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Popular Nigerian rapper and activist, Folarin Falana, popularly known as Falz, alongside several civil society groups and activists, has criticised President Bola Tinubu over the continued captivity of scores of abducted schoolchildren across the country.

In a statement issued on Thursday following the 2026 Children’s Day celebration, the activists said at least 81 Nigerian children remain in captivity after being abducted by terrorists in Oyo and Borno states.

The statement, jointly signed by Falz, Hassan Soweto of the #EndBadGovernanceMovement, and 13 other activists and civil society leaders, accused the Federal Government of failing to take decisive steps to rescue the children.

According to the statement, 39 pupils and seven teachers were abducted from Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota, Community Grammar School, Esinele, and L.A. Primary School, Ahoro-Esinele in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.

The group added that one of the abducted teachers, identified as Mr. Oyedokun Olugbade, was recently killed by his captors.

The statement further noted that another 42 children were kidnapped on May 15, 2026, during an attack on Mussa Primary and Junior Secondary School in Askira-Uba Local Government Area of Borno State by suspected Boko Haram insurgents.

“As we marked this year’s celebration, nothing less than 81 Nigerian school children are languishing in captivity,” the statement read.

“It is only right on the occasion of this year’s Children’s Day celebration that we ask President Bola Ahmed Tinubu: Where are our abducted children? Why have they not been found?”

The activists accused both the federal and state governments of responding with mere assurances while allegedly failing to secure the release of the victims.

They argued that Nigerian security agencies possess advanced surveillance and intelligence capabilities capable of tracking criminals and rescuing abductees.

The group also criticised the government for allegedly prioritising political activities over the worsening insecurity in the country.

“While elections are undeniably important, the safety of the lives of average Nigerians and their welfare are more important. A government unable to guarantee this is a failed government,” the statement added.

Drawing parallels with the 2014 Chibok schoolgirls abduction under former President Goodluck Jonathan, the activists said the current administration appeared “clueless” in tackling insecurity.

The coalition called on Nigerians, labour unions, youth groups, and civil society organisations to stage peaceful nationwide protests demanding the rescue of all abducted persons and improved security across the country.

Other signatories to the statement include Executive Director of the Moses Oisakede Leadership Foundation, Mike Igaga, Yusha’u Sani Yankuzo of the Nigeria Patriotic Front Movement, Rufus Olusesan of PERESSA, and representatives of several other advocacy organisations.

Falz, Others Threaten Protest Over 81 Abducted Schoolchildren is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

A Nigerian pastor, identified as Pastor Akoh, was allegedly killed by suspected kidnappers after a delay in the payment of ransom demanded for his release.

The tragic incident was revealed by Abuja-based cleric, Bishop Peter Attayi Yakubu, in an emotional Facebook post shared on Monday, May 25, 2026.

According to the cleric, Pastor Akoh was abducted by armed kidnappers and reportedly killed just three days later after negotiations over ransom failed to move quickly enough. 

The shocking development has sparked grief, outrage, and renewed fear over the increasing wave of kidnappings targeting Nigerians across different parts of the country, including religious leaders.

In his emotional tribute, Bishop Yakubu described the deceased pastor as a loyal and dedicated minister who once served as his chief usher before later starting his own ministry.

“My heart is bleeding. Oh my son, Pastor Akoh. He served well and was impacted with the prophetic grace before God asked him to begin his own ministry,” the bishop wrote.

He also revealed that the late pastor had recently invited him to visit his church, a visit that was scheduled for September but will now never happen.

The grieving cleric further lamented the painful reality surrounding the pastor’s death, especially considering that his wife is reportedly nursing a newborn baby.

“How can kidnappers k!ll Pastor Akoh within three days because ransom was delayed? Oh God… the wife is even breastfeeding a new baby,” he added.

The incident has once again intensified concerns about the worsening security situation in Nigeria, where kidnappings for ransom have become increasingly common. Clergymen, travelers, farmers, students, and ordinary citizens have repeatedly fallen victim to armed gangs operating across several regions.

Many Nigerians reacting online expressed sympathy for the pastor’s family while calling on security agencies and the government to take stronger action against criminal groups terrorizing communities nationwide.

As investigations continue, the tragic death of Pastor Akoh adds to the growing number of lives lost to violent abductions in the country.

Former Speaker of the Plateau State House of Assembly and member representing Pankshin North, Rt. Hon. Dewan Gabriel, has announced his decision to step down from contesting for the Senate seat of the Pankshin, Kanam, and Kanke, PKK, federal constituency on the platform of the Young Peoples Party, YPP, to seek re-election into the State House of Assembly in the 2027 general elections.

Hon. Gabriel had been widely tipped to contest for the senate seat after he reportedly purchased the nomination form for the contest but in an announcement on Wednesday, the ex-Speaker said he is stepping down from the senate bid to focus on the re-election into the State House of Assembly.

