Jesutega Onokpasa, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), says President Bola Tinubu has “failed woefully” based on the performance of his administration.
Speaking in an interview with Arise Television on Sunday, Onokpasa warned that Tinubu may end up being a one-term president if he did not improve in his performance.
Onokpasa also wondered why Sheriff Oborevwori, governor of Delta, who he referred to as his cousin, defected to the APC.
The APC chieftain said the governor’s defection to the ruling party does not add any value to the APC or the state.
Onokpasa added that the ruling party should not focus on the defection of opposition politicians into its fold but on good governance.
He said the defections of opposition leaders to the APC negate the principles of democracy.
“It is not a question of people defecting to our party. It is a question of are we ruling well? In that sense, we failed woefully,” he said.
“President Bola Tinubu has failed woefully to rule well, provide food for Nigerians, and give succour in these hard times.
“Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, who recently defected to our party, is actually my cousin. I don’t have the slightest idea why he defected to our party. He did not inform me. I wish him well.
“I don’t think it has value to him, our party, or Delta state.
“The whole idea of packing people into our party—that is not democracy. The interesting thing is that you must always have opposition because people must disagree. The idea of a one-party state is simply unattainable.
“There must be disagreement. Even in our party, we disagree.
“I can tell you for free that at the rate we are going, all these things (defections) won’t help us in 2027. If we are not careful, Bola Tinubu will end up as a one-term president. Quote me anywhere.”
Emerging intelligence suggests President Bola Tinubu is formulating strategies to dismantle northern political unity ahead of the 2027 presidential elections.
According to Umar Sani, former spokesperson for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) during the 2019 presidential campaign, the plans are aimed at fracturing the North’s growing political alliance, which is seen as a potential threat to Tinubu’s second-term ambitions.
In his words:
“As the race toward the 2027 presidential election gathers momentum, emerging intelligence suggests a calculated strategy aimed at dismantling the northern political hegemony. This approach seeks to revive old fault lines, using them as instruments to fracture the opposition’s coalition and destabilise any unified attempt to challenge the status quo,” he stated.
At the heart of this manoeuvre is an attempt to penetrate the North and weaken its growing political alliance, an alliance that increasingly appears poised to resist President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s bid for a second term,” he added.
According to Sani, sources revealed that the strategies under consideration include engineering a divide between the Hausa and Fulani communities using the classic divide-and-rule tactic to undermine political cohesion, exploiting religious differences between Northern Christians and Muslims, manipulating political appointments to stoke regional resentment, and forging an alliance with former Kano State governor, Rabiu Kwankwaso, in a bid to secure the critical Kano vote.
He, however, noted that the attempt to create a rift between the Hausa and Fulani is unlikely to succeed, citing centuries of intermarriage and a shared heritage that have made the two groups inseparable.
He also dismissed the possibility of using Northern Christians as a counterweight, arguing that trust cannot be easily regained after the fallout from Tinubu’s controversial Muslim-Muslim ticket in the 2023 election.
While Sani acknowledged that manipulating political appointments could have some impact, given the harsh economic conditions and the importance of political patronage in the region, he maintained that the strategy carries significant risks.
He added that the Kwankwaso alliance may also fall flat, noting that Kano’s politically sophisticated electorate would resist any effort to use their votes as bargaining chips.
According to him, Kwankwaso’s influence would be decisive only if he were directly on the ballot, rather than acting as a proxy for another politician’s ambitions.
He warned that the North would not easily be divided or manipulated, stating that the coming months would reveal whether these moves would achieve their intended goals.
At least 28 people, including 20 miners, were killed on Thursday during a series of coordinated attacks by armed bandits in Maru Local Government Area of Zamfara State.
The attacks, which occurred around 11:30 a.m., targeted the communities of Gobirawa Chali, Damaga, and Lugga. Residents described the assaults as sudden and brutal, with gunmen reportedly arriving in large numbers.
In Gobirawa Chali, the worst-hit village, over 20 miners were killed when heavily armed assailants opened fire at a mining site.
Reuters quoted a resident, Ismail Hassan, as saying that “gunmen in their hundreds opened fire on miners on Thursday afternoon and a firefight ensued,” leading to numerous fatalities.
INSECURITY: How vigilante groups protect communities, create problems Another local, Isah Ibrahim, confirmed that 21 bodies were recovered after the incident, with several others injured.
Amnesty International, in a statement issued Friday, confirmed the attack, stating that the assailants went door-to-door in Gobirawa Chali, killing more than 20 people.
In Damaga, five people were reportedly killed, while three others lost their lives in a simultaneous assault on Lugga.
A resident of Lugga recounted how the attackers surrounded the village, fired indiscriminately, and rustled livestock.
“They also stormed Damaga where they killed five persons. We don’t know the motive behind the latest attacks because the last time bandits attacked our community was over a year ago,” he said.
Speaking under condition of anonymity, another local source noted that the casualty figure could have been much higher if not for the swift response of the Nigerian military.
Ground troops and a fighter jet reportedly arrived during the attack, engaging the bandits in a firefight that led to the deaths of several of the assailants.
The attacks have once again highlighted the persistent insecurity in Zamfara State, where banditry has plagued many rural communities despite ongoing military operations in the region.
When contacted, the spokesman of the Zamfara State Police Command, DSP Yazid Abubakar said he was yet to be briefed about the latest attacks.
The opposition coalition led by by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and the immediate past Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai on Thursday hit back at the Presidency, saying the defection of Delta Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, his predecessor, Ifeanyi Okowa and several prominent leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party did not come as a surprise.
A key stakeholder of the coalition and former National Vice Chairman (North-West) of the All Progressives Congress, Mallam Salihu Lukman disclosed this in a statement made available to The PUNCH in Abuja.
Lukman was reacting to Monday’s trolling by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, who mocked Atiku, saying his coalition will crumble following the defection of his key allies to the APC.
“Atiku’s political future looks bleak. The coalition that he, El Rufai, Babachir, and new member Baba-Ahmed are cobbling together has disintegrated.
“Potential allies, including former running mate Ifeanyi Okowa and defunct CPC members, are giving his leprous group a wide berth. Atiku is a loser again,” he stated.
Onanuga’s scathing remark was a follow-up to a similar post by a fellow presidential aide, Tunde Rahman, who also derided the PDP, describing the development as “the biggest shocker ever” for Atiku.
Rahman argued that with the PDP governors now aligning with President Bola Tinubu, the coalition was “dead on arrival.”
But Lukman, a chieftain in the coalition kicked, saying the presidential spokesmen were just humouring themselves.
The politician stated that aside from Okowa and Oborevwori, they are equally aware a few other governors are likely to jump ship.
He said, “First, I think anybody who says this is unexpected will only be deceiving himself. The signals have been there, that some governors are going to decamp. It’s not just one but some governors. The PDP is clearly a shadow of its own self. Although we acknowledge there are people and leaders in the PDP who are optimistic they can rescue the party.
“But if you remember when the governors issued a statement against the coalition, what was our response? Our response was that many of them are working for Asiwaju. Shortly after that, you saw the statement from Akwa Ibom, a,nd of cour,se the Delta governor. It’s not only him. If you check the comments, there are many more being expected.
“On the one hand, people who genuinely worry for the country are expressing fear about a one-party state. On the other hand, the government and APC are jubilating. Look, the beauty of democracy is about competition.
The whole initiative to begin to negotiate the coalition is to ensure that in 2027, Nigerians are presented with options.”
While saying the defection has been long foresaw, Lukman vowed that the opposition figures in the coalition will not be distracted.
The North-West politician also urged the PDD governors and leaders to reconsider their stance on not joining the coalition to form a merger ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
“We have gone far and what has happened in terms of some governors and leaders moving into the APC is not going to distract us at all. Not long from now, the full detail of the coalition will be unveiled to Nigerians including the structure and the strategy in terms of how the election will be contested will be clarified.
We want to correct all the mistakes and shortcomings from the Buhari administration to the Asiwaju administration. We want to restore the aspiration of Nigerians by producing leaders and greater country we will be proud of. That is what the coalition is all about. If anybody sees it differently, we are going to correct all of that.
“If we are talking of correcting the mistake of Buhari, correcting the mistake of Asiwaju, we don’t want to produce a government that will be seen as a sectional government. We want to produce a government that Nigerians will be proud of. We don’t want to produce another set of emperors,” he assured
Ganduje welcomes Kawu Sumaila, other NNPP defectors
A few hours after Lukman’s statement, the National Chairman of the APC, Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje officially welcomed key political figures who recently defected from the New Nigeria Peoples Party to the APC.
The high-profile decampees include Senator Abdurrahman Kawu Sumaila, who represents Kano South Senatorial District, and Rt. Hon. Kabiru Alhassan Rurum, the member representing Rano/Kibiya/Bunkure Federal Constituency.
