At least seven women have been killed in a tragic shooting involving soldiers escorting the Brigade Commander of the 23 Brigade, Nigerian Army, Amechi Agwu, in Adamawa State.

The incident took place on Monday afternoon at Rigange junction in Lamurde, after troops reportedly opened fire on a group of protesters.

Tension in the area was already high following a violent assault earlier in the day by suspected Chobo-speaking militia, who launched coordinated attacks on several communities in Lamurde Local Government Area.

A respected community leader, speaking with difficulty as he held back tears, told SaharaReporters that 12 women were shot, with seven dying on the spot.

“Five others are battling for their lives at Numan General Hospital,” he said, describing the chaos that followed the shooting.

Multiple local sources said the women had gathered to protest what they called the unacceptable delay in the arrival of security forces.

According to them, troops only reached the attacked communities hours after the assailants had completed their rampage and withdrawn without resistance.

“The women were angry, frustrated, and tired of burying their own,” another source said. “They were demanding answers. Instead, what they got were bullets.”

News men sought comments from the spokesperson of the Nigerian Army, Lt. Col. Apollonia Anele.

Calls to her mobile phone went unanswered, and a text message requesting clarification on the shooting had also not received a reply at the time of filing this report.

Efforts to obtain the Army’s official position on the allegations are ongoing. As of press time, the Nigerian Army had not issued any official statement regarding the incident.

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Daji Sani in Yola

The Adamawa State Primary Health Care Development Agency (ADSPHCDA) is set to launch the National Immunisation Plus Days, a crucial initiative aimed at enhancing the state’s healthcare delivery system.

The Executive Chairman of the agency, Dr. Suleiman Bashir Sa’idu, disclosed this during a media engagement in Yola, emphasising that the exercise is designed to build defense mechanisms against various diseases.

Sa’idu stressed that the immunisation drive is a vital component of the agency’s efforts to improve routine immunization and overall healthcare services in the state. He expressed gratitude to development partners, particularly UNICEF, for their unwavering support and cooperation.

The agency’s chairman noted that the increasing mobility of people, especially Nigerians traveling globally, heightens the risk of disease transmission, underscoring the need for vaccination to protect citizens, especially children.

Sa’idu urged residents to prioritise their wards’ health by cooperating with medical teams administering vaccines and availing themselves of necessary healthcare services.

Also speaking earlier, the Director of Disease Control and Immunisation, Dr James  Vasumu, said that the Adamawa State Government has demonstrated its commitment to healthcare development by transmitting N100 million to UNICEF and N50 million to UNFPA as counter-funding.

Vasumu, however, lauded the media for its support and cooperation, acknowledging the significant impact of its publicity efforts on the agency’s successes.

He also commended development partners, traditional, and religious leaders for promoting the agency’s activities in the state.

The agency’s efforts aim to improve healthcare services, protect children, and promote overall well-being in Adamawa State.

The immunisation drive is a testament to the agency’s dedication to enhancing healthcare delivery in the state.

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 The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has announced plans to hold a nationwide protest on Dec. 17 over insecurity in the country.

This is contained in a communiqué issued on Monday at the end of the NLC National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held in Lagos.

The communiqué was jointly signed by the NLC President, Mr Joe Ajaero, and the Acting General Secretary, Mr Benson Upah.

It stated that the NEC deliberated on pressing national and industrial issues, including the recent abduction of 24 schoolgirls in Kebbi.

The communiqué said that the NEC condemned the kidnapping and killing of school staffer during the incident and criticised the withdrawal of security personnel from the affected school prior to the attack.

It described the surge in attacks on schools as alarming and called on the Federal Government to secure all schools, particularly those in remote and vulnerable areas.

The NEC resolved to mobilise all NLC affiliates and state councils for the protest and demanded immediate investigation and prosecution of those responsible for the security lapses.

According to the communiqué, other key issues discussed at the meeting include the crisis in the tertiary education sector, the ongoing strike by the Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU), and the revival of the Labour–Civil Society Coalition (LASCO).

It added that the NEC expressed concern over the state of the Labour Party and urged members to realign the party with working-class principles, ideology and integrity.

The communiqué further warned that failure of the Federal Government to address insecurity and other pressing issues could lead to escalated industrial actions across various sectors, including health and education.

It stated that workers’ safety and welfare remained a top priority in NLC’s advocacy and urged citizens to join hands with workers in demanding a safer nation.

It noted that the planned protest would be peaceful but resolute and aimed at compelling the government to act decisively.

The NLC also urged state governments and security agencies to intensify measures to protect vulnerable communities, particularly schools and students, warning that continued neglect could undermine national stability.

The NEC reiterated the NLC’s commitment to defending workers’ rights, improving living and working conditions, and supporting initiatives that promote social justice and equitable development across the country.

