Beatrice Ekweremadu, the wife of former Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu, has returned to Nigeria following her release from a correctional facility in the United Kingdom, almost two years after her conviction and imprisonment. She arrived in the country on Tuesday, January 21, landing at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja. Her return marked the end of a legal process that began in 2022 and attracted widespread local and international attention. Upon arrival, she was warmly received by family members, close associates, and friends who gathered to welcome her back home. Mrs. Ekweremadu had been found guilty alongside her husband for her involvement in a high-profile organ trafficking conspiracy case. The matter became a global subject of discussion due to its sensitive nature and the prominent political standing of the family involved. During the sentencing phase, her husband, Ike Ekweremadu, was identified as the main participant in the scheme and consequently received a prison sentence of nine years and eight months. Beatrice Ekweremadu, on her part, was sentenced to four years and six months in custody for her role in the offence. Court proceedings revealed that the Ekweremadu couple facilitated the travel of a 21-year-old Nigerian street trader to the United Kingdom. The intention of the trip was to harvest the young man’s kidney for transplant purposes for their daughter, Sonia Ekweremadu, who has been battling chronic kidney disease. The prosecution of the case was carried out under the United Kingdom’s Modern Slavery Act of 2015, a law designed to address human trafficking and exploitation-related crimes. Another individual linked to the case, Obinna Obeta, described during trial proceedings as a medical intermediary, was also convicted. He is currently serving a ten-year prison sentence in the United Kingdom for his involvement. While Beatrice Ekweremadu has now completed the custodial portion of her sentence and returned to Nigeria, her husband, Ike Ekweremadu, remains incarcerated in a UK correctional facility, where he continues to serve his prison term. Their daughter, Sonia Ekweremadu, who was cleared of all criminal allegations during the 2023 court trial, continues to receive medical care for her health condition. Under United Kingdom sentencing guidelines, individuals convicted of non-violent offences are generally eligible for release on licence after serving at least half of their custodial sentence, a provision that applied in Beatrice Ekweremadu’s case.
A massive crowd gathered on Sunday as supporters of Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, the 2023 presidential flag bearer of the New Nigerian Peoples Party (NNPP), converged on his private residence in Kano State. The large turnout followed closely after the defection of Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, from the NNPP. The development triggered a wave of political reactions across the state, culminating in the solidarity visit to Kwankwaso’s home. Kwankwaso personally confirmed the visit through a statement shared on his verified Facebook page. According to him, the supporters who paid the visit were residents of Nasarawa Local Government Area in Kano State. The former Kano State governor expressed deep gratitude to the supporters, commending them for remaining loyal during what he described as a difficult and challenging period. He acknowledged their presence as a strong show of unity and resolve at a time when political loyalty was being tested. Speaking on the visit, Kwankwaso said he was honoured to welcome the group to his residence and appreciated their resilience and steadfast commitment. He emphasized that their decision to stand by him was not motivated by personal benefits, but by a shared desire for collective development and the overall wellbeing of the people. He further noted that despite recent challenges that had shaken the confidence of many, the supporters chose to remain firm in their beliefs and ideals. According to him, their actions reflected courage, determination, and faith in the principles that define the Kwankwasiyya movement. Kwankwaso reaffirmed his commitment to sustaining and promoting the long-standing ideals of Kwankwasiyya, stressing that unity and perseverance remained central to the journey ahead. He concluded by thanking the supporters once again for their loyalty and solidarity, expressing confidence that success would be achieved through divine grace and the will of the people. Meanwhile, LMSINT MEDIA reports that Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf recently left the NNPP and joined the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). The move reportedly left Kwankwaso disappointed, prompting him to describe the day of the governor’s exit from the party as “World Betrayal Day.”
