Benin Bronzes and royal palace art in Nigeria are some of the finest artworks Africa has ever produced. Made by skilled Edo artists of the Benin Kingdom, these brass and bronze pieces tell real stories of kings, warriors, culture, and power. They are not just art — they are history in metal.

#BeninBronzes #Nigeria #AfricanArt #History #places

Wahala Don Set for Delta! 26-Year-Old Woman Accuses Baby Daddy, Family of Brutal Beatings, Child Neglect

Wahala don sup for Delta State as a 26-year-old woman, Favour Kalamatoro, has come out with a heartbreaking story of alleged domestic abuse, assault and child neglect by her children’s father and his family.

Favour, an Urhobo indigene from Obiayagha in Ughelli South, told SaharaReporters that her nightmare began after she went to her children’s father’s house in Udu Local Government Area to check on her two kids. Instead of peace, she said she was attacked by the man, Ikovie Odephiare, his mother, Mrs Ikovie Ekaete, his elder brother, Ikovie Etabunor, and other relatives.

According to her, she has two children with the man—a four-year-old boy and a seven-month-old baby girl—and has endured years of abuse, abandonment and suffering that pushed her into street begging and menial jobs just to survive.

Favour revealed that the violence started while she was pregnant with her second child.
“I was physically assaulted by my children’s father, his mother and his elder brother, all because I went to visit my kids,” she said.

She alleged that during her pregnancy, she was constantly insulted, starved and beaten.
“The abuse started when I was seven months pregnant and living in his house. He would insult me, beat me and even starve me, forcing me to go outside and beg for food while I was pregnant,” she narrated.

Things reportedly got worse when she was eight months pregnant.
“He beat me until I fainted, threw me out of the house and locked the door. Neighbours rushed me to a clinic, and I almost lost my baby. I survived, but the next day, the beatings continued.”

Unable to cope anymore, Favour said she left the house with her first child and began hawking sachet water just to feed herself and the boy.
“I packed my things and left with my four-year-old son. I started selling ‘pure water’ just to survive,” she said.

She further alleged that after she delivered her second child, the man and his family abandoned her completely.
“When I gave birth, none of them came to see me. My father and siblings paid all the hospital bills and took care of me and my two children.”

Although the children’s father later promised her family that he would take responsibility, she said he never fulfilled it.
“Six months later, he came and told my father he would take care of the children and pay the hospital bills, but he never did.”

According to Favour, whenever she asked for money to buy baby food or diapers, she was insulted and threatened.
“He told me not to ask him for anything again and said if I was tired, I should bring the children to him. Later, he told me never to contact him again because he wanted to start a new life and family, while we had nothing to eat.”

She said she once involved the police in Warri so he could formally agree to support the first child, but after sending ₦15,000 once, he allegedly stopped.
“He told me I could do my worst, that he was not afraid of the police or anybody.”

Favour also explained that years of dependence left her without any skills or stable source of income.
“He left me handicapped. I had no handwork, no business to fall back on. The small business I tried to run was ruined because he kept borrowing money from me.”

Out of desperation, she said she eventually took the children to their grandmother’s house for care, begging her to feed them. According to her, the woman initially agreed.

But wahala really burst when she went back to visit her children on Monday, January 10, 2026.
“When I went to see my children, their father, his mother and elder brother gathered and beat me. They punched me, flogged me with a cane and even a shovel, damaged my phone, and I sustained bruises on my mouth and all over my body,” she alleged.

Favour said she reported the matter to the police, but before officers could make an arrest, the children’s grandmother reportedly fled with the kids. She added that when police contacted the children’s father, he claimed he was out of town. Officers later discovered that the mother’s shop had been abandoned, allegedly on his instruction.

As of the time of filing this report, SaharaReporters said attempts to reach Ikovie Odephiare were unsuccessful, with his phone lines reportedly switched off.

“This is my story,” Favour said. “I am seeking urgent help to protect myself and my children.”

For many Nigerians reading this, one thing is clear: domestic violence and child neglect remain serious issues, and in this case, wahala don truly set oo for Delta.