In the statement titled “Positive Impact to Humanity Phase 2, Pankshin North 2027,” the lawmaker said his decision came following extensive consultations with family members, political stakeholders, supporters, youths, elders, and associates across the constituency.

He stated that his decision was informed by the ongoing political discussions surrounding the senate seat in the PKK zone, the position of his party as an opposition platform, and the need to protect the unity and collective interest of the people.

Hon. Gabriel stressed that his decision is a “sacrifice made in the interest of peace and inclusiveness”, noting that he did not want to be seen as an obstacle to the widely expressed desire of the Ngas people in Pankshin North concerning the Senate position.

He further reaffirmed his opposition to any third-term agenda in the zone, maintaining that he remains committed to the anti-third-term movement and ready to support any credible candidate willing to resist attempts at tenure extension in PKK politics.

Plateau 2027: Ex-Speaker steps down from senate race, focuses on re-election bid

Veteran Nollywood actress, Shaffy Bello has sparked controversy with her unconventional advice to young women about commercial sex work.

Featuring in a recent episode of the Moraya Show, the actress claimed that it is okay for ladies to engage in commercial sex work if it is for survival or pressing needs.

Bello said she doesn’t judge commercial sex workers but rather she encouraged them to do it well with respect. 

She, however, warned that women who go into sex work due to pressing needs shouldn’t tarry in it.

“If what you are doing now is being a ‘runs girl’ to make money, you don’t have to stay there. I understand it, I never judge. If you go be ash*wo, do am well. Do it well with respect and your full-chest.

“However, don’t stay there. If that is what you have to do right now to make a living..  Some girls are doing it because they need to feed mom, send their younger ones to school. I understand it. However, my darlings, don’t stay there,” she advised. 

Video: 

“If what you are doing now is being a ‘runs girl’ to make money, you don’t have to stay there. I understand it, I never judge. If you go be a$h*wo, do am well, HOWEVER don’t stay there.”

– Shaffy Bello pic.twitter.com/Hg9S1MRZFO

— @𝗼𝗻𝗲𝗷𝗼𝗯𝗹𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗯𝗼𝘆 (@OneJoblessBoy) May 28, 2026

It’s okay to be commercial sex worker for survival – Shaffy Bello [VIDEO]

A rare albino buffalo that gained attention online for resembling United States President Donald Trump has been spared from Eid al-Adha sacrifice after Bangladesh authorities intervened at the last minute. The buffalo, which reportedly weighs close to 700kg, had already been sold for ritual slaughter before the government stepped in ahead of the festival. Authorities […]

The post Viral ‘Trump’ buffalo spared from Eid sacrifice in Bangladesh appeared first on Tribune Online.

At least 10 students have been killed and several others injured after a fire tore through a dormitory at Utumishi Girls Academy in the Gilgil area of Nakuru County in central Kenya in the early hours of Thursday morning, with emergency rescue teams still searching the building for students who may be trapped.

Rift Valley Regional Police Commander Samuel Ndanyi confirmed that the fire broke out at around 1:00 a.m. local time, destroying property of unknown value as firefighters and police officers fanned out to control the blaze and evacuate students from the building.

Kenya Red Cross ambulance crews, first responders and psychosocial support teams were deployed to the scene, with many of the injured students rushed to St Joseph’s Hospital for treatment and assessment.

“It is a distressing and saddening situation,” county police official Masoud Mwinyi told distraught parents gathered outside the school, according to local broadcaster Citizen Television.

The cause of the fire had not been established as of Thursday morning, with investigations ongoing.

The tragedy comes amid a worrying rise in school fire incidents across Kenya in recent weeks, with police saying several schools have experienced unrest, strikes and destruction of property, leading some institutions to temporarily close.

School fires are common in Kenyan boarding schools, with some caused by arson and others by electrical faults.

In 2024, 21 students died in a dormitory fire at a primary school in nearby Nyeri County, prompting President William Ruto to declare three days of national mourning.

Kenya’s deadliest school fire in recent history occurred in 2001 when 67 students died in a dormitory fire in Machakos County.

At Least 10 Students Killed In Kenya School Dormitory Fire is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

Federal government has disclosed its plan to modernize livestock farming as well revives the 417 grazing reserves nationwide to further secure food security…

The post FG plans to modernise livestock farming, revive 417 grazing reserves appeared first on Tribune Online.

The presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, has accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of undermining democracy in Nigeria.

Atiku, during his acceptance speech as the presidential candidate of the ADC, lamented the present economic decline, insecurity and growing authoritarianism under the APC administration.

Speaking in his capacity as the ADC presidential candidate, said the ADC had demonstrated that democracy was still alive in Nigeria through the conduct of what he described as a free, fair and transparent primary election.

