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  • Police deploy troops, Mopol to Cross River community as chieftaincy crisis claims lives

    Police deploy troops, Mopol to Cross River community as chieftaincy crisis claims lives

    …villagers flee, houses burnt

    The Nigeria Police Force in Cross River State has deployed troops and Mobile Police personnel to Odot Uyi community in Odukpani Local Government Area following an escalation of a chieftaincy crisis that has led to loss of lives and destruction of property.

    Police sources confirmed that the crisis, which intensified on February 2, 2026, resulted in the killing of two persons and the burning of houses in the community. The violence is linked to a long-running dispute over the position of Village Head of Odot Uyi.

    According to the sources, the Village Head’s residence was set ablaze during the unrest, with properties valued at millions of naira destroyed.

    Officers from the Odukpani Division, alongside a tactical police team and Mobile Police personnel, were immediately deployed to restore order.

    On arrival, the police reportedly found the community deserted, with residents having fled, leaving only livestock behind. However, during a combing operation of the village and its surroundings, Chief Ntia Okon Bassey, 62, the Village Head-elect, was arrested. He had been accused by some villagers of fraudulent dealings involving community funds.

    Read Also: Police arrest two suspects, recover pistol, ammunition in Cross River

    Another suspect, Chief Okon Nyong, who was initially on the run, was also arrested, while the clan head of the village remains at large.

    Police intelligence further revealed that three persons were allegedly killed during the crisis. Those named include Edem Ekpo Nyong, 30, and Ekpo Ekpo Nyong, 26, who were reportedly murdered by one Okon Usanga, described as a factional leader opposed to the Village Head. Okon Usanga was also said to have been killed during the violence. However, police sources stated that no corpses were recovered from the scene.

    Confirming the incident, the Police Public Relations Officer in the state, ASP Sunday Eitokpah Akata, said the command was aware of the development. He disclosed that two suspects had been arrested, while another key suspect, identified as the Village Head, was still on the run.

    Akata added that investigations were ongoing to determine the root causes of the crisis, noting that, as of press time, the entire community remained deserted.

  • Spain to ban social media access for children under 16

    Spain to ban social media access for children under 16

    Pedro Sánchez, Spain’s Prime Minister, said on Tuesday at the World Government Summit in Dubai that access to social media for minors under 16 would be banned.

    Sanchez added that all platforms will be required to implement age verification systems.

    “Our children are exposed to a space they were never meant to navigate alone.

    “We will no longer accept that. We will protect them from the digital Wild West.”

    Read Also: 39 dead in Spain after two high-speed trains collide

    He added that his government would also introduce a new bill next week to hold social media executives accountable for illegal and hateful content.

    Australia in December became the first country to ban social media for children under 16.

    It’s a move being closely watched by other countries considering similar age-based measures, such as Britain and France.

    (Reuters/NAN)

  • Tinubu’s foreign travels, meetings strengthening Nigeria’s global partnerships – Yilwatda

    Tinubu’s foreign travels, meetings strengthening Nigeria’s global partnerships – Yilwatda

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, says President Bola Tinubu’s foreign travels and meetings with global leaders have strengthened Nigeria’s global partnerships.

    Yilwatda stated this in a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Communications Strategy, Mr Abimbola Tooki, on Tuesday in Abuja.

    He commended Tinubu for his strategic international engagements and measurable gains, noting that through the engagements, Nigeria had recorded sustained diplomatic and economic outreach.

    “Tinubu’s foreign travels and meetings with global leaders are not ceremonial but purposeful actions that had strengthened Nigeria’s global partnerships and attracted significant foreign investments into the country.

    “Mr President’s engagements with strategic global partners underscore his unwavering commitment to advancing Nigeria’s economic interests.

    “These visits have helped reposition our country on the world stage, yielding tangible benefits that will support long-term prosperity,” he said.

    Yilwatda further stated that since assuming office in May 2023, the president had undertaken series of international visits to key regions, including Africa, Europe, the Middle East, Asia and America.

    He said that Tinubu had engaged leaders and investors in countries, such as the United States, United Kingdom, France, Germany, China, India, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Brazil and others.

    Yilwatda added that the missions had been focused on economic cooperation, trade expansion and enhanced strategic partnerships.

    He noted that Nigeria had already secured over 50 billion dollars in foreign direct investment (FDI) commitments through Tinubu’s diplomatic drive.

    This, the APC national chairmanship said, was especially with major companies and sectors committing to investments that spanned energy, manufacturing, logistics, agriculture, technology and infrastructure.

    “These are not promises on paper. These commitments represent real capital flows, job creation opportunities and technology transfers that strengthen our economy,” he said.

    Yilwatda applauded Tinubu for negotiating agreements that prioritised Nigeria’s growth and sustainable development.

