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THE STATES

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Adamawa

The Adamawa chapter of the Christians Association of Nigeria (CAN) has urged its members to use the period of Easter to pray for peace and unity in the state and country at large.

The call was contained in a statement signed by the state Chairman, Rev. Fr Moses Taparki, and Secretary, Rev. Habila Kakaba.

“All christians are called upon to make the maximum use of the passion period of Easter to pray and intercede for Adamawa and Nigeria, for return of peace in our country.

“Pray for our leaders at all levels, government, traditional and religious leaders. Pray for the oneness and unity of the land and the people of Nigeria,” the statement said.

It urged Christians to continue to be security conscious and cooperate with government and security agents in ensuring a crime-free state.

CAN lauded the state government’s commitment to peace and security, particularly its promotion of inter-religious activities through the state chapter of Nigeria Inter-Religious Council [NIRE).

 

Bauchi

The State Security Service (SSS) operatives in Bauchi on Sunday repelled an attack by gunmen on their training school, killing two of the attackers.

Confirming the incident to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Bauchi State Commissioner of Police, Alhaji Mohammed Ladan, said that one of the attackers had been apprehended.

“I am just coming from the scene. Two of the assailants were killed while one of them was arrested alive.

“The arrested person told us that they were four in number. It means that one of them has escaped.”

According to him, a rod and wire cutter, pair of pliers, ropes, spanner and cell phones were recovered at the scene.

He, however, said apart from the two people killed, no other lives were lost, adding that no damage was done to property at the Senior Staff Training School of the SSS.

An Assistant Director of the SSS, Mr Olu Justine, said that intelligence report on an impending attack on the school had earlier been gathered while the operatives were placed on alert.

 

FCT

The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC), in Abuja, has urged the National Assembly to pass a bill banning public office holders from going abroad for medical treatment.

This was contained in a statement issued by Prof. Is-haq Akintola, Director in Abuja.

According to the statement, the group also demanded that all public office holders withdraw their children and wards studying in foreign institutions and enrol them in Nigerian schools.

“We charge the National Assembly to initiate and pass a bill prohibiting people whose children and wards attend overseas institutions from holding public office.

“This is the only way to compel government to pay attention to our decaying education sector. Who feels it knows.’’

The group said this was the only way Nigerian schools and hospitals could become effective as the public office holders would strive to bring them to international standards.

On the Easter celebration, the group urged Nigerian leaders to emulate the austere and selfless life of Jesus Christ.

Jigawa

A team from the Federal Ministry of Agriculture on the Commercial Agriculture and Development Project on Tuesday paid a courtesy visit to Gov Sule Lamido of Jigawa.

The team leader, Alhaji Muhammad Umar, said in Dutse, that the purpose of the visit was to explore areas of possible partnership with the state government.

Umar disclosed that the ministry was already working with five states on the project and identified them as Lagos, Kano, Kaduna, Enugu and Cross River.

He also identified the 15 areas of collaboration on the project with the states to include poultry management, sorghum, cassava, tomatoes, cotton, oil palm, cocoa, rice and fruit trees cultivation, among others.

 

Lagos

Nigerian Army chaplain directors of the Catholic and protestant denominations have called for genuine transformation during the Easter in the face of Nigeria’s current challenges.

The Director (Catholic), Rev. Fr. Charles Iroegbu, told newsmen in Lagos that the spirit of Easter should bring laughter to the sad and disappointed in the society.

 

 

Kaduna

A farmer, Muhammad Baban-Iro of Rigasa Area in Kaduna on Thursday appeared before a Kaduna Sharia Court for refusing to refund N32,000 being the bride price and other expenses allegedly paid on his daughter.

The demand was made by the suitor following the discovery that she had tested positive to HIV.

One Ibrahim Bala of the same area had gone to the court to complain against Baban-Iro for allegedly collecting the money as bride price and other expenses incurred on his daughter for marriage.

