News Avant-Garde

News Avant-Garde

Windstorm damages NYSC camp in Gombe, coordinator seeks govt support

Environment, News /

The Gombe State Coordinator of the National Youth Service Corps, Chinwe Nwachuku, has appealed to Governor Muhammadu Yahaya for urgent intervention after a windstorm destroyed parts of the NYSC orientation camp in Amada, Akko Local Government Area. Nwachuku made the appeal on Friday during the swearing-in ceremony of the 2025 Batch ‘A’ Stream II corps members. Nwachuku said, “I want to seize this opportunity to profoundly thank His Excellency for the love the scheme enjoys in Gombe State. “But as we are gathered here today, it is with tears in my eyes that I want to bring to the attention of His Excellency, a very pressing concern that affects the welfare and safety of not just these vibrant young men and women, but the entire camp community.” She said the storm, which struck on Tuesday, blew off the roof of the camp’s multipurpose pavilion and damaged several hostels, leaving some rooms leaking or fully exposed. “This pavilion serves as a vital hub for our activities and it has been severely blown off. Some rooms are not just leaking but are open. “It will be wicked of the camp community to pray against rain during this planting season, but my children are always wondering what their fate will be in case of rainfall,” she stated. Nwachuku appealed to the governor to consider an emergency intervention to repair the damaged facilities and restore a safe and conducive environment for the corps members. “Your support will not only provide a safe and conducive environment but also inspire and motivate these young individuals to serve our state with renewed vigour,” she said. Nwachuku expressed gratitude to Yahaya for his continued support of the scheme and to the state’s Chief Judge, Justice Halima Mohammed, who was represented by Justice Zainab Abdulkadir and administered the oath to 1,629 corps members. Of the newly sworn-in members, 893 are male and 736 female. Welcoming the corps members, Nwachuku advised them to serve with discipline and obey local laws and customs. Yahaya, represented by Deputy Governor Dr Manassah Jatau, assured the corps members that their welfare remains a priority. He urged them to embrace cultural diversity and avoid imposing their beliefs on host communities. “Your own tradition, culture, and norms are not general beliefs; adapt to the culture of your environment. It’s our expectation that your batch will excel, be guided by the norms of NYSC,” he said. The ceremony marked the beginning of the three-week orientation course for the corps members deployed to Gombe State. Source: Punch

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Kogi Reassures Citizens of Adequate Security as Lawmaker Decries Kidnappings

