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Tinubu hands over ECOWAS leadership to Sierra Leone’s Bio

With a call on regional leaders to remain vigilant and responsive to the evolving needs of citizens, particularly youth, women and the vulnerable, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu yesterday bowed out as the Chairman of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Authority of Heads of State and Government.

He handed over the baton to Sierra Leonean President Julius Maada Bio.

“As we look to the future, I urge all of you to remain vigilant and responsive to the evolving need of our people. Let us deepen the cooperation, uphold diplomatic principles and foster inclusive growth that leaves no one behind”, Tinubu said during his closing address at the 67th Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Authority in Abuja.

Tinubu, who chaired the regional body for two consecutive terms, expressed confidence in his successor’s ability to lead ECOWAS into a new era of reform and unity.

“As I now hand over the mantle of leadership to my great friend and dear brother, His Excellency President Julius Maada Bio of Sierra Leone, I do so with a deep sense of fulfillment and optimism for the future of West Africa,” he said.

Reflecting on his tenure, the Nigerian leader acknowledged the complexities the bloc has faced, including political transitions, democratic backsliding, and rising insecurity across member states.

READ ALSO: A President and a comrade

He reiterated the importance of balancing ECOWAS’ core economic mandate with the growing challenges of political instability and insecurity in the region.

Tinubu said: “Our organisation must continue to strike a fine balance between its core regional mandate of economic integration and the complex political, security and governance challenges. Economic integration cannot be superimposed on an untenable political environment. That is why we must remain steadfast in our resolve to rise to these and emerging challenges.”

He thanked fellow Heads of State for the confidence reposed in him during his tenure, as well as the ECOWAS Commission and technical staff for their support in advancing the regional agenda.

“I remain confident that with the continued cooperation of all its members, ECOWAS will scale over greater heights in our collective pursuit of peace, security, stability and prosperity for our people and for our region,” he said.

Pledging to build on the foundation laid by Tinubu, President Bio resolved to lead ECOWAS through a period of reform, security renewal, and democratic deepening.

Speaking after receiving the baton of leadership Bio said he was “humbled and grateful” for the trust reposed in him and in the Republic of Sierra Leone.

“I accept this responsibility with full awareness of the magnitude of the task ahead and the complexity of the moment. Our region is at a crossroads. The West Africa we lead today is facing serious challenges – some longstanding, others new and evolving.”

Acknowledging the multifaceted difficulties confronting the region, Bio outlined a bold four-point agenda for his tenure: restoring constitutional order, revitalising regional security, unlocking economic integration, and building institutional credibility.

He said: “We must engage transitional governments constructively and support member states in building stronger democratic institutions rooted in the rule of law. From intelligence sharing to rapid response, we must confront new threats with unity and resolve.”

Bio emphasized that the ECOWAS of the future must not be seen as a “distant institution” but rather as a “proactive, people-centered vehicle for peace, inclusion and opportunity.”

Bio’s ascension comes at a time of heightened security and democratic challenges in the region, particularly with military coups, insurgencies in the Sahel, transnational crimes, and increasing socio-economic vulnerabilities placing pressure on governance systems and public trust.

“The democratic space is under strain. Citizens, especially our youth, are demanding not just elections, but accountability, transparency and a fair stake in national life”, Bio acknowledged.

He also noted the existential threats of climate change, inflation, energy constraints, and food insecurity, insisting that regional cooperation and reform must be urgent and people-driven.

“West Africa’s future is not one of decline, but of possibility – if we act with courage, urgency, unity and moral clarity,” the Sierra-Leonean leader said.

June 23, 2025
We have no party registration application before us, says INEC

No group has applied for registration as a political party, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has said.

The electoral umpire insists that associations seeking to be registered as political parties must follow laid-down guidelines and abide by the legal and administrative requirements for registration.

Admitting that over 100 associations are in the queue, the commission said none of them has submitted a formal application to it yet.

National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Sam Olumekun, told The Nation that what INEC has received so far are letters of intent and not formal applications.

The media space has been awash with the request by the All Democratic Alliance (ADA) for registration as a political party ahead of the 2027 elections.

ADA has been linked to the coalition being promoted by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former governors Nasir El-Rufai (Kaduna) and Rotimi Amaechi (Rivers).

READ ALSO: States seek $500m World Bank’s facility to tackle poverty

According to Olumekun, the first stage is to submit a letter of intent.

He said groups wishing to be registered as political parties must first meet the criteria for registration before submitting a formal application for registration.

He said: “The truth is that we have so many letters of intent presently and none of them is an application yet.

“They must first meet the criteria before submitting a letter of intent.”

INEC regulations and guidelines for the registration of new political parties, obtained by our reporter, spell out the various processes leading to the registration of any association as a political party.

