Author: Daily Post Nigeria

Security operatives have foiled a bandit attack on a community watch and hunters’ base in Sukunkumi village, Kankia Local Government Area of Katsina State.

Security sources said the incident occurred around 7:30 pm on March 26, when about 15 heavily armed bandits on motorcycles attempted to overrun the facility.

According to counter-insurgency expert Zagazola Makama, the sources said security teams quickly moved to the area and engaged the attackers in a gun duel, forcing them to flee into nearby bushes.

The sources added that three motorcycles were recovered at the scene, including two that had earlier been taken from hunters during the clash.

They further stated that a Community Watch member, Yusuf Ibrahim, 30, sustained a gunshot wound to his left leg and was taken to General Hospital Kankia for treatment.

The sources also said patrols and clearance operations have been stepped up in the area to track down the fleeing suspects and prevent further attacks.

Security operatives foil bandit attack in Katsina

Paris Saint-Germain secured a dramatic 5-4 victory over Bayern Munich in a breathtaking UEFA Champions League semi-final first leg at the Parc des Princes, in a match widely described as one of the most thrilling encounters in the competition’s history.

The pulsating contest delivered nine goals, relentless attacking football, and a result that leaves the tie finely poised ahead of the return leg in Munich.

Bayern struck first in the 17th minute after a lively start to the game. A surging run by Luis Díaz forced a foul inside the box, allowing Harry Kane to calmly convert from the penalty spot for his 13th goal of the Champions League campaign.

PSG responded swiftly. Georgian winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia drew the hosts level in the 24th minute with a brilliant solo effort, weaving through Bayern’s defence before curling a precise finish into the far corner.

The momentum continued to swing as João Neves put PSG ahead in the 33rd minute, powering in a header from a corner to make it 2-1. But Bayern hit back before the break, with Michael Olise producing a composed finish in the 41st minute to restore parity.

There was still time for more drama in a remarkable first half. PSG were awarded a penalty following a VAR review for handball against Alphonso Davies, and Ousmane Dembélé stepped up to convert in stoppage time, handing the French side a 3-2 lead at halftime.

The second half resumed at a similarly frenetic pace, and PSG appeared to take control with a quick-fire double.

Kvaratskhelia grabbed his second in the 56th minute, finishing from close range after a clever attacking move, before Dembélé struck again just two minutes later to extend the lead to 5-2.

At that point, PSG looked to have one foot in the final, with Bayern struggling to cope with the hosts’ attacking intensity and fluid movement.

However, the German champions mounted a spirited comeback to keep the tie alive. Defender Dayot Upamecano headed in from a set-piece in the 65th minute to reduce the deficit, and Luis Díaz added another just three minutes later with a sharp finish following a well-crafted move involving Kane.

Bayern pushed hard for an equaliser in the closing stages, creating several chances as PSG’s defence came under sustained pressure. But the hosts held on to secure a narrow advantage heading into the second leg.

The match was notable not just for the scoreline but for the quality and tempo of play, with both sides displaying attacking flair and tactical boldness.

The nine-goal thriller is among the highest-scoring semi-final first legs in Champions League history.

PSG manager Luis Enrique will be encouraged by his team’s attacking output but may have concerns about defensive lapses that allowed Bayern back into the game.

Meanwhile, Bayern will take confidence from their late resurgence as they prepare to host the decisive return fixture.

With just one goal separating the two sides, the second leg at the Allianz Arena promises to be another high-stakes encounter, as both European heavyweights battle for a place in the Champions League final.

PSG Edge Bayern 5-4 In Nine-Goal Champions League Classic is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

Security forces have rescued 17 abducted pupils and students in Kogi State, while nine others, including two women, are still being held by their captors.

In a post shared on X by security analyst Zagazola Makama, he cited security sources who said the victims were freed after sustained operations by joint security teams following a reported abduction on April 27.