Others received into the APC fold are former Secretary to the Kano State Government, Dr. Baffa Bichi; former federal lawmaker representing Danbatta/Makoda, Hon. Badamasi Ayuba; Hon. Abdullahi Sani Rogo; Rt. Hon. Zubairu Hamza Masu; Hon. Muhammad Diggol; Hon. Sha’aban Ibrahim Sharada; and Hon. Abbas Sani Abbas.
Captured in a series of photographs, the event showed Dr. Ganduje warmly receiving the former NNPP stalwarts, symbolizing their official integration into the APC. The images reflect a celebratory and unified atmosphere as the defectors were seen exchanging handshakes and holding the party’s flags.
Political observers note that the defections were prompted by longstanding grievances within the NNPP, particularly complaints of marginalization and internal party injustice allegedly orchestrated by NNPP leader, Dr. Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso.
These and other undisclosed reasons led to the mass exodus of these key figures into what they described as the “blessed fold” of the APC.
PDP kicks as Osun NNPP chairman predicts more defections
Meanwhile, Osun State chairman of the New Nigeria Peoples Party, Dr Tosin Odeyemi, has predicted that more people would dump Peoples Democratic Party before the governorship poll.
His prediction comes in the wake of the defection of the lawmaker representing Oriade/Obokun Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Wole Oke,
Odeyemi in a statement obtained in Osogbo on Thursday, specifically said those that would dump PDP are those that love progress of Osun, noting that people would no longer sit back and watch helplessly observing governance degenerating to “mere entertainment.”
Reacting, the PDP dismissed Odeyemi’s claim as a mere wishful thinking, adding that those seeking Adeleke’s exit are people that want political patronage at the expense of well-being of the general populace.
“In contrast to his wishful thinking however, the only people who have left the party so far are are those with parochial interests, those expecting His Excellency, Governor Ademola Adeleke to let loose and open the state vault for their personal greed,” PDP statement signed by its Director of Media and Publicity, Oladele Bamiji read partly.
Odeyemi, who held firmly that people with conscience would be worried about Osun under Adeleke’s leadership, absolved Oke of any blame for dumping PDP.
He further said, “Nobody with right conscience will believe things are going well in terms of governance since the Governor Adeleke led administration took over the affairs of Osun. More people will dump PDP in the state.”
He continued, “Governor Ademola Adeleke surrounded himself with bootlickers that find it difficult to look up to him and advice him rightly. Some of them do not even care about the development of Osun. All they do is to praise-sing Adeleke in his presence and tell people another different things behind him.
“When a person in power lacks good advisers, he will assume to have been doing all things rightly. You don’t around yourself with mediocre and expect positive result. These bootlickers see everybody as an enemy of the government and respond immaturely to criticism about governance, whereas their low-life wouldn’t allow them to realise on time that failure of the leader spells doom for them.
“I won’t blame Honourable Wole Oke for leaving PDP, one thing that is very sure is that before the year runs out, more people with conscience will leave that party because many of them are presently suffering and smiling, they are just buying time. I wish the party knows what is about to befall them. Those that will leave the party openly are few compared to those that will stay to destabilize the party in the state.”
The PDP would not however take any of Odeyemi’s claims, saying contrary to Odeyemi’s “Wishful thinking however, the only people who have left the party so far are those with parochial interests, those expecting His Excellency, Governor Ademola Adeleke to let loose and open the state vault for their personal greed.
“Anyone who cited Hon Wole Oke to line his thoughts of negative wish for osun PDP, is actually one of those without conscience. You cannot mitigate or conscienciously justify someone exciting a platform that has practically served your life, since early 30s and now almost 60 years of age and tell me you have any modicum of conscience. So, if Wole Oke happens to be Tosin’s mentor as a chronic political trader, then the guess of reasonable members of the public is as good as mine.
“His Excellency, Governor Ademola Adeleke will continue to stand firm in service to the good people of the state and that he will continue to be true to his nature as an unrepentant happy soul, away from deceitful expectations of inconsequential elements like Tosin Odeyemi and his one man platform.”
PDP will lose my Federal Constituency in next polls -Wole Oke
In a related development, Oke also predicted huge electoral defeat for the PDP at the next election in the state.
Oke, who recently dumped PDP stated this while speaking on a radio station in Osogbo, Osun State capital on Thursday, said the current state political office holders from the two local government areas that made up the Federal Constituency dont have the capacity to win elections for PDP.
The federal lawmaker, who cited unfair treatment from the PDP and the refusal by the Governor, Ademola Adeleke to fix critical infrastructure in the Federal Constituency made him to exit his former part, added that the project he initiated while PDP was controlling federal government had been stalled since All Progressives Congress took over reign at the Federal.
Asked to react to a claim that PDP would not miss him, Oke said he had wont five elections and only lost once, and predicted a crushing defeat for his former party in the Federal Constituency.
“I don’t argue with people on such issues. You wait until we conduct our next election. I will be able to give you statistics of what will happen in the next election.
“I give you, for example, PDP will not get 500 votes out of close to 9000 votes in Esa-Oke. Take that to the bank. I can also tell you the results in other places. In Ikeji Arakeji, Owenna, Dagbaja, Ipetu-Ijesa, mark my words, PDP will struggle to get 1,000 votes if they are on the ballot. Write it down and if the statistics fail, I will quit politics,” Oke said.
He also said before leaving PDP, he sought opinion of his constituents, who approved his move, adding that, “I decided to leave the PDP. I was part of the foundation member.
“I contested and won elections back to back in the party but after making consultations with my people, with my constituents, in the last two weeks, I have had series of meetings to appraise the situation of our party at the state and national level, we came to the realisation that it is time to quit.”
Defections in other states won’t affect Plateau PDP, says party chair
In Plateau, the Chairman of the State PDP, Chris Hassan, has expressed conviction that the party’s strength and credibility in the state will not be affected by defections in other states.
Hassan, who addressed a press conference in Jos on Thursday, urged party members to remain calm and resolute, emphasizing that defections are not new in political party processes.
His appeal came barely 24 hours after Oborevwori, Okowa, and all members of the PDP structure in Delta State defected to the APC.
Hassan commended Governor Caleb Mutfwang for his outstanding leadership and good governance, highlighting the governor’s developmental strides, equity, justice, and service to the people.
According to him, Mutfwang’s achievements in less than two years are truly remarkable and a testament to the solid trust and satisfaction in the leadership and direction of the party.
He said “We are deeply grateful in the support of our party faithful and the good people of Plateau state that have reposed confidence in us .We are aware of a lot of threats of defection across some states .We have noted some isolated cases of defections by a few party members to our political parties.
“Let me therefore urge all party members to remain calm and resolute .Defections are not new in political party processes of this nature .However ,we are confident that the strength and credibility of the PDP that is founded on the struggles of our Plateau people.
“We assure the leadership of our party to consolidate on our gains .We will continue to provide the needed platform for the aspiration of our people .Everything is under control and better good days still lies ahead for us.”
The PDP chairman strongly condemned the recent attacks by armed herdsmen in Bokkos and Bassa Local Government Areas that claimed any lives in the past two weeks
Hassan also commended the governor’s swift response and the proactive efforts of the state security agencies.
“We strongly commend and support the governor’s call for communities to organize and coordinate local security measures in collaboration with neighbouring communities .
“This grassroots driven approach is a proactive and inclusive strategy that recognizes the peculiar security challenges of each locality. It reflects the leadership concern and well-being of his people.
“Indeed our governor, Barrister Caleb Mutfwang has once again demonstrated that he is a leader who loves and stands firmly for his people”, he stated
Continuing, Hassan acknowledged the coordinated efforts of the military, which noted have already produced results in dislodging the militia from some areas.
The PDP chairman urged all Plateau residents to continue supporting the government, stay vigilant, and remain committed to keeping Plateau the state of their dreams under Governor Mutfwang’s capable leadership.
He said, “The PDP remains the party of our people and for the people .Together ,we shall continue to March towards greater heights of our beloved state . May God bless us all.”
No cause for alarm, we will reposition PDP – Saraki
A former Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki has also reacted to the PDP misfortune in Delta State, saying the opposition party wouldn’t be discouraged or distracted.
While assuring that the PDP will rise from the temporary setback and work assiduously to reposition the party, the former number three urged those who are still nursing an ambition to abandon the party to quietly exit without making a fuss about it.
He said, “I have been inundated with phone calls from leaders and members of our party as well as various youths who have been active in promoting democracy and good governance in our country. Many of the callers want to know what my reaction is to the defection of top PDP leaders in Delta State and its impact on our party.
“My view is that those who want to leave the PDP should leave now and let the rest of us who want to stay concentrate on rebuilding the party and refocusing it to play the role of a viable opposition that will provide a better alternative for the good people of Nigeria.
“I am convinced that it is important for all Nigerians to work for the sustenance of democracy. And to sustain democracy, there must be viable choices for people at every point. Also, there must be a viable opposition to keep people’s hope alive and create credible alternatives to keep the government on its toes.
“Those who want to leave the party should go and let those of us remaining have a clear view of who we are talking to and where their political loyalty lies. All we need is for those who want to stay back in PDP to show commitment and we can all work to rebuild the party.”