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Super Eagles striker Paul Onuachu made a sensational comeback for his Turkish club, Trabzonspor, as they secured a thrilling 2-1 victory over Kasımpaşa in the Süper Lig on Friday. Onuachu, who had recently represented Nigeria at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, was introduced as a substitute in the 46th minute, replacing Kazeem Olaigbe. Less than ten minutes later, he marked his return with a powerful strike in the 51st minute, assisted by Christ Inao Oulaï, signaling a triumphant return to club action. This impressive goal brings Onuachu’s total tally for the 2025-2026 season to 12 goals, solidifying his status as one of the top forwards in the Turkish Süper Lig this season. The Nigerian international played a key role for the Super Eagles, helping the team earn a bronze medal at AFCON 2025. During the tournament, Onuachu scored a crucial goal, contributing to Nigeria’s successful campaign and podium finish. Back in Turkey, his return has been nothing short of impactful. After giving Trabzonspor the early lead, the match saw Kasımpaşa equalize in the 61st minute. Fousseni Diabaté capitalized on a precise through ball from Irfan Can Kahveci, leveling the score and intensifying the competition. The tension persisted until the 84th minute when Oleksandr Zubkov delivered a decisive goal from the left side of the box, assisted by Anthony Nwakaeme, ensuring Trabzonspor clinched a vital 2-1 victory in front of their home fans. This performance not only highlighted Onuachu’s returning form but also strengthened Trabzonspor’s position in the Süper Lig standings. Fans and analysts alike praised the forward for seamlessly transitioning from international duty back to club responsibilities, demonstrating resilience and goal-scoring consistency. With his recent performance, Paul Onuachu continues to cement his reputation as a prolific Nigerian striker in European football, showing that he remains a key figure for both his club and national team. As Trabzonspor progresses through the season, supporters will be hoping that Onuachu continues his remarkable scoring run and helps the team compete for top positions in the league.
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Arsenal manager, Mikel Arteta, has played down comments made by Manchester City head coach, Pep Guardiola, who recently described the Gunners as the best team in world football. Guardiola made the statement while addressing journalists during his pre-match press briefing ahead of Manchester City’s English Premier League encounter against Wolverhampton Wanderers. In that session, the City boss praised Arsenal’s performances and overall quality, suggesting that the North London side currently stands above every other team globally. Despite the high praise coming from one of football’s most respected tacticians, Arteta was quick to temper expectations. Speaking during his own pre-match press conference ahead of Arsenal’s Premier League clash with Manchester United, the Spanish coach rejected the idea that his team has reached such an elite status. When asked directly about Guardiola’s assessment, Arteta responded cautiously, insisting that Arsenal still has significant progress to make before earning that label. According to Arteta, while Arsenal continues to improve and get many aspects of their football right, perfection remains far off. He stressed that true recognition as the best team in the world is determined by success in winning major trophies, something Arsenal has not achieved consistently in recent times. Arteta explained that elite status in football is not solely based on performance levels or playing style but on tangible achievements. He acknowledged the positive direction of his squad but made it clear that silverware remains the ultimate benchmark. In his words, being considered the world’s best requires winning many titles, and Arsenal has not yet met that standard. His comments underline a grounded and results-driven mindset as the club continues its pursuit of top honors both domestically and in Europe.