The sources disclosed that those rescued include Sultan, Zeidah, Ahmed, Yusuf, Farooq, Museen, Mustapha, Hasheem, Mohammed, Toheer, Abdulmumin, Abdulazeem, Mahmud, Ameerah, Firdaus, Tabarakallah, and Ibrahim.

The sources further revealed that nine others remain in captivity. They include Habibullah, Shakir, Ahmed, Abdulhammed, Mubarak, Sultannah, and Zulaiha, as well as the wives of the school proprietor identified as Nana-Hawa and Halimat.

“The victims were rescued following sustained operations by joint security forces after a reported abduction on April 27,” the sources said.

They added that efforts are ongoing to secure the release of the remaining victims, noting that security operatives have intensified bush-combing operations and are actively tracking the kidnappers.

According to the sources, personnel have also been deployed to key locations, with stop-and-search operations currently ongoing along major routes, including Kabba Junction and Zariagi.

The sources also stated that patrols, intelligence gathering, and surveillance activities have been stepped up.

17 pupils freed, 9 Still missing in Kogi abduction

The European Union on Tuesday condemned Iran’s continued use of capital punishment for domestic dissent and called on the authorities to end the practice immediately.

“The current pace of executions in Iran is appalling,” the EU protests, advising the Iranian leadership to pursue a consistent policy towards the abolition of the death penalty.

The alliance argued that the death penalty is incompatible with the inalienable right to life and the absolute prohibition of cruel, inhuman, or degrading punishment.

The EU urged Iran to release all those unjustly arrested and uphold its obligations under international law, including the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.

A new video leaked showed the moment six dissidents sang songs of resistance within the premises of the notorious Ghezel Hesar prison before they were hanged.

The political prisoners were identified as Abolhassan Montazer, Akbar Daneshvarkar, Babak Alipour, Mohammad Taghavi, Pouya Ghobadi, and Vahid Baniamerian.

On Tuesday, the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office summoned the Iranian Ambassador to the United Kingdom, Seyed Ali Mousavi.

The Minister for the Middle East, Hamish Falconer, said the action was in response to the Iranian diplomatic mission’s “inflammatory comments on social media.”

Falconer insists such remarks were unacceptable​ and asked the embassy to stop communications that could be interpreted as encouraging violence in ​Britain or internationally.

​The UK did not specify the comment but this month on Telegram, the Iranian embassy encouraged Iranians in Britain to volunteer to sacrifice their lives to defend their country.

EU condemns Iran executions as UK summons ambassador

Paris Saint-Germain beat Bayern Munich 5-4 in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League semi-final on Tuesday night.

The game, which has been billed as the final before the final, did not fail to provide goals.

It was Bayern who opened the scoring at the Parc des Princes, with Harry Kane converting from the penalty spot.

Khvicha Kvaratskhelia made it 1-1, before Joao Neves headed PSG into the lead.

Michael Olise thought he had levelled ahead of the interval, but the hosts were awarded a penalty and Ousmane Dembele made no mistakes from the spot.

After the break, PSG scored twice through Kvaratskhelia and Dembele, before Bayern fought back with Dayot Upamecano and Luis Diaz.

The return leg will be played at the Allianz Arena next Wednesday.

Champions League: PSG beat Bayern Munich 5-4 in thrilling semi-final first leg

The 2023 vice-presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed, has described Hakeem Baba-Ahmed of the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) as a significant political figure who could pose a serious challenge to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the 2027 elections.

Datti made the remarks on Tuesday during an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today.

According to him, many people have underestimated Hakeem Baba-Ahmed despite his experience and political strength.

“If there is anything that is a threat to Tinubu 2027, it is Dr Hakeem and PRP,” he said. “People don’t know him. They have underestimated him. He means business.”

Datti went on to highlight Baba-Ahmed’s background, describing him as a seasoned public servant and intellectual with years of experience.

“He rose through the ranks, all the records are there. He is not there for money. He means what he is doing,” he said.

He also criticised the APC, saying the party made a mistake by underestimating Baba-Ahmed.

“APC made a very bad mistake. They don’t know who Hakeem is,” he said.

