NIGERIA NEWS
17 feared dead, others missing as armed men attack returning IDPs in Taraba
No fewer than 17 persons have been reportedly murdered following an unprovoked attack by armed men, suspected to be the Jukun militia, in Tse Ajogo village, Wukari Local Government Area, Taraba State.
The armed men were said to have launched a coordinated attack on returning Internally Displaced Persons, IDPs in the village, leading to the death of 17 persons while others are still missing.
According to popular security expert, Zagazola Makama, the sad incident happened on Wednesday at about 6 am.
Quoting reliable sources, Makama said that the latest incident marks the second attack on returning IDPs in Tse Ajogo within a two-month period.
The attackers were said to have stormed the village with dangerous weapons, firing indiscriminately at residents and IDPs.
Makama said authorities have called for heightened vigilance in the area and urged troops to sustain patrols along key routes to protect resettling communities.
“Security operatives are working to track and neutralise the attackers”, he said in a post on his official X handle.
The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr Adegboyega Oyetola, says the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun is firmly united behind its 2026 governorship candidate, Mr Bola Oyebamiji.
Oyetola in a statement on Monday by his Special Adviser on Media, Dr Bolaji Akinola, said party members were strongly behind Oyebamiji, for the Aug. 8, 2026.
The statement said the minister who is the APC Leader in Osun, stated this during a courtesy visit by the APC 2026 Osun Governorship Primary Committee.
Oyetola said the APC in Osun was more cohesive than ever before.
He described the party as a united family working with a shared purpose to reclaim the state from what he called “bad governance.”
“The APC in Osun State is fully united and solidly behind our governorship candidate, Asiwaju Bola Oyebamiji.
“Our collective resolve is to rescue Osun State and return it to the path of purposeful, people-oriented governance,” he added.
Oyetola attributed the party’s current strength and unity to sustained leadership, and strategic engagement across the state.
He said that under his leadership, APC in Osun had witnessed transformational growth.
According to him, the party has attracted hundreds of new members from other political parties across the state.
He said the wave of defections included prominent political figures and serving federal lawmakers.
Oyetola said the defectors had aligned with the APC’s vision for development and progress in the state.
The minister expressed confidence in Oyebamiji’s capacity to provide effective leadership if elected governor.
He said the choice of Oyebamiji reflected the party’s commitment to competence, integrity and development-driven leadership.
Oyetola also commended the APC national leadership for constituting a credible and experienced governorship primary committee.
The post Osun 2026: APC strongly united behind Oyebamiji – Oyetola appeared first on Vanguard News.
NIGERIA NEWS
Delta Assembly passes N1.73tr 2026 Budget, raises allocation beyond governor’s proposal
Delta State House of Assembly on Monday approved a ₦1.73 trillion Appropriation Bill for the 2026 fiscal year, increasing the budget beyond Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s original proposal by ₦65.6 billion. This move has reignited discussion over legislative amendments, fiscal discipline, and the credibility of the budget in the state.
The budget was increased from the ₦1.664 trillion initially presented to the lawmakers about two weeks earlier by the governor.
A breakdown of the approved estimates reveals ₦500 billion allocated for recurrent expenditure, while ₦1.229 trillion is designated for capital projects, reaffirming the administration’s emphasis on infrastructure and development under its “MORE Agenda.”
The bill passed the third reading and was approved following the presentation of the report by the House Committee on Finance and Appropriations, led by its chairman, Hon. Marylin Okowa-Daramola (Ika North-East), during the plenary session presided over by the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Dennis Guwor (Warri South-West).
The motion for the final passage was moved by the House Leader, Hon. Emeka Nwaobi (Aniocha North), and seconded by the Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon. Arthur Akpowowo (Ethiope East), before being unanimously adopted.
Addressing lawmakers after passage, Speaker Guwor described the budget’s approval as a “landmark achievement,” stressing that the Assembly had fulfilled one of its most critical constitutional responsibilities under Section 121 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
He said the ₦1.73 trillion budget reflected a shared vision between the legislature and the executive to build a “just, fair and equitable” Delta State.
