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  • Bandit attacks: Senate demands urgent military action, relief for Katsina communities

    Bandit attacks: Senate demands urgent military action, relief for Katsina communities

    The Senate on Wednesday raised the alarm over insecurity in Katsina State following fresh bandit attacks that left at least 35 persons dead within 24 hours, and resolved to press for urgent military and humanitarian intervention in the affected areas.

    The resolutions of the red chamber followed a motion of urgent public importance on the recent ambush of operatives of the Nigeria Police Mobile Force in Bakori Local Government Area, where three policemen were killed and two others critically injured in broad daylight.

    Leading the debate, the sponsor of the motion, Senator Mohammed Dandutse, said the Senate was deeply disturbed by the scale and frequency of attacks across communities in Katsina, noting that as of Tuesday, February 3, 2026, no fewer than 35 people had been killed in coordinated assaults across several local government areas.

    According to him, 24 persons were killed in Faskari Local Government Area, eight in Dandume, two in Funtua, and one in Kankara, all within 24 hours.

    He warned that the sustained attacks on rural communities were already taking a heavy toll on food production, with over 50,000 farmlands reportedly abandoned due to insecurity, thereby threatening food security and livelihoods in the state.

    He recalled that Governor Dikko Radda of Katsina State had earlier led a delegation of elders from the Funtua Zone to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to brief him on the security situation.

    “During that visit, the President pledged to establish a military barracks in the zone, particularly around Malumfashi, to stem the tide of banditry,” he said.

    He expressed concern that criminals continued to exploit porous corridors linking Katsina with parts of Kaduna and Zamfara states, including areas such as Machika, Kankara, and other forest routes, underscoring the need for stronger interstate security coordination.

    Read Also: Electoral Act amendments stall again after Senate’s second closed-door deadlock

    He warned that continued inaction could result in mass displacement, the collapse of rural livelihoods, and long-term psychological trauma for vulnerable populations.

    Contributing, the Deputy Senate President, Barau Jibrin, and other senators commended the military and security agencies for ongoing efforts but insisted that more force, improved technology, and stronger intelligence-driven operations were required to decisively defeat the bandits.

    Several senators described the affected areas as Nigeria’s agricultural heartland, rich in food crops and industrial raw materials such as cotton, stressing that persistent insecurity there posed a national economic threat.

    Specifically, Senator Aliyu Wadada cautioned against negotiating with bandits, arguing that such engagements only emboldened criminal elements rather than bringing lasting peace.

    Following deliberations, the Senate unanimously adopted the motion and urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to immediately implement his pledge to establish a new military barracks in the affected zone of Katsina State.

    “Directed the Inspector-General of Police to equip the newly established police squadron in the area with at least three Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs) to boost intelligence-led operations, forest combing, cross-border collaboration, and community-based intelligence.

    “Called on security agencies to sustain coordinated operations until all criminal elements are flushed out of Katsina and neighbouring hotspots.

    “Mandated the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to provide immediate relief to affected and traumatised families and communities.”

    The Senate also urged residents to remain united, vigilant, and supportive of security efforts while resisting internal collaborators who undermine national security.

    In honour of the victims of the attacks, the Senate observed a one-minute silence.

  • Army denies killing of soldiers, burning of patrol vehicle in Ebonyi communal crisis

    Army denies killing of soldiers, burning of patrol vehicle in Ebonyi communal crisis

    The Nigerian Army has dismissed reports circulating on social media alleging that two soldiers were killed and a military patrol vehicle set ablaze during the Amasiri/Oso Edda communal crisis in Ebonyi State.

    The clarification came amid recent violence linked to the crisis, which reportedly claimed the lives of five indigenes of Idima Okporojo Village in Oso Edda, Edda Local Government Area of the state.

    The Cantonment Commander of Nkwagu Military Barracks, Lt. Col. Emmanuel Chielo, made the clarification while briefing journalists on ongoing efforts by security agencies to restore peace and order in the affected communities.