Datti tips Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, PRP to challenge APC in 2027

The 2023 vice-presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed, has again insisted that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) did not win the last presidential election.

Datti made the claim on Tuesday during an interview on Politics Today on Channels Television.

“I repeat, APC did not win the 2023 election. Labour Party won the election,” he said.

He acknowledged that the courts had given judgment on the matter but maintained that the outcome does not reflect what he believes happened.

“The courts have the power to do all and everything. You don’t have to win elections; the court can say you won and it stays,” he said.

Datti said he still stands by his earlier warning that allowing the election outcome to stand could affect Nigeria’s democracy.

“I told Nigerians that if you allow that election to stay, that would be the end of democracy. I still humbly remain by that,” he said.

He accused the government of failing in key areas, including security and the economy, while focusing more on weakening opposition parties.

“You have a regime whose primary purpose has been the destabilisation of other political parties,” he said.

According to him, Nigeria’s resources should have been used to improve the lives of citizens rather than being used in political battles.

“At the expense of what they should have done, providing security, improving our economy, they are focused on other things,” he added.

When asked about evidence to support claims that the ruling party is behind crises in opposition parties, Datti said the discussion was not a legal process.

“We are not in a court of law. This is political commentary. Of course, we’ve got evidence,” he said.

He also said the government’s performance in office supports his position.

“They have failed in providing security. They have failed in improving our lives. That is enough,” he said.

Despite the court rulings, Datti said people still have the right to hold their own views about the election outcome.

“You can accept it, but you don’t have to agree with it,” he said.

APC did not win 2023 election – Datti Baba-Ahmed insists

Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum, has endorsed his immediate past Commissioner for Works, Mustapha Gubio, as his preferred candidate for the 2027 governorship election under the All Progressives Congress, APC, setting the stage for a potentially competitive party primary.

The governor’s spokesperson, Malam Dauda Iliya, confirmed the development on Tuesday, describing Gubio as the candidate best positioned to sustain and expand the administration’s development agenda.

According to him, Gubio represents continuity and has a strong understanding of the government’s policy direction and achievements.

“Gubio represents continuity. He understands the vision of this administration and has the capacity to build on its achievements,” Iliya said.

The endorsement reportedly followed a symbolic moment captured in a photograph showing Gubio presenting his expression of interest and nomination forms to the governor, alongside key political figures including Senator Mohammed Tahir Monguno and supporters.

The development has already triggered political reactions within APC circles in Borno State, with analysts warning it could heighten internal competition ahead of the primaries.

Observers also suggest the endorsement may deepen emerging political alignments within the party as aspirants intensify consultations ahead of the 2027 elections.

Borno: Zulum endorses Gubio as preferred successor for 2027 governorship

Former vice presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 election, Dr Datti Baba-Ahmed, has reiterated his claim that the party won the presidential poll, despite court rulings affirming the victory of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Speaking on Channels TV on Tuesday, he announced his decision to defect to the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) saying “it’s the destination.”

Baba-Ahmed maintained that his comments on the election reflect “clean, honest” views, dismissing criticisms that have trailed his past remarks.

“I don’t call it trouble. The guilty are afraid. If you say the truth and somebody gets agitated, then they’ve done something wrong,” he said.

Pressed on whether his past assertions had been validated, he said Nigerians should remain the ultimate judge. “I leave Nigerians to say that. I shouldn’t be the one to say it,” he added.

Baba-Ahmed stood firmly by his position that the outcome of the 2023 election undermined democracy, warning of what he described as a drift toward a one-party state.

“If you allow that election to stand, that would be the end of democracy,” he said, alleging that the ruling APC has focused on weakening opposition parties rather than addressing governance challenges such as insecurity and economic hardship.

Although repeatedly challenged to provide evidence of APC involvement in internal crises within opposition parties, Baba-Ahmed argued that political commentary differs from legal proceedings.

“We’re not in a court of law. If we were, you would ask me for evidence and I would present it,” he said, adding that in his view, the government’s performance and political developments were sufficient indicators.