    He recalled recent diplomatic achievements, such as the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement with the United Arab Emirates, designed to deepen trade, investment and cooperation across critical sectors, including energy and agriculture.

    Read Also: APC and the Yilwatda doctrine

    The APC national chairman said that those describing Tinubu’s international travels as overdone or unnecessary, were short-sighted and lacked appreciation for the broader reform trajectory which the administration had championed.

    “Those who focus on the cost without recognising the returns are missing the bigger picture. Nigeria’s reform programme under President Tinubu is bold, strategic and necessary.

    “We urge all Nigerians to support these efforts with patience, knowing that the dividends will be felt across the economy,” he said.

    Yilwatda emphasised that Tinubu’s capacity to follow through on reforms, from economic policy shifts to institutional strengthening, demonstrated a deep commitment to transforming the Nigerian economy and enhancing living standards for citizens.

    According to him, the president has shown both the vision and determination to see through the reforms the country needs.

    “Now is not the time for cynicism but for unity and constructive support, as these diplomatic and economic efforts begin to translate into tangible improvements in people’s lives,” Yilwatda said.

    He assured that APC remained committed to amplifying the positive impacts of Nigeria’s international engagements and ensuring that global partnerships contributed directly to national growth, job creation and shared prosperity.

    (NAN)

  • Why single women shouldn’t live alone – Pere Egbi

    Why single women shouldn’t live alone – Pere Egbi

    Former Big Brother Naija housemate, Pere Egbi, has advised young single women in Nigeria against living alone, citing safety concerns.

    In a post on X, Egbi recommended that women accommodate friends or family members to provide companionship and enhance security.

    He wrote: “Personal advice to young women living in Nigeria who are single, don’t live alone by yourself. Have someone stay with you always. A friend, family member/s. It’s never a cool thing to live alone as a woman.”

    Read Also: Pastor Chris Oyakhilome healed my left hand, actor Pere Egbi claims

    The reality star’s advice follows the recent death of female singer, Ifunanya Nwangene, who passed away after suffering a snake bite at her Abuja residence.

    When asked if his advice was linked to Nwangene’s case, Egbi replied “everything”, emphasising that living alone is not ideal for anyone, regardless of gender.

  • Davido shares wife’s inspiring words after Grammy loss

    Davido shares wife’s inspiring words after Grammy loss

    Award-winning singer, Davido, has spoken about the comforting words of wife, Chioma Rowland Adeleke, after he lost at the 68th Annual Grammy Awards for the second time.

    Davido’s song “With You”, featuring Omah Lay, was nominated in the Best African Music Performance category but lost to South African star Tyla’s “Push 2 Start”.

    The category featured strong Nigerian representation, including Burna Boy, Ayra Starr, Wizkid, Omah Lay and Eddy Kenzo, but none of the Nigerian nominees won.

    Read Also: “He was robbed”: Fans react to Davido’s Grammy loss

    In a post on X, Davido revealed that he initially didn’t want to attend the after-party but Chioma encouraged him to go, saying, “Be humble in victory and gracious in defeat. We’re outside.”

    The singer shared photos from their outing, appreciating his wife’s wise words.

  • FG disburses ₦2.45trn to States, FCT for infrastructure, security – Presidency

    FG disburses ₦2.45trn to States, FCT for infrastructure, security – Presidency

    The Federal Government disbursed a total of ₦2.45 trillion to the 36 States of the Federation and the Federal Capital Territory between March 2024 and August 2025 to support infrastructure development and security interventions nationwide.

    The Special Adviser to the President on Policy Communication, Daniel Bwala, announced this in a post on his verified X handle, @BwalaDaniel.

    According to Bwala, the funds were released to enable States and the FCT to fix roads and bridges, improve schools and health facilities, and strengthen security operations in communities across the country.

    “Between March 2024 and August 2025 the Federal Government released a total of ₦2.45 trillion to the 36 states and the FCT for infrastructure and security projects,” he said.

    He explained that the support is already translating into tangible outcomes across the country, adding that “this support is helping to fix roads and bridges, improve schools and health facilities, and strengthen security operations in communities across the country where Nigerians need results the most.”

    Bwala explained that the practice of federal support to states is consistent with global norms, noting that countries such as the United States routinely provide federal funding to state and local governments to support infrastructure, education, health and public safety. 

    He added that India and several other developed economies also deploy central government grants to help regions deliver major projects and essential services closer to the people.

    “This approach is not new globally. Countries like the United States regularly provide federal funding to state and local governments to support infrastructure, education, health and public safety. India and several other developed economies also use central government grants to help regions deliver major projects and essential services closer to the people,” he said.