It states:

• An association intending to register as a political party shall submit its application to the commission not later than 12 months before a general election in line with the provisions of the Electoral Act 2022.

• An association intending to be registered as a political party shall submit a letter of intent along with its proposed name, symbol and acronym to the commission.

• The commission shall, within 90 days of receipt of the letter of intent, convey in writing provisional approval of the availability and suitability or otherwise of the proposed name, symbol and acronym to the association.

• The commission shall reserve the proposed name, symbol and acronym for a period not exceeding 30 days from the date of conveying the provisional approval and the association shall within 30 days from the receipt of provisional approval, make payment of an administrative fee as determined by the Commission and obtain a receipt from the Commission.

The association is also required to pay an administrative fee before the continuation of the processes of registration process, which includes filling out a prescribed form and the verification of all information provided by the association.

“Upon receipt of evidence of payment, the Chairman of the Commission shall issue an Access Code to the Chairman or Secretary of the association for download and submission of Form EC 15A (1). The Form EC 15A (1) shall be completed, uploaded and submitted to the commission’s dedicated portal within 30 days of issuance of the Access Code.

“The Form EC 15A (1) shall be submitted together with soft copies of the following documents: (a). Constitution of the proposed political party; (b) proposed manifesto of the political party; (c) title deed, tenancy agreement or other evidence of lawful occupation of its headquarters in the Federal Capital Territory; (d) register of members of the association which includes their names, addresses, phone numbers and email; and (e) a sworn affidavit by the National Chairman or National Secretary of the association confirming the authenticity of the information and contents of the documents.

“A hard copy of form EC 15A (1) and all the accompanying documents shall also be submitted to the commission.

“The commission shall, upon receipt of the online application form and other accompanying documents, vet the application and, within 60 days, communicate the outcome of this prima facie evaluation to the association. Where the application fails, the reasons for the failure shall be clearly stated, and the application shall be terminated.

“Where the prima facie evaluation is successful, the association’s application shall be processed in line with these regulations and guidelines.

“The prima facie evaluation shall involve an evaluation and vetting of the Form EC 15A (1) and accompanying documents to ascertain that they are complete and meet all the legal and administrative requirements for further processing of the application.

“Where at any stage of the registration process it is discovered that the same set of persons submitted more than one application or that any aspect of the submission is false, such an application shall be invalidated.”

The processing of the registration, according to the guidelines, will only begin if the association meets all the requirements.

“Where an association seeking registration as a political party meets all the requirements for processing its application based on the prima facie evaluation, its application shall be processed by verifying the claims of the association, including site visits to ensure compliance with the requirement for registration as a political party, as specified by law.”

In addition to the prima facie evaluation, the commission is expected to carry out verification of the claims by the association seeking registration by ascertaining that “the national executive committee of the association reflects the federal character principle which requires that members of the national executive committee must come from at least 24 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT)”.

Other requirements are that: “The constitution and manifesto of the association comply with the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended), the Electoral Act 2022 and these Regulations and Guidelines.

“The name, acronym, motto, or symbol does not offend the provision of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended), the Electoral Act 2022 and these regulations and guidelines.

“The constitution and manifesto of the association conform to the fundamental objectives and directive principles of state policy as contained in Chapter II of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended).

“The names and addresses of the national officers of the association shall be verified when supported with the following documents: (a) Proof of identity of each member with either a valid Driver’s License, International Passport, National Identity Card or Permanent Voter’s Card; (b) Indigene certificate confirming that members of the National Executive Committee are indigenes of the States indicated against their names in Form EC 15A(1); (c) Physical attendance of members of the National Executive Committee during the verification in line with the COVID-19 safety protocol and other public health protocols; and (d) Evidence of payment of the prescribed administrative fee as determined by the commission.”

On the conditions for registration as a political party, it says: “No association by whatever name called shall be registered as a political party unless the association submits to the chairman of the commission the following documents, which shall be administratively checked to ensure conformity with the checklist or verification criteria for registration:

“The names, residential addresses and states of origin of members of its national executive committee and the records of proceedings of the meeting where these officers were elected.

“The minutes of the meeting of members of its National Executive Committee indicating approval and adoption of the name, acronym, constitution, manifesto and symbol and flag of the proposed political party.

“The membership register of the association to be submitted in both hard and soft copies and (iv), evidence of payment of an administrative fee as prescribed by the Commission.

“The name and acronym of the association, which shall not be the same as the name or acronym of an existing party or any known registered political party or too similar as to create confusion or doubt in the mind of an ordinary voter during an election; not have any ethnic, religious, professional or other sectional connotation; and not give the appearance that its activities are confined to only a certain part of the country.”

The guidelines further state: “The new political party shall be issued a signed and sealed certificate of registration through its National Chairman or National Secretary on a date set by the Commission.

