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Former presidential media aide, Bashir Ahmad has urged members and supporters of the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, to stop supporting every shortcoming of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC.

Bashir made the remark in a post on his official X handle on Friday night following the ongoing face-off between the electoral body and the African Democratic Congress, ADC.

DAILY POST reports that APC had backed the controversial decision of the INEC to suspend recognition of the David Mark-led leadership of the ADC

Why the opposition leaders lamented the alleged oppression of President Tinubu’s opponents, the ruling party had declared that heaven would not fall if ADC is not on the ballot in 2027.

Reacting, Bashir said defending the electoral umpire on its shortcomings fuels the allegations that INEC is working for the ruling party ahead of the forthcoming general elections.

He wrote, “I don’t know if it is only me, but I strongly feel that we, as supporters of the APC, should stop defending every shortcoming of INEC or its leadership.

“Doing so only fuels the allegations that the electoral body is working to favor our party in the upcoming elections, which is simply not true”.

ADC: Why APC should stop defending INEC’s shortcomings – Bashir Ahmad

Former Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki, has strongly condemned the gruesome attack on Nuku village in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State by armed bandits, which led to the killing of five forest guards.

In a statement issued on Friday by his Press Officer on Local Matters, Abdulganiyu Abdulqadir, Saraki described the incident as “barbaric, senseless, and a painful loss not only to the affected families but to the entire state.”

He expressed deep sorrow over the tragic deaths of the gallant forest guards who paid the ultimate price in the line of duty, noting that their sacrifice in defending their community would never be forgotten.

Saraki prayed Almighty Allah to grant the deceased eternal rest in Aljannah Firdaus, forgive their shortcomings, and reward their bravery with the highest place in Paradise.

He also extended his heartfelt condolences to the Emir of Kaiama, the families of the slain guards, and the entire people of the area, urging them to remain steadfast and united in the face of the tragedy.

While commending the efforts of security operatives and local forest guards for their bravery in repelling the attack, Saraki stressed the need for sustained vigilance and stronger collaboration among all security stakeholders to prevent a recurrence.

The former Senate President, further called on relevant authorities to intensify efforts in exposing and bringing the perpetrators of the heinous act to justice.

Saraki also prayed for continued peace, protection, and security across Kwara state and the nation at large.

Saraki condemns killing of forest guards in Kwara community

Newcastle United legend, Alan Shearer, has predicted the outcome of Chelsea’s Premier League clash with Manchester City this weekend.

The Blues are set to welcome City to Stamford Bridge on Sunday evening.

Chelsea enter the match fresh off an FA Cup victory over Port Vale, whereas Man City secured a win against Liverpool in their last outing.

Writing in his Metro column, though, Shearer backed Pep Guardiola’s side to come out on top against Chelsea.

“Man City need to win every game now, especially with that huge clash against Arsenal coming up next weekend,” Shearer wrote.

“I would think they would carry that on, and I think City will win against Chelsea.

“If City don’t win and Arsenal win this weekend, then I think the Premier League title race will be dead and buried.”

EPL: Alan Shearer predicts outcome of Chelsea, Man City clash

Good morning! Here is today’s summary from Nigerian Newspapers:

1. President Bola Tinubu, on Friday, pledged that his administration would deliver stable electricity capable of powering economic growth, industrialization and national development. He acknowledged the current challenges in the power sector but said that ongoing reforms and investments would yield results.

2. Suspected terrorists in the wee hours of Friday attacked the Nuku community in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State. The gunmen killed five forest guards in the process. Dozens of the terrorists were said to have been equally neutralized.

3. The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC has postponed the proposed nationwide voter revalidation exercise until after the 2027 general election. Mr Mohammed Haruna, INEC National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, disclosed this in a statement on Friday.

4. Nafi’u Bala, factional leader of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, has insisted that party leadership cannot be assumed through informal processes, warning that due process must be strictly followed in determining membership and leadership positions. Bala, who is laying claim to the leadership of the party, made the statement during an interview with the BBC Hausa Service.

5. The Nigerian Bar Association has warned that it will take disciplinary action against lawyers who institute court cases aimed at drawing the judiciary into internal disputes within political parties. In a statement released amid ongoing factional and leadership crisis in the coalition-backed African Democratic Congress, the association expressed concern over what it described as a growing trend of legal practitioners and courts becoming entangled in intra-party matters.

