News
Confusion As Policeman Shoots NYSC Member Dead …Senate Probes Death
A Female corps member was allegedly shot dead last Wednesday by a SARS officer identified as Benjamin Peters in Abuja.
The deceased, Linda Angela Igwetu was billed to pass out of the National Youth Service Corp (NYSC) programme yesterday, after a compulsory one year service in Abuja.
She was said to have gone out with her friends as part of celebration for the completion of her one year service when the incident happened.
The incident happened around Ceddi Plaza, Abuja.
Narrating what happened, the Convener of EndSARS, Segun Awosanya told newsmen: “She finished at work late at about 11pm and joined a few friends to a hang out before their Passing Out Parade scheduled for Thursday (yesterday).
“They left for home at about 3am and was shot at shortly after the check point immediately after Ceddi Plaza by a Police Officer identified as Benjamin Peters.
“The bullet hit Angela on her side and she began losing blood in the open roof vehicle.
“She was rushed to the Garki hospital but they wouldn’t treat her until they see a police report despite the fact that the police officers were present. While the deliberation was ongoing, Angela bled to death.
The Senate yesterday resolved to probe the untimely death of a female member of the National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, Miss Angela Linda Igwetu.
It, therefore, mandated its committees on youths, health and police to investigate the tragic incident and report back to the Senate in two weeks.
This resolution followed an adopted Order 42 and 52 raised by Aita Aidoko representing Kogi-East senatorial district.
In his presentation, Aidoko said, “Mr President, I came under Order 42 and 52 of the rules of the Senate because of the unfortunate incident that happened where a youth corps member was killed by a trigger-happy policeman.”
The lawmaker continued, “Mr President, from the onset, with the assent of the compulsory treatment of gunshot victim’s bill in December 2017, victims of gunshot and car accidents can now receive immediate treatment in the hospitals without police report.
“Mr. President, this was a bill that was passed and the President assented to it. But despite this, Mr. President, two nights ago, Miss Linda Angela Igwetu, serving in Abuja was allegedly shot by a trigger-happy police officer.
“The deceased was to pass out from the National youth Service Corps, NYSC, programme today July 5, (yesterday) after a compulsory one year service in Abuja.
“Her place of primary assignment was at one company at Mabuchi, an outskirts of Abuja metropolis. She finished work late 11pm Tuesday, and joined a few friends for a hangout in excitement of her expected pass out scheduled today.
“She left for home around 2am Wednesday and was shot near Ceddi plaza around Area 10 by a police officer who was well identified. The bullet shot Angela on her side inside a vehicle and, she began oozing out blood.
“She was rushed to a hospital. But they refused to treat her until they see a police report. Despite the fact that they saw the presence of some police officers. And while the deliberation was going on, Angela passed out.”
In his contribution, Senator Mao Ohuabunwa said, “I wonder the kind of trauma that her family will be passing through now as they were already preparing and expecting to welcome their daughter after the NYSC programme only to receive her remains. It could be quite traumatic”.
The Senate President, Bukola Saraki, before hitting the gavel in approval, said, “If they had treated her she may not have died. This is an avoidable death. But until we begin to hold people accountable to this kind of incident, they will not stop. After all, what is the purpose of the law? Is it that they were not informed that the law exist? We are still living in the past but now we have a law that must be obeyed.”
Meanwhile, the upper chamber observed a one-minute silence for the deceased.
President Bola Tinubu has expressed confidence that the country would win the fight against insecurity.
The President gave the assurance at the Argungu International Fishing Festival in Argungu town, Kebbi State, on Saturday.
He noted that the relative peace currently being enjoyed in Kebbi and neighbouring states was the result of sustained investments in security intelligence, coordination among security agencies, and community engagement.
Tinubu assured farmers and fishermen of sustained federal support to guarantee food security and safety across the country.
“The peace we are witnessing today is not accidental. It is the outcome of deliberate and sustained efforts. I assure you that the fight against banditry, insurgency, and insecurity will be won.
“Our farmers, fishermen, traders, and families will go about their lawful activities without fear,” he assured.
