ADC Candidate John Nwosu Blasts Governor Soludo Over Insecurity Ahead of Anambra Polls

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) governorship candidate for the November 8 Anambra State election, John Nwosu, has criticized incumbent Governor Chukwuma Soludo, accusing him of failing the people during his tenure.

Speaking on ‘Prime Time’ on Arise Television, Nwosu highlighted that four years in office is crucial for a state’s progress and said Soludo’s administration has fallen short.

“The indices are there for everyone to see, starting with insecurity. In the last three and a half years, Anambra has lost people to kidnappings,” he stated.



He cited Ihiala Local Government, home to the owner of Air Peace, as a stark example:

“That area has been ravaged by insecurity for over three years. Residents have been forced to hold weddings and burials outside their hometown because they cannot return safely,” Nwosu added.


The statement underscores growing concerns about security and governance as Anambra prepares for its upcoming gubernatorial election.

'Nigerian Muslims Also Victims’ — Vatican Cardinal Counters Christian Genocide Claim.

Vatican Secretary of State, Pietro Parolin, has dismissed claims that Nigeria’s insecurity is rooted in religion, saying the violence is driven mainly by social and economic factors.

Speaking in Rome during the presentation of a report on religious freedom by Aid to the Church in Need (ACN), Parolin cited farmer-herder clashes in north-central Nigeria as an example of non-religious causes of conflict.

“Many Muslims in Nigeria are themselves victims of this same intolerance,” he said. “These are extremist groups that make no distinctions in pursuing their goals. They use violence against anyone they see as an opponent.”

At a parallel launch of the ACN report in the UK parliament, John Bakeni, Bishop of Maiduguri Diocese, agreed that the causes of violence are complex pointing to poverty, climate change, and land competition but noted that some attacks clearly carry a religious tone, targeting churches, priests, and Christian symbols “with impunity.”

Their remarks come amid rising global concern and claims of a Christian genocide in Nigeria an allegation the federal government continues to reject.

Following a meeting with President Bola Tinubu in Rome, Massad Boulos, Senior Adviser to former US President Donald Trump, also dismissed the genocide narrative, stressing that terrorists are killing more Muslims than Christians. He said the US would continue to support Nigeria in tackling insecurity.

Yahaya Bello under fire over use of Kogi State letterhead in letter to army chief.

Former Kogi State governor, Yahaya Bello, has come under intense criticism after posting and later deleting a congratulatory letter to the newly appointed Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, written on the official Kogi State Government letterhead despite no longer being in office.

The letter, which bore the state coat of arms and Bello’s signature as “Executive Governor,” triggered widespread outrage after being shared on social media. Critics accused the former governor of clinging to power and blurring the boundary between personal identity and state authority.

In the letter, Bello congratulated the new Army Chief but included a contentious line that quickly drew attention, “It gives me renewed hope that my worthy successor, His Excellency, Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, will now have you in his corner as he continues to tackle insecurity in his domain.”
Observers said the remark was problematic, as it suggested that the Chief of Army Staff could “belong” in a governor’s “corner,” a distortion of the military’s federal command structure.

The civic accountability platform @Kogi_Xcommunity first drew attention to the issue. In a viral post, the group wrote: “Yahaya Adoza Bello, former Governor of Kogi State, has deleted his personally signed letter to the new Chief of Army Staff after facing backlash from netizens.

“We Won’t Pay Ransom or Negotiate with Bandits” — Niger Governor Bago Declares, Orders Statewide Mining Ban.

Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago, has vowed that his administration will neither negotiate with bandits nor pay ransom for kidnapped victims, insisting that such actions only empower criminals and fuel insecurity across the state.

Bago made the declaration during a condolence visit to residents of Rijau and Magama Local Government Areas, where several communities were recently attacked by bandits in the Kontagora axis.

According to a statement issued on Wednesday by his Special Adviser on Print Media, Aisha Wakaso, the governor said Niger State had reached a critical point that demands collective resistance from its people. He warned that ransom payments would only commercialise kidn+pping and make the cr+me more lucrative.

“I will not negotiate with bandits. I will not pay ransom. The moment we start paying, they will open shop on our heads and keep kidnapping people,” Bago said. “This is a war situation, and we must all rise to defend ourselves. The constitution empowers us to protect lives and property, and we will not back down.”

In addition, Governor Bago declared a total ban on mining activities across Niger State’s Zone C, which includes Magama, Kontagora, Rijau, Wushishi, Mariga, Borgu, Mashegu, and Agwara LGAs. He linked illegal mining to the rising wave of insecurity, alleging that many miners operate freely in forest zones that are unsafe for residents.

