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The funeral of Pope Francis will take place on Saturday, April 26, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. in St. Peter’s Square, the Holy See Press Office confirmed in a statement on Tuesday.

The service will be a significant moment for the global Catholic community, as millions of faithful are expected to gather in Rome and around the world to honor the life and legacy of the 88-year-old pontiff.

According to the statement, Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, Dean of the College of Cardinals, “Will preside at the Mass, which will be concelebrated by Patriarchs, Cardinals, Archbishops, Bishops, and priests from across the globe.”

It added, “The Eucharistic celebration will conclude with the Ultima commendatio and the Valedictio. The late Pope Francis’ body will then be taken into St. Peter’s Basilica and then to the Basilica of St. Mary Major for entombment. Ahead of the funeral, the coffin containing the Pope’s body will be carried from the chapel of the Casa Santa Marta to St. Peter’s Basilica.

“Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church, will preside over the rite of translation on Wednesday, April 23, which will begin at 9:00 AM with a moment of prayer. The procession will pass through Santa Marta Square and the Square of the Roman Protomartyrs, according to the Holy See Press Office.

“The procession will then exit through the Arch of the Bells into St. Peter’s Square and enter the Vatican Basilica through the central door. At the Altar of the Confession, the Cardinal Camerlengo will preside over the Liturgy of the Word, at the conclusion of which the visits to the body of the Roman Pontiff will commence.”

Recall that the Vatican confirmed that the pontiff passed away on Easter Monday at his residence in the Casa Santa Marta within Vatican City.

Camerlengo of the Apostolic Chamber, Cardinal Kevin Farrell, announced the death of Pope Francis from the Casa Santa Marta on Monday morning.

Farrel said the Pope died at exactly 7.35 am.

In a remarkable achievement, 18 students from Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Awka, have emerged with First Class Honours in the recently released results of the Nigerian Law School’s 2025 Bar Finals Examination.

According to the post on the institution’s website, the students include Ibe-Omodo Chioma, Ebubechi Bartholomew Okonkwo, Julius Chukwudi, Ebubechi Ifunanya Nnaji, Peace Udochukwu Onuigbo, Chinecherem Maureen Anatuanya, Wisdom Chibuike Oguguo, Obiajulu Leonard Okoli, Charles Olumba Stella Onyeka, Echefu Stellamaris Uchechukwu, Nwokocha Annastecia Chidinma, Obasi Sochima Evangeline.

Others include, Ezeanyaso Tony Chinweitito, Nwabuzor Chioma Glory, Amanoh Chisom Goodness, Alagboso Daniel Ifeanyi, Anene Chinaza Peace, and Ifechukwu Praise Mmesoma.

The institution noted that the achievement marks the highest number of First Class Honours recorded by its Faculty of Law, and is a testament to its commitment to academic excellence.

The Dean of the Faculty of Law, Professor Felicia Ayaogu, expressed pride in the students’ achievement, attributing it to the dedication of the Faculty’s lecturers.

“This is the true situation. Our students have made us proud, and we give all glory to God Almighty,” she said.

She emphasized that the Faculty of Law has made deliberate efforts to cultivate an environment that fosters effective learning, teaching, and research.

The Acting Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Joseph Ikechebelu, also commended the Faculty of Law for its stellar performance and reaffirmed the university’s commitment to producing globally competitive graduates.

He congratulated the students on their achievement and assured them of the university’s continued support.

Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has ordered the indefinite suspension of Dr. George Oshiapi Egabor, the Okumagbe of Uwano Kingdom in Agenebode, Etsako East Local Government Area, over rising insecurity in his domain.

The announcement was made through a statement issued by Fred Itua, the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor. The suspension follows a disturbing wave of kidnappings and killings that have rocked the community in recent times.

According to the statement, the state government views the traditional ruler’s inability to curb the growing insecurity under his watch as unacceptable.

The crisis reached a boiling point after the death of a palace chief, the Late John Ikhamate, in a recent violent incident.

In connection with the matter, the monarch’s secretary, Chief Peter Omiogbemhi, has been arrested, further fueling tension and calls for justice among residents.

“Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has ordered the immediate suspension of Dr. George Oshiapi Egabor, the Okumagbe of Uwano Kingdom, Agenebode, Estako East Local Government Area of Edo State, over recent cases of incessant kidnapping and killings in his domain.

“Already, his secretary, Chief Peter Omiogbemhi, has been arrested by the relevant authorities, following a recent incident that led to the death of a palace chief, Late John Ikhamate.

“The suspension of the traditional ruler is indefinite,” the statement read.

Tension gripped residents of the Idimu area in Lagos State on Sunday morning following the shocking discovery of two lifeless bodies along Oladun Road—one of which was beheaded.

According to locals, the killings are believed to have occurred late Saturday night, but the gruesome scene was only discovered at daybreak. The bodies were found lying several meters apart, drawing a crowd of stunned onlookers and passersby.

When PUNCH Metro visited the scene, the corpses had not yet been removed, adding to the growing anxiety in the community.

A resident, Lanre Ajao, identified one of the deceased as a local trader popularly known as Baba Oja. The identity of the second victim remains unknown as of the time of filing this report.

He said, “We woke up to see their lifeless bodies on the road this morning. We cannot immediately identify the one with a severed head but the other person is Baba Oja. He is very popular in this area.

“He was also known to always mingle with some boys who ran after flashy cars to collect money from the drivers around the Council bus stop. We still saw him yesterday controlling the traffic for some of the flashy cars.”

Another resident, Jamiu Raji, told PUNCH Metro that the nature of the killings indicated cult violence.

“We found out that the incident was not just a fight. It is related to a cult attack because of the way the two of them were killed. However, incidents like this are not common in this area. That is why people were shocked to see this,” he said.

It was further gathered that the corpses remained at the scene for nearly 10 hours before police operatives eventually arrived.

The second corpse was later identified as that of another resident in the community whose name our correspondent could not ascertain as of press time.

Another resident who did not want his name in print for security reasons said the families of the deceased victims were made to part away with money before they could allow them to take the corpses away.

The state Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, could not be reached as calls made to his phone were not responded to. A text message sent to him had yet to be responded to as of the time this report was filed.

Recall that no fewer than three persons were killed in separate cult clashes in the Mushin area of Lagos State and the Lantoro area of Abeokuta, Ogun State capital in February.

The cult clashes stemmed from renewed disputes between members of the Aiye Confraternity and the Eiye Confraternity.


(Punch)

Petroleum product marketers have expressed frustration over financial losses following the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited’s (NNPC) recent reduction in the pump price of Premium Motor Spirit (petrol).

On Easter Monday, NNPC retail outlets across major cities adjusted their pump prices, with Lagos stations dropping from N925 to N880 per litre, while Abuja saw a similar drop to N880. In Kano, the price was revised from N950 to N935 per litre.

The unexpected price cut comes just days after the Dangote Refinery reduced its ex-depot price from N865 to N835 per litre—further intensifying pricing pressure on independent marketers who had stocked up at previous, higher rates.

The $20bn refinery also directed its partners like MRS, Heyden, and Ardova to sell a litre of petrol at the rate of N890 instead of N920 in Lagos, N900 in the South West, N910 in the South-South, and N920 in the North East.

This newspaper observes that the new NNPC prices in Kano, Abuja, Port Harcourt and Lagos are N10-N15 lower than that of the Dangote refinery, signalling another price war between the two companies.

Our correspondent reports that some NNPC filling stations are still selling at the old rate. But marketers said these stations were given the liberty to exhaust old stock before adjusting to the new prices.

In an interview with our correspondent, the National Vice President of the Independent Marketers Association of Nigeria, Hammed Fashola, confirmed the price reduction, stressing that filling station operators were losing money.

He told our correspondent that NNPC Retail sent a memo to its outlets to effect the new prices.

“It is confirmed that NNPC has reduced PMS prices. It is now N880 per litre in Lagos. They sent messages to their retail outlets. Some of them have already put the price at N880. However, they allow those having old stock to continue selling at the old rate. Some are still selling at N910.

“Those are the ones that still have their old stock. So, the same thing applies to independent marketers. Those that have their old stock are still trying to see how they can dispense it,” he stated.