Crime, News /

The Kogi State Government has reassured its people of its unwavering commitment to combat insecurity, urging the citizens, media stakeholders, and political actors to avoid spreading fear or politicising the state security challenges. This was contained in a statement made available to the journalists by the state Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Femi Fanwo, in Lokoja yesterday. The Senator representing Kogi West senatorial district, Sunday Karimi, had decried the daily occurrence of kidnapping incidents in his district, describing it as one too many. He lamented the gruesome death of 76 years old  retired Major Joe Ajayi, who died in the hands of his abductors. But the government said it is quietly but effectively recording progress in its fight against criminal elements, particularly kidnappers, within the state. It said: “These gains are not coincidental. They are results from well-planned strategies and deep institutional engagements aimed at ensuring the safety and well-being of every Kogite.” While sympathising with families affected by recent attacks, the government stressed that such incidents should not be used to spread misinformation or panic. “Misinformation and alarmist narratives only embolden criminals and demoralise communities. We call on opinion leaders and the media to work with us, not against us,” it stated. The government also condemned what it described as “the politicisation of insecurity by certain desperate politicians,” warning that such behavior undermines the collective fight against crime. “Those who brought medicines whose side effects are worse than the ailments should not raise frivolous alarms when the right medicines are administered,” the statement noted. According to credible intelligence, the rise in security threats in parts of Kogi State is linked to regional shifts, especially as intensified security operations in the North East and North West have forced criminal elements to migrate toward the North Central, including Kogi State. Despite the challenges, the government emphasised its efforts in deploying advanced security infrastructure, strengthening intelligence gathering, and fostering community engagement. “Our duty is not to spread fear but to inspire hope. And we are not just speaking hope, we are delivering it through action,” it said. Governor Usman Ododo, the statement added, remains fully committed to prioritising security without politicising it, adding: “We are taking responsibility, not shifting blame,” as it urged politicians to focus on performance, not panic. He urged politicians to focus on performance as a tool for reelection rather than raising panic, saying performers do not fear reelection. The government expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the National Security Adviser, service chiefs, and local security outfits such as the Vigilante Service and hunters group for their unwavering support.  The statement ended with a call for unity: “Let us not propagate propaganda for criminals. Let us work together to defeat fear and inspire hope.” Meanwhile,  the  Senator representing Kogi West senatorial district, Sunday Karimi, has  expressed concern that the people of his district now remain in their houses, noting  that even at that, they are still being kidnapped in their homes. Karimi described the story and rate of kidnapping in his senatorial district,  from Lokoja, Kakanda, Bunu axis, in Kiri area of Kabba Bunu LGA as worrisome, saying till date, the 92-year-old traditional ruler of Okoloke is still in the custody of his abductors. The federal lawmaker said all over the places in Kogi West, his people now live in fear, pointing out that kidnapping is now a daily occurrence, calling for collective actions by security agencies to free his people from fear in order to live their lives normally. He disclosed that plans are underway to organise the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and clerics under the Council of Ulaamau to organize a three-day fasting and prayer session that would help free the people from the activities of the miscreants who are terrorising the area According to him, “The time for us to go spiritual in fighting this miscreants and kidnappers who have refused our people to breathe and live freely. I’m putting machinery in motion to help organize and hold this spiritual intervention because we are no longer safe to live our lives.” Karimi expressed sadness over the death of Major Ajayi, who he described as a perfect gentleman, with concern for the growth of Kogi West. While lamenting his gruesome murder in the hands of the kidnappers, he prayed for others who are still in captivity to regain their freedom. He condoled with the family of the deceased Ajayi and prayed God to grant them the fortitude to bear the loss. Source: This Day Live

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Youths kick as gunmen kill 58, burn 82 houses in Plateau