“Through the process of deliberation and scrutiny, this House has ensured that the budget is people-centred and sustainable,” Guwor said, adding that the Assembly had provided the necessary legislative framework to enable the governor to deliver on his programmes in 2026.
In other news, Chairman of the Delta State Sports Commission, Onoriode Oborevwori, popularly known as Onos, has dedicated his 3rd Nigeria-France Sports Award in Paros to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori.
Fielding questions from reporters recently, Onoriode maintained that the success story would not have been possible had Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, not supported him and given him the enabling environment.
Speaking after receiving his award, Onoriode said: “I’m so happy to win this award. I was not expecting it, but I was shocked. I want to thank God Almighty for this award. I dedicate this award to my family, to my elder brother, the Governor of Delta State, and the special people of Delta State, especially my athletes. They are the ones who made it possible for me to be here today. I appreciate. God bless you all.”
The convener of the Alternative Movement, Chief Segun Showunmi, has dismissed the claim that the nation’s democracy is being threatened based on investigation (s) of corrupt practices against public office holders.
Showunmi in a statement made available to newsmen on Monday, in Abeokuta, said the nation could only be under threat when political actors attempt to weaponise opposition status as immunity from the law.
He noted that the Nigerian constitution did not exempt former political office holders, opposition leaders and political coalitions from being investigated for corrupt practices.
“What truly threatens Nigeria’s multiparty democracy is not the EFCC doing its job, but the growing attempt to intimidate, delegitimise, or blackmail anti-corruption institutions whenever investigations touch politically exposed persons.
“Democracy does not mean freedom from scrutiny. It means submission to the law, especially by those who once held public trust.
“The argument that ‘others are also corrupt’ is unknown to Nigerian law. Courts have consistently held that the alleged wrongdoing of others does not excuse or absolve an accused person.
“Accountability is personal. Justice is individual. Guilt is not suspended because someone else has not yet been charged,” he added.
Showunmi explained that anti-corruption is not anti-opposition and that investigation is not persecution.
“Accountability is not authoritarianism. Those with clean hands have nothing to fear.
“No one was forced to misappropriate public funds. No one was compelled to abuse office. No one was instructed to breach financial regulations.
“Public office is a trust. When that trust is breached, consequences follow.
“The appropriate response to investigation is not alarmism, not international lobbying, and not political noise. It is competent legal defence and respect for due process,” the Alternative Movement convener said.
ALSO READ TOP STORIES FROM NIGERIAN TRIBUNE
wrtfop
las approved the construction of the perimeter fencing of the Kwara State Polytechnic to put a permanent end to encroachment on the institution’s vast land.
This is disclosed by the Polytechnic Rector, Engr. Dr Abdul Jimoh, on Monday, at a media parley organised by the Department of Strategic Communication and Media Studies of the Polytechnic.
The Rector lauded Governor AbdulRazaq for the unwavering support the Polytechnic has contacted to enjoy from the state government, pledging the unalloyed support of the Polytechnic to his administration.
The Guest Speaker at the event, Counsellor and Senior Adviser to the Governor, Mallam Saadu Salahu, noted that the Polytechnic has emerged from years of neglect to become a modern institution ready for the digital age under Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq’s leadership, while highlighting the transformation of the institution.
He, however, described the current efforts of the state government as “redefining the future of the Polytechnic through purposeful governance.
He recalled that the Polytechnic, established in 1971 by the then Military Governor, Colonel David Bamigboye (rtd) of blessed memory, was intended to provide technical and entrepreneurial skills to indigenes of the state. However, before 2019, the institution faced severe challenges, including decaying infrastructure, poor funding, and low staff morale. “The Polytechnic was like a vehicle with deflated tyres and a knocked engine,” Salahu said.
According to him, the AbdulRazaq administration has placed education at the centre of its development agenda. “Salaries are now paid promptly, staff welfare has improved, and billions of naira have been invested in sustainable development rather than temporary fixes,” he stated.