While acknowledging that the fluctuation in fuel prices is one part of deregulation, Fashola declared that marketers are losing money.

“The price reduction is a welcome development, but at the same time, it has a negative impact on the side of the marketers. We are losing money. That’s just the truth. We are losing money. That’s the bitter truth,” he said.

According to him, the price cuts are good for the masses, but marketers pay the price.

“On the side of the masses, Nigerians are better for it. People are getting cheaper fuel now, which is good. That’s the beauty of deregulation that we are talking about. There’s nothing anybody can do about it. But marketers are the ones bearing the losses, seriously.

Asked if there is any way to reduce the losses, he replied, “On the part of marketers, what we can do is just to try as much as possible to try and sell. We will reduce prices to a level that, at least, our losses will not be too much. So, you will be able to get rid of your old stock before you go to the market to buy at the new rate and start selling at the new rate.

On whether the petrol price could drop to N800 or N700 soon, Fashola refused to make projections.

“I don’t want to predict that. You know, two major factors determine this – the crude oil price and our exchange rate. So, I don’t want to predict the price. All these things have their implications. If the crude oil comes down to something like $50 per barrel, it has its own implications for our economy. It will affect the government revenue. At the same time, inflation and all that are also there. So, I don’t want to predict that,” he stated.

Recall that the Dangote refinery resumed price cuts after the Federal Government directed that the naira-for-crude deal should continue indefinitely.


(Punch)

Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal, has taken a swipe at supporters of President Bola Tinubu and loyalists of former President Muhammadu Buhari, accusing them of “chasing shadows” in their quest to gain political favor.

In an exclusive interview with The PUNCH, Lawal criticized certain members of the defunct Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), saying they have abandoned the party’s core values—particularly its focus on the welfare of the Talakawas (the poor and vulnerable).

According to him, any true CPC loyalist who still believes in the founding principles of the movement should be working to oust any administration that “brings pain and impoverishment to the people,” including the current government.

“These guys have given us a reason to come against them because the CPC is a Talakawa Movement. It’s a movement that has at heart the needs and feelings of the lower class. That is our ideology, which we learned from Buhari.

“The primary aim is how to serve the disenfranchised, discriminated people in the society, which this government has taken as a religion to cause suffering and marginalisation. It is as if the sight of a poor person annoys them. So they want to starve them to death.

“Now if you are an original CPC person, it will pain you. It will push you into action involuntarily to change this type of system that is out to destroy and marginalise the underprivileged in society. That is what Buhari stands for. That is who we are and what we learned from him,” Lawal said.

When asked whether Buhari had given the coalition his blessing, as former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai claimed, Lawal kicked against such insinuation.

He said, “First of all, we don’t need his (Buhari) blessing. We only needed to tell him what we wanted to do because we were adults. It is also not like we will go and tell Buhari to follow us. Of course, we are mature and intelligent people.

“Even if Buhari says, hey, gentlemen, I will join you. It is our responsibility to say, No, Oga please keep off. You are too big for us. We don’t want to involve you. You are part of this government. Please remain there until you are fed up.”

Lawal, a founding member of the defunct CPC and former ally of Tinubu, is a key stakeholder in the ongoing coalition involving Atiku, Obi and El-Rufai. He insisted that the opposition alliance and the planned merger of parties were already sealed.

“We understand ‘these people’ and the APC governors went to greet him on Sallah. I was not there when they were talking but we eventually found out what they went there to say. And, of course, we know how to handle it.”

Lawal also took a swipe at former Nasarawa Governor Tanko Al-Makura, ex-Minister of Communications Adebayo Shittu, and other old CPC members, describing them as “black sheep of the defunct party.”

His response followed Shittu’s comment on Channels Television’s Politics Today, where the former minister labeled the CPC a “dead horse” and described Lawal, former Attorney General Abubakar Malami and other aggrieved CPC chieftains as “mischief makers.”

“I can never leave the APC. I’m a very loyal member of the party. I have not seen what would justify my leaving. That is one. Number two, when you talk of CPC, you are talking of a dead horse. The party has since gone into oblivion.

