₦airaland Forum

‘N60k salary, four wives, 17 kids,’ Wike’s aide says irresponsible parenting fueling Northern insecurity

The Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication and Social Media to the FCT Minister, Lere Olayinka, has reignited a conversation on social media regarding the causes of insecurity in Northern Nigeria.

In a post shared on X on Tuesday, Olayinka questioned the logic of low-income earners marrying multiple wives and fathering dozens of children they cannot afford to feed or educate, identifying unregulated polygamy and child abandonment as primary drivers of insecurity.

He wrote, “This is one problem the North must begin to solve now. There is no reason a man who cannot properly take care of one wife and two children should marry three wives and produce fifteen or seventeen children.

“Many of today’s terrorists and bandits were once innocent children roaming the streets, hungry, uneducated, and forgotten.”

Olayinka noted that the sight of children carrying plastic begging bowls on the major roads of Abuja is a warning sign of future catastrophe.

“Each time I see them on major roads in Abuja carrying a plastic bowl, my questions are always How did they get here? Who are their parents? What will these unaccounted children become in future?” He asked.

He also argued that while many are quick to blame the government for the country’s woes, the state cannot solve the crisis of a “gate-man earning N60k with 17 children.”

Olayinka wrote, “I am sure some people will still come here to blame the government. But what can the government do in the case of a gate-man earning say N60k per month, but has four wives and 17 children?”

“Abandoned children, like these ones, will certainly grow up angry, desperate and dangerous,” he warned.

PUNCH reported in 2021 that a former Catholic Archbishop of Abuja Diocese, Cardinal John Onaiyekan, had similarly blamed the worsening tempo of insecurity, especially in Northern Nigeria, on the Almajiri system, saying it had failed the region.

Onaiyekan reportedly expressed concern that young boys who had been abandoned by their parents have ended up as bandits and Boko Haram terrorists.

After paying all the fees required, setting up for our convention tomorrow, the owner of Rainbow Event centre has just informed us that he has come under pressure from the FCDA and Minister of FCT, Nyesom Wike that if he allows the ADC the use of his facilities, his licence will be revoked.

But we have already signed the contract with him. We will hold our convention tomorrow as planned at the Rainbow event centre.

We will not bow to this creeping tyranny. And definitely not to this petty tyrant.

ADC is rising, Nigeria is rising.

- Bolaji Abdullahi

Boko Haram Ambush Kills Nigerian Army Colonel, Several Other Soldiers In Borno


A serving Nigerian Army Colonel, identified as Colonel I.A. Muhammad, has been killed in an ambush by Boko Haram insurgents following a coordinated overnight attack on a military formation in Monguno, Borno State.

Soldiers currently deployed in the North-East battlefield disclosed the incident to SaharaReporters on Monday morning, recounting how the senior officer was killed while leading a reinforcement mission to repel terrorists.

According to the sources, the insurgents launched an attack on Sunday night, targeting a Forward Operating Base (FOB) under the 242 Battalion in Mungunu, which falls under Sector 3 of the military’s counter-insurgency operations.

“One of our senior commanders, Colonel I.A. Muhammad, was killed last night when Boko Haram attacked Monguno. They also killed some soldiers during the attack,” a soldier on the front lines told SaharaReporters.

Monguno is a strategic military hub hosting a large camp with multiple sub-units, including battalions led by Colonels and Lieutenant Colonels, under the supervision of a sector commander, a General Officer Commanding.

Sources explained that during the attack, insurgents focused their assault on a smaller but critical military position, the FOB, prompting an urgent call for reinforcement.

“The Colonel got information that troops at the FOB were under heavy attack. As a committed commander, he mobilised to lead reinforcement to the location,” another source said.

However, tragedy struck before he could reach the embattled troops.

SaharaReporters gathered that while advancing towards the frontline, the Colonel’s convoy drove into a deadly ambush laid by the insurgents, who had planted a remotely detonated explosive device along the route.

“He did not die inside the camp. He was on his way to support his men when Boko Haram fighters ambushed them with a controlled landmine. It was not the type you step on; it was detonated remotely at the exact moment his vehicle approached,” the source added.