“Where the commission is not satisfied that the political association has fulfilled all the conditions prescribed for registration, it shall not register such a political association as a political party and shall notify the association within 90 days of the commission’s receipt of Form EC 15A (1) and other documents supporting the application.

“In notifying the association of the failure of its application, the commission shall state in writing the reasons for its refusal to register.

“Any false declaration shall result in non-registration of an association as a political party or the withdrawal of its certificate of registration by the commission.

“An association’s national executive committee or any of its principal officers, who gives false or misleading information, commits an offence and shall be prosecuted by the commission in line with the provisions of the Electoral Act, 2022.”

June 23, 2025
Borno suicide bombing: Tinubu orders security agencies to crush Boko Haram

• President tasks Mutfwang to end vicious cycles of violence in Plateau

• Governor raises committee to visit Gov. Sani

• Kaduna travellers buried in Mangu

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu yesterday gave another marching order to security agents to rout insurgents in the Northeast and end the ‘’vicious cycles of violence’’ in Plateau State.

This fresh directive followed the killings of 24 persons by a female suicide bomber at a local eatery in Konduga, Borno State and 13 travellers in Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State by a mob at the weekend..

The deceased were part of a 31-member group from Basawa in Zaria, Kaduna State, travelling in an 18-seater Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria bus en route to Qua’an Pan LGA for a wedding.

Their driver reportedly lost his way and stopped to ask for directions when they were attacked.

Remains of the travellers, including the father and brother of the groom, were interred at the Hayi Muslim Cemetery in Mangu.

READ ALSO: A President and a comrade

Before the funeral prayers, Sheikh Suleiman Haruna advised against reprisal by all aggrieved persons. He called on them to accept the killings as the will of Allah.

President Tinubu described the Konduga incident as a ‘’cowardly act’’ by some remnants of Boko Haram   and the Plateau attack as ‘’barbaric.”

The President said attacks like the Konduga incident are diversionary tactics by insurgents on the back foot that must be met with intensified security operations.

He expressed sorrow over the loss of lives in the bombing and offered his condolences to the Government and people of Borno State.

Besides, he directed the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to swiftly provide support to survivors and the affected families.

The President also condemned the Plateau attack as “unacceptable and barbaric,” and reiterated his administration’s zero tolerance for violence, lawlessness, and threats to national unity.

In a statement by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President charged the Caleb Mutfwang-led administration to ‘’take decisive action in handling these vicious cycles of violence’’ in the state.

‘’The state government must work with security agents to get to the root of this recent incident and use it as a deterrent against future occurrences,” he said

Tinubu further emphasised that freedom of movement for all Nigerians remained a sacrosanct constitutional right that must not be violated by any group or individual.

“Freedom of movement by all citizens is non-negotiable. We will not tolerate any attempt by anyone or group of people to curtail that fundamental freedom through acts of extreme violence and fear,” he said.

While calling for calm, the   President assured Nigerians that those behind the travellers’ killing would not escape justice.

He extended his condolences to the bereaved families and the people and government of Kaduna State.

Relatedly, the   President extended his sympathy to victims and families affected by the explosion at a scrap metal factory in Kano State on Saturday morning.

Five people reportedly died and 10 were injured by the explosion.

Tinubu underscored the importance of workplace safety and urged relevant government institutions to thoroughly investigate the cause of the explosion.

“The safety of all Nigerians, whether in their communities or places of work, is a priority,” he said.

Kaduna Governor Sani demands justice

Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani described the travellers’ killing as “savagery,” and demanded that the perpetrators be brought to justice without delay by security agencies.

“We must put a stop to the nefarious activities of non-state actors. There is no justification for anybody to attack any citizen in any part of the country. This madness must stop. Enough is enough,” he said.

Sani urged Governor Mutfwang to take full charge of the situation and oversee the operations of security agencies until justice is served.

“I will personally follow up on the progress made in the investigations and field operations in search of the criminals. We must send a clear signal that impunity will no longer be tolerated,” he added.

While appealing to Kaduna residents to remain calm, Sani reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to peace-building, citing the “Kaduna Peace Model” as evidence that meaningful change is possible when there is political will.

“The situation in Plateau State is not irredeemable. The bloodshed must stop,” he said.

The governor also extended his condolences to the bereaved families, pledging that the injured victims would receive proper medical care and that efforts would be made to ease the burden of the affected families.

Mutfwang raises committee to visit Kaduna

Governor Mutfwang constituted a high-powered delegation to pay a condolence visit to the Kaduna State Government and the families of the deceased.

He said: ‘’On behalf of the government and the peace-loving people of Plateau State, we extend our sincere sympathies to all those affected. We also pray for the speedy recovery of the injured, and seek divine comfort for the bereaved.’’

The governor had during his visit to the scene, warned residents of the state against resorting to jungle justice or mob action regardless of provocation.

