The Nation Newspaper

Category: News Update

  • President rallies relief materials to affected Kwara communities

    President rallies relief materials to affected Kwara communities

    Tinubu: assault ‘cowardly, beastly’ • Senators condemn killings • Chairman relives horror scenes

    Those who killed residents in 78 villages in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State will not escape justice, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu vowed yesterday.

    He directed close collaboration between federal and state agencies to provide immediate support and relief to communities affected by the deadly terrorist attack.

    In a message posted on his verified X handle, @officialABAT, the President said the directive was aimed at ensuring that those behind the atrocity are pursued and brought to justice.

    “I have further directed close collaboration between federal and state agencies to provide immediate support and relief to the affected community and to ensure that those responsible for this atrocity are pursued and brought to justice.”

    The President confirmed an earlier meeting with Kwara State Governor Abdulrahman AbdulRazaq, who was at the State House to brief him on the incident in Kaiama council.

    “Today, I met with the Executive Governor of Kwara State, Abdulrahman AbdulRazaq, to be debriefed on the incident in Kaiama LGA,” he said.

    President Tinubu, who condemned the attack, described the gunmen as heartless for targeting defenceless villagers.

    “I condemn in the strongest terms this cowardly and beastly attack. The gunmen are heartless for choosing soft targets in their doomed campaign of terror,” he stated.

    According to him, the assailants’ actions were not only criminal but also an affront to national values and faith.

    “Their actions offend our humanity, our faith, and our shared values as a nation,” he added.

    According to him, he had, a day earlier, ordered the immediate deployment of an army battalion to Kaiama Local Government Area following the “horrific attack on innocent villagers in Worro.”

    He said the new military command would spearhead Operation Savannah Shield to checkmate the terrorists and protect communities.

    President Tinubu said: “Yesterday, I directed the immediate deployment of an army battalion to Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State following the horrific attack on innocent villagers in Worro.

    “This new military command will spearhead Operation Savannah Shield to checkmate these barbaric terrorists and protect defenceless communities.”

    The President noted that the attack was particularly disturbing because the victims were reportedly killed for rejecting forced indoctrination.

    President Tinubu praised the victims for refusing to be drawn into extremist ideology, stressing that Nigeria would not surrender its people to terror disguised as religion.

    “As I said, ‘It is commendable that the community members, even though Muslims, refused to be conscripted into a weird belief that promoted violence over peace and dialogue.’ Nigeria will never surrender its people to extremism and terrorism masquerading as faith,” he declared.

    He assured that the perpetrators would be tracked and punished, insisting they would not evade justice.

    “They will not go scot-free,” the President said.

    President Tinubu also offered prayers for the victims and condolences to their families, while reaffirming the Federal Government’s support for Kwara State.

    “I pray for the repose of the souls of the departed and extend my deepest condolences to the families who have lost loved ones. I also sympathise with the people and government of Kwara State. The Federal Government stands with you,” he said.

    He pledged that the government would protect communities and defeat those seeking to divide the country through terror.

    “We will protect our communities, defend our values, and defeat those who seek to divide us through terror,” the President said.

    ‘Terrorists murdered sleep’

    AbdulRazaq vowed that the terrorists would be flushed out of Kianji park in one month.

    “They (terrorists) have murdered sleep, and they will sleep no more. I can assure you that within one month, the whole place will be flooded with soldiers,” the governor said when he paid a condolence visit on Emir of Kaiama,  Omar Muazu.

    AbdulRazaq explained that the refusal of the community members to succumb to a “perverted Islamic doctrine and faith” was the reason for the killings.  

    He said:  “It is sad that we are here to commiserate with you. From our information, this village refused to succumb to a perverted form of Islamic doctrine. Because these people refused a change of Islamic doctrine and faith, they were attacked and massacred.

    “This action was different from kidnapping for ransom. This is just pure massacre. It is highly condemnable.

    “The state emergency service is going to look for how to take care of family members of the deceased. This is a major challenge to tackle now.’’

    Police launch probe

    The Kwara State Police Command said security personnel have launched investigations into the killings.

    The aim is to track down the perpetrators and ensure they face the full weight of the law, spokesperson Toun Ejire-Adeyemi (SP) said.

    In a statement, Ejire-Adeyemi noted: “A joint security team comprising Police, Military, and National Forest Guards has been deployed and is currently on the ground to maintain law and order, prevent further attacks, and reassure residents of their safety.

    “The Command extends its deepest condolences to the victims’ families and the entire Woro community during this moment of grief, while praying for the repose of their souls.

