The President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, has directed senators to reconvene for an emergency plenary session on Tuesday, February 10, 2026.
The development comes a few days after the Senate rejected a proposal seeking mandatory electronic transmission of election results.
In a statement issued by the Clerk of the Senate, Emmanuel Odo, all senators were requested to attend the sitting.
The emergency session is scheduled to begin at 12 noon.
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has warned of possible nationwide protests and a boycott of elections over what it described as confusion and conflicting positions from the Senate on amendments to the Electoral Act, especially on the issue of electronic transmission of results.
The union said the Senate’s position was weakening public confidence in the electoral system by failing to clearly indicate whether electronic transmission of results would be compulsory.
“The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) expresses deep concern over the confusion and contradictory narratives emerging from the Senate regarding the amendment to the 2022 Electoral Act, particularly on electronic transmission of results,” NLC President Joe Ajaero said in a statement on Sunday.
The NLC noted that uncertainty surrounding the Senate’s decision could undermine electoral integrity and public trust, stressing that “Nigerians deserve a transparent system where votes are not only counted but seen to be counted.”
“Public records suggest the proposed amendment to mandate the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to transmit results electronically in real time was not adopted, with the existing discretionary provision retained.
“This has generated nationwide apprehension, and subsequent explanations have only added to the confusion,” the union added.
The Congress cautioned that “legislative ambiguity” at such a critical time after the 2023 general elections could entrench doubt in the electoral process.
It called on the Senate to provide an “immediate, official, and unambiguous account” of the provisions passed, including the final wording and the reasons for its decision.
“The National Assembly leadership must also ensure the harmonisation process produces a final bill with crystal-clear provisions; any ambiguity in the transmission and collation of results is a disservice to our democracy,” the statement read.
The NLC maintained that the amended Electoral Act must clearly compel INEC to electronically transmit and collate results from polling units in real time, warning that failure to do so could spark mass action.
“Failure to add electronic transmission in real time will lead to mass action before, during and after the election, or total boycott of the election,” the Congress said.
“Nigerian workers and citizens are watching closely. Our nation must choose the path of clarity and integrity. We need to avoid the same confusion that trailed the new Tax Acts. The time for honest, people-focused legislation is now.”
The warning came after the Senate passed the Electoral Act 2022 (Repeal and Re-enactment) Amendment Bill 2026 through its third reading on February 4, 2026.
During the passage, the upper chamber rejected Clause 60(3), which would have required presiding officers to electronically transmit results from polling units directly to the Independent National Electoral Commission’s Result Viewing portal in real time.
The clause had sought to make the process compulsory.
Lawmakers instead retained the current discretionary provision, which allows electronic transmission only after votes have been counted and publicly declared at polling units.
Civil society organisations and opposition figures have criticised the decision, describing it as a setback to Nigeria’s democratic development.
However, Senate President Godswill Akpabio has defended the chamber, stating at a public event that the Senate did not reject electronic transmission and insisting it would not be intimidated.
Meanwhile, the Senate has scheduled an emergency plenary for Tuesday, February 10, 2026.
The sitting may see lawmakers revisit the rejected amendment following public outrage and possible legal challenges from figures such as lawyer Femi Falana, with implications for Nigeria’s democratic process and the balance between incumbency protections and verifiable voting technology.
The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has announced that its leader, Nnamdi Kanu, has directed the complete cancellation of the Monday sit-at-home across the South-East, effective from February 9, 2026.
The development was made known by the IPOB spokesperson, Emma Powerful, in a statement issued on Sunday.
Powerful explained that the order was given directly by Kanu.
The group had earlier introduced the sit-at-home in August 2021 to protest Kanu’s rendition to Nigeria and his detention. During the exercise, markets, schools, banks and offices were shut.
According to Powerful, the new directive removes any reason for residents to remain indoors on Mondays, stressing that markets, schools, offices, transport services and other economic activities should resume fully from Monday.
The statement read in part, “The IPOB, under the supreme leadership of Nnamdi Kanu, hereby announces to the entire world that the Monday sit-at-home across the South-East is officially and permanently cancelled with effect from tomorrow, Monday, February 9, 2026.
“This directive comes directly from Onyendu Mazi Nnamdi Kanu himself, who has once again staked everything on the line to ensure that our children return to school every Monday and that our people go about their lawful businesses without fear, intimidation or molestation.
