issued by the Acting Military Information Officer of OPHK, Mohammed Goni, a captain, on Tuesday in Maiduguri.

Goni said the victims were rescued following sustained offensive operations by troops against ISWAP strongholds in the Lake Chad region.

He said the rescue was made possible through aggressive ground and air assaults that forced the terrorists to abandon their positions, creating an opportunity for the captives to escape from prolonged detention.

The military spokesman added that the rescued persons were receiving medical attention at a secured location, while arrangements are being made to provide them with the necessary humanitarian assistance.

He said relevant agencies are collaborating with the military to facilitate the victims’ rehabilitation and eventual reintegration into society.

Goni noted that the latest rescue underscored the commitment of Operation Hadin Kai to protecting civilians while sustaining efforts to degrade terrorist capabilities in the North-East.

He reaffirmed the resolve of the Theatre Command to intensify offensive operations aimed at dismantling remaining ISWAP networks and restoring lasting peace and normalcy across the region.

The ICIR reports that Kangarwa has long been one of the areas affected by insurgent activities around the Lake Chad Basin. The region has served as a stronghold for ISWAP and other terrorist groups due to its difficult terrain and proximity to several islands and waterways that have historically provided cover for fighters.

Over the years, thousands of residents of communities in Kukawa, Marte, Abadam and other parts of northern Borno have been displaced by insurgent attacks, while many women and children have been abducted during raids on villages and farming settlements.

The latest rescue came amid intensified military operations by Operation Hadin Kai across the Lake Chad region.

Earlier in June, the military announced the rescue of 360 women and children from terrorist enclaves in the North-East, as security forces stepped up efforts to dismantle remaining insurgent networks.

However, despite these gains, ISWAP continues to stage attacks on communities and security formations in parts of Borno State, underscoring the persistent security challenges facing the region two decades after insurgency began in Nigeria.

Eight killed in Kebbi farmer-herder clash as insecurity worsens in North

Mustapha USMAN
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Eight killed in Kebbi farmer-herder clash as insecurity worsens in North

NO fewer than eight persons have been killed in a violent clash between farmers and herders in Gulma town, Argungu Local Government Area of Kebbi State.

The Kebbi State Police Command confirmed the incident on Tuesday, June 23, saying one farmer and seven herders lost their lives during the violence, while five persons, including a woman, were rescued by security operatives.

The command’s spokesperson, Bashir Usman, said the crisis erupted around 3pm on Monday after a herder identified as Yaron Buba-Dogo allegedly allowed his cattle to stray into the farmland of one Aminu Ala, destroying crops.

According to him, an altercation ensued between the two men, during which the farmer was allegedly stabbed in the neck and died on the spot.

The killing sparked outrage among residents, who reportedly mobilised and attacked the herder, killing him and setting his body ablaze.

Usman said the violence subsequently escalated as the mob launched attacks on members of the affected community.

He added that in spite of efforts by security personnel to restore order, four additional persons were killed and their bodies burnt beyond recognition. Two more corpses were later recovered from a farmland on the outskirts of Gulma Town.

The police spokesman noted that security operatives rescued five persons trapped during the violence and evacuated them to the Argungu Divisional Police Headquarters for protection.

He explained further that a joint security team comprising the police and other security agencies was deployed to the area to prevent further breakdown of law and order fthe incident.

The state government has also imposed a curfew on the affected community as authorities intensify efforts to restore peace.

The latest violence comes amid growing insecurity across northern Nigeria, where communities continue to grapple with farmer-herder conflicts, banditry and attacks by armed groups.

Farmer-herder clashes have remained a recurring security challenge in several states, particularly in the North-West and North-Central regions, where disputes over grazing routes and farmland frequently turn deadly.

The Kebbi incident occurred barely a day after the Plateau State Police Command confirmed the killing of 20 persons in an attack on Kawel community in Mushere District of Bokkos Local Government Area.

Armed men reportedly invaded the community in the early hours of Sunday, killing residents before fleeing the area.

The attack was the latest in a series of deadly assaults that have continued to plague Plateau communities despite repeated security interventions.

President Bola Tinubu had in April pledged to deploy 5,000 CCTV cameras to the state as part of measures to curb insecurity, but attacks have persisted in several communities.

The fresh killings in Kebbi and Plateau have renewed concerns over the country’s worsening security situation, particularly in rural communities where residents remain vulnerable to communal violence, bandit attacks and other forms of armed conflict.

Tinubu’s security pledge faces test in Plateau as police confirm 20 killed in Bokkos attack

News Agency
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Tinubu’s security pledge faces test in Plateau as police confirm 20 killed in Bokkos attack

THE Police Command in Plateau State has confirmed the killing of 20 persons in an attack on Kawel community in Mushere District, Bokkos Local Government Area (LGA) of the state.

The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Alfred Alabo, disclosed this in a statement on Monday in Jos.