He directed the General Hospital in Mangu and other medical facilities attending to the injured victims to provide optimal care for them at the cost of his government.

The governor charged security agencies to conduct a thorough investigation into the incident, ensure that justice is served, and implement proactive measures to prevent any recurrence.

Mutfwang also used the opportunity to condemn the fresh wave of violence in Bokkos, Mangu, Riyom, Barkin Ladi, and Bassa Local Government Areas.

June 23, 2025
BREAKING: President Tinubu hands over ECOWAS leadership to Sierra Leone’s President Bio

President Bola Tinubu has handed over ECOWAS leadership to Sierra Leone’s President Julius Maada Bio.

President Tinubu handed over the mantle of leadership to President Bio at the 67th Ordinary Session of the Authority held in Nigeria’s capital, Abuja.

A new chapter begins for West Africa’s top regional bloc.

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President Tinubu was first elected to the position in Guinea-Bissau on July 9, 2023 and he was re-elected a year later in Abuja, following the decision of the leaders to ensure continuity and consistency in meeting targets on security, reconciliation, and development.

President Bio, in his inaugural speech, promised to prioritise four key areas, namely: restoring constitutional order and deepening democracy, revitalising regional security cooperation, unlocking economic integration and building institutional credibility.

Details shortly…

June 22, 2025
Tinubu chairs ECOWAS Authority’s 67th ordinary session

… As regional body elects new leader

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is currently presiding over the 67th Ordinary Session of the Authority of Heads of State and Government of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) in Abuja.

President Tinubu, who was re-elected to a second term of Chairmanship of the Authority on July 7, 2024, in Abuja, having served his first term from July 9, 2023, will be handing over the role to another president of a member state today.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, had hinted at the leadership change during the closing session of the 94th Ordinary Meeting of the ECOWAS Council of Ministers on Friday night.

Read Also: Nigerian Army seeks stronger media partnership to tackle security challenges

“As the agenda of the Summit we endorsed indicated the election of a new Chair of Authority, this may be my last Council Session as the Chair of this Council,” Tuggar said.

Meanwhile, sources at the ongoing 67th Session of the Authority reliably hinted that President Tinubu will be succeeded as Chairman by the President of Sierra Leone, Julius Maada Bio.

The election of a new Chairperson of the Authority of Heads of State and Government of ECOWAS, is a prominent agenda item at the 67th ordinary sessions.

As of May 2025, when the regional bloc celebrated its 50 years anniversary , twelve countries Benin, Cape Verde, Cote d’Ivoire, The Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, and Togo.

Details later…

June 22, 2025
Owo Attack: Ondo demolishes multi-million Naira memorial park

The Ondo State government has demolished the ‘Memorial Park’ erected in honour of the victims of the June 5, 2022, massacre at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Owo Local Government Area.

A viral video that surfaced Saturday evening showed a bulldozer pulling down the cenotaph, which was inscribed with the names of over 40 Christian worshippers killed during the terror attack.

Dozens of others were injured in the early morning mass shooting that shocked both Nigeria and the international community.

In response to widespread condemnation following the attack, the late former governor, Rotimi Akeredolu, commissioned the construction of the memorial in 2023 to honour the victims and serve as a symbol of remembrance.

However, the park’s location, directly opposite the Olowo of Owo’s palace, sparked controversy among local indigenes and traditional stakeholders, who described it as a cultural taboo and urged the state government to relocate it.

Confirming the demolition on Sunday, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa’s spokesperson, Ebenezer Adeniyan, said the action followed formal complaints from the palace regarding the cenotaph’s placement.

“It was a special request from the palace of the Olowo as it is said to be against the culture and tradition to site such near the palace,” Adeniyan said, adding that the government build another one in a different location soon.

However, many residents welcomed the demolition of the memorial park, saying it was better sited in a different location than the front of the palace.

June 22, 2025
JUST IN: Tinubu orders crackdown on Plateau killers

…vows justice for murdered travellers

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed the Nigerian Police Force (NPF) to collaborate with other security and intelligence agencies to track down and bring to justice those responsible for the brutal killing of 12 travellers in Plateau State.

The President’s order followed widespread outrage over the murder of wedding guests, including the father and brother of the groom, who were attacked while travelling from Zaria in Kaduna State to Jos, Plateau State.

Many others were also reportedly injured in the assault.

Condemning the attack, President Tinubu described the act as “unacceptable and barbaric,” and reiterated his administration’s zero-tolerance stance on violence, lawlessness, and threats to national unity.

“The Government of Plateau State must take decisive action in handling these vicious cycles of violence. The state government must work with security agents to get to the root of this recent incident and use it as a deterrent against future occurrences,” the President said in a statement issued Saturday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.

He further emphasized that freedom of movement for all Nigerians remains a sacrosanct constitutional right that must not be violated by any group or individual.

