Author: Daily Post Nigeria

The Governor of Ebonyi State, Francis Nwifuru, has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of the 3rd Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Abakaliki, Most Rev. Dr. Peter Nworie Chukwu, describing his death as a profound loss to the Church, Ebonyi State, and the nation at large.

In an official condolence statement issued on Saturday through his Chief Press Secretary, Dr Monday Uzor, the Governor said he received the news of the Bishop’s transition “with a heart weighed down by deep sorrow, yet comforted by the eternal promises of God.”

Nwifuru noted that the late Bishop was not only a revered shepherd of the Catholic faithful but also a spiritual leader whose life was defined by humility, sacrifice, and unwavering dedication to the service of God and humanity.

He described the late cleric as a “spiritual colossus” whose tenure marked an era of moral clarity, fatherly guidance, and steadfast commitment to peace and unity in Ebonyi State and beyond.

According to the Governor, Bishop Chukwu, who hailed from Ededeagu Umuezeokohu in Ezza North Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, distinguished himself as a tireless advocate of justice, love, and social harmony. He added that the Bishop’s pastoral ministry positively impacted countless lives, strengthened families, and deepened the spiritual growth of the faithful.

“The voice of the late Catholic Bishop in times of uncertainty, and his counsel was a source of divine wisdom to leaders and the faithful alike,” the Governor stated.

While mourning his passage, Governor Nwifuru drew consolation from the Holy Scriptures, referencing 2 Timothy 4:7: “I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith.”

He said the scripture aptly reflects the life and ministry of the late Bishop, who “ran his race with grace and finished strong in the vineyard of the Lord.”

On behalf of the Government and people of Ebonyi State, the Governor extended condolences to the Supreme Pontiff, the Catholic Diocese of Abakaliki, the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria, the clergy, religious, lay faithful, and the immediate and extended family of the deceased.

Nwifuru further acknowledged the Bishop’s contributions to moral discipline, social stability, and peaceful coexistence in the state, noting that his passing represents not only a loss to the Church but also to Ebonyi State and Nigeria as a whole.

He prayed that Almighty God grants the late Bishop eternal rest and gives all who mourn him the strength to bear the irreparable loss.

“Adieu, faithful servant of God. Rest in the bosom of the Lord,” the statement concluded.

Governor Nwifuru mourns passing of Abakaliki catholic Bishop, Most Rev Chukwu

The David Mark-led faction of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has elected Emmanuel Famojuro as the new chairman of the party in Ogun State.

The new state executive members were elected by affirmation at the State Congress held at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL), Abeokuta, on Saturday.

Addressing the gathering, the chairman of the Congress Committee, Olatunji Soyinka, presented a harmonised list of the new executives, which he said reflects the agreement and decisions of all party leaders and sections of the ADC.

Soyinka, a former House of Representatives member, put the question to delegates, who all responded in affirmation.

“By the power conferred on me, I have accepted, based on the list submitted to our committee, that the new state chairman will be Mr. Emmanuel Famojuro,” Soyinka said.

In his acceptance speech, the newly elected chairman, Emmanuel Famojuro, called for unity among party members, assuring them of result-oriented leadership.

He pledged to boost the party’s relevance through grassroots mobilisation and inclusiveness, stressing the critical roles of youths and women.

“We must work as one family. Youths and women are the backbone of our party,” he said, highlighting the importance of grassroots mobilisation and inclusiveness.

Famojuro urged party leaders to provide guidance and support, noting that their experience and expertise are vital to the party’s growth.

Meanwhile, the Deputy National Financial Secretary of the party, Oladimeji Fabiyi, applauded the congress committee for laying the foundation for peace and unity of the party in the state.

He charged the new leaders to be loyal to the party and not individuals.

“The outgoing leadership has not done so well for ADC in the state. They have turned the party into a transactional party, where they go about negotiating. In fact, their leadership has sent so many quality aspirants away from running because they didn’t see any hope; they are not inspired,” he said.

Reacting, the Femi Soluade-led faction of the ADC in the state, described the congress as kangaroo.

He stated that had been re-elected as the state chairman of the party with Babatunde Adedeji as Deputy State Chairman and Agbebiyi Olusoji as State Secretary, alongside other members of the State Executive Committee.

“It was a kangaru election. I have emerged as the Bonafide State Chairman of ADC, done today at the State Secretariat, duly conducted by Chairman Rasheed Salvador.

“We were duly screened on the 9th of April but jesters were never screened on the 9th April by the national body.

“All Executives of my cabinet were duly affirmed by consensus and duly sworn in,” he said.

