News

Life Loss In Anambra Road Crash

Published

3 weeks ago

December 27, 2025

One person has lost her life while four others sustained varying degrees of injuries in a fatal road accident that occurred at Nawfia axis, near Enugu-Agidi Junction, along the Awka–Onitsha Expressway, Anambra State.

The Sector Public Education Officer, Federal Road Safety Corps, Anambra State, Margaret Onabe, confirmed the accident in a press statement on Saturday, saying five people—comprising two male adults, two female adults, and one female child—were involved in the incident.

Onabe said the crash involved an unidentified driver of a Mercedes-Benz 4MATIC SUV (Registration number: Not Available).

She added that while one female adult was killed, four others—two male adults, one female adult, and one female child—sustained injuries such as bruises, fractures, and head trauma.

She attributed the cause of the crash to suspected speed violation, tire burst, and loss of control, adding that the victims were hospitalised, the deceased deposited in a nearby morgue, and the damaged vehicle towed to Ogbunike Police Station.

The statement read in part: “A lone fatal road traffic crash occurred on December 25, 2025, on the Nteje-Onitsha route at AA Rano Station, Ogbunike Tollgate. The specific time of the crash was 09:45 hours.

“The crash involved an unidentified driver of a Mercedes-Benz 4MATIC SUV (Registration number: Not Available). Five people—comprising two male adults, two female adults, and one female child—were involved in the incident.

“One female adult was killed, and four others were injured (two male adults, one female adult, and one female child). Injuries included bruises, fractures, and head trauma.

“The suspected causes of the crash are speed violation, tire burst, and loss of control. The victims were hospitalized; the deceased was deposited in the morgue, and the damaged vehicle was towed to Ogbunike Police Station.”

According to her, the Sector Commander, Corps Commander Bridget Asekhauno, has expressed condolences to the family of the victim and wished the injured a speedy recovery.

She urged motorists to prioritise safety by avoiding overspeeding, maintaining their vehicles, and obeying traffic rules, adding, “our thoughts are with the bereaved family.”

Punch Online on November 29 reported that six people died in a collision between a truck and a bus at Nawfia axis, near Enugu-Agidi Junction, along the Awka–Onitsha Expressway, Anambra State.

It was gathered that the crash occurred as a result of excessive speed involving the drivers of a yellow and black tipper, registration number FGG21XV, and a red bus, registration number XQ398AA.

The Anambra State Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps, Bridget Asekhauno, confirmed the crash to journalists in a press statement released on Saturday.

Asekhauno said the accident resulted from reckless driving and involved a yellow and black tipper, registration FGG21XV, and a red bus, registration XQ398AA.

News

Breaking: Tears, Grief As Imam Who Shielded 262 Christians During Attacks Dies

Published

2 days ago

January 16, 2026

Uthman Abdulganiyu

Imam Abubakar Abdullahi, a hero who shielded 262 Christians, has passed away at 90 years old He died of heart complications, ten days after hospitalisation, leaving behind 19 children His bravery earned him the International Religious Freedom Award in 2019, and mourning spreads across Nigeria

Abubakar Abdullahi, the Imam of the Nghar village in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State, who shielded 262 Christians in the area, has been declared dead. The Imam’s death was confirmed to journalists by his son, Saleh Abubakar, on Friday, January 16. According to the young Abubakar, the Imam died at the Plateau Specialist Hospital in Jos, the state capital, on Thursday, January 15.

According to the cleric’s son, the religious leader died ten days after being admitted into the hospital. He was first diagnosed with a heart problem. He had gone for a check-up and returned. Since he was diagnosed with heart disease, his health has not been stable.

Daily Trust reported that the son disclosed that Imam Abubakar died at 90 and was survived by 19 children. 19 boys and seven girls. Recall that in June 2018, Imam Abubakar Abdullahi, during faith-based communal clashes that happened in 10 villages in the Barkin Ladi LGA, hid 262 Christians in his house and a Mosque until the end of the conflict. He saved them from being attacked.

In 2019, he was honoured with the International Religious Freedom Award from the US Department of State, one of the several awards he received for his bravery. He has been scheduled for burial after the Jumma’at Prayer in Nghar village.

The news of his death has started generating reactions from many Nigerians. Below are some of their reactions: H A

Haruna prayed for him for saving humanity:

“Imam Abubakar Abdullahi, who risked everything to shield over 200 Christians, has passed on. A true symbol of humanity, compassion and interfaith brotherhood. May Allah forgive him, grant him Jannah and comfort his family.”

Ahmed Kofa prayed for the deceased:

“May Allah have mercy on his soul and grant him Aljanna Firdausi. When you save a life is as if you saved humanity. But he helped save plenty.”

Paediatric Otaru praised and prayed for him:

“May the mercy of God be showered on him for the forgiveness of any of his shortcomings. The scripture says blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy.”