    It will be recalled that some social media commentators had alleged that residents of Oso Edda killed two soldiers and set a military patrol van on fire, claims that heightened tension and panic in the area. Another report also alleged that two soldiers were killed in Amasiri.

    Reacting to the claims, Lt. Col. Chielo described the reports as false and misleading.

    “None of my men have been killed. The operation in Amasiri is a joint one involving the police, the DSS, and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps,” he said.

    “What happened was that on the first day of our deployment, they probably assumed that the number of soldiers on the ground was small, and they attacked us. We responded, but because the area is built up, we had to be very cautious to avoid shooting innocent people in their homes.

    “If we had acted out of anger or emotion that night, it would have been bloody. We acted professionally. Aside from the attack on us, none of my soldiers was killed during the operation,” he emphasised.

    Lt. Col. Chielo also assured that security agencies would ensure the recovery of the severed heads of those beheaded by suspected warlords during the attack on Okporojo Village.

    “One of the key issues we want to address is the recovery of the heads of those beheaded. It is not enough that they killed these people; they also cut off their heads as if they were animals. What are they doing with the heads of fellow human beings?

    “What is even more painful is that these are our brothers and sisters, people of the same ancestry. It is really saddening. While growing up, I never imagined that something like this could happen in Nigeria,” he lamented.

    The cantonment commander further expressed concern over the rising cases of drug abuse among youths and the increasing movement of illegal small arms in the South-East.

    “There are many causes of insecurity. What we often see is just the physical manifestation. When you look deeper, there are always underlying factors.

    Read Also: COAS: Army adopts multi-domain strategy to combat insecurity

    “Communal clashes over ancestral land, chieftaincy titles, and related issues remain major triggers. That said, a lot of effort has been made over the years, which is why Ebonyi State enjoys a relatively high level of peace. In fact, Ebonyi State is currently the most peaceful state in the South-East,” he stated.

    He commended the decision of the State Security Council, approved by the Ebonyi State Government, describing it as a necessary step toward restoring peace in both Okporojo Village and Amasiri community.

    “I heard some people blaming the governor for the decision he took. Honestly, even if you visited the area, you would say the governor was being too lenient. An elderly woman, walking with a stick, was beheaded. What exactly did she do to deserve such a death?

    “If the affected people decide to carry out a reprisal attack, would anyone blame them? That is what we are trying to prevent. It is not that they lack the capacity,” he said.

    Lt. Col. Chielo also identified the proliferation and movement of small arms as another major security threat.

    “Every state is gradually becoming a transit point for small arms. It is a serious problem. You may not notice it immediately, but it is there. You see people riding tricycles as if they are going to the farm, but they are transporting weapons to deliver to someone.

    “In my view, both the federal and state governments are making genuine efforts, but much more still needs to be done. Security should not be left to the government alone,” he added.

  • Culture doesn’t justify abuse of women, children, says Sanusi

    Culture doesn’t justify abuse of women, children, says Sanusi

    The Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, has spoken out against violence towards women and child marriage, stating that culture cannot be used to justify such abuse.

    The traditional ruler, on Wednesday, emphasised that every Nigerian is entitled to protection under the law, regardless of cultural or traditional practices.

    Speaking in an interview with Channels Television, Sanusi said, “You cannot beat a woman because your culture says you can beat her. She’s a Nigerian citizen entitled to protection.”

    The former Central Bank governor pointed out that abuse often attributed to culture is actually a symptom of deeper issues, such as unequal power dynamics, poverty, and the government’s inability to provide essential services.

    He emphasized that these underlying problems are the real drivers of abuse, rather than culture itself.

    He explained, “This violence happens in all societies; it’s not about African culture.

    “When men have power and women are not protected, men will take advantage of that power and oppress them. Women, children, the poor, and persons with disabilities are all victims.”

    Sanusi also addressed child marriage, particularly in rural communities, urging Nigerians to see the structural causes behind the practice.