“It is suspicious that miners can enter the forests freely, yet the bandits don’t touch them,” he stated, directing the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) to arrest anyone caught engaging in mining activities.

"Stop Using Unemployed Youths to Disrupt Elections" — Sen. Oshiomhole Warns Politicians.

Edo North Senator, Adams Oshiomhole, has urged politicians and lawmakers to stop recruiting unemployed youths to disrupt elections, warning that such practices fuel post-election insecurity.

Speaking during Wednesday’s plenary, the former Edo State governor said violence has no place in democracy and blamed political actors for empowering thugs during elections.

“After every election, violent crimes rise because politicians who armed hungry youths can’t retrieve the weapons. Those arms are then used for robbery and other crimes,” he said.

Oshiomhole recalled warning fellow governors years ago that AK-47 rifles were not items just anyone could afford, implying that only influential figures could sponsor electoral violence.

He emphasized the need for sincerity among politicians, urging them to allow Nigerians to “hire and fire without fear” through credible elections. “If we truly commit to eliminating violence, we will have free, fair, and transparent elections,” he said.

The senator added that the true beauty of democracy lies not in holding office but in earning the people’s trust. “If you rig or manipulate elections, deep in your heart, you know you’re not a happy person,” he noted.

Oshiomhole also cautioned against conducting presidential, governorship, and National Assembly elections on the same day and called for vigilance against hackers as Nigeria deepens its use of election technology.

He concluded, “We, as senators and elected officials, must resolve never to arm or use unemployed youths to disrupt elections. Once we stop that, 90 percent of our electoral problems will be solved.”

FG, Senate Leaders Head to Washington to Stop US Sanctions Over Christian Genocide.

Top officials of the Federal Government and the National Assembly are set to travel to Washington D.C. in a diplomatic move to stop possible United States sanctions over alleged persecution and genocide of Christians in Nigeria.

The high-powered delegation, which includes federal lawmakers, senior military officers, and heads of security agencies, will meet with members of the U.S. Congress to clarify Nigeria’s position and counter the growing narrative of “Christian genocide.”

The trip follows an urgent resolution by the 10th Senate, sponsored by Senator Ali Ndume, who urged the government to “put the record straight” and prevent sanctions against the country.

According to sources, the delegation will present evidence to prove that the security crisis in Nigeria is not religiously motivated but rather a result of terrorism, banditry, and communal conflicts. The team is expected to depart Abuja early next week.

In recent months, U.S. lawmakers and advocacy groups have increased pressure on Nigeria over rising attacks on Christian communities. Senator Ted Cruz recently accused Nigeria of “mass murder” of Christians and introduced the “Nigeria Religious Freedom Accountability Act of 2025” (S.2747).

The proposed bill seeks to list Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern,” a move that could trigger travel bans, arms restrictions, and other economic sanctions.

The Nigerian Senate had earlier dismissed the genocide allegations as “false and dangerous,” warning that such claims could damage the country’s image and inflame religious tensions.

Lawmakers maintained that the ongoing violence is complex and tied to criminality and resource struggles, not state-backed religious persecution.

Data from the Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project (ACLED) shows that between January 2020 and September 2025, over 11,800 civilian attacks were recorded in Nigeria. Among them, 385 incidents involved Christian victims, while 196 targeted Muslims, reflecting the widespread nature of insecurity across regions.

Abducted Kwara Businessman Freed After N110 Million Ransom Payment.

A businessman identified as Suleiman Ndana, popularly known as “Manager,” who was abducted last month from Tsaragi community in Edu Local Government Area of Kwara State, has regained his freedom following the payment of a ₦110 million ransom just hours before a military rescue operation.

Sources close to the victim confirmed that Ndana was among those recovered by Nigerian Army troops during a raid on the kidnappers’ hideout on Friday. A friend of the businessman disclosed that the abductors had issued grave threats as military pressure mounted in the forest where they were hiding, vowing to kill Ndana if the ransom was not paid immediately.

Under the intense ultimatum, his family and associates reportedly delivered the ₦110 million ransom at an undisclosed location. Shortly after the payment, soldiers stormed the area, leading to Ndana’s release.

His freedom marks a breakthrough for the ongoing military operation tagged Operation FANSAN YAMMA in Kwara North, even as it underscores the moral dilemma faced by families forced to negotiate with kidnappers under life-threatening circumstances.