Alabo said the attack occurred in the early hours of Sunday when armed men invaded the community.

According to him, the Commissioner of Police (CP) Bassey Ewah, immediately directed the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in Bokkos to mobilise personnel to the area following a distress report.

The PPRO said police operatives, working in collaboration with the Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU), and other security agencies, engaged the attackers in a gun battle, forcing them to retreat.

The police spokesman said 18 persons were confirmed dead at the scene, while three others sustained injuries and were rushed to the hospital for treatment.

“Regrettably, two of the injured victims were confirmed dead by a medical doctor, bringing the total number of casualties to 20,” he said.

Alabo stated that the remains of the victims had been released to their families for burial after relatives declined autopsy.

The PPRO said the CP had commiserated with the families of the victims and residents of Bokkos LGA over the attack.

He said that Ewah assured the public that security agencies would spare no effort to identify, arrest, and prosecute those responsible for the attack.

“The CP had directed the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations and the Area Commander in Pankshin LGA to relocate to the affected area to coordinate security operations.

“These are measures put in place to avoid future attacks,” he said.

He added that additional tactical teams and personnel of the Police Mobile Force had also been deployed to restore calm and commence a manhunt for the perpetrators.

The PPRO urged residents to remain calm, go about their lawful activities, and provide credible information to security agencies to support efforts aimed at maintaining peace and security in the state.

The ICIR reports that the attack following similar onslaughts on the state by armed non-state actors who persistently unleashed mayhem on communities in the state.

President Bola Tinubu promised in April that the Federal Government would deploy 5.000 CCTV cameras to the state to help contain insecurity. Despite the pledge, the crisis has since persisted.

 

 

Pate, Atsenuwa to lead WSCIJ’s national conversation on democracy beyond elections

Esther Tomo
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Pate, Atsenuwa to lead WSCIJ’s national conversation on democracy beyond elections

IMMEDIATE past Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University Kashere and professor of Communication at Bayero University, Kano, Umaru Pate, will deliver keynote address at the 18th Wole Soyinka Centre Media Lecture Series scheduled for July 13 in Lagos State.

The event, themed “Beyond the Ballot: Measuring Democracy Through Security, Welfare, Accountability and Public Trust,” will also feature the public presentation of the Wole Soyinka Centre for Investigative Journalism (WSCIJ) 2025 Journalism & Civic Space Status Report, which will be reviewed by Ayodele Atsenuwa, a professor at the University of Lagos.

In a statement on Monday, the organisers said the lecture would interrogate whether Nigeria’s democracy is delivering meaningful outcomes for citizens beyond elections, with particular focus on governance performance in key sectors namely security, welfare, accountability and public trust.

They stated that the conversation would focus on shifting attention from electoral contests alone to broader questions of how democratic systems translate into real-life impact for citizens.

“The lecture seeks to examine whether democracy is delivering security, welfare, accountability, and public trust,” the organisers said.

The programme will also feature the Democracy Delivery Conversation, a high-level dialogue bringing together journalists, academics, policymakers and civic actors to examine the role of the media in democratic governance.

The discussion will focus on how journalism can strengthen accountability systems and deepen democratic engagement through sustained scrutiny of public institutions.

Participants will explore the role of the media in improving governance outcomes and reinforcing public trust in democratic processes.

The event includes the presentation of the WSCIJ 2025 Journalism & Civic Space Status Report, which documents trends in media freedom and civic participation in Nigeria.

The report continues WSCIJ’s longitudinal tracking of journalism and civic space, building on earlier editions such as “Hushed Voices and the Media’s Defence of Civic Space (2012–2022), Hushed Voices in an Election Year (2023), and Shrinking Freedoms (2024)”.

The organisation said the report provides an evidence-based assessment of developments affecting democratic participation and media freedom in the country.

According to WSCIJ, it examines developments affecting media freedom, civic participation and public accountability, while identifying both opportunities and challenges for democratic governance.

Held annually on July 13 to mark the birthday of Nobel Laureate Wole Soyinka, Grand Patron of WSCIJ, the lecture series has, for nearly two decades, convened stakeholders in journalism, governance and civic advocacy to reflect on democratic accountability.

This year’s edition will bring together journalists, academics, policymakers, civil society actors, development partners, students and citizens to reflect on how democratic performance should be measured beyond elections.

 

Police suspend DPO over alleged N500,000 extortion in Rivers

Marcus FATUNMOLE
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Police suspend DPO over alleged N500,000 extortion in Rivers

THE Police Command in Rivers State has suspended a Divisional Police Officer (DPO) from office following allegations of extortion and misconduct.

The command’s spokesperson, Blessing Agabe, a superintendent of police, disclosed this to journalists on Monday in Port Harcourt.

Agabe said the action followed reports circulating on social media alleging that the officer collected N500,000 from a suspect to secure his release from detention.