    Read Also: How Tinubu has impacted Nigerians, by Presidency

    The presidential aide linked the interventions to the policy direction of the administration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu, particularly the 2025 Budget of Restoration, which prioritises securing peace, rebuilding prosperity and strengthening national development.

    Under the budget framework, he said priority remains on security, infrastructure, health and education, with emphasis on transparency, accelerated delivery of energy, transport and public works, job creation and improved living standards.

    Bwala added that sustained cooperation between the Federal Government and the states is critical to achieving a safer and more prosperous Nigeria.

    “Under President Tinubu’s 2025 Budget of Restoration, Securing Peace, Rebuilding Prosperity, priority remains on security, infrastructure, health and education”.

    “The goal is clear to ensure transparent use of funds, accelerate energy, transport and public works, create jobs and improve living standards through strong cooperation between the Federal Government and the states for a safer, more prosperous Nigeria,” he added.

  • 20 year-old reportedly kill father’s stepmother in Plateau

    20 year-old reportedly kill father’s stepmother in Plateau

    A 20-year-old, Ibrahim Mutari, has allegedly killed his father’s 70-year-old stepmother, Hauwa Abubakar, in Yanbula community of Jos North local government Area of Plateau State.

    The Nation reports that residents of the community and divisional police personnel from Laranto Division converged on the deceased’s residence, adding the suspect attacked the deceased around 3 pm. 

    Abubakar Shuaibu, husband of the deceased, condemned the killing, describing the incident as cruel and inhumane. 

    Commenting on the incident, the deceased’s husband accused Ibrahim of attacking, strangling and stabbing his wife with a knife before fleeing the scene.

    Ummi Ahmed, a daughter of the deceased, accused Ibrahim of killing their mother. 

    She alleged that before the killing, the suspect had vowed to take revenge for a fight that ensued between him and their elder brother, Musa, after he was stabbed with a knife last year. 

    She said: “Ibrahim and our younger brother, Musa, fought last year and in the process, Musa stabbed him in the stomach. He was rushed to the hospital. While in hospital, Ibrahim vowed to take revenge on either the deceased’s children or their mother, and today he’s actualised his threat. 

    “One of the nurses warned us to be cautious, saying his utterances were dangerous. Ummi further explained that their mother had taken care of Ibrahim while he was hospitalised. 

    She said: “The deceased was his caregiver; she took care of him until he was discharged. Despite her kindness, he went ahead and killed her.”

    The Nation reports the suspect’s father was raised by the deceased, whose mother died when he was a small child.

     The deceased took him in and cared for him like a mother until he reached adulthood. 

    To reciprocate, the father of the suspect took her into his house and cared for her as a mother until the father of the suspect died.

    Spokesperson of the Plateau Police Command, SP Alabo Alfred, was yet to respond to inquiry by the Nation on the incident.

  • Presidency blasts ADC as Lagos tops global tech ranking

    Presidency blasts ADC as Lagos tops global tech ranking

    The Presidency has taken a swipe at opposition politicians, particularly the African Democratic Congress (ADC), following a new global technology ranking that placed Lagos as the world’s fastest-growing emerging tech ecosystem.

    Reacting to the ranking in a post on his verified X handle, @aonanuga1956, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said opposition figures who habitually rely on negative statistics about Nigeria would be displeased by the latest international recognition.

    “ADC must not read this,” Onanuga wrote, adding that “desperate politicians, always on the lookout for negative statistics, will be unhappy that Tinubu’s Nigeria has recorded a global tech recognition.”

    His remarks followed the release of a global list by Global Statistics, which ranked Lagos number one among the world’s top 20 fastest-growing emerging technology ecosystems.

    Read Also: How Tinubu has impacted Nigerians, by Presidency

    According to the ranking, Lagos topped the list ahead of major cities such as Istanbul in Türkiye, Pune and Mumbai in India and Belo Horizonte in Brazil, among others across Asia, Africa and South America.

    Onanuga framed the recognition as a rebuttal to what he described as persistent negative narratives about Nigeria’s economic and governance outlook, often advanced by opposition politicians.

    The ADC has been among opposition parties critical of the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, particularly on economic reforms and governance issues.

    However, the latest ranking underscores Lagos’ growing prominence in the global technology space, reflecting the strength of its startup ecosystem, innovation capacity and expanding role in the international digital economy.

  • Anti-venom available to tackle snakebite – FCTA 

    Anti-venom available to tackle snakebite – FCTA 

    The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has assured residents that anti-venom is fully stocked and readily accessible across all FCTA-owned hospitals and public health centres.

    This assurance is coming few days after the death of singer and social media influencer, Ifunanya Lucy Nwangene, which triggered widespread anger and allegations of medical negligence.

    The Mandate Secretary of the FCT Health Services and Environment Secretariat, Dr Adedolapo Fasawe, in a statement asked residents not panic, as the territory maintains adequate supplies of both polyvalent and multivalent antivenoms kept under strict quality control.