“Any person in doubt should visit Sokoto Correctional Centre to confirm with him. We can no longer hide under ‘Onyendu cannot be reached to confirm’ to persist with our recalcitrance or docility. Monday sit-at-home is over. That era is gone!
“There is now no need, excuse or justification for anyone to stay at home on Mondays. All markets, schools, offices, transport services and economic activities must resume fully and normally from tomorrow. This is the clear and unequivocal order of the Supreme Leader of IPOB.”
The statement added that Kanu had warned that anyone attempting to enforce sit-at-home from now on would be acting against his instructions and against the Biafran cause.
“Kanu, the statement said, ‘has made it abundantly clear that any individual or group attempting to enforce sit-at-home from this moment forward is acting against his direct command. Such persons are enemies of our people and the Biafran cause. They will be pursued to the ends of the earth and confronted until they are completely defeated.’”
The group also alleged that some individuals were trying to create fear, carry out attacks or intimidate residents into staying indoors under false pretences.
“Let it be known that any person or group identified as enforcing or enabling sit-at-home will be confronted wherever they are. Our people must remain vigilant, calm and law-abiding.
“At the same time, IPOB wishes to make it clear that no state governor has the right to threaten, demolish or forcibly shut down the businesses of traders who, out of conscience, choose to sit at home in solidarity with our leader.
“Any attempt by Governor Soludo or any other governor to intimidate our people with demolition threats or forced market closures will be firmly resisted,” the statement added.
The group further stated that any market renovation, reconstruction or upgrade involving temporary relocation must be carried out only with the consent of all stakeholders, with adequate temporary trading sites provided beforehand.
“Our enemies have in the past succeeded in instigating crises and planting seeds of discord among our people. We must not allow them to succeed again. We are one people, united by a common destiny. Our struggle is for freedom, dignity and justice for all, not just for Biafrans.
“We therefore call on all our people across the South-East to come out tomorrow, open their shops, go to work and send their children to school without fear.
“The era of Monday sit-at-home is over,” the statement concluded.
Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency have arrested a 62-year-old businessman based in Lagos, Nwabueze Izueke, at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport in Kano State.
Izueke allegedly tried to smuggle 95 jumbo-sized wraps of cocaine weighing 1.589 kilogrammes to China, claiming he wanted the proceeds to complete a house under construction in his village.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the NDLEA spokesman, Femi Babafemi, disclosed that the suspect was arrested on Saturday, January 31, 2026, during the clearance of passengers departing for China through Addis Ababa on Ethiopian Airlines flight ET940.
According to Babafemi, the suspect was subjected to a body scan by NDLEA officials, which confirmed he had swallowed illicit substances.
“While under observation, the suspect, who claims he’s into the clothing and auto spare parts business in Lagos, expelled a total of 95 pellets of the class A drug in seven excretions.
“In his statement, he claimed he decided to engage in illicit drug trafficking to raise enough money to complete the country home he’s building in his village, Iwollo, Enugu state,” the statement partly read.
The agency said the arrest was part of a series of operations across the country that resulted in multiple seizures and arrests.
In the Federal Capital Territory, Babafemi said operatives recovered 627.7 kilogrammes of skunk, a strain of cannabis, from a makeshift warehouse at Fums Plaza in Kubwa, and thwarted attempts to transport methamphetamine hidden in MP3 speakers from Enugu to Abuja and Kaduna.
He added that four suspects were apprehended in connection with the consignments.
“A total of 627.7 kilograms of skunk, a strain of cannabis, were recovered from a makeshift warehouse within Fums Plaza in Kubwa, FCT, attempt by Ebube Okeke, Evans Ugwu, Mohammed Eze Arinze and Friday Michael to smuggle consignments of methamphetamine concealed in Mp3 speakers from Enugu to Abuja and Kaduna was on Friday 6th February foiled by NDLEA operatives in Abuja who intercepted the consignments in a bus.
“A follow-up operation in Zuba, FCT, led to the arrest of Ebube Okeke, who is the owner of one of the parcels containing 173grams of meth, while the trio of Evans Ugwu, Mohammed Eze Arinze and Friday Michael were nabbed on Saturday, 7th February in Kaduna, when they showed up to collect the second consignment weighing 28grams of meth,” he said.
Babafemi further disclosed that in Taraba State, officers intercepted a suspect transporting methamphetamine concealed in packs of yoghurt, while in Oyo State, several suspects were arrested, including a drug kingpin running a facility producing synthetic cannabis.