“Freedom of movement by all citizens is non-negotiable. We will not tolerate any attempt by anyone or group of people to curtail that fundamental freedom through acts of extreme violence and fear,” he said.

While calling for calm among affected communities, President Tinubu assured Nigerians that those behind the heinous act would not escape justice.

He extended his condolences to the bereaved families, and to the people and government of Kaduna State.

June 22, 2025
FG vows swift response as suicide bomber kills 24 in Borno

• Shettima slams ‘heinous act of terrorism against innocent civilians’

• COAS deploys more troops to strengthen security in North Central

• Vows perpetrators of Benue massacre won’t go unpunished

Vice President Kashim Shettima yesterday pledged federal government’s swift response to Friday night’s suicide bombing in Borno State, which left no fewer than 24 people dead.

Shettima slammed the suicide bombing by a female at a local food joint in Konduga Local Government Area of the state as a “heinous act of terrorism against innocent civilians.”

Several other people were injured in the attack which locals strongly believe was the handiwork of Boko Haram or ISWAS insurgents.

The Vice President extended heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims and the people of Borno State while reaffirming federal government’s determination to bring the perpetrators to justice.

“The federal government will not relent in our efforts to ensure that those responsible for this despicable act face the full weight of the law,” Shettima said in a statement through the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications, Office of the Vice President, Stanley Nkwocha.

He directed relevant government agencies to expedite investigation into the incident and ensure prompt support to those affected.

“Our hearts go out to the families who have lost loved ones in this senseless act of violence. The government stands with them in this difficult time and will provide all necessary support,” the Vice President said.

The attack, which occurred in an area that has suffered years of insurgent violence, comes amid renewed efforts by government to stabilise the region and support victims of terrorism.

Shettima, the immediate past governor of the state, underscored the government’s resolve to sustain the gains recorded in recent years in the fight against terrorism.

READ ALSO: How we contracted infections using school toilets – Pupils

“The administration of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, remains committed to restoring lasting peace and security to the Northeast and all parts of Nigeria.

“We will not allow our enemies to undermine the progress we have made in degrading their capabilities,” he added.

Spokesman for the Police Command in the state, Assistant Superintendent Nahun Daso, said the improvised explosive device (IED) was detonated at a food joint, where the attacker targeted residents who had gathered in a large number to buy food.

Daso said the body of the suicide bomber was severely dismembered by the blast, with only the head recovered from the scene.

“Following the incident, a joint response team comprising the Police Explosive Ordnance Disposal – Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (EOD-CBRN) Unit, Military, Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), and local hunters was deployed to the scene,” he added.

The police spokesperson said that the area was cordoned off and thoroughly searched for other possible explosive devices, but none was found.

“The injured victims were evacuated to the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH) where they are currently receiving treatment, while the remains of the deceased were also deposited at the hospital mortuary.

“The victims were confirmed dead by medical personnel on duty,” he said.

Daso said efforts were ongoing to profile the victims and contact their relatives for proper identification and burial in line with their religious practices.

He said that security had been reinforced in Konduga and surrounding communities to prevent further attacks and restore public confidence.

COAS delivers combat enablers, deploys more troops to strengthen security in North Central

Only last week, armed herdsmen attacked Yelewata in Benue State, killing almost 200 people and sparking outrage across the country and beyond.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) yesterday reported that the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, has delivered critical combat enablers and deployed additional 300 troops to boost manpower under the Operation “Whirl Stroke” in the North Central geo-political zone.

Citing a credible source, NAN said that the deployment was in a significant effort to reinforce security and operational capacity in the region.

The deployment includes mobility and protective assets to enhance troop mobility, rapid response and overall effectiveness in addressing emerging threats.

It said the COAS, during his recent visit to Benue, presented a consignment of equipment at the Headquarters of the Joint Task Force (JTF) in Makurdi.

The items delivered, according to him, include over 100 motorcycles, Troop-Carrying Vehicles (TCVs) and personal protective equipment.

“These assets are designed to improve tactical agility, force protection, and combat readiness, particularly in difficult and rugged terrains where asymmetric threats are prevalent,” the source said.

The COAS, while in Makurdi, reassured the people of the state and the wider North Central region of the Nigerian Army’s unwavering commitment to restoring peace and stability.

He emphasised that under his leadership, efforts to safeguard lives and property would be intensified.

And in a message to the second quarter media chat titled ‘Military-Media Collaboration: Panacea for Enhanced National Security and Development’ in Akure, Ondo State capital yesterday, the COAS said the military would bring the perpetrators of the Benue attack to justice.

Oluyede, who was represented by the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 2 Division of the Nigerian Army, Maj-Gen Obinna Onubogu, said the military remained committed to protecting the country’s territorial integrity.

