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Author: Promise Odejide

  • 497 Nigerian Migrants Evacuated From Niger Republic Arrive Kano

    No fewer than 497 Nigerian migrants evacuated from Niger Republic have been received by the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI).

    The returnees arrived at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport on Friday afternoon from Agadez, Niger Republic.

    Officials of the commission’s Kano Field Office alongside other government agencies received the migrants upon arrival.

    FG, IOM Coordinate Evacuation

    Speaking during the reception exercise, the Federal Commissioner of the commission, Tijjani Aliyu Ahmed, said the evacuation followed a humanitarian arrangement between the Federal Government and the International Organization for Migration (IOM).

    Represented by Kano Field Coordinator, Lubah Liman, the commissioner disclosed that the evacuation was carried out under the Voluntary Humanitarian Return programme of the IOM.

    According to him, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs had earlier informed the commission about plans to evacuate stranded Nigerians from Agadez between May 22 and May 25, 2026.

    Returnees Arrive In Two Batches

    The commissioner explained that the evacuation exercise was scheduled to take place in two batches.

    “The first batch, initially projected to comprise about 600 returnees, arrived with a total of 497 persons,” he said.

    The migrants were later moved for profiling and humanitarian support after completing documentation processes.

    Breakdown Of Returnees

    Authorities revealed that the returnees included men, women and children.

    According to the breakdown released by the commission, the evacuees comprised 174 adult males, 97 adult females, 137 boys and 89 girls.

    The migrants were documented through the MIDAS registration process conducted by the Nigeria Immigration Service before being moved to the Immigration Training School in Kano.

    Several Agencies Participate

    The reception exercise involved multiple agencies including National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons, National Emergency Management Agency, the Nigeria Immigration Service, NDLEA, DSS, NSCDC, SEMA and the Nigerian Red Cross Society.

    Officials said the returnees would receive feeding, profiling and other humanitarian assistance as part of the reintegration process.

  • “Terrorists Only Want To Speak With Makinde” — Fresh Fear As Abducted Oyo Schoolchildren Spend Eight Days In Captivity

    Fresh details have emerged over the abduction of pupils, teachers and residents in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, as terrorists reportedly opened communication channels with the state government.

    According to reports, the kidnappers allegedly refused to negotiate with families of the victims and insisted they only wanted to speak directly with Governor Seyi Makinde.

    “They Only Want To Talk To The Governor”

    Sources familiar with the development told Saturday PUNCH that all attempts by relatives to contact the abductors were rejected.

    “They said they only want to talk to the governor and nobody else. That was the condition they gave for negotiation,” a source disclosed.

    Another source described the communication as a slight relief despite growing fears over the safety of the captives.

    “It is not that security agencies don’t know what to do. But the risks are too high. The relief is that at least now, they are talking,” the source added.

    However, officials have remained silent on the exact demands allegedly made by the abductors.

    Children Still Missing After Eight Days

    The victims, including toddlers reportedly aged between two and three years old, have now spent eight days in captivity after terrorists attacked schools in Esinele, Yamota and Alawusa communities.

    Reports claimed the captives were being moved through forests and difficult terrains across different locations to evade security operatives.

    Community leaders and parents have continued to express fear over the harsh conditions the abducted children may be facing inside the forests.

    “We are worried about their safety. We don’t know how they are faring. Children of two-year-old are among the abductees,” a community leader said.

    Schools Deserted Amid Growing Panic

    The attack has also triggered panic across Ogbomoso and surrounding communities, with many schools reportedly deserted by pupils and teachers.

    A teacher in the area said attendance in both public and private schools had dropped drastically since the incident.

    “All the schools in Ogbomoso have been empty since Monday. Parents are afraid,” the teacher explained.

    The source also recounted how panic spread further after students reportedly mistook hunters for terrorists near Areago Grammar School, leading to chaos in the area.

    “One pupil died after being knocked down by a vehicle while people were running. His mother also reportedly died after hearing the news,” the teacher added.

    Fear Continues Across Communities

    Residents in Ikose, Ikoyi, Tewure and nearby communities reportedly remain gripped by fear as many parents continue to keep their children away from school.

    Meanwhile, teachers in several affected schools reportedly stayed away from work on Friday in honour of Joel Adesiyan, a former Assistant Headmaster allegedly killed during the attacks.

    The latest development has continued to raise concerns over worsening insecurity in parts of Oyo State and the growing threat of school attacks in Nigeria.

  • Trump Orders Nigerians Seeking Green Cards to Return Home for Processing

    United States President Donald Trump has directed that Nigerians and other foreign nationals seeking green cards must now return to their home countries to process their applications except under extraordinary circumstances.

    The new immigration policy was disclosed on Friday in a statement issued by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

    New Green Card Rule Announced

    According to the agency, the policy is aimed at restoring what it described as the original intent of American immigration law.