Saraki also warned against having a one-party system in the country.
According to him, a country with diverse cultures, languages and traditions cannot afford to head towards such a route.
“A one-party state as being disingenuously designed by some people will not augur well for a multi-ethnic, multi-lingual, multi-cultural, multi-religious, and highly diversified society like ours. It is even more dangerous when we eliminate alternatives and make people hopeless.
“Therefore, it is in the interest of Nigeria and the survival of our democracy for the opposition to be vibrant and strong enough with the capacity to replace the ruling party at any point. Thus, my charge to our party members is that the PDP is merely experiencing a rebirth.
“This development has vindicated the stance of people like me who have decided to remain silent and watch events unfold. I have seen that there was no sincerity with supposed leaders of the opposition. One was not sure of the next person one was talking to,” he stated.
The former Senate president appealed to the party’s supporters and loyalists not to engage in the blame game or go after perceived traitors for the dwindling fortune of the PDP.
The Waziri of Ilorin also stated that it will be irresponsible for any leader to admit being pressured into taking the plunge in the manner the Delta governors and his supporters did.
He said, “My appeal to PDP members nationwide is that we should know that the sustenance of democracy is not a sprint. Rather, it is a marathon. It is not a knock-out football match series. It is a league. 24 hours is a long time in politics and nobody can predict how the dynamics will evolve in the coming weeks and months.
“We should stay strong and focus on strengthening the party. It is not necessary at this point to lament why they left. Our party members should also refrain from blaming our woes on the ruling party. That would be a lazy approach. They are playing politics to win elections. It is our responsibility as party members to ignore their antics and seize the moment and momentum to make our party stronger and better.
“Our numerous party members should know that the PDP is better with fewer members who are loyal, sincere, determined, dedicated, and committed to its ideas, ideals, and progress than to have so many who will identify with us in the afternoon and be romancing the ruling party in the night.
“We still have about two years before the next election. That is a long time in politics. We have enough time to brace up to the challenge. There is nothing that prevents us from getting some governors from the other parties to join our ranks. My appeal to our young party members is that this defection is just a mere challenge to us to further mobilize and put our house in order. Also, our women’s wing should seize the opportunity to help in the rebuil
A few days ago, the leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, received a two-man delegation from the International Monetary Fund, IMF, comprising the IMF Resident Representative for Nigeria, Christian H. Ebeke, and, Axel Schimmelpfennig from Washington, D.C.
The purpose of the visit was to assess how Nigerian workers and the general populace are being affected by the current socioeconomic environment and the hardship resulting from government policies.
The IMF delegation , led by Schimmelpfennig also sought insights from the NLC regarding the state of the labour market in Nigeria. According to them, the information gathered would contribute to the IMF’s annual country report for Nigeria.
Vanguard learned that preparations for the meeting had been ongoing since the NLC President’s earlier meeting with officials from the World Bank and the IMF in Washington.
IMF explains reasons for visit
Upon arrival at Labour House, the NLC leadership welcomed the IMF before the team briefed the NLC leadership on their mission, since the meeting was held at the instance of the Fund.
Sources at the meeting disclosed that the IMF team acknowledged that the Nigerian government has been grappling with fiscal challenges since assuming office. They emphasized that the IMF’s recommendations are purely advisory and not mandatory, based on the prevailing realities in each country.
The delegation expressed concern that, often, governments do not follow the IMF’s recommendations to the letter, instead adapting them to align with political objectives. In effect, the IMF attempted to distance itself from the adverse consequences of some recent economic reforms in Nigeria.
Nevertheless, the IMF team requested continued engagement with the NLC going forward.
Ajaero’s response
In response, the NLC President made it clear that governance should prioritize citizens’ welfare over profit-making.
He criticized the austerity measures often recommended by the IMF, noting that they have worsened living conditions for Nigerians.
It was gathered that Ajaero particularly highlighted the removal of fuel subsidies, which he said has led to increased suffering, hunger, and poverty among workers and the general population.
The NLC President argued that t”here was no real subsidy to remove in the first place, as the government was already profiting from crude oil sales.
He described the “subsidy removal” as merely a justification for increasing fuel prices. He equally questioned the use of the revenue purportedly saved from the subsidy removal, especially since the government continues to borrow heavily.
“He pointed out that the cost of essential services—such as education and transportation—has tripled, leading to widespread hardship. He condemned the growing disparity between the worsening living conditions of citizens and the increasing wealth of government officials.”
Ajaero emphasized that “genuine reforms should improve the welfare of the people, not enrich those in power. He also criticized the government for not consulting key stakeholders before implementing the subsidy removal policy.
This exclusion, he said, has exacerbated the country’s economic challenges. “He noted that inclusive dialogue could have produced better strategies and outcomes, lamenting that the government has isolated itself from valuable advice.”
On the national minimum wage, “the NLC President complained that the N70,000 wage is not being implemented sincerely across all levels of government. Instead, the government has continued to impose additional taxes, worsening the financial burden on citizens.”
Ajaero urged “the IMF to advise the government to ease this pressure and allow citizens to breathe. He warned that rising poverty levels could lead to social unrest if left unaddressed.”
He concluded that “the current reforms have only widened the gap between the ruling class and the people, worsening the lives of ordinary Nigerians while enriching those in power.”
On April 21, as the clock struck 9 p.m., terror descended upon Desa, a tranquil town known officially as Ilesha Baruba, nestled in Kwara State’s Baruten Local Government. It's just a few minutes away from my hometown.
Masked in military fatigues, armed bandits shot sporadically at the town’s night market that was bustling with young men of different ethnicities having a good time and cold-bloodedly murdered eight innocent souls.
The terrorists began their rampage by brutally executing a Fulani man who was a member of the local vigilante. Multiple gunshots splattered his brains across the ground in a shockingly repellent spectacle of blood and tissue.
Five other Fulani people were gunned down. Tragically caught in the crossfire were also a Fon man from southern Benin Republic and a Baatonu native of the town.
What deepens the anguish is the apparent senselessness and inscrutability of it all. Eyewitness accounts said the assailants themselves were Fulani (based on the language they spoke). And they neither kidnapped nor stole.
Why did they kill fellow Fulani men? The Fon man and the Baatonu man appeared to be unintended targets. Was this just bloodthirsty nihilism? Did the Fulani men, who were integrated into the local community, betray the terrorists? Everyone is mystified.
Before April 21, though, the whole of Borgu had been gripped by paralyzing fears of the new terrorist group called Mahmuda. They had operated in Kebbi and Niger states and recently began to be seen in my part of Kwara State. In other words, they are now in all of what used to be collectively Borgu.
Borgu is a historic, multi-ethnic space, which comprises Baruten and Kaiama local governments in Kwara State, Borgu and Agwara local governments in Niger State, Bagudo and Dandi local governments in Kebbi State, and Borgou and Alibori departments (i.e., states) in Benin Republic.
It existed as a loose but powerful, storied, invincible, confederation of disparate kingdoms from the 1300s until the 1890s when Britain and France conquered and dismembered it.
Terrorists had been camped in the Kainji Lake National Park and in the part of Beninese portion Borgou that shares a boundary with Burkina Faso for more than a year. This year, they moved to Kaiama and parts of Yasikiru in Baruten LGA.
Efforts by residents to alert authorities initially brought hope when security forces raided terrorist hideouts and confiscated some of their weapons and equipment.
But rather than bringing relief, these actions incited vicious reprisals and transformed our communities into targets for heartrendingly sanguinary retaliation that spares no children, women, or the elderly.
This week's visit by Kwara State’s governor to Kaiama, intended as an assurance of protection, tragically became a catalyst for further bloodshed. Mere hours after his departure, terrorists punished the community with intensified violence and mercilessly murdered more innocent and helpless people.
Two days before the horrific events in Desa, ominous messages from the terrorists had spread across Baruten and Kaiama, imposing a curfew slated to begin at 10 p.m.
Yet even before it could be enforced, the terrorists struck unannounced, extinguished precious lives and spread dread.
This escalation leaves the people of Borgu in a state of disabling siege and fear. They have been robbed of the peace they once cherished.
My heart is broken beyond description. Borgu’s famed, time-honored tranquility now trembles beneath the weight of terror and grief.
The urgency for decisive, meaningful action to restore safety and peace has never been more critical.
The State House has allocated the sum of N10bn in the 2025 approved budget for the installation of a solar mini-grid at the Presidential Villa, The PUNCH reports.
This follows an increase in the overall budgetary allocation to the State House Headquarters, which rose from N47.11bn in the initially proposed 2025 budget to N57.11bn in the approved version.
The additional N10bn was traced to a jump in capital expenditure, which moved from N33.55bn to N43.55bn.
A breakdown of the new capital items reveals that the increase was solely due to the planned solar project, titled “Solarisation of the Villa with Solar Mini Grid,” with a full allocation of N10bn.