Salahu noted that over 600 schools have been constructed or renovated across the 193 wards of the state, alongside the establishment of a University of Education to strengthen teacher training.
He also highlighted innovations such as the KwaraLEARN initiative, smart schools, and investments in digital literacy and artificial intelligence as avenues preparing the state’s youths for the global digital economy. “These are deliberate policies to mainstream our young people into the future,” he said.
“KWARAPOLY is now more affordable, safer, and more conducive for learning. Staff morale has improved, and the institution is reclaiming its place as an incubator of technical and academic excellence,” Salahu said.
He also celebrated the global achievements of the Polytechnic’s alumni, including Professor J.O. Amupitan (SAN), Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Mrs. Maryam Masud Oniye, a UN-recognised Green Innovator, and Daudu Olabode, an internationally recognised student content creator. He described KWARAPOLY as “a breeding ground for talent across creative industries, public service, business, and media.”
Addressing students of Strategic Communication and Media Studies, Salahu urged them to uphold professionalism and ethical conduct, emphasising their role in shaping public perception. “You are definers of reality. What people wear, drive, buy, and even who wins elections are largely influenced by strategic communication,” he said. He further advised students to avoid cultism, cybercrime, and drug abuse to safeguard their future careers.
Salahu called on alumni to support the Polytechnic through investments in infrastructure and digital advancement, adding that sustained backing is essential for the institution’s transformation.
“The journey we have started is not an endpoint. It is a foundation,” he said. He expressed optimism that KWARAPOLY’s elevation to a University of Technology is now within reach.
Also speaking, the Commissioner for Higher Education, Hajia Sa’adatu Modibbo-Kawu, represented by the Director of Special Services, Mrs Rodihat Yahaya, praised the initiative for equipping students for greater opportunities and commended their contributions to the institution’s development.
Dr Ghali Alaya, Chairman of the occasion and former Non-Executive Director of NNPC, commended the Polytechnic’s management for safeguarding its facilities and urged students to leverage their education for a purposeful life.
Please follow and like us:
NIGERIA NEWS
We’re Mobilising All Military Assets To Protect Nigerians, Crush Security Threats – Tinubu
…procures mine-resistant vehicles, new armoured fleet for armed forces modernisation
…charges troops on discipline, professionalism, adherence to constitutional order
President Bola Tinubu has restated his administration’s firm resolve to mobilise all military and law enforcement assets to crush security threats and protect the lives of all citizens of Nigeria.
Accordingly, he announced the procurement of mine-resistant ambush-protected vehicles and a new armoured fleet for the military, as well as the refurbishment of over 100 Armoured Fighting Vehicles for return to active service.
Tinubu disclosed this in Ojuelegba, Lagos State, on Monday when he declared open the Chief of Army Staff Annual Conference 2025.
Speaking at Nebo Hall, Abalti Barracks, venue of the conference, the President, who was represented by his deputy, Vice President Kashim Shettima, reaffirmed that security remains a central pillar of his administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
“There is no nation that can achieve greatness without security. This government remains resolute in mobilising all military and law enforcement assets to eliminate security threats and protect the lives and property of all Nigerians,” he said.
The Nigerian leader noted that his administration was firmly committed to the modernisation of the Armed Forces through improved training, modern equipment and enhanced operational capacity.
He said beyond the recent induction of helicopters into Nigerian Army Aviation and the training of pilots, the government has advanced the procurement of additional Mine Resistant Ambush Protected Vehicles, Armoured Vehicles and Patrol Vehicles to boost troop protection and battlefield effectiveness.
His words: “Following the induction of helicopters into Nigerian Army Aviation and the training of pilots, we have advanced the procurement of additional Mine Resistant Ambush Protected Vehicles, Armoured Vehicles, and Patrol Vehicles.
“We have also refurbished over one hundred Armoured Fighting Vehicles, now returned to active service. These efforts reflect our clear commitment to strengthening the Nigerian Army’s operational readiness.”
