NIGERIA NEWS
Four feared dead, worshippers kidnapped as gunmen attack Kogi church
Gunmen have continued their onslaught on vulnerable Kogi communities with the killings of four persons and the abduction of 20 worshipers at the first ECWA church.
The last Sunday attack at the First ECWA Church in Ayetoro-Kiri, Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State, added to the number of attacks on Churches in Okunland in the last three weeks.
In the latest attack, one person was killed while at least 20 worshipers were abducted.
The Guardian learnt that on the same Sunday, gunmen in the Oke-Agi and Ilai communities in the Mopamuro local government councils of Kogi State killed three persons and abducted many.
“The victims at ECWA church in Aiyetoro-Kiri left one worshipper, identified as Jayjay, dead during the attack. Local authorities and security operatives said they will continue to assess the situation, as the number of abducted persons may even be more than 20.
The chairman of the council area, Zaccheus Dare Micheal, in his reaction blamed the church for opening service in a tense area. He further shut down all markets in the area.
In the Mopamuro council area of the state, the attack on the Oke-Agi and Ilai communities was said to have occurred simultaneously around 4:00 a.m. on Sunday, leaving many dead, others injured, and some residents abducted.
In the first community, Jamroro settlement, located between Oke-agi and Takete Isao and largely inhabited by Tiv people, was attacked. Two persons were confirmed killed, while three others sustained injuries and are currently receiving treatment at an undisclosed hospital.
The Ilai attack was on a Bassa community close to the Community Grammar School; one person was reportedly killed during the raid, while three others were kidnapped by the attackers.
The incidents in the two communities were confirmed by the Chairman of Mopamuro Local Government Area, Hon. Ademola Bello, alongside traditional authorities and community leaders.
It will be recalled that on November 30, gunmen attacked the Cherubim and Seraphim church in Ejiba, where scores of people were whisked into the bush.
The renewed violence has heightened fear across the area, with residents calling on security agencies and government authorities to urgently deploy decisive measures to curb the rising wave of coordinated bandit attacks in Yagba Federal Constituency.
“The attack started in neighbouring communities bordering Kwara State but has now graduated downward. No local government areas in Yagbaland are safe, from Ejiba in Yagba West to Orunda-Ile in Yagba East, and now the communities of Mopamuro,” said Mr Ope Owoyemi.
No fewer than four persons reportedly lost their lives on Sunday in a ghastly motor accident along the Lokoja-Ajaokuta road in Kogi State.
The Federal Road Safety Corps confirmed the incident on Monday, saying that 11 other passengers sustained varying degrees of injuries.
The Kogi State Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Tenimu Etuku, disclosed this in a statement made available to journalists on Monday (today), explaining that the accident occurred at Jimgbe Community on the Ajaokuta–Lokoja road in Ajaokuta Local Government Area.
According to Etuku, the crash involved an 18-seater Toyota commercial bus.
He said personnel of the FRSC promptly rescued the injured victims and took them to the Kogi State Specialist Hospital for medical attention.
“The corpses of the four dead persons were deposited at the morgue of the same hospital,” the sector commander added.
Giving further details, Etuku said, “The 18-seater bus with Abuja registration number ABC 232 XA was heading to Abuja from Enugu before the sad incident.”
He explained that the driver, while trying to avoid a head-on collision with an oncoming truck, rammed into a faulty truck that was stationary on the road.
Describing the accident as very unfortunate, Etuku urged motorists to exercise caution while driving, especially on highways.
“This is because there is a big difference between a free motoring environment and a safe motoring environment.”
“Therefore, drivers must always be on alert while driving on the highways,” the FRSC boss advised.
- Pastor Tobi Adegboyega is the founder of SPAC Nation.
- He recently made headlines with the purchase of a Lamborghini Urus.
- The vehicle features a unique “2026” registration plate.
Pastor Tobi Adegboyega, the founder of SPAC Nation, has caught the public eye again with his latest extravagant purchase: a Lamborghini Urus featuring a “2026” registration plate.
In a video shared on social media, Adegboyega commented, “There are many Uruses, and then there is this Urus. This one is on a completely different level.”
The 2026 plate has drawn attention, as such UK registration plates are typically issued well in advance of the designated year.
This new vehicle joins the pastor’s already luxurious collection, which reportedly includes multiple Lamborghinis, Ferraris, and a Rolls-Royce Cullinan.