    USCIS stated that foreign nationals seeking adjustment of status would now be required to complete their residency application process through US consular offices abroad under the supervision of the United States Department of State.

    “We’re returning to the original intent of the law to ensure aliens navigate our nation’s immigration system properly,” the statement said.

    “From now on, an alien who is in the U.S. temporarily and wants a Green Card must return to their home country to apply, except in extraordinary circumstances.”

    Students, Tourists, Workers Affected

    The agency explained that the new directive would mainly affect temporary visa holders including students, tourists and workers already living in the United States.

    According to USCIS, nonimmigrant visas were designed for temporary stays and should not automatically become a pathway to permanent residency.

    “Nonimmigrants, like students, temporary workers, or people on tourist visas, come to the U.S. for a short time and for a specific purpose. Our system is designed for them to leave when their visit is over,” the statement added.

    US Gives Reason for Policy Change

    USCIS spokesman Zach Kahler said the policy would help reduce cases of migrants remaining illegally in the United States after failed residency applications.

    “This policy allows our immigration system to function as the law intended instead of incentivising loopholes,” Kahler stated.

    The agency also argued that the move would allow immigration officials to focus on other priorities including citizenship applications, trafficking cases and requests involving victims of violent crimes.

    Fresh Immigration Crackdown

    The latest development comes months after the Trump administration reportedly suspended green card and citizenship processing for Nigerians and nationals from several countries affected by a US travel ban.

    Reports had indicated that the suspension affected legal immigrants already residing in the United States who were seeking permanent residency or citizenship.

    The administration also froze immigration petitions from nationals of 19 countries covered under the travel restrictions announced in June.

  • ADC Raises Alarm After Aregbesola, Party Leaders Denied Access to El-Rufai at ICPC

    The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has accused the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) of obstructing access to former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, after senior party leaders were denied permission to see him at the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja.

    The party also alleged that heavily armed security operatives were deployed around the premises during the visit by its delegation.

    Aregbesola, ADC Leaders Denied Access

    In a statement issued on Friday by the ADC National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, the party said its delegation included former Osun State governor, Rauf Aregbesola, and Mallam Salihu Lukman.

    According to the statement, the delegation had visited the ICPC headquarters in Abuja to seek access to El-Rufai but was denied entry despite prior communication with the agency.

    “Earlier today, alongside the National Secretary of our party, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, and the Secretary of the ADC Policy and Manifesto Committee, Mallam Salihu Lukman, we visited the headquarters of the ICPC in Abuja to see Mallam El-Rufai. Despite prior communication and formal requests, we were denied access without any reasonable explanation,” the party said.

    ADC Alleges Intimidation

    The party further claimed the atmosphere around the ICPC office became tense after several truckloads of armed police officers arrived at the premises.

    According to the ADC, the deployment created the impression that authorities were attempting to intimidate opposition figures.

    “It is deeply troubling that a simple request by senior party officials to visit a detained colleague was met, not with professionalism, but with a show of force,” the statement added.

    The party accused state institutions of increasingly being used as tools for political pressure against opposition voices.

    ICPC Responds

    Reacting to the allegation, ICPC spokesperson, J. Okor Odey, said the court order regarding access to El-Rufai only covered family members, lawyers and doctors.

    “Court order for access to the defendant in our custody is for family members, lawyers and doctors,” he said.

    The Commission also questioned the ADC’s standing regarding visitation rights.

    “Within this context, please what is the ADC?” he added.

    Court Had Granted Bail

    El-Rufai is currently under investigation by the anti-corruption agency over allegations yet to be fully disclosed publicly.

    A Federal High Court in Abuja had earlier granted him bail in the sum of ₦100 million with one surety in like sum.

    Justice Joyce Abdulmalik ruled that the surety must own property in Maitama or Asokoro and meet other conditions, including proof of federal civil service status and salary records.

    The former governor’s detention has continued to generate political reactions, with opposition figures accusing the government of targeting dissenting voices.

  • “I Want Him to Have a Burial Site” — Widow of Beheaded Oyo Teacher Begs Government to Recover Husband’s Body

    Mrs. Mary Oyedokun, widow of the late teacher reportedly beheaded by bandits after the recent school attack in Oyo State, has emotionally appealed to the government and security agencies to help recover her husband’s remains.

    In a viral video circulating online on Friday, the grieving widow pleaded with authorities to retrieve the body of her husband so he could be given a proper burial.

    “I Want Him To Have A Burial Site”

    Speaking in Yoruba, Mrs. Oyedokun broke down in tears as she appealed to the Federal Government to intervene.

    “I am begging the government to please recover the body of my husband. I want him to have a burial site for future reference,” she said emotionally.

    Her plea has since triggered fresh reactions online, with many Nigerians expressing sympathy and anger over the worsening insecurity in parts of the country.