He added that the Federal Government was deepening partnerships with friendly nations to promote research, innovation and indigenous defence production, with the long-term goal of achieving self-reliance in defence and security.
Commending the Nigerian Army for what he described as impressive gains in the fight against terrorism and other security challenges, the President said reports from various theatres of operation point to improved outcomes driven by professionalism, courage and effective joint operations with sister services and security agencies.
“The positive reports emerging from the various theatres of operation are encouraging and stand as testimony to your resilience and professionalism,” he said.
He assured the military of the government’s unwavering support in fulfilling its constitutional mandate of safeguarding Nigeria’s territorial integrity, noting that security is one of the eight priority areas of his administration.
Tinubu also stressed the importance of discipline, professionalism and adherence to constitutional order, describing the apolitical posture of the Armed Forces as critical to sustaining public trust.
He further praised the Nigerian Army’s civil-military cooperation initiatives across the country, noting that security efforts must also focus on winning hearts, restoring dignity and supporting development at the grassroots.
Paying tribute to fallen soldiers, the President said their sacrifices remained permanently etched in Nigeria’s national memory, assuring that the government would continue to support their families and improve the welfare of serving personnel in recognition of their service to the nation.
Earlier, Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, commended the Nigerian Army for its efforts in strengthening civil
Please follow and like us:
Suspected gunmen have killed a police inspector and two civilians after attacking a security patrol in Doma Local Government Area of Nasarawa State, police authorities have confirmed.
The incident occurred on Sunday, December 14, 2025, at about 6:30 p.m along the Ajimaka Village road leading to Rukubi town, according to security sources.
The victims were members of a patrol team under Operation Restore Peace, led by Inspector Jampi Mbursa, who were conducting a routine patrol alongside local vigilante operatives when they were ambushed by unidentified attackers.
During the assault, Inspector Mbursa and two residents of Ajimaka Village, identified as Julius Igbogh and his son Raphael Julius, were shot.
The assailants reportedly seized the inspector’s AK-47 rifle, loaded with 30 rounds of live ammunition, before escaping from the area.
All three victims were rushed to Rukubi General Hospital, where medical personnel later confirmed them dead. Their bodies have since been deposited at the hospital’s mortuary.
Police authorities said security operations had been intensified in the area, adding that efforts were underway to track down the attackers, recover the stolen firearm, and bring those responsible to justice.
President Bola Tinubu has extolled late former President Muhammadu Buhari, describing him as a model of discipline, integrity, and public service.
Tinubu made this statement on Monday during the launch of Buhari’s official biography in Abuja
He extended condolences and support to Buhari’s family during the event.
“I extend the nation’s warmest embrace to Her Excellency, Aisha Buhari, her children, and grandchildren.
“May you find comfort in knowing that the prayers of Nigeria are with you, and that the Buhari name will continue to inspire noble service for generations,” he said.
The president further stressed the late president’s principles, saying the measure of a leader is not simply the offices he held or the motorcades that accompanied him.
“President Muhammadu Buhari left behind a reputation for integrity, a spartan lifestyle, and the belief that public office is a trust and not a windfall,” he added.
DAILY POST reports that Buhari died on July 13, 2025, at the age of 82 in a London clinic after a prolonged illness.
The Dangote Group has announced the appointment of renowned economist and former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Director, Dr. Mahmud Hassan, as its new Group Chief Economist.
The appointment, announced in a statement on Monday, aims to bolster the Group’s economic advisory capacity, particularly amidst the current environment of high global and domestic market volatility.
In his new capacity, Dr. Hassan will report directly to the President of the Group, Aliko Dangote, and will serve as the Group’s principal advisor on economic strategy, market trends, and policy implications across the conglomerate’s diverse interests.
Dr. Hassan brings over 30 years of extensive experience in economic policy formulation, financial sector regulation, and central banking.
His career at the CBN included key senior positions such as:
- Director of the Trade and Exchange Department
- Director of the Monetary Policy Department
- Secretary to the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC)
- Special Assistant on Economic Policy and Research to the CBN Governor
Dr. Hassan is highly credentialed, holding a PhD in Economics and an MSc in Energy Economics and Policy from the University of Surrey in the United Kingdom, alongside a BSc in Economics from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria.