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Popular Nollywood actress and media personality, Nancy Isime, has spoken openly about her readiness for marriage, sharing clear insights into what truly matters to her when choosing a life partner. During a sincere discussion with renowned broadcaster Morayo Afolabi-Brown, the actress revealed that personal character ranks far above wealth or social standing in her consideration of a future husband. According to Isime, kindness is the most important quality she looks for in a man, describing it as a standard she is unwilling to compromise on. She explained that material possessions, financial status, or perceived shortcomings are not deal-breakers for her. Instead, she believes that many limitations can be addressed over time if the foundation of kindness and good character exists. For Isime, genuine compassion forms the bedrock of meaningful relationships. The actress stressed that she values authentic kindness, not behavior displayed for public approval or personal gain. She noted that anyone hoping to be close to her—whether as a friend or a potential life partner—must consistently demonstrate sincerity, empathy, and consideration for others. Speaking further, Nancy Isime confirmed that she is emotionally and mentally prepared for marriage, stating that age is no longer a question for her. At 34 years old, she believes she has reached a stage in life where she understands herself better and knows exactly what she wants in a lifelong partner. While acknowledging that her appearance naturally attracts attention, she emphasized that attraction alone is not enough. According to her, making the right decision about marriage requires intentional choices rather than giving in to admiration or pressure. She highlighted that kindness, once present, allows other aspects of life to be adjusted, improved, or built together. Her remarks reflect a growing conversation among public figures about prioritizing emotional values and inner qualities over material success when it comes to marriage and long-term commitment
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The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, has dismissed claims suggesting that the National Assembly is deliberately slowing down the amendment process of the Electoral Act 2022. Kalu made this clarification on Friday at his country home in Bende, located in Bende Local Government Area of Abia State, while addressing questions from journalists during a media interaction. His comments came shortly after former Vice President and the 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, raised concerns over the pace of legislative action on the Electoral Act amendment. In a post shared on his X (formerly Twitter) account on Thursday, Atiku accused the National Assembly of intentionally delaying the amendment process. According to him, such delays could be interpreted as a calculated attempt to weaken the credibility and integrity of the 2027 general elections. Reacting to the allegation, Kalu firmly rejected the claim, insisting that the accusation does not reflect the true position of the House of Representatives. He emphasized that the National Assembly, particularly the House of Representatives, is not intentionally stalling the amendment of the Electoral Act. Kalu noted that it was incorrect to suggest that lawmakers were deliberately slowing down the process. According to the Deputy Speaker, the House of Representatives has already carried out extensive legislative work aimed at addressing identified gaps within the existing Electoral Act. He explained that the lower chamber has taken significant steps to ensure that necessary adjustments are made in preparation for future elections. Kalu further assured Nigerians that the House is currently awaiting the Senate to take corresponding action so that both chambers can complete the process through concurrent legislative approval, as required by law. Expressing optimism, he stated that he expects the Senate to conclude its part of the amendment process in due course, allowing the National Assembly to move forward collectively. The Deputy Speaker’s remarks were intended to reassure the Nigerian electorate that legislative efforts surrounding electoral reforms are ongoing and that there is no deliberate attempt to undermine democratic processes ahead of the 2027 polls
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Nigerians have openly criticized the Federal Government over what many have described as the shameful and recurring breakdown of the country’s national electricity grid. LMSINT MEDIA reports that Nigeria’s national power grid experienced a total system collapse on Friday, throwing several parts of the nation into darkness. This incident represents the first nationwide grid failure recorded in 2026, marking yet another disruption to the already fragile power supply system. Data released by the Nigerian Independent System Operator (NISO) confirmed that electricity generation dropped to zero megawatts, while power supply to all 11 electricity distribution companies (DisCos) was completely cut off at approximately 1 p.m. on the day of the incident. According to NISO, the affected distribution companies included Benin, Eko, Enugu, Ikeja, Jos, Kaduna, Kano, Port Harcourt, Ibadan, Abuja, and Yola, all of which recorded zero load allocation at the time the grid collapsed. Following the development, several Nigerians who spoke with LMSINT MEDIA described the repeated failure of the national grid as a national disgrace and a symbol of deep-rooted infrastructural failure. Speaking to DAILY POST, a Nigerian citizen, Paul Igbashangev, expressed deep disappointment over the persistent occurrence of grid failures in the country. “It’s very unfortunate that a country like ours is constantly talking about national grid collapse. The frequency of these failures is alarming, and we sincerely hope the authorities will find a permanent solution soon. It is affecting both businesses and households,” he said. Another Nigerian, Iwuchukwu Ike, lamented the