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Former Vice President, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, displaying his registration card shortly after registering as a member of All Progressives Congress (apc) in Jada town, Jada Local Government Area of Adamawa State last Wednesday. Photo: NAN

Former Vice President, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, displaying his registration card shortly after registering as a member of All Progressives Congress (apc) in Jada town, Jada Local Government Area of Adamawa State last Wednesday. Photo: NAN

Benue

 

T

he Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps
(NSCDC), Benue State Command, says it arrested 50 suspected human traffickers in 2013.

The Commandant, Mr Steven Lar said last Tuesday in Makurdi that the suspects were transporting children to other parts of the country for child labour.

Lar said that the chidren were being trafficked from Tarka, Guma and Ushongo Local Government Areas of the state when officials of the NSCDC who were on surveillance of government infrastructure in the area, apprehended them.

He stated that the suspects were immediately handed over to the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking of Persons (NAPTIP) for prosecution.

Lar said that the command was collaborating with other security agencies in the state to secure lives and property of the people.

 

FCT

 

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he Chairman, Inter Party Advisory Council (IPAC), Dr
Yunusa Tanko,  has described as “unjust” the composition of the delegates to the National Conference.

In an interview in Abuja last Tuesday, Tanko condemned the structure in which only five out of the 25 registered political parties were allocated 10 delegates.

The modalities released by the Federal Government showed that the five major parties with representation in the National Assembly are to nominate two delegates each to represent them at the National Conference.

Tanko, who is also the National Chairman National Conscience Party (NCP), said if all the political parties were invited by the government, then every view would be reflected.

 

Gombe

 

G

ombe State Agency for the Control of HIV and AIDS
(GOMSACA), is to commence resource mapping as part of measures to identify HIV and AIDS stakeholders in the state.

Project Manager, GOMSACA, Dr Suraj Abdulkarim, said in Gombe last Tuesday, that everybody had a stake in the struggle to control the spread of HIV and AIDS.

He explained that one of the major challenges of GOMSACA, was that the local government councils, were not fully committed in the fight against the scourge, in spite of their significance as major stakeholders.

Abdulkarim further said that, testing and screening centres in the state, would be increased, particularly in rural communities adding “We want universal coverage; every health facility would have a testing section.” he said.

 

Jigawa

 

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he Jigawa State government has earmarked N200 mil
lion for payment of registration fees of the 2014 Senior Secondary Certificate Examination (SSCE) for its indigenes in the state.

The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, Alhaji Abdullahi Hudu, who disclosed this in an interview on Tuesday in Dutse said the amount would cover for students sitting for the West Africa Examination Council (WAEC), the National Examination Council (NECO) and the National Business and Technical Examination Board (NABTEB) exams in 2014.

He said that no fewer than 16,500 students had so far been registered for WAEC in all secondary schools in the state noting that the gesture was part of government’s efforts to address illiteracy in the state and prepare youths for future leadership challenges.

 

Kaduna

 

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he Director of  Kaduna State Fire Service, Mr Adamu
Kadams has urged people in the state to stop harassing firemen and preventing them from discharging their duties.

The director made the appeal in an interview last Tuesday in Kaduna. He was reacting to series of attacks on the firemen by residents whenever the officials responded to distress calls.

The director urged the state government to recruit more firemen to replace those that died or were retired, so as to bridge the manpower shortage being experienced by the service.

He said the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) was also working on a plan to sensitise the public on the importance of cooperating and supporting fire fighters to carry out their duties without molestation.

 

Kano

 

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he Kano State House of Assembly has elected a new
Speaker following the resignation of the former, Alhaji Gambo Sallau. The new Speaker is Alhaji Ishaku Danja, who was until last Tuesday’s election, the Deputy Speaker.

The  Majority Leader, Alhaji Hamisu Chidari, is now the Deputy Speaker. The House had also elected Alhaji Kabir Alhassan as the new Majority Leader to replace Chidari.

The former speaker who announced his resignation in a broadcast in Kano last Tuesday, said his decision was based on political reasons.

Sallau and three other members had on Monday announced their decision in a local radio station to remain in the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).

 

Kwara

 

A

griculture and Allied Employers’ Union of Nigeria
(AAEUN) has inducted farmers of the informal sector as its members, according to Mr David Ehindero, the Chairman of the union.

Ehindero said last Tuesday in Ilorin that the union’s constitution empowered it to accommodate farmers in the informal sector for the diffusion of agricultural technology.

The chairman, who is also the Director, Agriculture House, explained that the house had become an embassy for stakeholders in the agriculture sector.

Ehindero said that the new inductees were expected to make judicious use of opportunities available to them as members and also stressed the need for the new members to embrace agricultural insurance.

 

Lagos

 

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he Nigerian Navy has requested for more conces
sions in the purchase of Excess Defence Articles and other maritime security hardware from the U.S. Government.

The Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Rear Admiral Usman Jibrin, made the plea at the opening ceremony of Exercise OBANGAME Express 2014, the final planning conference, held in Lagos.

Jibrin urged the US to expand its current training support to the West African sub-region, to cover a wider area of human capacity development, as well as the number of beneficiaries.

He noted that the US government and its allies have been making concerted efforts to enhance the capability of the Golf of Guinea nations to monitor and protect their territorial waters.

Addressing newsmen at the end of the conference, the Exercise Director, Capt. Nancy Lacore, said 22 countries would participate in the exercise, billed for April.

 

Nasarawa

 

T

he synergy between the Nasarawa Agriculture De
velopment Programme (NADP) and the Federal Government in providing farming inputs to farmers has improved agricultural activities in the state.

The acting Programme Manager of the programme, Mr Stephen Kpama said last Tuesday in Lafia during the planning meeting of the agency for the 2014 that the synergy focused on the provision of farm inputs and engagement of extension workers to educate farmers.

According to him, the agency has put the necessary measures in place to consolidate on the achievements recorded as a result of the partnership and urged the staff of the agency to complement government’s efforts, in spite of the challenges they were facing.

 

Niger

 

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he Niger State Government last Tuesday said it had
paid N5 billion as compensation to affected communities and individuals in the state for using their lands.

The Commissioner for Lands and Housing, Dr Peter Sarki, told journalists in Minna that the state government did not acquire land forcibly from the people.

He said that government intended to acquire land along the new Maitumbi-Maikunkele bypass for public interest adding that the acquisition of land was not limited to Minna alone but also to major towns in the state.

 

Oyo

 

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he Oyo State House of Assembly last Tuesday
cleared four additional commissioner-nominees submitted to it for approval by the executive arm.

Tuesday’s clearance has brought to 23 the number of commissioner-nominees approved by the House.

Those who cleared at Tuesday’s plenary were Prof. Nureni Tanimowo, Kolade Abimbola, Azeez Adeoye and Ajiboye Omodewu.

Speaking before the confirmation of the nominees, the Speaker, Alhaja Monsurat Sunmonu (APC-Oyo), urged members of the House to confirm or reject the nominees.

 

Plateau

 

T

he Commissioner of Police in Plateau State, Mr Chris
Olakpe, has honoured a Fulani leader, Alhaji Bello Lamido, for saving the life of a Berom man.

Presenting the award in Jos, on Tuesday Olakpe said Lamido had protected the Berom man from attack by angry Fulani youths, when the man strayed into Ropp village of Barkin Ladi Local government last year at the height of the Plateau crisis.

He commended the Fulani leader for his display of patriotism, saying his action is worthy of emulation by all warring factions in the state.

Olakpe called on other traditional rulers in the state to emulate “the good conduct of the Fulani leader” and always guide their youth against taking laws into their hands.

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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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