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By Henry Ojelu

Twelve years after the abduction of 276 schoolgirls from Chibok, Borno State, parents of the victims have renewed calls for urgent and coordinated global action to secure the release of those still in captivity.

In an open letter issued at the weekend, the parents appealed to the federal government, the international community and the United Nations to intensify efforts towards rescuing the remaining girls, noting that 87 of them are still unaccounted for.

The statement, signed by Yana Galang and Zanna Lawan on behalf of the parents of the missing girls, described the continued absence of the victims as a painful reminder of promises yet to be fulfilled since the April 14, 2014, abduction.

The Chibok schoolgirls’ abduction, which sparked global outrage and advocacy for the protection of girls’ education, remains one of the most defining incidents of insurgency in Nigeria’s North-East.

While acknowledging that some of the girls have been released or rescued over the years, the parents lamented that progress has been slow and incomplete.

“For the families, this is not a past tragedy but an ongoing reality,” the statement read, stressing that the passage of time has done little to ease the anguish and uncertainty surrounding the fate of their daughters.

They urged the Nigerian government to not only sustain but strengthen ongoing efforts to locate the missing girls, insisting on the need for accountability in the rescue process.

“We want to once again passionately call on the Nigerian government to sustain and strengthen efforts to locate the missing girls and to ensure accountability,” the parents said.

The group also called on the United Nations and other international partners to keep the Chibok case on the global agenda and support initiatives aimed at protecting children, particularly girls, in conflict-affected regions.

Describing the incident as more than a national concern, the parents said it represents “a test of global resolve”, warning that the responsibility to act must not diminish with time.

They further demanded coordinated and transparent actions, including sustained search operations and broader strategies to guarantee safe access to education, especially for girls in vulnerable communities.

The parents cautioned against allowing the Chibok abduction to fade into obscurity, insisting that the missing girls must not become “a symbol without consequence”.

They maintained that the crisis remains unresolved until all the abducted girls are accounted for, urging sustained commitment from all stakeholders to bring closure to affected families.

The post 12 years on, parents renew call for rescue of 87 Chibok girls appeared first on Vanguard News.

The Executive Chairman of the Jigawa State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Professor Haruna Musa, has reassured teachers that the ongoing teachers’ assessment test is aimed at reforming the system, not fault-finding.

He stated this on Sunday while addressing teachers at the assessment test centre in Dutse.

He said the exercise is part of the state government’s efforts to reform the education sector, not to engage in witch-hunting or fault-finding.

Prof. Musa emphasised that the board’s primary objective is to work collaboratively with educators to identify practical ways of improving the quality of basic education in the state.

He noted that teachers remain critical partners in the reform process, stressing that their experiences, challenges and suggestions are essential in shaping policies that will deliver meaningful and lasting impact.

“Our collective mission is not to look for faults or shortcomings among you. Rather, our focus is to work hand-in-hand with you to strengthen and reform our basic education system,” he stated.

He further urged teachers to remain committed to their duties by continuing to inspire and nurture pupils, while also embracing innovation and positive change in their classrooms.

Musa expressed confidence that, with sustained collaboration and mutual trust, Jigawa State would achieve significant progress in its basic education system.

He also commended teachers for their dedication and unwavering service, wishing them a productive and fulfilling week ahead.

Jigawa SUBEB assures teachers assessment test not for fault-finding

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike, has broken silence on the incident of the Kugbo bus terminal.

Addressing newsmen on Monday, Wike said that the bus terminal did not collapse.

According to him, only the roof of the bus terminal was affected due to a strong wind.

The minister added that the contractor would not be sanctioned because the bus terminal structure wasn’t affected.

The former Rivers state governor further stated that the damages are currently being fixed.

DAILY POST recalls that rainstorm affected the bus terminal last Tuesday blowing off the roof and causing heavy traffic jam.

“The Kugbo bus terminal did not collapse. It’s only the roof that was removed due to the strong wind,” he said.

Wike breaks silence on Kugbo bus terminal incident

Academic activities at Obafemi Awolowo University are set to be disrupted following a planned lecture boycott by students protesting changes to the institution’s transport system.

The action, scheduled to last for 72 hours from Tuesday, April 14 to Thursday, April 16, 2026, emerged after a series of meetings between student leaders and stakeholders over mobility challenges on campus.

The Students’ Union Government confirmed the decision after deliberations at a congress held on April 9, citing unresolved concerns linked to recent transportation reforms.

In a statement jointly signed by union president Adelani David and secretary-general Habeeb Oke, the leadership directed students to withdraw from all lectures during the protest period.

“The union shall embark on a total 72-hour lecture boycott starting from Tuesday, 14th April 2026, to Thursday, 16th April 2026. All academic activities are to be boycotted throughout this period,” the statement read.

The protest centres on the university’s transport restructuring, introduced after the donation of buses and tricycles intended to improve movement within the campus.