“We had to dissolve CPC, AC and other parties for us to become APC. So now it becomes convenient for some people, for whatever selfish and self-serving reasons, to use the glorious name of CPC. The laughable thing about it is that they even say some people cannot talk on behalf of the CPC, as if the CPC is exclusive to them.

“To the best of my knowledge, I know the former Attorney General of the Federation is one of the leaders and a few other people there. I don’t see what the grievance is. They are just saying that they won’t go again with the APC,” Shittu had said.

Reacting, Lawal described Shittu as a perfect example of the “black sheep” within the legacy CPC structure.

“We know that not everybody can withstand hunger. Even in the CPC, there were black sheep. Some people joined CPC hoping to get one or two things. But at heart, they were not CPC. Such people might not be able to sustain hunger.

“This government has made the majority of Nigerians hungry. Not everybody is like us who can’t tolerate hunger, injustice, tribal or religious bigotry. Of course, those people who came in as mercenaries and other benefits are free to leave. After all, there are still positions.

“There are still positions Bola Tinubu will give out. I don’t think the ambassadorial list and board members are complete. There’s a rumour that he might even rejig his cabinet. So quite a lot of people are free to haggle for those positions, be it from CPC or anywhere,” Lawal said.

Efforts to reach Malami and Al-Makura for their reactions were unsuccessful, as they neither picked calls nor responded to messages sent for clarification as of press time.

Vice President Kashim Shettima has summoned the Chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Prof. Abdullahi Saleh Usman, along with board members of the commission, for a crucial meeting on the state of preparations for the 2025 Hajj pilgrimage.

According to an invitation letter obtained by this newspaper, the meeting is scheduled to take place today at the Vice President’s Conference Room.

The letter, signed by Senator Ibrahim Hassan Hadejia, Deputy Chief of Staff to the President (Office of the Vice President), stated that the session is aimed at updating the Vice President on the commission’s plans and addressing lingering issues.

The invitation read, “I have been directed to instruct you to attend a meeting with the Vice President Senator Kashim Shettima GCON on Tuesday 22nd April 2025 at the Vice President’s Conference Room at 1.30pm along with all other board members of the National Hajj Commission.”

“Please ensure that you notify the other board members accordingly and come along with a short brief on preparedness for the 2025 hajj operation and any outstanding issues in that regard.”

It could be recalled that the chairman and the non-executive board members of the commission have been having issues on lack of inclusion in some decisions made by the chairman for the preparation of the 2025 Hajj.

This culminated into a petition to the Vice President who warned the chairman to stop running the affairs of the commission as a sole administrator.

However, the chairman has denied the allegations levelled against him by the board members.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu returned to Abuja on Monday night after a two-week working visit to France and the United Kingdom.

His arrival at the presidential wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport at 9:50 p.m. was met with a warm reception from key members of his administration.

Among those present to welcome the President were the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike; National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu; and Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila.

While the presidency has remained tight-lipped about the specific details of Tinubu’s overseas engagements, his absence from the country stirred public speculation and curiosity over the nature of his international meetings.

More details to follow…

Following the death of Pope Francis on Easter Monday, the Vatican has officially released the final wishes of the beloved head of the Catholic Church.

Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina, the 88-year-old pontiff had outlined his burial preferences, desired resting place, and final prayers in a document penned in 2022—two years before his passing.

The testament, which reflects his lifelong humility and deep spiritual conviction, reveals that Pope Francis requested a modest burial and chose a specific location steeped in Catholic tradition.

Find the full text below.


TESTAMENT OF HIS HOLINESS POPE FRANCIS

In the Name of the Most Holy Trinity. Amen.

Feeling that the end of my earthly life is approaching and with lively hope in Eternal Life, I wish to express my testamentary will only with regard to the place of my burial.

I have always entrusted my life and my priestly and episcopal ministry to the Mother of Our Lord, Mary Most Holy. Therefore, I ask that my mortal remains rest awaiting the day of resurrection in the Papal Basilica of Saint Mary Major.

I wish that my last earthly journey conclude precisely in this ancient Marian sanctuary where I went for prayer at the beginning and end of each Apostolic Journey to confidently entrust my intentions to the Immaculate Mother and thank Her for her docile and maternal care.

