Sowore Slams Tinubu Police IG Over Silence as 25 Schoolgirls Are Abducted and Brigadier General kill.

Human rights activist Omoyele Sowore has sharply criticized President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the leadership of Nigeria’s security agencies following the abduction of twenty-five schoolgirls in Kebbi State and the execution of a Brigadier General by Boko Haram/ISWAP. In a strongly worded message shared on his verified Facebook page, Sowore condemned what he described as the government’s disturbing silence in the face of national tragedy.

Sowore noted that despite the kidnapping of the schoolgirls, President Tinubu’s public statement of the day focused instead on offering a casual greeting to a “seasoned banker.” He also accused the Inspector General of Police of failing to make any comment, calling the IGP incompetent, illegally appointed, and long overdue for dismissal, especially after what he described as a disastrous handling of the Yelwata massacre in Benue.

The activist further expressed outrage that even after a senior military officer was executed, the President has still not addressed the nation. He argued that the absence of reassurance, outrage, or leadership reflects a government disconnected from its citizens.

According to Sowore, a country where schoolgirls are abducted and officers are murdered while leaders remain silent is a failed state.

Benue Insecurity: Zaki Biam Residents Pay Kidnappers N100,000 for Protection.

Residents of Zaki Biam in Ukum LGA, Benue State, are gripped by fear as criminal activities escalate, including kidnapping threats, motorcycle theft, and suspected cult operations.

A community source told Vanguard correspondent over the weekend that residents have been receiving calls from unknown individuals demanding money and threatening abduction. 

“People are scared because these callers sound serious and very coordinated. We need urgent help before things get out of hand,” he said.

He added that insecurity has worsened due to the activities of an alleged cult group that reportedly meets at the shop of its suspected leader, located at the former SSS office along Yam Market bypass. 

“These boys meet both during the day and very late at night. Their activities are suspicious, and everyone in the area is worried about what they are planning.”

Motorcycle theft has also surged. Thieves reportedly target riders at night, creating heightened tension in a community where motorcycles are essential for transport and livelihood. “Because all the motorcycle thefts have happened at night, people no longer move around freely once it gets dark,” he said.

The fear is intensified by kidnapping threats. “One case involved a POS operator who allegedly paid ₦100,000 after being threatened by criminals who warned they would kidnap him if he refused. Imagine receiving a call telling you to send money or you will be taken away. That is the kind of fear people here are living with every day,” he added.

Residents are calling for urgent intervention from security agencies. “We are appealing to the government and security operatives to come to our rescue. Lives and property are no longer safe, and something must be done urgently,” he lamented.

Efforts to reach the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Udeme Edet, were unsuccessful at press time.

NewsAmerica sneezes, Nigeria catches fever – Ejiofor reveals why Trump’s move angers politicians.

Social critic and legal practitioner, Sir Ifeanyi Ejiofor says Nigerian politicians are angry over President Donald Trump’s decision to wipe out terrorists from the country mainly for self-preservation.

In a statement posted on his official Facebook page on Saturday, the lawyer said “many people have turned insecurity into a thriving enterprise”.

He opined that those “crying foul” since Trump designated Nigeria as Country of Particular Concerns and threatened military action over alleged Christian genocide “are simply afraid of losing their political bargaining chip”.

He said, “America sneezes and Nigeria catches a fever. When Donald Trump recently declared his intention to “wipe out the monsters committing genocide against Christians in Nigeria”, you could almost hear the political class jump in unison.

“Suddenly, we became born-again defenders of sovereignty, those that failed to protect children in Chibok, girls in Dapchi, or farmers in Benue. How convenient!

“Let’s be clear: the noise isn’t about patriotism. It’s about self-preservation. Too many people have turned insecurity into a thriving enterprise: those who negotiate ransoms, those who supply arms, those who collect “security votes” without securing anything, and those who profit politically from fear”.

According to the lawyer, the “prospect of a foreign force dismantling this network terrifies them, not because they love Nigeria, but because it would collapse their cash cow.