The initiative, supported by First Lady Oluremi Tinubu, led to a policy restricting intra-campus transport operations to the newly provided vehicles.

However, students reported that the transition has created operational gaps, resulting in delays, overcrowding, and limited coverage across key routes.

The student union representatives stated that the current arrangement has reduced commuting efficiency, particularly during peak academic hours when demand is highest.

“The transportation system as presently operated has led to long queues, insufficient vehicles, and extended waiting times,” the union noted.

Students residing outside the campus were said to be among the most affected, as alternative transport options have become fewer and more costly.

The union also raised concerns about the exclusion of former commercial transport operators, which it said had previously complemented campus mobility.

Despite engagements with university management, students said proposed improvements had yet to materialise, with authorities describing the situation as a temporary adjustment phase.

The students also revealed that the institution’s management had reportedly assured that additional buses would be introduced over time to ease the pressure on the existing system.

Among the demands presented by the union are the immediate deployment of more vehicles, reinstatement of previous transport options pending improvements, and broader consultation with students on future policies.

The union added that it would reassess the situation at the end of the boycott and warned that further actions, including a mass protest, could follow if concerns remain unaddressed.

OAU students declare 72-hour lecture boycott over transport crisis

Former Delta State Governor, Ifeanyi Okowa, has declared his intention to run for the state senatorial district.

Okowa made the declaration on Monday as the 2027 general elections draw closer.

DAILY POST reports that the seat is currently occupied by billionaire businessman Ned Nwoko, embattled husband of Nollywood star, Regina Daniels.

The 2023 vice-presidential candidate under the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, declared to contest for the green chamber seat under the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC.

Okowa was governor of Delta state from 2015 to 2023.

2027: Okowa moves to unseat Ned Nwoko, declares interest in Delta North Senatorial seat

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has adjusted the arrival time for candidates sitting the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), particularly those scheduled for the first session.

In a notice posted on its official X handle on Monday, the board said first-session candidates are now expected to arrive at their examination centres by 7:00 a.m., instead of the earlier 6:30 a.m.

JAMB added that the examination will commence at 8:30 a.m. and end at 10:30 a.m.

“Attention 2026 UTME candidates: This is to notify you of a slight adjustment to the arrival time, particularly for the first session, which is now 7:00 a.m. as against the earlier published 6:30 a.m., while the start time is 8:30 a.m. and end time 10:30 a.m.,” the board stated.

According to JAMB, the revised timetable includes four daily sessions running from Monday to Friday, with adjusted time slots aimed at improving efficiency at Computer-Based Test (CBT) centres nationwide.

The adjustment was made in response to concerns raised by candidates and parents over early morning travel challenges, including safety risks and transportation difficulties.

The board also clarified that candidates are not required to reprint their examination slips following the adjustment.

The 2026 UTME is scheduled to hold from Thursday, April 16 to Saturday, April 25, 2026.

The post Full List: JAMB adjusts arrival time for 2026 UTME candidates appeared first on Vanguard News.

More than 10 residents have been feared dead following a late-night attack on Ankpali community in Apa Local Government Area of Benue State, in yet another incident showing the worsening insecurity in the area.

The assault, which occurred on Sunday night, April 12, 2026, threw the rural settlement into mourning, with several persons still unaccounted for as search efforts continue.

Residents said the attackers, described as armed Fulani militia, stormed the village under the cover of darkness and opened fire indiscriminately, sparking panic and forcing many families to flee for safety.

DAILY POST gathered that last year 13 persons were killed in the same village by fulani herdsmen.

The latest attack has left many survivors traumatised, while displaced families have sought refuge in neighbouring communities and other safer locations.

Reacting to the incident, the lawmaker representing Apa/Agatu Federal Constituency, Chief Hon. Pst Ojotu Ojema, condemned the killings, describing them as “barbaric, senseless and a tragic reminder of the persistent security challenges” facing the constituency and Benue State at large.

He expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives and extended condolences to the bereaved families and the entire Edikwu-Ankpali community, while lamenting the recurring violence in Apa and Agatu local government areas.

“It is unacceptable that our people continue to live in fear, can’t access their homes or farms and suffer repeated attacks without adequate protection. Security agencies must wake up to their responsibilities and bring an end to these killings once and for all,” Ojema stated.

The lawmaker called on security agencies to take immediate and decisive steps to halt the killings, stressing that the situation has persisted for too long without a lasting solution. He also urged the Federal Government to address the root causes of insecurity and ensure that perpetrators are brought to justice.

In a separate reaction, Hon. Barr. Joy Okpainmo Ameh sympathised with the people of Edikwu-Ankpali over what she described as a gruesome massacre, condemning the repeated killings allegedly carried out by suspected herdsmen.

She called on the government to take concrete steps to end the violence and urged residents to remain united during the difficult period, while extending her condolences to families of the victims.

