News
Jos Bombing: Army Arrests Suspect
The Director of Defence Information, Maj-Gen. Chris Olukolade yesterday said security agents had arrested one suspect in connection with the May 20 bombing in Jos Central Market, Plateau State.
He made the disclosure at a joint news conference by the National Information Centre, Abuja.
He said the suspect was already providing the lead for subsequent aspects of investigation into the incident.
According to him, security agencies are carrying out nationwide surveillance and that the surveillance is yielding positive results.
Olukolade said “a number of persons, who are planning to continue the bombing spree, have also been arrested.
“But as a mark of vigilance of the security agencies, as well as the citizens who are giving useful information, the bomb planners were apprehended.
“Troops have continued to raid locations and in the course of which, a number of arrests have been made in places like Kachia in Kaduna State and Zamfara.’’
The defence information director said arms and ammunition were recovered from the suspects, adding that the raid would continue so as to check violence in the country.
He also confirmed the killing of 25 security personnel, comprising 12 soldiers and 13 policemen at Buni Yadi town, Yobe, by the Boko Haram insurgents on Tuesday.
He said “I wish to confirm to you that there was a massive attack on Buni Yadi town in Yobe, where some gallant soldiers and policemen lost their lives.
“The casualty stands at 12 soldiers and 13 policemen, as revealed by initial investigations into the incident.’’
He said the attack was “primarily targeted at the town”.
However, the Plateau police command has confirmed the killing of four persons by unknown gunmen on Tuesday night in Wat village, Kuru, in the Jos South Local Government Area of the state.
The state Police Public Relations Officer, SP Felicia Anslem, confirmed the incident in an interview with newsmen yesterday in Jos.
Anslem said that the village was attacked by unknown gunmen when the people were asleep, and killed four persons and injured others.
She said that investigation into the killings had commenced, and called on members of the community to remain calm.
Media Officer of the Special Task Force in charge of security in Plateau, Capt. Ikedichi Iweha also confirmed the attack but declined to give any details.
Meanwhile, the Chief of Defence Staff, Air Chief Marshal Alex Badeh, yesterday said the military would remain focused in the discharge of its duties “in spite of unreasonable criticisms.’’
Badeh made the disclosure when members of Social Welfare Network Initiative, an NGO, paid a solidarity visit to the Defence Headquarters, Abuja.
He said “no matter the criticisms or what people do, the Nigerian Armed Forces will continue to do what it had sworn to do.’’
“We swore to defend the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and to defend the integrity of our states.
“It is your military, you don’t have another one so, encourage your military to do well. We must all be patriotic as Nigerians to defend our country.’’
Badeh, however, said that what the country was fighting was above Boko Haram, noting that the group which started in Maiduguri as a small group had now gone out of hand.
“It is now an Al- Quada in West Africa and Central Africa. We have evidence from people outside Nigeria fighting with Nigeria so it is no longer Boko Haram, it is Al- Quada we are fighting.
“You are aware that we have international partners working with us to release our girls and our girls will be released.’’
Earlier, the National Coordinator of the NGO, Mr Emmauel Osemeka, had told the defence chief that the visit was in solidarity and support for the military.
Osemeka commended the army’s efforts to tackle the insurgency problem in the country and other vices, saying “members of the armed forces have been on the streets, in the bushes, on lonely roads, along the border stretch and across the length and breadth of Nigeria.
“We are not unmindful of the supreme sacrifice being paid every second, minute, hour, day and week by our brothers and sisters to protect our territorial integrity.’’
“We are proud of our Armed Forces and will continue to support your efforts.’’
The Rivers State Government has commended the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) for its outstanding contributions to the development of Rivers State, particularly in the areas of peacebuilding, education, healthcare, and moral development.
Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, stated that the Church has remained a dependable partner in promoting peace, unity, justice, moral discipline, and social harmony across society.
The Governor, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Dagogo Wokoma, made the remarks during the thanksgiving service marking the 30th Anniversary and First Session of the 11th Synod of the Diocese of Niger Delta North, held at St. Peter’s Anglican Church on Sunday.
Governor Fubara described the Synod’s theme, “Kingdom Advancement: The Priority of Every Believer,” as timely and relevant, considering the prevailing realities in society.
According to him, the Church continues to play a vital role in shaping societal values and inspiring hope among citizens.
“The Church remains a vital partner in promoting peace, unity, justice, and moral discipline. Its role in shaping values and inspiring hope cannot be overemphasized,” he stated.
The Governor further acknowledged the Anglican Communion’s contributions in education, healthcare delivery, youth empowerment, humanitarian services, and spiritual guidance across communities in Rivers State.
“The Rivers State Government appreciates the invaluable contributions of the Anglican Communion in education, healthcare, youth development, humanitarian support, and spiritual guidance. Your impact across communities in Rivers State continues to strengthen families and promote peaceful coexistence among our people,” he added.
Governor Fubara reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to building a peaceful, united, and prosperous Rivers State where all citizens can thrive irrespective of religion, ethnicity, or social background.
He also urged the Synod to continue praying for sustainable development and progress in Rivers State and Nigeria at large.
Earlier in his sermon, the Guest Minister, Joseph Olushola, spoke on the topic, “Kingdom Investment and Internal Rewards,” urging Christians to remain faithful stewards of God’s blessings and committed to advancing God’s kingdom through service and generosity.