Bala said he decided to discontinue with the marriage following the outcome of a hospital test which showed that his fiancee was HIV-positive.

The complainant said although he could have kept quiet if the lady’s father had allowed him to swap with the younger sister of his bride-to-be, but the man refused, saying he would rather refund.

 

Katsina

The Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) has expressed concern over the failure of Katsina State Government to implement the N18,000-minimum wage for its members.

In a statement, signed by the state NULGE Chairman, Alhaji Aliyu Haruna, on Friday in Katsina, the union called on the government to promptly implement the wage policy for its members.

“We are appealing to the state government to expedite action on the issue to ensure that the implementation takes effect from this April, along with the payment of arrears,’’ the statement said.

 

Kwara

An Ophthalmologist, Prof Abdulraheem Mahmoud says 75 percent of the one million Nigerians with blindness should not have been blind.

Mahmoud, said the causes of the blindness were either preventable or curable, and noted that majority of the blind people were poor.

He made the observation in Ilorin at the inaugural lecture of the Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Clinical Science of the University of Ilorin.

ateau

As Christians mark Easter, Chief Whip, Plateau House of Assembly, Mr Tim Golu, on Saturday warned the country’s leaders against playing politics with the lives of citizens.

“Nigerian leaders must refrain from hypocrisy and love the governed sincerely and from their hearts.

“Leaders must avoid the temptation to play politics with the lives of Nigerians and the existence of the nation.

“The country belongs to all of us and must be placed above every other consideration,’’ Golu said in Jos in an Easter message.

 

Taraba

David Sabo Kente Foundation has donated N10 million for the revival of Ajikwen Education Trust Fund to enable it to render financial assistance to students of Jukun descent.

The Chairman of the foundation, Chief David Kente, announced the donation in Wukari, Taraba, on Saturday during the Jukun Youth Cultural Day celebration.

Kente, who was the chairman of the occasion, said education was the “live wire” of every modern society and needed to be supported by all well-meaning citizens.

He advised other Jukun people to “give up fighting wars” in order to attract foreign investments to enhance economic development in the area.

“The Kwararafa kingdom cannot continue military campaigns and capturing of kingdoms to pay tribute to it as our forefathers did.

“We have to change our priorities in order to cope with the challenges of the current world which is a global village,” he said.

Earlier, Mr Wunuken Ali, the President of Jukun Youth Cultural and Development Association, said it was time to intensify contact with Jukun descendants “spread across 26 states’’ of the country to ensure unity of purpose.

 

Koto Sokoto

Sokoto State Government has introduced “vibrant policies” to develop the agriculture sector in the state.

The Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources, Dr Jabbi Kilgore, said this in Sokoto on Sunday in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).

He said “the ministry is working toward taping available human and mineral resources in the state to move the sector forward”.

Kilgore added that the measure was to ensure massive food production for local consumption and export.

The commissioner said the ministry had already taken measures to provide modern farming inputs at government-subsidised price for sale to farmers.

He said 150 tractors had been distributed to medium and large-scale farmers on loan basis while fertilisers were provided for both rainy and dry season farming.

“The state government wants to modernise farming methods and attract participation of people in the sector.

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Bikers, Others Grace Burial Of Rivers Philanthropist