Adegboyega has often been criticized for his flashy lifestyle, but he has defended it as a means of inspiring young people to aim for financial achievement.
Despite ongoing public discussions, he remains unapologetic, noting that his lifestyle is supported by his wife’s earnings, while he is said to serve the church without drawing a salary.
See post below:
See some comments below:
@vickAlmondo: “Once again, this man is not a pastor. Stop it! Content Creator Tobi. The tag pastor is just his brand. Nothing more.”
@BlarkDemi_01: “Once, where is this pastor seeing money”
@Fillipo_Saga: “Something is not adding up”
@bretmetax: “That’s one way to make an entrance definitely got people talking”
A Network of Civil Society Organisations in Akwa Ibom State, ACOMIN, TB and NEPWHAN, “ATM Network” has urged youths and other Community stakeholders in the state to take ownership of health interventions or projects put up in their communities.
It said aside the infrastructural facilities community members should jealously guard; they should also pay attention particularly to service delivery of HIV/AIDS, Malaria and Tuberculosis (TB) treatment, with the aim of identifying the gaps and jointly prioritising their needs for improved services.
This was part of the recommendations by the Network during a media briefing held at the completion of its two year project on, “The COVID-19 Response Mechanism/ Resilient and Sustainable System for health (C19RM/RSSH)” across Nine local government areas in the state which was sponsored by Global Fund through the National Agency for the Control of AIDs (NACA) and the National Tuberculosis and Leprosy Control Programme (NTBLCP) in Nigeria.
In his remarks, the Programme Officer for the C19-RSSH project, Akwa Ibom State, Mr Wisdom Jacob recalled the incidents of vandalism and theft in some health facilities by hoodlums, challenging community members to be intentional in protecting their assets especially the ones handed over to them through the project.
While listing some projects implemented through the programme including stocking of drugs, revamping of boreholes in health facilities, installation of vandalized cables, donation of chairs and tables, roofing of some centres among others; the program officer called for effective monitoring by the state ministry of health and the primary health care development agency and staff training on proper documentation and record keeping.
His words, “In one of the Local Government Areas visited, the Cold Chain Cables given with solar systems were vandalized and taken away from the facility. So we begin to talk to the community members that it is your property so you have the right to stand up and ensure that it is protected. There should be adequate security in the health facilities.
He also disabused the misconception that Health centres are only meant for children immunization saying that adults can also access healthcare services in health centres.
Also speaking NEPWHAN Cordinator in the state, Mrs Elizabeth Udoh said C19RM/RSSH project was a critical initiative aimed at supporting the government’s efforts to strengthen healthcare systems in health centres for the prevention and treatment of diseases in communities.
She said, “The COVID-19 pandemic has exposed vulnerabilities within health systems worldwide, emphasising the urgent need for resilient infrastructure, a robust health workforce, and effective disease surveillance.”
In a goodwill message, the Akwa Ibom State Malaria Elimination Programme Manager, Dr Boniface Ukpong commended Global Fund for the sponsorship and ATM Network for implementing the project in the state, noting that they have been able to mitigate the impact of the shortfalls of malaria commodities following US funding withdrawal.
Ukpong also applauded the governor, Pastor Umo Eno for remodelling the health sector especially at the rural areas saying another line of advocacy should be for sustainability, for locals to take ownership of what has been given to them by ensuring that the facilities are well maintained and services run the way it should.
An airstrike carries out by the Nigeria Air Force (NAF) targeting members of the Islamic State in West Africa Province (ISWAP) in Borno State have reportedly killed an unspecified number of civilians.
Speaking to Premium Times, a security source disclosed that the airstrikes were launched between 6 a.m. and 4 p.m. in the Mararaba area in Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State.
The incident occurred a few hours after NAF vowed to protect civilian populations in its ongoing operations supported by the United States.
According to the source, the airstrikes killed fishermen and commercial drivers gathered at a terminus junction between the road that leads to Daban Masara in Kukawa and the Badeiri in Marte LGA.
The commercial drivers had gathered in the area to convey both the fish products and fishermen to their destinations.
Confirming three casualties and destruction of 10 vehicles, the source said: “The number of civilians killed is uncertain. But a high number of civilians have been killed and vehicles destroyed.”
He added that some casualties had been conveyed to the General Hospital in Mungono for treatment.
A NAF officer, a pilot, confirmed the incident to Premium Times, saying it was discussed at “today’s briefing” in a state in the North-west.
The Air Force has not issue a statement about the incident.