6. A member of the House of Representatives representing Ikeja Federal Constituency, James Faleke, has endorsed Lagos State Deputy Governor, Obafemi Hamzat, as the next governor of the state ahead of the 2027 elections. The federal lawmaker made the declaration in a post on his official X (formerly Twitter) handle on Friday.

7. Personnel of the Nigerian military were seen engaging in a free-for-all in Bayelsa State during the visit of Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Friday. In a trending 53-second video, a driver of a Hilux vehicle marked “Naval Police” was seen stepping down from his vehicle and exchanging words with another driver.

8. The Federal Government on Friday said it secured 386 convictions out of 508 terrorism-related cases prosecuted at the Abuja Division of the Federal High Court. The Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), disclosed this to journalists at the conclusion of the ninth phase of the mass trials.

9. The Nigerian Railway Corporation has disclosed that no fewer than 20 persons were arrested in 2025 for vandalising railway infrastructure across the country. The Chief Public Relations Officer of the NRC, Callistus Unyimadu, disclosed this while speaking on the role of the Railway Police Command in handling vandalism cases along rail corridors nationwide.

10. The Federal High Court in Abuja has fixed April 14 for the hearing of a suit filed by Nafiu Gombe, seeking to stop the African Democratic Congress leadership led by former Senate President David Mark, from parading themselves as leaders of the party. The trial judge, Justice Emeka Nwite, fixed the date on Friday, following the issuance of hearing notices to parties in the suit.

Nigerian Newspapers: 10 things you need to know Saturday morning

By Prisca Sam-Duru

In the quiet hills of Kwande, Benue State, the date September 17, 2006, is etched in the communal memory as a day of smoke, sorrow, and survival. It was the day a Nigerian Air Force Dornier 228 aircraft, carrying some of the nation’s finest military personnel, crashed into the Ngokugh Hills. For many, it was a tragedy that claimed thirteen lives. But amidst the wreckage, smell of aviation fuel, and lifeless corpses, a seed of destiny was sown in the heart of a 13-year-old farm boy.

Read Also: Charly Boy: I lived wild, did drugs, survived cancer, now I’ve new life

That boy was Detimbir Chia. Widely known as Chia Diko or child hero of 2006, Chia is a native of Mbakunu, Shangev Ya, in Kwande Local Government Area of Benue State.

Today, twenty years later, the name Detimbir Chia no longer evokes the image of a fear-stricken child in a remote village, as seen in photos online. Instead, Chia now commands the salute due to a captain of the Nigerian Army. That’s destiny at work! That’s the kind of story Nigerians need at this crucial period; a story about kindness, love, and humanity.

On April 4, 2026, the story that began in the shadow of death in a farm progressed into a heart-warming narrative at a wedding ceremony in Makurdi.

Thanks to Gen Nuhu Bala Amgbazo, Retd. for reminding us that someone like Captain Chia still exists.

In a post making the rounds on social media, he revisited the events of the fatal crash and how God used Chia to save his life. He subsequently announced that Chia tied the knot with his heartthrob on April 4, 2026.

In 2006, Chia was just a teenager tending to his father’s farm in Mbakunu. It’s possible that when the Dornier 228 crashed, the sound  would have sent most adults running for cover. But the child hero ran toward the danger.

He wasn’t a trained first responder. He didn’t have a radio or a medical kit. What he had was a natural sense of courage and a surprising knowledge of how to operate a mobile phone. You see why we shouldn’t just take phones away from children; rather, they should be taught how to use them positively.

Finding the wreckage and the survivors, among them, the then Col. Nuhu Bala Amgbazo, Chia used a survivor’s phone to call his father, who in turn alerted the authorities.

That singular act of kindness didn’t just save lives; it created a bond that would defy the typical boundaries of rank, tribe, and status undermining Nigerians.

As the story goes, Gen Amgbazo refused to forget the face of the boy who appeared like an angel in times of trouble. In Nigeria, we often hear of promises made by the powerful in the heat of a moment, only to be forgotten when the dust settles. Some will even block your line. Hahaha! This was not one of those cases.

Gen Amgbazo took responsibility for Chia’s future and saw him through his education while supporting his lifelong ambition to become a uniformed man.

That journey has transported the young boy from the hills of Kwande to the prestigious Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA).

“…help came from the most unexpected place…I made a decision then,” Gen Amgbazo reflected on his post on social media.

“Such courage must not go unnoticed. I took responsibility for his future and supported his journey into the Nigerian Army. I am proud of the man he has become.”

The wedding on April 4, 2026, must have looked more than a social event with Gen Amgbazo in attendance.