The explosion reportedly killed the Colonel instantly, alongside a yet-to-be-confirmed number of soldiers accompanying him.

The attack highlights the increasing use of sophisticated improvised explosive devices (IEDs) by Boko Haram fighters, raising fresh concerns about the safety of military personnel operating in the region.

This comes a few days after terrorists attacked a military base in Benisheikh, Borno State, killing an unspecified number of soldiers, including a Brig. Gen., Oseni Braimah. The attack happened on April 9, 2026.

On March 9, 2026, Lieutenant Colonel Umar Farouq and some other soldiers were killed when insurgents overran a military base in the Kukawa LGA of Borno State.

On March 6, 2026, during multiple military attacks in the state, terrorists killed Lieutenant Colonel, S.I. Iliyasu, the commanding officer of the 222 Battalion.

On March 1, 2026, terrorists also attacked a military formation in Mayenti, Bama LGA, killing Umar Ibrahim Mairiga, the commanding officer, and several other soldiers.

Nation mourns as brave Commanding Officer, six soldiers fall after repelling attack in Monguno

By: Zagazola Makama

Grief and solemn reflection have trailed the tragic loss of a Commanding Officer and six gallant soldiers of Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), whose lives were cut short shortly after successfully repelling a terrorist attack in Monguno, Borno.

In the late hours of April 12, troops of Sector 3, Joint Task Force (North East), came under an isolated infiltration attempt at Charlie 13 location. With courage and determination, the soldiers engaged the attackers in a fierce gun battle, eventually forcing them to flee and securing the area.

But even in victory, tragedy struck. Driven by an unyielding sense of duty and deep concern for his men, the Commanding Officer chose to move forward, towards the very danger others would avoid, to personally assess the situation on ground. It was a decision that reflected the very essence of true leadership: to lead from the front, to share in the risks, and to stand shoulder to shoulder with his troops.

In that moment of selfless courage, his vehicle encountered an Improvised Explosive Device (IED), killing him and six of his men. Their loss is not just a statistic, it is a profound human tragedy.

They were fathers, brothers, sons, and comrades. They were men who wore the nation’s uniform with pride, who stood in the face of danger so others could sleep in peace. They did not retreat when confronted with terror; instead, they stood firm, defended their ground, and ultimately gave everything.

The silence they leave behind echoes loudly across the ranks.

Operation HADIN KAI, in a statement by its Media Information Officer, Lt.-Col. Sani Uba, expressed deep sorrow, describing the fallen officer as a symbol of courage, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment to duty. Their ultimate sacrifice, the statement noted, will forever remain etched in the memory of the Armed Forces and the nation they served with honour.

As the country mourns these heroes, their bravery lives on not only in the victory they secured that night, but in the enduring reminder that freedom and security are often paid for with the highest price.

Nigerian Army Confirms Drone-Assisted Boko Haram Ambush That Killed Colonel, Six Soldiers In Borno

The Nigerian Army has officially confirmed an earlier report by SaharaReporters detailing a deadly terrorists ambush in Borno State in which armed drones were deployed by insurgents, leading to the killing of senior military personnel, including Colonel I.A. Mohammed.

In a statement released on Monday and signed by the Media Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI, Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, the Army disclosed that troops came under a coordinated attack late on April 12, 2026.

According to the statement, “Troops of Sector 3, Joint Task Force (North East) Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) came under an isolated Tango terrorist attack on Charlie 13 location in Monguno, in the late hours of 12 April 2026.”

The statement read, “Following intense fire exchanges, the terrorists were put to flight, with troops maintaining control of the location.

“Regrettably, the Commanding Officer, while courageously proceeding to the troops’ location to personally assess the situation, encountered an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) which severely affected his vehicle, leading to his death alongside six other gallant personnel."

The military described the late colonel as a fearless and dedicated leader who exemplified the highest ideals of military service.