    He said many girls finish primary school at around 11 with no access to secondary schools, skill centres, or safe environments, leaving families to make difficult choices.

    “Between 11 and 18, what arrangements have you made for her?” he asked.

    Read Also: Kano moves to resolve kingship impasse between Bayero, Sanusi II

    “The poor man basically finds that she’s 12 or 13; he’s afraid that she can get pregnant on the road, and the next young man that comes, he marries her off. Sometimes these cultures basically reflect poverty.”

    The Emir criticised urban perspectives that ignore rural realities, pointing out that roads are often unsafe, schools are distant or non-existent, and local government services are lacking.

    “It’s easy to blame culture. It’s easy to blame a victim. But the government has not provided the schools,” he said.

    He further criticised urban perspectives that overlook rural hardship, observing that people living in cities often fail to grasp how difficult it is for girls in remote areas to access education or basic services.

    According to him, poor roads, unsafe travel conditions, and long distances to local government centres compound the problem.

    While acknowledging the complexity of these issues, the Emir maintained that Nigeria must draw clear moral and legal boundaries.

    “As a nation, we need to have certain common agreements and values,” he said, stressing that violence against women and children is simply unacceptable.

    “It doesn’t matter what you think your culture says. The Nigerian law does not allow you to do it.”

    According to Sanusi, many acts blamed on tradition are not cultural at all but deliberate abuses of authority.

    He described them as a “culture of oppression” sustained by violence and exploitation, insisting that such practices must change if Nigeria is to protect its most vulnerable citizens.

  • Lagos approves Carter railway channel to deflood NRC compound, Ebute Meta

    Lagos approves Carter railway channel to deflood NRC compound, Ebute Meta

    The Lagos state government has moved to end decades of flooding in Ebute Meta with the construction of the Carter Railway Drainage Channel, a major stormwater project that will run through the Nigerian Railway Corporation corridor and empty into the Iponri confluence on Western Avenue.

    The intervention, announced at a stakeholders meeting held at the NRC compound, is expected to permanently deflood the railway community and adjoining neighbourhoods long plagued by seasonal flooding.

    Officials of the Ministry of Environment and Water Resources disclosed that the contract for the project, known as the Carter Railway Channel (System 4), has been awarded, and work will commence shortly.

    The Director of Drainage Services, Adedapo Ajadi, said the reinforced concrete channel will run from Murtala Muhammed Way through the NRC corridor to Iponri, adding that the initiative will bring lasting relief to residents, institutions, and businesses within the railway compound and the wider Lagos Mainland area.

    Read Also: Lagos enjoins business owners to embrace technology

    Stakeholders present at the meeting included representatives of St Saviour School, the CCECC quarters, NRC staff quarters, NTA Channel 10, churches and mosques within the corridor, the Railway Museum, the Federal Medical Centre General Hospital, the FMC Cancer Hospital, OJez Limited, and several manufacturing and MSME operators.

    They expressed relief that the state was finally delivering a permanent solution to a problem that had crippled movement and threatened infrastructure for years.

    The NRC Managing Director, Dr Kayode Opeifa, commended the initiative and pledged the Corporation’s full cooperation during the 18 month construction period. He described the project, valued in billions of naira, as a critical asset that would protect the railway corridor and improve safety for residents and operators.

    A joint inspection of the project corridor was later conducted by NRC directors, departmental representatives, and in-house union officials to identify affected sections and prepare for mobilisation.

  • Funke Akindele attributes film industry success to hard work, dedication

    Funke Akindele attributes film industry success to hard work, dedication

    Actress and filmmaker Funke Akindele has attributed her success in the film industry to unwavering dedication, perseverance, and a commitment to her craft.

    In a post on Instagram, Akindele reflected on her journey, stating, “As a woman in film, it wasn’t easy getting to where I am today. It took hard work, dedication, and perseverance. Staying true to my craft, embracing my originality, and carving a niche for myself paved the way. Huge thanks to everyone supporting Behind the Scenes”.