The atmosphere in Makurdi must have also been warm and inspiring considering the photos of the decorated officer with his beautiful bride and benefactor.

In addition, guests at the wedding must have been a blend of the boy’s past and his present; that is, from his rural folks of Mbakunu to eminent Nigerians like the former Governor of Benue State, Gabriel Suswam who all witnessed not only wedding vows but the celebration of a twenty-year divine appointment.

So, two decades ago, a General’s life was in a boy’s hands; twenty years later, the General stood as a father figure, watching that boy embark on another phase of life.

According to Amgbazo, “This is not just a story of survival. It is a story of destiny, opportunity, and what happens when we invest in people.”

It reminds us that greatness can be found in a 13-year-old on a farm, provided there is a mentor willing to reach out and invest in his or her future.

The child hero is now a man of authority. 

In a country where hostility and selfishness are the order of the day, the tale of the two men in this story serves as a reminder that no act of kindness should go unrewarded.

Vanguard News

The post From Wreckage to Altar: 20-year divine appointment of Capt Detimbir Chia  appeared first on Vanguard News.

Tension has enveloped Ikobi community in Apa Local Government Area of Benue State as a resident identified as Mr. Anyebe Shaibu, was reportedly killed in a suspected attack by armed herders on Friday morning.

The incident, which occurred between 10 a.m. and 11 a.m., has once again raised fresh concerns over the safety of rural communities in the state.

The latest killing has added to the growing anxiety in the area, as residents continue to call for stronger security intervention to prevent further violence.

Benue State has, over the years, witnessed recurring clashes and violent incidents linked to rural insecurity, particularly in farming communities.

Local residents have continued to raise concerns over safety, especially in areas vulnerable to sudden attacks.

The latest incident in Apa LGA adds to the long-standing tension in parts of the state.

Mr. Anyebe Shaibu was said to have been killed during the incident, which occurred in the early hours of Friday..

Eyewitness accounts from the community indicate that the assailants were suspected armed herders, though full details surrounding the attack remain unclear at this time.

The motive behind the attack has not been officially confirmed.

People have expressed shock and concern over the killing, describing it as another painful reminder of the insecurity affecting rural settlements.

There is growing public demand for increased security presence and urgent government intervention to prevent further loss of lives in affected are

The situation in Ikobi remains tense, with residents calling for calm while awaiting possible security response and investigation into the attack.

The Spokesperson of the Benue State Police Command, DSP Udeme Edet is yet to confirm the incident as efforts made to contact him was unsuccessful as at press time.

Benue community in fear as suspected herdsmen kill one

By Evelyn Usman

They leave their homes at dawn under the rising sun, exchange warm hugs with their children, whisper prayers with their spouses, and head into danger. But for some of Nigeria’s military personnel, particularly those of the Nigerian Army, that promise to return is often left unfulfilled, hanging like a fragile hope that may never be realised.

Read Also: Ex-senatorial candidate jailed 10 yrs for selling petrol to Boko Haram

The death of Brigadier General Oseni Braimah on April 9, 2026, in a midnight attack by terrorists on the 29 Task Force Brigade Headquarters in Benisheikh, Borno State, is the latest tragic chapter in Nigeria’s long catalogue of sacrifice in the fight against terrorism. Eyewitness accounts and military sources confirmed that while troops repelled the attack, it nevertheless claimed “a few brave and gallant soldiers,” including the Brigade Commander, a grim reminder of the relentless brutality of the conflict.

Braimah was not just a senior officer; he was a leader, a mentor, a source of strength to those under his command, and a beloved husband and father of a family whose life revolved around his steady presence. His death and those of his soldiers sent shockwaves across military barracks and civilian homes alike, reopening emotional wounds from earlier losses and reminding the nation of the human cost of insecurity.

Heroes forever remembered

In November 2025, Brigadier General Musa Uba, commander of the 25 Task Force Brigade in Damboa, Borno State, was ambushed along the Damboa–Biu axis. After surviving the initial clash, he was reportedly captured by Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters and later executed, a fact confirmed by President Bola Tinubu, who expressed deep sorrow over “the tragic death of our soldiers and officers on active duty.”

Uba’s story is not just one of battlefield horror; it is a life cut short in the service of others. A graduate of the Nigerian Defence Academy, he had survived countless battles but met his end in an ambush that became a defining moment in Nigeria’s decades-long insurgency.