Meanwhile, residents of Patigi Local Government Area recently staged mass protests over the worsening insecurity in Kwara North. Youths, elders, and community leaders took to the streets demanding urgent government intervention, alleging that persistent killings and abductions had crippled economic life and driven medical personnel out of local hospitals.

Protesters accused the state government and federal representatives of neglect, citing the exodus of doctors from Patigi General Hospital and the growing presence of suspected armed herders in rural settlements. They called on Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq to deploy more security forces and relocate Kara Market, which they claim has become a hotspot for criminal activity.

The protesters warned that without swift action, insecurity could lead to total economic collapse in parts of Kwara North, lamenting that millions are lost daily to ransom payments, farm attacks, and the loss of livelihoods.

"Boko Haram, ISIS Are Killing More Muslims Than Christians" — U.S Envoy, Mr. Massad Boulos.

The United States Envoy to Nigeria, Mr. Massad Boulos, has stated that terrorist groups such as Boko Haram and ISIS have killed more Muslims than Christians in Nigeria.

Boulos made the remark while addressing concerns over recent claims of religious persecution in Nigeria, describing such narratives as misleading and not reflective of the U.S. government’s position. According to him, terrorism in Nigeria is not targeted at any specific religion or ethnic group but affects people of all faiths and backgrounds.

“Those who know the terrain well know that terrorism has no color, no religion, and no tribe. People of all religions and all tribes are dying as a result of terrorist acts,” he said.

“We even know that Boko Haram and ISIS are killing more Muslims than Christians.” The envoy described every loss of life as “one too many” and stressed the need for collective efforts to end the violence.

He also noted that the Nigerian government under President Bola Tinubu has recently intensified efforts and deployed more resources to address insecurity in affected regions, a move he said has already begun yielding results.

Boulos reaffirmed U.S. commitment to working with Nigeria to promote peace, stability, and religious harmony, emphasizing that the country has long been a melting pot where Christians and Muslims have coexisted peacefully for centuries.

Tears and Tributes as Arise TV Anchor Sommie Maduagwu Laid to Rest in Anambra

The remains of Somtochukwu Maduagwu, fondly known as Sommie, a beloved Arise TV news anchor, were laid to rest amid deep sorrow in Agulu, Anaocha Local Government Area, Anambra State.

Sommie tragically lost her life in September 2025 following a violent armed robbery attack at her Abuja residence — a heartbreaking incident that shook the media community. Her burial took place at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, following a solemn funeral Mass held at St. Theresa’s Catholic Church, Agulu.

The ceremony drew family, friends, colleagues, and dignitaries, including the 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, who paid his last respects to the late journalist.

During the homily, Rev. Fr. Peter Ezewuzie urged the bereaved family to take comfort in faith, describing Sommie as “a woman of purpose and virtue” whose life, though short, left a meaningful impact.

In his emotional tribute, Peter Obi lamented her passing as “a painful reminder of Nigeria’s deepening insecurity.” He said,

“Before leaving Birmingham yesterday, I told my companions I was returning home for the burial of one of my daughters.”
He urged Nigerians to remember her family in their prayers and honor her memory with love and hope.


Sommie’s death has left an unfillable void in journalism and among all who admired her professionalism, warmth, and grace.

Source: PUNCH

US Presidential Adviser Dismisses Claim of Christian Genocide in Nigeria.

Senior Adviser to U.S. President Donald Trump on Arab and African Affairs, Massad Boulos, has downplayed reports suggesting that Christians are being deliberately targeted in Nigeria.

Boulos made the statement during a courtesy visit to President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Friday.

He dismissed what he described as “misleading claims” of a Christian genocide, saying the crisis in Nigeria goes beyond religion.

According to him, violence in parts of the country is driven by terrorism and insecurity, not faith.

His comment comes at a time when several U.S. lawmakers are urging Washington to list Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” over alleged religious persecution.

Responding to questions on the matter, Boulos said, “Those who know the terrain well know that terrorism has no colour, no religion, and no tribe.”

He added that insurgent groups such as Boko Haram and ISIS have killed both Christians and Muslims.

“People of all religions and all tribes are dying as a result of terrorist acts, but it’s very unfortunate,” he said.

VIDEO: Protesters Decry Insecurity In South East, Fault Calls For Nnamdi Kanu’s Release

Nation in Shock as Tinubu Grants
Presidential Pardon to Murder Convict Miriam Sanda — Nigerians React with Outrage!