He added that large quantities of tramadol, skunk and other illicit substances were recovered in operations across Kwara, Imo, Ondo, Lagos and Enugu states.
In Ibadan, he said skunk hidden in rice sacks was uncovered.
He added, “In a separate operation in Ibadan, a suspect, Adeniyi Adeola (a.k.a Prince) was nabbed at Foko, Agbeni market on Wednesday, 4th February. Recovered from his truck marked BDJ 767 YC include: 10,820 ampoules of pentazocine injection, and 117,820 capsules of tramadol. Also in Ibadan, a drug kingpin, Jimoh Nurudeen, 40, who owns a facility where he produces Colorado, a synthetic cannabis, was on Saturday, 7th February, at Badeku area of Ibadan, along with his accomplice, Ogundipe Yusuf, 27. Recovered from them include: 8 litres of precursor chemical; 14 grams of skunk and other paraphernalia of Colos production, as well as monetary exhibit of ₦7,408,400.00 and two vehicles: a Mercedes-Benz SUV marked ABC 832 AZ and a Toyota Highlander with registration number RBC 243 BS.”
In Imo State, Babafemi said a couple was arrested with 203 kilogrammes of skunk.
He said, “While a couple, Izuchukwu Azubuike, 37, and Ifunaya Mmadueke, 32, were arrested at Umuaka, Njaba, Imo state with 203kg skunk on Saturday, 7th February, operatives in Ondo state on Friday, 6th February, recovered 420kg skunk in a bush at Ikun Akoko.”
Katsina State Governor, Dikko Radda, has approved an upward review of salaries for both academic and non-academic staff of Umaru Musa Yar’adua University.
Radda made the announcement on Saturday during the institution’s 14th convocation ceremony held in Katsina, where he was also awarded an Honourary Doctorate Degree in Public Administration.
The governor said the salary increase was a gesture of appreciation for the workers’ dedication and commitment, adding that his administration would continue to support the university in its pursuit of excellence, discipline, and service to humanity.
While congratulating the graduating students, Radda urged them to remain committed to integrity, innovation, and selfless service in their future pursuits.
“Be worthy ambassadors of this university and of Katsina State. Use your knowledge to solve problems, uplift communities, and make a positive difference wherever you go,” he advised.
He also announced automatic employment for the overall best graduating students after the completion of their National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), directing the Head of Service to identify and process those who qualify.
In addition, the governor approved a cash reward of ₦100,000 for the best graduating students in all departments, while the overall best graduate will be presented with a brand new vehicle in recognition of outstanding performance.
Radda further revealed that funds had been released for accreditation of programmes to ensure they meet existing national and international standards, underscoring his administration’s commitment to education.
Earlier, the Chancellor of the university, Sen. Ibrahim Idah, the Wazirin Katsina, described the convocation as a moment of pride and celebration, noting the perseverance of the graduates and the sacrifices of their families.
He commended the institution for its strides in expanding programmes, advancing research, and strengthening community engagement.
In the same vein, the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, Sen. Hadi Sirika, lauded Radda’s leadership and reiterated the council’s resolve to broaden access to education, boost research, and position the university for global relevance.
The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Shehu Muhammad, noted the institution’s growth from about 1,000 students to more than 20,000, with 117 undergraduate and postgraduate programmes currently running.
He expressed satisfaction with the uninterrupted academic calendar, sound governance, strong research partnerships, and full accreditation of all programmes.
Muhammad congratulated the 2,682 graduates, including 31 First Class degree holders, and praised Radda for the prompt payment of staff salaries and continued support for the university.
An 18-year-old housewife has allegedly cut off her husband’s manhood in Potiskum, Yobe State.
The spokesman of the state Police Command, SP Dungus Abdulkarim, made this known in a statement issued in Damaturu on Saturday.
He explained that the disturbing incident was said to have happened at about 1 a.m. on Feb. 6, but the matter was not reported to the Potiskum Divisional Police Station until about 3 p.m. the same day.
According to Abdulkarim, the suspect, who is currently at large, allegedly used a sharp knife to mutilate her husband’s organ before fleeing the scene.
“Following the report, police operatives promptly visited the scene and rushed the victim to the State Specialist Hospital, Potiskum, for urgent medical attention.
“He was subsequently referred to the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Azare, where he is currently receiving treatment,” the spokesman said.