Also, in November 2021, Brigadier General Dzarma Zirkusu was killed while leading reinforcement troops against ISWAP in Askira Uba, Borno State, paying the ultimate price while trying to protect others. In September 2020, Colonel Dahiru Chiroma Bako, commander of 25 Task Force Operation Lafiya Dole, died from injuries sustained in an ambush near Wajiroko village.

Families left waiting

Each of these names represents a story of devotion and heartbreak: husbands who never saw their children grow up, fathers unable to witness family milestones, and comrades whose absence is felt deeply in the barracks and even more painfully at home.

Across the country, the void left by these losses is profound. Children stare at empty beds where their fathers once slept, spouses replay their last phone calls, and photographs on mantels speak of futures that will never be realised. Soldiers often go months without seeing their loved ones, communicating only through weak phone signals and hurried video calls.

One mother of a fallen soldier, who requested anonymity, recounted how her granddaughter still asks why her father never came home to celebrate her birthday. “She looks at his picture and whispers his name. We were proud of him, but no one told us courage would cost so much”, she said, her voice trembling.

The cost

The death of a soldier is a devastating loss to the nation, yet it also imposes significant costs on the terrorists they confront. Each fallen soldier represents years of training, discipline, and experience, forcing insurgents to expend resources, replace leaders, and constantly reassess their strategies against highly skilled Nigerian troops.

While these lives can never be replaced, their sacrifice has amplified calls across Nigeria for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to summon the political will to decisively end the war against terrorism. Citizens, civil society groups, and military advocates insist that beyond battlefield victories, there must be a concerted effort to trace and dismantle the complex network of sponsors and facilitators who fund insurgents.

Why terror thrives — Ofoyetan

Among those insisting that the nation owes it to the fallen to ensure their blood is not shed in vain is the Director-General of the International Institute of Professional Security, Dr. Tony Ofoyetan. He emphasised that Nigeria’s battle against terrorism runs deeper than identifying where the enemy operates, warning of sleeper cells embedded across society, from politics to business and even religious institutions.

He said “terrorists do not simply wake up and attack. By the time it happens, a lot of groundwork has already taken place, and they are almost certain of success.” He also cautioned that powerful individuals may indirectly shield terrorist networks, complicating counter-terrorism efforts and influencing government action.

“Government is doing a lot, but there are what we call partners in crime. Some politicians will stand on the floor of the National Assembly and accuse the government of human rights abuses during military operations. But sometimes it is because they are sympathetic to the terrorists and believe military bombardment is weakening their operational strength.”

Troubling battlefield reality

Rear Admiral Dickson Olisemelor (retd.) highlighted the widespread knowledge of bandit activities and the challenges of taking decisive action. He said, “The other time we saw over 500 motorcycles carrying three passengers each passing through Minna boldly. Just a few days later, we heard they kidnapped school children. Up till this moment, no particular action has been taken against them. In the last few weeks in Borno State, we have lost senior officers, with their units destroyed and their equipment taken away. And up till now nothing significant is happening.”

Serving officers, who spoke anonymously, raised concerns about the integration of so-called repentant bandits into security structures, warning that it could undermine long-term operational security. Political interests, alleged leaks, and the use of former insurgents in sensitive roles remain troubling realities on the ground.

Troops far from intimidation

In the same vein, a retired Air Force personnel, Adetuga, dismissed suggestions that the killings could weaken the military, insisting that Nigerian troops are far from being intimidated. “These attacks are meant to deter the army, but our troops cannot be cowed. They have faced worse and remained standing,” he said. He, however, stressed that beyond battlefield bravery, what is urgently needed is sincerity at the highest levels of leadership.

“What the military needs is the genuine commitment of all political actors. If politicians across the six geopolitical zones come together with sincerity and agree to end this war, it will end. This is not a fight the military alone can win, it requires a united national will,” he added.

Call for action

The deaths of Nigeria’s soldiers are more than headlines. They reflect courage, sacrifice, and unyielding patriotism. While every loss leaves families in mourning and communities in grief, it is also a stark reminder that remembering fallen heroes must go beyond the annual laying of wreaths.

A retired Brigadier General, who spoke from his Abuja residence after much hesitation, said: “True honour lies in decisive action, turning grief into resolve and ensuring that their sacrifices drive a renewed commitment to ending the cycle of violence that continues to claim brave lives.”

