LG Chairman dismisses viral reports of release of kidnapped victims

LG Chairman

Contrary to reports circulating on social and conventional media platforms that the kidnapped victims of Oorelope LGA has been released by their captors after Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as ‘Sunday Igboho’ issued a 2-hour ultimatum to the kidnappers, the Oorelope LG chairman, Hon. Ogundiran Jacob Oluwale has dismissed such claims, describing the information as false and misleading”. In a statement issued yesterday, Executive Chairman of the council, Hon. Ogundiran Jacob Oluwale, said the abducted victims were still in captivity and urged residents to regard such cailms as unverified reports” The…

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Okpebholo, Soludo challenge Fulani kidnapping narrative

Okpebholo, Soludo

…Say local collaborators drive crime in Edo, Anambra Governors of Edo and Anambra states, Senator Monday Okpebholo and Chukwuma Soludo, have challenged the widespread perception that Fulani herders are primarily responsible for kidnappings and violent crimes in their states, insisting that many of those involved are local actors working within organized criminal networks. Speaking recently at the 2026 Ministers’ Conference organised by the Edo State chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Benin City, Okpebholo said criminal activities in Edo are often carried out with the support of…

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‘279 kidnapped across Nigeria in May’ – Report

Mabushi bus terminal

No fewer than 279 persons were kidnapped across Nigeria in May 2026, even as the country recorded 156 violent incidents that resulted in 842 deaths. The figure, contained in new data from Nextier’s Nigeria Violent Conflicts Database, according to a statement yesterday, indicate a rise in insecurity, with violent incidents “by 51.5%, casualties increasing by 90.1 percent, and kidnap victims climbing by 19.7% compared to May 2025”. The data comes amid growing concerns that Nigeria’s peacebuilding efforts are not yielding measurable results despite significant investments by governments and development partners.…

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FCT orders closure of Utako, Banex motor parks

Mabushi bus terminal

…As Mabushi bus terminal begins operations The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), has announced the commencement of operations at the newly constructed Mabushi Bus Terminal, directing the relocation of all ad hoc motor parks in the Utako and Banex areas to the new facility. In a public service announcement issued at the weekend, the FCTA said the terminal, managed by Planet Project Ltd, is now fully operational and will serve as the designated transport hub for affected operators. According to the statement, formal quit notices have already been served on…

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“My actual wealth may exceed $38bn estimate” – Ɗangote 

Dangote on his wealth

Africa’s richest man, Aliko Ɗangote, has suggested that his actual wealth may be significantly higher than estimates by global wealth trackers, citing the fact that many of his major business interests are not publicly listed. Ɗangote made the remarks during a street interview with James Dumoulin, of School of Hard Knocks, where he discussed his business empire, personal wealth and legacy. Responding to a question about the highest amount of money he had made in a year, the billionaire industrialist said his companies generated approximately $10 billion in the first…

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“North has become a land of the living dead” – Mahdi Shehu

Mahdi Shehu on North

…Laments insecurity, leadership failure Prominent public affairs commentator, Mahdi Shehu, has delivered a scathing assessment of the state of Northern Nigeria, describing the region as a “land of the living dead” overwhelmed by insecurity, fear, poverty and a deepening leadership crisis. Shehu made the remarks on Saturday, through a post on his official 𝕏 account, where he expressed concern over what he called the gradual collapse of social consciousness and collective resilience among the people of the region. According to him, millions of residents are physically alive but have become…

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“Insecurity threatens 2026 planting season” – AFAN wans

AFAN wans on insecurity

…Says over 200 Kaduna farmers kidnapped Rising insecurity across Nigeria’s farming communities is disrupting the 2026 planting season, with farmers abandoning farmlands over fears of attacks, kidnappings and banditry. Reports indicate that violence has intensified in key agricultural states, including Benue, Plateau, Niger, Kogi and parts of the North-West, forcing many farmers to flee. The Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) has warned that up to 35 million Nigerians could face severe food insecurity if agricultural disruptions continue. Vice-President of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), Daniel Okafor, said farmers…

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Nigeria’s forex reserves hit $51.04bn

Nigeria's forex reserves

…Highest level since 2009 Nigeria’s external reserves have climbed to $51.04 billion, reaching their strongest level in nearly 17 years amid sustained foreign exchange inflows and improving conditions in the foreign exchange (forex) market. Data obtained from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) showed that the country’s gross external reserves stood at $51.04 billion as of June 18, 2026. The figure represents the highest reserve level recorded since January 20, 2009, when reserves were approximately $51.07 billion. The latest development highlights the continued strengthening of Nigeria’s external position, following notable…

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B’Haram commanders linked to Oyo school abduction

Oyo school abduction

…As rescue mission claims 3 soldiers Security sources have identified two senior Boko Haram commanders, as key figures behind the abduction of pupils and teachers from three schools in Oriire LGS of Oyo state, while ongoing rescue operations have reportedly claimed the lives of three soldiers. Recall that the victims were kidnapped on May 15 from Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota; L.A. Primary School; and Community Grammar School, Esiele. At least 42 pupils and staff, including a principal, were taken. One of the abducted teachers, Michael Oyedokun, was killed…

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PDP leadership crisis deepens, as court fixes date in suit against INEC

PDP leadership crisis deepens

The Federal High Court sitting in Abuja, presided over by Justice Salim Ibrahim, has fixed June 30, 2026, for the hearing of preliminary issues in a suit filed by the Board of Trustees (BoT) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), seeking to fast-track the recognition of the Party’s Interim National Working Committee (INWC). The suit seeks an order compelling the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to recognize the INWC as the legitimate leadership of the PDP. The action was instituted by the Chairman of the PDP Board of Trustees, Senator…

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