    Read Also: Biodun Okeowo praises Funke Akindele’s resilience, leadership

    Akindele’s comments come in the wake of some actors and filmmakers openly admitting their limitations, including struggles with dancing to promote their movies.

    The actress expressed gratitude to her supporters, particularly for her project Behind the Scenes, saying her ability to stay true to herself has been key to her success.

  • Veekee James shares emotional pregnancy confirmation after year-long wait

    Veekee James shares emotional pregnancy confirmation after year-long wait

    Celebrity fashion designer Veekee James has revealed the emotional moment she and her husband, Femi Atere, discovered they were expecting their first child.

    The Nation had earlier reported that the designer announced her pregnancy on Tuesday through a video showing her and her husband cradling her baby bump.

    In a video shared on her Instagram page, James was seen taking a pregnancy test alongside her husband and broke down in tears after the result confirmed she was pregnant.

    The designer, who disclosed that she had been trying to conceive for about a year, expressed gratitude to God, describing Him as a “timely God who makes everything beautiful in His own time.”

    Read Also: Veekee James, husband announce pregnancy in ethereal video

    “Truly, God is not and will never be man! For us, we tried for a year; you might have tried for years, and you might have given up hope, but do not forget that we serve a timely God who makes everything beautiful in His own time, so that the Glory will be His to share with no man!”, she captioned the post.

    James also used the occasion to encourage others who may be struggling with fertility, urging them to hold on to faith, as she declared, “your testimony is already here.”

    “I am joining my faith with yours, that this year, as long as it pleases the Lord of Hosts, your testimony is already here! It is yours for the taking! Amen”, she added.

    The announcement has sparked an outpouring of congratulations from fans and fellow celebrities.

  • One dies, seven injured in Ibadan multiple-vehicle crash

    One dies, seven injured in Ibadan multiple-vehicle crash

    A yet-to-be-identified middle-aged woman has died following an early morning road accident in Ibadan, Oyo State.

    The crash, which occurred at the Iwo Road end of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, also left no fewer than seven persons with varying degrees of injuries.

    At least three vehicles were involved in the accident, which sources attributed to brake failure. Officials of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) identified the vehicles as a red Nissan Micra with registration number MNY 539 XN, a white tanker truck, and a commercial Toyota Hiace bus with registration number BBS 863 XA.

    Read Also: FRSC caution motorists on hazy weather, poor visibility

    It was gathered that the driver of one of the vehicles lost control, triggering multiple collisions. 

    The deceased, who was a passenger in the Nissan Micra, reportedly died at the scene, while other occupants of the vehicle sustained serious injuries.

    Sources said the remains of the victim had been deposited at a morgue, while the injured were receiving treatment at a nearby hospital. The Nissan Micra was severely damaged in the crash.

    The FRSC in Oyo State confirmed the incident.

    The accident caused heavy traffic congestion, as motorists travelling towards Iwo Road from within and outside the state were stranded for hours before the wreckage was eventually cleared.

  • FG flags off water, irrigation, flood control projects across Kano, Jigawa

    FG flags off water, irrigation, flood control projects across Kano, Jigawa

    The Federal Government has flagged off a series of water infrastructure, irrigation, flood control and human capital development projects across Kano and Jigawa States, reaffirming its commitment to food security, climate resilience and sustainable livelihood.

    The Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Engr. Prof. Joseph Terlumun Utsev, led the inauguration of key projects under the Hadejia Jama’are River Basin Development Authority (HJRBDA), including the Bela Dam Project and a pilot Kaukau Drip Irrigation scheme in Bichi Local Government Area of Kano State.

    Speaking at the foundation-laying ceremony for the Bela Dam in Bela Community, the Minister described the project as a major milestone in sustainable water management and agricultural development. 

    He explained that the multipurpose dam, with a storage capacity of 775,000 cubic metres, is designed to mitigate perennial flooding while supporting irrigation, domestic water supply, fisheries, livestock production and other agricultural activities.

