Category: Breaking News

  • 11 Dead as Vehicle Plunges Off Eruku Bridge on Lagos-Abeokuta Expressway

    No fewer than 11 people have been confirmed dead after a vehicle plunged off the Eruku Bridge along the Lagos-Abeokuta Expressway in Ogun State.

    The fatal crash occurred on the night of the incident, according to the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Ogun State Sector Command.

    FRSC Confirms Single-Vehicle Crash on Eruku Bridge

    Spokesperson of the Ogun FRSC Command, Afolabi Odunsi, confirmed the accident in a statement issued on Sunday, saying the crash involved a gold Toyota vehicle with registration number GGE722KJ.

    According to him, the vehicle reportedly somersaulted before falling off the bridge, trapping all occupants inside.

    The Ogun road accident has since drawn attention in latest Nigerian news due to the rising concerns over highway safety in the region.

    10 Men, 1 Woman Die in Ogun Road Crash

    Odunsi disclosed that all 11 occupants of the vehicle lost their lives instantly.

    He said the victims included 10 adult males and one adult female who were travelling in the same vehicle before the tragic incident.

    “The incident involved a gold Toyota vehicle with registration number GGE722KJ, which somersaulted and fell off the bridge,” the statement read.

    FRSC, Residents Recover Bodies at Scene

    FRSC rescue operatives from the Itori Unit Command were reportedly deployed immediately after the crash was reported.

    Odunsi said personnel, with the assistance of local residents, had to dismantle parts of the vehicle before recovering the bodies of the victims.

    The remains were later deposited at the State Specialist Hospital morgue in Ifo for further procedures.

    FRSC Blames Possible Speeding and Overloading

    Preliminary investigations by the FRSC suggested that the crash may have been caused by suspected speeding, driving under the influence, and possible overloading.

    Motorists using the Lagos-Abeokuta Expressway have been urged to exercise caution, especially during night travel.

    The Ogun fatal accident has also continued to trend in breaking news Nigeria today as road safety concerns dominate public discussions.

  • Katsina Govt Approves ₦3.8bn Loan to Secure 3,890 Hajj Slots for Pilgrims

    The Katsina State Government has approved a ₦3.8 billion loan facility to secure 3,890 Hajj slots for intending pilgrims from the state ahead of the 2026 pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia.

    Governor Dikko Radda disclosed this during the official farewell ceremony for Katsina pilgrims departing for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

    Radda Explains Reason for Loan Approval

    According to the governor, the intervention became necessary after the state encountered financial difficulties in meeting its allocated Hajj slots through the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON).

    The Katsina State governor stated that the loan approval would ensure that all allocated pilgrims from the state participate fully in the 2026 Hajj exercise.

    The Katsina Hajj loan approval has already attracted attention in latest Nigerian news as discussions continue around government spending and pilgrimage welfare.

    Pilgrims to Receive $500 Allowance

    Governor Dikko Radda also announced several welfare packages for intending pilgrims from the state.

    According to him, each pilgrim will receive a $500 allowance to assist with basic needs during their stay in Saudi Arabia.

    He further disclosed that the Katsina State Government would sponsor Hadaya for all pilgrims as part of measures to improve their welfare throughout the Hajj exercise.

    “Each pilgrim will receive a $500 allowance to cover basic needs in Saudi Arabia,” Radda stated.

    200 Officials Deployed for Hajj Operations

    The governor also revealed that 200 officials had been deployed to provide medical support, spiritual guidance, and logistical assistance during the pilgrimage.

    “All officials have been carefully selected and equipped to support pilgrims throughout the pilgrimage,” he said.

    Radda added that his administration had strengthened the operations of the Katsina State Pilgrims Welfare Board to improve efficiency and reduce challenges experienced in previous exercises.

    The latest Katsina Hajj update has continued trending in breaking news Nigeria today as preparations intensify for the 2026 pilgrimage.