He added that investigations were ongoing to track down the fleeing suspect and determine the circumstances surrounding the incident.
The police spokesman noted that some sensitive aspects of the case would not be disclosed in order to shield the victim from further trauma.
Abdulkarim said the state Commissioner of Police, Emmanuel Ado, strongly condemned the incident and stressed that marriage should be founded on mutual respect, understanding, patience and tolerance.
“Marriage must never be an avenue for violence, abuse, or humiliation,” the police spokesman quoted the commissioner as saying.
Ghanaian President John Mahama has ordered the recall of the country’s High Commissioner to Nigeria, Baba Ahmed, over alleged involvement in electoral malpractice during the parliamentary primaries for the Ayawaso East Constituency.
A statement from the Ghanaian Presidency issued on Saturday in Accra said Ahmed, who was also an aspirant, was recalled because of his alleged participation in election malpractice while serving as a public official.
The statement noted that the recall takes immediate effect and was taken to prevent any perception of wrongdoing or a breach of the Government’s Code of Conduct for Political Appointees.
It added that his continued stay in office was no longer appropriate under the circumstances, even though allegations of vote buying were reportedly made against several aspirants who took part in the primaries.
The move follows claims of voter inducement during the National Democratic Congress (NDC) parliamentary primaries held on Saturday in the constituency.
According to the statement, the president directed the Minister for Foreign Affairs to carry out the recall after the NDC’s General Secretary announced that the party had begun investigating the incident.
“The President has also noted the public statement by the General Secretary of the NDC indicating that the party has commenced investigations into the allegations arising from the primaries.
“Without prejudice to the ongoing internal party processes, and strictly in view of the standards of conduct expected of public officers, the President considers it necessary to act decisively to preserve the integrity of public office.
“The recall takes effect immediately, and the Minister for Foreign Affairs has been directed to take the necessary administrative and diplomatic steps to give effect to this directive,” the statement added.
Fresh details have emerged on why the All Progressives Congress removed Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma, as Chairman of the National Convention Central Coordination Committee and replaced him with former Katsina State governor, Aminu Masari.
Some senior officials of the APC said the adjustment in leadership was driven by the need to recognise and accommodate the party’s ‘old leaders.’
The APC national convention is slated for March 27 and 28, 2026.
In a statement released on Friday by the National Secretary, Ajibola Basiru, the party confirmed the changes in the central coordination committee, naming Masari as the new chairman and former Senate President, Pius Anyim, as Vice Chairman I.
Uzodimma, who had only weeks earlier been unveiled as chairman of the 73-member committee, was moved to the position of treasurer under the new arrangement.
When contacted, APC officials explained that the leadership review was influenced by zoning considerations and the need to give a sense of inclusion to longstanding party figures.
A serving member of the National Working Committee of the APC said Masari and Anyim were regarded as experienced party elders and suitable to head the convention committee.
“The leadership of the party felt that the old leaders should be accorded the respect of holding the chairmanship position. That was why they settled for Alhaji Masari and also Senator Pius Anyim. They are experienced hands of the party and, for now, are not seeking political office. So, they may be more even-handed in bringing their experience to bear in those positions.
“The convention committee leadership change has nothing to do with whether somebody has something against Governor Uzodimma, contrary to speculations. That is why he was chosen as the treasurer of the committee. He will still play a very prominent role in the convention, particularly as the chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum,” said the NWC member, who does not want to be identified because he was not authoritised to speak on the matter.
Another senior party figure stated that the APC relied on zoning considerations in choosing the new convention chairman.
He noted that with President Tinubu coming from the South, it was fitting to have a northern APC leader head the convention.
“When you also look at the composition of the committee, it is all-embracing. Aside from the governors, we have all the principal officers of the two chambers of the National Assembly, as well as former presiding officers who are members of the party. It also has all the former national chairmen who are still within the party,” the official said.
He added that the committee’s structure was designed to give various stakeholders a sense of belonging.
“The committee also has some other key functionaries from the Federal Executive Council, like the Ministers of Defence, Interior, Works and others.
“The convention is likely going to be built around consensus for the emergence of the National Working Committee. The process for the congress is already in top gear. People have been buying forms, and we expect to have a rancour-free convention,” he added.
When asked about the reason for the committee’s reconstitution, the APC National Secretary, Basiru, declined to comment.