    “We urge residents to remain calm, cooperate with security agencies, and promptly provide credible information to aid ongoing operations.

    “Further developments will be communicated as investigations progress.

    “For emergencies or useful information, contact the Kwara Police Command via 07032069501 or 08125275046.”

    Senators condemn killings

    The Northern Senators’ Forum (NSF), former Senate President Ahmad Lawan, and Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan have condemned the gruesome killings in parts of Kwara State.

    They described the attacks as barbaric and unacceptable, while calling for urgent, decisive action to halt the worsening insecurity across the country.

    The NSF, in a statement by its Chairman, Senator Abdulaziz Musa Yar’Adua, expressed deep condolences to the governments and people of the affected states, sympathising with victims’ families and praying for the repose of the departed souls.

    “These senseless acts of violence are a stark reminder of the insecurity plaguing our nation,” the statement read.

    The forum urged citizens to report suspicious activities and called on the Federal Government to increase recruitment of security personnel to confront the threats.

    Lawan described the attack as “heinous and barbaric.” He lamented reports that at least 170 people were killed.

    Read Also: 25m Nigerians to benefit as Tinubu expands women’s economic programme

    He said: “With a heart laden with grief and a sense of national tragedy, I express my deepest, most heartfelt condolences to the government and people of Kwara.”

    He commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for immediately deploying an Army Battalion to Kwara, describing it as a demonstration of the Federal Government’s resolve to restore security.

    “I urge all traditional and community leaders in the affected regions to ensure calm, as your strength in this hour of darkness is crucial,” he said.

    Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, in a statement, expressed deep sadness over the loss of innocent lives in the violent attacks. She extended heartfelt condolences to the victims’ families and affected communities.

    She said: “The persistent killings of innocent Nigerians are unacceptable and deeply troubling.

    “My heart goes out to the families plunged into grief by these senseless acts. Protecting lives and ensuring justice must be non-negotiable.

    “The safety of our citizens should always be the government’s highest priority.”

    Turkey pledges support

    The government of Turkey expressed sadness over the killings.

    In a statement on its X handle, the Turkish government  strongly condemned the “heinous attack” and assured Nigeria of continued support in fighting terrorism.

    It stated: “We are deeply saddened by the loss of lives caused by the terrorist attack in Kwara State, Nigeria.

    “We extend condolences to the families of those who lost their lives and to the people of Nigeria.

    “Turkey will continue to support Nigeria in its fight against terrorism.”

    Council chair: It was like a horror film

    Kaiama council chair, Abubakar Danladi, said the scenes of deaths and charred bodies were similar to scenes from horror films.

    “As a medical doctor, I have not seen such a horrifying scene. As they arrived, they went straight to the village head’s house and killed his two graduate medical doctor children, male and female.

    “It means we have bad eggs among us who are giving them information about our communities. They got to the village head’s house, asked for the keys to his two vehicles, vandalised the vehicles, and set his house ablaze.

    “The next thing they did was to enter the house and abduct his wife along with some of his young children. They used the village head’s vehicles to ferry away the abductees.

    “It is highly disheartening and disconcerting that even when we wanted to buy water in this community, we could not get any because all the roadside shops had been burnt down.

    “What is more horrifying is the setting ablaze of 12 young vigilante members who were seated in their office. This is because their guns and bullets could not do anything to the attackers.”

  • Ex-agitator condemns inciting remarks

    Ex-agitator condemns inciting remarks

    Mayor of Urhobo land and Head of Association of Urhobo Mayoral Family Crown, Dr. Israel Eshanekpe (Akpodoro), has called on Federal Government not to relent in its collaboration with Donald Trump administration in United States to stamp out insecurity in the country.

     He said Nigerians deserve peace and progress, noting that one of the fundamental principles of governance is security of lives and properties. 

    Akpodoro spoke in a statement in Ughelli, Delta State, yesterday, while condemning remarks by top leaders that can incite the people into violence and heat up the polity.

    Upbeat about the security collaboration between Federal Government and America, Akpodoro wondered what leader of defunct Niger Delta Volunteer Force, Mujahid Dokubo-Asari, and Islamic cleric, Sheik Gumi, would do as American soldiers have arrived Nigeria in furtherance to the pact reached by both countries in the anti-terror war in Nigeria.

    The mayor noted that Dokubo-Asari had boasted that should American soldiers set foot in Nigeria, they would not return to their country alive, while in his reaction to the Christmas Eve bombing of terrorists hideout in Sokoto, Gumi had called on Federal Government to discontinue the U.S. intervention in fighting terrorism, saying it would attract anti-U.S forces to Nigeria and make the country a theatre of war.