The move comes amid growing concerns over unreliable public electricity supply and the high cost of electricity for both households and government institutions.
The solar project is expected to reduce dependence on the national grid and limit the impact of tariff hikes on government finances.
The PUNCH observed that electricity costs have continued to soar, especially for Band A consumers, who receive at least 20 hours of electricity daily.
In April 2024, tariffs for Band A consumers surged from N68/kWh to N225/kWh, representing an increase of over 230 per cent.
Although this was later adjusted to N206.8/kWh and then slightly to N209.5/kWh in July, it remains one of the highest energy cost brackets in the country.
Institutions such as the State House, which fall within Band A, have therefore seen their electricity bills increase dramatically in the past year.
The State House has also struggled with unpaid electricity bills. In February 2024, the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company listed the Presidential Villa among top government debtors, with an outstanding bill of N923.87m.
However, following a reconciliation process, the debt was revised down to N342.35m. President Bola Tinubu subsequently ordered the immediate settlement of the amount to avoid disconnection, according to statements issued by the Presidency.
The incident underlined long-standing issues around power supply reliability and rising utility costs at the nation’s seat of power.
The PUNCH further learnt that the State House spent a total of N483.34m on electricity bills in 2024, representing a 40.17 per cent increase from the N344.82m it expended in 2023.
This is according to payment records published on the GovSpend platform, which tracks expenditures by Ministries, Departments, and Agencies of the Federal Government.
An analysis of the data showed that while the State House Headquarters made regular monthly payments to the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company, the largest payment of the year was a lump sum of N316.88m made in October 2024.
The payment was tagged as a settlement for “total outstanding electricity debt as at August 2024,” indicating that the presidency may have accumulated unpaid bills over several months before clearing them in bulk.
In contrast to 2024, the State House’s electricity spending in 2023 was more consistent, with monthly payments ranging between N28m and N30m, and no recorded arrears payment.
Despite the lower monthly amounts paid in 2024, the October clearance significantly raised the total spending for the year.
Meanwhile, the Federal Government has approved N311.09m as the electricity budget for the State House in the 2025 fiscal year.
The figure is contained in the approved 2025 budget and falls under the subhead ‘Electricity Charges’ within the broader ‘Utilities – General’ allocation for the State House.
The reduction from the actual spending in 2024 suggests a return to more moderate billing or an expectation of fewer arrears.
However, it remains unclear whether the 2025 budgeted sum will be sufficient, given the spending patterns of previous years.
The decision to transition to a solar-powered grid at the Villa is seen as a cost-saving and energy-efficient move that aligns with broader sustainability goals.
In addition to the solar mini-grid, several other projects make up the capital allocation to the State House in the 2025 budget.
One of the highest line items is the N11.92bn earmarked for the settlement of liabilities owed to Julius Berger Nigeria and other maintenance contractors dating from 2022.
This includes work done in Kaduna, the VIP wing of the Villa, as well as utility charges and waste disposal obligations.
Another N6.04bn has been budgeted for annual routine maintenance of mechanical, electrical, building, and environmental systems within Villa facilities, including the President and Vice President’s residences, offices, lounges, and the conference and banquet halls.
The State House will also spend N5.49bn on general maintenance works at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
Construction of a new office complex for Special Advisers and Senior Special Assistants will continue with N1.83bn in ongoing funding, while the renovation of four Army residences along Ali Akilu Crescent in the Upper and Lower Artillery Quarters is expected to gulp N534.13m.
An additional N120.28m is set aside for renovation works at the State House security quarters.
Other key capital items include N366.16m for the purchase of PMS and ECM equipment, and N38.45m for the procurement and installation of auditing software tools and related staff training.
The State House is also budgeting N73.35m for facility management services at the gymnasium, auditorium complexes, guest houses, and other residences, as well as N73.23m for the replacement of Villa’s telecommunications infrastructure.
Digital infrastructure and administration are receiving attention, with N50.26m allocated for maintaining the electronic document management system and N56.08m for the procurement of office equipment across various departments, including Finance, ICT, Procurement, and Audit.
A further N25.16m is allocated for systematic data collection to improve project and programme decision-making.
For mobility and logistics, the budget provides N3.66bn for the purchase of new State House operational vehicles and N1.09bn for the replacement of SUVs.
Tyres for bulletproof and other operational vehicles are to be procured at a cost of N164.99m.
Additional allocations include N12.9m for upgrades to the State House Library, N4.59m for digital medical references, N31.21m for the rehabilitation of the Villa’s animal enclosure and veterinary equipment, N38.45m for plant nursery equipment and floral landscaping, and N54.95m for upgrading the Villa Ranch and building a wildlife conservation enclosure.
The solarisation project, however, remains the single most expensive new item in the 2025 budget and reflects a growing shift towards renewable energy in government infrastructure.
President Bola Tinubu earlier signed into law the N54.99tn 2025 Appropriation Bill.
Tinubu signed the budget in the presence of principal officers of the National Assembly and other top government officials in a small ceremony in his office at the State House, Abuja.
The bill was passed by the two Chambers of the National Assembly on February 13, after Tinubu asked for an increase from the proposed N49.7tn.
The National Assembly approved a N54.99 trillion ($36.6bn) budget for the fiscal year, surpassing President Bola Tinubu’s initial proposal of N54.2tn.
This increase reflects additional anticipated revenues from agencies such as the Federal Inland Revenue Service and the Nigeria Customs Service.
The budget aims to address key areas, including security, infrastructure, education, and health, with an allocation of $200m to mitigate the impact of recent US health aid reductions.
The 2025 budget is based on ambitious economic assumptions, including a crude oil production target of 2.06 million barrels per day at a benchmark price of $75 per barrel.
Also, the Federal Government projects an exchange rate of N1,500 to the U.S. dollar and aims to reduce inflation from 34.8 per cent to 15 per cent within the year.
The 2025 Appropriation Act represents a 99.96 per cent increase from the 2024 Budget of N27.5tn.
The PUNCH earlier reported that the Federal Government allocated N1.99bn to procure diesel for the electric power generators for the State House in 2025.
This comes amid delays in the FG’s solar power project, initially slated to come on stream between December 2024 and January 2025.
It was gathered that the FG disbursed N88.75m for diesel within the first half of 2024.
Checks by our correspondent on GovSpend, a civic tech platform that tracks and analyses the Federal Government’s spending, show four separate diesel payments totalling N88.75m between March 15 and May 20, 2024.
Earlier, official sources familiar with the project told The PUNCH that the prolonged instability of the national grid, coupled with repeated collapses, rising diesel prices, and generator maintenance, forced the State House to resort to alternative power.
The Senior officials who spoke to our correspondent on condition of anonymity say once operational, the 40MW solar power plant could slash the State House’s N6bn annual energy bill by at least N5bn.
The project was expected to be ready by December 2024 for the State House Medical Centre and the State House complex, including Dodan Barracks in Lagos, by January 2025.
While the construction of a 1.2MW solar plant had begun at the medical centre in October 2024, checks by The PUNCH revealed no works at the State House as of February 2025.
An official with knowledge of the solar project said paying hefty bills for infrequent power and still running diesel-guzzling generators daily was no longer sustainable.
Bishop Kukah likened Nigeria's situation to the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, urging the President to "bring us down from this cross of evil."
The Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah, has called on President Bola Tinubu to take immediate action to address the country's suffering, citing widespread insecurity, hunger, and brutality.
In his Easter message, Bishop Kukah likened Nigeria's situation to the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, urging the President to "bring us down from this cross of evil."
He said, "We all admit that you neither erected this cross nor did you effect our collective crucifixion. Notwithstanding, Nigerians have been dangling and bleeding on this cross of pain and mindless suffering for too long. A culture of cynicism and self-doubt over our capacity to secure peace for ourselves pervades our land.”
“Indeed, a majority of our citizens feel that there is no hope in sight. However, for us as Christians, Hope is the anchor on which we hang all our hopes (Heb. 6:19). Now is the time to re-enkindle and renew that hope," he stated.
Kukah expressed concerns about the nation's security, stating that "marauders, murderers, savages, and ravenous predators" threaten to overrun the country.
In his message, which was made available to SaharaReporters on Sunday morning, the outspoken cleric also highlighted the issue of hunger, noting that food security should be a fundamental human right.
"We believe that all is not lost," adding that "our hope has an ally in the holy father, Pope Francis, who last year declared this year, 2025, the Year of Hope with the theme, Pilgrims of Hope. The Pope appreciates that pilgrims are often sailing against the harsh currents of a broken world characterized by violence, pain, suffering, tribulation and death."
He said, "...Often we come across people who are discouraged, pessimistic and cynical about the future as if nothing could bring them happiness. The road to our collective discouragement in Nigeria has been laid by marauders, murderers, savages and ravenous predators who threaten to overrun our nation. Mr. President, immediately rid our dear country of these forces of darkness and bring us down from this cross of cynicism.