Nigeria’s social media space has erupted with outrage and disbelief following the presidential pardon granted to Miriam Sanda, the woman convicted in 2017 for the murder of her husband, Bilyaminu Bello.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu approved clemency for 175 inmates, including Sanda, in a move that has reignited debate about fairness, justice, and political influence in Nigeria’s legal system.

Appearing on Arise TV’s “What’s Trending,” broadcaster Rufai Oseni condemned the decision, calling it “a political mistake that reopens old wounds.”

“Tinubu should stop selling or gifting out pardons like recharge cards,” Rufai declared. “These decisions hurt families and destroy faith in the justice system. A country that cannot uphold justice cannot progress.”


Members of Bilyaminu Bello’s family expressed deep pain and disappointment. A spokesperson, Bello Muhammad, described the pardon as “the worst injustice any family could face,” lamenting that the clemency has “reopened the trauma of losing a loved one to violence.”

On the other hand, both Miriam Sanda’s father and her late husband’s father defended the pardon, claiming that the plea for mercy began in 2019 and was meant to promote forgiveness and ensure the wellbeing of the couple’s two children.

However, public reaction has largely been critical. Many Nigerians argue that pardoning a convicted murderer while the country continues to battle insecurity, corruption, and lawlessness sends “a dangerous message.”

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar also criticized the decision, calling it “reckless and indefensible,” and accusing the presidency of weakening Nigeria’s moral foundation.

As the debate intensifies, the country appears sharply divided — between those advocating forgiveness and those demanding justice. For many, the question now is whether Nigeria’s justice system still upholds accountability or if, as Rufai Oseni warned, “presidential pardons have become another political gift.”

“Unite or Perish!” — Dele Farotimi Urges Nigerians to Oust APC and Rebuild the Nation


Prominent human rights lawyer and political commentator Dele Farotimi has issued a passionate call for Nigerians to unite and take decisive action to rescue the country from what he describes as the “destructive rule of the All Progressives Congress (APC).”

In a post shared on his verified X (Twitter) account, Farotimi warned that the APC government has brought nothing but corruption, insecurity, and economic suffering to the people, insisting that the only way forward is collective resistance and national unity.

He wrote:

“If Nigerians do not unite to get rid of the APC and rebuild their nation for their own good, the APC will keep doing what it does best — kill, steal, and destroy. Imagine the outrageous figures Professor Umahi is quoting.”



Farotimi accused the ruling party of betraying its campaign promises, enriching the elite while leaving millions of Nigerians impoverished. He described recent government spending revelations — reportedly cited by Minister of Works David Umahi — as “shameful and obscene,” saying they reflect how detached the political class has become from the real struggles of ordinary citizens

Tinubu Urges World Leaders To Declare Theft Of Mineral Resources An International Crime.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has called on world leaders to recognise the stealing of countries’ mineral resources through illegal mining and smuggling as an international crime.

Speaking at the 7th Annual General Assembly of the Network of Anti-Corruption Institutions in West Africa (NACIWA) in Abuja, the President said the illegal exploitation of Africa’s natural resources has become a global threat to economic stability and peace.

Tinubu lamented that billions of dollars are lost yearly to mineral smuggling, corruption, and illicit trade, which he said fuel insecurity, kidnapping and banditry across the continent.

“The stealing of our countries’ mineral resources should no longer be treated as a local issue. It is an international cr+me that undermines peace and stability,” he said.

The President urged the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the broader international community to strengthen legal frameworks that criminalize illegal mining and resource theft.

He also called for collective regional action to trace and recover stolen assets, while emphasizing transparency in their use. Tinubu disclosed that Nigeria has so far channelled over ₦100 billion in recovered proceeds into social intervention projects such as the Student Loan Scheme and the Consumer Credit Scheme.

“No nation can win this fight alone. We must build stronger partnerships and ensure that those who profit from our collective wealth face justice,” he added.

Tinubu further appealed to world leaders to support a global convention against resource theft, similar to existing international laws against drug and human trafficking.

Primate Ayodele Blasts Tinubu, Says Release Nnamdi Kanu, You Wasted NDLEA, Security Operatives Effort.

The Leader of INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, Primate Elijah Ayodele, has called for the release of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra.

He was reacting on Tuesday after President Bola Tinubu granted a presidential pardon to murderers, corrupt officials, and criminals.

According to him, some of those he pardoned had been sentenced to death, life sentences for crimes relating to drug trafficking, murder, and human trafficking, to mention but a few.

In a statement signed by his media aide, Osho Oluwatosin, Primate Ayodele described the action as wasting the efforts of the NDLEA and security operatives who arrested and convicted the criminals.