Is Superstition Holding Nigerian Communities Hostage? How Fear of ‘Poison,’ Rituals, and Dog Poop Is Fueling Paranoia, Poverty, and Exploitation – By Leo Igwe

Is superstition silently destroying communities in Nigeria—and why are fear, paranoia, and ritual beliefs still shaping how people interpret illness, death, and misfortune?

In this powerful and unsettling account, Leo Igwe recounts his return to his hometown in southeastern Nigeria after decades away, where he encountered what he describes as the toxic grip of superstition and irrational fear on everyday life. From the moment he arrived, Igwe says he witnessed how ordinary health issues were being interpreted as the work of unseen enemies using “poison,” spiritual attacks, or occult forces.

A family housekeeper with a swollen hand claimed he had “picked up poison” while farming—an explanation widely accepted by community members, despite no one being able to describe what the poison was, how it worked, or where it came from. Rather than seeking medical help, the man was subjected to prayers, spiritual pressing, and ritual interventions, which only worsened the condition. For Igwe, this was a troubling reminder of how medical problems are often rebranded as spiritual attacks, delaying proper treatment and deepening fear.

But why does this mindset persist? Igwe explains that in his community, no one is believed to die naturally. Death, illness, stroke, or paralysis are frequently attributed to enemies—often relatives or neighbors—who are accused of using occult means. Phrases like “they have killed him” or “they have finally gotten him” dominate conversations, reinforcing suspicion and tearing families apart. People live in constant fear that someone has planted spiritual “poisons” that they might step on or touch.

Despite identifying as Christians, many residents, Igwe notes, move between churches, prophets, pastors, traditional priests, and ritual specialists. They pray to Jesus, invoke ancestors, hire “prayer warriors,” and perform sacrifices in an endless cycle of spiritual protection. But does this offer safety—or does it deepen exploitation? Igwe argues that this climate has created fertile ground for con artists, fake prophets, and self-styled spiritual practitioners who extract money in exchange for deliverance, exorcism, and supposed protection.

One striking episode involved a roaming prayer man who went from house to house, collecting food or money after loud, theatrical prayers. In another home, Igwe witnessed a dramatic ritual in which sand was placed in people’s hands while God was commanded to “open doors,” even instructing someone to physically open the living room door to symbolize prosperity. To Igwe, this performance illustrated how faith is manipulated into spectacle while poverty remains unchanged.

Perhaps the most disturbing moment came when a neighbor reported that dog feces found in their compound was not ordinary waste but a weapon of spiritual harm. The family believed it had been ritually placed to bring sickness or death—just as, they claimed, their parents had previously been killed. The response? Olive oil poured on it, urine used as a neutralizer, and the case escalated to village authorities. To Igwe, this episode captured how fear transforms harmless events into imagined threats, driving communities deeper into paranoia.

Addressing a village meeting, Igwe warned of the dangerous consequences of baseless accusations, superstition, and occult blame, citing how such beliefs have destroyed families and communities across the region. He urged residents to free themselves from irrational fear and confront the social damage caused by suspicion, exploitation, and magical thinking.

So what is the real cost of these beliefs? According to Igwe, communities trapped in superstition remain locked in poverty, fear, and manipulation, unable to address real health, economic, and social challenges. The essay ultimately asks a haunting question: Can communities break free from the cycle of fear before superstition consumes trust, development, and human dignity?

Controversy Erupts as Olu of Warri Greets Governor Sanwo-Olu After Female Executive’s Handshake Blocked”