“I wish to express my profound appreciation for the privilege, which you have bestowed on me, of leading our great party, the African Democratic Congress, into the next elections as its Presidential Candidate,” he said.

“We demonstrated that while democracy is being strangled and squashed by the ruling party and its oppressive and anti-democratic government, democracy is alive and well in the African Democratic Congress.”

The former vice president alleged that opposition parties across the country were facing crises allegedly engineered by the APC-led government, the Independent National Electoral Commission and elements within the judiciary.

He also accused the government of harassing and intimidating opposition figures, citing the alleged detention of former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai.

“All because he is a leading opposition figure. This kind of cruelty must stop,” Atiku said.
He further alleged that anti-corruption agencies and security institutions were being used to coerce opposition politicians into joining the APC.

“Once a person joins the APC, the harassment ceases and the charges against them magically disappear. This abuse of power must stop,” he stated.

Atiku warned against any attempt to interfere in the affairs of the ADC, saying such moves would be resisted.
“Any further attempt to interfere in the affairs of the party by the Presidency, INEC and judiciary will be fiercely resisted. Enough is enough,” he declared.

The ADC candidate said the coalition behind the party was formed through “hard work, immense sacrifices and compromises” aimed at protecting Nigeria’s democracy from collapse.

While congratulating other aspirants who contested the party’s presidential ticket, Atiku appealed for unity within the party, insisting that no one emerged as a loser from the exercise.

“This is not the time to celebrate. No one was defeated because we are one party and we all need to recognise the fierce urgency of the moment,” he said.

He specifically called on former Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi and businessman Mohammed Hayatu-Deen to join forces with him ahead of the elections.

“In particular, I invite Chief Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi and Alhaji Mohammed Hayatu-Deen to join me in this fight to save our democracy and our country,” he said.

Outlining his policy direction, Atiku said an ADC government under his leadership would prioritise security, education, the economy, healthcare and restructuring of power relations among the country’s constituent units.

On insecurity, he accused the current administration of failing to protect lives and property despite worsening violence across the country.

“An ADC government under my leadership will take decisive action to address insecurity and protect lives and property in the country,” he said, promising massive recruitment into the armed forces and police, improved welfare, modern equipment and enhanced intelligence sharing.

On education, Atiku said his administration would implement free and compulsory primary and secondary education while investing in entrepreneurial and technological skills for youths.

“Over 20 million of our school-age children are not in school. This cannot be tolerated in the modern world,” he said.

He also criticised the APC government’s economic policies, saying Nigerians were facing unprecedented hardship despite official claims of economic growth.

“What has really been growing is the ill-gotten wealth of a few in and around the corridors of power while our people have extreme difficulty finding food to eat,” he alleged.

Atiku further criticised the removal of fuel subsidy, insisting that the proceeds had not been transparently accounted for.

“The savings from subsidy removal has not been accounted for and the economic hardship resulting from the action has been unbearable,” he said.

He also faulted the government’s borrowing profile, alleging that contracts financed with borrowed funds were awarded to cronies without due process.

“The future of our younger generation is being mortgaged with no accountability. That has to change and will change under an ADC government,” he added.

On healthcare, Atiku said his administration would prioritise primary healthcare and establish more world-class medical facilities to reduce medical tourism.

“Our ADC government will prioritise healthcare, with emphasis on prevention,” he said.

The former vice president urged party members and supporters to remain united as preparations begin for the 2027 general election campaign.

“Where the APC government offers meaningless renewed hope, we will provide renewed action to repair the damage that they have done to our economy and society in the last twelve years of misrule,” he stated.

APC Undermining Democracy, Says Atiku After Winning ADC Presidential Ticket is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

Igho Ogbu has said it is important for the Super Eagles to retain their Unity Cup title, DAILY POST reports.

The Super Eagles will face the Reggae Boys of Jamaica in the final of the invitational tournament at the Valley on Saturday night.

Éric Chelle’s side defeated Zimbabwe 2-0 in the semi -final on Tuesday night with debutants Femi Azeez scoring both goals.

Jamaica also confirmed their place in the final courtesy of a 2-0 victory over India.

Oguh declared that the Super Eagles will fight to successfully defend the title.

“Now that we are in the final, we understand what we need to do. We will recover and prepare well because the reason we came here is to win and retain the title,” the centre-back declared.

DAILY POST recalls Nigeria defeated Jamaica 5-4 on penalities in the final of the last edition of the competition.

Unity Cup: Ogbu confident Super Eagles will retain title 

Drawing from years of regulatory experience, the Technical Adviser on Maritime to the Maritime Anti-Corruption Network (MACN) Nigeria, and Centre for Business Integrity (CBi), Mr. Moses Fadipe speaks on the importance of adhering to established procedures, role of efficient service delivery in determining tariffs, and why stakeholder engagement remains critical in maintaining industry stability. TOLA […]

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