"Mr. President, hunger, sickness and desolation stalk the land. We still believe removing the subsidies was the right decision. We note that the country now has a huge volume of resources in its domestic reserves. For over ten years now, farming has become one of the most hazardous pre-occupations in our country. I restate the obvious by warning that mere palliative distribution diminishes the dignity of citizens. We have remained between the rock of self-doubt and the hard place of hopelessness. Make food security a fundamental human right to all citizens. Mr. President, please bring us down from this painful cross of hunger.
"Some years back, some of our public officers confessed that they brought our current killers into our country as a strategy for upstaging the government of the day and to gain power. Strange as it may sound, today we have watched as the cancer of insecurity and violence have metastasized. Now, this cancer threatens the very foundation of our common humanity.”
"The bandits have not only become embedded in every sphere of our lives, they threaten to destroy all that holds our communities together. This self-destructive cancer has invaded our communities and kidnapping is a now a dog whistle for undermining the very structure and foundation of our country. We now hang on the cross at the mercy of these forces of darkness. Mr. President, please, bring us down from this cross of insecurity," he pointed out.
Bishop Kukah emphasised the need for collective action to drive out darkness and build a society that reflects the creator's vision.
"We are the light of the world, a city set on a hill," he said.
He continued, "We are confident that a majority of the citizens of our country want to live in peace with one another. However, allowing this insecurity to persists will undermine all forms of goodwill that this or any government in Nigeria espouses.
“We have all the ingredients to create a toxic mix of violence that can spin out of control. Right now, frustration has penetrated every spectrum of our society especially as the government and its security agencies seem to have largely become spectators in the dance of death that has overtaken our country.
"We are in a dilemma now and the question is simple: is the persistence of the insecurity a statement of the lack of capacity of our men and women in uniform, or is it evidence that those at the top are reaping the fruits of funding their own war machine? In other words, are Nigerians lambs being sacrificed to an unknown god? Mr. President, step up, get to the finishing line and bring us down from this cross of shame."
The bishop concluded by wishing President Tinubu a happy Easter and calling on Nigerians to renew their commitment to building a better society.
According to him, the Nigerian government had also adopted ranching as a solution to violent clashes between herders and farmers in 2022.
Human rights lawyer, Femi Falana, SAN, has urged President Bola Tinubu to direct the military and the police to restore law and order in Plateau and Benue states.
Falana in a statement made available to SaharaReporters on Saturday, cited the failure of the federal and state governments to implement the ban on open grazing, despite the Northern and Southern Governors' Forums adopting the policy in 2021.
According to him, the Nigerian government had also adopted ranching as a solution to violent clashes between herders and farmers in 2022.
Regrettably, hundreds of people have been killed by armed herders and gunmen due to the lack of implementation.
Falana urged President Tinubu, as Commander-in-Chief, to direct the 3rd Division of the Nigerian Army and AIG Zone 4 of the Nigeria Police Force to take immediate action to restore peace in the affected states.
He said, "The Northern Governors Forum banned open grazing in February 2021 while the Southern Governors Forum banned open grazing in May 2021. In 2022, the federal government adopted ranching as a solution to the violent clashes between herders and farmers.
"Because of the failure of the federal government and the 36 state governments to implement the ban on open grazing, hundreds of people have been killed by armed herders and other gunmen.
Suspected Boko Haram terrorists have attacked the newly resettled Yamtake community in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State, killing two soldiers and an undisclosed number of civilians.
Security and local sources confirmed the attack, saying the assailants invaded the communities around 11:15pm on Thursday.
One of the military sources said before a reinforcement team was sent from Gwoza, the damage had bee done as the attackers stormed Yamtake military formation.
“We are waiting for the reinforcement team to return, but we learnt that two of our men and other civilians were affected. I advise we wait until they return,” he said.
However, Senator Ali Ndume, (APC, Borno South), said he had been in touch with the people of Yamtake community since the incident happened.
“It is unfortunate that our people in Yamtake village came under deadly Boko Haram invasion last night (Thursday). It’s one of the communities that received its IDPs recently, they were resettled by Borno State Government.”
“It is very sad that two soldiers paid the supreme price, while an unspecified number of innocent civilians were among the casualties. May their gentle souls rest in peace.
“But let me also commend Brig. Gen. Nasir Abdullahi, the Brigade Commander 26 Task Force and his gallant troops for their unwavering sacrifices and doggedness in repelling several attacks, especially those targeted at Gwoza town.
“I was reliably informed that the attackers after wreaking havoc in Yamtake made an attempt to infiltrate Gwoza town, but the troops played a gallant role to repel the attack. On several occasions, troops lay ambush in and around Gwoza town which helped in preventing terrorists who are making all efforts to dislodge Gwoza people living in the Council Headquarters.
“In the past one month, several communities in Borno South, North and Central Senatorial Districts witnessed deadly Boko Haram attacks without confrontation. The situation is worrisome.
“Let me therefore use this opportunity to advocate for the setting up of Armed Community Defence to complement the efforts of the military. This is because men of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), hunters and vigilantes have been doing their best, but they have limitations, as they only carry den guns, sticks which they found it very difficult to confront the terrorists.
“More so, I want to reiterate my calls on the federal government and the Nigerian Military to deploy Technology, Equipment, Arms and Ammunition, Motivation (TEAAM), which is the only way to end the over decade Boko Haram atrocities in Borno, North East and other parts of the country,” he added
Recall that on April 12, 2025, eight passengers of a commercial vehicle that drove on landmine planted by suspected Boko Haram killed 8 persons and injured over 17 others, along Damboa-Maiduguri Highway.
On January 24, 2025, Malam-Fatori Military asbe was attacked by Boko Haram insurgents who killed22 soldiers, including a commanding officer. Lots of military assets were also destroyed.
On March 24, 2025, suspected Boko Haram and ISWAP fighters attacked Wajiroko and Wulgo bases, killing at least four soldiers and damaging critical infrastructure.
New Terror Group, Mahmuda, Emerges In North-Central Nigeria, Kills Over 15 Vigilantes, Others
A new terror group has emerged in the North Central part of Nigeria, terrorising residents of rural communities, SaharaReporters has gathered.
Known as Mahmuda, sources said the group attacks communities around the Kainji Lake National Park (KLNP) at will.
The national park is located in North Central Nigeria, spanning parts of Kwara State and Niger State.
Some affected communities are in Kaiama Local Government Area (Kemaanji, Tenebo, Baabete, Nuku, Nanu) and Barutein Local Government Area (villages in Yashikira District), both in Kwara.
The sources added that the group has also taken over communities in Babana and Wawa District in Borgu Local Government in Niger.
SaharaReporters learnt that the militants attacked a vigilante group on Wednesday in Kemanji, killing over 15 members and villagers.
“They called themselves Mahmuda group. Their leader in a voice note is threatening all the communities. They kill and kidnap victims and also demand ransom,” one of the sources said.
Another source added, “The surge of insecurity in Nigeria has been a source of concern to the citizenry because of its destructive factor to livelihood, and unfortunately, new militant groups continue to emerge and occupy the ungoverned spaces in the country.
“With the Kainji Lake National Park left unguarded, the loggers, fishermen, and hunter groups take the opportunity and start enjoying the common good of the citizens for their personal gain,” the source said.
“At the beginning there was a clash between the loggers and the militants as well as the vigilantes, but the loggers negotiated with the militants, and the loggers gained access to the forest to harvest trees without any hitches and this as well serves as the biggest opportunity for the militant to make money through the logging activities.
“Currently, the community of Kainji National Park (KLNP), which includes Kaiama LGA (Kemaanji, Tenebo, Baabete, Nuku, Nanu) and Barutein LGA (villages in Yashikira District that share a border with the park), all in Kwara State, part of Babana and Wawa District in Borgu LGA in Niger State, have been under siege for years, and the world does not know what is happening to the Borgawas (Borgu people).
“The militants occupied the park visibly over five years ago when they raided the park and chased the Range Guard out of the park. They migrated from Mokwa LGA when they were chased away by the then Governor of Niger State, Muazu Babangida Aliyu. He accused them of being members of Boko Haram.
“Upon their eviction from Mokwa LGA, they relocated to a village called Welele in Kaiama LGA. The local government authority, with the collaboration of the security forces, forced them out of Kaiama LGA. Following their eviction from Kaiama, they relocated to the Kaduna State forest. The same group, well-armed, resurfaced in the national park, and became a monster.
“Thus, who are these new militant groups? Some people claim that the militant group came from the Benin Republic or Niger Republic. This claim is also similar to a report from BBC Radio that there was an influx of militant groups to Kainji Lake National Park. Further study of them will reveal the true identity of this faceless group.
“However, a recent audiotape record from the militant claims to be a moderate Islamist, this assertion confirms that they are a sect of Boko haram that broke away from the Shekau-led extremist group. Regrettably, the locals are gradually being recruited into their ranks as informants. They referred to themselves as the Mahmuda Group or Mallam Group, their leader's name and a jihadist fighting to promote the cause of the Sunni group.