Also confirming the incident, a security expert, Brant Philip wrote: “Reports indicate these vehicles belonged to fishermen, not ISWAP, and there were large civilian casualties in the Nigerian Air Force airstrikes yesterday in Borno State.”
“Over 10,000 fishermen work in ISWAP territory, paying taxes to the proto-state who guarantees them security from bandits and rival group Boko Haram (JAS), it’s not unusual at all for civilians to be working and living in these areas, the NAF should release a statement soon to clarify the incident,” he added.
A former Chairman of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Osun State, Dr Kunle Akindele, has described the so-called primary the Accord Party conducted over the weekend as a charade, stating that Governor Adeleke is the man to beat in the forthcoming governorship election in the state.
Akindele, who is the Special Adviser to Governor Adeleke on Public Health, described the purported primaries as a kangaroo one, sponsored by people intimidated by the popularity of the governor, and has become relentless in its opposition to all his activities.
He said Governor Adeleke’s movement to the Accord Party because of the crisis in the PDP was the people’s choice, and they are sticking to him because of his sterling performance in all the senatorial districts and local government in the state.
He described the purported primary as a fraud and an afterthought, which was never witnessed by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as required by law, coming a week after Governor Adeleke emerged as the sole and unanimous candidate of the Accord Party for the 2026 governorship election in the state.
“The so-called primaries are part of the disgruntled members of the politicians attempting to frustrate Governor Adeleke. The question is, why are they afraid? Why have they embarked on all these shenanigans to want to stop Governor Adeleke from being on the ballot?
“They know that the Osun people are giving Governor Adeleke their backing. The civil servants in the state are behind him. Despite their action in withholding local government funds through the office of the Attorney-General of the Federation, Governor Adeleke has continued to pay local government staff salaries.
“From the intelligence we gathered, they are behind the kangaroo primaries. You are aware that Accord Primaries conducted by its National Working Committee, and witnessed by INEC, and Governor Adeleke has emerged as the candidate of the party.”
Akindele stated his sterling performance as the Governor in various areas like Health, education and infrastructural development. Indeed, Osun people are not particularly interested in any political party, but in Governor Adeleke, and they want him to continue to govern the state.
Akindele said, “The only thing the Osun people want is good governance for another four years, and that is why they are sticking with Governor Adeleke.
“They are aware that if they can have him for another four years, it will become one of the best states in Nigeria, hence they are hellbent on stopping him.”
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Nigeria’s inflation rate eased to 14.45 per cent in November from 16.05 per cent a month earlier, the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) stated in the official data issued on Monday.
“The November 2025 headline inflation rate showed a decrease of 1.6 per cent compared to the October 2025 headline inflation rate,” the bureau said.
Inflation indicators compare prices of goods and services over 12 months. A decline does not necessarily imply a reduction in prices; instead, it shows the rate of price increase had fallen compared to previous months.
On a year-on-year basis, the NBS said, the headline inflation rate was 20.15 per cent lower than the rate recorded in November 2024 (34.60 per cent).
This, it said, shows that the headline inflation rate (year-on-year basis) decreased in November 2025 compared to the same month in the preceding year (i.e., November 2024), though with a different base year, November 2009 = 100.
On a month-on-month basis, the bureau said, the headline inflation rate in November 2025 was 1.22 per cent, which was 0.29 per cent higher than the rate recorded in October 2025 (0.93 per cent).
“This means that in November 2025, the rate of increase in the average price level was higher than the rate of increase in the average price level in October 2025,” it said.
Food inflation
The food inflation rate in November 2025 stood at 11.08 per cent on a year-on-year basis. This was 28.85 per cent points lower compared to the rate recorded in November 2024 (39.93 per cent).
The NBS said the significant decline in the annual food inflation figure is technically due to the change in the base year.
However, on a month-on-month basis, the food inflation rate in November 2025 was 1.13 per cent, up by 1.5 per cent compared to October 2025 (-0.37 per cent).
“The increase can be attributed to the rate of increase in the average prices of tomatoes (dried), cassava tuber, periwinkle (shelled), grounded pepper, eggs, crayfish, melon (egusi) unshelled, oxtail, onions (fresh), etc,” it said.
It explained that the average annual rate of food inflation for the twelve months ending November 2025 over the previous twelve-month average was 19.68 per cent, which was 18.99 per cent points lower compared with the average annual rate of change recorded in November 2024 (38.67 per cent).
