News
Boko Haram, Herdsmen Kill 122
At least 17 persons reportedly lost their lives yesterday following renewed violence in Gwoza, Wala ‘A’ and Wala ‘B’ of Gwoza Local Government of Borno State.
Also, 15 persons were reportedly abducted, in the incident which happened ahead of All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state.
A resident of Gwoza, Marcus Yahya said the attackers came in their hundreds, killing and burning houses, while residents scampered for safety.
“We are presently in the bush because our houses were burnt and our relatives were killed by the attackers”, Yahya said.
In another development, the Emir of Dansadau, Alhaji Hussaini Adamu, has said 105 people were killed by suspected Fulani cattle rustlers in Yargaladima village in Dansadau Emirate of Maru Local Government Area of Zamfara State within three days.
Adamu said this during the burial of 40 of the victims in Yargaladima, yesterday.
Barely 48 hours after gunmen killed 22 people in two villages in the emirate; cattle rustlers killed 70 people in Yargaladima on Saturday.
The Emir told a delegation of top government functionaries which included the state Governor, Alhaji Abdulaziz Yari, who attended yesterday’s burial that “We lost a total of 105 people.”
It was gathered that the marauders which numbered over 70, swooped on villagers who were at a meeting to discuss the security situation in the area.
By the time the dust settled, police authorities said 79 persons were killed, a figure which the emir noted was lower than the 105 his subjects buried.
It was learnt that the remains of first set of over 70 killed last Thursday and Friday, were first deposited at the Dansadau General Hospital before they were buried on Saturday.
The Police Public Relations Officer, Zamfara State Police Command, DSP Lawal Abdullahi, had while confirming the attack earlier, said 30 people were feared dead with a number of people injured.
According to him, the Police Commissioner, Alhaji Ibrahim Bichi, has deployed counter terrorist squad to the area to forestall a re-occurrence.
Meanwhile, the Deputy Governor of Yobe State, Alhaji Abubakar Ali, yesterday described as “callous and unfortunate” the violent attack on the people of Buni Gari in the state by unknown gunmen.
Ali made the remark when he led a state delegation to condole with the survivors of the Saturday’s attack, which claimed lives and property.
“This is an unfortunate and merciless attack meted on innocent citizens without any sense of reasoning,” he said.
Ali lamented that the state had lost so many lives and properties to insurgency.
The state government has set up a committee to resettle the villagers and asses the level of damage.
The government directed the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) to liaise with community leaders, National Union of Transport Workers (NURTW) and traders association on the level of assistance required by the victims.
The SEMA Executive Secretary, Alhaji Musa Idi, said the agency had already provided relief materials for immediate use by the victims who lost their shelter, food stuff and other personal effects.
The Rivers State chapter of the All Progressives Congress Christian Leaders Forum has expressed strong confidence in the capacity of All Progressives Congress (All Progressives Congress) candidates in the state to deliver effective governance if elected into office in the coming elections.
The State Coordinator of the forum, Archbishop Lucky Aroh, made this known during a breakfast and thanksgiving meeting held in Port Harcourt, where leaders gathered to pray for the stability of the party and the safety of its candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections.According to him, the meeting was convened to seek divine intervention for peace, unity, and security among APC candidates across Rivers State.
“Today we are praying for APC stability in Rivers State and the security of our candidates that have been elected to contest the 2027 elections. It is a breakfast meeting,” Aroh said.
He further expressed optimism that the party’s candidates would not disappoint the people if entrusted with leadership responsibilities.
“They will not fail when elected into office. We are here as fathers of the land to let them know, and I must tell you the truth that these are the authentic people that will do well in Rivers State,” he added.
Speaking earlier, the National Chairman of the forum, Professor Olanrewaju Abraham, commended the Rivers State chapter for organizing the programme, noting that the national body of the forum believes strongly in the power of prayer.
He stated that political leadership provides an opportunity to influence society positively, including advancing moral and spiritual values, while expressing confidence that APC candidates at all levels would emerge victorious in the upcoming elections.
Also speaking, the Rivers State Women Leader of the APC, Hon. Darling Amadi, praised the forum for its commitment to prayers for peace, stability, and the protection of party candidates.