The post NLC threatens nationwide protest over insecurity appeared first on Vanguard News.

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Four persons – all male – were gunned down by unknown assailants in the Nawfia community in Njikoka Local Government Council Area of Anambra State.

Nawfia is the hometown of Chief Nwoye, popularly called Glamour, who is the Deputy Chief of Staff/Chief Protocol to Anambra State Governor, Professor Chukwuma Soludo.
The community has become notorious in the news for the wrong reason, either bordering on fishy killings, shady land deals, or torn apart by chieftaincy and town union leadership tussles over the years.
Exactly a year after a similar shooting spree and killing engulfed the community, in which four men were feared shot dead. A source told newsmen that unknown gunmen who operated in a black Lexus Jeep with a yet-to-ascertained registration number stormed Afor Nawfia Market and opened fire, presumably gunning down the four persons in the early hours of the evening of Sunday.
The shooting created pandemonium as bystanders and those who were within gunshot-hearing distance fled for their dear lives just as the gunmen sped off untraced.
A viral video, which our Correspondent monitored, shows the post-killing scene where lifeless bodies of four men lay in the pool of their blood after the shooting.
It was gory sights to behold as men and women as well as youths in the area lamented the killings which they described as one killing, too many.
Voices from the trending video identified some of the victims as “Ajigwo” and “Kalisia.” The President-General of Nawfia Progressive Union, Chief Daniel Okoye, was swift in his reaction, expressing deep shock over the tragic news of the attack at the Afor Market Junction in Nawfia Community.
In a statement he issued on the incident and made available to newsmen shortly after the killings, he stated: “The incident resulted in multiple casualties, caused by unknown assailants who carried out this senseless act of violence.
“I strongly condemn this heartbreaking incident and the attempt to disrupt the peace of our beloved community. I have already contacted the relevant security agencies, and investigations are underway to uncover those responsible.”
Okoye appealed to the indigenes of the community “to remain calm, stay vigilant, and continue to cooperate with security operatives as they work tirelessly to restore normalcy and ensure our safety.”
The PG consoled the families affected by the dastardly act, assuring that “we are fully committed to supporting efforts aimed at protecting lives and maintaining peace in Nawfia.”
Also reacting to the dastardly act, the State Police Command linked the killings to cult-related activities, avoiding confirming any death incident resulting from the attack.
In a press statement issued by the State Police Command and made available to newsmen yesterday, the police update traced the killing to “cult-related attack that occurred on the evening of 7th December 2025 at Afor Nawfia Market, along the Onitsha–Awka Old Road.
“It will be recalled that operatives of the Command attached to the Special Anti-Cult Squad, Enugwu-Ukwu, had, four days earlier, acting on credible intelligence about a planned rival cult confrontation, arrested two dangerous suspects and recovered a firearm from them. The arrested suspects have been assisting the Police with valuable information aimed at preventing further cult-related violence within Awka and its environs.
“Despite these proactive efforts by the Command operatives, some members of the same gang, on the evening of 7th December 2025, operating in a black Lexus Jeep with registration number yet unknown, stormed Afor Nawfia Market and opened fire indiscriminately. The violent attack resulted in the fatal injury of four persons, after which the assailants fled the scene.
“Although the hoodlums escaped before police arrival, preliminary information obtained at the scene has provided useful leads, and the Command is already acting on them to ensure the perpetrators are tracked down and arrested.
“The Anambra State Police Command remains resolute in its determination to rid the State of cultism, violent crime and all forms of criminality. Further developments will be communicated as investigations progress,” the statement added.

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Justice Ladiran Akintola of the Oyo State High Court sitting in Ibadan has struck out the name of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from a suit challenging the eligibility and conduct of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) elective convention held in Ibadan.

At the previous sitting, counsel to INEC, Mr. O. Adeyemi, argued that the court lacked jurisdiction to hear the matter.

He maintained that since INEC is an agency of the Federal Government, it can only be sued before the Federal High Court and not a State High Court.

Based on this argument, INEC prayed the court to strike out its name from the suit.

In his ruling, Justice Akintola upheld the argument and struck out INEC as a defendant, noting that the commission is a federal agency not subject to the jurisdiction of the State High Court. However, he retained the names of the other defendants, including the acting chairman of the party, Damagun.

The judge subsequently adjourned the case to January 26, 2026, for further hearing.

Speaking in a sideline interview, counsel to the claimant, Musbau Adetunmbi (SAN), said INEC had been excused from the matter after raising a jurisdictional objection.

He added that the court still has jurisdiction over the remaining three defendants, which include the PDP, a PDP member, Folahan Malomo, and the chairman of the PDP zonal committee, Governor Ahmadu Fintiri.