Over 10 feared dead in fresh Benue attack, lawmakers demand action

By Golok Nanmwa, Jos

Students and parents in Jos have expressed concern over safety ahead of the forthcoming Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) examinations, citing recent security challenges in the state.

The apprehension follows reports of attacks in some communities across Plateau State, particularly in Jos North, Bokkos, Barkin Ladi, Bassa and other local government areas, where candidates have been posted to sit for the examination.

The development has heightened fears among candidates and their families over their safety.

One of the candidates, Afodia Joseph, lamented her posting to Bokkos, describing the area as volatile in view of recent incidents.

She questioned how her safety would be guaranteed, adding that she is anxious about travelling to and writing her examination in the community.

Similarly, another candidate, John Lazarus, expressed concern over being posted to a centre in the Katako area.

He said the prevailing security situation has left him worried, noting that he is uncertain about the level of protection available to candidates.

Parents have also voiced their fears, calling on relevant authorities to take proactive steps to ensure the safety of their children.

Mrs Roseline Moses, who spoke with our correspondent, stressed that the safety of candidates must be prioritised, especially in areas with known security challenges.

Meanwhile, the Chairman of the National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools (NAPPS), Jos North LGA Chapter, Alhaji Abdullahi Salihu Malami, has called on JAMB to urgently review its candidate posting strategy ahead of the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).

Malami said the call followed complaints from concerned parents and stakeholders, including faith-based groups, over the safety and welfare of candidates scheduled to sit for the examination between April 25 and May 5, particularly as candidates are required to report to centres as early as 6:30 a.m.

He noted that candidates have been posted to distant and, in some cases, security-sensitive areas such as Bassa, Bokkos, Riyom, Mangu, Barkin Ladi, Jos North and Jos South, without adequate consideration for prevailing security and logistical realities.

According to him, the situation has increased anxiety among parents, imposed additional transportation and financial burdens, and exposed candidates to potential risks, warning that it could also result in lateness, absenteeism and poor performance.

The NAPPS chairman, speaking in alignment with faith groups, urged JAMB to review its posting strategy to ensure candidates are assigned to safe and accessible centres, while also advocating for greater stakeholder engagement.

Efforts to reach officials of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board for comments were unsuccessful at the time of filing this report.

The post UTME 2026: Students, parents raise alarm over postings to Plateau-attacked communities appeared first on Vanguard News.

Gateway FC forward Nnachi David is adamant that the team will come good next season, DAILY POST reports.

The Abeokuta-based club defeated Inter Lagos 2–1 in their final match of the 2025–26 Nigeria National League (NNL) season.

David said the result was a proof of the footballing identity they built this season.

“Our win against Inter Lagos is a testament to the quality football we play,” David told Sportslighthub.

Gateway FC registered 18 points from 16 matches in the NNL Conference A.

They were relegated to the Nationwide League after an underwhelming campaign.

David expressed dissatisfaction with the position of the team on the table.

“Just that we were unfortunate to end the season in that position.”

NNL: Gateway FC will come good next season – David

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, on Monday dismissed claims that any political party was denied the usage of the Eagle Square, insisting that no formal application was submitted.

“Who denied them? I am not aware of any such development, and I don’t even know which party you are referring to. If it is the African Democratic Congress (ADC), such claims are their usual attempt to gain public sympathy,” Wike said.

He explained that the use of Eagle Square is subject to due process, which includes formal application through the Abuja Investments Company Limited, which is charge of the facility and payment of required fees.

The Minister also pointed out that the Moshood Abiola National Stadium Velodrome is not under the Federal Capital Territory Administration, but the Sports Commission. 

“As we speak, no formal application has been submitted to the Abuja Investments Company Limited. When the APC used the venue and PDP used the Stadium Velodrome, they complied with the process. We do not deny anyone access if the rules are followed,” he added.

Wike spoke during an inspection of ongoing projects in Abuja, where he expressed satisfaction with the level of work done, noting that key road projects would be completed by May 15.

“The contractors have assured us that road works will be completed by May 15, while streetlight installations will be finalised before the end of May,” he said.

The minister also disclosed that at Gaduwa, he had directed the installation of protective mesh to prevent encroachment on road corridors, while works on streetlights were progressing.

At Wassa, Wike said the administration was set to relocate informal sector operators, particularly Apo Mechanic Village Traders, to a new facility equipped with necessary infrastructure.

“This project is aimed at improving the working conditions of artisans and fulfilling long-standing promises to the informal sector,” he stated.

On reports the windstorm that affected the roof of the Kugbo Bus Terminal, the minister said it was a natural disaster that no one had control over, explaining that only roofing sheets were affected, and the damages are already being fixed.

“The terminal did not collapse. The structure is intact. What happened was that strong winds blew off parts of the roof. Repairs are ongoing,” Wike said, noting that no lives were lost.

He attributed the steady progress of projects in the FCT to effective collaboration between the government and contractors, supported by prompt payment of contractual obligations.