The Nation Newspaper

Category: City Beats

  • Three killed in Katsina youths, security operatives’ clash

    Three killed in Katsina youths, security operatives’ clash

    No fewer than three people lost their lives in a clash on Saturday between security operatives and suspected drug peddlers at Koraman Nayalle, Sabuwar Unguwa Quarters in Katsina.

    The incident was said to have begun when security operatives attempted to arrest one of the peddlers called Uzairu, popularly known as ‘Kuda’ and confiscated his mobile phone and suspected illicit drugs.

    As Kuda mobilised his friends to retrieve his phone from the operatives, the situation escalated into chaos, during which he was shot, and later confirmed dead.

    The confrontation sparked anger and unrest in the area, causing the violence to intensify and eventually leading to the deaths of three people.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that an Outpost of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and some motorcycles were set ablaze.

    The neighbourhood remained tense, with the residents living in fear of further violence, while the authorities were making efforts to restore calm.

    Read Also: Inspection firm projects positive outlook for Nigeria’s exports in 2026

    The NSCDC Public Relations Officer in Katsina, SC Buhari Hamisu, who confirmed the incident, said the situation was now under control.

    He said after the earlier incident, friends of the deceased attempted to destroy another NSCDC and Police outposts at Filin Kanada, but were dispersed.

     According to Hamisu, investigation is ongoing to ascertain the main course of the clash, calling on residents to remain calm.

    Also, the police spokesperson, DSP Abubakar Sadiq-Aliyu, confirmed the incident, saying that it escalated during the funeral procession of the deceased on Sunday.

    He further urged the public to exercise restraint and avoid taking the law into their hands.

  • Five injured as gunmen open fire on herders in Plateau

    Five injured as gunmen open fire on herders in Plateau

    Gunmen on Sunday evening opened fire on Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) members at the Conoil Filling station, in Jos, Plateau State capital, injuring five.

    The group’s state Chairman, Ibrahim Yusuf Babayo, confirmed the incident, stating that the vehicle, a J5 open body, was carrying eight herders.

    Also, the Deputy Chairman of Kara market, Dauda Adam Ciroma, who described the attack as deadly said the herders were attacked around 7:30pm, stating that the police personnel of B Division had arrived the scene.

    Dauda explained that after the incident, “police officers arrived at the scene and participated actively in evacuating the victims to the hospital. It the police and I who took them to the hospital. They were badly injured with all of them fractured and sustained bullet wounds.’’

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    In a statement, Babayo said: “The incident occurred around 6 pm. The victims – eight – were on their way back from Kara market – a cattle market in Bukur – when the gunmen, three on one motorcycle, who were trailing them, stormed the Conoil fuel station and opened fire on them and fled.

    “The victims were initially rushed to Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH) but were later moved to The Potters Specialist Hospital, Jos for treatment due to the ongoing strike in the government hospital.

    “This attack is unprovoked because the herders were just buying fuel. The gunmen targeted the herders, and that is why they directly attacked their vehicle and fled. This has become a dangerous trend threatening the existence of Fulani herders in the state.

    “We will not relent in calming our members and urging them to remain calm because we believe the incessant attacks against us are meant to provoke us. We are calling on security forces to investigate the incident and arrest the perpetrators.

    “We are urging the security agencies in the state to wake up to this dangerous trend and arrest it immediately because our lives, wherever we are – in communities, grazing fields, markets, and other places – are no longer safe,“ the chairman added.

  • Foundation empowers widows, Persons with Disabilities at annual outreach in Lagos

    Foundation empowers widows, Persons with Disabilities at annual outreach in Lagos

    Over 200 widows and persons living with disabilities were empowered with vocational skills, food items and financial support at the annual outreach programme of the EFSTA Foundation, aimed at supporting vulnerable groups and promoting self-reliance.

    The event, held on Saturday, December 27, 2025, at The New Covenant Baptist Church, Ojokoro, Lagos State, brought together widows, indigent pupils and persons with disabilities for a day of empowerment, social interaction and the distribution of palliatives. 

    The initiative is part of the foundation’s yearly intervention, which has been sustained for the past five years.