Also speaking, the legal adviser to the PDP in Oyo State, Dapo Durosharan, noted that although INEC was struck out of the case, proceedings involving the remaining defendants will continue on the adjourned date.

Durosharan added that the party’s legal team will take an informed decision on the next steps to be taken.

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A coalition of 18 Anti-Corruption Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) has issued a seven-day ultimatum to the Managing Director of the Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC), Jennifer Adighije, demanding that she immediately step aside to allow for an independent investigation into what the groups described as “massive corruption and reckless financial misconduct” under her leadership.

The position of the coalition was contained in a joint statement released after an expanded meeting held in Lagos on Monday, and jointly signed by Comrade Olufemi Lawson and Declan Ihehiare, where representatives of all member-organisations unanimously condemned what they called “a growing pattern of impunity” within the NDPHC.

According to the statement, the coalition expressed deep concern over recent allegations against the MD, including but not limited to:

Reckless spending of public funds, Arbitrary and frequent use of private jets at the company’s expense, and Other documented cases of financial impropriety.

The CSOs stated that such allegations cannot be ignored at a time when the nation is battling economic pressure and insisting on stricter accountability from public office holders.

The coalition emphasised that it is fully prepared to petition the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and the Code of Conduct Bureau, should the MD fail to step aside within the stipulated seven days to allow for an unhindered investigation.

“We can no longer fold our arms while massive corruption thrives within an institution critical to the energy stability of our nation,” the statement declared. “The Niger Delta Power Holding Company cannot continue to be a breeding ground for impunity and financial recklessness.”

The groups further vowed to mobilise Nigerians, particularly stakeholders across the Niger Delta region, to demand transparency and accountability in the operations of the NDPHC going forward.

They noted that if Mrs Adighije does not comply with the ultimatum, the coalition will begin picketing the headquarters of the commission, in addition to taking other lawful steps to ensure that the alleged corruption is thoroughly investigated and exposed.

The statement concluded with a reaffirmation of the coalition’s commitment to defending the public trust and promoting an accountable power sector for the benefit of all Nigerians.

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A man was injured and a house destroyed in Yelwan Ariri, Zaki Local Government Area of Bauchi State, following an attack by suspected Fulani herders from Guri LGA, Jigawa State.

According to a post shared on X by security analyst, Zagazola Makama on Monday, the incident occurred at about 6:30 a.m. on Sunday when the attackers reportedly shot Garba Yahaya, a resident of the community, with an arrow and set ablaze the house of another resident, Abba Ibrahim.

Sources said the Deputy Chairman of Zaki LGA, Hon. Ibrahim Chiroma, immediately alerted the Zaki Divisional Police Station. 

Policemen were mobilized to the scene, prompting the herders to flee.

The injured victim was rushed to General Hospital, Katagum, where he was admitted for treatment.

Authorities confirmed that investigations are ongoing and efforts are being made to apprehend the culprits.

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Activist lawyer Deji Adeyanju has urged President Bola Tinubu to use the same might the Nigerian Armed Forces displayed against those behind the failed attempted coup in Benin Republic to crush terrorists operating in Nigeria.

Adeyanju said the intervention of the Nigerian Armed Forces should be a clear signal to those undermining democracy within the Sahel that their days are numbered.

He made the call while commending Tinubu for his intervention in halting the attempted coup in Benin Republic.

In a terse statement he signed, Adeyanju said Nigerians should be proud of Tinubu’s intervention.

He said: “I commend President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the gallant Nigerian Armed Forces for their decisive intervention that helped halt the attempted coup in the Republic of Benin.

“This is truly a proud moment for me as a Nigerian who loves democracy and understands the dangers of military rule.

“Let this stand as a clear signal to all who seek to undermine democracy in the Sahel that their days are numbered.

“The same might displayed in Benin should be applied with even greater resolve to crush the terrorist groups operating within our borders, so that Nigeria can truly lead by example.”

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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has paid glowing tribute to the late Major General Shehu Musa Yar’Adua, describing him as a symbol of national conscience, civic duty, and unwavering integrity.

According to Yomi Odunuga, a spokesman to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Sen. George Akume, the President stated this in Abuja on Monday when he launched a new civic anthology titled ‘Letters to the Union We Hope to Become’.

The event, which was held at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre in Abuja, marked the 28th anniversary of the elder statesman’s passing.

Represented by the SGF, the President said the gathering was not merely a commemoration, but a renewal of the national values Yar’Adua fought for.

He said the Late Yar’Adua fought for justice, unity, accountability, and principled leadership, adding that these values form the pillars of his administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

Speaking before an audience of political leaders, civil society actors, writers and members of the Yar’Adua family, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Tinubu said the late Tafida Katsina represented a rare blend of patriotism, sacrifice, and political clarity that continued to inspire generations.