    Fasawe said: “Different forms and types of anti-snake venom are widely available across FCTA-owned hospitals and public health facilities.

    “Stocking decisions are guided by collaboration with veterinary doctors, who help identify the most common snake species (venom strains) in the FCT.

    “Accordingly, polyvalent and multivalent antivenoms are maintained, centrally stored in FCTA owned Abuja Central Medical Stores, and directly managed by the Secretariat to ensure quality, cold-chain integrity, and availability”.

    The Mandate Secretary’s assurance follows public outrage over the death of the young influencer, Ifunanya Nwangene, who was rushed to the Federal Medical Centre, Jabi with many alleging that the facility had no antivenom to administer when she arrived for treatment.

    However FMC Jabi, in its official explanation, dismissed the claims as unfounded, insisting the late Ifunanya was brought in long after the bite and was already exhibiting advanced neurotoxic symptoms.

    According to the hospital, she presented with respiratory distress and neurological deterioration, conditions that significantly reduce the likelihood of survival even where antivenom is available.

    The facility said its medical team initiated emergency protocols but the severity of her condition left little room for recovery.

    Fasawe, while condoling with the family, said the death must serve as a turning point for emergency preparedness and public awareness.

    She said: “The loss of a promising young life is deeply painful and distressing. I share in the family’s grief and reaffirm that such medically preventable deaths must be taken seriously, with strengthened measures to prevent recurrence”.

    She described snakebites as a preventable public health emergency, warning that venomous species including cobras, vipers and puff adders, are present across the FCT’s expanding urban and peri-urban areas.

    “Snakebites remain a largely preventable public health emergency. Snakes inhabit rainforests, grasslands, farms, and semi-arid areas, and often hide near human dwellings in search of food or shelter—leading to increased human-snake encounters.

    Read Also: Strike: FCTA workers shun NLC, JUAC, resume work

    “In Nigeria, highly venomous species such as cobras, vipers, and puff adders are present. As a rule, all snakebites must be treated as venomous until proven otherwise”, she added. 

    She also issued a step-by-step advisory on what residents must do immediately after a bite.

    “All FCT residents are urged to adopt primary prevention measures, including wearing protective clothing when in farms or tall grass, avoiding dark areas or using flashlights at night, clearing debris around homes, sealing entry points, and never handling snakes.

    “In the event of a bite, immediate first aid includes staying calm, immobilising the affected limb below heart level, removing constrictive items, gently cleaning the wound, and proceeding immediately to a hospital with antivenom,” Fasawe added. 

    While advising that harmful practices such as cutting or sucking the wound, applying tourniquets, ice, or herbal remedies must be avoided, the Mandate Secretary stressed that timely presentation remains the single most critical factor for survival.

  • Seyi Tinubu visits Obi Cubana, presents City Boy Movement appointment letter

    Seyi Tinubu visits Obi Cubana, presents City Boy Movement appointment letter

    Businessman and socialite, Obi Iyiegbu, popularly known as Obi Cubana, has received his appointment letter as the South-East Coordinator of the City Boy Movement from Seyi Tinubu, son of President Bola Tinubu.

    The appointment was announced on Tuesday via Obi Cubana’s Instagram page, following a visit from Seyi Tinubu to his residence on Monday night.

    Obi Cubana defended the decision to accept the role, emphasising the importance of constructive engagement over isolation.

    “Hello my friends and family; I bring you good tidings. Last night my long time friend and brother, Seyi Tinubu paid me a visit at my home. We held great conversations bothering on everything.

    “Regarding my recent appointment as South-East Coordinator of the City Boy Movement, I’m fully aware of the varied reactions it has sparked. My belief remains firm: lasting change comes from constructive engagement, not standing apart,” he wrote.

    He assured the new position would not compromise his commitment to integrity, community development, and responsible leadership.

    Read Also: Obi Cubana crowned Okpataozueora I of Oba

    “Service continues to guide me, and this new role does nothing to alter my commitment to integrity, community growth, and responsible leadership.

    “I’ve learned that influence is limited from the outside—so yes, here we are! I am a City Boy through and through, inside and out,” he added.

    Iyiegbu also described President Tinubu as “a City Boy and a man of commerce,” expressing his determination to ensure inclusivity in discharging his duties.

    “Our nation’s leader, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, is equally a City Boy and a man of commerce. All of us need all of us in order to achieve our national aspirations and I am committed to carrying every Nigerian along in all that I do”, he added.

    He called for respect for differing opinions and urged Nigerians to focus on creating tangible value for national development.

    He appealed: “Let’s respect differing views, keep conversations vibrant, and stay focused on building real value. The moment is now—we move!”