He added: “Nigeria must confront the root causes of this self-inflicted or self-generated terrorism, dismantle networks of sponsors, and strengthen institutions responsible for national security. Having the political will to decisively end this protracted conflict will go a long way in preventing the needless loss of more soldiers. Only through sustained commitment, strategic foresight, and genuine national unity can the nation ensure that the blood of these heroes is not shed in vain and that lasting peace becomes a reality in affected regions.”

Vanguard news

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By Akpokona Omafuaire

The people of Okuama, a once bubbling riverside community in Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta state have cried our for help saying they have been abandoned by the relevant authorities to live in ruins since their community was destroyed by security personnel two years ago.

Read Also: Okuama killings: How soldiers, villagers died — Eyewitness

Following the killing of 17 military personnel in March 2024 by some hoodlums in the aftermath of community clash between Okuama and one of its neighbours, the security agents in a reprisal, levelled all the houses in Okuama except the Anglican Church where the soldiers took shelter during their operation

Two years later, Okuama is still in ruins, shanty tents dotted the space and makeshifts have become homes to people who owned houses before the incident. Last Wednesday, the people of Okuama community embarked on a protest march against the continued detention of their leaders and called on Nigerians to intervene in their plight. They vowed that if their leaders were not released or charged to court, there would be no election in their area.

When Vanguard visited the community this week, the people expressed the pains and suffering they were going through.

Chairman of Okuama Community, Mr Vote Johnwalker, said “it has been over two years since our community was destroyed by security agents. In August 2024, they arrested our leaders Prof Arthur Ekpekpo, Chief Belvis Adugbo and others have not been taken to court for arraignment or released. We appeal to President Bola Tinubu, Sen. Ede Dafinone, Rt.Hon Ejiroghene Waive and Governor Sheriff Oborevwori to swiftly move to release these people or facilitate their being taken to court. Again, we are in great suffering as our community is in ruins. The Governor was able to build a health Centre, Primary and Secondary school but none is functioning.  Over two years now, our children have not gone to school, we don’t have any functional medical centre. We have been abandoned by everyone and we are crying for help, the oppression is too much. We have decided that there will be no election in Okuama Community unless our leaders are released. If they are interested in our votes, they should solve our problem.

Another indigene of the community, Mr Joseph Oberiko, said “we are surprised that our people have been arrested for almost two years without trial, one of them died in detention and the corpse we cannot see. We learnt that a Federal High Court in Warri gave an order that the detained leaders should be brought to court but the army has refused to obey the order of the court. We are tired, we want the government to end this oppression against Okuama.

You can see that we are homeless and living like bush men, there is no home over our heads. The storm of Monday night has wreaked havoc on the tents we managed to build. Some families suffered injuries as a tree fell upon their hut. Someone already died from the incident as we speak, our suffering knows no bounds. Since we left the IDP camp in Ewu, we could barely eat, we have no means of livelihood, our children are out of school, many of the girls have become pregnant and the boys are wandering in the bush daily to find food to eat. The schools built by the Government are not furnished, so no teacher has resumed, over two years our children’s futures have been destroyed. Are we really part of Nigeria? Which law allows people to come and burn down a whole community without rebuilding it, which law says people can be arrested without trial, we need urgent answers, we call on our traditional rulers and Urhobo nation to help us so that this injustice can end.

Another member of the community, Mr. Frank Oghoghorie, said, “I am happy that Governor Sheriff Oborevwori is a Christian, and President Bola Tinubu is a Muslim who also fears God. We are protesting because of the injustice that has been done to us. We don’t even know if our community leaders are still alive. James Oghoroko, President General of Okuama died in detention, Pa Dennis Okugbaye almost died in detention before they managed to release him, he has been in hospital since suffering from the ill treatment given to him. In the Community, we are suffering, our houses were uprooted and we live in tents, there is no single habitable house in the Community, we live with reptiles in a dangerous condition, no bed, no foam, no food to eat. We live at the mercy of mosquitoes and harsh weather. When it rains we don’t sleep, we hide in a corner of the tent, we don’t live as human beings should do, no toilet, no drinking water, we bathe and drink from the same river.

We call on the government to take action, ensure that our leaders are released or taken to court, this injustice is pushing us so hard that we are about to lose it. We call on the Urhobo nation to take up this issue, they cannot allow us to continue like this. Every well meaning Urhobo people should take up this challenge and end this suffering and injustice.

On her part, Mrs. Maria Adam, another native of the community, lamented last Tuesday’s storm that caused the death of her child. According to her, “as a result of last Tuesday night’s storm, a tree fell upon me and my five children, one of them died thereafter while the others have been taken to nearby villages. The situation is so bad, there is no medicine store here. I lost that child because of lack of medicare.