Crime, News /

Youths in Plateau State have decried the killing of citizens in attacks by gunmen particularly in the Riyom Local Government Area of the state Addressing a press conference in Jos, the state capital, on Tuesday, the chairman of the Plateau Youth Council, Riyom branch, Zang Davou, disclosed that a total of 58 persons were killed while 82 houses were burnt down by the attackers in various communities within the council area in the past weeks. The group described the situation in Riyom as a catastrophic humanitarian crisis, with thousands of people displaced, injured, or killed. It appealed for urgent humanitarian intervention, including relief materials, medical supplies, and psychosocial support. Also, it urged the government, international community, and human rights organisations to take immediate action to address the crisis, emphasising that the silence on the systematic annihilation of communities in Riyom is “deafening” and called for firm attention, advocacy, and intervention The youth leader who demanded a massive deployment of security forces, particularly the Nigeria Mobile Police Force to vulnerable communities in Riyom as a way of addressing the issue said, “For over two decades, since 2002, Riyom Local Government Area has been subjected to a relentless and systematic campaign of violence, solely perpetrated and orchestrated by armed Fulani militias. “This dreaded campaign has been mostly characterised by unprovoked attacks, resulting in the senseless and brutal murder of thousands of our people in cold blood. Our once thriving communities have been reduced to rubble, with properties worth billions of naira utterly destroyed and the very sources of our people’s livelihoods, particularly our farmlands, deliberately annihilated and in some cases rendered completely unproductive. This orchestrated violence has also led to the brazen grabbing of our ancestral lands with no attempts for reversal despite the existence of several legal frameworks to address the same. The marauding activities of these armed militias have continued to dispossess indigenous communities of their heritage and means of survival, displacing several more thousands of our people into lives of destitution and uncertainty. “Lamentably, the pattern of these attacks has recently escalated to an unprecedented level of coordination and sophistication. What we have witnessed as a people in the past weeks is horrifying evidence of this escalating barbarity. Within this short period, 58 innocent people were brutally murdered in cold blood. These were fathers, mothers, children, and youths, whose lives were cut short without mercy. As I address you, these marauders are in possession of the cellphones of some of their victims and pick up calls that are placed on their SIMs.” He disclosed that 31 people were severely injured and were currently battling for their lives, receiving treatment in various hospitals where many were struggling with inadequate resources for better medical care, lamenting that the economic and social fabric of the communities had been further torn apart, with over 82 houses and properties worth millions of naira deliberately burnt and destroyed. “Beyond the immediate physical destruction, large hectares of our cultivated farmlands, representing the very essence of our people’s sustenance, have been mowed down and decimated. The consequence of this recent surge of violence alone has led to the displacement of more than 15,000 people, who are now living in precarious conditions, without shelter, food, or dignity. “While we acknowledge and appreciate the efforts of security agencies and governments at all levels (local, state, and federal) in curbing these attacks, it is imperative to state unequivocally that such efforts, however commendable, cannot be seen as enough. Our governments need to understand that the magnitude of the problem Riyom Local Government is facing far outweighs their current response. The primary responsibility of government, as enshrined in the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), is the protection of lives and property, and the welfare of its citizens. In Riyom, this fundamental responsibility is being severely challenged, and the lives and livelihoods of our people remain gravely imperiled. “The youth of Riyom are resilient, but our resilience is being tested to its limits. We are tired of burying our loved ones whose lives are cut short by armed Fulani militias. We are tired of seeing our heritage destroyed and annihilated. We are tired of living in fear. We believe in the promise of a peaceful and prosperous Nigeria, and that peace must begin in our homes, our communities, and our local government areas.” Source: Punch

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Nasarawa SUBEB boss orders teacher redeployment, recovers stolen school furniture

Education /

The Executive Chairman of the Nasarawa State Universal Basic Education Board, Kassim Muhammad-Kassim, has pledged to recover all chairs and desks allegedly sold by some education secretaries and headmasters to private schools. Muhammad-Kassim made the pledge in Lafia on Wednesday during a maiden meeting with Education Secretaries from across the 13 Local Governments and 18 Development Areas of the state. He expressed dismay that government provisions for students’ comfort were being diverted and sold to private schools by education secretaries and headmasters. “Our students cannot be sitting on the floor while headmasters and education secretaries sell furniture we provided. “I have visited schools and seen firsthand how children sit on floors, yet records show furniture was provided. I will not tolerate this under my administration,” he said. The NSUBEB Chairman further informed the education secretaries that he had contacted the Assistant Commissioner of Police in charge of operations to join his team in identifying and recovering the government’s furniture from private schools. He emphasised that it would no longer be business as usual, and the board under his leadership would focus on rural schools to ensure that they are well-equipped. Muhammad-Kassim also instructed the education secretaries not to make illegal deductions from teachers’ salaries, except on disciplinary grounds, which the board must be aware of, stressing that all illegal deductions should cease immediately. He stated that he was appointed by Governor Abdullahi Sule to reform the education sub-sector, expressing determination to achieve his mandate, even if it meant making unpopular decisions. He further directed the education secretaries not to allocate school lands to small business ventures without the board’s permission, citing instances where individuals claimed school lands for personal use. He also announced plans to establish a maintenance unit in each local government to protect and safeguard SUBEB properties, warning that poorly executed contracts would be revoked and contractors’ payments withheld until satisfactory work is completed. “We cannot renovate a school this year and have the same structures renovated next year. It indicates a problem in the initial contractor’s work. We will not pay contractors until we are satisfied with the quality of work,” he added. Kassim Muhammad-Kassim also directed the immediate redeployment of 1,300 administrative staff out of a total of 3,422 across the 13 local governments and 18 development areas of the state to classrooms. He emphasised that the government does not have to experience a shortage of teachers while administrative departments have an abundance of qualified teachers as staff. “The Board will not tolerate a situation where there are numerous supervisors in urban areas while rural schools lack teachers, so the 1,300 redeployed teachers will be posted to rural schools,” he said. On recruitment, the NSUBEB chairman explained that he had received approval from the Governor to recruit 4,800 qualified teachers for primary schools, revealing that the recruitment drive is tagged “Recruitment of Teachers in Rural Areas.” He further emphasised that applicants should be prepared to serve in rural areas, affirming that no newly recruited teacher will be posted to any of the urban areas in the state. Source: Punch