(PUNCH)
The Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) has struck out more than 400,000 inactive companies from its corporate registry in 2025 as part of ongoing reforms targeted at improving transparency, safeguarding the economy and boosting investor confidence.
The Registrar-General of the CAC, Hussaini Magaji, SAN, made this known on Saturday in Abuja during the commission’s monthly fitness walk, organised as part of activities to mark its 35th anniversary.
Magaji explained that most of the affected entities were companies that had not filed statutory annual returns for several years and were no longer in operation, noting that such firms posed risks to economic integrity.
He said, “In 2025 alone, we deregistered over 400,000 companies from our records. These were largely companies that had become inactive and failed to meet statutory obligations, including filing annual returns.
“Such entities pose threats to economic operations. Cleaning up the register was necessary to build confidence and ensure that Nigeria has a credible and reliable corporate registry.”
He stressed that maintaining a transparent and current register was vital for attracting both domestic and foreign investors, while also helping to curb the misuse of corporate structures for illegal activities.
The CAC boss described the anniversary fitness walk as symbolic, saying it demonstrated the commission’s endurance, unity and institutional growth since its creation in 1991.
The commission was set up under the Companies and Allied Matters Act of 1990 to replace the inefficient Company Registry. As an autonomous agency, it oversees the incorporation and regulation of companies, business names and incorporated trustees. It was later modernised by the CAMA 2020.
“CAC is 35 years old today. We are here with our staff to showcase our strength, our unity and our resilience. This gathering represents how far we have come as an institution,” Magaji said.
He recalled that the commission initially operated as a largely manual agency in a single office in Garki, Abuja, but has since transformed into a fully digital, end-to-end service provider with global reach.
“The CAC has come a long way, from manual operations in one location to a fully digital organisation. Today, our services are available anywhere, anytime, 24/7. We are the only government agency providing end-to-end digital services,” he stated.
According to him, the commission’s digital transformation has supported the Federal Government’s ease-of-doing-business reforms by removing the need for physical visits to CAC offices for company registration or management.
“You can register and manage your business from your room without stepping into any CAC office. That is what ease of doing business truly means,” he added.
As part of efforts to support small businesses, Magaji disclosed that the commission partnered with the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria to enable the free registration of 250,000 MSMEs in 2025.
He said the exercise was channelled through SMEDAN to ensure that beneficiaries also received training and capacity-building support.
Magaji added that improved staff welfare, prompt payment of entitlements and clear career progression had enhanced morale and service delivery.
The fitness walk, attended by members of management and staff, was part of a series of activities lined up to celebrate the Corporate Affairs Commission’s 35th anniversary.
A gospel artiste, Matthew Ogundele, and three members of his crew have been discovered dead inside a music studio in the Abraham Adesanya area of Ajah, Lagos State.
The other victims were identified as Itunu Ogundele, Joseph Sanya and a blogger, Matthew Awosanya, also known as JoesTv.
It was gathered that the deceased were invited to perform on Tuesday, the second day of a three-day birthday praise organised by another female gospel artiste, Olanireti Akinbola.
A police source, who spoke to our correspondent on Saturday, said the crew finished their session late and decided to spend the night in the studio, where their remains were later found on Wednesday.
“The convener invited some gospel artistes to minister during her three-day birthday praise, which started on Monday. Segun Praise was scheduled to minister on the second day, and he came with his crew. The session started in the evening and ran late, so they decided to stay overnight in the studio. It was the following morning that we heard that their lifeless bodies were found in the studio,” the source disclosed.
A Christian blog, Omojesu, in a Facebook post seen by our correspondent on Saturday, stated that the deceased could not return home due to the distance.
“In pursuit of a better life, a blogger known as JoesMediaTv and three musicians were reportedly invited to perform at a virtual birthday praise event at a studio around Ajah. Due to the distance of the studio from their homes, they decided to stay overnight at the location. Allegedly, they all passed away in their sleep,” the post read.
It was further gathered that the matter was reported at the Ajiwe Police Station, Ajah.
Friends and colleagues of the deceased have taken to social media to demand justice.
Photos circulating online show blood stains around the noses, ears and mouths of the victims, raising concerns and speculation about the cause of their deaths.
When contacted on Saturday, the Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, Abimbola Adebisi, confirmed the incident.
She said the case was reported on Wednesday by the studio owner, Akintayo Akinbola, who is also the husband of the celebrant.