    Condemning their stance, the mayor noted that it denotes sympathy for the terrorism and banditry that have plagued Nigeria in decades.

    Read Also: 25m Nigerians to benefit as Tinubu expands women’s economic programme

    Akpodoro, former agitator, also slammed the statement by  President of Supreme Council for Shari’ah in Nigeria, Sheikh Bashir Umar, which rejected appointment of a Christian, Prof Joash Amupitan, as chair of Independent National Electoral Commision during the council’s 2026 Annual Pre-Ramadan Lecture and General Assembly: “Nigeria’s Future: Faith, Justice.

    Describing Umar’s  comment as reckless, unwarrantedly divisive, Akpodoro said such statement was unbecoming of such highly rated council.

    The mayor said appointment of an INEC chairman is the discretion of the President  and not that of the Islamic establishment, saying Federal Government should stop preachers from making comments considered bellicose not to heat up the polity. He called on Office of National Security Adviser to the President, Nuhu Ribadu, to call such people to order.

    “Every Nigerian is qualified to attain to any position and no religion is superior to others. This administration must taming the anarchists…

    “Such erroneous thought was expressed in the coup against our elected President. Should any group truncate this democracy, Nigeria will never stand united again. No Nigerian today will condone military rule. The ‘born to rule’ in the country should be mindful of how they parade themselves because the nation is on the edge and we must  be careful not to trigger eruption,” the mayor warned.

  • Foundation gives free UTME forms

    Foundation gives free UTME forms

    Chief Executive Officer of Ade Crown Empowerment Foundation (ACEF), Temitayo Abiodun, has begun distribution of 600 free UTME (Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination) application forms to qualified secondary school leavers in Ekiti State.

    The initiative, which started on February 2 at JIL Cybercafé (Torkin Technology), behind Ikere-Ekiti Town Hall, Ikere-Ekiti, ends on February, 13.

    Abiodun said the project represents the foundation’s effort to reduce financial constraints faced by families and to encourage young people to pursue higher education. He noted that access to education remains one of the most powerful tools for transforming lives and building a progressive society.

    “This initiative is to give students opportunity to further their education without being limited by financial challenges. Our youths are the future of Ekiti State and Nigeria, and investing in their education is investing in sustainable development,” he said.

    Read Also: Nigeria, World Bank push for jobs, growth

    The initiative has continued to positively impact students in the state by providing support and opening pathways to tertiary education. Beneficiaries of previous editions have successfully got admission into higher institutions.

    Temitayo urged students in the state, particularly those in Ikere-Ekiti, to take advantage of the opportunity while registration is open. He stressed that the forms are limited and will be distributed to eligible candidates on a first-come, first-served basis.

    Community stakeholders and education advocates have lauded the initiative, describing it as timely and impactful, especially in the face of rising educational costs and economic challenges.

    Parents, guardians, and students are to visit the registration venue to ensure they benefit from the  programme.

    The foundation reiterated its commitment to initiatives that promote education, youth empowerment, and community development in the state and beyond.

  • Court dismisses defamation case against actress

    Court dismisses defamation case against actress

     Federal Capital Territory Chief Magistrate’s Court, Abuja, has dismissed a defamation suit filed against Nollywood actress, Elizabeth Anjorin (aka Lizzy Anjorin), for being incompetent and lacking merit.

    In dismissing the suit, CR/25/2025, Chief Magistrate Sunday Adukwu awarded N50,000 costs against the complainant, Audullahi Mosadoluwa, wife of a Lagos-based property developer, Ibile.

    The magistrate delivered the ruling, upholding a preliminary objection filed by Anjorin, which challenged the competence of the suit and the court’s jurisdiction to entertain it.

    Mosadoluwa, had instituted the suit against Anjorin and Shakira Ayobami through her counsel, Yakubu Eleto.

    The complainant accused Anjorin and Ayobami of criminal defamation, acts and conduct likely to breach public peace, tranquillity, order and decorum, and the publication of false, malicious and defamatory statements.

    However, the defendants, through their counsel, A.U.E. Ogboi, filed a preliminary objection challenging the court’s jurisdiction to entertain the complaint.

    The objection was predicated on a single issue: whether, given the circumstances of the case, the court had the power to entertain the direct criminal complaint.

    The complainant raised two issues, including whether the court lacked jurisdiction and whether the criminal summons was incompetent on the grounds that the complaint giving rise to it was defective.