“In the coming weeks, you will see very elaborate security arrangements in Benue to ensure that the killings stop completely,” Oluyede said.

“There are ongoing efforts behind the scenes to make sure this does not happen again. As far as the killings are concerned, we will go after them—and by God’s grace, we will get them.”

The army chief said President Tinubu has given clear directives to tackle insecurity, adding that troops have been deployed to Benue, Plateau, Kwara and other states facing security challenges.

Oluyede noted that while Nigeria is a large country, the army is working to cover as much ground as possible with the resources available.

He added that some of the attackers in Benue may not be Nigerians.

“We are in Benue, we are in Plateau, tackling the menace,” he added.

“But we also need support from the people. In some cases, lack of timely information delays our response. Intelligence from locals is crucial to improving our reaction time.

“The army is not as large as many people think, but we are doing our best to cover space and ground. There are a few places where we are not present, and unfortunately, that is where attackers exploit the gaps.”

Police investigate factory explosion that killed five in Kano

The Kano State Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Adamu Bakori, has ordered a thorough investigation into the factory explosion that killed five people and injured 10 others at Yongxing Steel Company in the state yesterday.

CP Bakori led early responders, including the command’s team of explosive ordnance disposal (EOD), chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear wears, to secure the scene of blast with a view to averting further damages, police said.

The spokesman of Kano State Police Command, Hussaini Abdullahi, said the police swung into action following a distress call from the marketing manager of Yongxing Steel Company, one Ibrahim Udazu, about the explosion at the factory’s premises.

He said upon arriving there, the scene of explosion was immediately cordoned to restrict access as cautionary measure, and the police EOD personnel professionally recovered seven suspected devices without hurt.

The affected company, which deals in scraps, is located on Ring Road, Mariri Quarters in the Kano metropolis.

Witnesses told The Nation that the blast also caused deafening panic to residents in the entire area.

“Preliminary investigation reveals that the explosion occurred from a truck loaded with scraps from Damaturu, Yobe State, while offloading at the company’s premises.

“As a result, 15 people sustained varying degrees of injury and were immediately rushed to Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital.

“Regrettably, five of the victims died while receiving treatment. Meanwhile, others are responding to treatment.

“The State Commissioner of Police has directed a detailed investigation, and urged the public to remain calm and vigilant, while cooperating with the police to get to the root cause of the unfortunate incident.

“The Command requests residents to kindly report any useful information or suspicious activities to the police,” Abdullahi, a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), said in his press statement.

June 22, 2025
Atiku denies ADA, says he’s yet to adopt unregistered party

• Ex-VP’s imminent exit compounds PDP’s woes

• Anxiety, confusion in opposition party

A media aide of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar said yesterday that he (Atiku) and his group have not adopted All Democratic Alliance (ADA) as their coalition platform, contrary to media reports.

Demola Olarenwaju, the Special Assistant on Digital Media Strategy to the former Vice President, said the group still had issues to sort out with the coalition.

The group, Nigeria National Coalition Group (NNCG), had on Friday applied to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for registration of ADA as a party ahead of the 2027 election.

State governors elected on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and some other stakeholders of the party have expressed opposition to Atiku’s move to involve the party in any coalition.

It was the party that sponsored Atiku to become vice president in 1999 through 2003 and as its presidential flag bearer in 2023.

Sources in the PDP said yesterday that it was only a matter of time before Atiku and his supporters formally dump the party.

Atiku’s imminent exit and that of former Senate President David Mark seems to have added to the woes of the former ruling party, it was gathered yesterday.

Olanrewaju, in a tweet on his X handle, accused Nigerian newspapers of often contributing to “our challenges.”

READ ALSO: How we survived herdsmen attack that claimed 200 lives in Benue community – Residents

“A group is in the process of pursuing party registration, just like any other Nigerian, but they need to coordinate this with the coalition,” he said.

He added: “ADA has not been adopted by the coalition, and when the time is right, the public will be informed about the appropriate choices and decisions. Just be patient with that.”

Anxiety, confusion in PDP as Atiku’s, others’ exit looms

Sources in the PDP yesterday expressed concerns about the odds that keep stacking up against the party, the latest being the looming exit of Atiku, former Senate President David Mark and former House of Representatives Speaker Aminu Tambuwal.

Mark is said to have presided at the meeting of the NNCG where the decision to seek registration for ADA as a party was reached.

There are fears that many supporters of the three politicians will be leaving the PDP for the new party once it gets registered.

Atiku, who had sought to be president in 1993, 2007, 2011, 2015, 2019 and 2023, is actively preparing for another shot in 2027.

The PDP has lost two of its governors to the APC in the last one month.

It is now searching for a response to the planned exit of Atiku and other chieftains.

National Publicity Secretary of the party, Mr Debo Ologunagba, declined comments on the development when contacted yesterday.