    Governor Urges Discipline Among Pilgrims

    Governor Radda urged intending pilgrims to pray for peace, unity, and improved security in Katsina State and Nigeria while in the Holy Land.

    He also advised pilgrims to conduct themselves responsibly and avoid spreading misinformation during the pilgrimage exercise.

    “Many people sold personal belongings to perform Hajj. You are expected to show the highest level of discipline, patience, and mutual respect,” the governor said.

    Radda further stated that his administration had improved accommodation and feeding arrangements for Katsina pilgrims in Saudi Arabia after personally inspecting facilities during previous Hajj operations.

  • “Go to Amaku Hospital” — Soludo Challenges Pastors Claiming to Perform Miracles

    Anambra State Governor Chukwuma Soludo has challenged pastors and religious leaders who claim to perform miracles to demonstrate their powers at Amaku General Hospital.

    The Anambra governor made the statement during a church event while speaking about his administration’s efforts to regulate religious activities in the state.

    Soludo Speaks on ‘Fake Pastors and Bishops’

    According to Soludo, several individuals described as “fake pastors and bishops” have already been arrested as part of ongoing actions aimed at sanitising religious practices in Anambra State.

    The governor stated that those who truly possess healing powers should visit hospitals where sick people are receiving treatment.

    “We’ve arrested f@ke pastors and bishops. Whoever wants to perform a miracle should come to Amaku Hospital,” Soludo said.

    The comments from the Anambra State governor quickly became one of the most discussed topics in latest Nigerian news after clips from the event surfaced online.

    Mixed Reactions Trail Soludo’s Comments

    The viral statement has generated mixed reactions across social media, with many Nigerians debating Soludo’s position on miracle claims and religious activities.

    Some users supported the governor’s comments, while others criticised him for focusing on religious matters instead of governance and infrastructure.

    One user, identified as @CMichael62570, wrote: “Trying to shift people’s attention from the real things that matters.”

    Another user, @Mekx007, commented: “Hope he arrested odumeje as well lol. Oga focus on your task as a governor.”

    The controversy has continued trending in breaking news Nigeria today as reactions from both supporters and critics continue spreading online.

    Debate Over Religion, Governance Continues

    Other social media users argued that spiritual miracles cannot be treated like scientific demonstrations, while some questioned the governor’s approach toward religious leaders.

    The latest remarks from Chukwuma Soludo have once again sparked conversations around religion in Nigeria, miracle claims, and government involvement in spiritual matters.

  • Lagos Govt Shuts Eko Bridge Indefinitely Over Safety Concerns

    The Lagos State Government has announced the indefinite closure of the Eko Bridge outbound carriageway heading toward Lagos Island over safety concerns and ongoing repair investigations.

    The Eko Bridge closure in Lagos is expected to begin on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, according to state authorities.

    Lagos Govt Announces Eko Bridge Closure

    The announcement was made on Sunday by the Lagos State Commissioner for Transportation, Oluwaseun Osiyemi.

    According to the commissioner, the shutdown became necessary to allow investigations and rehabilitation work to commence on the affected section of the bridge.

    The latest Lagos traffic update has already sparked reactions among motorists and commuters who regularly use the busy route connecting different parts of the state.

    Motorists Advised to Use Alternative Routes

    Oluwaseun Osiyemi advised road users to make use of alternative routes during the repair period to avoid severe traffic delays.

    Motorists travelling through Apongbon and Ijora Olopa have specifically been directed to use the Third Mainland Bridge to access Lagos Island and nearby destinations.

    The Lagos State Government also assured residents that traffic officials and security operatives would be deployed around affected areas to manage movement and reduce congestion.

    “Adequate traffic and security personnel will be deployed along alternative routes to guide motorists and ensure smooth traffic flow,” the commissioner stated.

    The Eko Bridge rehabilitation work has now become one of the biggest talking points in latest Lagos news due to concerns over traffic gridlock and commuting challenges.

    Inward Section of Eko Bridge Remains Open

    Despite the indefinite closure of the outbound section, the Lagos State Government clarified that the inward Lagos Island carriageway of the bridge will remain open to motorists.