    Speaking at the programme, Mrs Olayinka Kikelomo, a retired director from the Lagos State Ministry of Education, described the outreach as a consistent effort to bring relief and smiles to the less privileged, especially at the end of the year.

    “Mrs Adetiba is deeply passionate about supporting widows and persons with disabilities,” Kikelomo said. “Every year, she ensures they are fed, empowered, entertained and given something tangible to take home. Beyond this annual programme, the foundation also provides monthly financial support to selected beneficiaries.”

    She revealed that some beneficiaries were selected at the event to receive regular stipends, with their account details collected to enable monthly payments. She added that the foundation also supports education by assisting indigent pupils in both primary and secondary schools.

    According to her, five pupils received financial assistance to cater for their basic educational needs, noting that the initiative has become even more critical in view of the prevailing economic challenges. 

    Kikelomo called on individuals and organisations to support the foundation, stressing that private efforts alone cannot address the growing scale of poverty in the country.

    In her remarks, the founder, Mrs Adetiba, said the programme was inspired by her long-standing engagement with widows and her personal experience following the loss of her husband. 

    She explained that what started as informal support gradually evolved into an organised annual outreach.

    “I realised I was already one of them,” she said. “So every December, when I am around, I organise this programme to make people happy, encourage them and remind them that there is hope beyond the loss of loved ones.”

    She disclosed that the foundation provides monthly stipends to widows and has expanded its interventions to include educational support for children. 

    According to her, five widows currently receive monthly stipends, while five children benefit from annual educational grants of ₦25,000 to assist with school materials such as textbooks and footwear.

    Mrs Adetiba added that the foundation’s vocational and financial empowerment initiatives have enabled several beneficiaries to start small businesses and become more self-reliant.

    “I know people who have started their own businesses with the support they received,” she said. “Our goal is empowerment, so that beneficiaries can generate income and improve their standard of living.”

    The programme featured vocational activities, medical check-ups, dancing and the distribution of food items, creating an atmosphere of celebration, hope and solidarity among participants.

  • Tax Reform Acts: CSO backs N’Assembly, dismisses alteration claims

    Tax Reform Acts: CSO backs N’Assembly, dismisses alteration claims

    A coalition of civil society organisations under the platform, The Patriots, has dismissed allegations that the Tax Reform Acts 2025 were altered after passage by the National Assembly, insisting that official parliamentary records remain intact and unchanged.

    In a statement issued in Abuja on Monday, the group said the claims of discrepancies between the Acts as passed and the versions published in the Official Gazette “do not hold water,” describing them as unsupported by facts and existing legislative records.

    Signed by Muhammad E. Dauda on behalf of The Patriots, the group said the authoritative records of the National Assembly are the Votes and Proceedings of both the Senate and the House of Representatives dated May 28, 2025, which were published on May 29, 2025, and have been in circulation since then.

    According to the coalition, a careful review of the harmonised copies of the Tax Acts, the Votes and Proceedings, as well as the Conference Committee reports, showed no material discrepancies in the laws passed by both chambers.

    While acknowledging allegations that two versions of the Acts may have appeared in the Official Gazette, the group stressed that gazetting is an administrative and ministerial function that cannot amend or override laws validly enacted by the legislature.

    “Gazetting merely gives public notice of laws already passed. It does not confer authority to alter, amend or rewrite Acts of the National Assembly,” the statement said.

    The group cited several court decisions to support its position, noting that Nigerian courts have consistently held that administrative publications cannot alter the substance or intent of legislation duly passed by parliament.

    The Patriots further noted that although allegations of alterations are serious and should be addressed through appropriate internal mechanisms, the burden of proof rests on those making such claims.

    “Pending any judicial determination, Acts duly passed by the National Assembly remain valid and binding,” the coalition said, adding that any administrative irregularities cannot invalidate legislation or undermine parliamentary authority.

    The group commended the leadership of the National Assembly for its decision to re-gazette the Tax Acts in their correct form, as reflected in the harmonised clean copies, Votes and Proceedings, and Conference Reports.