“The world knew the scale of our tragedy long before any single politician made headlines. Human-rights organisations and investigators have documented widespread atrocities and urged accountability. Thousands of lives have been lost, millions displaced, and entire communities erased from maps. The evidence is on every Nigerian lip, every burnt village, and every weeping IDP camp.

U.S. Bill Seeks Visa Bans, Asset Freezes for Miyetti Allah Over Religious Freedom Violations.

A new bill before the United States Congress has proposed targeted sanctions on Nigerian individuals and groups accused of severe violations of religious freedom, naming the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) and Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore among entities of concern.

The legislation, introduced on Tuesday by House Representative Smith Christopher, recommends visa restrictions and asset freezes for members of the listed groups. Christopher also praised President Donald Trump for re-designating Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC) under US law.

In the bill, “Fulani-Ethnic Militias” operating in Benue and Plateau states were also placed on the Entities of Particular Concern (EPC) list reserved for non-state actors implicated in serious religious freedom abuses. Previously designated EPCs include Boko Haram, ISIS-West Africa, ISIS-Sahel, the Taliban, and the Houthis.

The development came the same day US Senator Ted Cruz renewed pressure on Abuja, vowing to hold Nigerian officials accountable over what he described as evidence of a Christian gen+cide. Cruz, who in October proposed the Nigeria Religious Freedom Accountability Act of 2025, said he would soon name officials he believes enabled religious persecution.

His earlier bill sought sanctions against federal or state officials accused of promoting or enforcing blasphemy laws.

The Nigerian government has consistently rejected such allegations, insisting that insecurity across the country is driven by criminal activity rather than religious motivations.

Senate moves to phase out petrol cars, advances electric vehicle bill.

The Nigerian Senate has moved closer to adopting clean energy transportation after a bill seeking to phase out petrol-powered cars and promote electric vehicles (EVs) scaled second reading on Tuesday.

The proposed legislation, sponsored by Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, aims to provide the legal and policy framework for Nigeria’s transition from fossil fuel dependence to electric mobility. Kalu explained that the bill would help reduce carbon emissions, encourage local vehicle production, and align the country with global efforts toward sustainable transport.

According to him, the transport sector contributes between 20 and 30 percent of Nigeria’s greenhouse gas emissions. “This bill seeks to establish a comprehensive legal and institutional framework to guide Nigeria’s gradual move from petrol-powered vehicles to cleaner, energy-efficient, and environmentally friendly alternatives,” he said.

The bill also proposes creating a National Electric Vehicle Development and Promotion Council to coordinate policy implementation at all levels of government.

In support of the proposal, Senator Adamu Aliero (Kebbi Central) described it as timely, noting that countries like Kenya and South Africa are already progressing in electric mobility. He said adopting EVs would reduce emissions in cities such as Lagos and Kano, improve public health, and create new jobs.

Senator Osita Ngwu (Enugu West) added that Nigeria’s population gives it a critical role in global climate action, while Senator Titus Zam (Benue North-West) highlighted the environmental and health gains of the transition.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio commended the initiative, calling it a “very good innovation,” and expressed confidence in its potential impact. The bill has been forwarded to the Senate Committee on Industries for further consideration, with a report expected in four weeks.

"Over 200k people are living with HIV in Rivers state"— Nedu’s podcast guest says, as they raise awareness about the high HIV rate in Lagos.

A recent episode of The Clarity Zone Podcast hosted by media personality Nedu Wazobia sparked conversations online after a guest opened up about the growing concern of HIV/AIDS in Lagos and other parts of Nigeria.

Speaking on the show, the guest highlighted the alarming statistics of HIV prevalence across several states, naming Rivers, Benue, Akwa Ibom, and Anambra as some of the states with the highest number of people living with the virus.

“Rivers State has over 200k. The next is Akwa Ibom with over 100k, and funny enough, Anambra State also has about 100k,” the guest said.