He stated that the criminals will continue to cause issues in the country and add to the troubles of security operatives, despite the current situation of insecurity in the country.

Primate Ayodele said: “Why must he pardon criminals, cocaine pushers? It’s just like wasting the efforts of these security operatives to arrest these criminals.

These criminals will continue to cause issues in society; you can’t separate them from crime.”

He said since it was easy for the president to pardon the criminals, it’s unfair to allow Nnamdi Kanu to still be behind bars without sentencing for several years.

Nigeria’s Lowest Revenue-Generating State Revealed

According to the latest data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), Yobe State recorded the lowest internally generated revenue (IGR) in Nigeria for 2024 — about ₦11.08 billion only.

At the top, Lagos State remains the leader with over ₦800 billion, showing the wide economic gap between states.

Experts say low IGR is linked to insecurity, weak tax systems, and overdependence on federal allocations.

What do you think your state can do to boost its internal revenue?

#Nigeria #Economy #IGR #Development #Governance

Insecurity: "Nigerians Now Safer Under Tinubu" — Bwala

The Special Adviser on Policy Communication to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Daniel Bwala, has declared that Nigerians are now safer than they were before 2023, crediting the improvement in national security to the current administration’s policies and reforms.

Speaking during an interview on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics, Bwala said incidents such as mass prison breaks, frequent kidnappings, and widespread terrorist attacks had significantly reduced since President Tinubu assumed office in May 2023.

“Before 2023, there were prison breaks everywhere in Nigeria even here in Abuja. In broad daylight, people were being kidnapped before President Bola Tinubu came on board,” he said. “After he became president, we have not had prison breaks. People are going about their businesses all over the country.”

Bwala, who previously served as spokesperson for the Atiku Abubakar Presidential Campaign Organisation before joining the Tinubu administration, argued that while isolated cases of insecurity still exist, they no longer threaten the country’s stability.

“There are still skirmishes here and there, but they are no longer the order of the day. The president’s leadership has restored relative calm,” he added.

Reacting to recent allegations by U.S. lawmakers that the Nigerian government was enabling a “Christian genocide,” Bwala dismissed the claims as false and politically motivated. He said the controversial report cited abroad was allegedly produced by a local civil society group with links to the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

“No faith group is being targeted in Nigeria. The allegation of religious persecution is baseless and unfair to the country’s security agencies who have been risking their lives to protect all citizens,” he said.

He urged Nigerians to acknowledge the strides recorded under Tinubu’s leadership while continuing to support government efforts to consolidate peace and stability across the federation.

“Nigeria Now Safer Than Before 2023” — Bwala Defends Tinubu’s Security Achievements


The Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Policy Communication, Daniel Bwala, has claimed that Nigerians are now safer under the Tinubu administration than they were before 2023.

Speaking on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics, Bwala stated that major security threats such as prison breaks and daylight kidnappings—which were rampant across the country—have drastically reduced since Tinubu assumed office.

“Before 2023, prison breaks were common everywhere, even in Abuja. Kidnappings in broad daylight were frequent. But since President Tinubu came on board, those incidents have largely stopped. Nigerians are superlatively safer today,” Bwala asserted.


He emphasized that while isolated security challenges still occur, the overall situation has improved nationwide. Bwala further argued that Nigeria’s crime rate is often exaggerated compared to other countries.

“Crimes committed in the United States in one day are more than what happens in Nigeria. People don’t put that into perspective,” he said.


Bwala also responded to recent claims by U.S. lawmakers led by Senator Ted Cruz, who accused the Nigerian government of enabling a “Christian genocide.” He dismissed the allegations as false and politically motivated, maintaining that insecurity in Nigeria is not religiously driven.

“That genocide claim is a well-coordinated agenda,” Bwala explained, alleging that the report cited by the U.S. senators originated from a local group with ties to the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).


According to him, the controversy intensified after Vice President Kashim Shettima’s address at the 80th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), which boosted Nigeria’s international visibility and possibly drew political backlash.

Bwala reaffirmed that President Tinubu’s administration remains committed to security reform and national stability, urging citizens to recognize the visible progress achieved so far.

“Insecurity is not tied to any faith or region. What we are witnessing is steady progress in restoring law and order across Nigeria,” he concluded.

Protest Rocks Kwara Community Over Insecurity As Residents Accuse Governor AbdulRazaq, Lawmakers Of Abandoning Them

Why are main stream media not broadcasting about major issues like insecurity in Nigeria?