    She argued, among others, that the affidavit of urgency was not one of facts; that the application for leave to issue or serve outside jurisdiction was made under civil procedure rules; that the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015 makes no provision for counsel to serve summons; and that the summons is an abuse of court process.

    Read Also: Nigerian, Pakistani navies partner to upscale shipbuilding capacity

    After citing legal authorities, the magistrate ruled in favour of Anjorin and dismissed the criminal complaint.

    He held that the direct criminal complaint was “absolutely incompetent on many fronts’’, noting that Section 80(4) of ACJA, 2015 requires a complainant to file a single complaint at a time, whereas the complainant filed multiple offences in one complaint; criminal defamation, acts likely to breach public peace, and publication of false and defamatory statements.

    The court further held that both the complainant and the defendants are residents of Lagos and not the FCT, thereby robbing the court of the requisite jurisdiction to hear and determine the matter.

    According to the magistrate, the arguments of the complainant’s counsel could not withstand legal scrutiny and amounted to an abuse of court process marked by gross procedural irregularities.

    “There are certain irregularities which a court may condone in the interest of substantial justice, but certainly not one with such a shaky foundation, irreconcilable loopholes and clear misunderstanding of the provisions of the ACJA as represented in this case,” the court held.

    The magistrate struck out the direct criminal complaint for incompetence and irredeemable procedural defects, awarding N50,000 costs against the complainant.

  • Kaiama massacre: Tinubu orders federal, state agencies to provide relief to affected communities 

    Kaiama massacre: Tinubu orders federal, state agencies to provide relief to affected communities 

    …condemns “cowardly, beastly” assault, says perpetrators will not escape justice

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Thursday evening directed close collaboration between federal and state agencies to provide immediate support and relief to communities affected by the deadly terrorist attack in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State.

    The President, in a message posted on his verified X handle, @officialABAT, said the directive was also aimed at ensuring that those behind the atrocity are pursued and brought to justice.

    “I have further directed close collaboration between federal and state agencies to provide immediate support and relief to the affected community and to ensure that those responsible for this atrocity are pursued and brought to justice,” Tinubu said.

    The President disclosed that he met earlier in the day with the Executive Governor of Kwara State, Abdulrahman AbdulRazaq, who briefed him on the incident in Kaiama LGA.

    “Today, I met with the Executive Governor of Kwara State, Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, to be debriefed on the incident in Kaiama LGA,” he said.

    READ ALSO; Only six new products added to Nigeria’s export list – Adedeji

    Tinubu condemned the attack in strong terms, describing the gunmen as heartless for targeting defenceless villagers.

    “I condemn in the strongest terms this cowardly and beastly attack. The gunmen are heartless for choosing soft targets in their doomed campaign of terror,” he stated.

    According to him, the assailants’ actions were not only criminal but also an affront to national values and faith.

    “Their actions offend our humanity, our faith, and our shared values as a nation,” he added.

    The President recalled that he had, a day earlier, ordered the immediate deployment of an army battalion to Kaiama Local Government Area following the “horrific attack on innocent villagers in Worro.”

    He said the new military command would spearhead Operation Savannah Shield to checkmate the terrorists and protect communities.

    “Yesterday, I directed the immediate deployment of an army battalion to Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State following the horrific attack on innocent villagers in Worro. This new military command will spearhead Operation Savannah Shield to checkmate these barbaric terrorists and protect defenceless communities,” Tinubu said.

    The President noted that the attack was particularly disturbing because the victims were reportedly killed for rejecting forced indoctrination.

    Tinubu praised the victims for refusing to be drawn into extremist ideology, stressing that Nigeria would not surrender its people to terror disguised as religion.

    “As I said, ‘It is commendable that the community members, even though Muslims, refused to be conscripted into a weird belief that promoted violence over peace and dialogue.’ Nigeria will never surrender its people to extremism and terrorism masquerading as faith,” he declared.

    He assured that the perpetrators would be tracked and punished, insisting they would not evade justice.

    “They will not go scot-free,” the President said.

    Tinubu also offered prayers for the victims and condolences to their families, while reaffirming the Federal Government’s support for Kwara State.

    “I pray for the repose of the souls of the departed and extend my deepest condolences to the families who have lost loved ones. I also sympathise with the people and government of Kwara State. The Federal Government stands with you,” he said.

    He pledged that the government would protect communities and defeat those seeking to divide the country through terror.

    “We will protect our communities, defend our values, and defeat those who seek to divide us through terror,” Tinubu added.