    Teacher Killed After School Attack

    The deceased, Michael Oyedokun, was a Mathematics teacher at Community High School, Ahoro-Esiele, in Oyo State.

    He was among those abducted after armed terrorists invaded schools in Oriire Local Government Area during coordinated attacks on Community High School, L.A. Primary School, Esiele, and Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota.

    Reports indicated that between 46 and 48 persons, including pupils, students and teachers, were abducted during the attacks.

    A disturbing video later surfaced online allegedly showing the gruesome killing of the teacher by his abductors, sparking outrage and condemnation across the country.

    Pressure Mounts On Authorities

    The incident has continued to attract reactions from Nigerians, celebrities and civil society groups demanding stronger security measures and accountability from authorities.

    Governor Seyi Makinde had earlier assured residents that both kinetic and non-kinetic approaches were being deployed to secure the release of victims still in captivity.

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu also condemned the killing, describing the act as barbaric while promising intensified rescue efforts.

  • “Rivers People Have Entered One Chance” — VeryDarkMan Reacts to Kingsley Chinda’s APC Primary Win, Reopens 2024 Allegation

    Social media commentator VeryDarkMan has reacted after Kingsley Chinda emerged winner of the All Progressives Congress governorship primary in Rivers State.

    In a video shared on his social media page, the activist revisited a 2024 allegation involving Chinda and former Rivers State governor Nyesom Wike, over claims linked to a disputed land allocation in Abuja.

    “Rivers People Have Entered One Chance”

    VeryDarkMan did not hold back in his reaction, expressing shock over the development and linking it to earlier political claims he had made.

    “Rivers State people have entered one chance. This is the same Kingsley Chinda I posted about in 2024 during the issue of land in Abuja, where Wike allegedly allocated land to him,” he said.

    He alleged that the land in question was originally owned by private individuals before it was revoked and reassigned under controversial circumstances.

    According to him, the development raises concerns about how political power and influence are used in governance.

    Fresh Allegations Revisited

    The activist further claimed that the land, located in a strategic area, could have significant financial value if later sold or developed.

    He also alleged that political decisions in Rivers State are often shaped by influence and control rather than public interest.

    “Wike revoked the land from the rightful owners who had original documents, then allocated it to Kingsley Chinda, possibly so it could be sold later for millions because of its strategic location,” he added.

    Rivers Political Tensions Resurface

    VeryDarkMan also weighed in on the ongoing political tensions in Rivers State, suggesting that power struggles continue to shape leadership outcomes in the state.

    He further alleged that Governor Siminalayi Fubara had faced political pressure due to internal party conflicts, linking the situation to broader governance issues.

    He also criticized President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, blaming the administration for worsening political and governance challenges.

    Mixed Reactions Trail Comments

    The video has since sparked widespread debate online, with Nigerians divided over the allegations, the APC primary outcome, and the broader political climate in Rivers State.

    While some users supported his claims, others dismissed them as political commentary ahead of future elections.

     

  • APC Names Fubara, Other Governors as Coordinators for Presidential Primary Election

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) has named Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, alongside other serving and former governors, as coordinators and collation officers for its upcoming presidential primary election.

    The party also confirmed that it has adopted the direct primary mode, allowing all registered members across the country to participate in the exercise.

    Primary to Hold Across 8,809 Wards

    According to a document released by the party’s National Secretariat in Abuja, the direct primary election is scheduled to hold across all 8,809 wards nationwide on May 24, 2026.

    The APC explained that appointed state coordinators and collation officers will oversee the conduct of the exercise in their respective states and collate results from local government areas before presenting them to the presidential primary election committee in Abuja.

    “The organisation and conduct of the direct primary in each of the 36 states and the FCT shall be the responsibility of the State Coordinator and Collation Officer, who shall also collate the results of all the local governments in the state and present the same to the Presidential Primary Election Committee in Abuja, FCT on 24 May, 2026,” the document stated.

    The circular was signed by the APC National Secretary, Ajibola Basiru.

    Fubara’s Role Draws Attention

    Fubara’s inclusion comes amid his long-standing political tensions in Rivers State involving the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.

    The rift between both men had earlier escalated into a major political crisis in the state, leading to intervention by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and a subsequent peace arrangement that helped stabilise the situation.

    Party Pushes Ahead With 2027 Preparations

    The APC said its guidelines for the conduct of the primaries, earlier submitted to the Independent National Electoral Commission, will guide the exercise across all states.

    The move signals intensified preparations by the ruling party ahead of the 2027 general elections, with key political figures taking strategic roles in the process.

  • Sharafadeen Alli Floors Adelabu to Win Oyo APC Governorship Primary

    Oyo South senator, Sharafadeen Alli, has emerged as the winner of the Oyo State All Progressives Congress governorship primary election ahead of the 2027 governorship poll.

