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Ondo Attack: CAN Calls For Legalisation Of Firearms
Following the terror attack on St. Francis Catholic Church, Owo, Ondo State last Sunday, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has called on the Federal Government to enact a law permitting individuals to carry firearms.
The association also asked its members to suspend vigil programmes for the time being.
The Ondo State chapter of CAN made the call in a communiqué signed by its Chairman, Rev. Fr. Anselm Ologunwa; Secretary, Evang. Amos Olomofe; and the Director of Information and Communications of the association, Mr Daisi Ajayi.
The body said, “The present Nigeria Constitution, which prohibits the use of firearms, should be reviewed, to give room for individuals for self-defence, given the prevailing insecurity situation in the country”.
CAN also said it would support the setting up of vigilance groups in every local government area of the state.
Also, the Chairman of the association in Osun State, Bishop Amos Ogunrinde, said churches had been instructed to engage the services of at least two security operatives per church.
He also said churches that could afford it should buy body scanners, ensuring that people were properly searched.
Ogunrinde said churches with perimeter fences should ensure that entrances were locked immediately service commenced.
In his response to Owo attack, the Ekiti State Chairman of CAN, Rev. Fr Peter Olowolafe, said, “We have had a discussion with some of our security agencies, particularly the Department of State Services and they have assured us that there is no need for panic.
“I trust them; they said we should not create unnecessary fear for people. We have discussed with our members that people should be more security conscious and that church leaders should get some security personnel so that there will not be any situation like what happened at Owo last week”.
He advised church leaders in Ekiti and neighbouring states to beef up security in worship centres.
Meanwhile, the President of the Nigerian Baptist Convention, Dr Israel Akanji, has called on the government to provide adequate security for places of worship all over the country.
In a statement condemning the Owo incident, Akanji said, “The Federal and state governments should also ensure better security provision for all places of worship in the country”.
At least, 40 people were confirmed dead and many others sustaining injuries in the gruesome attack by gunmen in Owo, last Sunday.
The tragic incident occurred, no open religious programme has been held in Owo and Akure.
The Ondo State Government also cancelled this year’s Democracy Day activities in the state as a mark of respect for those who died in the terror attack.
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The Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, has directed his lawyers to withdraw all ongoing defamation lawsuits against several individuals, saying he was moved by counsel during a New Year Mass.
Speaking at the Sacred Heart Parish in Uyo, yesterday, Akpabio said he had filed nearly nine lawsuits against individuals he accused of defaming him.
He said, “I had almost nine cases in court against some individuals who defamed me, who lied against me, who slandered my name.
“But I listened to the priest and suddenly realised he was talking to me, so I hereby direct my solicitor to withdraw all lawsuits against them.”
In 2025, Akpabio had filed several high-profile defamation lawsuits, including one against colleague Senator Natasha Akpoti?Uduaghan.
In late 2025, Akpabio filed a N200 billion defamation lawsuit against her over allegations of sexual harassment, which he denied and urged her to substantiate in court.
Earlier in the year, Akpabio’s wife also filed defamation suits against Akpoti?Uduaghan over claims she said had harmed her family’s reputation.
Relations between the two lawmakers soured after Akpoti?Uduaghan accused Akpabio of influencing her suspension from the Senate in March 2025, following her public allegations of misconduct.
The Senator had previously challenged actions taken against her in court, including a N100 billion defamation suit she filed against Akpabio and other defendants over alleged remarks that she said damaged her reputation.
With yesterday’s announcement, Akpabio has formally ended all pending legal disputes arising from defamation claims, signalling closure to the publicised litigations as the year begins.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has declared that the best form of gratitude Rivers people owe President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for protecting the interest of the State is to galvanize massive support for the President in 2027.
Fubara disclosed this last Monday during the commissioning of Permanent Secretaries Quarters built by his administration at Elimgbu in Obio Akpor Local Government Area of the State.
He said that the State has what it takes to deliver the President during the 2027 general elections.
“We’ve taken a decision,our decision is for the good of Rivers State, our decision is to say thank you for the protection we have from Mr President, our decision is to prove that we have what it takes to deliver Mr President.”
Fubara expressed delight over the completion of the project, stating that the initiative was to provide accommodation, a basic need of life for public servants in the state to improve their productivity.
He explained that lack of effective social welfare was at the root of some incriminating actions that undermine the purpose of governance, noting that the commissioning of the newly built Permanent Secretaries Quarters marks a significant milestone in civil service welfare and institutional development.
“Insecurity begins when individuals are uncertain of what the next hour holds. This situation is especially challenging for family men and women, affecting confidence and decision-making,” he observed.
Fubara emphasized the need for proper maintenance of the facility and urged the beneficiaries to protect the project like a personal property, while directing the State Head of Service to appoint a facility manager to ensure long-term maintenance.
In her remarks, the Special Guest of Honour and Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs Didi Esther Walson-Jack, who unveiled the project, expressed appreciation to the governor and Rivers State for inviting her to commission the project.
She commended Fubara for prioritizing the welfare of Permanent Secretaries who are senior public servants and accounting officers, noting that the project reflects purposeful and visionary leadership, and urged other states to borrow a cue from the Rivers State Governor.
Walson-Jack described the initiative as a strategic investment in staff welfare and institutional continuity which she noted is in line with Renewed Hope Initiative on provision of mass housing and social stability.
“The commissioning of these houses reflect a deliberate commitment to the dignity, welfare, and productivity of senior public servants responsible for policy coordination and service delivery,” she said.
In his goodwill message, the National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Ajibode Bashiru, who led a high powered delegation on a visit to the governor, congratulated Rivers people for aligning with the Pan Nigerian political party, assuring that the interest of Rivers State will be duly protected in the APC.
He described President Bola Tinubu as a detribalised Nigerian who anchors his leadership on equity, fairness and justice, adding that the APC will provide a level playing ground for all.
The APC chief scribe also commended Fubara for providing good accommodation for public servants, stating that it will address issues of sabotage, compromise and disloyalty on the part of public servants.
Giving the project description, Permanent Secretary, Rivers State Ministry of Works, Dr. Austin Ezekiel-Hart, said the estate comprises 29 units, including nine standalone duplexes and 20 terrace buildings.
Facilities feature a water treatment plant, synchronized power generators, CCTV and alarm systems, a gym, recreational areas, and green spaces—designed to enhance comfort, performance, and productivity.
Earlier, the Head of the Rivers State Civil Service, Dr Mrs Inyingi Brown, had thanked the governor for his visionary initiative and unwavering commitment to the welfare of Rivers State Civil Servants, and restated the commitment of the State civil servants to the success of Fubara’s administration.
By: Taneh Beemene