  • DHQ confirms deployment of U.S. troops under bilateral agreement

    DHQ confirms deployment of U.S. troops under bilateral agreement

    ..says deployment respects Nigeria’s sovereignty

    The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) stated that all engagements involving United States troops are being conducted in full respect of Nigeria’s sovereignty and in accordance with established bilateral agreements.

    This follows viral media reports suggesting that United States troops are on the ground in Nigeria to fight terrorists.

    The military high command which through Director Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, in a statement on Thursday, said Nigeria maintains a long-standing and structured security partnership with the United States.

    According to the DHQ, the military cooperation between Nigeria and the United States is “rooted in mutual respect and focuses on capacity building, professional military education, intelligence sharing, logistics support and strategic dialogue aimed at addressing shared security concerns, including terrorism and transnational threats.

    READ ALSO; Only six new products added to Nigeria’s export list – Adedeji

    ”All engagements are conducted in full respect of Nigeria’s sovereignty and in accordance with existing bilateral frameworks,” it said.

    The military high command explained that as part of this ongoing partnership, a recent two-day high-level Working Group engagement brought together senior U.S. government officials and the Nigerian counterparts at the Office of the National Security Adviser.

    This meeting followed earlier engagements in the United States reflecting a mature, trust-based relationship focused on practical outcomes.

    It said discussions during these engagements included proposals designed to strengthen existing cooperation mechanisms, improve coordination and enhance accountability in joint efforts to counter violent threats while upholding the protection of civilians and community safety.

    “The proposals remain under study by the appropriate Nigerian authorities,” the DHQ said.

    It reiterated that engagements with international partners are guided strictly by national interest, measurable outcomes and the protection of Nigeria’s sovereignty.

    The military high command reassured citizens that Nigeria’s defence partnerships are transparent, policy-driven and aligned with constitutional provisions.

    It said, “Armed Forces of Nigeria remain fully committed to safeguarding the nation’s territorial integrity while working with credible partners in ways that strengthen Nigeria’s security architecture without compromising national independence.”

  • Kaiama massacre: Savannah Shield Commander reports in Ilorin as AbdulRazaq briefs Tinubu 

    Kaiama massacre: Savannah Shield Commander reports in Ilorin as AbdulRazaq briefs Tinubu 

    …Governor thanks President for swift military response, says operation will calm troubled communities

    …Tinubu orders troops to “clean up” area, restore peace

    Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara State has disclosed that the first commander of Operation Savannah Shield has reported in Ilorin, the state capital, and has begun work immediately, following President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s directive to crush terrorists and other criminal elements threatening parts of the North-Central state.

    AbdulRazaq made the disclosure on Thursday after meeting with President Tinubu at the State House, Abuja, where he briefed the President on the deadly attack in Kaiama Local Government Area on Tuesday.

    The attack, described as a gruesome massacre, reportedly claimed more than 160 lives after terrorist jihadists stormed affected communities, sparking national outrage and renewed concerns over insecurity in parts of Kwara and neighbouring states.

    Speaking after the meeting, the governor said he came to update the President and also express appreciation for the speed with which the Federal Government responded by establishing a new military operation for the area.

    “Yes, I came to brief Mr. President about what happened in Kaiama by the local government of Kwara State and also to thank him for the prompt action taken by establishing Operation Savannah Shield,” AbdulRazaq said.

    READ ALSO; Only six new products added to Nigeria’s export list – Adedeji

    He expressed optimism that the special operation would bring calm and deter further attacks.

    “That will go a long way in deterring and bringing calm to the region in Kwara State,” he added.

    Responding to questions on the assurances he was taking back to the people of the state, the governor said he was confident because the military command was already being activated on the ground.

    “Well, after meeting the President, I’m confident because as I speak to you, the first Commander for Operation Savannah Shield has reported in Kwara State, Ilorin, today and he’s hitting the ground running and we rely on the military to do what they do best,” he said.

    President Tinubu had earlier ordered the deployment of an army battalion to the scene of the attack, directing that the new military command should spearhead Operation Savannah Shield to crush the terrorists and restore stability.

    According to AbdulRazaq, the President has now issued clear instructions to security forces to reclaim the affected areas and ensure peace returns.

    “Mr. President has directed the armed forces to move in and to clean up the place and make sure peace and calm are restored,” the governor stated.

    Operation Savannah Shield is expected to confront not only terrorist elements but also bandits, kidnappers and other criminal groups that have, in recent times, extended their operations across parts of Kwara State and other North-Central states.