situation, stating that nothing appears to be functioning effectively under the current administration. He described governance as a sequence of unresolved crises. “The national grid has collapsed again? It’s really painful that this keeps happening, even on important market days.I remember when Peter Obi visited Egypt to observe how their power system works, and APC supporters mocked him. Now look at where we are — we’re still struggling,” he stated. Ngozi Ikechukwu also reacted emotionally to the situation, linking the grid collapse to the growing economic hardship across the country. “Look at what those who promised us heaven on earth are doing to us. How can we still be battling national grid collapse when the year has just begun?” she asked. In his reaction, Mustapha Audu called on the Federal Government to adopt Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) as an alternative energy solution to stabilize electricity generation and reduce system failures. “The government should adopt a CNG electricity conversion solution to stop these constant grid collapses. A country of over 200 million people experiencing a nationwide blackout without a natural disaster like a hurricane is a disgrace,” he said. Another respondent, Adamu Yusuf, alleged that political interests may be influencing the repeated breakdown of the national grid for selfish gains. “There is nothing serious about the way the national grid keeps collapsing. Some people are playing politics with it to make money.The national grid is not supposed to collapse regularly. It should take years, but now it has become normal and nobody is questioning them,” he stated. Adah Joseph highlighted the economic consequences of the recurring grid failures, explaining that they negatively impact the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). “It’s truly unfortunate that the devastating effects of these constant collapses continue.This affects small businesses, especially food-related enterprises that rely on constant power for refrigeration.Health facilities are also affected. The government must make the power sector a top national priority to end this embarrassment,” he said. Similarly, Augustine Oyiwona urged the government to invest heavily in modern transmission infrastructure, noting that many power assets are outdated. “Most transmission lines and substations are more than 40 to 50 years old. Manual systems should be replaced with real-time modern grid monitoring technology.The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) should be operated as a technical utility, not a ministry desk.As passed by the National Assembly and signed into law, state governments should be legally empowered to generate, transmit, and distribute electricity,” he stated. Another respondent, Paul Igbadi, concluded by describing the situation as a clear case of neglect by authorities. “To me, this looks like total negligence on the part of the government.”
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The Chairman of the House Minority Caucus Ad-hoc Committee, Afam Ogene, has attributed the alterations discovered in the officially gazetted version of Nigeria’s newly enacted tax law to what he described as executive rascality. Ogene made this position known on Friday while responding to questions during an interview on Arise Television, which was monitored by LMSINT MEDIA. According to the lawmaker, the inconsistencies identified in the new tax legislation can largely be traced to the overzealous conduct of certain officials within the executive arm of government. He suggested that such actions may have resulted in unauthorized modifications that deviated from what was lawfully approved by the National Assembly. He explained that within parliamentary procedure, committees are typically granted seven to fourteen days to submit a comprehensive report once they are constituted. In situations where the allotted timeframe proves insufficient, the committee is expected to present an interim report to the authority that established it, clearly stating the reasons additional time is required to complete a more detailed investigation. Ogene stated that the committee he chairs was instructed to conclude its work within seven days, which prompted an initial assessment rather than a full investigative conclusion. As a result, the committee’s immediate task was to confirm whether the reported discrepancies truly existed. “So far, what we have done is to establish that these issues are real,” he noted, adding that further efforts are necessary to determine who was responsible for the alterations, whether acting as individuals or on behalf of corporate interests. The legislator emphasized that the nature of the discrepancies strongly points to excessive enthusiasm on the part of some executive officials. He summarized this conduct as executive rascality, noting that there is often a mistaken belief within the executive branch that bills initiated by them should be returned unchanged after legislative consideration. While he avoided using the phrase “rubber stamp,” Ogene stressed that the National Assembly is not designed to merely approve executive submissions without scrutiny. He remarked that legislative work does not operate on a “garbage in, garbage out” basis, underscoring the importance of the 360 lawmakers who collectively serve to review, debate, and refine proposed legislation. He further outlined the established lawmaking process, which includes a first reading, second reading, public hearings, and deliberations by the Committee of the Whole. This is followed by harmonization between the House of Representatives and the Senate. Once this process is concluded, the Clerk of the National Assembly is responsible for preparing a clean and accurate copy of the bill. This final version is then transmitted to the President, with the expectation that it faithfully reflects what was duly passed by the National Assembly. Ogene maintained that any deviation from this process undermines legislative integrity and raises serious concerns about accountability within the executive arm.