Ogun ADC hold state executive congress in Abeokuta

The Abia State Government has rolled Rural Emergency Services and Maternal Transport System across the state to safeguard the lives of mothers and newborn babies.

The State’s Commissioner for Health, Professor Enoch Ogbonnaya Uche disclosed this in Umuahia during the kick off of the program.

He said the action was in line with the directive of Governor Alex Otti on public health.

According to the Commissioner, emergency medical services play a critical role in determining the overall quality of life of any population, noting that the new system is specifically targeted at reducing maternal and neonatal mortality in the state.

He explained that one of the leading causes of maternal deaths is the inability of pregnant women, especially those in labour, and new babies who require urgent care, to access health facilities with skilled personnel on time.

He identified three Local Government Areas of Obingwa, Bende, and Ukwa East as high-burden areas for maternal mortality, describing them as part of the 172 high-risk LGAs in Nigeria.

“As a strategic response, we have deployed ambulances to central locations within these LGAs to ensure that any woman in need of emergency transport can access services within 25 to 30 minutes or less,” he stated.

He added that trained emergency transport officers have been included in the national emergency response platform to ensure prompt processing of distress calls and swift deployment of ambulances to convey patients to equipped healthcare facilities.

Emergency medical services critical to ending maternal, infant mortality – Gov Otti

Burna Boy’s mother, Bose Ogulu, has reacted to her son’s cussing and profane language using her name during a lifestream.

The singer used the curse words while denying beating DJ Tunez with his crew members.

DAILY POST reports that Wizkid had in a post on X, accused Burna Boy and his 10 man team of beating the DJ in Lagos’ night club over failure to play his music.

Denying the allegation on Wednesday during a Livestream with singer Shallipopi, Burna Boy said “Na only me touch DJ Tunez, no be 10 people. Na two slaps I give am. I swear with my mama. If I dey lie, make Ogun carry my mama go anywhere wey Wizkid mama dey.”

Following Burna Boy’s claim, a clear video of the incident capturing him and his team kicking DJ Tunez on the floor went viral on social media as against his claim.

Reacting to the development, the singer’s mother, Bose Ogulu, turned to a prayer warrior.

A viral video online captured her being surrounded by her son’s crew members as they prayed against every evil declaration and spirit.

“Oloun ma je a remi kemi. Oloun ma je a remi kemi”, she prayed in Yoruba.

Watch the video

Burna Boy’s mother turns prayer warrior after sons cuss words [VIDEO]

The Police Command in Imo has launched a manhunt for the killers of Eze Paulinus Ekwueme, the traditional ruler of Ochia Autonomous Community, Ohaji/Egbema Local Government Area of the state.

The command’s Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Henry Okoye, disclosed this in a statement made available to newsmen on Saturday.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) gathered that Ekwueme was attacked and killed by the armed hoodlums on Friday at the Assa community on Asa Awara Road, Ohaji/Egbema Local Government Area.

Okoye stated that the Commissioner of Police in the state, Mr Audu Bosso, had deployed the command’s tactical units, in synergy with other security agencies, to hunt down the hoodlums responsible for the dastardly attack. ‎

“‎The deployment followed a distress report received from Ohaji Police Division on April 10, at about 1630 hrs, indicating that armed assailants attacked Ekwueme along Asa Awara Road.

“Regrettably, the attack led to the death of the monarch, Ekwueme, the Ochia I of Ochia Kingdom, alongside five other yet-to-be-identified victims,” he stated.

‎Okoye stated that the dispatched tactical teams recovered the burnt corpses of the deceased.

According to him, the remains have been evacuated and deposited at the Federal University Teaching Hospital (FUTH), Owerri, for preservation and autopsy.

“‎Consequently, the command has commenced a comprehensive investigation into the incident, while intensive operations are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspects and recover any weapons in their possession.

Okoye said that adequate security measures had also been placed to forestall any future occurrence of such a tragic incident in the area and its environs,” he stated.

‎The spokesman further disclosed that Bosso and his management team later embarked on an on-the-spot assessment and confidence-building visit to the Ochia community to reassure residents of enhanced sustained security.

“”The Commissioner sympathised with the family of the late traditional ruler and other deceased victims and assured residents that the command remains fully committed to sustaining peace and security in the state.

“In no distant time, the perpetrators will be arrested and made to face the full wrath of the law,” he added.

‎Okoye urged members of the public to volunteer credible information that would aid the command’s ongoing investigation. (NAN)

The post Police launch manhunt for killers of Imo traditional ruler appeared first on Vanguard News.

Lamine Yamal set up two goals and scored another as Barcelona took a significant step towards defending their La Liga title with a 4-1 derby win over Espanyol on Saturday.