The speaker, also discussed efforts being made to promote awareness and connection among people living with the virus, citing the idea of ‘positive bondship’ a space where HIV-positive individuals can meet and build relationships safely.

“We’re trying so hard to curb it, that’s why we have positive bondship that’s why if you’re HIV positive, you can meet your fellow HIV positive. But on this part of the Island, people just believe because I’m positive doesn’t mean I cannot be with who’s negative,” the guest added.

They went on to address the widespread stigma and denial surrounding HIV, noting that many Nigerians, including influential figures, live with the virus in silence.

“A lot of people are in denial. Some of them are like, ‘Anything can kill a man, no be to die?’ Even our politicians, some of them are like that they are HIV positive. Most times people don’t know,” the guest said.

The emotional confession has stirred discussions on social media, with many praising the speaker’s courage to break the silence on a topic often treated as taboo in Nigeria.

Gov Alia approves implementation of unions’ demands at Benue varsityNewsGov Alia approves implementation of unions’ demands at Benue varsity.

Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia has approved the immediate implementation of the demands made by striking workers of the Moses Orshio Adasu University, Makurdi, Benue State.

This followed negotiations between the government team led by the Secretary to the State Government, Deaconess Serumun Deborah Aber; the institution’s management, led by the Acting Vice-Chancellor, Professor Simon Terver Ubwa; and the university-based unions—ASUU, SSANU, NASU, and NAAT—culminating in a Memorandum of Agreement.

The visitor to the university, Rev. Fr. Dr Hyacinth Iormem Alia, approved the implementation of the contentious issues that had caused industrial disharmony since 2018 with immediate effect.

This was contained in a letter dated October 31, 2025, duly signed by the Permanent Secretary (General Services) on behalf of the Secretary to the State Government.

According to a statement issued on Saturday by the Registrar of the institution, Barnabas Hema, he enumerated the approved demands to include “immediate and complete implementation of the newly approved minimum wage template as presented by the unions.

“Immediate payment of arrears of the minimum wage from November 2023 to date; proper placement and payment of salary entitlements to previously promoted staff of the university. This is with immediate effect, starting with October 2025 salaries.”

He said the government is committed to the payment of arrears of all deferred promotion entitlements to deserving staff.

Hema added that the accumulated promotion entitlements from 2018 would be defrayed at a later date

Meet Notorious Kidnap Kingpin Pardoned by President Tinubu.

A wave of outrage and disbelief has trailed the release of 44-year-old Kelvin Prosper Oniarah — the infamous Delta-born kidnap kingpin once declared one of Nigeria’s most dangerous criminals — following his inclusion in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s latest round of presidential pardons.

Oniarah, also known by his aliases Kelvin Ibruvwe and Kelvin Ezigbe, was arrested on September 25, 2013, in a joint operation by the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Nigerian Army. He was subsequently convicted for multiple counts of kidnapping, armed robbery, and terrorism-related offences that terrorised parts of Delta, Edo, Anambra, and Rivers States for years.

Trail of Violence and Terror
Before his arrest, Kelvin was the leader of a feared criminal syndicate responsible for high-profile kidnappings and killings. Among his victims was renowned human rights lawyer, Barrister Mike Ozekhome (SAN), abducted on August 24, 2013, along the Auchi–Benin expressway.

Other victims linked to his gang included:

A serving judge of the Edo State Judiciary,
A female Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) official,
Dr. Chudi Nwike, former Deputy Governor of Anambra State, who was killed in captivity,
Several National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members and security personnel.
Kelvin’s network operated from camps in Warri and Kokori (Delta State), Ugbokolo (Benue), Benin City (Edo), and Aba (Abia State). His reign of terror also saw the killing of numerous policemen and soldiers during deadly ambushes.

Defiance Against the State
In a chilling episode that underscored his notoriety, Oniarah publicly issued a 60-day ultimatum to the Federal Government in September 2013, demanding the release of his detained gang members or face nationwide bloodshed — a threat that prompted one of the most extensive manhunts in Nigeria’s history.