    According to reports, Alli secured 578,143 votes to defeat former Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, who polled 19,193 votes. Another aspirant also participated in the exercise.

    Adelabu Raises Alarm Over Primary

    Adelabu, who recently resigned from his ministerial position to contest the governorship seat, had earlier alleged that the primary election process was manipulated in some areas of the state.

    Speaking with journalists after voting at his ward on Thursday, the former minister claimed reports reaching him indicated several irregularities during the exercise.

    “I must sound this note of warning that it is not this way in a lot of other wards,” he said.

    “Reports reaching me state that there are a lot of gross misconducts in the other wards, ranging from various forms of infractions.

    “In some wards, they conducted the election hours before the appointed time and wrote the figures they liked.”

    APC Eyes Return To Agodi Government House

    The victory now positions Alli as the APC candidate expected to challenge the ruling Peoples Democratic Party in the 2027 governorship election in Oyo State.

    The APC last governed the state during the administration of late former governor, Abiola Ajimobi, before Seyi Makinde of the PDP assumed office in 2019.

    Makinde has since announced a political alliance between the Peoples Democratic Party and the Allied Peoples Movement in the state as preparations for the next governorship election intensify.

  • Oyo Police Break Silence on ‘Rescue’ Claims as Abducted Pupils, Teachers Remain in Captivity

    The Oyo State Police Command has denied reports claiming that pupils, students and teachers abducted during last Friday’s attack on three schools in Oriire Local Government Area of the state have regained freedom.

    The command clarified that the victims are still in captivity, adding that security agencies are intensifying efforts to rescue them and arrest those responsible for the attack.

    Police dismiss viral rescue reports

    The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, made the clarification in a statement issued on Friday in Ibadan.

    According to the police, information circulating online about the release of the abducted victims is false and should be ignored by the public.

    “The Oyo State Police Command wishes to inform the general public that the abducted students, pupils, and teachers in Orire Local Government Area are yet to be released, as intensive efforts by security agencies continue to ensure their safe rescue and the arrest of those responsible for the criminal act,” the statement read.

    “The Command hereby debunks the rumour currently circulating that the victims have been rescued.”

    Residents urged to remain calm

    The police appealed to residents to stay calm and support ongoing security operations in the affected communities.

    The command also warned Nigerians against spreading unverified information, stressing that fake reports could create panic and distract security agencies from ongoing rescue efforts.

    “Members of the public are urged to remain calm, support the ongoing efforts of the joint security team, and verify every piece of information before sharing it.

    “The spread of fake news and misinformation only creates unnecessary panic, heightens tension, and diverts limited security resources that are critically needed for the ongoing operations,” the statement added.

    Fear grows after school attack

    The attack in Oriire Local Government Area has continued to trigger fear and outrage across the country after gunmen stormed schools and abducted pupils, teachers and residents.

    One of the abducted teachers, Michael Oyedokun, was later killed, further deepening concerns over worsening insecurity in parts of Oyo State.

    The police assured residents that verified updates would be communicated as investigations and rescue operations continue.

  • “We Should Shut Down NASS” — APC Senator Breaks Down Over Hunger, Insecurity Under Tinubu

    A senator of the ruling All Progressives Congress has stirred reactions online after emotionally speaking about the worsening hardship, insecurity and poverty facing Nigerians.

    The lawmaker, identified as Senator Smart, made the remarks during a Senate session while addressing the growing economic crisis under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.

    “Nigerians Are Suffering Daily”

    In the viral video, the visibly emotional senator warned that the country’s security situation had deteriorated badly, adding that many Nigerians now live in fear and uncertainty.

    According to him, lawmakers can no longer remain silent while citizens struggle with hunger, rising costs and insecurity across different parts of the country.

    “President Tinubu should understand that we, the loyal supporters of the APC, can no longer remain silent. Our security system has collapsed, and every part of this country now lives under fear and uncertainty,” he said.

    “If we cannot save this nation, then we should as well shut down the National Assembly. There is hunger everywhere, poverty is increasing, and Nigerians are suffering daily,” the senator added.

    Hardship Debate Intensifies

    The senator’s comments come amid growing public complaints over the rising cost of living since the removal of fuel subsidy and implementation of economic reforms by the federal government.

    Many Nigerians have repeatedly expressed frustration over food inflation, transport costs and worsening insecurity in several states.

    Opposition parties, labour unions and civil society groups have also continued to mount pressure on the government over the economic situation.

    Video Sparks Reactions Online

    The video has since gone viral on social media, with many Nigerians saying the senator’s comments reflected the current realities facing ordinary citizens.

    Some users praised him for speaking openly despite belonging to the ruling party, while others questioned why lawmakers had failed to act earlier despite mounting complaints from Nigerians.

    The development has further fueled conversations around insecurity, poverty and economic hardship in the country.