”𝐅𝐀𝐊𝐄 𝐍𝐄𝐖𝐒 𝐀𝐋𝐄𝐑𝐓: “𝐓𝐀𝐈𝐖𝐎 𝐎𝐘𝐄𝐃𝐄𝐋𝐄 𝐅𝐈𝐍𝐀𝐋𝐋𝐘 𝐀𝐃𝐌𝐈𝐓𝐒 𝐄𝐑𝐑𝐎𝐑𝐒 𝐈𝐍 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐍𝐄𝐖 𝐓𝐀𝐗 𝐋𝐀𝐖𝐒”
 
Our attention has been drawn to misleading media reports claiming that the Honourable Minister of State for Finance, Mr. Taiwo Oyedele has "finally admitted errors in the new tax laws." These publications misrepresent the Minister's statements, falsely alleging that he urged Nigerians to await the outcome of a "legislative probe", a process that has long been concluded and the gazetted copies certified by the National Assembly published since early January 2026.
 
This twisted narrative is unhelpful as it risks distorting public understanding and misleading the very people the reforms were designed to benefit.
 
The Minister, during a recent fireside chat at the NBA SLP conference in Lagos, highlighted the early positive impact of the new tax laws, including thousands of informal businesses now seeking CAC registration daily while the number of individuals registered for tax purposes nationwide has increased from barely 10 million before the reform to over 100 million.
 
These impressive results stem from the robust design and progressive nature of the new laws, which include:

- Exemption of small companies from tax.

- Increased exemption thresholds for low-income earners.

- Tax exemptions on basic consumption items like food, education, healthcare, transportation, and rent.

- Introduction of the Tax Ombud to protect taxpayer right.
 
The Minister contrasted the transformative changes in the new laws with the regressive provisions in the old laws. He however emphasised that no law is perfect. Therefore, ongoing stakeholder engagement is essential to identify and address any errors or gaps for appropriate legislative updates through Finance Bills as part of a continuous improvement process.
 
We urge members of the public to disregard sensational headlines and twisted narratives and rely exclusively on official sources and credible media organisations for accurate information regarding the tax reform and other government policies.
 
God bless Nigeria!

-𝑷𝒓𝒆𝒔𝒊𝒅𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒊𝒂𝒍 𝑭𝒊𝒔𝒄𝒂𝒍 𝑷𝒐𝒍𝒊𝒄𝒚 & 𝑻𝒂𝒙 𝑹𝒆𝒇𝒐𝒓𝒎𝒔 𝑪𝒐𝒎𝒎𝒊𝒕𝒕𝒆𝒆

A member of Nigeria’s House of Representatives, Muhammad Danjuma Hassan, who represented Dawakin Kudu/Warawa Federal Constituency of Kano State, has died at the age of 66 following a prolonged illness.

His death, which reportedly occurred on Friday evening was confirmed by House spokesman, Akin Rotimi.

Rotimi described the late lawmaker’s passing as a significant loss to the National Assembly and the country, noting his decades-long contribution to legislative development.

“His passing is a profound loss to the House of Representatives, his constituents, and the nation at large,” Rotimi said.»

Hassan, who was elected into the House in 2023 under the platform of the New Nigeria Peoples Party, served as the Deputy Chairman of the House Committee on Judiciary.

According to Rotimi, the deceased was widely regarded as one of Nigeria’s foremost legislative counsels and legal draftsmen, with many laws enacted over the years bearing his imprint.

“With his demise, Nigeria has lost one of its foremost Legislative Counsel and Legal Draftsmen, whose contributions significantly advanced legislative development and constitutional processes,” he added.

Before venturing into partisan politics, Hassan had a long career within the National Assembly bureaucracy, rising to the rank of Permanent Secretary. His institutional knowledge and administrative experience, lawmakers said, enriched parliamentary deliberations and policy oversight.

During his tenure in the House, he also served on several committees, including Public Petitions, Aviation, Solid Minerals, Constitution Review, and Treaties, Protocols and Agreements.

The Speaker of the House, Tajudeen Abbas, extended condolences to Hassan’s family, constituents, and the government and people of Kano State.

Hassan is scheduled to be buried on Saturday in accordance with Islamic rites.

“May his soul rest well, and may his legacy endure,” Rotimi said.

Several verifiable past tweets by INEC chairman Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan from his time as a professor at the University of Jos unmistakably reveal partisan sympathies for the APC and, more specifically, for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. If he has any regard for institutional integrity, he should own up to them, acknowledge the moral burden they place on his office, and resign. I will return to this.

