Author: Gbenga Olaleye

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has strongly criticised the Federal Government’s approach to recent kidnappings across the country, warning that negotiating with bandits poses a grave threat to national security and undermines the rule of law. In a statement issued on Wednesday and signed by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC said that although it rejoices with families whose loved ones have been freed—including worshippers abducted from Christ Apostolic Church, Oke-Isegun in Kwara State and students kidnapped in Kebbi—the government must answer tough questions. The party argued that these abductions would not have occurred if the…

The Benue State Government has dismissed reports claiming that Governor Hyacinth Iormem Alia intends to leave the All Progressives Congress (APC) following a purported “secret meeting” with Senator Iyorchia Ayu, describing the story as a baseless fabrication. In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Tersoo Kula, labelled the circulating report as a “wicked, mischievous, and vicious smear campaign” aimed at diverting the governor’s attention from governance and misleading the presidency for political gain. Kula emphasised that Governor Alia routinely engages with elder statesmen and national figures without political or religious bias, noting that such…

The Senate on Wednesday commended President Bola Tinubu and security agencies for the swift rescue of dozens of kidnapping victims in Kwara and Niger states, while warning that attacks on schools and places of worship across Nigeria have reached alarming levels. The commendation followed the adoption of a motion sponsored by Senator Asiru Yisa (Kwara South) titled: “Urgent Need to Address Escalating Insecurity in Kwara, Kebbi, and Niger States – Call for Immediate and Comprehensive Federal Intervention.” Yisa expressed deep concern over the attack on Christ Apostolic Church, Eruku, where armed assailants killed two worshippers and abducted 38 people —…

Ogun State Governor and Chairman of the Southern Governors’ Forum, Dapo Abiodun, has declared the establishment of state police non-negotiable in efforts to tackle Nigeria’s escalating insecurity. Speaking on Wednesday while hosting his southern counterparts at his country home in Iperu-Remo, Ikenne Local Government Area, Abiodun said recent coordinated attacks targeting schoolchildren and worshippers had shown that no region in the country is insulated from banditry, kidnapping, and terrorism. Governors in attendance included Siminalayi Fubara (Rivers), Alex Otti (Abia), Biodun Oyebanji (Ekiti), Francis Nwifuru (Ebonyi), Peter Mbah (Enugu), Chukwuma Soludo (Anambra), Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Lagos), and Lucky Aiyedatiwa (Ondo). Deputy governors…

Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have arrested a suspected drug baron, Onyekachi Nwanagu, alongside five members of his network during a major intelligence-led operation that uncovered a large opioid warehouse in Isolo, Lagos. The operation, conducted by the agency’s Special Operations Unit between 19 and 20 November, followed credible intelligence that the syndicate was preparing to distribute over 7.2 million tramadol pills and more than 526,000 bottles of codeine syrup ahead of the Christmas festive season. In a statement on Wednesday, NDLEA spokesperson Femi Babafemi revealed that two suspects, Egbo Udalor and Chukwe Emmanuel, were initially…

The National Secretary of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Rauf Aregbesola, has insisted that the ruling government will be unable to manipulate the forthcoming elections, claiming he is fully aware of their tactics. Aregbesola made the declaration on Tuesday during the unveiling of the ADC in Osogbo, Osun State, a day he described as symbolic, marking exactly 15 years since his administration assumed office in the state. Speaking to a gathering of supporters, Aregbesola highlighted the ADC’s role as a credible alternative capable of tackling Nigeria’s persistent challenges, including insecurity, maladministration, poverty, hunger, and the absence of good governance. Today…

The Lagos State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has described former Vice President Atiku Abubakar as an “80-year-old political tourist” following his decision to join the African Democratic Congress (ADC). Mogaji Seye Oladejo, spokesman for the state arm of the party, said Atiku’s latest political move reflects desperation and what he called an “incurable addiction to party-hopping.” In a statement issued on Wednesday, Oladejo questioned what Atiku could still be seeking at his age. “Atiku’s decision to pick up an ADC membership card at 80 is the perfect climax to a political career defined by ceaseless desperation, chronic…

Former Kaduna Central Senator, Shehu Sani, has urged the Federal Government to adopt a more localised approach to security recruitment and deployment, arguing that such a strategy would significantly strengthen Nigeria’s fight against terrorism and banditry. In a post shared on his verified X handle on Wednesday, Sani said the most effective way to confront rising insecurity is to recruit military and police personnel from communities worst affected by violent crimes and to deploy them directly to their states of origin. According to him, officers who understand the cultural and geographical landscape of their own regions possess a strategic advantage…

The Southern Governors’ Forum is set to meet on Wednesday in Iperu, Ogun State, for high-level deliberations on pressing national and regional issues. The gathering, scheduled for 10 a.m., will be hosted at the private residence of the Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun. The meeting was announced in a statement issued on Wednesday by Kayode Akinmade, Special Adviser on Information and Strategy to the Ogun State Governor. According to the statement, the session will provide a platform for southern governors to harmonise positions on key matters affecting the region, including security and economic cooperation. In a notable addition to the…

The Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in the Northern Region and the Federal Capital Territory, Rev. John Hayab, has revealed that a parent died from a heart attack after his three children were abducted during an attack on St Mary’s Catholic School in Niger State. Speaking during an interview with ARISE News on Tuesday, Hayab described the severe emotional toll faced by families whose children were kidnapped across Kebbi, Kwara, and Niger states in the past week. He said the deceased parent, identified only as Mr Anthony, was overwhelmed by the shock and trauma of losing his…