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Islamic cleric, Ahmad Gumi has called for an urgent investigation into the Nigerian Air Force airstrike that reportedly killed more than 50 civilians at a weekly market in Jilli village along the Borno–Yobe border.

Reacting in a Facebook post on Sunday, Gumi questioned the accountability of those responsible for the operation, asking who authorised and executed the bombings that hit innocent civilians.

He cited previous incidents, including the Tudun Biri bombing and other reported strikes in Nasarawa and Sokoto, describing them as part of a troubling pattern of attacks affecting non-combatants.

Gumi argued that terrorism cannot be defeated through actions that endanger civilian lives, insisting that such operations risk undermining public trust.

He called on the Senate to immediately conduct hearings into what he described as repeated “mistakes” involving the bombing of villages, markets, and other civilian locations.

Gumi said: “Who are the pilots behind these bomb releases on innocent locals?

“Tudun biri, Nasarawa attack on herdsmen trailer, Sokoto attack etc are just the few ones recorded. Terror cannot be fought with another terror.

“There should be an immediate Senate hearings on these so-called ‘mistakes’ on bombing villages, markets and civilians targets.

“We need answers not condolences.”

DAILY POST reported that the airstrike occurred on Saturday evening during peak trading hours at Jilli market.

Eyewitnesses said multiple fighter jets were involved in the operation.

The Special Adviser to the Yobe State Governor on Security Matters, Brigadier General Abdulsalam Dahiru, confirmed the incident on Sunday but did not provide further details.

Reports indicate that the operation was aimed at terrorists’ targets in the area.

‘We need answers, not condolences’ — Sheikh Gumi demands probe over NAF airstrike

Nigeria’s House of Representatives Majority Leader, Alhassan Ado Doguwa, has said that Murtala Sule Garo has a 90 percent chance of becoming deputy governor of Kano State.

He disclosed this in a statement at the weekend after a stakeholders’ meeting following a furore over who will emerge as Governor Abba Yusuf’s deputy.

He stated that the majority of political heavyweights are in support of Garo, who was the former commissioner of local government affairs.

“He secured about 90% acceptance from attendees—especially from the influential old bloc,” Doguwa stated.

According to him, Garo is a loyal, tested, and grassroots-driven politician.

“Garo is the most suitable candidate. He has remained consistent, patient, and loyal. This is the kind of support the governor needs at a critical time,” he added.

He urged Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf to pick Garo as his preferred deputy governor.

This comes as politicians in the state battle to replace Abdussalam Aminu Gwarzo, who resigned as deputy governor.

DAILY POST reports that other individuals jostling for the position are Rabiu Suleiman Bichi and Kabiru Alhassan Rurum.

Recall that Gov Yusuf defected from the New Nigerian Peoples Party to the ruling APC.

Kano: Garo has 90% chance to emerge as deputy governor —Doguwa

Lagos State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Chairmen Forum has warned against what it described as increasing efforts by the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, to edge Nigeria towards a one-party system, urging citizens to safeguard the nation’s democratic framework.

Speaking with journalists in Lagos over the weekend, the Forum’s chairman, Aderounmu Wasiu Adeyemi, cautioned that weakening opposition voices could undermine democratic values and create room for authoritarian governance.

He emphasised that a functional multi-party system is vital for ensuring accountability, inclusiveness, and effective leadership.

The Forum also faulted recent urban renewal initiatives by the Lagos State Government, particularly demolitions in waterfront communities, noting that many residents were displaced without adequate consultation or resettlement arrangements. It described the situation as a humanitarian concern requiring urgent intervention.

In addition, the group expressed dissatisfaction with what it termed worsening living conditions in the state, citing challenges in healthcare delivery, especially in underserved areas, as well as rising insecurity, including cult-related violence and kidnappings.

According to the Forum, the current administration has not sufficiently addressed critical sectors such as economic stability, infrastructure, and public welfare, leading to increased hardship for residents. It added that many Lagosians feel disconnected from government policies affecting their daily lives.

The PDP leaders also called for greater unity among opposition parties to present a credible alternative capable of addressing governance challenges and restoring public confidence.

They further appealed to the judiciary to ensure timely resolution of pending legal matters involving the party, stressing the importance of justice and institutional independence.