Conviction and Release
Oniarah was sentenced to 20 years imprisonment in October 2023, with his sentence backdated to 2013. It was later reduced to 13 years for what prison officials described as “good conduct” and participation in the National Open University of Nigeria correctional education programme.

His sudden release under the Tinubu administration’s controversial amnesty programme has sparked a storm of criticism from security analysts and victims’ families, who argue that granting clemency to an unrepentant criminal undermines justice and the fight against violent crime.

Kelvin’s freedom, after 12 years behind bars, now raises serious questions about the moral compass of the nation’s justice system

Boat Accident Wipes Out 5 Siblings In Benue.

Tragedy struck in Agatu Local Government Area of Benue State on Sunday evening when a small boat carrying a family of seven capsized in Obagaji, the local government headquarters, killing five siblings.

In a telephone interview, a local identified himself as John, said the incident occurred when a small boat carrying a man, his wife, and their five children lost balance and sank in the water.

According to him, the man and his wife were rescued alive, but all five children drowned before help could reach them.

Another eyewitness, Ameh Ejeh, said local divers and community members immediately launched rescue efforts, but all the children rescued were confirmed dead at the scene.

The heartbreaking incident has thrown the community into mourning, as sympathisers trooped in and out of the residence of the bereaved parents to offer condolences.

Some residents who spoke to our correspondent have called on the authorities to enforce safety measures on waterways and monitor agents to checkmate the excesses of those handling boats in rural communities.

Stray Bullet Mistakenly Hits Secondary School Students as Army Troops Battle Bandits in Benue.

The incident occurred at about 3:20pm on Tuesday, September 30, 2025 p.m. while soldiers were returning from a routine patrol in the area.

A student has been k!lled while two others are fighting for their lives after being hit by stray bullets during a gun battle between troops of Operation Whirl Stroke and bandits in Jato-Aka, Kwande Local Government Area of Benue State.

Information showed that the incident occurred at about 3:20pm on Tuesday, September 30, 2025 p.m. while soldiers were returning from a routine patrol in the area.

According to security analyst Zagazola Makama, trouble started when the patrol team sighted some suspected bandits on a motorcycle carrying firearms.

On sighting the troops, the hoodlums opened fire. The soldiers immediately engaged them in a gun duel.

In the exchange of fire, one of the hoodlums was shot d3ad, while others escaped, abandoning their motorcycle.

Unfortunately, three students of ATM Divine Academy Science and Technical Secondary School, Jato-Aka, who were closing from school at the time, were hit by stray bullets.

One female student identified as Songo Gloria, was later confirmed d3ad by a doctor at NKST Hospital, Jato-Aka, while the other two were admitted and are responding to treatment.

The corpse of the neutralised bandit was also deposited at the NKST Hospital Mortuary.

Repentant bandit shot dead in Benue market.

Panic erupted in Zaki-Biam, Ukum Local Government Area of Benue State on Monday after unidentified gunmen shot dead a repentant bandit, Kyoga Joka, at the town’s main market.

Eyewitnesses reported that the assailants stormed the bustling market and opened fire on Joka, who was serving with the Civilian Joint Task Force (JTF) in Ukum.

He was killed instantly, prompting traders and shoppers to scatter in fear.

Benue: Armed herdsmen ambush bus with passengers in Markudi, Naka road.

Fear gripped commuters on Sunday as suspected armed herdsmen ambushed a commercial bus on the Makurdi–Naka highway and abducted all passengers on board.

Eyewitnesses said the vehicle, which left Makurdi for Naka, was intercepted before it reached its destination.

The attackers reportedly marched the passengers into nearby bushes at gunpoint.

When contacted, the Benue State Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Edet Udeme, said she had not yet received any report of the incident and would confirm the situation and provide updates.

Flood submerges 5 communities in Kogi.

Lokoja: Executive Secretary of Kogi State Emergency Management Agency, Mouktar Atima, has said floods have completely submerged Ibaji Local Government Area of the state, warning communities along the river bank to immediately relocate to safer grounds.