A viral video has sparked widespread discussion after Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse III, visited Lagos State and was seen greeting Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu with a handshake, contrasting a recent incident where a female executive’s handshake attempt was blocked by his aides. The event took place during the Storytellers Conference at the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and Creative Arts, with the governor also giving the traditional ruler a tour of the renovated National Theatre in Iganmu.
The footage shows Olu of Warri standing to shake hands with Governor Sanwo-Olu, prompting social media users to comment on the apparent double standard regarding his interactions with men and women. Many pointed out that the king’s aides had previously prevented a woman from shaking his hand, a decision interpreted by some as cultural tradition, while others criticized it as outdated or unfair.
Social media reactions captured the variety of opinions, with some defending the traditional protocol:
tontolofabrics argued hierarchy should be respected, noting the king’s status versus the executive.
defenderofjust cited African customs where kings typically avoid handshakes with women due to traditional beliefs about purity.
Others highlighted perceived inconsistencies:
_ismo99 and Jamesdeyemi pointed out the king shakes hands with prominent officials like the governor but blocks ordinary individuals, especially women.
ashleightatti commented on the irony of cultural traditions intersecting with modern governance and social expectations.
The incident reignited discussions on gender norms, protocol, and respect for traditional authority in Nigeria. It also followed previous highlights of Olu of Warri’s public appearances, including inspecting road projects on a scooter and hosting Big Brother Naija stars Kellyrae and Kassia, who donned Itsekiri-themed attire and posed with the traditional ruler.
This episode underscores the public scrutiny of cultural leaders in modern Nigeria, especially when their actions intersect with official government figures and evolving social expectations. While some praise the adherence to tradition, others call for reconsideration of gendered protocols in public interactions.

Olu of Warri’s Security Aide Blocks Female Executive’s Handshake Attempt During Lagos Visit, Sparking Social Media Debate

During the Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse III’s visit to Lagos on January 6, 2026, a viral video captured a female executive attempting to shake the traditional ruler’s hand. The king’s security aide swiftly blocked the gesture, adhering to cultural protocol that prohibits direct physical contact with the monarch.
The encounter took place at an airport lounge while the Olu of Warri was in Lagos for the Storytellers Conference at the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and Creative Arts. The aide acknowledged the executive with a nod, respecting tradition without physical contact.
The video has sparked a heated debate on social media, with some praising the aide for upholding cultural etiquette, while others questioned the strictness of the protocol. Experts and netizens emphasized that many Nigerian cultures require subjects, especially women, to show deference through gestures such as bowing, kneeling, or prostrating rather than handshakes.
The story also highlighted the Olu of Warri’s public engagements, including inspecting the Trans-Warri-Ode-Itsekiri Road and receiving BBNaija stars Kellyrae and Kassia, who honored him in Itsekiri-themed attire.

Tinubu Says Nigerians Are “Prayer Warriors” as Presidency Vows to Surmount Insecurity With Security Reforms

President Bola Tinubu has expressed confidence that Nigeria will overcome its persistent insecurity challenges, describing Nigerians as deeply religious “prayer warriors” determined to surmount the crisis. Speaking during a meeting with leaders of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Lagos, Tinubu assured that ongoing security sector reforms, including plans for state and community policing, would soon yield results. He acknowledged the scale of ungoverned spaces and delays in acquiring military hardware but revealed that Nigeria has ordered attack helicopters from the United States and is engaging Turkey for further support. While urging religious leaders to support government efforts through prayers and vigilance, the President maintained that restoring peace and public confidence remains a top priority despite continued bandit attacks in parts of the country.

Nigerian Court Asked to Jail IGP Egbetokun and Police Spokesperson Hundeyin Over Alleged Tinted Glass Policy Contempt

A Federal High Court in Warri, Delta State, has been urged to commit the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, Force PRO CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, and AIG Emmanuel Aina to prison for alleged contempt of court. The application was filed by Mr. John Aikpokpo-Martins on behalf of tinted vehicle owners, citing violation of a court order that restrained enforcement of the tinted glass permit policy. The court is being asked to nullify the police directive issued on December 15, 2025, and ensure the senior officers face consequences until they purge themselves of the alleged contempt.

Many Young Americans “Too Fat or Too Stupid” to Join Military, Says Pentagon Chief
December 19, 2025

Pete Hegseth, U.S. Secretary of Defense, caused controversy by claiming that a significant number of young Americans are unable to qualify for military service due to being “too fat or too stupid,” citing factors like poor education, criminal records, and medical conditions such as ADHD. He made the remarks during a speech praising military recruiters for achieving “historic recruiting numbers.”

Hegseth emphasized that the military should return “to the basics” and focus on core values such as accountability, discipline, meritocracy, readiness, and lethality, rejecting diversity quotas and appearance-based considerations. He introduced the “Department of War Golden Rule,” urging commanders to treat troops as they would want their own children treated.