I ask that my tomb be prepared in the niche of the side nave between the Pauline Chapel (Chapel of the Salus Populi Romani) and the Sforza Chapel of the aforementioned Papal Basilica as indicated in the enclosed attachment.

The tomb must be in the earth; simple, without particular decoration and with the only inscription: Franciscus.

The expenses for the preparation of my burial will be covered with the sum of the benefactor that I have arranged to transfer to the Papal Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore and of which I have provided appropriate instructions to Mons. Rolandas Makrickas, Extraordinary Commissioner of the Liberian Chapter.

May the Lord give the deserved reward to those who have loved me and will continue to pray for me. The suffering that has been present in the last part of my life is offered to the Lord for peace in the world and brotherhood among peoples.

Santa Marta, June 29, 2022.


NOTE: This text was translated from Italian to English via Google Translate.


Lere Olayinka, media aide to Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has taken a swipe at renowned human rights lawyer, Femi Falana (SAN), over his recent remarks concerning the defection saga involving lawmakers in Rivers State.

Falana had spoken on national television, commenting on the legal status of the defected lawmakers, which reportedly did not sit well with Wike. During a media chat held in Abuja on Friday, Wike accused the lawyer of deliberately spreading misinformation about the issue.

Reacting to the situation, Olayinka defended his principal, stating that Falana’s comments were misleading and unprofessional. He urged the senior advocate to refrain from using his legal influence to distort facts for political gain.

“A few days ago, the supreme court settled this matter of defection. “If someone of Femi Falana’s caliber can go on national television and lie, it’s very serious. Lies can cause a lot of crises,” the FCT minister had said.

Responding to Wike’s comment, Falana said the minister’s allegations were baseless and tendentious..

Falana said the allegations stemmed from his comments on a recent supreme court ruling on the defection of 27 members of the Rivers state assembly.

He added that his comments were based on the fact that the matter was raised suo motu and determined by the court.

“Mr. Wike is the only life bencher in Nigeria who has never handled a case in any trial court or appellate court,” Falana said.

However, in a statement issued on Monday, Olayinka said Falana’s comments questioning the appointment of Wike as a life bencher are “funny and ludicrous”.

Olayinka said the FCT minister has “contributed immensely to the advancement of legal education” in Nigeria.

“It is funny and ridiculous that in the mind of Falana, only those who have handled cases in trial court or appellate court are lawyers, and that a lawyer must have handled cases in trial or appellate court to be qualified for appointment as a life bencher,” the statement reads.

“Apart from going on television to make noise, what has Falana contributed to the legal profession? Even the SAN that he got, was it not an afterthought? Was it not years after his mates had gotten SAN?

“As Governor of Rivers State, Wike was instrumental to the establishment and infrastructural development of the campus of the Nigerian Law School in Port Harcourt, which is the best centre for legal education in Nigeria today.

“He also played major roles in the development of facilities at the Yenagoa campus of the Nigerian Law School by constructing a state-of-the-art 1,500-capacity hall and 200-bed male and female hostels, among other interventions.

“Now that he is FCT minister, he is constructing a 10-unit housing quarters for the Nigerian Law School, Bwari, Abuja. He has also provided operational vehicles to the school to improve its operation.

“The question is, what has Falana done for the legal profession? Even in Ekiti state, where he is from, he has not contributed anything.

“The Bar Center in Ado Ekiti was built by Aare Afe Babalola (SAN), while the one in Ikere Ekiti was built by Chief Wole Olanipekun (SAN).

“Also, Aare Afe Babalola has been sponsoring the Nigerian Bar Association’s annual lecture for years and has been assisting lawyers in Ekiti with medical treatments in his Ado Ekiti teaching hospital. What has Falana done? Nothing!”


(TheCable)

The Vatican has officially confirmed that Pope Francis passed away as a result of a cerebral stroke, which led to a coma and subsequent irreversible heart failure.

This clarification comes approximately 12 hours after the initial announcement of his death.

According to the death certificate released on Monday, the 88-year-old pontiff suffered a sudden stroke that rapidly deteriorated into a coma. Despite medical efforts, his condition worsened, culminating in heart failure.