Amupitan’s neutrality has long hovered under a cloud of suspicion, but I deliberately gave him the benefit of the doubt, to the irritation of many who urged me to call him out earlier and who falsely thought my reluctance to criticize him was the result of my having a relationship with him.

When it surfaced that he had written a tendentious memo alleging a “Christian genocide” without acknowledging equally horrific Muslim deaths in the recurring communal violence in central Nigeria, I attributed it to what I call epistemic closure, a condition where a person’s informational environment is so internally reinforcing that outside evidence is dismissed or never encountered. In that state, complex issues get reduced to narrow, self-confirming interpretations because the person is effectively sealed inside a filter bubble.

For a professor and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, that kind of intellectual insularity is disappointing. It runs against the grain of scholarly training, which stresses self-criticism and transcendence. Still, I did not think it was sufficient to establish bias.

When he was criticized for fixing the 2027 election during Ramadan, I again resisted the rush to judgment. Islam does not prohibit work during Ramadan, and several Muslim-majority countries have conducted elections in that period. Besides, with figures like Malam Mohammed Haruna on the commission, it would be simplistic to assign sole responsibility to him. So, even at the cost of being suspected of unduly shielding him, I held my fire.

But two developments began to strain my charitable reading of his actions. His push to revalidate permanent voter cards, which carried the risk of disenfranchising millions, gave me pause. Then his interventions in the ADC’s internal crisis revealed a man who struggled unsuccessfully to conceal partisan impulses aligned with Tinubu’s apparent determination to fracture the opposition and stall the emergence of a viable challenger.

Even these, troubling as they were, pale beside what emerged on Friday. Evidence now shows that in 2023, about two years before his appointment as INEC chairman, Amupitan used an X account bearing his name to engage in openly partisan commentary.

On March 18, 2023, Dayo Israel, the APC’s National Youth Leader, whom Amupitan followed, boasted that he had flipped his “nearby,” “Igbo-dominated” polling unit from the opposition to the APC. Amupitan replied: “Victory is sure.”

Pause on that for a moment. This was a direct affirmation of a partisan boast couched in ethnically coded language. The reference to an “Igbo-dominated” polling unit invokes the ethnic polarization that defined much of the 2023 election cycle. To respond to such a claim with “Victory is sure” is to align oneself not just with a party, but with a particular narrative of electoral conquest over an implicitly defined “other.”

A day earlier, March 17, 2023, one Okodoro Oro circulated a claim that Peter Obi supporters had repurposed an old photograph of a bloodied man to malign Lagos State legislator Desmond Elliot. Amupitan’s response was: “They are evil in the 24th [sic] century.”

This is not the language of a detached observer. It is the language of moral condemnation directed at a clearly identified political camp. To be fair, future electoral umpires are not expected to be devoid of private opinions, but when those opinions are expressed in such stark, emotionally charged terms in the heat of a contested election, they take on a different significance. Politics

Then came April 25, 2023. A Tinubu support account celebrated the reception Tinubu received at the Abuja airport. Amupitan responded with a single word: “Asiwaju.”

To the uninitiated, this may appear harmless, even innocuous. It isn’t. “Asiwaju” is a political identity marker. In Yoruba, it means “leader” or “one who leads from the front,” much like “jagaba,” his other prominent title from Borgu, but in the context of Nigerian politics, particularly the 2023 election, it functioned as a rallying cry, a badge of allegiance, and a shorthand for loyalty to Bola Ahmed Tinubu. It is the word chanted at rallies, emblazoned on campaign materials, and deployed in digital spaces to signal belonging to a political movement.

When a supporter says “Asiwaju,” it is an affirmation of fealty. So, when a man who would later become the chairman of the electoral commission uses that word in direct response to a celebratory message about Tinubu, he is participating in a community of praise. He is, in that moment, not an observer of politics, but a participant in its partisan theater, in a patterned expressions of alignment.

After these tweets resurfaced, the account in question underwent a series of transformations. The handle changed from @joashamupitan to @Sundayvibe00, rebranded as a “parody” account and then locked from public view. But digital traces are stubborn. Archival indexing still ties the earlier posts to the original identity.