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The 16th Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, has opened up on the reason behind his decision to return to the classroom to pursue a degree in law. Speaking with journalists on Friday shortly after attending his lectures, the Emir explained that studying law later in life is not unusual, noting that many individuals often choose the discipline after retirement or at a mature stage in their careers. According to him, law plays a central role in nearly every aspect of human existence and societal structure. “There is practically nothing anyone can do without the law,” he said. “The law determines how we use the road, how we manage our families, and how marriage is regulated. It governs contracts, land matters, property ownership, inheritance, and succession.” The Emir emphasized that law is not just an academic field but a foundational pillar for social order and stability. He explained that understanding legal principles is essential for maintaining balance within society. He further noted that the absence of law and order creates a dangerous environment where power is abused. “When law and order collapse, the strong simply do what they want, while the weak are left to endure the consequences. Law exists as a protective shield. It is the guardian that preserves decency and ensures a stable and organized society,” he stated. Reflecting on his academic journey, Emir Sanusi described the classroom as a familiar and comfortable environment for him. He shared that this was not his first return to undergraduate studies. “The classroom has always been my natural place,” he said. “I was explaining to the students that the first time I reached level 200 was in 1978. The second time was in 1992. Now, this is the third bachelor’s degree I am pursuing.” He concluded by revealing that studying law had long been a personal ambition. “Law is a course I have always wanted to study,” the Emir added.
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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is presently holding a private, closed-door meeting with the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, at the Presidential Villa in Abuja. The engagement comes shortly after the revered traditional ruler concluded a high-level discussion with the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, also in Abuja, on Thursday. According to available information, the earlier meeting between the Olubadan and the SGF centered on critical ecological challenges currently affecting various parts of Ibadan city. These environmental concerns have remained a major issue within the ancient city, prompting engagements with top federal officials. Following that discussion, the monarch proceeded to the Presidential Villa for the ongoing audience with President Tinubu. The meeting is being held behind closed doors, with no official briefing released at the time this report was filed. As of now, specific details regarding the agenda, deliberations, or outcomes of the Olubadan’s meeting with the President have not been made public. Authorities are yet to disclose whether the discussion builds directly on the ecological matters earlier raised or addresses other related concerns. Further updates are expected once official information becomes available.
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The legal contest surrounding the suspension of the senator representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, has taken a new turn as Senate President Godswill Akpabio has again approached the Supreme Court for judicial intervention. Documents obtained on Thursday reveal that Akpabio has submitted an application before the apex court seeking to regularise and uphold his appeal against earlier judgments delivered by lower courts in relation to the suspension dispute. In the filing, Akpabio is named as the appellant, while the respondents include Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, the Clerk of the National Assembly, the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions, Senator Neda Imasuen. The controversy traces back to a Senate plenary session in February 2025, during which Akpoti-Uduaghan raised matters of privilege and alleged that certain procedural rules were violated during proceedings. Following the session, the issues she raised were referred to the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions. After deliberations, the committee recommended her suspension from legislative duties, a decision that sparked widespread legal and constitutional debate. Unhappy with the outcome, the Kogi Central lawmaker approached the Federal High Court in Abuja, arguing that her suspension violated her right to fair hearing and failed to comply with provisions of the Senate Standing Orders. In its ruling delivered on July 4, 2025, the Federal High Court ruled against the suspension, declaring it excessive, unconstitutional, and inconsistent with established legal principles governing legislative discipline. After subsequent proceedings at the Court of Appeal, Akpabio escalated the matter to the Supreme Court, where he is requesting an extension of time to seek leave to appeal on grounds involving mixed law and fact. He is also asking the court to formally recognise his Notice of Appeal and Brief of Argument as validly filed. In his arguments before the apex court, the Senate President maintained that the Senate acted within its constitutional authority as provided under Section 60 of the 1999 Constitution, which empowers the National Assembly to regulate its internal procedures. He further argued that the Senate President is not legally compelled to rule immediately on every issue of privilege raised during plenary sessions, insisting that the Senate lawfully activated its disciplinary mechanisms in this instance. On her part, Akpoti-Uduaghan has consistently held that her suspension was illegal, asserting that it was imposed without granting her a fair hearing and that the Senate failed to adhere to its own procedural rules. It was confirmed on Thursday that legal representatives of the Kogi senator have been duly served