He also announced a $1,776 “warrior dividend” for about 1.45 million service members and reservists as a token of gratitude. Hegseth concluded by thanking recruiters and their families, praising their role in building a strong military.

US Shipping Company Alleges Nigerian Army Complicity in Seizure and Dismantling of Vessel in Delta

Nujenix Corporation, a US-based shipping firm, has accused the Nigerian Army of complicity in the illegal seizure and dismantling of its vessel, MT Thor, at Koko, Warri in Delta State. The firm alleges that soldiers prevented police from investigating and recovering the vessel after it was allegedly stolen by a Nigerian businessman, Mr. John George Igor. Lawyers representing Nujenix claim the vessel has been stripped of vital equipment, rendering it unusable. The company has petitioned the Inspector-General of Police, seeking urgent intervention over threats, obstruction of justice, and alleged criminal acts.

Over 100 Delta Women Protest Seplat Energy, Demand Recognition as Host Community Under Petroleum Industry Act

Women from Abigborodo community in Warri North Local Government Area of Delta State staged a protest at Seplat Energy’s project site, demanding formal recognition as a host community under the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA). Carrying placards and chanting solidarity songs, the women accused the company of ignoring their rights, denying them jobs, and commencing pipeline operations without resolving longstanding land disputes. Protest leaders called on the Delta State government to intervene, warning that continued neglect could fuel unrest, while citing government reports affirming Abigborodo’s ownership of the disputed land. Seplat Energy was unavailable for comment at the time of reporting.

Escravos–Lagos Pipeline Explosion Contained, Host Communities and Environment Safe — NNPC Limited Assures Nigerians

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.) has announced that the explosion on the Escravos–Lagos Pipeline System (ELPS) in Warri, Delta State, has been successfully contained, with no threat to host communities, personnel, or the environment. In a statement signed by its Chief Corporate Communications Officer, Andy Odeh, the company said coordinated containment measures were immediately implemented after the incident was reported on December 11, 2025.

NNPC Ltd. disclosed that all affected sections of the pipeline were safely isolated and that a joint preliminary inspection was carried out by teams from NNPC, the Nigeria Midstream & Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), and maintenance contractors. The pipeline operator, NNPC Gas Infrastructure Company (NGIC), has activated its Business Continuity Plan to manage impacts on shippers and suppliers while investigations continue to determine the exact cause of the explosion. The company reiterated its commitment to safety, environmental protection, and reliable operations across its assets.

TIB Delta to Protest ‘Unlawful’ Prosecution of Activist Aghogho Amid AGF Authorization Dispute

The Take It Back Movement (TIB), Delta State chapter, plans a peaceful protest at the Federal High Court in Warri on December 15 over the alleged unlawful prosecution of activist Ighorhiohwunu Aghogho. The group says Delta State initiated federal charges without the Attorney-General of the Federation’s consent, despite conflicting positions presented before the ECOWAS Court. Aghogho is challenging the case as unconstitutional and seeking its dismissal along with ₦500 billion in compensation. TIB argues that the AGF’s filings expose inconsistencies, calling for judicial accountability as tensions rise ahead of the next court hearing.

The U.S. has agreed to fast track Nigeria’s pending arms requests. Hopefully, this means the NAF will receive its 12 AH-1Z Viper attack helicopters earlier than the projected 2028 delivery date, which is an excessively long wait, as well as the Nigerian Army’s Aviation Corps 12 MD-530F Cayuse Warrior Plus scout/attack helicopters. Both acquisitions are worth nearly $2 billion.

Dangote Surge Forces Petrol Prices Down as Depots, NNPC Slash Rates Nationwide

Nigerians are beginning to feel relief as private depots and NNPC retail stations slash petrol prices following a major increase in supply triggered by the Dangote Refinery. After Dangote announced it is now producing 50 million litres of petrol daily, depot owners across Lagos, Port Harcourt, Warri and Calabar reduced ex-depot prices to stay competitive, with rates now ranging between ₦835 and ₦853 per litre depending on location.
NNPC stations also cut pump prices to ₦905 in Lagos and ₦930 in Abuja, with major marketers like MRS and Ardova selling below ₦900. With strong supply from Dangote and incoming oil cargoes, more price reductions may follow. Diesel prices are also falling, driven by increased supply and lower demand.