“The militant group mainly speaks Hausa. The saddened reality is that the activities of these militants, controlling a vast territory of 3970.29 sq. km of the Nigerian state, have resulted in the community members living at the mercy and dictates of the non-state actor. Living at the mercy and dictates of the militants manifests in a number of ways.
“First, the herders within the park pay dues (zakah) to the militants to allow them to graze their cattle. Second, the farmers to whom the militant allocates farmland within the forest also pay farming levies to the militants. Third, the militants forced the residents to work on their farm as sadaka. Fourth, members of the community are kidnapped and made to pay ransom. Fifth, illegal mounting of roadblocks along the community, and regulating the social activities, particularly the sale of alcohol and all forms of smoking, and even settling disputes among the community’s members.
“Sixth, the militants threaten the existence of herbalists that they assume are fortifying the community vigilante members to confront them. Unconfirmed reports also have it that the Mahmuda Group or Mallam Group is into illegal mining in the park environment.
“In their ploy to deceive the people with religion, they timely gather community members to preach about Islamic ethics as well as persuade community members to be disloyal to the Nigerian state and also instruct that any disputes within the community must be reported to them.
“The loss of trust in the security agent to address the insecurity challenges in the area makes the vigilante group work hand in hand with the Mahmuda Group to rescue kidnapped victims from the bandits. The group was able to force out all the bandits from the park area, and their collaborators within the communities were kidnapped to their place, and ransom was collected, or those judged to be more involved in the act of banditry were slaughtered.
“The assumption among the locals is that the militant group present in the National Park is known to the authority above, but by whom? Guess time will tell. To some, it’s simply because of the sophisticated weapons in their possession, which makes it practically difficult for them to be dislodged from the national asset.”
Gunmen suspected to be kidnappers invaded the home of a middle-aged man, Pius Friday, killed him, and abducted his pregnant wife and her sister in Uloke community, Uzairue, Etsako West Local Government Area of Edo State.
According to eyewitnesses, the assailants stormed the residence around 1am on Monday while the victim and his family were asleep.
However, Pius was shot dead on the spot, while his wife and sister-in-law were dragged into the nearby bush by the attackers.
Vanguard reports that the gunmen left behind the couple’s three children, who were found crying in a pool of their father’s blood.
“People heard gunshots around the deceased’s house, but were scared to come out,” a local resident who requested anonymity told reporters.
“When we finally got there after the shooting stopped, we found him dead, lying in his own blood. The killers took his pregnant wife and her sister. No one knows where they are now.”
The Edo State Police Command confirmed the incident. Command spokesperson, CSP Moses Yamu, said the authorities are actively working to rescue the abducted victims.
“The Command is aware and necessary deployment have been made in that regard,” Yamu stated.
“Our men have sustained bush combing and rescue operations with a view to rescuing the victims.”
The brutal attack has created outrage and fear across the community, prompting dozens of women to take to the streets in protest. Chanting and holding placards, the women demanded urgent action from government and security agencies to curb the rising wave of violence in the area.
One of the protesters, a woman who identified herself simply as Rashidetu, appeared in a viral video lamenting the deteriorating security situation in Uloke.
“We are protesting not only the death of the young man and the kidnapping of his wife and her sister, but also the long absence of security in the Uluoke community,” she said.
According to Rashidetu, insecurity has forced many residents to abandon their farmlands. She claimed that herders have taken over farms in the area, destroying crops, kidnapping women, and killing anyone who resists.
“Our cassava is being uprooted to feed cows, and anyone who tries to stop them is attacked. We can no longer go to our farms. We are living in fear every day,” she cried.
The women called on the Edo State government, the Nigeria Police Force, and all relevant security agencies to come to their aid, warning that the situation is rapidly deteriorating.
MAKURDI — No fewer than 144 persons have been killed by herdsmen in the two north central states of Plateau and Benue states in the last two weeks, as the blood-letting continued late Tuesday, with the killing of at least 13 persons, while scores of others sustained injuries, with over 50 houses razed.
Recall that within the period, 104 persons, comprising 52 in Bassa local government area and another 52 in Bokkos LGA of Plateau State, were killed by the marauding herdsmen, while at least 40 were also killed in Benue State.
In Benue, three persons were killed on April 3 when a Benue Links bus was ambushed at Ikobi community in Otukpo Local Government Area, LGA, while on April 10, two farmers were murdered by the marauders in Gwer West LGA.
Same day, three persons were killed at Mbasombo community also in Gwer East LGA, while the latest attack on Otobi Akpa in Otukpo LGA and the boundary with Nasarawa State claimed the lives of at least 13 persons, with several others declared missing.
Aside from the killings in the north central states, Boko Haram insurgents also on Tuesday, attacked Adamawa communities in Hong local government area, killing seven persons, while scores of others are still missing.
The latest killings in Benue on Tuesday evening, came as Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State yesterday announced prohibition of night grazing, transportation of cattle by vehicles after 7:00 pm, and restriction of the use of motorcycles from 7:00 pm to 6:00 am across the state until further notice, as part of measures to ward off the marauding herdsmen.
The attack on Otobi Akpa community started at about 6:00pm from the popular Otobi junction when over 20 armed herdsmen in a commando style, shot sporadically at anybody they sighted. TheY also set ablaze no fewer than 50 houses.
Unfortunately most the of the vigilantes who could have stopped them from entering the main town to perpetrate their mission, had moved to Adim village of Akpa to attend a burial.
The terrifying sounds of gunshots created palpable fear as many took to their heels, while others who were curious to know what was happening ran into the herdsmen who opened fire on them, killing at least 13 persons in the process, while many escaped with gunshot wounds.
Some other victims were butchered with cutlasses, with their brains scattered around the scenes they were killed.
Investigation revealed that the killer herdsmen invaded Otobi Akpa and other Akpa communities to resist the law against open grazing which stopped them from grazing their cattle in the area.
One of the elders of the community, Adikwu Ogbe, who lamented the attack, recalled that Otobi Akpa community was one of the most peaceful communities in Idoma land, noting that in the past, the community had lived peacefully with Fulani herders until recently when they (herders) started bearing sophisticated arms and threatening the locals.
Recall that about three weeks ago, a security guard with Otukpo dam was shot and dismembered by herdsmen who enter Otobi village and shot sporadically in a night attack.
At the time of filing this report, many residents were seen fleeing the community, while search for those missing was in progress.
There was also no sign of security presence in the affected areas.
Benue State Deputy Governor, Samuel Ode, in company of heavily armed security operatives, yesterday visited the area to sympathise with many of the residents who are currently taking refuge at the Federal Government College, Otobi.
He appealed to them to remain calm, assuring that measures were being put in place to end further attack by the killers herdsmen.
Meanwhile, the community has become a ghost town as virtually everyone has fled the area for fear of another attack.
7 killed, many more missing as Boko Haram insurgents attack Adamawa community While the herders are running riot in Plateau, Benue and Nasarawa states, Boko Haram insurgents in the early hours of yesterday, launched an attack on Adamawa communities in Hong local government, killing seven persons, while scores of others have been declared missing.
The attack, which is the fourth this year, occurred in the quiet communities of Banga and Larh and some adjoining villages in Hong LGA.
At least seven persons were confirmed dead, including a vigilante, killed by detonated explosives.
The assault also saw a police van shattered by the explosives, though its occupants miraculously escaped unharmed.
The attack in Banga claimed three lives, including two men shot dead by insurgents and a woman who fell and died during the stampede in nearby Larh.
According to locals, the attackers came in their large numbers and started shooting sporadically in all directions in the community .
“In the twinkle of an eye, the entire communities were deserted as people scampered in different directions for their lives,” Ma’am Yakub, an eyewitness told Vanguard.
He said in the ensuring confusion, many people got missing as their whereabouts are unknown.
The attack became more dreadful following the tragic loss of a vigilante in Banga, who was killed when a bomb detonated during efforts to secure the area.
“It’s heartbreaking that we are losing our people to these monsters, and now, even those protecting us are now the targets,’’ said a community leader who requested anonymity.
Local sources noted that the insurgents often plant such devices to deter security operatives from pursuing them, a strategy that had repeatedly disrupted response efforts.
The chairman of Hong local government council, Mr Waang Inuwa, who confirmed the attack, called for more military presence in the communities .
The attack on Banga and Larh underscores the persistent threat posed by Boko Haram in North-Eastern Nigeria, despite claims by authorities that the group had been significantly weakened.
“We feel abandoned. These attacks keep happening, and we’re left to fend for ourselves,” another community leader lamented .
In a significant development, Dangote Petroleum Refinery has announced a further reduction in the gantry price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol.
The new price is set at N835 per litre, down from N865 per litre, marking a 3.5 per cent decrease. This price adjustment follows the recent decline in global crude oil prices, which have dropped to $64 per barrel from over $70 per barrel in recent weeks.
The refinery had previously reduced its gantry price from N880 to N865 per litre; however, oil marketers did not pass on the savings to consumers.