So, the sequence is straightforward. An account using Amupitan’s name made partisan interventions during the 2023 election cycle. That same account later changed identity multiple times, adopted a parody label, and restricted access. The timing of these changes invites obvious questions about transparency and accountability, particularly for someone who now occupies the most sensitive electoral office in the country.

What makes this especially unsettling for me is that I publicly defended him in the past. In my October 11, 2025, column, “New INEC Boss and Tinubu’s Visibilization of Northern Yorubas,” I described him as “an accomplished professor of law and a revered Senior Advocate of Nigeria who has no known record of partisan political affiliations.” That judgment was based on the evidence available at the time. We now know better.Politics

The issue is not that Amupitan, as a private citizen, held political opinions. Every citizen is entitled to that. The issue is that those opinions were expressed in ways that align distinctly with one party, in the very period that defined Nigeria’s most contentious recent election, and that he now presides over an institution that demands not just neutrality, but the appearance of neutrality.

Electoral legitimacy is not sustained by legal technicalities alone. It rests on public trust. Once that trust is eroded, even the most procedurally sound election becomes suspect in the eyes of citizens. That is why electoral umpires are held to a higher standard than ordinary public officials. They must be above reproach not only in conduct but in perception. Amupitan’s past tweets compromise that perception.




He has compounded the problem by failing to confront the matter directly. He should address the public, acknowledge the tweets, and reckon with their implications. The moral weight of his current office is incompatible with unresolved questions about partisan loyalty.

Yes, the law makes his removal cumbersome. The president must initiate the process, and the Senate must approve it with a two-thirds majority. In practice, that threshold is hardly insurmountable for a president who commands legislative loyalty, who gets bills debated and passed in a matter of hours. But it is unrealistic to expect President Tinubu to initiate the removal of a man whose perceived partisan alignment may well have recommended him for the position in the first place.

Which leaves only one honorable path: resignation, which Nigerian public officers loathe. If he has any ounce of integrity left, he should resign because if he chooses to remain, every election he conducts in which the APC prevails will be shadowed by credible allegations of premeditated bias. No serious observer will dismiss such claims out of hand. In trying to protect his position, he would end up damaging both the institution he leads and, ironically, the party he is presumed to favor.

Nigeria has had electoral umpires accused of partisanship before. But rarely has the evidence been this direct, this traceable, and this difficult to explain away.

If he stays, Amupitan risks inscribing his name in history not merely as a controversial INEC chairman, but as one whose tenure deepened, or completely eroded, public distrust in the electoral process.

Postscript:

As I was about to file this column, my editor drew my attention to a news release by INEC’s Chief Press Secretary, Adedayo Oketola, claiming that the Twitter account associated with Amupitan, created in 2022, is “fake.”


That claim does not withstand basic scrutiny. In 2022, Amupitan was an obscure professor. There was no incentive to impersonate him. The tweets now in contention were posted in 2023, before he became INEC chairman.

Fake accounts do not typically maintain a coherent history, then change handles, rebrand as parody, and lock themselves the moment their past becomes inconvenient. That pattern suggests an attempt to obscure prior activity, not random impersonation.

The statement is notably silent on the disappearance of the original handle, the shift to a new identity, the sudden “parody” label, and the decision to restrict public access.

A faction of the Boko Haram group, identified as Jama’atu Ahlis-Sunna Lidda’Awati Wal-Jihad, has released a video showing the condition of the 416 abducted victims in Ngoshe, a community in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State, assuring all that they are healthy and have not been subjected to torture or sexual harassment.

In the video obtained by our correspondent on Thursday, the group displayed and interviewed the victims, comprising mostly women and children, with a few men.

A member of the group, who spoke on their behalf in the six-minute, 43-second clip, said the video was made following a request by a group known as the Borno South Youths Alliance, which it confirmed has been acting as a mediator since the victims were held in captivity.

The spokesperson, who did not identify himself, said, “We are Jama’atu Ahlis-Sunna Lidda’Awati Wal-Jihad (JAS) under the leadership of Imam Abu Umaimatul Muhajjir. We are here to clear a few issues as requested by the organisation, Borno South Youths Alliance (BOSYA). As you can see, they (victims) are fine, we do not harm them or rape them. We are doing this because religion taught us so.”