Represented by the Deputy Women Leader of the party in the state, she described the initiative as commendable and urged other political and support groups within the party to emulate the gesture in promoting unity and stability.
By: John Bibor, Menebe Emmanuel & Fortune Paibi
Prominent businessman and philanthropist, Elder Anthony Osagwe-Ogo, was celebrated in grand style as he marked his 70th birthday anniversary, with distinguished Nigerians, business leaders, and golf enthusiasts gathering to honour his remarkable contributions to society.
The colourful celebration took place at the Port Harcourt Golf Club, where friends, associates, and well-wishers converged to pay tribute to the revered elder statesman.
Chairman of the occasion, High Chief (Dr.) Ikenna Okafor, described the celebrant as a detribalised Nigerian whose generosity, humility, and commitment to humanity have earned him admiration across different communities and backgrounds.
According to Dr. Okafor, Pa Osagwe-Ogo’s impact on society and the development of his community remains unparalleled. He noted that members of the golfing community are proud to be associated with a father figure who consistently promotes the welfare and well-being of those around him.
He further stated that the history and growth of the Port Harcourt Golf Club cannot be told without acknowledging the significant role played by the celebrant, whose wisdom, encouragement, and leadership have helped sustain the club over the years.
“We are here to celebrate a man who has impacted humanity positively, a peace-loving individual and an epitome of hope for the younger generation. We pray to emulate his virtues. Today, we celebrate a bridge-builder, a trailblazer, and an iconic leader whose life continues to inspire many,” Dr. Okafor said.
He expressed delight at the large turnout of guests from various walks of life, describing it as a testament to the respect and affection Pa Osagwe-Ogo commands within and beyond Rivers State.
In his response, the celebrant, Pa Anthony Osagwe-Ogo, expressed profound gratitude to God for preserving his life and granting him the privilege of attaining the milestone age of 70.
He also thanked members of the Port Harcourt Golf Club, family members, friends, and associates for identifying with him during the celebration and for their unwavering support over the years.
The event featured the cutting of the birthday cake, presentation of awards to deserving members of the club, goodwill messages, and moments of celebration among guests.
The ceremony was attended by notable personalities from the business community, the golfing fraternity, and other sectors, all of whom joined in celebrating the life and legacy of the respected elder statesman.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, and the Permanent Secretary of the Rivers State Ministry of Information and Communications, Dr. Honour Kuru Sirawoo, have been honoured with awards of recognition in connection with the 2026 Democracy Day celebrations held in Port Harcourt.
The awards, which formed part of activities marking Nigeria’s Democracy Day on June 12, were formally presented on Tuesday at the Ministry of Information and Communications in Port Harcourt.
Presenting the awards was Hon. Abdul Hameed Oladipupo Alli, popularly known as “Mr. Nigeria,” Publisher of Asiwaju Trumpet Magazine and Achievers World International Magazine.
Governor Fubara was recognised for his efforts in sustaining peace, stability, and a conducive political atmospherJohn Bibor / Menebe Emmanuel / Fortune Paibie in Rivers State. The organisers noted that his administration has fostered harmony and strengthened civic participation across the state.
Dr. Sirawoo, on the other hand, was honoured for his exemplary administrative leadership and significant contributions to effective information management within the Ministry of Information and Communications.
Representing Dr. Sirawoo at the presentation ceremony, Dr. Christian Davies received the award on his behalf and expressed gratitude for the recognition. He described the honour as a reflection of Dr. Sirawoo’s unwavering commitment to professionalism, excellence, and dedicated public service.
Dr. Davies assured the organisers that the award would be formally conveyed to the Permanent Secretary.
The event also featured the presentation of commemorative publications highlighting major governance and civic milestones in Rivers State, including Easter celebrations, Workers’ Day activities, the Governor’s third anniversary in office, and Democracy Day programmes.
Organisers of the awards commended the Rivers State administration for what they described as sustained peace, political stability, and improved civic engagement, noting that these achievements have contributed significantly to the state’s continued development.
By: Jessica Sambol