with all Supreme Court documents related to the appeal. The case also encompasses a related contempt proceeding, which arose from a social media post made by Akpoti-Uduaghan while the substantive suit was still before the court. In that matter, the Federal High Court imposed a fine and ordered a public apology, a ruling she has also challenged on appeal. Legal analysts observing the case believe the Supreme Court’s eventual judgment may offer important clarification on the limits of legislative disciplinary powers and the extent to which courts can intervene in internal parliamentary matters. This development comes barely two weeks after Akpabio publicly announced his decision to withdraw several pending court actions against perceived adversaries, adding another layer of complexity to the unfolding legal drama. Despite the ongoing litigation, Akpoti-Uduaghan officially resumed legislative duties on September 23, 2025, after completing a six-month suspension and regaining access to her office at the National Assembly. Her office had remained sealed from March 6, 2025, following the suspension imposed over alleged misconduct linked to a protest against the reassignment of her seating position by Akpabio on February 20. Although the suspension period expired in September, her return was delayed due to persistent legal disputes and resistance from Senate leadership. After the July 4 court ruling, she formally notified the Senate of her intention to resume duties, but the request was initially declined.
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The North-Central All Progressives Congress (APC) Forum has openly opposed any plan aimed at removing Vice President Kashim Shettima as President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s running mate ahead of the 2027 general election. The group described such a move as a serious political error that could weaken the party’s chances. This position was made public in a statement released on Thursday in Abuja by the forum’s chairman, Alhaji Saleh Zazzaga, following growing reports that certain individuals within the ruling party were lobbying for Shettima’s replacement on the 2027 ticket. Concerns intensified after Vice President Shettima’s photograph was noticeably missing from a large banner displayed during the APC North-East zonal public hearing on proposed amendments to the party’s constitution, held in Maiduguri. The banner carried images of President Tinubu, five APC governors from the region, and the party’s National Legal Adviser, but excluded the vice president. That omission sparked renewed conversations about Shettima’s political future and the sustainability of the APC’s Muslim-Muslim presidential ticket ahead of the next election cycle. Following the incident, reports emerged that some party stakeholders were advocating for the selection of a Christian running mate, particularly from the North-Central zone. Some pressure groups from the region reportedly argued that choosing a Christian vice-presidential candidate would balance religious representation and appeal to minority voters. However, the North-Central APC Forum firmly rejected this reasoning. According to the forum, removing Shettima would be damaging to the party and could seriously endanger President Tinubu’s re-election prospects in 2027. The group stressed that the North-Central region is not lobbying for the vice-presidential slot, explaining that its long-term political focus is on contesting the presidency in 2031, after Tinubu’s tenure. The forum also warned against allowing religious sentiment to dominate strategic political decisions. It argued that, at present, the North lacks a Christian candidate with the necessary grassroots strength, nationwide influence, and political structure capable of complementing Tinubu’s electoral base as effectively as Shettima. In its view, abandoning a ticket that previously delivered victory would only create openings for opposition parties to exploit in the 2027 race. “There is a clear risk in tampering with a winning formula,” the forum stated. “We completely reject all calls or plans to remove Vice President Kashim Shettima as President Bola Tinubu’s running mate in the next election.” The statement further urged President Tinubu and APC leadership to disregard such demands, warning that yielding to them would amount to a costly political misjudgment. The forum accused those pushing for Shettima’s removal of acting against the interests of both the party and the president, suggesting their actions were designed to undermine Tinubu’s chances of securing a second term. “Anyone making such a request does not genuinely want President Bola Tinubu re-elected,” the forum asserted, adding that political experience clearly shows the danger of such a move. Analyzing voting patterns across the North, the group argued that Tinubu would not gain additional electoral support by changing his running mate. Instead, it warned that removing Shettima on religious grounds could trigger voter backlash and result in significant losses for the APC in the region. The forum also pointed out that if an opposition coalition supported by the African Democratic Congress (ADC) fields Peter Obi as its presidential candidate in 2027, changing the vice-presidential slot would not alter voting behavior among many northern minorities. According to the forum, such voters would likely support Obi regardless of Tinubu’s choice of running mate. Based on this assessment, the forum advised President Tinubu to retain Shettima and maintain the current ticket in order to strengthen his chances in the next general election. It further argued that many of those calling for a replacement did not support Tinubu during the 2023 election and would remain unwilling to vote for him in 2027, even if their demands were met. “If you review the 2023 election results carefully,” the forum noted, “you will see that most of these communities voted for Peter Obi of the Labour Party.” The group concluded that even if Obi contests again in 2027 under the ADC platform, there is no assurance that these voters would switch allegiance to Tinubu, regardless of who becomes his running mate.