Ma’aji Umar prayed:

“May his soul rest in peace. A man with a big heart. That’s what the religion stands for, and not terrorism. A rare person who could be replicated by all.”

Olajide Balogun prayed for the deceased:

“May Allah forgive him and grant him paradise. Aameen.”

News

El-Rufai Breaks Silence On FG’s Decision, Advices Tinubu’s Gov’t

Published

2 days ago

January 16, 2026

Uthman Abdulganiyu

El-Rufai Family Faces Tinubu Challenge, Says APC Chieftain

Former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai praised Defence Minister Christopher Musa for insisting that the Federal Government does not pay ransom to kidnappers. The defence minister said abducted victims are rescued through sustained military pressure and intelligence-led operations, not negotiations with bandits. El-Rufai had been warning that ransom payments to bandits and peace deals only fuel insecurity in the country.

Former Kaduna state governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has commended the Federal Government’s stance on banditry after the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (retd), reiterated that the government does not pay ransom to kidnappers.

El-Rufai, who had consistently opposed ransom payments during his time as governor, praised the defence minister for publicly affirming the policy. E-Rufai was reacting to Musa’s recent remarks during an interview with BBC Hausa, where the minister dismissed claims that the government negotiates with bandits or pays ransom to secure the release of abducted victims.

Dailyvoice.ng reports that the Federal Government has repeatedly denied allegations that it pays ransom, maintaining that sustained military pressure and intelligence-led operations remain its primary strategy against kidnapping and banditry across the country.

Speaking during the interview, Musa said the government’s position was clear despite persistent public speculation, especially in cases involving abducted schoolchildren. “The Federal Government does not pay ransom. Even if others do, the Federal Government does not. We do not pay ransom,” Musa said.

Reacting via his X handle, El-Rufai described the defence minister’s comments as reassuring and refreshing. “God bless Minister Chris Musa for being a breathe of fresh air. May Almighty God help him in his honest quest for real security,” he wrote.

He also advised that the interview should be rebroadcast in English to reach a wider audience. “This interview should be rebroadcast with English Language translation as a matter of urgency,” he added.

Many users on X who commented corroborated their opinion with that of El-Rufa’i, while others tackled the decision.

@UK_Moyi

The is so bold and eloquent. We expect excellent result him

@NuhuSada0

Absolutely, Malam A breath of fresh air indeed. May God continue to strengthen him in delivering genuine security for our nation.

@betternow40471

The key phrase emphasized by the minister, is that ” If everyone comes together to work as a single entity against insecurity, insurgency and banditry will be overcome.” Question: will you be willing to be part that entity that will work together with government or sabotage govt?

@MoodLivestock

A point of correction, H.E. Nasir El-Rufai: He is a General and not just a Minister. God bless Gen. Christopher Musa. I stand with the General always.

@MuhammadAb31571

Perfect leaders like u will change nigeria @AbuZulkarnaini Words of wisdom, a true peace advocate.

The defence minister explained that many victims regain their freedom after security forces intensify operations against criminal enclaves, forcing kidnappers to abandon their captives while fleeing.

“People only assume that ransom is paid. Whenever children are kidnapped from schools, soldiers go into the forest to apply pressure on the bandits so they will flee and abandon the children, and then we recover them. There is no issue of paying ransom,” Musa said.

He stressed that intelligence gathering and coordinated military action remain central to the government’s response to kidnapping nationwide.

Paying ransom fuels more kidnappings

Musa warned that paying ransom only emboldens criminals and worsens the problem of kidnapping for financial gain. “We also oppose it because if it continues, it will encourage people to kidnap for money. That is why we say people should stop paying ransom,” he said. He appealed to families and communities affected by abductions to promptly involve security agencies rather than negotiating directly with kidnappers.

The defence minister also cautioned communities against any form of collaboration with bandits, including providing food, drinks, or other necessities.

“We always tell people not to have anything to do with the bandits and not to sell them food or drinks,” Musa said. Emphasising the importance of local intelligence in dismantling criminal networks, he warned against benefiting financially from such dealings. “What people must understand is that when you sell them food and they give you money, you’re eating blood money, and that’s not good,” he said.

Defence minister warns Gumi

Dailyvoice.ng earlier reported that Nigeria’s Defence Minister, General Christopher Musa (rtd), has issued a stern warning to cleric Sheikh Ahmed Gumi and others perceived to be sympathetic to terrorists and bandits, declaring that anyone who aligns with criminals shares responsibility for their actions.

Speaking during an official visit to Maiduguri on Tuesday, Musa cautioned against offering moral, rhetorical, or material support to groups engaged in terrorism and banditry.

Sheikh Gumi slams Trump’s Sokoto bombing

Earlier, Legit.ng reported that Islamic cleric Sheikh Ahmad Gumi had urged the United States to redirect resources from military action to education and social support for pastoral communities, reacting to reported U.S. airstrikes on suspected terrorist camps in northwestern Nigeria.