Ferran Torres netted twice with Yamal and Marcus Rashford finding the net late on as the Catalans moved nine points clear of second-placed rivals Real Madrid.

Los Blancos drew 1-1 against Girona on Friday and with seven games remaining, one of which is a Clasico at Camp Nou in May, Hansi Flick’s side have a commanding lead.

Barca face Atletico Madrid on Tuesday in the Champions League quarter-finals, aiming to fight back from a 2-0 first-leg defeat, but the coach still picked a strong side against Espanyol.

Midfielder Pedri Gonzalez and 18-year-old winger Yamal played the full match as Flick tried not to let the second leg disrupt the team’s league campaign.

Torres’s goals were his first since January and he was happy to help Barca move closer to the title.

“Until we win it, it’s not over but it’s true, it’s in our hands — we have to keep getting the three points,” Torres told DAZN.

After a strong start to the season Espanyol were beaten at home by Barca in the first game of 2026 and have failed to win a match since.

They offered little resistance as Hansi Flick’s side cruised into a two-goal lead.

Yamal created both goals for Torres, whipping in a corner which the Spain international nodded home.

Although some wondered if Flick would rest Yamal for Tuesday’s visit to face Atletico, the teenager is always keen to play and Barca fans adore watching him.

Yamal’s assist for the second was sumptuous, playing Torres through with the outside of his boot and the striker’s shot trickled past Marko Dmitrovic and into the net.

“I always believe in hard work and that you will get your reward,” added Torres on ending his goal drought.

“You always hear noise around you, more for the bad things than for the good… I am always focussed on myself, on improving.”

Espanyol came close when Tyrhys Dolan’s chipped effort clipped the top of the crossbar but they were mainly pinned back in their own territory.

Yamal curled a free-kick narrowly over the crossbar and Dmitrovic made a good double save to keep Fermin Lopez and Eric Garcia at bay.

– ‘Small errors killed us’ –

Barcelona thought they had extended their lead early in the second half when Torres stabbed home Garcia’s goal-bound header but it was ruled out for a tight offside against the defender.

Espanyol pulled one back through Pol Lozano immediately afterwards with a rasping effort after Barca struggled to clear the ball.

“Small errors killed us a bit, we have to be proud of the work we did,” said Lozano after the game.

“We’re getting better and sooner rather than later the victory will come.”

Substitute Rashford could have got a third for Barca but the England international seemed to lack confidence as he delayed his shot before firing straight at Dmitrovic.

The winger missed several chances against Atletico in the first leg of the Champions League tie, but by the end he found the net and will look to make further amends at the Metropolitano.

Yamal notched the third in the 87th minute by charging down a loose ball, which rebounded beyond Dmitrovic, leaving him with a tap-in.

Two minutes later Rashford hooked home the fourth with a volley from Frenkie de Jong’s cross, with the Dutch midfielder on as a substitute for his first appearance since suffering a hamstring injury in February.

Barca fans stayed in the stadium after the final whistle to celebrate with their team and try to inspire them ahead of the visit to face Atletico.

Diego Simeone’s side take on Sevilla later on Saturday. Earlier Real Sociedad and Alaves shared an entertaining 3-3 draw, while Elche edged Valencia 1-0 to move out of the relegation zone.

The post Yamal shines as Barca thrash Espanyol to extend La Liga lead appeared first on Vanguard News.

A late-night armed robbery at student hostels near the Ekiti State University community in Ado Ekiti has led to the arrest of two suspects, while security operatives continue a manhunt for other members of the gang who fled the scene.

The incident occurred in the early hours of Saturday in the Iworoko area of Ado Ekiti, where armed men reportedly stormed off-campus hostels and robbed students of their personal belongings, raising fresh concerns over security around student residential areas.

Confirming the development, the Police Public Relations Officer of the Ekiti State Command, Sunday Abutu, said the command received a distress call at about 2:30 am, prompting an immediate response from operatives of the Iworoko Police Division.

According to him, students reported that armed suspects had broken into their hostels and forcibly dispossessed them of valuables, including mobile phones.

He said police operatives swiftly mobilised to the area and tracked the suspects to their hideout shortly after the attack, leading to the arrest of two individuals, while others escaped.

The suspects were identified as Abdulraman Abdulmumini, 26, and Abdulsalam Oseni, 31.
Items recovered from them include an unregistered Bajaj motorcycle allegedly used in the operation, two stolen mobile phones, two MP digital radios, as well as clothing and shoes suspected to have been stolen from victims.