Core inflation, which excludes the prices of volatile items such as energy and farm produce, stood at 18.04 per cent in November 2025 on a year-on-year basis; showing a decline of 10.71 per cent when compared to the 28.75 per cent recorded in November 2024.
On a month-on-month basis, the NBS said the Core inflation rate was 1.28 per cent in November 2025, down by 0.14 per cent compared to October 2025 (1.42 per cent).
READ ALSO: CBN holds benchmark rate at 27% as inflation continues to ease
“The average twelve-month annual inflation rate was 20.76 per cent for the twelve months ending November 2025, which was 5.88 per cent points lower than the 26.64 per cent recorded in November 2024,” it said.
Across states, food inflation on a year-on-year basis was highest in Kogi (17.83 per cent), Ogun (16.52 per cent), and Rivers (16.11 per cent), while Imo (3.52 per cent), Katsina (3.65 per cent), and Akwa Ibom (4.52 per cent) recorded the slowest rise.
“On a month-on-month basis, however, November 2025 Food inflation was highest in Yobe (9.52 per cent), Katsina (6.61 per cent) and Ondo (6.04 per cent), while Imo (-6.49 per cent), Nasarawa (-5.48 per cent), and Enugu (-2.54 per cent) recorded a decline in food inflation on a month-on-month basis,” the bureau said.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has pledged to investigate allegations of corruption against the Director-General of the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP), Dr. Adebowale Adedokun, following a mass protest at the commission’s headquarters in Abuja on Monday.
Members of the Conference of Civil Society for Transparency and Accountability (COCTA) led the protest, demanding the immediate removal of Dr. Adedokun and a comprehensive probe into alleged corrupt practices within the BPP. The protesters also called for an investigation into more than 100 bank accounts reportedly linked to the alleged receipt of bribes in exchange for the issuance of Certificates of No Objection.
The allegations, contained in a petition earlier submitted to the EFCC by a legal practitioner, Musa Aliyu, Esq., accuse Dr. Adedokun and his Chief of Staff, Mr. Olanrewaju Obasa, of operating proxy and unofficial bank accounts, receiving foreign exchange and other financial inducements from contractors, and accepting vehicles and other gratifications connected to procurement approvals. COCTA stressed that these claims remain allegations and not findings of guilt.
Addressing the protesters, the EFCC’s Head of Media and Publicity, Dele Oyewale, assured that the commission would thoroughly investigate the matter. “We will leave no stone unturned in our pursuit of justice,” Oyewale said, reaffirming the EFCC’s commitment to accountability and due process.
COCTA also disclosed that the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) has been petitioned to verify the asset declarations of Dr. Adedokun and members of his household, as part of broader efforts to ensure transparency.
In a formal letter to the EFCC Chairman, COCTA urged the commission to commence an immediate and impartial investigation, recommend the suspension of the BPP Director-General pending the outcome of the probe, and provide periodic updates to the public in line with legal protocols.
The BPP is the federal agency responsible for regulating public procurement and ensuring transparency in government contracting. Civil society groups say the allegations, if substantiated, could undermine public confidence in Nigeria’s procurement system and highlight the need for stronger oversight.
As Nigeria continues its fight against corruption, the EFCC’s response to the petition and protests is expected to draw close public scrutiny in the coming days.
NIGERIA NEWS
Man Who Knows Sandra Areh Speaks Out, Shares Interesting Facts: “She Can’t Be A Jezebel”
- A young Nigerian man has spoken out amid the controversy surrounding a popular pastor and his church member
- He shared some sensitive details about the lady and the pastor, and his post has gone viral on social media
- Many people who read his post have asked questions as they continue to speculate about the type of relationship they share
Just days after a Nigerian pastor, Apostle Joshua Selman, made waves in an interview due to his friendly actions and statements at the birthday event of a church member, Sandra Areh, a Nigerian man who knows her personality has spoken up.
The individual shared a lot of things about her which have grabbed attention online, and several people have started asking him questions to know more about the lady in the viral clip.
Man recalls Sandra Areh’s early role in church media team. Photo Source: Twitter/andenwui
Source: Twitter
Man talks about Sandra Areh
Legit.ng had recently published a story containing a video showing the friendly actions of Apostle Selman at Sandra Areh’s birthday party.
Read also
“Red flag”: Man openly supports Pastor Chris Okafor amid Doris Ogala controversy, explains why
The actions of the pastor drew the attention of many, and after the video circulated online, people attached different meanings to the post.