    It described calls for suspension of implementation, repeal or re-enactment of the laws as unnecessary and constitutionally unsound, warning that such actions could create avoidable legal and fiscal uncertainty.

    The Patriots also praised the directive by the National Assembly leadership for the Clerk to issue Certified True Copies of the Acts to members of the public on request, describing it as a step that promotes transparency and public confidence.

    The coalition urged Nigerians to respect parliamentary records, support the prompt re-gazetting of the Tax Acts, and avoid narratives that could undermine democratic institutions.

  • Foundation plans 500-capacity shelter to support vulnerable indigents

    Foundation plans 500-capacity shelter to support vulnerable indigents

    Everlasting Fountain Welfare Initiative has announced plans to build a 500-capacity shelter for the homeless in Obafemi, Ogun State, stressing its commitment to supporting vulnerable indigents.

    This was announced at the second anniversary celebration of the foundation, which began on Friday, with a community Table Tennis Tournament.

    The event brought together residents, businesses and team members for a friendly competition, focusing on community spirit and local engagement.

    The project, according to the initiative, is designed not just as temporary housing but as a rehabilitation and empowerment centre to guide individuals and rebuild their lives.

    During the anniversary dinner and fundraiser in Magboro, Obafemi Owode Local Council of Ogun State, the founder, Abiola Adeniyi, emphasised that the goal was to provide immediate relief and stability to those facing homelessness in the community. 

    She noted that the passion behind the foundation came from a deep desire to meet people at their point of need, whether financial help or emotional reassurance.

    Speaking on the plan for homes, Adeniyi said beneficiaries would receive training based on their interests and natural talents, with support from professionals in areas such as shoemaking, hairdressing, tailoring, farming, soap making and decoration among others.

    She also mentioned that a farming institute was included in the plan, where residents would learn agricultural skills and cultivate their own food.

    “The shelter won’t be a permanent residence but a training ground. We want to reintegrate people into society and help them become useful and productive,” she said.

    The co-founder, Victor Adeniyi, added that the foundation was created to address societal challenges often overlooked by others.

    “People are struggling with what they will eat next. This concerns us because we are members of society. Our mission is to reintegrate and bring hope to  people,” he said.

    He expressed hope of completing the shelter before December 2026, urging well-to-do Nigerians to support the cause.

    Earlier, the foundation held its community table tennis tournament where five winners were rewarded with N100,000, N50,000, N30,000 and consolation prizes for others.

  • SGF Akume: Benue celebrates stability, peace

    SGF Akume: Benue celebrates stability, peace

    In Benue State, where leadership is measured as much by personal steadiness as by public service, news of the renewed stability in the life of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, has been received with warmth and quiet celebration.

    For many in the state, the development represents not spectacle, but reassurance.

    Those close to the family and the community have long been aware that the SGF has lived separately from his former spouse for a long time now, a period marked by restraint, discretion, and an absence of public drama.

    True to his long-standing character, Senator Akume neither sought public sympathy nor indulged in explanations. He continued to serve, focused and composed, allowing private matters to remain private.

    It is against this backdrop that the people of Benue say they welcome the new chapter in his life—not as a political event, but as a human one.

    Community leaders, elders, women’s groups, and youth organisations across the state describe a mood of calm happiness: a sense that a man who has carried immense national responsibility has also found personal peace.

    “Our leaders are human beings,” said a senior traditional figure in the state. “When one of our own finds stability after a long period of quiet difficulty, we acknowledge it with goodwill.”

    Read Also: Akume remains a strong political pillar, says Speaker Abbas

    Residents emphasise that what resonates most is not the marriage itself, but the manner in which it unfolded: without provocation, without public conflict, and without disrespect to any party involved. In a political culture often marked by excess and noise, the restraint has drawn admiration.

    Equally noted is the reception extended to his wife, who has been welcomed warmly by the people of Benue. Community gatherings and private interactions have reflected openness rather than scrutiny, with many describing her as poised, respectful, and deeply conscious of the responsibilities that come with being associated with a national officeholder.