Platinumpost reports that Pope Francis died on Easter Monday, just one day after he was seen blessing thousands of worshippers gathered at St. Peter’s Square a final public act that now stands as a powerful and poignant farewell.

More details to follow…

A beauty queen, Ohikere Nabila has emerged the winner of the 2025 Miss Indigenous Tourism Pageant amidst pomp and pageantry. 

The grand finale of the Miss Indigenous Tourism Pageant show took place in Abuja’s Farm City, which buzzed with cultural pride as the beauty queens filed out in the presence of their supporters and loved ones. 

The 2025 edition, which was the 9th in the series attracted the presence of political and traditional elders, entrepreneurs, entertainment icons and women advocates. 

They watched with keen interest the display of indigenous heritage throughout rigorous competition, which tested cultural knowledge and leadership. 

Ohikere Nabila born in Kogi state represented Anambra in the contest. 

Six other winners also emerged in various categories. 

Responding after she was declared winner, she said, "My victory celebrated my eloquence in advocating sustainable cultural tourism, unwavering patriotism, and ability to bridge diverse communities. 

"By championing Anambra’s heritage while honoring my Ebira roots, I embodied Nigeria’s unity in diversity. 

"This crown empowers me to amplify marginalized voices and promote indigenous pride, underscoring the power of cultural stewardship in driving national unity and progress."
The city of Lagos will be agog as high profile individuals are expected to grace the wedding ceremony of Mr. Chinomso Okonkwo to his heartthrob, Miss Chizuru Uko. 

Chinomso, the son of billionaire businessman, Chief Donatus Okonkwo, the Chairman Tettrazzini Group has since released pre-wedding picture ahead of the expected royal wedding. 

The stunning picture of him and his beautiful heartthrob, Chizuru has gone viral, attracting goodwill messages as they set out to start their marital journey. 

The bride's father, Sir Ikechi Uko (Ikenga na Item) an accomplished International legal practitioners and business executive had given his nod for the marital union to proceed since December when he received bride price from Chinomso and his father, Prince Okonkwo. 

He had "retaliated" the payment of bride price, which include seven gold coins with the release of a gold bar. 
 
The expected star-studded wedding will hold on April 25, 2025, starting with a church service at Guiding Light Assembly, Layi Ajayi Dembe Road, Parkview Estate, Ikoyi Lagos. 

This will be followed by a reception at Balmoral Hall, Federal Palace Hotel, Victoria Island Lagos. 

The two love birds had met during their postgraduate studies in the US, from where they found love in each other.

Only invited guests are expected at the wedding, a release signed by the planners says.


Suspected fighters from the Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP) have bombed another major bridge, this time in Gujiba Local Government Area of Yobe State, further crippling infrastructure in the region already reeling from a series of recent attacks.

According to intelligence sources quoted by counter-insurgency analyst Zagazola Makama, the insurgents detonated an explosive device around 10:30 p.m. on Thursday, targeting the bridge linking Ngirbuwa and Gonori town.

The blast destroyed what remained of the structure, cutting off movement between the two communities.

This latest incident comes just two days after a coordinated wave of assaults in neighbouring Borno State, where three other bridges were either partially or completely destroyed.

On Wednesday, Wednesday when terrorists destroyed Manda Fuma bridge near Biu, a strategic route crucial for both civilian and military transit.

In addition to the Manda Fuma bridge, unconfirmed but emerging reports indicated that the bridge in Alaramma was also brought down.

According to a report shared by a security and intelligence platform, Eons Intelligence, on its verified X handle on Wednesday, the bridge connecting the Forward Operating Base (FOB) in Wajiroko to Sabon Gari was also reportedly destroyed—severely impacting the movement of security forces and logistical support in the area.

A group of irate youths on Thursday attacked a Fulani settlement in Kemenji Village, Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State, accusing its inhabitants of colluding with bandits in the kidnapping and killing of locals.

According to a report by counter-insurgency expert, Zagozola Makama, intelligence Sources revealed that the youths, led by one I. Bature, stormed the Fulani camp and set a number of huts ablaze before fleeing the scene.

