News
Bomb Explosion Rocks Kano, Many Feared Dead
A vehicle laden with bomb was detonated last night in Sabon Gari area of Kano State and has left a lot of residents dead . An eyewitness affirmed that the explosion occurred at about 10pm, while many residents were returning from the Sunday outings.
Sabon Gari is inhabited mainly by Nigerians from other parts of the country. The unexpected explosion was said to have razed a crowded entertainment spot, located on an ever busy road.
The explosion, which resonated several kilometres from the scene resulted in vehicular stampede and multiple accidents.The police spokesperson in the State, Musa Majiya, confirmed the incident to our correspondent but refused to give details.
At the time of filling this report, a team of police officers and the Joint Task Force have barricaded the scene and rescue effort is on going.
Meanwhile, Boko Haram gunmen Saturday launched a fresh onslaught on a market in Ngurosoye village in Bama Local Government Area of Borno State, killing no fewer than 29 persons.
Ngurosoye village is about 56 kilometres from Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, and is also a gateway into the dreaded Sambisa forest. This is the third time the village would be attacked since the Boko Haram insurgency started five years ago.
The insurgents, who came in their usual large numbers, were said to have stormed the village in motorcycles and six Hilux van , shooting sporadically and throwing rocket launchers at the market during which some of the traders met their untimely death.
Local sources in the area told our correspondent that the attack left no fewer than 29 persons dead as 29 lifeless bodies were counted immediately the confusion was over.
“The attacks of the insurgents on the state rather than decreasing is seriously increasing and the killings these days are in greater number. I think it is time government allowed us to cordon off this Sambisa and destroy all these evil people,” a local security operative craving anonymity said.
According to a source in the village, the terrorists had been planning to attack the village for the past two weeks before they finally came on Saturday.
The attack came on a day 10 Chinese construction workers were also abducted by Boko Haram gunmen around Kusuri village in Gwoza Local Government Area of the state . The gunmen were also said to have destroyed a bridge linking the various villages in the area where the Chinese construction workers were working.
A few days ago, about 17 persons were killed while property worth millions of Naira were destroyed by the gunmen who attacked some villages around Gwoza town.
The state Commissioner for Tourism, Dr. Vilita Bashir, who paid a condolence visit to the area, disclosed that Governor Kashim Shettima was very worried by the recent attacks. The commissioner who gave the residents some relief materials however urged them to continue to pray for the return of peace to the troubled region.
The Commissioner, Borno State Police Command, Lawal Tanko, and the spokesman of the 7 Division, Nigerian Army, Col. Muhammad Dole, could however not be reached for official confirmation of the attacks when filing this report.
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