He doubled down on his claim that the APC did not win the election. “Absolutely. APC did not win the election. Labour Party won the election,” he insisted, while acknowledging the authority of the courts to decide electoral outcomes.

“The courts have the power to say you won, but people can still come out and say you didn’t win,” he said.

Reacting to suggestions that his stance may be driven by disappointment, Baba-Ahmed dismissed the notion, drawing parallels with the June 12, 1993 election, which was widely believed to have been won by MKO Abiola despite its annulment.

“Believe in what you did. Hold on to it,” he said.

On the state of the opposition ahead of 2027, Baba-Ahmed expressed dissatisfaction, arguing that many so-called opposition actors are merely political office seekers without ideological clarity.

“We need to distinguish between minority and opposition,” he said, adding that the current opposition lacks cohesion and credibility.

He also dismissed recent coalition efforts, including the Ibadan Declaration involving figures from the PDP and ADC, describing the prospect of a unified opposition ticket as unrealistic.

“I think it’s a lie… there is no way they will agree,” he said.

Baba-Ahmed further criticised Nigerians for what he described as apathy toward political participation, saying the reluctance of credible individuals to enter politics has contributed to poor governance.

“If you are a good Nigerian and you know you can make a change and you refuse to enter politics, you are as bad as those misleading Nigeria,” he said.

On his political future, Baba-Ahmed revealed he would leave the Labour Party at midnight and join the PRP, citing a departure from the party’s founding ideals.

“What Labour Party stood for then is no longer what it is today,” he said.

He described the PRP as a party with deep historical roots and suggested it could emerge as a strong force if properly structured.

“PRP is the place to be… if it does what I tried to make Labour Party do in 2023, I think the APC government is gone,” he stated.

Despite his political involvement, Baba-Ahmed downplayed personal ambition, saying he is not driven by a desire to hold office.

“Why do I have to be president or vice president?” he asked, noting his past achievements in business, education, and public service.

He added that his focus would include supporting “a genuine southern, possibly Christian candidate” in the 2027 election.

Baba-Ahmed Insists LP Won 2023, Announces Move To PRP is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

An APC chieftain and Senator representing Ogun East Senatorial District, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, on Tuesday picked up the nomination and expression of interest forms despite the party’s adoption of Governor Dapo Abiodun as its consensus candidate in the 2027 elections.

Recall that some party leaders, in a recent caucus meeting held in Ijebu-Ode, had adopted Abiodun as the preferred and consensus candidate for the forthcoming elections.

DAILY POST reported that Daniel, a two-term governor and current senator representing the district, was allegedly denied access to the venue of the meeting.

However, Daniel on Tuesday, despite the outcome of the meeting, purchased the nomination form in an effort to continue representing the district.

This was contained in a statement alongside pictures posted on his Facebook and X (Twitter) handles.

It reads: “Today, I picked up my nomination and expression of interest forms as I seek to return to the Nigerian Senate, continuing my efforts to provide effective and responsive representation for the people of Ogun East Senatorial District under the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the 2027 general elections.”

Meanwhile, the party’s State Publicity Secretary, Olufemi Nuberu, while speaking on a current affairs programme on Eagle 102.5 FM in Ilese-Ijebu, monitored by our correspondent in Abeokuta on Tuesday, rejected claims of internal division.

Nuberu insisted that the party remained united despite growing speculation about factional politics and competing camps.

On the alleged exclusion of Daniel from the meeting that adopted Dapo Abiodun as the consensus candidate, Nuberu dismissed the claim as exaggerated and lacking credible evidence, arguing that no formal complaint was submitted to the party regarding exclusion from the event.

He emphasized that party decisions are based on verified information, not speculation or viral narratives, especially in an era where digital content can be easily manipulated.

Nuberu, however, maintained that the APC’s strength lies in its ability to manage disagreements internally without allowing them to escalate into crises, insisting the party remains “one indivisible entity” despite ongoing political debates.

Ogun East: Daniel dares gov Abiodun, picks nomination form despite adoption