“Major General Shehu Musa Yar’Adua was not simply a soldier in uniform. He demonstrated conviction, political awareness, patriotism, and selflessness. In service and in sacrifice, he embodied that rare spirit that places Nigeria before self and comfort,” he stated.

Tinubu reflected on the letters Yar’Adua wrote from prison, noting that they remained a moral compass for governance.

“From the solitude of prison, without the certainty of tomorrow, he wrote letters calling us to responsibility, stressing that Nigeria must be governed by institutions stronger than individuals,” he said.

“These convictions shape our efforts today to strengthen democratic institutions, uphold transparency, and build trust between government and citizens.”

He described the anthology being launched as an encouraging sign of a new generation rising to engage with nation-building, adding that the collection echoed his administration’s priorities in education, economic opportunity, security, youth empowerment and public sector integrity.

“Our pursuit of economic stabilisation, energy reform, food security, digital innovation and social justice must be anchored in the values we celebrate today,” he said.

The President explained that the government was investing heavily in economic drivers, youth creativity, infrastructure and programmes supporting the vulnerable, all aimed at building “a union that is fairer, more secure, more prosperous, and governed by citizens’ trust.”

Tinubu also highlighted Yar’Adua’s political legacy, recalling his pivotal roles in the Social Democratic Party (SDP), the Peoples Democratic Movement (PDM), and the political landscape before the annulment of the 1993 presidential election.

“He was a phenomenal political strategist who had the fear of God,” the President said. “With his nationwide acceptance, he remained in pole position as a presidential aspirant before the word ‘annulment’ entered Nigeria’s political lexicon.”

He further praised the late General’s contribution to national unity through faith, noting that Yar’Adua championed the construction of the National Mosque in Abuja, now a landmark of national symbolism.

While urging Nigerians to treat the new anthology as a mirror of national truth and a guide for the future envisioned under the Renewed Hope Agenda, Tinubu commended the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Foundation for preserving what he described as a legacy and national challenge, even as he encouraged contributors to continue nurturing civic imagination.

“Let us honour Shehu Musa Yar’Adua not only with remembrance, but with resolve. We must not only speak of hope; we must build the nation worthy of it.

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The Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, on Monday visited the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) for the verification of his declared assets and liabilities.

Mr Fagbemi, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), visited the bureau around 3 p.m. and left shortly after.

He said the visit was to verify the assets he declared to the CCB after his appointment as a minister.

“I have submitted my declaration of assets form. 
There will be a necessary follow-up of verification, and that is why I am here to verify what I have declared, and for me to have the opportunity to clarify certain areas, either grey areas or minor mistakes that may have occurred,” he told reporters shortly after the exercise at the CCB in Abuja.

The CCB chairperson, Abdullahi Bello, said the CCB has begun the verification of the assets declared by all political officials.

“Apart from asset declaration, the code of conduct will also verify those asset declarations,” he said. “So what we are doing right now is that we are asking all public officers to come and verify their assets.”

Mr Bello explained that the exercise is to verify the assets declared by public officials, not an investigation of any sort.

“This is one of the key things that we want to put out there. 
If you declare your assets, then we are only asking you to verify that it is your own. Do you own it? Or does it exist? 
Those are the key questions that we ask for all public servants. And once you have done that, there is no issue at all with that process. The verification is separate. Investigation is separate,” he explained.

Mr Fagbemi also called on other political appointees to heed the CCB’s call to verify their assets.

“It’s just to verify, it’s not an investigation,” he said. “But even if it is an investigation, it is still within the competence or the mandate of the bureau to do that. As the chief law officer of the nation, I believe that example is better than precept.”

Future of asset verification

The CCB chairperson also disclosed that the CCB is currently working towards replacing the paper-based asset declaration process with a digital system designed to ease the asset declaration and verification exercise.

He said the new design and development of the new system has reached an advanced stage and could be deployed early next year.

According to Mr Bello, the new digital system will automatically cross-check public officers’ declarations against multiple national databases, including those maintained the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) and the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

“What we have done is that we want to make sure that all public servants can go and declare the assets online, and then even the verification process is online now, because we are going to link it up with so many other databases. For example, the BVN and the tax authorities,” he said.

He said the new Asset and Liability Declaration System will detect undeclared companies, properties and income streams in real time, reducing reliance on manually filled forms.

He added that the new system will help the bureau verify and analyse declared assets, saving efforts and resources.

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“Even the public servants themselves, it’s going to be easier for them to go and declare their assets online, and then they don’t have to come to our offices to declare their assets. And that’s one of the things we are doing,” he added.

The Nigerian constitution mandates public officers to declare their assets on assumption of office and at the end of their tenure.

The asset declaration, verification and prosecution of violators is saddled with the CCB, according to the constitution and the Code of Conduct Bureau/Tribunal Act.

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