    Women leaders in the state have particularly highlighted the importance of dignity in transition—acknowledging that life evolves, families change, and peace is sometimes found after long periods of silence rather than public confrontation.

    For Benue citizens, the story is not one of controversy, but of continuity.

    Senator Akume’s long political journey—from governor to senator to one of the most senior technocratic positions in the federation—has been defined by patience, consensus-building, and an aversion to needless conflict. Many see this same temperament reflected in how his personal life has been handled.

    As one youth leader in Makurdi put it, “We are happy because our leader looks settled. A settled man leads with clarity.”

    In a time when public officials are often reduced to headlines, the people of Benue appear intent on a more grounded message: that leadership thrives when the person behind the office is at peace.

    And for them, this moment represents exactly that—a quiet return to balance, welcomed with goodwill and grace.

  • Ex-convict, three others arrested over UK-bound cocaine consignment in liquid starch sachets

    Ex-convict, three others arrested over UK-bound cocaine consignment in liquid starch sachets

    A notorious drug trafficker Nwobodo Chidiebere Basil, previously convicted of dealing in 30.10kg methamphetamine in 2023, has again been arrested by operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).

    This followed the seizure of 75 parcels of cocaine weighing 1.50 kilograms concealed in  sachets of cold-water starch heading to the United Kingdom at the export shed of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Ikeja, Lagos.

    Director, Media and Advocacy NDLEA Headquarters, Abuja, Mr. Femi Babafemi, broke the news yesterday.

    Babafemi said in a statement that three cargo agents – Jubrin Firdausi Hassana; Kuku Daniel Oluwasegun; and Igwe Chioma Jane – involved in the deal were arrested on December 20, this year, before further investigations unravelled 37-year-old Basil as the mastermind.

    He said he was arrested in a follow up on December 21 at a relaxation centre in Ikeja where he went on a date with his girlfriend.

    “The agency’s criminal database revealed that Nwobodo had been arrested in May 2023 in connection with the seizure of 30.10kg methamphetamine concealed in powdered custard containers as part of a consolidated cargo going to London, United Kingdom at the export shed of the Lagos airport.

    “He was subsequently arraigned at a Federal High Court in charge number: FHC/L/337C/2023, convicted and sentenced to five years’ imprisonment with an option of a fine of N7million, along with one-month community service, with effect from December 4, 2023. He paid the fine and soon after returned to the same crime,” Babafemi said.

    Also, he said NDLEA operatives on December 22 set ablaze tons of skunk, a strain of cannabis and wooden warehouses in Ara forest, Ara-Ekiti where 638 kilograms of same psychoactive substance were recovered.

    He said no fewer than 1,205 blocks of compressed cannabis sativa, weighing 883.1kg were recovered from three Toyota Camry vehicles intercepted by the agency’s operatives on patrol on Igara-Auchi Road, Edo State last December.

    The statement reads: “In Cross River State, raids conducted on December 21  at Agoi-Ibami community, Yakurr Local Government Area, led to the arrest of three suspects and seizure of various quantities of skunk. They include Freedom Jonah Akpama, 27, with 671kg; David Itam David, 30, with 89kg; and Nelson Arikpo Osam, 26,  with 148kg.

    ‘‘In another operation, Joy Oisamaye, 42 was arrested with 38kg skunk by  operatives on patrol on Abaji-Abuja Expressway on December 22 on her way from Otua in Owan East Local Government Area, Edo State.

    Read Also: Customs intercepts N29.4 billion of cocaine in Lagos

    “While NDLEA operatives in Lagos arrested a female suspect Ajoke Dauda with 45.5kg skunk on Christmas day at Agbara, on Badagry Expressway, another suspect Oluwasegun Felix was nabbed with 18.5kg of same substance at Itoga, Badagry, the previous day. In Takum, Taraba State, two other suspects – Emmanuel Danladi, 39, and John Onoja, 41, – were nabbed with 48kg of same substance on December 23 and 24.

    “In Gombe State, a 65-year-old driver Sada’u Mohammed was arrested while conveying 300 ampoules of pentazocine injection, and 27,900 pills of tramadol, and other opioids, on the Gombe-Biu highway, heading to Biu in Borno State.”