    According to him, the dam will significantly improve livelihoods, boost food production, expand economic opportunities for the host community and strengthen climate resilience. He urged residents to support and protect the project to ensure long-term benefits.

    “As a nation, we can transform our water resources into powerful drivers of prosperity, food sufficiency and national development,” Utsev said.

    During the same visit, the Minister launched a pilot drip irrigation scheme at Kaukau and performed a symbolic planting of crops alongside the Managing Director of HJRBDA, Rabiu Suleiman Bichi, and technical directors from the Ministry, underscoring the Federal Government’s commitment to practical, results-driven agricultural interventions.

    Earlier in Kano State, Prof. Utsev commissioned a modern Conference and Training Centre at the Hadejia Jama’are River Basin Development Authority, describing it as a strategic facility for equipping youths and women with technical and practical skills for climate-smart and innovative agriculture.

    He said the centre was conceived as a hub for grooming a new generation of agripreneurs who would drive productivity, adopt modern technologies and contribute meaningfully to national development through job creation and self-reliance.

    “By empowering our youth and women with practical agricultural skills, we are strengthening the agricultural sector, creating jobs and promoting inclusive economic growth,” the Minister stated.

    Read Also: Flooding: Group to empower 40 Anambra farmers on solar processing, storage

    Graduating trainees at the centre received hands-on training in drip irrigation, hydroponics, greenhouse technology and the “Every Home a Garden” initiative.

    The Minister later proceeded to Jigawa State, where he flagged off the Jahun Drainage and Erosion Control Project in Jahun Local Government Area. 

    He said the intervention marked a decisive response to decades of erosion and flooding that had destroyed farmlands, disrupted livelihoods and threatened lives and property.

    He explained that beyond flood control, the project would enable the harnessing of water for productive agricultural use, supporting year-round farming and stable food production. 

    He called on the benefiting community to take ownership of the project and safeguard it for future generations.

    Representing the Executive Governor of Jigawa State, the Deputy Governor, Engr. Aminu Usman Gumel, commended the Federal Government for the intervention, noting that it would curb perennial flooding, improve living conditions and boost the local economy. He added that the project includes a youth training component in drip irrigation.

    The Managing Director of HJRBDA, Rabiu Suleiman Bichi, expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Minister for their support, describing the projects as part of a holistic approach to modern irrigation, flood management and agricultural development.

    The project inauguration across both states were attended by senior officials of the Ministry, traditional rulers, community leaders, youths, women and farmers, with highlights including the graduation of youths trained in drip irrigation on rehabilitated lands.

  • IFC, NSIA boost cancer care with $154m lifeline

    IFC, NSIA boost cancer care with $154m lifeline

    The International Finance Corporation, a member of the World Bank Group, and the Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority have agreed to invest about $154.1 million to expand cancer treatment and modern diagnostic services for communities across Nigeria that currently lack access to quality healthcare.

    The project, which will be carried out through NSIA’s healthcare subsidiary, NSIA Advanced Medical Services Limited (MedServe), includes a major contribution from the IFC of about ₦14.2 billion, or $24.5 million, in long-term naira financing. 

    This marks the first time the IFC is supporting a healthcare project in Nigeria using this kind of local currency funding, which helps reduce the risk that comes from changes in foreign exchange rates.

    According to details of the partnership, the investment will lead to the establishment of more than a dozen modern diagnostic and treatment centres in different parts of the country. 

    These centres are expected to create about 800 direct jobs and provide specialised training for over 500 healthcare workers in areas such as cancer care and heart treatment.

    The goal of the project is to improve access to reliable and affordable diagnostic and oncology services, especially for people in low-income and underserved communities who often struggle to get timely medical attention.

    Under the arrangement, the IFC will provide naira-based financing to MedServe, with support from the International Development Association’s Private Sector Window Local Currency Facility. This structure allows the healthcare company to expand its facilities while avoiding the heavy burden that can come from borrowing in foreign currencies.