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Bikers were among prominent dignitaries who recently attended the burial ceremony of late Mrs. Nimi Obata Grant Offor (née Lawson) in Omagwa Community in Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers State.
The burial service, held at the St. Martin’s Anglican Church field, attracted a large turnout of religious leaders, business executives, political figures, celebrities, bikers’ groups, traditional rulers and community members from different parts of Nigeria. Also present were the Bishop of the Anglican Province of the Niger Delta, Most Rev. Blessing Enyindah, and popular businessman and socialite, Obi Cubana, among other notable personalities.
The remains of Mrs Grant Offor, a respected professional, philanthropist and devout Christian, were laid to rest amid an elaborate and well-coordinated funeral ceremony that reflected her wide-reaching influence and the high regard in which she was held by family, associates and the larger community.
The ceremony drew public attention due to its unique logistics, as two helicopters were deployed. An air ambulance helicopter conveyed the casket to the church field, while another helicopter transported members of the deceased’s family from Abonnema to Omagwa Community.
Dignitaries and mourners gathered in large numbers to pay their final respects.
In an emotional tribute, High Chief Engr. Grant Offor, described his late wife as everything to him, stating that her passing had created a deep void in his life and in the lives of their children. He disclosed that he committed his time, resources and efforts in a bid to save her life, adding that if money or human effort alone could prevent death, she would still be alive.
Mrs. Nimi Obata Grant Offor was born on May 4, 1978, at the Ibiso Maternity Clinic, Port Harcourt, and passed away on November 15, 2025, after a prolonged illness that lasted nearly three years. She was born a twin and grew up in a family noted for service and leadership. Her father, the late Engr. Benoni Lawson, served as Managing Director of the Niger Delta Basin Development Authority (NDBDA), while her mother, Mrs. Irene Lawson, is a nurse.
She attended Port Harcourt Primary School and International Secondary School (ISS) before proceeding to the University of Science and Technology (UST), Port Harcourt, and later the University of Port Harcourt, Choba, where she studied Accountancy and graduated with honours. She was widely known during her academic years for her discipline, focus and reserved lifestyle.
After completing her National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) programme, Mrs. Grant Offor began her professional career in the banking sector, including service with the defunct All States Trust Bank, and later worked in other professional capacities. She earned a reputation for integrity, diligence and ethical conduct.
She was married to Engr. Grant Offor for over 20 years, a union blessed with three children. As a wife and mother, she was described as deeply devoted to her family, instilling values of faith, patience, kindness and discipline. Her home was known among close associates as one built on prayer, love and godly counsel.
A committed Christian, Mrs. Grant Offor was known for her strong faith and love for gospel music, particularly songs of healing and deliverance. Even while receiving specialist medical care in the United Kingdom, she reportedly remained steadfast in her belief, trusting in God until her final moments.

Adding to the show of solidarity, the President of the Rivers State Chapter of the Pantas Female Bikers Group, Mr. White Timano, disclosed that High Chief Engr. Grant Offor is a major sponsor of Uyo Micah’s Carnival, one of the group’s major events. He said bikers and supporters travelled from Rivers, Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa and Delta States to commiserate with the family and show support during the period of mourning.

Mr. Timano described death as inevitable and encouraged the family to remain strong, stressing that only God grants the grace required to endure such painful loss.

The church field was tastefully decorated, creating a solemn and dignified atmosphere. The burial ceremony featured hymns, live music, scriptural exhortations, eulogies and tributes celebrating the life and legacy of Mrs. Nimi Obata Grant Offor. Messages from notable personalities highlighted her contributions to family life, philanthropy, professional service and community development.

On behalf of the family, High Chief Engr. Grant Offor expressed appreciation to all who stood by them throughout the period of mourning, thanking guests for their prayers, presence and support.

The burial ceremony stood as a testament to the enduring legacy of Mrs. Nimi Obata Grant Offor, whose life of service, faith and quiet generosity left a lasting impact on many across Rivers State, the Niger Delta and beyond.

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Security Guard Missing After Fence Demolition In PH