Upon receiving the report, The Nigerian Army troops in collaboration with the police answered other security agencies swiftly stormed the area to prevent further escalation.

The security team succeeded in restoring normalcy, while efforts are said to be ongoing to apprehend the ringleader and other suspects who are currently at large.

Security agencies assured that the situation is under control and warned against taking the law into one’s hands, reiterating the commitment of security agencies to safeguarding lives and property in the area.

The Commander General of the Nigeria Forest Security Service (NFSS), Dr. Joshua Osatimehin, has extended his Easter greetings to Christians and all members of the Service across the country.

In his Easter message delivered in Abuja, Dr. Osatimehin encouraged them to follow the example set by Jesus Christ, emphasizing virtues such as sacrifice, humility, love, and peaceful coexistence.

He explained that Jesus Christ’s mission on Earth was to redeem humanity through His crucifixion, death, and resurrection on the third day.

The Commander General called on all to ensure that the profound sacrifice of Jesus Christ is reflected in their lives by adhering to God’s commandments in their day-to-day actions.

He also urged a commitment to serving both God and humanity, as well as actively contributing their knowledge and wisdom to societal development.

Dr. Osatimehin further highlighted that NFSS personnel had been deployed across all 36 states and 774 local government areas in Nigeria to support other security agencies in ensuring a safe and peaceful Easter celebration.

Taking advantage of the occasion, Dr. Osatimehin expressed his gratitude to the Senate and House of Representatives for passing the NFSS Bill, noting that it reflected the lawmakers’ dedication to safeguarding the lives and property of Nigerians through the continued efforts of the NFSS.

He appealed to President Bola Tinubu to give his assent to the bill once it is transmitted to him, underscoring that doing so would greatly contribute to realizing the President’s renewed hope agenda, particularly in the area of national security.

While reaffirming the unwavering support of the NFSS to President Tinubu’s administration, the Commander General urged the officers and men of the Service to maintain their dedication and remain focused on the Service’s core mission, avoiding any actions that might undermine its objectives.

A staunch ally of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has warned that northerners could face political marginalization akin to the fate of Cameroon’s former president, Ahmadu Ahidjo, if the All Progressives Congress (APC) retains power in 2027.

Hamma Hayatu, a vocal supporter of Atiku, made the statement on Friday via his official X (formerly Twitter) handle.

He cautioned northern Nigerians against supporting President Bola Tinubu’s party in the next election cycle, urging them to resist the APC using “any legal means.”

“Dear Northerners,” Hayatu wrote, “Should by any misadventure APC comes back as president in 2027, the Cameroonian treatment awaits you from these NADECO people. Reject them like a plague… treat their supporters among you as betrayers. Jiki Magayi.”

Expanding on his reference to the “Cameroonian treatment,” Hayatu drew a historical parallel to the fate of Ahmadu Ahidjo, the first president of post-independence Cameroon.

According to Hayatu, Ahidjo, a Fulani from Garoua in northern Cameroon, was sidelined after illness forced him to temporarily hand over power to then-Prime Minister Paul Biya. When Ahidjo recovered and attempted to return, Biya refused to relinquish control, eventually becoming president in 1983. Ahidjo was forced into exile, first in Kano, Nigeria, and later in Dakar, Senegal, where he died in 1989.

“After Biya took full control,” Hayatu claimed, “northern Cameroonians were pushed out of key positions and governance structures. Only those deemed subservient were allowed to participate, reducing the region’s influence drastically.”

He concluded by warning that a similar fate could await northern Nigerians under continued APC rule, asserting that Muslims and northerners risk being politically sidelined unless proactive measures are taken.

The All Progressives Congress(APC) in Kano State says the speculated impending defection of Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso to the party is a welcome development.

The Chairman of the party, Prince Abdullahi Abbas, stated this while addressing a press conference at the party’s headquarters located along Maiduguri road, Kano,on Friday.

“APC as a political Institution in its renewed hope agenda has embarked on the project of receiving decampees from all political parties.

“Of recent, the attention of the party has been drawn to speculations of the impending decamping of the leader of the expelled faction of the NNPP, Sen. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso into the party.