Just days after the incident, a man, @andenwui, shared some interesting things about her which only a few people know.
He mentioned that Sandra Areh has been a member of the church for a very long time and has been consistent in her dealings with Apostle Joshua Selman.
Speaking further, he added that at the church, she handled the camera and was just in 200L at the university during those days.
His statement read:
“Sandra had been there all along. She has paid her dues as regards being consistent with Apostle Selman. I remember her as a member of the media team in Koinonia back then in Samaru. She operated the camera. He chose her early. She was just a 200L undergraduate.”
Read also
“Rubbish”: Man reacts in anger after watching Pastor Chris Okafor’s video, points out one thing
Man speaks on Sandra Areh’s time with Apostle Joshua Selman. Photo Source: Twitter/andenwui
Source: Twitter”He shaped her into all that she is currently. That then means she can’t be a Jezebel.””They have long pass that already. Their worst days are behind them already”They didn’t start today. Sandra sure has her weaknesses as all humans do But one thing she is not is to be a social media nuisance.”
Reactions as man speaks about Sandra Areh
@Ambee_01 shared:
“My own is I don’t want anybody to set camera and ring light in future and start wailing and gnashing of teeth.”
@whaleslogistics noted:
“Na wetin she be dem dey talk about? Ozwor.”
@UcheMaryOkoli asked:
“She has paid her dues” I don’t understand.”
@YvonneBabss said:
“Then why can’t he marry her ?”
Read the post below:
In a similar story, Legit.ng reported that a Nigerian man shared his opinion after watching a viral video of Apostle Joshua Selman at Sandra Areh’s birthday party. He criticized the pastor for fueling dating rumors online through his actions and statements during the event.
Read also
“Why is she not married?”: Lady asks if Sandra Areh is waiting for Apostle Selman to propose
Woman questions Apostle Selman, Sandra Areh’s relationship
Meanwhile, Legit.ng recently reported that a Nigerian woman shared her thoughts online after watching a video of Apostle Joshua Selman at a birthday celebration for Sandra Areh. She was surprised by how close the two have been for over fifteen years,
The woman questioned why neither the pastor nor Sandra Areh is married yet and raised concerns about the nature of their long-standing relationship.
Source: Legit.ng
A Nigerian lady has sparked reactions on social media after publicly calling out her mother for what she described as a lack of care and involvement in her baby’s life.
New Mum Cries Out On X
The new mum, @neetahworld took to X (formerly Twitter) to share her frustration, saying her mother has failed to step into her role as a grandmother since she gave birth.
Says Mother Has Seen Baby Only Once
According to her post, her mother has only seen the baby once during the naming ceremony despite living in Benin and not being actively employed.
“Zero Atom of Care,” She Claims
The lady expressed disappointment over the lack of calls and concern from her mother, stressing that the silence has been constant since childbirth.
She wrote:
“I don’t think my mom knows she’s now a grandma. Last time she saw my baby was during naming and she lives in Benin.
“She doesn’t work incase you want to think she’s busy. She doesn’t call us
“I was surprised she called me today saying she saw baby on my status that she has gotten big
“Only God knows when next she will call. Zero atom of care.”
Netizens React
Her post quickly drew reactions from other X users, with some people trying to excuse the mother’s behavior or suggesting possible reasons for her absence.
Lady Rejects Excuses
In response, the new mum dismissed those explanations, insisting her mother does not behave the same way with her siblings’ children.
She stated that her mother is actively involved in the lives of her siblings’ kids, making her own situation even more painful.
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Governor Caleb Muftwang of Plateau State is set to join the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
The governor’s Political Adviser, Mr Istifanus Nwansat, disclosed this in an interview with journalists on Monday in Abuja.
Nwansat explained that Muftwang’s decision to defect stems from the ongoing crisis within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), describing the APC as the option with the least political risk.
He added that the governor’s move would also align Plateau State with President Bola Tinubu’s political and governance agenda.
“The crisis in the PDP has made it an unrealistic platform for political actors to effectively contest elections,” Nwansat said.
“After careful assessment of all available options, we concluded that the safest course for us, with the least risk, is to join the APC.
“That is why the governor is moving to the APC. He also believes it is reasonable to align his people with the President.
“Even as members of the PDP, we recognise and appreciate the efforts of Mr President in putting things right,” he added.
Politics Nigeria recalls that Governor Muftwang had earlier stated he was under pressure to join the APC.