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Adamawa police nab seven for alleged robbery

Crime /

Operatives of the Adamawa State Police Command have nabbed seven youths identified as being part of notorious criminal elements called ‘Shila Boys’. The suspects are alleged to have been involved in armed robbery. The command said Wednesday that the suspects were apprehended while they were carrying out their operation around the Federal Housing Estate in Bajabure, Girei Local Government Area. The State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Suleiman Nguroje, who made the disclosure, said the arrest of the suspects was made after distress calls to the Command on the 9th of June, 2025. The suspects include Ja’afar Umar, 16 years old; Bulama Abba, 15; Dalha Mohammed, 16; Saidu Abba, 18; Safiyanu Yunusa, 15; Mohammed Abubakar, 15; and Abba Ibrahim, 15, all of Jambutu in Yola North LGA. Nguroje said in a press statement on Wednesday, that a sum of N12,350, one dagger, and two GSM phones were recovered from the suspects and treated as exhibits. “The suspects attacked members of the public, dispossessing them of their valuables,” Nguroje stated, explaining that they had armed themselves with offensive weapons and caused fear among residents. “The operatives, led by DPO Viniklang and his team, swiftly responded to the scene of the crime and arrested the suspects,” Nguroje said. He added that the State Commissioner of Police, CP Dankombo Morris, had directed that the relevant officers should ensure diligent investigation and prosecution of the suspects. Source: Punch

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Nasarawa catfish farmers record boom

Business /

Some catfish farmers and sellers in Nasarawa State have expressed satisfaction following the high patronage in their business. The farmers stated this in separate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria on Wednesday in Karu Local Government Area of Nasarawa State. NAN reports that research shows that catfish farming in Nigeria is experiencing high patronage, indicating a thriving market for the product. The research also shows that this popularity is driven by several factors, including catfish’s status as a readily available and affordable protein source for many Nigerians, particularly those in the lower-income households. NAN also reports that the national fish demand, estimated at 3.6 million metric tonnes annually, surpasses domestic production, further fuelling the catfish farming sector. Mr Uduak Solomon, a popular farmer in the Angwan Tiv community in New Nyanya, said he started the business in 2016 as his major occupation after he retired as a security officer. Solomon added that over the years, his business had flourished beyond his expectations in spite of the numerous risks that were involved in fish farming. He said that he made huge profits in the last three months in his business due to the Sallah and Easter celebrations. Solomon said that the reduction in the cost of fish feed was also a major factor that helped boost his profit. According to him, in 2024, a bag of Blue Crown fish feed was sold for N29,500 by now it goes for N26,200. “The price for a kilo of catfish currently ranges from N2,800 to N3,500, but last year it was sold for N4,800 per kilo. “With the reduction in price, patronage had increased tremendously,” he said. Solomon advised farmers to sell their catfish according to the current market price, as some farmers tend to keep their fish for long with the hope of selling at a higher price. Mrs Margret Audu, a fish seller, said she had made tremendous sales in the catfish business this year. She said with the high demand for catfish from various restaurants and eateries, she had witnessed an increased patronage. Audu stated that in spite of the high demand for fresh catfish, there was also a significant demand for dried catfish, as many people preferred as it was easier to preserve. She, however, stated that the major challenge she encountered was the high cost of transportation to different farms in search of catfish. Audu appealed to the Federal Government and non-governmental organisations to support small-scale business owners with grants and equipment to boost their businesses. Mr Bala Suleiman, another fish farmer, shared his remarkable 12-year journey in the fish business with NAN. He recounted the challenges he faced in his first year, including limited funding, high mortality rates, expensive feed, low demand and theft. Suleiman explained that he surmounted his challenges through loans and grants from cooperative societies, coupled with his determination in ensuring that his business succeeded. He advised farmers to engage in regular sorting and changing of water as a means to minimise the mortality rate to ensure a good harvest. MS Elizabeth Aonodongu, a fish seller, described the catfish business as lucrative, adding that it had enabled her to support her family’s needs over the years. She attributed the popularity of catfish to its high protein content, saying that many people preferred it to other fish, making it a much sought-after product in her community. Aonodongu said that in the last three months, her farm sold over 6,000,000 catfish, both smoked and fresh, to various bars across different communities, with many being exported abroad. Aonodongu added that sales at the beginning of the year were underwhelming due to the high cost of hatching materials. Aonodongu also expressed the frustration that some customers buy on credit, with promises to pay at month-ends, which negatively impacts her business. In spite of these challenges, Aonodongu advised young catfish farmers to remain consistent and view the prevailing seemingly formidable obstacles as budding opportunities for growth. Source: Punch