The suffering is too much, our children have been out of school, We don’t have any house that can be called a house, we stay in the tent where mosquitoes feast on us, no water to drink, our only source of water is the stream. Where are the Urhobo great men, where are the politicians? The Government should plan and rebuild our destroyed homes, restore our schools so that our children can start school again”.

Queen Oghenehwosa, former Woman Leader, added her voice. She said, “We are protesting because we are tired. Since 14th March, 2024 that Okuama was attacked and destroyed, we ran into the bush where we suffered like animals, we are innocent of what happened. Even the Chief of Defence Staff that time, Gen. Christopher Musa in an interview said that the soldiers were killed by bunkerers and Amagbein. So why do we have to suffer for what oil bunkerers did, we don’t have oil or pipelines passing through here.

Our homes were completely destroyed and our leaders were arrested. We want the government to look into this matter and release our people. We have suffered too much, our livelihoods were destroyed, no house, no school, no water, no hospital. The Governor built Primary and Secondary schools but no desks, how can they go to school without desks? The Governor built a health centre without bringing nurses, the place is locked. We suffer before getting common medicine. Are we really part of Nigeria? We are tired, we call upon the NGOs, kings, politicians, activists to help us.

Call to action

Worried by the situation, Frank Tietie, lawyer, human rights advocate and Executive Director, Citizens Advocacy for Social & Economic Rights (CASER) Abuja, in a statement said, “I am compelled, to call urgent national attention to the continued detention of leaders and members of the Okuama community in Delta State without charge or trial since 2024.

“This situation raises grave constitutional and moral concerns for a country that prides itself on adherence to the rule of law. At my last check, the following persons have been subjected to prolonged detention without formal charges: Prof. Arthur Ekpekpo, Professor of Physics at Delta State University and President-General, Ewu Development Union; Chief Belvis Adogbo; Dennis Amalaka and Mabel Owhemu. James Achovwuko Oghoroko, was reported to have died in military custody while Pa Dennis Okugbaye, Treasurer of Okuama Community was reported to be critically ill and later released on health grounds.

“The continued detention of these individuals without arraignment before a competent court of law constitutes a flagrant violation of their constitutional right to personal liberty and fair hearing as guaranteed under the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“Let it be abundantly clear that while I do not, and will never, condone criminality under any guise, including that of community leadership, there can be no justification whatsoever for the indefinite detention of any Nigerian citizen on mere suspicion, association, or leadership status.

 Indeed, the allegation of killing soldiers of the Nigerian Army is grave, nevertheless the law, being the very foundation of society, must take its course or else, injustice would prevail.

“If there is credible evidence linking any of these detainees to the tragic killing of soldiers in the Okuama–Okoloba crisis, then the proper and lawful course of action is simple and well established: Charge them to court and allow due process to take its course. Anything short of this is not justice but clear arbitrariness which must be condemned.

“A government cannot, on the one hand, claim fidelity to the rule of law and, on the other hand, act in a manner that suggests that certain citizens are invisible, expendable, or undeserving of legal protection. Such conduct undermines public confidence in state institutions and erodes the very foundation of democratic governance.

“I therefore call on: The President and Commander-in-Chief, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, The Nigerian Military Authorities, The Governor of Delta State, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, High Chief Government Ekpemupolo (Tompolo), Traditional rulers and influential leaders in the Niger Delta region to urgently intervene to ensure that: The detainees are immediately released, or at the very least, they are promptly charged before a court of competent jurisdiction and tried in accordance with the law. Justice delayed, in this circumstance, is not merely justice denied but it is justice subverted.

“While I have refrained from approaching this issue through ethnic or tribal sentiment, I cannot ignore the deep concern that arises from the fact that these detainees are of Urhobo extraction, a people with whom I share immediate ancestry by birth and nativity. The growing sense of helplessness expressed by many of my kinsmen is both troubling and unnecessary. I do believe strongly that this is not a helpless situation.

“Where authorities fail to act within the bounds of the law, the law itself provides instruments to compel compliance. I am therefore actively considering appropriate legal steps to ensure that justice is not only done but seen to be done.

“The time already spent in detention by the Okuama leaders is more than sufficient for any serious investigation to determine the extent of their culpability. Therefore, if evidence exists, let it be tested in open court. If not, these individuals must regain their freedom without further delay.

