Nation
THE STATES
Adamawa
Vice-President Namadi Sambo has reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to good governance and delivery of dividends of democracy to the citizenry.
Sambo gave the assurance on Saturday at a grand reception organised for Alhaji Bamanga Tukur, the National Chairman of PDP in his home town of Mayo-Kalaye in Jada Local Government Area of Adamawa.
The reception was packaged by members of PDP from the North-East geo-political zone to honour the party’s national chairman.
He said it was based on the government’s commitment to deliver on its campaign promises that the administration had focused on power, agriculture, education, among other sectors of the economy.
In his remarks, Gov. Babangida Aliyu, of Niger State and Chairman of Northern Governors Forum, who spoke on behalf of PDP governors, described Tukur as a responsible elder that would add value to the party.
In his address, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur, said his new position was an opportunity for him to offer selfless service and to provide President Goodluck Jonathan and his team the needed support to deliver on good governance.
The PDP national chairman called for unity among Nigerians so that the nation could make progress in all fields of human endeavours.
Bauchi
The wife of the FCT Minister, Hajiya Aisha Muhammed, on Saturday distributed poverty alleviation materials to 120 women and youths in Alkaleri town in Bauchi State. The materials include sewing machines, welding machines and knitting machines.
Distributing the materials to the beneficiaries, Muhammed promised to work to reduce poverty and idleness among the people, especially in Alkaleri Local Government Area and Bauchi State.
Muhammed, who is the founder of Al-Muhibba Foundation, which distributed the materials, said the foundation started as an NGO that focused attention on the rehabilitation of cemeteries.
She noted cemeteries were the final resting places of all human beings and added that she decided to expand the project to cover skill acquisition, particularly among women and youths.
Mohammed condemned youths who allowed themselves to be used as political thugs instead of going to school to be educated or be involved in other useful ventures.
She promised to extend the services of the foundation to other parts of the state. “Al-Muhibbawill extend its services to Gamawa and Darazo local government areas as part of our determination to cover the entire state,’’ Mohammed said.
In her remark, Hajiya Aisha Yuguda, the wife of Gov. Isa Yuguda of Bauchi State, commended Muhammed for offering such services to her immediate constituency.
The governor’s wife, represented by Mrs Lydia Shehu, a Director in Bauchi State Ministry of Women Affairs, said she would collaborate with any organisation in efforts to improve the standard of living of the youth and women.
Jigawa
The residents of Dutse in Jigawa last Saturday celebrated the first rainfall for the year.
A cross section of residents who spoke to newsmen in Dutse on Saturday, said they had now ‘heaved a sigh of relief’.
Mrs Zainab Abubakar, a house wife and a resident, said that the rainfall would cool the hot temperature experienced in the town in the last couple of months.
She explained that the heat before the heavy downpour on Saturday had made their homes uncomfortable for them.
Another resident, Malam Ahmed Yakubu, expressed delight on the rainfall and said that he hoped that the rain would continue because of what the family had gone through as a result of heat.
Many Dutse residents were heard congratulating themselves over the rain even as the downpour, which started at about 1:30 a.m., lasted for two hours. It was accompanied by windstorm.
Kaduna
Some youths stormed the Zaria Police Station on Saturday to protest the alleged killing of one Abdullahi Nura by a middle age man, over a N250 snatched from a girl.
The protesting youths demanded that the suspect, who was in police custody be handed over to them. It took the intervention of the Emir of Zazzau, Dr Shehu Idris, to disperse the crowd.
According to our source, the youths were aggrieved because they claimed that this was not the first time the suspect had committed murder in Zaria.
One of the youths said that the suspect allegedly snatched N250 from a young girl sent on errand by her parent, adding that the deceased asked the suspect why he took the money from the girl.
Katsina
The Katsina State chapters of the Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI) and Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), have called on Imams and clerics to continue to mobilise their followers for peaceful co-existence.
The associations made the call on Saturday in Katsina at a joint meeting on mutual understanding and maintenance of peace between their members.
The chairmen of JNI, Alhaji Isa Dodo and his CAN counterpart, Dr Adewale Adediran, said Imams and clerics should, in their sermons, mobilise and encourage their members to embrace each other so as to ensure continued peace in the state and the nation at large.
According to them, Katsina has been one of the most peaceful states in the federation, “but we need to maintain that peace by enlightening our followers on the importance of peaceful co-existence among ourselves’’.
Nasarawa
The Police have recovered three locally-made pistols in Lafia, the Nasarawa State capital.
The Police Public Relations Officer in the state, ASP Corlineuos Ocholi, made this known in Lafia last Saturday.
Ocholi said the pistols were recovered by “some good people’’ in Lafia East, when they were cutting grass in their premises.
“The pistols were believed to have been buried in the premises by some unknown persons.’’
Ocholi said that the police had been drafted to the area to keep surveillance, pointing out that the police had commenced investigations to fish out those behind the act.
He, however, appealed to the public to always furnish the police with necessary information that would assist in ensuring that law abiding citizens slept with their two eyes closed.
Osun
Govenor of Osun Rauf Aregbesola on Saturday in Osogbo urged youths to support the campaign against polio across the state.
He made the call while flagging off the “Youth Polio Awareness Campaign 2012”, organised by the Ministry of Health.
The governor said it was necessary to step up campaign on the deadly disease’s prevention even though the state had not recorded any case of poliomyelitis in the last four years.
He said the programme involved the immunisation of every child under the age of five, adding that this was to forestall any possible outbreak in the future.
Aregbesola said his administration placed priority on the health of the state’s citizens and urged community leaders, market women and religious bodies to help mobilise mothers to embrace the programme.
Sokoto
The Chairman of Silame Local Government in Sokoto State Alhaji Mani Maishinko, has said that his administration spent N4 million in the rehabilitation of four boreholes in Silame, Gande, Katami and Kobudo towns.
Maishinko told newsmen in Silame on Saturday that the local government also expended N1 million monthly in the maintenance of the boreholes.
He said the local government also constructed eight open dug wells at more than N6 million.
‘’All these excluded several other projects being carried out by the state and Silame local governments aimed at providing adequate potable water for the people.
“Water is life and if you provide it regularly and adequately for the people, you have solved most of the water borne diseases.’’
Zamfara
The Zamfara State Anti-Corruption Commission has commenced investigation on a petition against top government official over alleged fraud and breach of trust
Seventeen aggrieved persons petitioned the commission, claiming that one Alhaji Dandosara, believed to be close to Zamfara State government collected a total of N472,000 from the petitioners, promising to secure them jobs.
The chairman of the commission, Dr Atiku Balarabe said while briefing newsmen that Dan Dosara collected N27,000 from each of the 16 victims to secure them teaching appointments.
He added that the suspect also collected N40,000, eight chickens, 150 pieces of eggs and cooking oil from the 17th victim, with a promise of securing for him appointment as Judge under the state judiciary.
Nation
Bikers, Others Grace Burial Of Rivers Philanthropist
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.
Nation
Security Guard Missing After Fence Demolition In PH
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.
Nation
OIU Protests Arrest Of Witnesses In Okon Aku Crisis Probe
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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