However, it was gathered that governors and other PDP stakeholders who have been at loggerheads with FCT Minister Nyesom Wike and his political associate, Senator Samuel Anyanwu who is the PDP National Secretary, may now be inclined to reach a compromise by allowing the Senator Bukola Saraki-led Peace and Reconciliation Committee to broker peace.

“Before the ADA issue that just came up, the frictions tied to some stakeholders’ refusal to recognise Anyanwu’s position as National Secretary had seriously endangered the plan for the June 30 National Executive Committee meeting, preparations for a national convention in August and even, steps towards the 2027 general elections,” a party source said.

“FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, knows that he holds the ace with the Supreme Court judgment that backs Anyanwu’s authority and the National Legal Adviser, Alhaji Kamaldeen Ajibade has completely removed himself from the picture of those challenging Wike and Anyanwu.

“The most logical step now is for the two major contending sides to allow the Saraki Committee broker peace.”

A loyalist of Atiku, Prof. Tunde Olusunle, absolved the former VP of blame over the PDP crisis.

Olusunle said it is those who are too focused on sabotaging Atiku within the PDP that should be held responsible for killing the party.

Olusunle, who also lectures at the University of Abuja, said:“The defections of two PDP governors, Sheriff Oborevwori and Umo Eno of Delta and Akwa Ibom states, haven’t rattled the foundations of the PDP as much as apprehensions about Atiku’s possible move.

“It just shows the quantum goodwill Atiku still musters in the political space, which has sustained the continued stay of many in the party.

“Atiku is a pioneer member of the PDP; the history of the party in the past 27 years cannot be written without tacit acknowledgement of his invaluable contributions to the evolution of the party.

“In the aftermath of the 2022 presidential primary of the PDP, certain tendencies and interests in the party have pursued the systematic degradation of the party; they had been gnawing at the roots of the party from within, while equally throwing barbs and missiles from within.

“There’s public outcry about the imperative for an alternative platform which can help the actualization of the people for genuine democratic governance; it is instructive that there are fears about the potential weakening of the PDP in the event of Atiku’s identification with the coalition being mooted.”

According to Olusunle, the new platform being promoted by Atiku and others will win the entire North as well as the South East once Peter Obi makes up his mind about being part of it, but Atiku will not compel all his loyalists to leave PDP because he is a pragmatic democrat.

“I imagine Atiku’s response in the circumstances that some of his core loyalists opt to stay back in PDP, would be that people are entitled to their political preferences.

“We are not in a military dispensation; people are free to associate with whomever or whatever political tendency or bloc, and the coalition is gathering members across the nation.

“You should have read about a formidable chunk of former bigwigs in the politics of Katsina State, who defected last week and have pledged their loyalties to the gathering coalition.

“Once Peter Obi joins the advocacy, the coalition will bag the South East,” he added.

June 22, 2025
Police arrest 22 in Plateau over death of 12 wedding guests

• How mob set bus ablaze

• Muftwang condemns attack

The Plateau State Police Command said yesterday that it had arrested 22 suspects in respect of the killing of some travelers from Kaduna State who were billed to attend a wedding in Quan’pan Local Government Area.

Spokesman of the Plateau State Police Command, Alabo Alfred, who disclosed this in a statement, also revealed that 14 people were rescued unhurt, while 21 persons were evacuated to the hospital for treatment.

No fewer than 12 wedding guests from Zaria, Kaduna State were attacked and killed by a mob in Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State on Friday after they lost their way and inadvertently ran into a tense and volatile situation in Mangun, a community that is grappling with sustained terrorist attacks.

It was gathered that some of the travellers sustained various degree of injuries and were rushed to different hospitals in Mangu for medical attention.

The Nation reports that more than 18 travellers comprising men, women and children in an 18-seater bus belonging to Ahmadu Bello University Zaria (ABU), were attacked by the hoodlums at about 9.47 pm.

The driver of the bus, an employee of ABU, was also hacked to death in the process.

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The Chief Imam of Jama’atu Izalatil Bid’a Wa’ikamatis Sunnah (JIBWIS) in Mangu, Sheikh Suleiman Haruna, who confirmed the incident to newsmen, said the corpses had been deposited at Mangu General Hospital.

“There were more than 20 travelers in the bus. Now we have eight corpses in the hospitals. We have asked the security personnel to help recover the remaining four bodies.

“We were together with the Chairman of Mangu LGA, and he has been up and doing on the matter,” the Chief Iman said.

One of the survivors, Ibrahim Umar, said: “We were heading to Qua’an Pan to attend the wedding of our brother when we missed the road.

“We stopped and asked some people for direction, but before we knew it, they surrounded the vehicle and killed 12 people.

“They started by beating and attacking us with dangerous weapons. They killed the driver first and then attacked others.