“Nigeria must not become a nation where liberty is conditional, and justice is selective. It will ultimately be in the interest of all, especially, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and indeed, the people of the Niger Delta and Nigeria as a whole if we let the rule of law prevail.” he added.

Vanguard News

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By Clifford Ndujihe, Politics Editor

Nigeria was soaked in blood during the 2026 Christian Holy Week, as no fewer than 147 persons were killed in a wave of coordinated attacks, communal clashes, terrorist raids and criminal violence across the country between March 29 and April 5.

Read Also: Drug Addiction: Youths hit hard as 14.3m Nigerians consumed illicit drugs in one year

This figure is conservative as many incidents are under-reported or not reported

The killings, which cut across Plateau, Benue, Kaduna, Nasarawa, Niger, Borno, Zamfara, Cross River, Akwa Ibom and Imo states, have sparked outrage among citizens, religious leaders and civil society groups, with renewed calls for urgent security reforms.

Palm Sunday carnage

The bloodletting began on March 29, Palm Sunday, which also happened to be President Bola Tinubu’s 74th birthday anniversary with a combined death toll of 41 in Plateau and Kaduna states. While 28 persons were massacred in Angwa Rukuba community, Jos North Local Government Area, 13 wedding guests were gunned down in Kahir village, Kagarko LGA of Kaduna State.

Same day, a domestic violence incident in Ogoja, Cross River State claimed one life, while a clash between troops of the 2 Brigade, Nigerian Army and youths in Ukpe Ete, Ikot Abasi LGA of Akwa Ibom State left two persons dead and several injured.

Terror, banditry spread

On March 30, Boko Haram terrorists struck Kaunkan village in Chibok LGA of Borno State, killing nine persons, including a hunters’ commander, Mallam Bumto. In Zamfara, bandits intercepted a Sokoto Transport Authority bus, killing one passenger and abducting 15 others.

Security forces recorded limited gains, neutralizing two IPOB/ESN IED specialists in Orsu, Imo State, and three terrorists in Bama LGA of Borno State on March 31.

However, the same day, at least 20 residents were killed in coordinated night attacks on communities in Niger State, with scores displaced.

Clashes, reprisals escalate

On April 1, gunmen attacked Herpang community near Plateau State Polytechnic, killing two persons.

April 2 witnessed one of the deadliest incidents, as clashes between indigenes and Fulani settlers in Nasarawa State left no fewer than 20 persons dead, with many still missing.

By April 4, terrorists intensified attacks in the North-East. Four police officers and a local hunter were killed in coordinated assaults on Nganzai and Damasak communities in Borno State. In Plateau, three persons were shot dead in Nyango Gyel, Jos South LGA.

Easter Sunday tragedy

The violence peaked on April 5, Easter Sunday, with 24 deaths recorded in Benue and Kaduna states. In Benue, 17 residents were killed in Agene community, Mbalom, Gwer East LGA, in an attack blamed on suspected herders.

In Kaduna, terrorists targeted worshippers at ECWA Church and St. Augustine Catholic Church in Ariko, Kachia LGA, killing seven persons and abducting several others.

Presidency reacts

President Tinubu condemned the spate of killings, describing them as “barbaric and unacceptable,” and directed security agencies to fish out the perpetrators.

In a statement by his Special Adviser on Information, the President said: “No community should live in fear during a sacred period of worship. We will not relent until these enemies of peace are crushed.”

Security agencies speak

The Nigerian Army and Nigeria Police Force said intensified operations were underway nationwide, noting recent neutralisation of insurgents in Borno and Imo states as evidence of ongoing efforts.

A senior military source, however, admitted that “the asymmetric nature of the threats and vast ungoverned spaces” continue to pose serious challenges.

Stakeholders decry killings

The Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, described the attacks, particularly those on Easter worshippers, as “a direct assault on faith and humanity,” urging government to declare a state of emergency on security.

Security experts and civil society organisations warned that the persistent killings reflect systemic failures.

A security analyst said: “What we are seeing is a dangerous convergence of terrorism, banditry and communal conflicts. Without coordinated intelligence and local policing, the cycle will continue.”

Rising fears

With 147 lives lost in just seven days, an equivalent of 21 deaths a day, many Nigerians fear the country may be sliding deeper into insecurity, despite repeated assurances by authorities.

As the nation mourns, the Holy Week tragedy has once again underscored the urgency of decisive, coordinated and sustained action to stem the tide of bloodshed. 