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OPay extends N1.2bn 10-year scholarship initiative to Benue varsity

Education /

Nigeria’s leading financial technology company, OPay, has extended its N1.2bn 10-year scholarship initiative to students of Benue State University, marking the institution as the seventh beneficiary of the nationwide educational support programme. The company said the move aligns with its commitment to youth empowerment and education, particularly in supporting academic excellence across tertiary institutions in the country. The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of OPay, Dauda Gotring, said the scholarship programme was established to reduce the financial burden on students and to support their personal and academic development. “We are proud to support these future leaders at Benue State University as part of our broader commitment to education and empowerment. Education plays a vital role in nation-building, and this scholarship is our way of helping young Nigerians reach their full potential,” he said. The scholarship scheme is designed to provide financial relief to students, allowing them to focus on their education without the stress of tuition and related costs. According to the company, the initiative targets talented but financially disadvantaged students across various disciplines. Commenting on the development, the Vice Chancellor (Admin) of Benue State University, Prof Tor Iorapuu, described the donation as a milestone in the university’s drive to provide inclusive and accessible education. “This generous donation from OPay marks a significant milestone. It provides a crucial safety net, ensuring that students can focus on their education. This contribution will have a lasting impact, empowering students to pursue their academic goals with confidence and stability,” Iorapuu said. OPay noted that while Benue State University is the seventh beneficiary, the scholarship scheme has already been successfully implemented in six other institutions across the country this year. The fintech firm also reaffirmed its commitment to extending the programme to more universities nationwide in the coming years. The company said the initiative is part of its corporate social responsibility efforts and a demonstration of its belief in education as a tool for sustainable development and social progress. According to OPay, the beneficiaries of the scholarship are not just individual students but also represent the collective hopes of their families and communities, adding that the programme is playing a crucial role in shaping a better future for Nigeria’s youth. As the scholarship programme continues to expand, OPay assured that students from various regions across Nigeria will have the opportunity to benefit from the initiative in subsequent phases. “This generous donation from OPay marks a significant milestone. It provides a crucial safety net, ensuring that students can focus on their education. This contribution will have a lasting impact, empowering students to pursue their academic goals with confidence and stability,” Iorapuu said. OPay noted that while Benue State University is the seventh beneficiary, the scholarship scheme has already been successfully implemented in six other institutions across the country this year. The fintech firm also reaffirmed its commitment to extending the programme to more universities nationwide in the coming years. The company said the initiative is part of its corporate social responsibility efforts and a demonstration of its belief in education as a tool for sustainable development and social progress. According to OPay, the beneficiaries of the scholarship are not just individual students but also represent the collective hopes of their families and communities, adding that the programme is playing a crucial role in shaping a better future for Nigeria’s youth. As the scholarship programme continues to expand, OPay assured that students from various regions across Nigeria will have the opportunity to benefit from the initiative in subsequent phases. The PUNCH reported that OPay has announced a N1.2bn 10-year scholarship initiative for students of the Federal University of Technology, Minna, Niger State. Source: Punch