The Dangote Refinery, with a capacity of 650,000 barrels per day, continues to play a crucial role in Nigeria’s energy landscape
Nigeria’s headline inflation has increased to 24.23 per cent in March.
According to a report by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), the increase was due to the rise in the average prices of ginger (fresh), garri (yellow), broken rice (ofada), honey (natural production), crabs, potatoes, plantain flour, periwinkle (unshelled), pepper (fresh).
The report noted that the figure was a 1.05 per cent marginal increase from the 23.18 per cent recorded in February.
Daily Trust reports that this will be the first increase of the inflation figure since the NBS rebased the Consumer Price Index (CPI) earlier in the year.
FCT NUJ decries telecom cost, poor infrastructure 140 sacks of Indian hemp intercepted in Ondo, suspects escape The report said food inflation was 21.79 per cent on a year-on-year basis but analysis on month-on-month indicated a 0.50 increase to 2.18 per cent from 1.67 per cent recorded in February.
“Looking at the movement, the March 2025 headline inflation rate showed an increase of 1.05% compared to the February 2025 headline inflation rate. Furthermore, on a month-on-month basis, the headline inflation rate in March 2025 was 3.90%, which was 1.85% higher than the rate recorded in February 2025 (2.04%). This means that in March 2025, the rate of increase in the average price level is higher than the rate of increase in the average price level in February 2025,” it said.
It explained that contributions of items on the divisional level are: food & non-alcoholic beverages 9.28 per cent, restaurants and accommodation services 2.99 per cent, transport 2.47 per cent, housing, water, electricity, gas, and other fuels 1.95 per cent, education services 1.44 per cent, health 1.40 per cent.
Food inflation highest in Oyo, Kaduna, Kebbi states
According to the report, the price of food commodities increased higher in Oyo (34.41%), Kaduna (31.14%), and Kebbi (30.85%) states when compared with the same month last year.
But Bayelsa (9.61%), Adamawa (12.41%), and Akwa Ibom (12.60%) recorded the slowest rise during the same period.
On a month-on-month basis, food prices increased highest in Oyo (19.74%), Kaduna (17.24%), and Kebbi (14.03%). Sokoto (-14.10%), Nasarawa (-9.91%) and Edo (-5.78%) recorded a decline in food inflation on a month-on-month basis.
“All items inflation rate on a year-on-year basis was highest in Kaduna (33.33%), Osun (32.08%), and Kebbi (30.74%), while Akwa Ibom (12.81%), Bayelsa (14.02%), Sokoto (14.83%) recorded the lowest rise in Headline inflation on year-on-year basis. On a month-on-month basis, however, March 2025 recorded the highest increases in Kaduna (18.85%), Osun (16.49%), Oyo (14.44%), while Sokoto (-8.66%), Nasarawa (-4.38%) and Kwara (-3.69%) recorded the lowest rise in month-on-month inflation. Food Inflation In March 2025.”
Inflation increasing due to instability in Nigeria’s economy
Speaking with Daily Trust, Professor of Economics, Prof. Ndubisi Nwokoma, said the increase could be linked to lack of stability in Nigeria’s economy.
Prof. Nwokoma said this is evident in the fluctuation of exchange rate and insecurity in rural areas that are the agricultural belt, warning that if these problems are not addressed, rebasing would not bring down the inflation figure.
“The exchange rate has not been stable in the past three months, we were below N1,500 to a dollar in January but have moved to N1,500 and going to N1,600. When this instability occurs in the currency rate it will definitely affect other consumer goods and products.
“Inflation is still high because it is driven by other market indicators like exchange rate, Also, we have increasing insecurity. We have seen herders destroying crops to give their herds, thereby depriving farmers the harvest to feed the populace.
So, if we don’t protect our farmers and the farmlands there will be food shortages when you don’t have farmers protected. So, when you have all these, inflation will go up no matter how much you rebase it,” he said.
NoIgboSoundTueh: So under PDP killings wasn’t happening? In fact statistically Nigerians had it worse under PDP with bomb tearing through Nigeria You’re an hypocrite
Many people were feared dead as suspected armed herders invaded the Otobi community in the Akpa district of the Otukpo Local Government Area of Benue State on Tuesday.
A resident of Otobi Community, Edwin Emma, told journalists on the phone that the renewed attack left many persons feared killed.
He said, “We are being attacked by herdsmen at Otobi community; my wife and children are fleeing from the community as I speak, please call for help.”
Confirming the attack, the lawmaker representing Otukpo-Akpa in the Benue State House of Assembly, Kennedy Angbo, said the attack started around 5:30 pm on Tuesday.
The lawmaker, who hails from the Akpa district told our correspondent in a telephone call on Tuesday evening that three corpses have been recovered and hundreds are fleeing the community.
“Right now, many people are feared killed, and hundreds of people have fled the community,” the lawmaker said.
It was gathered that the latest attack was the third in the Otobi community in the month of April
Efforts to get the spokesperson for the state police command, Catherine Anene, for confirmation were not successful, as calls made to her phone did not connect.
Nigeria’s annual inflation rate rose to 24.23 per cent in March from 23.18 per cent in February 2025, the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) said on Tuesday.
The statistics office said the March 2025 headline inflation rate showed an increase of 1.05 per cent compared to the February 2025 headline inflation rate.
On a month-on-month basis, it said the headline inflation rate in March 2025 was 3.90 per cent, which was 1.85 per cent higher than the rate recorded in February 2025 (2.04 per cent).
This, it said, means that in March 2025, the rate of increase in the average price level is higher than the rate of increase in the average price level in February 2025.
Food inflation The NBS said the food inflation rate in March 2025 was 21.79 per cent on a year-on-year basis. However, on a month-on-month basis, the Food inflation rate in March 2025 was 2.18 per cent, up by 0.50 per cent compared to February 2025 (1.67 per cent).
It said the increase can be attributed to the rate of increase in the average prices of ginger (fresh), garri (yellow), broken rice (ofada), honey (natural production), crabs, potatoes, plantain flour, periwinkle (unshelled), pepper (fresh), etc.
Nigeria has experienced a sharp increase in food prices in recent years. This trend worsened in 2023 following President Bola Tinubu’s removal of petrol subsidies and adopting a floating exchange rate for the naira.
This shift has led to a steep increase in the cost of staple food, pushing many Nigerians further into poverty and heightening food insecurity.
The persistent price surge over the past year has led to several farms and businesses closing, with many agricultural producers scaling back their output due to insecurity and unpredictable weather conditions affecting rural areas.
In response, Mr Tinubu declared a state of emergency on food insecurity in July 2023, aiming to combat rising food costs. Despite these efforts, at the time, food inflation has continued unabated.
ALSO READ: Nigeria’s inflation rate eases in February – NBS In July last year, Mr Tinubu unveiled some proactive measures to address skyrocketing food prices in the country. Amongst these is the decision to suspend duties, tariffs, and taxes on importing essential food items such as beans, wheat, and husked brown rice.
In January, the NBS said Nigeria’s annual inflation rate dropped to 24.48 per cent in January from 34.80 per cent in December 2024 after rebasing.
Breakdown In its inflation report Tuesday, the NBS said the contributions of items on the divisional year-on-year level to the increase in the headline index are food & non-alcoholic beverages (9.28 per cent), restaurants and accommodation services (2.99 per cent), transport (2.47 per cent), housing, water, electricity, gas & other fuel (1.95 per cent), education services (1.44 per cent), health (1.40 per cent), clothing & footwear (1.17 per cent).
Others are information and communication (0.76 per cent), personal care, social protection, and miscellaneous goods and services (0.76 per cent), furnishing, household equipment, and routine household maintenance (0.69 per cent), insurance and financial services (0.11 per cent), alcoholic beverage, tobacco and narcotics (0.09 per cent) and recreation, sport and culture (0.07 per cent).
The report said the Consumer Price Index (CPI) rose to 117.34 in March 2025 reflecting a 4.40-point increase from the preceding month.
On a year-on-year basis, the NBS said in March 2025, the Urban inflation rate was 26.12 per cent. On a month-on-month basis, the Urban inflation rate was 3.96 per cent in March 2025, up by 1.56 per cent compared to February 2025 (2.40 per cent).
It explained that the Rural inflation rate in March 2025 was 20.89 per cent on a year-on-year basis. On a month-on-month basis, the Rural inflation rate in March 2025 was 3.73 per cent, up by 2.57 per cent compared to February 2025 (1.16 per cent).
The statement is a huge blow to Atiku, who has been in an unrelenting quest for the presidency for over three decades.
APeoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain and member of the Board of Trustees (BoT), Chief Bode George, has declared that the PDP would cease to exist if former Vice President Atiku Abubakar is handed the party’s 2027 presidential ticket.
Speaking during an interview on Channels Television on Monday, the elder statesman didn’t mince his words.
“If he (Atiku) picks it (PDP’s ticket), that is the end of this party,” George said. “If he picks it by manipulation, which was what was done the last time, we will not accept it.”