“They burnt the bus with the corpses inside. We are now in the hospital, receiving treatment.”

Police vow to bring culprits to book

In a statement yesterday, the spokesperson of the Plateau State Police Command, Alabo Alfred, vowed that all hands were on deck to ensure that the perpetrators of the heinous act were brought to book.

The statement reads: “On June 20th, 2025 at about 09:47 p.m., the Plateau State Police Command received credible intelligence revealing that a bus carrying some passengers from Zaria, Kaduna State was attacked by some angry mob in Mangun Village, Mangu Local Government Area.

“Upon receipt of this intelligence, the Commissioner of Police, Plateau State Command, immediately directed the Divisional Police Officer, Mangu Division, to mobilise men and swiftly race to the scene.

“On reaching the scene, our men, in collaboration with other security agencies, quickly dispersed the angry mob and rescued twenty-one (21) victims and rushed them to the hospital where they are currently receiving treatment.

“Upon conducting our preliminary investigation, it was revealed that the victims were travelers from Zaria, Kaduna State, who were in transit to Quan’pan LGA to attend a wedding ceremony when they lost their way.

“Their vehicle was illegally stopped by the angry mob and set ablaze. As a result of this unfortunate incident, some of the passengers lost their lives, while seven persons sustained varying degrees of injuries.

“In a display of courage, our men, in collaboration with other security agencies, were able to rescue fourteen (14) persons unhurt.”

The statement added that the Commissioner of Police, Emmanuel Olugbemiga Adesina, had since visited the scene and deployed personnel from the State Intelligence Department (SID), State CID, and Tactical Teams to intensify investigations and apprehend more suspects.

“Meanwhile, at about 07:00 a.m. today (Saturday), the Commissioner of Police, Plateau State Command, CP Emmanuel Olugbemiga Adesina, psc, in company of heads of other security agencies and members of his management team, visited the scene to assess the situation and put measures in place to forestall further breakdown of law and order.

“Consequently, twenty-two (22) suspects have been arrested in connection with the incident.

“The CP has deployed men from the State Intelligence Department (SID) to Mangu for effective intelligence gathering.

“He has also deployed men from the State CID and directed them to launch an intensive investigation into the matter.

“Additionally, the police helmsman has deployed Tactical Teams and other Operational Assets to the LGA to support our investigation and ensure the arrest of more suspects.”

The police assured the public that all hands were on deck to ensure that justice is served, and warned against anyone taking the law into their own hands.

“The Commissioner of Police, Plateau State Command, wishes to assure the good and peace-loving people of Plateau State that the Command is doing everything within the ambit of its constitutional power to ensure that all those involved in this inhuman act are brought to justice.

“He therefore calls on all citizens, especially the youths, to avoid taking the law into their hands and report any suspicious activities to the nearest police station or any other security agency.

“He also advised them to call the following contact numbers in case of any emergency: Plateau State Command Control Room Emergency Numbers: 07059473022, 08038907662, 08075391844 and 09053872296,” the statement added.

Mutfwang expresses shock, condemns killings

Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, yesterday expressed deep shock and sorrow over the tragic mob action that claimed the lives of 12 travellers in Mangun District of Mangu Local Government Area at about 9.47 pm pm on Friday.

Governor Mutfwang, who visited the survivors in the hospital and the scene of the incident, expressed profound grief, describing the mob action as totally condemnable and avoidable.

He noted with sadness that Mangun and the adjoining districts of Chakfem in Mangu LGA and Mushere in Bokkos LGA have for over a month suffered coordinated terrorist assaults resulting in daily casualties and mass displacements, plunging communities into mourning and distress.

He, however, said the prolonged attacks do not justify such a senseless act against innocent commuters.

Speaking at the scene of the incident, Governor Mutfwang said: “Today is a tragic day for us in Plateau State.

“I never imagined that such a senseless act of violence could occur within our borders, especially considering the commendable efforts of our youths in this community and neighbouring districts, who have consistently risen to support security agencies in defending against criminal incursions.

“It is deeply disheartening that the same youths who have shown courage and patriotism would turn around and take the law into their own hands.

“This is utterly unacceptable, and the government will not sweep it under the carpet.

“We are working to build a Plateau that is welcoming to all and hospitable to visitors.

“We have been educating our young people about the importance of allowing free passage on all roads across the state, and this incident has come to us as a rude shock.”

The distraught governor, however, assured that Plateau State remains a safe place for all travellers.

He said: “I have spoken with my colleague, the Executive Governor of Kaduna State, to brief him on this unfortunate incident.

“I have also reached out to His Royal Highness, the Emir of Zazzau, to express my heartfelt condolences over this tragic loss of lives.

“In the spirit of solidarity, we will be sending a high-level delegation to commiserate with the government and people of Kaduna State as well as the Zazzau Emirate.”

June 22, 2025