According to her, Akintayo told the police that he left the artistes at his music studio inside the HFP Shopping Complex on Tuesday night after buying food for them as they prepared for a concert.
He said the artistes returned to the studio with the food while he went home.
Adebisi said, “However, at about 11am on Wednesday, Akintayo said he returned to the studio and discovered that the door was locked from the inside. Alarmed by the situation, he reportedly called for help, and the door was eventually forced open. On entering the studio, the lifeless bodies of the four artistes were discovered.”
She added that detectives from the command visited the scene and took photographs, noting that no signs of violence were found on the bodies.
“The corpses were taken to the Mainland Hospital, Yaba, where a medical doctor on duty confirmed them dead. The bodies were later deposited at the Mainland General Hospital mortuary, Yaba, for autopsy and preservation,” she added.
Adebisi further stated that the case had been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department, Panti, Yaba, for further investigation.
(PUNCH)
Vice President Kashim Shettima on Saturday arrived in Kwara State to visit Woro village in Kaiama Local Government Area after a deadly attack that claimed the lives of 75 residents.
In a statement issued by his media aide, Stany Nkwocha, the visit was said to have been ordered by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Nkwocha said, “The President has directed that the vice president assess the situation firsthand and convey federal condolences to the grieving families.”
Shettima was received on arrival by Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq alongside other state officials.
Earlier, the governor had described the victims as local Muslims “massacred for refusing to submit to extremists preaching a strange doctrine,” even as initial reports put the death toll at over 100.
The attack reportedly took place on Tuesday night after militants’ attempt to forcibly indoctrinate members of the community was rejected.
Nkwocha had earlier disclosed that the vice president departed Abuja on Saturday, carrying President Tinubu’s assurances that the Federal Government would ensure justice for those killed.
“VP Shettima is conveying President Tinubu’s strong assurances that the Federal Government will not relent until those responsible are tracked, apprehended, and brought to justice,” Nkwocha said.
President Tinubu had previously condemned the attacks on Woro and Nuku communities, describing the actions of the assailants as “cowardly and beastly,” and assured that military operations were already underway to apprehend the perpetrators.
He confirmed the deployment of an Army battalion under Operation Savannah Shield, tasked to “checkmate these barbaric terrorists and protect defenceless communities.”
The President also urged closer cooperation between federal and state authorities to provide relief for the victims and ensure those behind the attack are brought to justice.
Suspected terrorists have abducted a Catholic priest and 10 other residents, while three persons were killed during an attack on Karku community in Kauru Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
The Catholic Archdiocese of Kafanchan confirmed that Reverend Father Nathaniel Asuwaye, Parish Priest of Holy Trinity Catholic Church, was taken alongside the other victims in the early hours of Saturday.
In a statement, the Diocesan Chancellor, Very Reverend Father Jacob Shanet, expressed deep sorrow over the incident and appealed for prayers for those affected.
“Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, with profound sadness, we announce the kidnapping of our priest, Rev. Fr. Nathaniel Asuwaye, the Parish Priest of Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Karku, Kauru LGA of Kaduna State,” he said.
Shanet explained that the attackers stormed the priest’s residence at about 3:20 a.m., with residents describing the incident as an invasion by armed terrorists.
“Fr. Nathaniel was kidnapped alongside ten other people at Karku. At the time of writing this report, the incident has resulted in the killing of three people, Mr. Jacob Dan’azumi, Mr. Maitala Kaura, and Alhaji Kusari, aside from those abducted,” he added.
The diocese called on priests, Christian faithful, and people of goodwill to pray for the safe release of the victims and for the souls of those who lost their lives in the attack.
“The entire Diocese of Kafanchan entrusts them to the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary for their speedy and safe release from the hands of these evildoers,” Shanet stated.
Reacting to the development, the Chairman of the Northern Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Reverend Joseph Hayab, described the incident as distressing, noting that kidnappings continue to rise despite ongoing efforts to curb the trend.
“This is a sad story; the kidnapping is getting too much. It is unfortunate that the abduction of Christian priests and other citizens remains unabated,” he said.
Hayab, however, expressed hope for the safe return of the victims and urged security agencies to step up efforts to address the increasing cases of kidnappings and killings.
“We remain hopeful and are praying with the Catholic Church and the parish of the kidnapped priest while calling on security agents to take decisive measures to arrest this growing incident,” he added.
