Kogi Govt Rescues 15 Pupils as Gunmen Attack Orphanage

Kogi Govt Rescues 15 Pupils as Gunmen Attack Orphanage

Kogi Government Rescues 15 Pupils as Gunmen Attack Orphanage

·      Gunmen Attack Orphanage in Lokoja

·      Swift Response by Security Agencies

·      Fifteen Pupils Rescued, Others Still Missing

·      Facility Operating Without Registration

·      Government Commends Security Operatives

·      Ongoing Efforts to Rescue Remaining Victims

The Kogi State Government has confirmed a violent attack on an orphanage and school facility in Zariagi, located along the Kabba Junction axis of Lokoja.

The incident occurred late on April 26, 2026, when suspected gunmen stormed the premises, abducting 23 pupils and the wife of the proprietor. Authorities described the attack as both unfortunate and preventable, highlighting the vulnerability of institutions operating outside official oversight.

In a statement issued by Kingsley Fanwo, the Commissioner for Information and Communications, it was revealed that 15 of the abducted pupils were rescued following swift intervention by security agencies.

The Nigeria Police Force, supported by other operatives, coordinated a rapid response that limited the scale of the tragedy. Efforts are ongoing to secure the release of the remaining victims and to apprehend the perpetrators.

The facility, identified as Dahallukitab Group of Schools, was allegedly operating illegally in a remote, bushy area without registration or the knowledge of relevant authorities.

JAMB Disowns Viral 394 UTME Result of Cross River Candidate as Fake

Cross-Section of Students
JAMB Disowns Viral 394 UTME Result of Cross River Candidate as Fake

JAMB Disowns Viral 394 UTME Result of Cross River Candidate as Fake

·       JAMB Denounces Viral UTME Result

·       Candidate’s Alleged Score Sparks Online Frenzy

·       Official Clarification from JAMB

·       Public Advisory Against Misinformation

·       The Viral Claim of 394/400

·       Why the Result Slip Was Fake

·       JAMB’s Verification Process

·       Protecting the Integrity of UTME Results

The JointAdmissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has officially dismissed a viral claim circulating online that a candidate from Cross River State scored 394 out of 400 in the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).

The alleged result, shared by a social media user identified as @Onsogbu on X, claimed that a female candidate named Okon Winniefred Sampson achieved near-perfect marks across all subjects, including 96 in English, 99 in Biology, 98 in Chemistry, and 99 in Physics. The post quickly gained traction, with many users celebrating what appeared to be an extraordinary academic achievement.

However, JAMB clarified in a statement issued by its spokesperson, Dr. Benjamin Fabian, that the result was fabricated. Fabian explained that the slip being circulated was created using a fake template and did not align with the board’s official format.

He emphasized that UTME results are currently only accessible through a “view-only” method via SMS, meaning candidates cannot download or print official result slips at this stage. This alone, he noted, was proof that the viral document was fraudulent.

The Trophy Hunting Paradox: Conservation or Exploitation?

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The Trophy Hunting Paradox: Conservation or Exploitation?

The Trophy Hunting Paradox: Conservation or Exploitation?

The death of Ernie Dosio, a wealthy Californian vintner and avid big-game hunter, trampled by a herd of elephants in Gabon, has reignited one of the most polarizing debates in wildlife conservation: the role of trophy hunting.

His passing is not just a tragic accident but a symbolic flashpoint in the ongoing struggle between conservationists, hunters, and local communities over how best to protect Africa’s dwindling wildlife populations.  

Supporters of trophy hunting argue that it provides essential funding for conservation. In countries where government resources are limited, hunting fees can generate millions of dollars annually, which are then used to maintain protected areas, pay rangers, and support anti-poaching initiatives.

Millionaire big game hunter trampled to death by herd of five elephants

Millionaire big game hunter trampled to death by herd of five elephants

Millionaire big game hunter trampled to death by herd of five elephants

A 75-year-old California millionaire and vineyard tycoon, Ernie Dosio, was trampled to death by a herd of five elephants while on a hunting expedition in Gabon’s Lope-Okanda rainforest. The incident occurred on April 17, 2026, when Dosio and his guide startled the elephants while tracking a yellow-backed duiker, leading to a fatal charge.  

The Incident

Ernie Dosio, a prominent agricultural leader from Lodi, California, was hunting antelope in Gabon when he and his professional guide encountered five female forest elephants with a calf. The elephants, feeling threatened, charged at the pair. Dosio was fatally crushed, while his guide sustained severe injuries. Safari operator Collect Africa confirmed the death and reported that the guide survived but required medical treatment.  

Background on Ernie Dosio

Dosio was the owner of Pacific AgriLands, a vineyard spanning more than 12,000 acres in Modesto, California. He was a well-known figure in hunting circles, particularly as a member of the Sacramento Safari Club, and had amassed a large collection of legally obtained hunting trophies, including lions, elephants, and rhinos. Friends and fellow hunters described him as both a seasoned outdoorsman and a philanthropist, heavily involved in charity work and local organizations such as the Elks Lodge.  