The President commended the organisers of the festival for sustaining the cultural event for decades, noting that it had endured for 83 years despite social and security challenges.
Describing the Argungu festival as a powerful symbol of unity, resilience, and peaceful coexistence, Tinubu stated that it reflects the richness of the country’s culture and the opportunities to harness its natural and human resources for national growth.
He said, “Today, this festival stands as a powerful symbol of unity, resilience, and peaceful coexistence among our people.
“It reflects the richness of our culture, the strength of our traditions, and the opportunities inherent in harnessing our natural and human resources for national development.”
The President was received by a large crowd of residents, traditional rulers, fishermen, tourists, and government officials from across the country.
The President reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to youth and women empowerment, irrigation development, rural electrification, and agricultural productivity.
Earlier, the Kebbi State Governor, Nasir Idris, said his administration was determined to elevate the Argungu Fishing Festival to full international standards while pursuing aggressive development across critical sectors of the state.
The United States Embassy in Abuja and the Consulate General in Lagos will be closed today, in observance of Presidents’ Day.
The mission made this known in a notice shared on its official X page, yesterday.
“The U.S. Embassy in Abuja and the Consulate General in Lagos will be closed on Monday, February 16, 2026, in observance of Presidents’ Day,” the post read.
According to the embassy, Presidents’ Day was originally established to honour the birthday of the former US President, George Washington, but has evolved into a day to celebrate all U.S. presidents and their leadership in shaping the country’s history.
The embassy noted that the holiday also recognises the influence of U.S. presidents on global affairs.
In a related message, the mission highlighted that Washington created the first “Badge of Military Merit,” which later became the Purple Heart. The medal still bears Washington’s image today.
Presidents’ Day is observed on the third Monday of February annually in the United States as a federal holiday.
News
Guterres Backs Nigeria’s Bid For UN Security Council Seat …Hails Tinubu’s Reforms, Regional Security Role
United Nations Secretary-General, António Guterres, has charged Nigeria with spearheading Africa’s quest for a restructured global order, describing the country as uniquely positioned to lead the continent toward superpower status.
Guterres, who backed Nigeria’s bid for the world body’s security council seat, also praised the economic reforms of the President Bola Tinubu-led administration as well as Nigeria’s leadership in stabilising the Sahel and ECOWAS regions, despite facing its own security challenges.
The UN scribe made the remarks last Friday night during a high-level bilateral meeting with Vice President Kashim Shettima on the sidelines of the 39th African Union (AU) Summit in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
Speaking during the meeting, Guterres said Nigeria’s large population, sustained democratic governance, vast natural and human resources, and longstanding commitment to multilateralism placed it in a unique position to lead Africa in the evolving global order.
“Given Nigeria’s demographic strength, democratic continuity and deep resource base, the country stands a real chance of leading Africa to becoming the next superpower in the evolving global architecture,” he said.
The UN Secretary-General and the vice president discussed key developments in Nigeria and the country’s expanding leadership role in promoting regional stability across West Africa and the Sahel.
Guterres commended the remarkable and outstanding reforms of the administration of President Tinubu, noting that Nigeria’s bold economic restructuring and security commitments have strengthened its continental standing.
The meeting focused on strengthening Nigeria–UN collaboration to advance global economic growth, peace and security, sustainable development, and a coordinated humanitarian response across Africa.
In his remarks, Shettima thanked the UN Secretary-General for his leadership in advancing global peace, noting that Africa has benefited immensely from his tenure, even as the United Nations undergoes internal restructuring.
“We remain committed to multilateralism and to deepening our partnerships with the United Nations and other global institutions,” the vice president said.
Shettima also reiterated Nigeria’s longstanding call for comprehensive reform of the United Nations system to reflect evolving global realities.
He emphasised that Africa must have stronger representation in global decision-making structures and declared that Nigeria deserves a permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council.
Both leaders pledged to deepen cooperation, with Guterres reaffirming the UN’s support for Nigeria’s reform agenda and its growing leadership role in advancing peace, security, and development across Africa.