Meanwhile, the Kaduna State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Mansir Hassan, had yet to respond to inquiries on the incident as of the time of filing this report.
(VANGUARD)
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has cautioned political office holders against supporting individuals he described as betrayers, warning that such actions would return to haunt them.
Wike issued the warning on Saturday in Port Harcourt during the commissioning of the Rivers State Renewed Hope Ambassadors headquarters, where he spoke to politicians across different tiers of government.
Addressing participants at the event, the former Rivers State governor said anyone who encourages betrayal in politics should be prepared to experience the same in both their careers and personal lives.
He said, “Whoever is watching this programme, whether you’re a senator, whether you’re a House of Lords member, whether you’re a minister, or whether you’re the governor, and you support betrayers, people will continue to betray you in life.”
The minister repeated the caution, emphasising that leaders who align with people he described as disloyal would eventually feel the consequences of their choices.
“Whether you’re a senator, whether you’re a member of the House of Representatives, whether you’re a minister, and whether you’re the governor, you sit down and support those who betray. Betrayal is your portion,” he said.
Wike also warned governors seeking second terms or hoping to install successors to avoid promoting disloyalty within their ranks.
“Every governor who is doing a second term, who has ambition to put a successor, and is supporting betrayal, you will never survive it. Betrayal will follow you from the day your successor comes in,” he said.
He further stated, “That is what the gods of the land have told me to tell all of you. And what I tell you is the truth.”
The event attracted political supporters and stakeholders from different parts of Rivers State.
Wike has been in a political standoff with his successor, Governor Siminalayi Fubara, who defected from the Peoples Democratic Party to the ruling All Progressives Congress in December 2025, a development that has altered political alliances and intensified factional tensions in the state.
Gunmen suspected to be bandits have reportedly abducted the Chief Imam of the Janjala Central Mosque, Malam Bello Abdullahi, and the Fulani leader of the area, Shehu Bello, alongside a woman, during coordinated attacks on several communities in Kagarko Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
The assailants were said to have stormed several villages, including Iddo, Gidan-Makeri, Kohoto and Janjala, where they abducted residents, rustled cattle and forced many villagers to flee for safety.
The latest incident was disclosed on Saturday morning by a security source @DanKatsina50 in a post on X (formerly Twitter).
A community leader, quoted on condition of anonymity for security reasons, reportedly confirmed that the most recent attack occurred on Tuesday night at about 9pm.
“The bandits came in large numbers, heavily armed with AK-47 rifles,” the source said. “They first went straight to the house of the Chief Imam and took him away. From there, they moved to the house of the Fulani leader. That was when people started running for their lives.”
The source added that the attackers also abducted a woman during the raid, while several cattle were rustled.
Following the attack, residents of the affected communities, especially Kohoto, reportedly fled in large numbers to Kagarko town and nearby Sabon-Wuse.
“The panic was total. Once people heard that the Imam and the Fulani leader had been taken, everyone knew the situation had completely collapsed,” the community leader said.
“Many families slept in the bush that night before finding their way to Kagarko and Sabon-Wuse.”
The fresh abductions were said to have occurred only days after bandits issued a seven-day ultimatum to the communities, demanding a ₦6 million ransom for the release of a woman and her four children who had earlier been kidnapped.
Community leaders said the deadline expired without any rescue operation or visible security response, after which the attackers returned with fresh violence.
“We made several distress calls to the police, the military and other security agencies, but there was no meaningful response,” one resident reportedly said. “Now they have taken our religious and community leaders. We are completely exposed.”
Residents described the situation across Kagarko LGA as dire, with deserted villages, abandoned farmlands and economic activities at a standstill as fear spreads.
Kagarko Local Government Area, located along a strategic route linking southern Kaduna to Niger State, has experienced repeated bandit attacks in recent years, including mass abductions, killings and cattle rustling, despite official claims of improved security.
As of the time of filing this report, there had been no official statement from the Kaduna State Police Command or the state government on the latest abductions.
The incident has again raised concerns about the effectiveness of security operations in rural Kaduna, particularly in Kagarko, where residents say bandits operate with little resistance.
“With our leaders abducted, our villages emptied and our cries ignored, we don’t know who will protect us,” a displaced resident said. “If nothing is done urgently, more lives will be lost.”
Residents are now appealing to the federal and Kaduna State governments to urgently deploy security forces to the area, secure the release of the abducted victims and prevent further attacks.