The SEMA boss, who led the Emergency Response and Critical team on an advocacy visit to the state Commissioner of Health, Dr. Adams Abdullazeez, said the state was no longer safe owing to the rising levels of water in Rivers Niger and Benue.

He said that from charts of experts and managers of various dams in the country, excessive water will begin to pour into the Rivers Niger and Benue from Tuesday night, which will cause an overflow of the river bank.

He said: ” No fewer than 258 communities in eight local government areas of the state have been marked as flood-prone areas while 42 internally displaced persons, IDPs, camps have been constructed to take care of those to be displaced while an emergency operations centre has been opened.?

“Already, five communities in Ibaji Local Government Area of the state were worst hit including Ota, Ofogbo, Itima and Owara community in Kogi Local Government Area of the state.”

Atimah said the state Ministry of Health was key to disaster management in the state even as he intimated the Health Commissioner of the rising levels of the Rivers Niger and Benue, stressing that in the next 72 hours, the state will be entering a difficult period.

The SEMA boss commended the Health Commissioner for his proactive measures and support given to the agency, saying the support was responsible for zero casualty in last year.

Responding, Dr. Abdullazeez, said the ministry was not only for healthcare services but for human services, saying the ministry was adequately prepared to tackle or mitigate any disaster in the state.

Benue: Man arrested over fraud case dies in police custody.

A man identified as Fanen Kpenteman has reportedly died in Police custody in Makurdi, the Benue State capital.

The deceased’s bank account was allegedly hacked by unknown persons, who used it to scam a Hausa trader at Market in Makurdi.

Mr Ukan Kurugh, a rights activist who reported the incident on his official facebook page, said when the trader traced the account used to defraud her, she found the picture of the deceased and assumed he was the criminal.

“She alerted/reported it to the Zone 4 Police Station, who came to his (deceased) workplace and picked him up and then handed him over to OPERATION ZENDA since Friday.

“From that moment, no one was allowed to see or speak to him.

“His family and friends were shut out completely.

“Then the worst happened, news broke that he had died in police custody, tortured to death for a crime he knew nothing about,” Kurugh said.

The activist said the incident is not a tragic mistake but a case of murder by the police.

Insisting that it is also a case of injustice and gross abuse of power by the police, he said, “And let me be clear, this is going to be a serious case between me and the men of the Nigeria Police Force, Benue State Command.”

The spokesperson of the Benue State Police Command, DSP, Udeme Edet, could not be reached to confirm the incident as calls to her mobile telephone were not answered.

11 security operatives confirmed dead, ASP still missing in Benue militia clash.

The Benue State Police Command has confirmed the recovery of seven additional bodies of security personnel killed during a violent confrontation with suspected herdsmen and local militia at Agu Centre in Katsina Ala Local Government Area.

The latest recovery brings the total death toll to 11 security operatives, comprising nine police officers, one hunter, and one Civil Protection Guard. Their remains have been deposited at Katsina Ala General Hospital.

Police also confirmed that ASP John Aledu, attached to Operation Zenda, remains missing as search and rescue efforts continue.

“The recovered bodies have been preserved as efforts are ongoing to contact their families,” sources told Zagazola Makama.

In response to the attack, police tactical teams, supported by local hunters and vigilantes, have intensified operations to rescue the missing officer and pursue the attackers.

So far, 15 additional suspects have been arrested in Ukum Local Government Area, bringing the total number of suspects in custody to 21, following six earlier arrests in Katsina Ala.

The police assured that, in collaboration with other security agencies, they remain fully committed to bringing all perpetrators of the attack to justice

APC Chieftain, Hon. Ejeh Udeh, Shot Dead in Otukpo.

Shock and grief have hit Otukpo, Benue State, following the brutal assassination of Hon. Ejeh Udeh, a notable chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The incident occurred in the early hours of Monday when armed men stormed Udeh’s Ugboju residence around midnight. Witnesses said the assailants, who rode in on a motorcycle, hid nearby waiting for his arrival.