The statement is a huge blow to Atiku, who has been in an unrelenting quest for the presidency for over three decades.
Having contested and lost six times under different political platforms, Atiku was the PDP's flagbearer in 2023, coming second to President Bola Tinubu of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
But in a country reeling from economic collapse, all-time high inflation, and historic levels of hardship, Atiku recently launched a new coalition to unseat Tinubu.
On March 20, 2025, he unveiled an alliance alongside Labour Party’s Peter Obi, ex-Kaduna governor Nasir El-Rufai, and others, presenting what he called a “third force.”
But Bode George isn’t buying it.
He praised the PDP governors for distancing themselves from the coalition and slammed Atiku for failing to show true party leadership during PDP’s internal crises.
“No, if he is the leader of the party, he would have waded into it (the crisis),” George said.
“The fact that he was the presidential candidate of the party at the last election doesn’t mean he is a bona fide, fixated leader of the party. If he’s running for his private interest, it’s different from the interest of the party.”
Asked whether Atiku had any chance of securing the party’s ticket in 2027, George was blunt.
“He cannot be. This is what I am saying. There was eight years in the north, there should be eight years in the south. That is the dictate, that is the doctrine of the PDP.”
Citing the party’s constitution, he argued that rotational presidency remains a foundational principle of the PDP.
“Section 7, Sub-section 3C of our constitution states that once the presidential candidate has been in the South for eight years, it goes to the North—and vice versa. Is Atiku from the South-West, South-South or South-East?”
In a rare moment of bipartisan honesty, the Lagos-born politician also dismissed any hope for a second term for Bola Tinubu, his kinsman.
"I don’t want Tinubu again either. But I want the PDP to win with a southern candidate. Not Atiku. He can go to any party, it’s his constitutional right. But not here, not again.”
Bode George’s comments add to the internal strife and power struggle tearing at the seams of Nigeria’s opposition party.
The Presidency on Sunday dismissed any notion of fresh revelations emerging from a United States court order directing the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Drug Enforcement Administration to release files on President Bola Tinubu’s past investigation.
It insisted that the records, which date back to a drug trafficking investigation in Chicago from the early 1990s, have been publicly available for over three decades and posed no fresh concerns for the President.
This followed a ruling by Judge Beryl Howell of the U.S. District Court in Washington, DC, who instructed both agencies to conduct searches and process non-exempt documents in response to Freedom of Information Act requests filed by American legal researcher Aaron Greenspan.
A copy of the court decision, obtained Sunday, shows that the FBI and DEA must comply with Greenspan’s FOIA submissions related to a Chicago-based narcotics ring from the early 1990s—“involving Tinubu and three others: Lee Andrew Edwards, Mueez Akande, and Abiodun Agbele.”
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“The FBI and DEA have both officially confirmed investigations of Tinubu relating to the drug trafficking ring,” the court stated, adding that “privacy interests are outweighed by the public interest in the release of such information.”
Reacting to the development, the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, said, “There is nothing new to be revealed. The report by Agent Moss of the FBI and the DEA has been in the public space for more than 30 years. The reports did not indict the Nigerian leader.”
Onanuga confirmed that government lawyers were reviewing the US judge’s ruling, arguing that the documents add no fresh dimension to Tinubu’s past.
The order, issued by Judge Howell on April 8, mandates the FBI and DEA to conduct searches and process any non-exempt documents in response to Freedom of Information Act requests filed by American legal researcher Aaron Greenspan.
Greenspan, who runs the transparency platform PlainSite, submitted 12 FOIA requests between 2022 and 2023.
His filings sought information on a Chicago-based drug trafficking operation from the early 1990s and included requests for records concerning Tinubu and three others: Lee Andrew Edwards, Mueez Akande, and Abiodun Agbele.
Until now, the FBI and DEA had issued “Glomar responses,” declining to confirm or deny the existence of the records. However, the court ruled that such responses were not justified in this case.
It stated that both agencies had effectively confirmed the existence of investigations involving Tinubu and must now proceed with releasing relevant materials unless they are legally exempt.
In her decision, Judge Howell stressed that any potential privacy concerns were outweighed by the public interest in the case. The ruling noted that the agencies failed to provide sufficient justification for withholding the information.
The judgment read, “The FBI and DEA have both officially confirmed investigations of Tinubu relating to the drug trafficking ring.
“Any privacy interests implicated by the FOIA requests to the FBI and DEA for records about Tinubu are overcome by the public interest in release of such information.
“Since the FBI and DEA have provided no information to establish that a cognizable privacy interest exists in keeping secret the fact that Tinubu was a subject of criminal investigation.
“They have failed to meet their burden to sustain their Glomar responses and provide an additional reason why these responses must be lifted.”
While the FBI and DEA were ordered to comply with the FOIA requests, the court upheld the CIA’s decision to withhold records, after Greenspan acknowledged the agency had valid grounds under existing law.
All parties involved have been instructed to file a joint report on the progress of the case by May 2, 2025.
The judge ruled, “For the reasons discussed above, the plaintiff is entitled to summary judgment as to each of the four Glomar responses asserted by defendants FBI and DEA, while defendant CIA is entitled to summary judgment since its Glomar response was properly asserted.
“Accordingly, the FBI and DEA must search for and process non-exempt records responsive to the FOIA requests directed to these agencies.
“The CIA, meanwhile, is entitled to judgment in its favour in this case. The remaining parties are directed to file jointly, by May 2, 2025, a report on the status of any outstanding issues in this case, as described in the accompanying order.”
However, the Special Adviser to the President on Policy Communication, Daniel Bwala, while speaking on Sunday’s edition of Channels Television’s Politics Today, stated that the information being sought wouldn’t be different from what was already in the public domain.
According to him, the buzz around the news was mainly because of the way the media and opposition interpreted it.
He said, “Nothing’s new at all. So, let’s wait for the 2nd of May because there is actually nothing that they are seeking for which has not been released. I mean it is intended to create unnecessary conversation as if there is an issue on the table.
“So, there is nothing actually in what was published in the ruling of the court that is new. Everything has been in the public domain for ages. But you know, the opposition will want to feast on it because in the absence of better ideas, that is the only thing they can cling on to, in the hope that they will probably misinterpret the public.
Meanwhile, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, who ran against Tinubu in the 2023 presidential polls, has welcomed the American court’s order. He argued that if the disclosed records prove the President ineligible to hold office, Tinubu “should step aside” for the sake of Nigeria’s global image.
“Anyone occupying the Presidency must not be of tainted character,” Atiku said in a statement through his media aide, Paul Ibe. He added that the entire fiasco underscored the need for “full disclosure” on matters such as alleged forfeitures and academic credentials.
The former VP stated, “What it means is that the efforts of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar will not be in vain, and what will be uncovered is His Excellency’s attempt to ascertain exactly what transpired – the circumstances surrounding the forfeiture of thousands of dollars allegedly linked to drug trafficking—and the issue concerning the Chicago State University certificate.
“The reason is clear, the matter of the presidency of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, whoever occupies that position must not be someone of tainted character.
“The government must ensure full disclosure. It is important, Nigerians need to know the background, academic records, age, state of origin, and the schools the leader attended.”
Atiku argued the importance of the ruling, saying it involves the world’s largest Black democracy.
“The fact that this issue concerns the government and the occupant of the office makes it even more significant. This is not just about Nigeria.
“This is the foremost Black nation in the world—the most populous. And so, we mean something to people around the world, especially the global Black community.
“It’s actually about time. And it’s a welcome development so we can clear the air about the issues that have been raised. Well, it’s not even just about future elections,” he stated.
The Lagos State Vehicle Inspection Service has advised residents to avoid boarding rickety vehicles, warning that they pose a serious threat to public safety.
The Director of VIS, Mr Akin-George Fashola, issued the warning in a statement released on Sunday and signed by Mrs Bolanle Ogunlola, Deputy Director of Public Affairs at the state Ministry of Transportation.
Fashola said several dilapidated vehicles had been recently impounded across Lagos for failing to meet safety standards.
He described the condition of the vehicles as “ticking time bombs,” citing expired tyres, weak brakes, and rusted body parts as major hazards.
“The rickety vehicles have been linked to numerous accidents in the state, often resulting in loss of lives, injuries, and property damage.
“Several critical issues common among the seized vehicles are unstable tires due to expiration, potential brake failure caused by makeshift repairs, and disjointed body compartments weakened by rust, all of which render them unfit for commercial use,” he said.
According to him, many of the vehicles operate mostly at night, putting unsuspecting commuters at even greater risk.
He urged the public to prioritise their safety and report any rickety vehicle sightings via the VIS complaint email — info@dvis.lg.gov.ng — or through the Ministry of Transportation hotlines: 09020004000 and 09020009000.
Fashola added that the seized vehicles would not be returned to service and assured the public that VIS was working with transport unions to keep Lagos roads safe.
Politics › I Will Not Support President Tinubu In 2027 - Onokpasa by treesun(op): 12:47am On Apr 28, 2025