He continued, “Without wasting time, we will now turn the camera to them to speak as requested that we do this video and ordered by our leader to do so”

The spokesperson, after turning the camera to one of the female victims, asked her to speak about their current condition and make her request to the government.

She responded, “We are the people of Ngoshe who were abducted during the last attack. We are grateful to Allah, we are hale and healthy with women and children. Some of the sick people here are treated, given medicine and taken care of. Some of our children are brought here without clothes and are given clothes to wear. We thank God. They gave us where to sleep and provided us with food.”

She continued, “We thank God. The truth is, we are restless and worried about our families and relatives well being. Some were killed by airforce bombs. Some were affected by different calamities. Some of our families don’t even know whether we are dead or alive, but we are grateful this video will show signs of life and health.

“We call on all Nigerian leaders, starting from President Bola Tinubu, to Kashim Shettima, Babagana Zulum, and Sen Ali Ndume, Chairman of Gwoza Local Government. Our House of Representatives member, Babawo, and all our Gwoza leaders. We are crying that you come to our aid. We want to return to our home because we are not used to staying away from our homes. Our children and parents are all worried, and it’s very difficult to leave here.”

Confirming the number of the victims, the Borno South Youth Alliance said a total of 416 people are currently in the custody of the terrorist group.

In a statement late Thursday night, the President of the group, Samaila Kaigama, said the figure was obtained following days of engagement, discussions, and humanitarian appeals with the group.

According to him, the figure differs from earlier reports circulated by sections of the media, which underestimated the true scale of the situation.

The statement reads, “The Borno South Youth Alliance wishes to inform the public that we have been actively and discreetly mediating for the release of our Southern Borno brothers and sisters who were abducted when insurgents overran Ngoshe.

“Following days of engagement, discussions, and humanitarian appeals, we were provided with an official figure of 416 victims currently alive in captivity by the abductors.

“This figure differs from earlier reports circulated by sections of the media, which underestimated the true scale of the situation.”

The group stated that its efforts do not in any way support the insurgents, but rather give a voice to the kidnapped victims

He said, “We wish to state clearly and unequivocally that BOSYA does not support terrorism, insurgency, or the abduction of innocent civilians.

“However, as representatives of our people, we are prepared to take bold and necessary steps in pursuit of solutions, especially lasting solutions to the persistent insecurity affecting our region.

“The voices of the kidnapped victims must be heard not just nationally, but globally.”

While calling for urgent government intervention, he cited recent locations where mediations have played key roles in freeing victims across Nigeria

Kaigama said, “We have witnessed cases in states such as Sokoto, Zamfara, Katsina, and Kebbi where abducted victims regained freedom following interventions by individuals such as Sheikh Ahmad Gumi.

“We therefore expect equal urgency and commitment in addressing the plight of the Ngoshe victims. No region or group of citizens should be treated with less priority.

“The freedom, safety, and well-being of the abducted victims from Gwoza, particularly those from Ngoshe, are non-negotiable. We urge the government to act decisively, just as they have been doing in other parts of the country.”

He further called on the international community to support the rescue efforts towards the safe return of the victims.

“We call on the Nigerian government, international partners, the United Nations, and global leaders, including Donald Trump, to support efforts toward the safe and immediate release of all abducted victims. Among them are vulnerable groups, including infants, young children, elderly individuals, and women in extremely fragile condition,” he said.

“Let it be known to the world that BOSYA is actively mediating and advocating for the release of Southern Borno indigenes held captive. We also call on both the Nigerian Government and the Borno State Government to demonstrate visible and measurable efforts in securing their freedom,” the statement concluded.

WATCH: Boko Haram Releases Disturbing Video Of 416 Abducted Women, Children In Borno As Victims Beg For Help pic.twitter.com/HHgAmfJlII

— Sahara Reporters (@SaharaReporters) April 10, 2026

Gunmen have reportedly killed at least 20 people in several communities in Niger state and scores in Kebbi.

Reuters reports that the Niger state attack occurred in Shiroro LGA. Residents said the assailants operated for hours, destroying homes and overwhelming security personnel.