    “Meanwhile, a 47-year-old businessman Ignatius  Egbochie (alias  Brown), wanted in connection with the seizure of 56 parcels of Loud, a strain of cannabis, weighing 26kg at the Tin Can seaport in Lagos, has been arrested by NDLEA operatives. The illicit drug consignment was seized on December 10 during a joint examination of a container by NDLEA, Customs and other security agencies.  A follow up by NDLEA operatives on December 19 led to the arrest of Ignatius in Apapa.

     Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig.-Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd), acknowledged their commitment and enjoined them as well as their colleagues to remain extra vigilant throughout the yuletide and in the new year.

  • Police confirm two killed, four abducted in Gombe community

    Police confirm two killed, four abducted in Gombe community

    The Police Command in Gombe State has said gunmen killed two persons and kidnapped four in an attack on Pindiga Community in Akko Local Government Area of the state.

    The Command’s Spokesperson, DSP Buhari Abdullahi, in a statement in Abuja, said the attack happened at 3.30a.m. yesterday.

    Abdullahi stated that unidentified armed men invaded the residence of the victims along Pindiga–Kashere Road, where they shot 31-year-old Yusuf Mohammed and 28-year-old Faiza Mohammed and abducted 16-year-old Zainab Mohammed Yusuf, all of the same address.

    He said the gunmen proceeded to the residence of one Alhaji Yayaji Abdullahi, where they abducted his wife and two children.

    Abdullahi said the two gunshot victims were rushed to the Cottage Hospital, Pindiga, where they were confirmed dead by a medical doctor.

    He said following this development, tactical and intelligence-led operations had been intensified.

    “Consequently, hunters and local vigilante groups were mobilised, while concerted efforts are ongoing to rescue the abducted victims and apprehend the perpetrators of this heinous crime”

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    Gov.ernor Inuwa Yahaya has condemned the murder, describing the attack as barbaric, cruel and utterly unacceptable.

    He said: “This dastardly act is a direct assault on our collective conscience and a painful test of our resolve to protect lives and property.

    “The Government and people of Gombe State share in the grief and anguish of the affected families and the entire Pindiga community,” he stated.

    The governor assured that the crime would not go unchecked, adding that the Nigeria Police and other security agencies had started intensive investigations into the incident.

    The governor directed that resources be deployed in tracking the perpetrators, and rescue the abducted victims unharmed, according to the News Aagency of Nigeria (NAN).

  • Why I was attacked, by ex-Daar Communications chief Obaseki

    Why I was attacked, by ex-Daar Communications chief Obaseki

    Former Managing Director of Daar Communication, Don Pedro Obaseki, who was attacked, stripped naked and paraded through the streets of Benin City, has stated the reasons he was attacked.

    Obaseki spoke shortly after he was released from police custody where he was detained.

    He was attacked at Uwa Primary School where he went to play football.

    In a viral video, Pedro Obaseki, a cousin to former Governor Godwin Obaseki, was dragged out of the football pitch by the thugs who tagged him an Oghionba (enemy of the Oba).

    He was beaten, stripped naked and taken to the Palace of the Oba of Benin.

    Pedro was made to kneel.

    Some Palace Chiefs who addressed the suspected thugs spoke in Bini language.

    They said the Oba was going to the Holy Arousa church for a thanksgiving service to mark the end of the Igue festival.

    Read Also: Why I won’t appear before Edo Assembly panel, by Obaseki

    One of hem said; “Today is Thanksgiving day at the Holy Arousa. We don’t want any trouble. If there is anybody that counted himself as enemy of the Oba, allow him and see how he will end up.”

    The Chiefs later took him in despite protest by the thugs and called the police to take him in.

    However, the Obaseki family stromed the Oba Market Police station after they received information that the police got orders not to release him.

    He was released about 7pm.

    Speaking after his release, Obaseki said he was attacked because of the comments he made at a ‘Meet and Greet’ session of the former Edo governor.