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Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State has expressed profound grief and outrage following a deadly assault on a mining settlement in the Kuru community of Jos South Local Government Area, where seven individuals were brutally killed by suspected terrorists. The violent incident reportedly took place late Wednesday night, leaving multiple others with injuries. This was disclosed in an official statement released on Thursday by the Governor’s Director of Press and Public Affairs, Gyang Bere. Governor Mutfwang described the attack as cruel, unjustified, and deeply distressing, particularly coming at a period when his administration has intensified initiatives aimed at restoring peace and stability across Plateau State. According to the statement, the governor strongly denounced what he described as coordinated attacks carried out in Kuru, Gyel, and Buhum communities located within Chugwi Village of the Vwang District. He reiterated that his government remains unwavering in its responsibility to protect lives and property in all parts of the state. The governor mourned the loss of innocent citizens and emphasized that such acts of violence would not weaken the government’s determination to confront terrorism, banditry, and other criminal activities threatening public safety. Governor Mutfwang praised the commitment and perseverance of security agencies operating within Plateau State and urged them to further strengthen intelligence-driven operations to ensure those responsible are swiftly identified, apprehended, and brought to justice. He also instructed security operatives to deepen collaboration with local communities to enable early detection and neutralisation of potential threats, while assuring families affected by the attack of the government’s full support and solidarity. In addition, the governor called on officers of Operation Rainbow to reinforce intelligence collection and early-warning systems to allow for faster and more effective security interventions. Governor Mutfwang reassured residents of Plateau State of his continued dedication to their safety, welfare, and overall well-being. Confirming the incident, the Senior Special Assistant to the governor on Artisanal Mining, Emmanuel Solomon, told The PUNCH that seven miners lost their lives during the attack in Kuru. Solomon described the event as deeply unfortunate, noting that it forms part of a troubling pattern of repeated attacks targeting miners within the Jos South council area. He recalled that only days earlier, armed assailants attacked three individuals in another Gyel community. While one person managed to escape, two others were killed during the ambush as they made their way to a mining site. Solomon further revealed that about two weeks before the Kuru incident, another group of miners was attacked, resulting in two deaths and one injury. The injured individual is currently receiving medical care at Lome Hospital. Speaking with visible grief, Solomon disclosed that one of the deceased victims was his younger brother, lamenting that innocent people continue to lose their lives to senseless violence across the state. He stressed that the worsening situation demands immediate action and assured that the Plateau State Government would investigate the matter thoroughly to ensure miners receive adequate security protection moving forward. Attempts to obtain official reactions from security agencies were unsuccessful. The Jos South Area Commander of the Nigerian Forest Security Service, Pam Gyang Pwajok, said he was not immediately aware of the incident but promised to make inquiries. Similarly, the spokesperson for the Plateau State Police Command, Alabo Alfred, could not be reached as his mobile phone was switched off. This latest attack underscores a growing trend of violent assaults on mining communities in Plateau State, intensifying concerns over the safety of artisanal miners and highlighting the urgent need for stronger security measures across Jos South and surrounding areas.