    Authorities further assured residents that efforts would be made to minimise disruption during the repair process.

    The development comes amid increasing infrastructure rehabilitation projects across Lagos State as the government continues maintenance works on major roads and bridges.

  • Several Feared Dead as Military Airstrike Hits Niger Community During Bandit Operation

    An unconfirmed number of civilians have reportedly been killed following an aerial bombardment on Guradnayi community near Kusasu in Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State.

    The military airstrike in Niger State reportedly occurred on Sunday morning during an operation targeting armed bandits believed to have invaded communities in the area.

    Bandits Reportedly Invaded Communities

    Sources said the bandits, said to be over 500 in number, were spotted moving through several communities after allegedly entering from neighbouring Zamfara State and Birnin Gwari area of Kaduna State.

    Residents of Kuchi, Chibani, Zagzaga and surrounding communities in Munya Local Government Area reportedly fled their homes after noticing the movement of the heavily armed men.

    The exact destination of the bandits was not immediately known at the time of filing this report.

    Civilians Feared Killed During Airstrike

    Community sources confirmed that the Nigerian Air Force reportedly launched an operation targeting the bandits after intelligence gathered their movement around Kusasu community.

    One source said the bandits had spent Saturday night in Kusasu before moving toward Chibani and Zagzaga communities.

    “A swift reaction from the Air Force actually invaded the area and while targeting the bandits in Kusasu on Saturday, some civilians lost their lives but we are yet to ascertain the number of civilians killed,” the source said.

    The source further claimed that several houses were affected during the operation, leading to civilian casualties in the community.

    The reported Niger State airstrike has since sparked concern among residents already dealing with insecurity and repeated bandit attacks.

    Over 500 Bandits Reportedly Spotted

    Another resident alleged that the armed men moved from village to village without abducting anyone but were suspected to be targeting cattle in nearby communities.

    Chairman of Munya Local Government Area, Aminu Najume, also confirmed the invasion, stating that the bandits entered through Chukun Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

    “The bandits, from what we saw, were over 500 in number and with this development, many people have relocated from their homes for fear of being attacked,” he said.

    He further disclosed that the attackers had already started rustling cows and other livestock in affected communities.

    Security Presence Increased in Affected Areas

    Sources said security operatives have now been deployed to the affected communities following the incident.

    The latest development has also revived conversations around accidental military airstrikes in Shiroro communities, where several civilian deaths have previously been reported during anti-bandit operations.

    In 2022, reports claimed that a Nigerian Air Force fighter jet mistakenly killed six minors in Kurebe village, while another military airstrike months later reportedly left eight civilians dead in the same area.

  • EFCC Declares Ex-Minister Sadiya Umar Farouq Wanted Over Alleged Fraud

    The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has declared former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Social Development, Sadiya Umar Farouq, wanted over alleged abuse of office and diversion of public funds.

    The anti-graft agency announced the development in a notice published on its official website on Saturday.

    EFCC Releases Details

    According to the notice, Farouq, aged 52, is from Zamfara State and her last known address is listed as EN008, Okpo River, off Agulu Street, Maitama, Abuja.

    The EFCC called on members of the public with useful information about her whereabouts to contact any of the commission’s offices nationwide.

    Phone numbers for reporting information leading to her arrest were also included in the notice released by the agency.

    Court Reportedly Issued Arrest Warrant

    Reports indicated that a Federal Capital Territory High Court sitting in Apo, Abuja, had earlier issued an arrest warrant against the former minister on April 16, 2026.

    The warrant was reportedly connected to ongoing investigations into alleged financial misconduct and abuse of office during her time in government.

    Former Buhari Minister Under Scrutiny

    Sadiya Umar Farouq was appointed Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Social Development by late former President Muhammadu Buhari in July 2019.

    She was one of the youngest members of Buhari’s cabinet during the administration and oversaw several federal social intervention programmes while in office.