    He recalled the statement to be ‘Ivbiedohia gha to kpere’ (May all Edos live long) instead of Oba gha to kpere (Long live the King).

    Pedro Obaseki said the Oba would not live long if Edo did not live long.

    On his part, the former Edo governor condemned what he termed violent attack and abduction of his cousin at gun point by thugs.

    Obaseki described the incident as a violation of rights and a reckless disregard for the rule of law.

    In a statement, Obaseki said: “I strongly condemn the violent attack, maiming and abduction of my cousin, Dr. Pedro Obaseki, by armed thugs who are said to be acting under instructions of the palace of the Oba of Benin.

    “I call on security agencies to immediately investigate this matter thoroughly and transparently, identify those responsible for this barbaric act and ensure they are held accountable in accordance with the law. A situation where thugs and non-state actors appear to freely take the law into their own hands on behalf of high-profile individuals and those in positions of authority can only result in one outcome, a degeneration into a state of anarchy, which will do no one no good.

    “I urge human rights organisations, civil society groups, and all well-meaning Nigerians to lend their voices and speak out firmly against this injustice and gross violation of human rights.”

  • Kwara community accuses ex-Naval chief of land encroachment

    Kwara community accuses ex-Naval chief of land encroachment

    Igbede community in Odo-Owa area of Oke-Ero Local Government of Kwara State has accused a former Chief of Naval Staff Rear Admiral Samuel Afolayan of encroaching on  some portions of land.

    The community said the retired Naval chief tampered with their terms of agreement and encroached on some portions of its land and urged the state government, law enforcement agents and Olosi of Osi to come to their assistance.

    They threatened to drag the former Naval Chief to court should he continue with his attempt to take over their land.

    But, the former Naval chief, who is the Asiwaju of Osi, Ekiti Local Government Area of the state, dismissed claims that he was using military personnel to intimidate residents, stressing that he had no intention of encroaching on the land belonging to his neighbours.

    Also, the President, Osi Welfare Association, Dr. Olu Takeet, restated that Osi does not share a boundary with Igbede, insisting that its only recognised boundary is with Ilofa community.

    According to the duo, the priority of the Osi community is peace, safety, and the protection of livelihoods, especially at a time insecurity remains a major concern in the state.

    Earlier, while addressing reporters in Ilorin, National Secretary, Odo-Owa Welfare Association, Michael O. Sunday, accused Afolayan of using military personnel to scare them.

    Read Also: No place for terrorists, kidnappers in Kwara, says Abdulrazaq as forest guards end training

     Sunday said: “We, the Oke-Esi compound, Kajola in Odo-Owa, who are the legitimate owners of the land in contention, gave the fenced portion of the land to SAIGBO Industries Limited, owned by the late Samuel Ibikule Agboola. The portion was unambiguously delineated as it was duly marked, fenced, gated and built-in line with the agreed terms.

    “Over time the portion was sold and transferred to the former Chief of Naval Staff. Over time he tampered with the agreement and started a expansionist trip into areas beyond the agreed portion. His attention was drawn to the trespass.

    At a time the matter got the attention of the Kwara State House of Assembly. Oral and documented facts were taken from us and other stakeholders to buttress our position. The final report never saw the light of the day.

    “Interestingly, the Rear Admiral recently with a renewed onslaught wildly on mass clearing of land beyond what was duly transferred to him legally.

    “The military chief has been using the soldiers to scare us the owners of the land from this place to perfect his grip on the land.

    “The fact remains that the portion of land in contention belongs to Oke-Ero Local Government as defined by the gazette of the Kwara State government. As a matter of fact, Odo-Owa and Osi in Oke-Ero and Ekiti councils of the state have no land dispute, except the recent orchestration by the former Naval chief.

    “As it stands, the former Chief of Naval Staff’s bulldozer is clearing and destroying farmlands and valued economic trees and crops, even in areas belonging to Igbede community in Odo-Owa, employing the soldiers to perfect this dispossession.

    “Apart from the incalculable loss of means of livelihoods suffered by us the legal owners of the land, we live in fear of the threat from the land-grabbing exploits of the retired military chief.”