Reaffirming its allegiance to the party’s leadership, the Forum pledged loyalty to the state executive led by Amos Fawole and the national leadership under Tanimu Turaki. It also acknowledged the contributions of prominent party figures such as Seyi Makinde and Olabode George for their roles in providing direction and stability within the party.

The Forum urged Lagos residents to remain resilient, assuring them of the opposition’s commitment to policies focused on improving welfare and overall prosperity.

Condemning what it described as growing hardship under the APC-led administration, the group said: “We unequivocally condemn the severe hardships currently being experienced by citizens under the APC-led administration. Across key sectors including economic stability, security, infrastructure, and public welfare, the government has consistently fallen short of expectations.

“It is troubling that many residents now feel alienated in their own state, subjected to policies that appear disconnected from their realities and welfare.

“At this critical moment, we must caution against the dangerous drift toward a one-party system. Such a system is incompatible with democratic ideals, as it suppresses dissent, weakens opposition, and risks paving the way for authoritarian rule.

“Nigeria’s democracy is founded on pluralism, healthy competition of ideas, and strong opposition. These principles must be preserved.

“We firmly reject any notion that Nigeria belongs to a single political party. The country belongs to all citizens, regardless of political affiliation.”

Lagos PDP warns against one-party system, criticises APC governance

The Lagos State Police Command has arrested a suspect in connection with a robbery in which job seekers were lured to a fake interview in the Magodo area of Lagos and stripped of their valuables.

The arrest follows a viral video posted by X user @General_Somto on April 10 that sparked widespread concern over sophisticated scams targeting job applicants.

In the video, victims could be seen visibly distressed, with one recounting the ordeal in a direct warning to the public.

“Nigerians, let’s be careful out there. Not all job offers are legit. We went for a job interview in Magodo, Lagos only to be robbed.

“They took our phones, money, and everything we had on us,” she said.

According to victims, the setup appeared professional and credible at first, with the interview conducted in an organised environment that raised no initial suspicion. They were subsequently asked to briefly step out, only to return and find their mobile phones, cash and other personal belongings gone.

The police confirmed the incident in a statement on Sunday, saying it was reported at about 11 p.m. on April 9.

“One suspect is currently in police custody, while efforts are ongoing to arrest other fleeing suspects and bring all those involved to justice,” the command said.

The police urged job seekers to verify the authenticity of job offers before attending interviews, particularly those advertised online. They advised applicants to confirm company details through official channels, avoid isolated or unverified venues, and notify trusted contacts before attending any interview.

How Job interview Turned Into Robbery in Lagos is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has condemned the reported airstrike by the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) on a market along the Borno–Yobe border, describing the incident as a “devastating failure” that demands urgent accountability.

No fewer than 56 people, mostly traders, are feared dead, while 14 others have reportedly been hospitalised following the strike at Jilli market.

Reacting in a statement posted on X on Sunday, Atiku expressed outrage over the loss of civilian lives, warning that such incidents continue to undermine public confidence in security operations.

“The Jilli market airstrike that killed scores of innocent traders is not just tragic, but a devastating failure that must outrage every conscience,” he said.

He criticised the recurring pattern of civilians being affected during counter-insurgency operations, noting that those meant to be protected are often caught in the crossfire.

“While targeting insurgents, innocent Nigerians were once again reduced to collateral damage. How long will citizens remain unsafe both from terrorists and from the very operations meant to protect them?” he asked.

Atiku drew a comparison with international military standards, citing a recent United States operation to emphasise the value placed on human life.

“Just a few days ago, the United States deployed over 150 aircraft and spent an estimated $300 million to rescue just one pilot in Iran, even destroying equipment worth over $100 million each to protect a single life,” he said.

“That is the value they place on one citizen. Here at home, we must ask: what is the value of Nigerian lives?”

He called for a comprehensive review of military operations and stronger safeguards to prevent similar tragedies in the future.

“This demands urgent review, accountability, and decisive action to prevent a recurrence,” he added.

The former vice-president also extended condolences to families of the victims and affected communities.

“My heartfelt condolences go to the bereaved families and affected communities. Nigeria must uphold its duty to protect its citizen. That is the ultimate essence of National Security,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Nigerian Air Force has confirmed that it carried out air operations in the area but did not state whether civilians were affected.

In a statement signed by its Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, the NAF said it conducted “precision follow-up mop-up airstrikes on identified terrorist locations within the Jilli axis of Borno State on April 11, 2026.”

