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Adamawa

 

The Lamido of Adamawa, Alhaji Barkindo Mustapha, has

given Abdul’Aziz Nyako, the eldest son of Governor. Murala Nyako the traditional title of “Sarkin Matasa”, meaning the leader of youths in Adamawa.

Speaking at the ceremony in his palace recently in Yola, Barkindo said the title was given to Nyako based on his contribution to youth mobilisation and development in the state.

The traditional ruler said that Nyako was expected to continue to mobilise youths in the area to realise their potential for the socio-economic development of the emirate.

He added that the youth leader would also serve as security adviser to the emirate.

Barkindo, also made his son, Alhaji Mohammed Barkindo, “Kauran Adamawa” at the ceremony, and called on the new title holders to see their recognition as a challenge to live up to the expectation of the emirate.

 

FCT

 

The FCT Police Command has arrested 60 commercial mo

torcycle operators for operating within the city centre.

The Commissioner of Police in charge of the FCT, Mr Aderenle Shinaba, who led the operation, said the suspects violated the ban on operating in the metropolis.

Shinaba said that 50 of the operators were arrested at Area 1, while 10 were picked up at AYA roundabout in Asokoro.

The commissioner said the raid was part of efforts to rid the city of hoodlums and criminals during the yuletide.

 

Gombe

 

The Deputy Commissioner of Police, Gombe command, Mr

Nyat Jatau, has urged security agencies to bury their differences and unite to promote peace and security of lives and property.

He made the call on Saturday during an end-of-year party for security agents working in Gombe State.

Jatau noted that without cooperation, unity and the spirit of understanding, individual efforts aimed at ensuring law and order would be fruitless.

He said the Federal Government established the various security agencies and paramilitary organisations to ensure division of labour.

 

Jigawa

 

Governor  Sule Lamido of Jigawa  State  last Saturday in

Hadejia commended traditional rulers for ensuring peaceful co-existence among the people of the state.

Lamido made the commendation at the celebration of the 10th anniversary on the throne of the Emir of Hadejia, Alhaji Adamu Maje.

He said that the traditional institution had been playing significant roles in maintaining peace and stability in the state.

“Our monarchs have been supportive and cooperative with my government for the benefit of our people,” he said.

 

Kano

 

The Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Kano State chapter, has called on

Christians to use this Christmas season to pray for peace and development in the country in 2013.

This is contained in a statement issued on Saturday in Kano by the president of the association, Chief Tobias Idika.

“We felicitate with Christians all over the world in celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ.

“We call on all Christians and, indeed, Nigerians to use this season to reflect on the series of crises and calamities that befell Nigeria in 2012,’’ the statement stated.

 

Kaduna

 

A lecturer, Mr Usman Alhassan, has called on President

Goodluck Jonathan to assent to the National Bio-safety bill passed by the Senate.

Alhassan, who lectures at the Institute for Agriculture Research (IAR), Zaria, made the call in an interview with newsmen in Zaria, Kaduna State.

The bill provides a framework to ensure the development and use of Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) do not negatively affect plants, animals and human health or the environment.

It would be recalled that recalls that the senate had on June 1, 2012, agreed that the bill should be harmonised with a version passed by the House of Representatives in July 2009 and sent to the president for assent.

Kebbi

 

The Legal Aid Council in Kebbi  State has donated

relief materials to the state’s remand home to support the inmates.

The state coordinator of the council, Salisu Alhassan, told newsmen in Birnin Kebbi  that the materials included, mattresses, blankets, soap and provisions.

He said the decision to donate the materials to the remand home was to ensure comfort and to give the inmates a sense of belonging.

He said the council would ensure improvement on the donation with the collaboration of other stakeholders.

 

Kwara

 

The Kwara State Government in Ilorin has reaf-

firmed its determination to develop rural communities to curb rural-urban migration among the people.

The Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Isiaka Gold made the reaffirmation while declaring open a workshop organised for liaison officers and youth empowerment coordinators from the 16 local governments of the state.

The workshop was at the instance of the Special Assistant to the State Governor on Intergovernmental Affairs, Alhaji Aro Yahya.

Gold said the government had perfected arrangements to construct more roads in rural areas, provide portable water, electricity and other social amenities and infrastructure for the people.

 

Niger

 

The Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Azubuike

Ihejirika says the Nigerian Army would channel resources toward providing first class training for its personnel to meet contemporary challenges.

Ihejirika, made the statement during the graduation ceremony of the 8th Basic Counter Terrorism Training conducted by the Nigerian Army Training Centre, Kontagora, for junior officers.

He said the training would enhance the capacity of the personnel to discharge their professional duties.

He explained that the training was organised for junior officers because of the deficiency in professional conduct bordering on indiscipline, negligence in performance of duties and illegal duties.

Ondo

 

The Commissioner of Police in Ondo State, Mr

Danladi Mshelbuala, has assured the people of the state of adequate security before, during and after the yuletide.

Mshelbuala, who gave the assurance in Akure  told newsmen that the people had no cause to express fear of insecurity as they celebrate the yuletide.

He advised the people go about their lawful activities during the period.

He said the police had put in some security measures in compliance with the directives of the Inspector-General of Police to check criminal activities in the country during the celebrations.

 

Osun

 

Governor Rauf Aregbesola of Osun State says peace

ful coexistence among Nigerians irrespective of their religion and ethnic groups is vital for national development.

Aregbesola who made this known on Saturday at the grand finale of the 2012 Iwude festival in Ilesha, urged Nigerians to live in peace and harmony for the country to witness rapid development.

He expressed regrets over the insecurity and chaos in some parts of the country and called on community, religious leaders and all stakeholders in the affairs of the nation to preach peace.

He, however, commended the Yorubas for allowing peace to reign in the region, urging the people to continue to imbibe the spirit of tolerance and love for one another.

 

Plateau

 

The Special Task Force (STF) maintaining peace in

Plateau State, says it has put in place some security measures to ensure hitch-free Christmas and New Year celebrations in the state.

In a statement  by its media officer, Capt. Salisu Mustapha, the task force said security operatives would be deployed to churches and strategic areas throughout the period.

“STF would increase the temporary checkpoints throughout the festive period as well as intensify vehicular search at checkpoints,’’ it said.

It said vehicles had been banned from entering premises of recreation centres during the period, adding that STF men would be posted to the centres to complement efforts of local security operatives.

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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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