Abutu further disclosed that the suspects have confessed to the crime during interrogation and have also provided information on other members of the gang who are currently on the run.

He added that the police have intensified efforts to apprehend the fleeing suspects and recover additional stolen items linked to the robbery.

Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police in Ekiti State, Michael Falade, has urged residents to cooperate with security agencies by providing timely and credible information.

Police arrest two after robbery at Ekiti varsity student hostels

By Peter Duru, Makurdi

Suspected armed herdsmen have reportedly attacked Ikobi community in the Apa Local Government Area, LGA, of Benue State, killing one, Anyebe Shaibu, also known as Ochodo, and leaving some others injured.

It was gathered that the marauders stormed the community Friday afternoon and met the deceased on his farm, where they killed him and mutilated his remains.

According to a source in the area, who preferred anonymity, the victims were in their farms and preparing their farmland for cropping when the invaders attacked them.

He said, ‘Several persons were on the farm at the time of the attack, but most of them were lucky to have escaped unhurt, but they killed Ochodo and injured some others.’

“The manner they killed the young is so painful. They murdered him and mutilated his body with their knives as if he were an animal.

“His sin was that he went to farm in his ancestral home. They just don’t want our people to farm on their land, and we cannot understand why they want to chase us out of our land, and the government is doing nothing about it.

“The situation is getting so bad that our people are now afraid of going to their farms, and what that means is that we may be facing starvation because if we do not farm, how can we feed our families?”

“We urged the federal and state governments to live up to their constitutional responsibilities by providing security for the lives and properties of the people, which is the essence of government in the first place. If they cannot do that, we advise they quit. Our government cannot remain insensitive to the plight of the people and still remain in office,” he added.

Efforts to reach the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Udeme Edet, were unsuccessful.

The post Again, suspected armed herders attack Benue community, kill one, injure others appeared first on Vanguard News.

A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in Lagos State, Joe Igbokwe, has described Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, a terrorist .

Igbokwe claimed that Kanu ordered the IPOB militia arm, the Eastern Security Network, ESN, to kill people in the Southeast.

Posting on Facebook on Saturday, Igbokwe wrote: “The terrorist, Nnamdi Kanu, gave IPOB/ESN orders to kill people. For that reason he is my eternal enemy.

“I am 100+% against him. He ordered his business enterprise IPOB/ESN to kill anyone in uniform; police, army, etc.

“Following his brutish, barbaric and animalistic orders, IPOB/ESN killed some of my relatives and friends.

“Assuming without conceding that such evil and dastardly order was proper and moral, his own sister who was also in uniform was not killed by his IPOB/ESN.

“So you want me to support him after killing some of my relatives and friends?

“If your answer is “yes”, then, you are a killer, barbarian and possibly one of those sub-humans he raised to cannibalize their victims.

“I am certainly one of those Igbos that will fight with everything it takes to make the world animal spend all his remaining days in a confined location.”

Nnamdi Kanu a terrorist, ordered ESN to kill my relatives – Joe Igbokwe

A nine-year-old boy has been rescued after spending more than a year locked inside his father’s van in a small French village, in a case that has shocked residents and prompted criminal charges against both the child’s father and his partner.

A neighbor alerted police to sounds of a child coming from a vehicle parked in the village of Hagenbach, near the borders of Switzerland and Germany, on Monday.

When officers forced the van open, they found the boy lying in a foetal position, naked, covered by a blanket on top of a mound of trash and near excrement, according to prosecutor Nicolas Heitz.

The child was clearly malnourished and could no longer walk because he had been sitting down for so long.

When officers spoke to him, he said he had not showered since 2024.

The boy’s father told investigators he placed the child in the van in November 2024 to protect him, claiming his partner had wanted to send the boy to a psychiatric hospital.

However, prosecutor Heitz said there were no medical records of the boy suffering any psychiatric problems before he disappeared, casting serious doubt on the father’s account.

Friends and family had been led to believe the boy was in a psychiatric facility, while his teachers were told he had transferred to a different school.

The deception kept the child hidden from those who might have raised the alarm for well over a year.

The father has been taken into custody on charges including preliminary kidnapping.

His partner, who denied knowing the boy was in the van, has been charged with offences including failure to help a minor in danger and released under judicial supervision.

The boy’s 12-year-old sister and the 10-year-old daughter of his father’s partner have both been placed in the care of social services.

The discovery sent shockwaves through the quiet village of Hagenbach.

The case has raised serious questions about child welfare oversight and how a young boy could remain hidden from schools, family, and authorities for such an extended period.

French Authorities Rescue Boy Locked In Father’s Van Since 2024 is first published on The Whistler Newspaper