According to the statement, the strikes were part of a coordinated air and ground offensive with the Nigerian Army under Operation HADIN KAI.

The post ‘Jilli airstrike a devastating failure’ — Atiku condemns bombing of traders appeared first on Vanguard News.

Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Ododo, has commissioned and handed over the newly renovated Old Ibaji Local Government Secretariat in Onyedega, Ibaji Local Government Area…

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has called for increased grassroots mobilisation to deepen public understanding of government policies and their long-term benefits….

Nigeria’s electricity distribution companies (DisCos) generated a combined N2.32tn revenue in 2025, data from the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), has disclosed.

An analysis of the figures shows that all 11 DisCos recorded revenue growth compared to 2024, when they raked in approximately
N1.66tn.

The breaking of the data, shows that Ikeja DisCo posted the highest revenue of N440.86bn in 2025, up from N309.48bn in 2024.

This marks a remarkable 131 per cent increase; while Eko DisCo followed closely with N423.99bn, representing a 118 per cent rise from the previous year.

Also, the Abuja DisCo delivered a strong performance, generating N376.96bn, up 101 per cent year-on-year.

This cemented its position among the top-performing utilities.

However, Ibadan, Benin and Enugu DisCos were Mid-tier performers in 2025.

A further analysis of the data reveals that Ibadan DisCo generated N250.45bn in the year under review, while
Benin DisCo revenue stood at N202.68bn, Enugu DisCo ended the year with N187.69bn revenue generation.

The three DisCos recorded growth rates above 50 per cent last year.

The Port Harcourt DisCo closely followed the trio of Ibadan, Benin and Enugu Discos in revenue generation.

It raked in N170.37bn in 2025, making it a 60 per cent increase.

According to the data, the Kano DisCo generated N111.63bn, while Jos, Kaduna, and Yola DisCos posted N67.77bn, N51.38bn, and N36.68bn respectively.

Kaduna and Jos Discos showed single-digit and near-flat improvements during the year under review.

THE WHISTLER had previously reported that the electricity distribution companies (DisCos) collected a total of N204.74bn in January 2026, just as Eko and Ikeja DisCos led the industry across key efficiency metrics.

Data from NERC’s January 2026 factsheet on the commercial performance of DisCos showed that the total revenue collection, derived from N268.20bn billed to customers.

This translates to a 76.34 per cent collection efficiency, reflecting a decline from the previous month.

Despite the dip, Eko DisCo and Ikeja DisCo stood out as the strongest performers.

According to the report, Eko Discos posted a collection efficiency of 87.55 per cent and the highest revenue recovery rate of 87.92 per cent, while Ikeja DisCos followed closely with 87.77 per cent collection efficiency and 81.64 per cent recovery efficiency.

In terms of billing efficiency, Eko also led with 91.26 per cent, pointing to its strong operational performance across the value chain.

DisCos Generate N2.32tn As Abuja, Others Dominate Revenue Surge is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has disbursed ₦338 million to 6,680 women across the state as part of his administration’s ongoing efforts to promote economic empowermen….

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in Kano has arrested 21 suspects and seized various illicit drugs during a major operation carried out across the state.

A statement signed by Sadiq Muhammad Maigatari, the agency’s Public Relations Officer, said the raids were conducted on April 11, 2026 under the leadership of Commander D. Y. Lawal.

Officers targeted several drug hotspots, including Filin Idi, Hotoro, Mariri, Fagge, and Farm Center along Zaria Road.

During the operation, officials recovered different types of illicit substances, including cannabis, pregabalin, codeine-based cough syrup, and rubber solution used as an inhalant. Locally made weapons were also seized.

“Suspects who attempted to attack officers with locally-made weapons were tactically disarmed and taken into custody. Investigations are ongoing to identify principal drug dealers and to build cases for prosecution,” he said.

Speaking on the development, Commander D. Y. Lawal said the support from the Kano State government has strengthened the agency’s operations.

“The timely donation of vehicles by the Kano State Government has enabled our command to extend coverage and respond swiftly to intelligence.

“We will continue to use these assets for sustained, visible operations to rid our communities of illicit drugs. Those still engaged in this illicit business should repent now before it is too late,” he said.

The NDLEA assured residents that it remains committed to combating drug-related crimes and protecting young people in the state.

It also urged the public to support its efforts by sharing useful information and cooperating with law enforcement agencies.

NDLEA arrests 21 suspects in Kano drug crackdown