Many villagers were said to have fled to nearby towns such as Gwada, Zumba, and Galadima Kogo for safety.

Wasiu Abiodun, public relations officer of the Niger state police command, confirmed that gunmen invaded Bagna and Erena villages on Tuesday.

According to the spokesperson, two community guards and a driver were killed, while others sustained injuries.

KEBBI ATTACK

Suspected bandits wreaked similar havoc in Kebbi communities, killing dozens of residents and setting houses ablaze.

A cleric told TheCable that the attacks occurred in Debbe and Shabanda, as well as nearby communities.

Bashir Usman, the Kebbi police spokesperson, confirmed the development to TheCable, while noting that the number of casualties is still unclear.

“At about 2230hrs, suspected Mamudawa terrorist elements attacked the villages, resulting in loss of lives and destruction of property,” Usman said.

“Police tactical teams from Illo Division swiftly responded, intercepted the attackers, neutralised two of them, and recovered a Niger Republic Army uniform as well as Immigration uniforms.

“While reports are still being verified, the command cannot at this time confirm the casualty figures being circulated. However, we deeply sympathise with the affected communities.”

Usman said that more security personnel have been deployed to prevent further attacks in the area.

“Security personnel have been reinforced and are actively on ground to forestall further attacks,” he added.

“Members of the public are urged to remain calm as more details will be communicated in due course.”

Bayero University, Kano (BUK), has announced the death of Hajiya Hadiza Attahiru Jega, the wife of the former Vice-Chancellor of the university and former Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Attahiru Jega.

The university, in a statement shared on its official social media page on Sunday, “announce the passing of Hajiya Hadiza Attahiru Jega.”

BUK did not disclose the cause of death but offered prayers and condolences to the family.

It also announced that her Janazah prayer would take place immediately after Zuhr prayer at the National Mosque in Abuja on Sunday, April 5, 2026.

The university prayed for the deceased, asking Allah to forgive her shortcomings and grant her eternal rest.

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has unveiled plans to appoint envoys in 12 major foreign cities as part of a broader effort to draw international attention to what it describes as a growing trend of undemocratic practices and attacks on opposition figures in Nigeria.

The initiative comes on the heels of the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) decision to derecognise both the David Mark-led leadership of the party and the Nafiu Bala faction.

In a statement issued on Wednesday by its Commissioner for Information and Voter Education, Mohammed Haruna, INEC said it would refrain from engaging with either faction, citing a March 12 Court of Appeal judgment.

The commission added that it would not participate in any meetings, congresses, or conventions organised by the groups pending the outcome of a case before the Federal High Court.

The move has since sparked outrage within the party, with the Mark-led faction calling for the immediate removal of INEC Chairman, Joash Amupitan, accusing the commission of bias and misinterpreting the court ruling in a way that undermines public confidence.

Announcing the new diplomatic outreach on Saturday, ADC National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, said the party is establishing a Special Representatives Network (SRN) in key global capitals to deepen international engagement and promote democratic accountability.


He alleged that since July 2025, there have been sustained efforts “to destabilise opposition parties, weaken legitimate leadership structures, and restrict democratic political participation” in Nigeria.

According to Abdullahi, the SRN will serve as a structured channel of communication between the ADC and the international community. Under the initiative, credible representatives will be appointed as envoys in selected cities to engage with foreign governments, legislative institutions, international media, and diaspora groups.

He explained that the envoys would brief their host countries on Nigeria’s political climate, including governance issues, human rights concerns, electoral integrity, and what the party described as the repression of opposition actors. They will also communicate the ADC’s policy positions and reform agenda.

Abdullahi said the move is designed to strengthen the party’s credibility as “a responsible democratic actor” and position it as a viable alternative for governance.

The cities identified for the initiative include Washington DC, London, Brussels, Berlin, Ottawa, Paris, Pretoria, Addis Ababa, Nairobi, Accra, Geneva, and New York.

As part of the broader strategy, the party also plans to launch a national documentation initiative to monitor and record incidents affecting political participation across the country.

“State party structures will compile reports on incidents such as threats, harassment, violent attacks, arbitrary arrests, and disruptions of political activities,” Abdullahi said.