He is also an alumnus of the Harvard Kennedy School and holds professional certifications as a Bank Examiner and AML/CFT Analyst.
Beyond his corporate roles, Dr. Hassan has played a key part in regional economic integration, serving as a lead consultant to the African Union Commission on trade integration and the establishment of the African Monetary Fund.
He also continues to serve as a visiting professor at several Nigerian universities and is the current President of the Nigerian Association for Energy Economics.
The Oil and Gas Free Zones Authority (OGFZA) has urged the federal government to grant operators in oil and gas free zones a 10-year exemption from the new tax law.
The Managing Director of OGFZA, Bamanga Jada, in a statement issued on Sunday in Abuja, stated that this would help sustain over $24 billion in investments that have been attracted to the sector.
He said the proposed exemption would provide operators with the needed transition period to adjust to evolving tax requirements.
While meeting with officials of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) and OGFZA licensees in Rivers State, Mr Jada said that many investors planned operations with long-term horizons of 10 to 25 years.
He said Nigeria’s oil and gas free zones had attracted more than $24 billion in investments, hosted over 200 enterprises, and generated hundreds of thousands of direct and indirect jobs.
The managing director further stated that policy consistency was crucial for maintaining investor confidence under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
According to him, exports from the zones have risen to 496,537,804 metric tonnes under the current administration, supplying markets in Brazil, the United States, France, India, the United Kingdom and the Republic of Korea.
Mr Jada reaffirmed OGFZA’s readiness to continue collaboration with FIRS to ensure efficient and fair implementation of tax reforms.
The Executive Chairman of FIRS, Zacch Adedeji, described the 2025 tax reforms as a major step towards modernising Nigeria’s fiscal framework.
The chairman was represented by his Special Adviser on Tax Incentives, Cletus Adie.
Mr Adedeji said the 2025 tax reforms aimed at modernising Nigeria’s fiscal framework, with an emphasis on transparency, accountability, and compliance, rather than taxing profits in free zones.
He said that for export processing and free trade zones, the emphasis of the reforms was on strengthening compliance and ensuring that the zones contributed effectively to national development.
Stakeholders at the meeting unanimously called for the exemption of operators in special economic and free zones from the provisions of the new tax law to enable a smooth adjustment period and safeguard investments.
(NAN)
By Mercy Aikoye
The funeral of Agnes Nwakaego Abiante, wife of Rivers federal lawmaker, Awaji-Inombek Dagomie Abiante, drew a large gathering of mourners. Governor Siminalayi Fubara and lawmakers from the National Assembly attended the funeral.
Abiante described his late wife as a pillar of strength and a partner whose influence shaped his personal life and public service. “I was married to an angel in human form,” he said. He praised her humility, kindness, philanthropy, and entrepreneurial spirit.
The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, described the late Mrs. Abiante as widely loved within and beyond her community. “If you mentioned her name anywhere in the community and beyond, she was appreciated,” he said.
Abiante cautioned leaders against the abuse of power, saying no amount of influence or wealth can prevent death. “No matter the powers you have wielded, the day the Lord closes your chapter, everything becomes useless to you,” he said.
The Association of Wives of Lawmakers described the late Agnes Abiante as an active and committed member. “She was someone that, being with her, there was no dull moment,” said Dame Akpama, leader of the association.
Pastor David Fubara urged mourners to reflect on life, death, and eternity. “What matters is what you will be remembered for,” he said. He encouraged the bereaved family to trust God for comfort, reconciliation, and strength.
Several testimonies extolled the virtues of the late Agnes Abiante, describing her as supportive, selfless, and committed to the well-being of others. Lawmakers present at the ceremony said their attendance was a show of solidarity with their colleague.
The burial ceremony concluded with prayers for the repose of the soul of the deceased and for strength for the bereaved family. Mourners filed past to pay their final respects to the late Agnes Abiante