“This is a welcome development, especially given the fact that the APC remains his last political refuge as he has successfully destroyed his relations with all other political groupings in the country.

“Without prejudice to our desire as a party to welcome new entrants and in respect of the constitutional rights of citizens to belong to political parties of their choice, we wish to state our position as a state chapter of our great party in Kano state,”Abbas said.

He said the party had already directed its ward chapters to open registers for new decampees irrespective of their political and social stature is in line with our party’s constitution.

“We advise all those desirous of joining our esteemed party to go to their respective wards and register. Also, we want to assure our elected party officials from the ward, local government, senatorial and state levels that they will continue to function as provided by the tenure of their office in the party constitution.

“For the purpose of seeking any future party or elective position, any old or new entrants, shall be free to exercise his/her constitutional rights of voting or being voted for without any special preference,” the chairman said.

He noted that the party is fully aware that some people are desperate to join the APC “because they have scuttled their political goodwill and have become political lepers in the national scheme of things and are looking to the APC for political relevance.”

“For the avoidance of doubt, let me emphasize that the APC as a political party does not and will not encourage or promote the existence of cult like associations in the name of political activities or groupings.

“We unequivocally call on all those prospective decampees who have earlier made derogatory statements against our leaders, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his Vice, Sen.Kashim Shettima to offer a public apology as a sign of remorse, and respect for future relationships,” he added.

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has credited President Bola Tinubu with preventing a political meltdown in Rivers State, revealing he had advocated for the removal of Governor Siminalayi Fubara.

Wike, a former governor of the oil-rich state, made the disclosure on Friday during a media briefing in Abuja.

According to him, Tinubu’s intervention, which included suspending Governor Fubara, Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu, and lawmakers amid a deepening political rift, was necessary to stabilize the state.

He said the president’s decision to impose a state of emergency and appoint a sole administrator helped to prevent the state from descending into chaos.

More details to follow….

The President Federal Capital Territory, FCT Baptist Conference, Rev. Dr. Dogara Raphael Gwana has felicitated with Christians most especially Baptist Family on the occasion of this year’s Easter celebration.

In his Easter message in Abuja, Rev. Dr Dogara Raphael Gwana admonished them to always emulate the virtues of Jesus Christ which includes sacrifice, humility, peaceful coexistence, love among others.

He said Jesus Christ came to the world to salvage mankind through His crucifixion and death on the cross of Calvary and resurrected after three days.

The President of FCT Baptist Conference therefore enjoined Christians not to allow the sacrifice of Jesus Christ to be in vain in their lives by being genuinely born again and confess Him as their Lord and personal Saviour in order to gain eternal life.

He also stressed the need for them to be committed to the service of God and humanity as well as develop keen interest in contributing their wealth of knowledge and wisdom to the betterment of the society.

“While we celebrate the birth of Jesus, when it comes to Easter, it clarifies the very purpose for which Jesus was born and this is the time when He went through an agonizing experience of carrying the cross, being crucified, buried and then risen on the third day thereby given Christians and all those who believe in Him victory over sin, victory over sickness among others hence the need for the celebration of the risen of our Lord Jesus Christ from death and the bestower of victory upon those who believe in Him” He said

In his words “We need to know that whatever what we’re going through, there is that day that the morning breaks and the bible tells us that weeping may endure for the night but joy comes in the morning hence the need for Christians to be steadfast in faith and prayers towards overcoming life challenges “.

“I believe we’re presently going through a whole lots of troubles such as economic trouble, even the one’s that are connected with our faith which is persecution, we’re given a kinds of derogatory names, suffering in one way or the other therefore we as Christians need to use this year’s occasion of Easter to reflect on its reality to know that there’s nothing we go through that Jesus did not go through as well and He came out victorious therefore every christians should know that there’s a day of victory that Jesus brings to us” Rev Dr. Gwana stressed.

He used the opportunity to appeal to Government at all levels to be committed to the yearnings and aspirations of Nigerians towards ameliorating the present economic challenges in the country.

The President of FCT Baptist Conference expressed the hope that with continuous prayers of the faithful, Nigeria would soon overcome its challenges and take its rightful place among comity of nations.