    The EFCC’s latest action is expected to intensify public attention on ongoing anti-corruption investigations involving former government officials.

  • Ribadu Meets US Vice President J.D. Vance, Rubio Over Counterterrorism Partnership

    Nigeria’s National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, has met with United States Vice President J.D. Vance and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio over counterterrorism cooperation in West Africa.

    The development was disclosed in a post shared on X by Secure Nigeria, a platform focused on security-related issues in the country.

    Nigeria, US Strengthen Security Cooperation

    According to the post, the meeting further reinforced the partnership between Nigeria and the United States in the fight against terrorism across the West African region.

    The platform also stated that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu appreciates the continued support and partnership of the US government under President Donald Trump.

    “@officialABAT is grateful for @realDonaldTrump’s partnership and continued U.S. training and intelligence support as Nigerian forces intensify operations to dismantle terrorist networks, protect Nigerian Christians, and defend all vulnerable communities,” the statement read.

    Nigeria Described as Key US Ally

    The post described Nigeria as one of America’s frontline allies against terrorism in Africa, particularly in the battle against Boko Haram, ISIS-linked groups, and growing security threats across the Sahel region.

    “Africa’s largest democracy isn’t wavering. Nigeria stands as a frontline U.S. partner against ISIS, Boko Haram, and rising terror threats across the Sahel,” the statement added.

    It further stressed that both countries remain committed to defeating terrorism and strengthening regional security cooperation.

    “This fight is winnable, and together, the U.S. and Nigeria intend to finish it,” the post stated.

    Previous Engagements With US Officials

    The latest meeting comes months after Ribadu led a delegation of senior Nigerian government officials to Washington, DC, in November 2025 for discussions with American authorities.

    In December 2025, the NSA also hosted a delegation from the United States Congress in Abuja.

    The delegation included senior lawmakers such as Mario Díaz-Balart, Norma Torres, Scott Franklin, Juan Ciscomani, and Riley Moore.

    The engagements are part of ongoing diplomatic and security discussions between both countries as concerns over terrorism and regional instability continue to grow.

  • ‘Cut Your Coat According to Your Size’ — Tinubu’s Aide Tells Nigerians Amid Hardship Complaints

    The Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Economic Affairs, Tope Fasua, has advised Nigerians to adjust their lifestyles and spending patterns in response to the country’s rising economic pressure.

    Fasua made the remarks while responding to questions during a members-only Coffee Hangout organised by Kay Hikers Club in Abuja.

    Heated Exchange Over Cost of Living

    The presidential aide spoke during a tense discussion with a female attendee who criticised the worsening cost of living, insecurity, and declining purchasing power in the country.

    The woman argued that basic food items had become unaffordable for many Nigerians struggling to survive under the current economic conditions.

    Reacting to the concerns, Fasua admitted that prices had increased but maintained that families could still manage their resources properly if spending was controlled.

    “A modest family will feed for several days with ₦10,000,” he said.

    Fasua Urges Nigerians to Spend Wisely

    Fasua further advised Nigerians to embrace more disciplined spending habits and focus on buying food items they could prepare at home.

    “You will know how to cut your coat according to your cloth. You can go to the market, I go to the market too. I have customers in Utako market, in Wuse market. I like shopping. I like going to the market. I test things. You can buy foodstuff which you cook at home,” he added.

    The economic adviser also stated that the government could not satisfy every expectation from citizens, insisting that Nigerians needed to adapt to present economic realities.

    Government Cannot Meet Every Expectation — Fasua

    According to him, public criticism often ignores the broader economic challenges facing the country.

    “I know things are expensive, more expensive than they were before. But if we want sensation, government will never win,” Fasua stated during the discussion.

    His comments have since sparked reactions online, with many Nigerians debating the affordability of food and the impact of rising inflation on households across the country.

  • FG Unveils ₦250bn Hostel Expansion Plan Across 50 Tertiary Institutions

    The Federal Government has unveiled a major intervention plan worth over ₦250 billion to address the growing accommodation crisis in Nigeria’s tertiary institutions.

    Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, disclosed the development in Abuja on Wednesday during the inauguration of governing boards, rectors and principal officers of several federal education agencies and institutions.

    FG targets hostel shortages nationwide

    Alausa said the intervention, approved under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, would support the construction and expansion of hostel facilities across federal tertiary institutions.

    According to him, at least 50 institutions will receive ₦2 billion each to build student hostels with a minimum capacity of 500 bed spaces per project.

    “We are spending ₦2 billion each to build hostel accommodation in at least 50 tertiary institutions,” the minister said.

    “The ₦2 billion will deliver 500 bed spaces to each of these institutions. These funds have been mobilised via TETFund.”

    He described the initiative as the largest single-year investment in student accommodation infrastructure in Nigeria’s history.

    Additional ₦80bn planned through PPP

    The minister further disclosed that another ₦80 billion would be invested through Public Private Partnerships across 24 federal tertiary institutions.

    According to him, the arrangement will provide between 1,200 and 1,500 bed spaces per institution.

    “TETFund will come up with one billion in counterpart funding and the rest will come up with three billion. So, total four billion per institution,” he explained.

    The projects are expected to ease pressure on existing hostel facilities and improve student welfare nationwide.

    Alausa charges education leaders

    Speaking during the inauguration ceremony, Alausa urged the newly appointed board members and institutional heads to prioritise transparency, accountability and innovation.

    He said the government’s education reforms are focused on expanding access, improving quality, integrating technology and aligning education with national development goals.

    “I urge you to lead with vision, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to excellence,” he said.

    “Your mandate is clear, build strong academic programmes, invest in faculty development, promote impactful and solution-oriented research, ensure student welfare, and foster strategic partnerships.”

    New appointments announced

    Among those inaugurated were Professor Babatunde Salako as Chairman of the Governing Board of the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), Professor Modupe Adelabu as Chairman of the Governing Board of the National Examinations Council (NECO), and Shofoyeke David as Executive Secretary of the National Institute for Educational Planning and Administration.

    Others include Dr Bongfa Bonfa as Rector of Federal Polytechnic Nyak-Shendam, Plateau State, and Professor Tijani Kalli as Vice Chancellor of the Federal University of Agriculture and Entrepreneurship, Bama.

  • FG Warns Lagos, Rivers, 17 Other States Over Imminent Flash Flooding

    The Federal Government, through the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), has warned that 19 states across Nigeria may experience flash flooding following heavy early rains.

    NiMet issued the advisory on Thursday, stating that dry and hardened soil surfaces could increase runoff and prevent rainwater from properly soaking into the ground.

    19 states listed in NiMet advisory

    The agency listed the affected states as Zamfara, Nasarawa, Kwara, Oyo, Lagos, Ogun, Ekiti, Delta, Imo, Anambra, Enugu, Ebonyi, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Rivers, Edo, Ondo and Bayelsa.

    According to NiMet, the weather condition may trigger flooded roads, traffic disruptions, destruction of homes and farmlands, as well as damage to public infrastructure.

    The agency also warned of possible blocked drainage systems, power outages, telecommunication disruptions and increased risks of injuries and water-borne diseases.

    Residents advised to stay alert

    NiMet urged residents in vulnerable areas to clear blocked drainages and remain updated with weather and flood alerts.

    Motorists and pedestrians were also warned against driving or walking through flooded roads and waterways.

    “An informed community is a prepared community. Know the risks and act early,” the agency stated.

    FG had earlier raised nationwide flood concerns

    The latest advisory comes weeks after the Federal Government warned that over 14,000 communities across 33 states and the Federal Capital Territory could face severe flooding in 2026.

    The earlier flood-risk alert included states such as Lagos, Rivers, Kogi, Benue, Bayelsa, Delta, Ogun, Ondo, Oyo and several others across the country.

    Authorities have now called on emergency agencies, state governments and relevant stakeholders to strengthen preparedness and response measures ahead of peak rainfall periods.