Vamguard News

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Every few weeks, as predictably as Lagos traffic, the FCT Minister turns an ordinary afternoon into a national spectacle, commanding cameras, microphones, and attention like a one-man headline industry while ordinary Nigerians wonder if Abuja is funding governance or the longest-running political talk show in the country.

Wike may be the most interview-ready politician Nigeria has ever produced.

If microphones had a favourite public official, they would probably choose him without hesitation.

Just when the country is recovering from the last round of headlines, there he is again, seated before cameras like a man who feels more at home under studio lights than most news anchors.

For a country whose presidents speak so rarely that citizens hear more from rumours than from the State House, Wike’s media chats now feel like a genre of their own.

It is no longer public communication.

It is appointment television.

Why preserve words when you can spend them like confetti?

At this point, Wike does not just speak to the media.

He is in a committed relationship with it.

Every few weeks, as predictably as Lagos traffic or NEPA disappointment, there he is. Chairs are arranged. Microphones stand at attention. Journalists settle in with the quiet excitement of people about to leave with tomorrow’s headlines. And there he is, the FCT’s indefatigable master of ceremonies, ready for another episode of what now feels less like governance and more like a political drama. It is both, some will say.

He speaks on roads.

He speaks on demolitions.

He speaks on party quarrels, Abuja land, security tensions, political enemies, former allies, current allies, future enemies.

And controversies that often seem to spring into existence simply because his microphone noticed an empty afternoon.

Where most politicians manage visibility, Wike pursues it like a constitutional duty.

He is not just available.

He is professionally impossible to ignore.

In another life, he might have been Nigeria’s most successful talk show host.

But perhaps that is the brilliance of it all.

Governance today is not just about roads or budgets. It is about occupying space in the national imagination.

It is about never letting silence make someone else feel bigger.

In the age of attention, obscurity is political death.

Wike has clearly decided he will never die.

He keeps talking.

And the media keeps showing up.

He is a one-man headline industry.

Some politicians build roads. Wike builds the news cycle and roads.

Some build bridges. Wike builds clips and bridges.

Some commission projects. Wike commissions conversations and projects.

At this point, one suspects there is a permanent ring light in the FCT minister’s office, always charged, always glowing, waiting for the next national inconvenience.

A military officer blocks access to disputed land in Abuja. Ring light comes on.

A building is demolished. Ring light comes on.

Street traders protest. Ring light comes on.

A rival clears his throat in Port Harcourt. Ring light comes on before the cough is complete.

If tomorrow one stubborn Abuja goat refuses to leave a roundabout, nobody should be surprised if journalists are invited for an emergency media chat on livestock discipline, urban order, and the growing suspicion that the goat may be acting on behalf of unnamed political enemies.

And if that goat returns with reinforcements, a sheep, or maybe a politically exposed donkey, the press corps may need a special extended edition.

Some politicians offer dry bureaucratic updates.

Wike offers fire.

Quotable outrage, dramatic jabs, one-liners that travel from studio to WhatsApp before cameras are packed away.

Who will he praise today?

Who will he roast?

Which phrase will Nigerians turn into memes before sunset?

At the same time, there is a cost to this spectacle. Live transmission on major stations alone can swallow frightening sums. Add Channels, Arise, AIT, TVC, NTA, aides, protocol men, journalists, invited guests, security, refreshments, and the familiar crowd of one hundred seated in quiet expectation of tomorrow’s headlines. The result is not just a media chat but also a small economic summit of spectacle.

If one does the rough mathematics, week after week, sometimes twice in the same week, the bill begins to climb into numbers that make ordinary Nigerians wonder whether Abuja is funding governance or underwriting the longest running political talk show in the country. In almost three years of being FCT Minister, Wike may have spent a lot  on these chats. Is he getting the commensurate results for himself and government? It’s debatable. Wine sails on. 

This is governance as theatre. This is the economics of attention. This is a man who has turned the national imagination into a newsroom.

Years from now, historians may dig through policy files and budget speeches to understand this era. But the truest archive may not be in government cabinets.

It may be in studio lights.

In journalists clearing their microphones.

In the certainty that somewhere, Wike is already preparing the next episode.

Because in another age, powerful men built monuments in stone.

In this one, some build them in soundbites. And no Nigerian politician has loved the sweet romance of the microphone quite like Wike. Is he getting the results? Time will tell.

The post Wike, the man who married the microphone, by Stephanie Shaakaa appeared first on Vanguard News.