On entering his compound, Udeh was ambushed and shot multiple times at close range. The horrifying attack, carried out in front of his wife and children, left the family devastated.

Neighbors recalled hearing “sporadic gunshots that shattered the silence of the night,” triggering panic in the community. By the time they gathered at the scene, Udeh was already lifeless in a pool of blood.

His death has thrown the area into mourning, with residents hailing him as a “grassroots mobilizer and a strong pillar of support for the APC in the area.”

Security operatives have yet to issue an official reaction, but locals and party members are demanding an immediate probe to bring those behind the killing to book.

The assassination comes amid rising insecurity in Benue, marked by repeated cases of violence, abductions, and political unrest. Party stakeholders are expected to press harder in the coming days for justice over the killing of Hon. Udeh.

Gunmen assassinate APC chieftain in front of his family in Otukpo, Benue.

A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress in Otukpo, Benue State, Hon. Ejeh Udeh, has been shot dead at his residence by unknown gunmen.

Gunmen stormed his Ugboju residence around 12:00 a.m. on Monday and opened fire on him in front of his family.

Eyewitnesses confirmed that the assailants, who arrived on a motorcycle, laid in wait for him.

As soon as he entered his house, they surrounded him and opened fire.

His body has since been deposited at the Otukpo General Hospital morgue.

BREAKING: Angry Protesters Block Makurdi–Abuja Highway After Herdsmen Killed Catholic Church Minister, Others In Benue

Alleged Killer Of Lagos Interior Decorator, Deborah Moses Remanded In Kirikiri Prison..

The suspect, identified as Lintex Ogale, was arraigned on Wednesday at the Yaba Magistrate Court around 10am over the fatal stabbing of Moses in her apartment earlier this month.

The alleged killer of 26-year-old Benue-born interior decorator, Deborah Moses, has been remanded in prison custody after making his first appearance before a magistrate court in Lagos State.

The suspect, identified as Lintex Ogale, was arraigned on Wednesday at the Yaba Magistrate Court around 10am over the fatal stabbing of Moses in her apartment earlier this month.

After reviewing the case file, the presiding magistrate ordered that Ogale be remanded at the Kirikiri Correctional Centre pending further legal proceedings.


The matter was subsequently adjourned to a date yet to be announced.

It was learnt that the next hearing date would be communicated once administrative formalities are concluded.

Moses, popularly known as Deb’rah Porsche, was gruesomely murdered by her ex-boyfriend in Lagos, months after she ended their relationship.

The suspect, a native of Otukpo, Benue State, allegedly gained entry into Deborah’s residence late Wednesday night after deceiving estate security by posing as a dispatch rider.

Army Arrest IPOB/ESN Commander, Rescues Kidnap Victims Across States.

The Nigerian Army has announced the arrest of Ifeanyi Eze Okorienta, alias Gentle de Yahoo, a notorious commander of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN).

Troops of the 34 Artillery Brigade, working with other security agencies, captured him at a hideout in Aku-Ihube, Okigwe LGA of Imo State. 

Recovered items included an English pistol, 120 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, 25 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, a cartridge, six mobile phones, police and military uniforms, and a German flag. A workshop for dismantling stolen vehicles was also discovered, while 10 motorcycles were destroyed.

Beyond Imo, troops rescued 11 kidnap victims in coordinated operations across Adamawa, Katsina, and Kogi States.

Five victims were freed in Madagali (Adamawa), five in Malumfashi (Katsina), and one in Lokoja (Kogi). Two terrorist were also killed in Katsina, with troops seizing an AK-47 rifle, ammunition, and a motorcycle.

In Benue, soldiers neutralized a violent extremist, recovered charms and a phone, and arrested 11 suspects for armed robbery, gunrunning, and extremism across Benue, Kogi, and Kaduna. In Plateau State, 40 stolen cattle were recovered and returned to their owners.

The Army credited these successes to enhanced collaboration with sister security services and agencies.