The cleric emphasized that believers are custodians of the virtues and resources entrusted to them by God, stressing that divine rewards are based on faithfulness and impact rather than material possessions.
The Shell Nigeria Gas Limited, in partnership with the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), has reaffirmed support for efforts to expand gas distribution infrastructure in Rivers State as part of initiatives aimed at improving access to affordable, cleaner and more reliable energy for industries across the South-South region.
The commitment was highlighted during the SNG–MAN Business Forum held in Port Harcourt, where stakeholders from the industrial and public sectors examined the role of natural gas in driving industrialisation, boosting local production and strengthening energy security.
Speaking at the forum on behalf of the Managing Director of Shell Nigeria Gas Limited, the company’s Head of Gas Distribution, Mr. Chukwuka Amos Ejesi, described natural gas as a critical component of Nigeria’s energy mix and a key driver of sustainable industrial growth.
According to him, Nigeria’s gas development agenda has reached a stage where policy direction must be matched with practical implementation capable of addressing the energy challenges confronting manufacturers.
He noted that pipeline gas offers industries a cleaner, more dependable and cost-effective energy alternative capable of supporting uninterrupted operations, reducing emissions and improving production efficiency.
“Gas is the backbone of manufacturing, and we are encouraged by the growing recognition among stakeholders of the need for cleaner and more reliable energy solutions,” he said.
Ejesi stressed the need for sustained collaboration among energy providers, government institutions and industrial stakeholders to maximise the country’s gas resources for economic development.
He added that improved gas infrastructure would strengthen manufacturing value chains, enhance productivity and promote more competitive industrial operations across Rivers State and the wider South-South region.
Participants at the forum also emphasised the importance of expanding energy infrastructure as a pathway to unlocking industrial capacity, reducing operating costs and promoting sustainable industrial development.
Representing Governor Siminalayi Fubara, the Director-General of the Rivers State Investment Promotion Agency, Dr. Chamberlain Peterside, reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to partnering with private sector investors to revitalise industrial activities in the state.
He identified key projects targeted under the initiative to include the revival of the Ahoada Industrial Park, the New Port City project and the proposed Bonny Industrial Park, all aimed at stimulating economic growth and expanding industrial opportunities along the Bonny corridor.
According to the governor, the long-term vision is to position Rivers State as a leading manufacturing hub in Southern Nigeria through strategic public-private partnerships.
Governor Fubara also commended Shell Nigeria Gas and MAN for sustaining engagements geared towards improving industrial energy access, noting that gas infrastructure development remains central to the state’s economic recovery plans.
He further observed that the gas sector presents enormous opportunities for economic growth, especially as global energy systems continue to shift towards cleaner energy sources.
The governor called on stakeholders to work collectively towards developing a practical and sustainable gas framework capable of supporting the state’s industrial and energy development objectives.
By; Kevin Nengia
Rivers State Deputy Governor, Prof. Ngozi Nma Odu, has charged newlywed couples to build their marriages on the virtues of love and submission as taught in the Word of God.
Prof. Odu gave the charge at the wedding ceremony of Amblessed Favour Sunny-Cookey and Samson Jesuganji at Lifegate Power Ministries, Dominion Cathedral, in Port Harcourt on Saturday, 16th May 2026.
The Deputy Governor congratulated the couple on beginning a new phase of life together and prayed for God’s blessings upon their union, noting that the couple had been raised by godly parents and encouraged them to uphold the Christian values instilled in them.
Referring to the sermon delivered during the ceremony, Prof. Odu emphasized that the principles of love and submission remain fundamental to a successful marriage.
According to her, genuine love reflects the nature of God, stressing that love should remain the foundation of the couple’s relationship as they journey through life together.
Prof. Odu further prayed for enduring peace, happiness, and progress in the home, expressing confidence that the marriage would continue to flourish under God’s guidance.
The Deputy Governor also commended the families of the couple for their support and upbringing, while urging the newlyweds to always remember the significance of the day and the commitment they had made before God and witnesses.
In his sermon at the wedding, the Founder and Presiding Pastor of Salvation Ministries, Pastor David Ibiyeomie, stated that marriage did not originate from Western culture, traditions, or human ideas, but from God, whom he described as the “manufacturer” of marriage.
According to the cleric, couples seeking lasting and peaceful homes must rely on biblical principles rather than societal trends or assumptions.
He explained that many marital crises and rising divorce rates stem from ignorance and failure to apply scriptural teachings in family life.
Drawing from the biblical parable of building a house on a rock, Pastor Ibiyeomie said the Word of God remains the only solid foundation capable of sustaining marriages through challenges and difficult times.
He noted that marriage naturally comes with unexpected realities and pressures, stressing that religious ceremonies or cultural practices alone are not enough to sustain a home without proper understanding of God’s instructions.
The pastor further warned that ignorance of scripture remains one of the greatest weapons against believers, urging Christians to study and practice the Word of God rather than merely attending church services.
It would be recalled that the bride is the daughter of Pastor Sunny Cookey the Founder and Presiding Pastor of Lifegate Ministries. The Ceremony had lots of Ministers in attendance which includes Apostle Zilly Aggrey, Pastor George Izunwa, and Bishop Winston Iwo