  • DHQ: Kwara attackers aimed to enforce extremist ideology 

    DHQ: Kwara attackers aimed to enforce extremist ideology 

    The Defence Headquarters said terrorists that attacked Woro and neighbouring communities in Kaiama local government area of Kwara State are seeking to impose their twisted beliefs through terror and intimidation.

    In a statement by the Director Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, the military high command expressed shock over the incident and mourned with the families of those who have lost loved ones in the brutal attack, and other similar ones across the country.

    It commended the indomitable Nigerian spirit exhibited by various Nigerian communities that have been targeted by terrorists, noting that this “remarkable spirit was again exhibited by the resilient people of Woro and neighbouring communities who stood firm against violent coercion and refused to abandon their way of life and constitutional loyalty despite threats.”

    The DHQ stated that the terrorists entered Woro village of Kaiama local government of Kwara state with a request to conduct a preaching and indoctrination session in the village which was outrightly rejected by the villagers.

    It said the military was informed and promptly troops were dispatched to dominate the general areas with robust patrols and surveillance among other security measures for about two weeks.

    “The cowardly terrorists however, returned weeks later to kill innocent citizens in protest and in a bid to terrorise inhabitants and others.

    READ ALSO; Only six new products added to Nigeria’s export list – Adedeji

    “These groups seek to impose their twisted beliefs through terror and intimidation,” the DHQ said. 

    The military high command urged citizens to remain steadfast in their faith in the Nigerian Constitution, their individual beliefs and to uphold the shared values that bind our nation together.

    It stressed that the unity and resilience of the Nigerian people are our greatest defence against those who seek to destroy our peace and stability.

    While reaffirming its commitment to safeguarding all Nigerians and called for enhanced cooperation between citizens and security agencies to protect our communities, our individual freedom and our nation’s democratic ideals, the military high command urged all citizens of the country, irrespective of ethnic, religious or regional identity, to resist any form of ideological indoctrination by violent extremist groups. 

    “Efforts will continue to be intensified by the military in conjunction with other security agencies towards finding and bringing to account those responsible for the dastardly attack and indeed all terrorists in the country,” the DHQ assured.

  • Kwara killings: Turkey expresses sadness, promise support

    Kwara killings: Turkey expresses sadness, promise support

    The Turkish government has expressed sadness over Tuesday’s bandit attacks on two villages in Kwara state, which claimed scores of lives.

    Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq said the villagers were killed after they refused to “surrender to extremists who preached a strange doctrine.”

    In a post on X, the governor stated that “75 local Muslims were massacred” during the attack. However, a state lawmaker told the BBC that at least 78 people had been buried, adding that the death toll could rise to about 170 as more bodies were being recovered.

    President Bola Tinubu blamed the killings on Islamist militant group Boko Haram and ordered the deployment of an army battalion to the affected area.

    READ ALSO; Only six new products added to Nigeria’s export list – Adedeji

    Reacting in a statement on its X handle, the Turkish government strongly condemned the attack and assured Nigeria of its continued support in the fight against terrorism.

    It stated, “We are deeply saddened by the loss of lives caused by the terrorist attack that took place in Kwara State, Nigeria. 

    “We strongly condemned the heinous attack and extend condolences to the families of those who lost their lives and to the people of Nigeria.

    “Turkey will continue to support Nigeria in its fight against terrorism.”

  • JUST IN: Trump recognises Nigeria’s First Lady Oluremi Tinubu at US prayer breakfast 

    JUST IN: Trump recognises Nigeria’s First Lady Oluremi Tinubu at US prayer breakfast 

    United States President Donald Trump has publicly recognised Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, during the National Prayer Breakfast on Thursday, February 5 at Washington, D.C.

    The event, a long-standing tradition in the U.S. capital that brings together political and religious leaders, took a notable turn when the American president paused his address to spotlight the Nigeria’s First Lady. 

    Trump drew attention to Mrs. Tinubu in the audience, describing her as a respected figure and highlighting her role as a Christian pastor in one of the largest churches in Nigeria.

    READ ALSO; Only six new products added to Nigeria’s export list – Adedeji

    He described her as a woman of significant influence and faith, acknowledging her spiritual role back home.

    “We’re honored to be joined today by the First Lady of Nigeria, who also happens to serve as a Christian pastor at the largest church in Nigeria. 

    “A very respected woman. First Lady, please, where are you? Thank you very much. It’s a great honor. Thank you very much. Very respected person, too,” Trump said, searching the crowd before acknowledging her presence.