Giving thanks to our warriors.

@SECWAR spent Thanksgiving day visiting our Warfighters on the USS Winston S. Churchill.

BREAKING NEWS: The management of the Nigeria Railway Corporation has announced the derailment of the Warri-Itakpe train, which immediately halted rail services along the corridor.

This occurred exactly four days after service resumed on the same route.

Peter Obi’s Claims On Neglect Of Ports Outside Lagos Is Incorrect’ – Ministry Of Marine

The Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy has described the claims of the 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, that the federal government is neglecting ports outside Lagos as incorrect and misleading.

Peter Obi recently criticised the Federal Government’s approval of US$1 billion for the modernisation of the Apapa and TinCan Island seaports in Lagos.

The former Governor of Anambra State urged the Federal Government to extend port development to other parts of the country.

In a post on his 𝕏 handle, Peter Obi condemned the excessive investment in Lagos’s infrastructure.

He lamented that such actions are carried out at the expense of other strategic ports such as Warri, Port Harcourt, Calabar, and Onne.

In response, the spokesperson to the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, Bolaji Akinola, in a statement on Wednesday, said the ministry welcomes constructive criticisms but argued that Peter Obi’s comments were misleading.

Akinola stated that the government is committed to modernising ports nationwide, stressing that the ministry has begun procurement for the upgrade of ports in Warri, Port Harcourt, Calabar, and Onne, alongside the ongoing modernisation of Apapa and TinCan Island ports.

The statement read, “The Federal Government is collaborating with state governments and private investors on new deep seaports in Bayelsa (Agge), Akwa Ibom (Ibom), Rivers (Bonny), and Cross River states.

The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) on Sunday said the Warri–Itakpe Train Service (WITS) will resume operations on Wednesday, 29th October 2025.

EFCC to Arraign Woman for N446M Property Fraud in Benin.

The Benin Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is set to arraign 58-year-old Rita Izehia Iyoha over allegations of property fraud involving N446 million. Iyoha, along with her sister, Fidelia Oghenetejiri, is accused of defrauding Frank Obruche Esemudje and his wi...

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The Benin Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is set to arraign 58-year-old Rita Izehia Iyoha over allegations of property fraud involving N446 million.

Iyoha, along with her sister, Fidelia Oghenetejiri, is accused of defrauding Frank Obruche Esemudje and his wife by claiming to sell them a property in Effurun, Warri.

The sisters allegedly presented themselves as the rightful owners of the property, claiming it was inherited from their late father.

The complainant, however, could not take possession of the property after payment due to an existing court judgment restraining the sisters from selling it.

Attempts to recover the funds failed, as Iyoha reportedly relocated to Ghana shortly after the transaction.

The EFCC, which had been tracking her movements, arrested Iyoha during a visit to Nigeria at a popular Lagos motor park.

She has reportedly made useful statements and is expected to be arraigned in court soon.

"Yahoo Boys Have Killed Romance in Nigeria"— Rapper Erigga.

Nigerian rapper Erhiga Agarivbie, better known as Erigga, has sparked conversation online after claiming that internet fraudsters, popularly called Yahoo Boys, have “killed romance” in Nigeria.

Speaking in an interview with Yanga FM, the Warri-born artiste said the flashy lifestyle of Yahoo Boys has distorted relationships by creating unrealistic expectations among women. 

According to him, their habit of spending lavishly has made it difficult for genuine love to thrive.

“Yahoo boys don kill romance. Romance no longer exists. When last did you see two lovers holding hands together on the street? It’s been a long time. The problem now is that we are raising weak men who believe their entire value lies in their pockets,” he said.

Erigga lamented that relationships, once simple and heartfelt, have now become transactional. He recalled that romance used to be “affordable,” noting that couples once found joy in the little things.

“Back then, it used to be meat pie — very affordable — and women were appreciative. But men also share in the blame; weak men set the standards that women later raised,” he added.

The rapper’s comments have reignited debate about materialism, masculinity, and the state of modern relationships in Nigeria.