According to the reports, a payment receipt indicated that the money was transferred to an Opay account bearing a name alleged to belong to the DPO.

The reports also alleged that the officer arrested a mother of two and charged her in court after she reported that her husband had assaulted and injured her.

Agabe said the Commissioner of Police in Rivers, Olugbenga Adepoju, had ordered a comprehensive investigation into the allegations.

She stated that the officer was immediately relieved of his duties pending the outcome of the investigation.

“In response to the allegations and in line with the command’s commitment to transparency, accountability and professionalism, the officer has been removed from office pending a thorough and impartial investigation,” she said.

The police spokesperson said the commissioner had expressed concern over the allegations and reaffirmed the command’s zero-tolerance stance to misconduct.

According to her, the police command will not condone abuse of office or any conduct capable of undermining public confidence in the Nigeria Police Force.

“Adepoju has assured residents that the investigation will be conducted diligently, professionally and without bias,” she added.

Agabe reiterated the command’s commitment to maintaining high standards of integrity, discipline and service delivery.

She also encouraged residents to continue reporting cases of alleged misconduct through appropriate channels.

The spokesperson assured the public that any officer found culpable after investigation would face appropriate disciplinary measures in accordance with extant regulations. (NAN)

Court remands Sowore in Kuje Correctional Centre

Nanji Nandang VENLEY
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Court remands Sowore in Kuje Correctional Centre

The Federal High Court in Abuja on Monday ordered the remand of Omoyele Sowore, the presidential candidate of African Action Congress (AAC), in Kuje Correctional Centre.

Justice Mohammed Umar, in a short ruling, ordered Sowore to be kept in the correctional centre pending the hearing and determination of his motion for stay of the order for revocation of his bail and bench warrant.

Umar also dismissed Sowore’s earlier application seeking the judge’s recusal from the case on the ground of alleged bias.

The judge then adjourned the matter until June 24 for hearing of the application for stay.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the motion for stay was filed by the defendant’s new lawyer, Adeyinka Olumide-Fusika, a senior advocate.

NAN earlier reported that Sowore, also the publisher of Sahara Reporters, arrived at the court in company of members of his group with placards.

Umar had, on June 16 revoked a bail granted to Sowore following his failure to appear in court his trial.

The judge, in a ruling on an oral application made by the lawyer to the State Security Service (SSS), Akinkolu Kehinde, a senior advocate, also issued a bench warrant for his arrest.

The SSS is prosecuting Sowore for allegedly making false claims against the person of President Bola Tinubu by referring to him as “a criminal” in a post he made on his “X” and Facebook accounts.(NAN)

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer resigns

Nurudeen AKEWUSHOLA  and  News Agency
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UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer resigns

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has announced his resignation as leader of the Labour Party after less than two years in office.

Speaking outside 10 Downing Street on Monday, June 22, an emotional Starmer said he had always acted in what he believed were the country’s best interests.

“Every decision I have taken has been about putting the country I love first. That is why I will resign as leader of the Labour Party,” he said.

Starmer said the Labour Party would begin the process of selecting a new leader in July and confirmed that he would remain Prime Minister until a successor is chosen before Parliament returns from its summer recess in September.

“I will remain in post as Prime Minister until the contest is complete, and I will do everything I can to ensure an orderly handover of power,” he added.

The announcement came after months of mounting pressure on Starmer’s leadership, fuelled by a series of scandals, high-profile resignations and growing dissatisfaction within the party. Until the weekend, he had insisted he would remain in office and fight off calls to step down.

Attention has now turned to veteran politician Andy Burnham, who returned to Parliament after winning a crucial by-election on Thursday, strengthening expectations that he could emerge as a leading contender for the Labour leadership.

Starmer’s departure means Britain is on course to have its seventh Prime Minister in a decade, underscoring a period of prolonged political instability that began after the 2016 Brexit referendum.

Although Starmer was credited with rebuilding Labour and leading the party to a decisive election victory in 2024, ending 14 years of Conservative rule, his government struggled to maintain public support.

His administration faced criticism over welfare reforms, defence spending plans and a controversial diplomatic appointment involving Peter Mandelson, which triggered calls for his removal earlier this year.

Starmer also faced increasing pressure from the rising popularity of the anti-immigration Reform UK party, which made significant gains in local elections in May.

In his farewell remarks, Starmer pledged his full support for his successor.

“I will also give my successor my full and unequivocal support, knowing that they will inherit a Britain that is far stronger and fairer than the one I inherited two years ago,” he said.

In 2024, Starmer won the biggest parliamentary majority for Labour since 1997 after 14 years of ‌Conservative-led government.

But opinion polls have shown the 63-year-old Labour Party leader and former lawyer is deeply unpopular with voters after a series of policy missteps and scandals.

This led to mounting pressure from his own Labour Party on him to quit following the decisive by-election win by his rival, Andy Burnham, to claim a parliamentary seat in North-West England.

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