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Asecurity guard has been reported missing following the demolition of a fence at a property located at No. 19D, Golf Course Layout, Old Government Residential Area (GRA), Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
The incident reportedly occurred late Sunday night at the disputed property said to be owned by Ozone Global.
Eyewitnesses revealed that a group of men, some of whom were dressed in what appeared to be naval uniforms, arrived at the premises on motorcycles and allegedly pulled down the fence surrounding the property.
During the incident, a security guard on duty, identified simply as Abubakar, was allegedly taken away by the group to an unknown destination.
A relative of the missing guard, Musa, said efforts to get immediate help, including alerting a nearby police point, proved abortive as the incident had already occurred before any intervention could be made.
“I escaped because I noticed them early, but my brother was taken away. Up till now, we don’t know where he is or how he is doing. We are appealing to the authorities to help locate him,” Musa said.
Meanwhile, one of the intermediaries involved in the land transaction, Mr. Chimezie Bright, alleged that the incident may be connected to an ongoing land dispute over the property.
Bright claimed that the land was purchased by Ozone Global from one late Mr Felix Orie and that documents from the Rivers State Ministry of Lands and Housing indicate that the land was allocated to Mr Orie.
He further alleged that another claimant to the land, Mr. Mac Oruche, had allegedly challenged the ownership and opposed development on the property, despite the matter being the subject of a court case.
According to Bright, tensions over the property had previously resulted in disagreements during attempts to fence the land.
“We carried out due diligence before the purchase, including verification at the Ministry of Lands. However, the dispute has persisted,” he said.
Bright expressed concern over the alleged involvement of uniformed personnel in a civil land dispute and called for a thorough investigation into the incident, particularly the whereabouts of the missing security guard.
As at the time of filing this report, Abubakar’s location had remained unknown.
Efforts to reach Mr. Mac Oruche for his reaction were unsuccessful, while the police are yet to issue an official statement on the incident.

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OIU Protests Arrest Of Witnesses In Okon Aku Crisis Probe

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The apex socio-cultural and development association of the ancient Ohafia Kingdom, the Ohafia Improvement Union Incorporated (OIU) has formally petitioned the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, expressing grave concern over the arrests of several individuals from the Okon Aku community who were cooperating with a state-constituted Panel of Inquiry investigating the recent communal crisis in the community located in Ohafia Local Government Area of Abia State.
The union also called for the immediate release of those arrested.
In a letter dated February 6, 2026, and received at the Nigeria Police Force Headquarters in Abuja, the union described the arrests as troubling and procedurally irregular, noting that the affected individuals had either testified or were preparing to testify before the government-sanctioned panel.
Those reportedly arrested include Udo Ukoha of Ndi Envoke; Okereke John, Udonsi Obin, Eteo Ayo, Idika I. Kalu, and John Ukwakwe of Ndi Owom; and Ukpabi Uche Idika of Ndi Ebin.
While emphasizing that it does not seek to prejudge the legal culpability of any individual, the OIU stressed that the timing, context, and manner of the arrests could undermine the credibility, independence, and integrity of the Panel of Inquiry.
“The arrest of individuals cooperating with an official inquiry poses a serious threat to the fact-finding process, creates fear among potential witnesses, and may discourage public participation,” the union stated, warning that such actions could obstruct efforts to uncover the root causes of the crisis.
The union further noted that panels of inquiry rely heavily on voluntary and truthful cooperation, and any action that instills fear in contributors risks eroding public confidence in the justice system, violating principles of fairness, transparency, and natural justice.
Consequently, the OIU urged the Office of the IGP to immediately review the circumstances surrounding the arrests, suspend any further actions perceived as targeting witnesses, and issue clear directives to guarantee the safety and freedom of all individuals participating in the inquiry.
The President General of Ohafia Improvement Union, Chief Prince Kalu Ikpemini, signed the petition, which was also copied to the Executive Governor of Abia State and the Commissioner of Police, Abia State Command, Umuahia.
The union reiterated that the Ohafia community desires lasting peace and reconciliation, which can only be achieved through a transparent, fair, and uncoerced investigation into the Okon Aku crisis.
The Okon Aku communal crisis erupted in early January 2026, prompting the Office of the Deputy Governor of Abia State to immediately establish the Panel of Inquiry to determine both the immediate and underlying causes of the conflict, with the aim of preventing future occurrences.
It is against this backdrop that the Ohafia Improvement Union has raised an alarm over the arrests, calling for the immediate release of those detained and emphasizing the need to protect witnesses rather than intimidate them.

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