    Read Also: ABUAD partners Chinese firm on breast cancer treatment

    The expansion plan includes setting up diagnostic centres, radiotherapy-equipped cancer treatment facilities, and cardiac catheterisation laboratories in several states. 

    These centres will be fitted with modern medical equipment such as CT and MRI scanners, digital pathology laboratories, linear accelerators for cancer treatment, and advanced heart care machines.

    MedServe said its services are designed to be sustainable and affordable, with pricing that reflects the income levels of local communities, making it easier for low-income patients to access life-saving care.

    Speaking on the partnership, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority, Aminu Umar-Sadiq, described the initiative as a major step towards building a stronger healthcare system in the country.

    “This partnership with IFC represents a significant milestone in NSIA’s commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s healthcare ecosystem through sustainable, locally anchored investment solutions,” Umar-Sadiq said.

    “By deploying long-tenor naira financing, we are addressing critical infrastructure gaps while reducing foreign exchange risk and ensuring that quality diagnostic and cancer care services are accessible to underserved communities. MedServe’s expansion underscores our belief that commercially viable healthcare investments can deliver strong development impact while supporting national health priorities,” he added.

    The IFC Vice President for Africa, Ethiopis Tafara, said Nigeria’s growing challenge with non-communicable diseases presents an opportunity to bring in private sector funding in a way that also promotes fairness in access to healthcare.

    “Nigeria’s focus on addressing the rising prevalence of non-communicable diseases presents a significant opportunity to deploy innovative financing mechanisms capable of mobilizing private capital at scale, while ensuring equitable access to quality care,” Tafara said.

    “This ambition is consistent with our broader vision for Africa, one where resilient health systems and inclusive growth reinforce each other to deliver long-term impact across the continent,” he added.

    The IFC said the investment supports Nigeria’s drive for Universal Health Coverage and fits into the World Bank Group’s Country Partnership Framework, as well as national programmes aimed at strengthening the healthcare value chain and attracting private investment into the health sector.

    Beyond funding, the IFC will also provide advisory support to help MedServe improve its operations. This includes guidance on patient safety, measuring how well low-income groups are being served, and meeting international green building standards.

    Construction of the new facilities is expected to continue through 2026, with the first centres projected to open in the second half of the year, bringing modern diagnostic and cancer care closer to communities that have long been underserved.

  • Uvwie monarch to unveil biography to mark 18th coronation anniversary

    Uvwie monarch to unveil biography to mark 18th coronation anniversary

    Effurun, headquarters of Uvwie Local Government Area of Delta State, will host activities next month as the Ovie of Uvwie Kingdom, His Royal Majesty, Dr. Emmanuel Ekemejewa Sideso, Abe I, unveils his biography to commemorate the 18th anniversary of his coronation.

    The biography, titled “Odyssey of Royalty: The Reign of Abe I, Ovie of Uvwie Kingdom,” will be formally launched during a week-long series of events scheduled to commence on February 7. This was contained in a statement issued by the monarch’s media consultant, Chief Omafume Amurun.

    Prominent political and traditional leaders expected at the event include President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, as well as lawmakers, ministers, traditional rulers, and other distinguished Nigerians.

    The ceremony will be chaired by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Olorogun Festus Keyamo, while High Chief (Dr.) Government Oweizide Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, will serve as chief launcher.

    The book will be reviewed by Professor Joe Abugu, SAN, while Chairman of the Delta State Board of Internal Revenue, Hon. Solomon Ighrakpata, will serve as chief host.

    Activities lined up for the anniversary include a 21-gun salute, conferment of chieftaincy titles, homage by Uvwie communities, the book launch on February 14, and a thanksgiving Mass on February 18 to conclude the celebration.

    The biography chronicles the reign of Abe I, highlighting his vision, leadership philosophy, and contributions to peace, stability, and development in Uvwie Kingdom. 

    Uvwie Kingdom, widely regarded as one of the most industrialised and strategic areas in Delta State, remains a key economic, cultural, and security hub in the South-South region, with Effurun often described as the “London of Urhoboland.”