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Kwankwaso Receives 1,230 APC Supporters

Politics /

National leader of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) and former Governor of Kano State, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has received no fewer than 1,230 former supporters of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the party.  The defectors, who hailed from Albasu and Sumaila Local Government Areas in the Kano South Senatorial District, were previously aligned with the Waraka political group of Senator Kawu Sumaila.  A statement by the Director General, Media and Publicity to the the Kano State Governor, Sanusi Bature, said their return was formally announced during a political gathering held on Sunday, and attended by key party stakeholders.  Addressing the gathering, Kwankwaso reiterated his long-standing commitment to issue-based politics, which he said distinguished the NNPP from others.  “I am always happy to receive people who believe in our movement, not because of financial incentives, but because of our collective vision for a better Nigeria. This is politics of ideology, not politics of the highest bidder.”  Speaking on behalf of the returnees, Jamilu Zamba and Maryam Romo, reaffirmed their loyalty to the NNPP and praised Kwankwaso’s leadership style.  They stated that their decision to rejoin the party was informed by Kwankwaso’s integrity, consistency, and his unwavering commitment to grassroots development.  “We have realised that this is where our political future lies,” said Zamba.  Source: This Day Live

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Sokoto police confirm six killed in suspected Eid IED blast

Crime, News /

The Sokoto State Police have confirmed that six people died after a bomb exploded in Gwabro village, in Tangaza Local Government Area, on Sunday. Police spokesperson Ahmad Rufai confirmed the number of people who died but did not give any more details about the explosion, which happened during the Eid-el-Kabir celebrations. An eyewitness named Hashimu said the blast happened in the afternoon. According to Hashimu, many young people were travelling from one village to another to visit family and friends, as is the tradition during Eid. An aide to the Tangaza Local Government Chairman, Garzali Raka, said the people who died have been buried according to Islamic customs. The Lakurawa terrorists, who have been torturing the people of the Tangaza and Gudu local councils, may have planted the explosive, according to other village sources. They said that members of different villages in the two local councils of Tangaza and Gudu have been terrorised by the Lakurawa terrorists, and they urged the government to respond appropriately to the terrorists’ disruption of communal harmony. Source: The Guardian

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Police Arrest 13 Suspects Following Naval Officer’s Killing In Kaduna

Crime /

The Kaduna State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of 13 suspects in connection with the killing of a naval officer, Lieutenant Commodore M. Buba, who was fatally stabbed by a suspected phone snatcher in the Kawo area of the state. Naija News reports that the tragic incident occurred in the early hours of Sunday at a bus stop near the Kawo flyover, according to the state Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Mansir Hassan. Giving a detailed account of the incident, Hassan said the deceased, a senior course student of the Armed Forces Command and Staff College, Jaji, was attacked while attempting to fix a flat tyre. “The officer had a flat tyre and was trying to change it when he was approached by the assailant who demanded his phone. “When the officer refused and questioned the demand, the suspect stabbed him in the chest with a local knife,” Hassan stated. The senior officer was rushed to Manaal Hospital, but was declared dead on arrival. According to Hassan, the suspected attacker did not escape unscathed as a mob at the scene overpowered and killed the assailant before the police arrived. In response to the incident, police operatives launched a targeted raid in the Kawo area, leading to the arrest of 13 suspects. Source: Naija News

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