Gumi spoke amid growing public debate over the Christmas Day strikes, which the Nigerian Army later confirmed were carried out in coordination with the United States Africa Command against Lakurawa terrorist hideouts in parts of Sokoto State.

News

Alaafin Absent As Olubadan Emerges Oyo Council Of Obas’ Chair

Published

3 days ago

January 15, 2026

Uthman Abdulganiyu

Governor Seyi Makinde on Thursday inaugurated a new Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs in Ibadan, with the chairmanship set to rotate among three leading traditional rulers in the state.

The inauguration, which took place at the House of Chiefs Hall, State Secretariat, Ibadan, saw the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, Arusa I, emerge as the inaugural chairman of the council for a two-year term.

However, the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade, one of the foremost monarchs in the state, was conspicuously absent from the event.

The inauguration followed the passage of the Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs (Further Amendments) Bill, 2025, by the Oyo State House of Assembly, a move aimed at strengthening traditional institutions in the state.

Speaking during the inauguration, Makinde said the Chairmanship of the council will be rotational among the trio of Olubadan, Alaafin of Oyo, and Soun of Ogbomosoland, with each leader serving a term of two years.

He explained that the decision was aimed at promoting unity and cooperation among the traditional institutions in the state. .

He said, “I called the monarchs that we proposed in the law that the chairmanship of the Council of Obas will rotate, and I believe from the law it’s every two years that it will rotate. This is what we are known for. But when we sit down, if we don’t resolve issues and do what is right and proper for our people, then we have failed.

“So, I consulted my three fathers—the Alaafin of Oyo, the Olubadan of Ibadanland, and the Soun of Ogbomosoland—and the agreement is that they will start the rotation with Kabiyesi, the Olubadan of Ibadan.

“So on that basis, I hereby pronounce the Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs inaugurated, in person of Kabieyesi Olubadan of Ibadan land for two years. The Council, like the Commissioner mentioned, last met like this in 2011. And we’ve been at this for a while. I mean, I’ve been here for close to seven years now.

“It will be seven years exactly in May 29 that this administration came into office. And the easiest thing for me to do, or for this administration to do, is to encourage a division. You know, when they say divide and rule, that is the easiest thing.

“But we know that some of the things that we have been able to achieve as an administration, they can be traced to our traditional institution. You come to me, we discuss, we rub minds what is happening in our various communities.

“I get most of those information from yourselves. And then we thought, is it not a shame that for 15 years running now or your state that is supposed to be setting the pace? We don’t have a Council of Obas and Chiefs.

“And some of the things that we’re supposed to do as an administration for our traditional institution as a state, but as the state also, we’re supposed to look after our traditional rulers. But if we don’t have a council, how do we play an active role as a state?

“At best, what we have will be an adhoc arrangement, which is what has been happening since 2011. I’ve been here since 2019. So I encouraged the status of assembly and also I consulted widely amongst the traditional rulers.

“I mean, if we look at this, this is House of Chiefs. We cannot see any improvement. We only come here for a few events. But our traditional institution must be strengthened. The AC is not working because nobody is in charge. There’s no one telling us, calling the State Government on this. We signed the law passed by the State House of Assembly, and I signed it on August 14, 2025.”

In his remarks, the new council chairman, Oba Ladoja urged the general public to have confidence in the council’s mandate, saying the event marked the beginning of work rather than an achievement.

“The primary responsibility of the council is to ensure peace and safety across their domains while contributing to the continued progress of the state,” he said.

Ladoja stated that confidence in the council would grow after its first meeting, as people would come to understand that members were united in purpose and not in competition with one another.

The monarch said the council’s work was focused on making the state a better place for all the residents.

“We appreciate the goodwill and congratulations we have received. This inauguration is not an achievement in itself; it marks the beginning of serious work. After our first meeting, people will begin to have confidence in us, because they will see that we are not in competition with one another. We are not here to fight or to pursue personal interests, so there is nothing to fear.

“Our sole concern is to ensure that our domains remain safe and peaceful, and that the state continues on the path of progress. We want the state to be a good place for everyone. That is the purpose of this council. This is not about any individual; it is about bringing people together and working collectively for the common good,” he explained.

Earlier, the Commissioner of Local Government and Chieftaincy Matter, Ademola Ojo, stated that as custodians of our culture and communal harmony, royal fathers have, over the years, remained the pillars of peace, moral authority and grassroots development, complementing the efforts of the government in fostering unity and progress across the state.

“As we formally inaugurate this council, it’s my earnest hope that it will remain a beacon of harmony, a forum for constructive dialogue, and a strong partner in our shared quest for peace, security and socio-economic advancement,” Ojo stated.

Under the amended law, the chairmanship of the council will rotate every two years among the Alaafin of Oyo, the Olubadan of Ibadanland, and the Soun of Ogbomosoland.