NERC tackles overbilling, refunds N155m to power consumers

NERC tackles overbilling, refunds N155m to power consumers

NERC tackles overbilling, refunds N155m to power consumers

The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) refunded a total of ₦155.84 million to electricity consumers in 2025 after tackling widespread overbilling by distribution companies (DisCos).

The refunds were issued in tranches across the year, highlighting NERC’s growing enforcement of consumer protection under the Electricity Act 2023.

The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), the body responsible for regulating Nigeria’s power sector, has intensified its oversight of billing practices among DisCos.

Overbilling has long been a major source of consumer frustration, particularly for unmetered customers who often face arbitrary charges. In response, NERC has leveraged its Customer Complaint Unit (CCU), established under the Electricity Act 2023, to ensure accountability and provide redress for consumers.

Trump updates: Suspect arrested after shooting at correspondents’ dinner

Trump updates: Suspect arrested after shooting at correspondents’ dinner

US President Donald Trump was evacuated from the White House Correspondents’ Dinner after a gunman opened fire near the Washington Hilton ballroom. The suspect, identified as 31‑year‑old Cole Thomas Allen from Torrance, California, was arrested and faces multiple federal charges. One Secret Service officer was injured but survived thanks to a bulletproof vest.  

Trump updates: Suspect arrested after shooting at correspondents’ dinner

The Incident

On the evening of April 25, 2026, shots rang out at the annual White House Correspondents’ Association dinner in Washington, D.C. The suspect attempted to breach a Secret Service checkpoint armed with multiple weapons, including a shotgun and handgun. Guests scrambled for cover as Secret Service agents rushed President Trump and senior officials off stage. The suspect exchanged gunfire with law enforcement before being subdued and taken into custody.  

The Suspect

Authorities identified the shooter as Cole Thomas Allen, 31, from Torrance, California. Reports indicate he is a computer programmer and tutor with no known accomplices. He allegedly admitted to targeting Trump administration officials, though investigators are still probing his motive. The FBI has executed search warrants at his California residence.  

Security Response

The Secret Service confirmed that all protectees, including Trump, were unharmed. One agent was struck in the chest but survived due to protective gear. Officials emphasized that the layered security measures prevented the suspect from entering the ballroom, averting what they described as an attempted “national tragedy.”  

Editorial: Mapping ADC’s Strength Across 22 Battleground States

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Editorial: Mapping ADC’s Strength Across 22 Battleground States

Editorial: Mapping ADC’s Strength Across 22 Battleground States

The African Democratic Congress (ADC), despite its internal crises, is positioning itself as a formidable force ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 elections.

Its coalition, strengthened by alliances with Peter Obi, Atiku Abubakar, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, Rotimi Amaechi, and Nasir El-Rufai, is reshaping the electoral map. The battleground states where ADC is showing resilience reveal both opportunity and challenge.  

In the North-West, Kano, Kaduna, Katsina, Sokoto, and Zamfara stand out. Kano remains pivotal due to Kwankwaso’s enduring influence, while Kaduna and Katsina are split between APC’s incumbency and growing opposition discontent. Sokoto and Zamfara, with their history of political volatility, are fertile ground for opposition gains if unity is achieved.  

The North-Central offers another cluster of battlegrounds: Plateau, Benue, Niger, and Kwara. Plateau and Benue lean toward opposition sentiment, driven by frustrations over insecurity and governance.

Niger and Kwara, however, remain contested, with APC’s machinery still entrenched but facing growing grassroots resistance.

2027: Despite crisis, ADC shows strength in 22 battleground states

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2027: Despite crisis, ADC shows strength  in 22 battleground states

2027: Despite crisis, ADC shows strength  in 22 battleground states

The African Democratic Congress (ADC), despite internal crises and factional disputes, is showing surprising resilience ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 elections, building momentum in 22 battleground states and the Federal Capital Territory through alliances with influential political figures and regional blocs.

This strength, however, is tempered by deep internal divisions that could undermine its ability to convert support into electoral victory.

Context of the Crisis

The ADC is grappling with internal disputes over leadership and legitimacy, with factions linked to David Mark, Dumebi Kachikwu, and Nafiu Bala Gombe competing for control of party structures. These disputes threaten to fracture the party’s base, even as its coalition expands nationally. The contradiction is stark: the party itself is fragile, but the coalition around it is growing stronger.

Coalition Strength

Despite the crisis, the ADC-led opposition is leveraging personal political networks and regional influence to consolidate support. Key figures include Peter Obi, Atiku Abubakar, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, Rotimi Amaechi, and Nasir El-Rufai, a mix of former governors, presidential contenders, and political heavyweights. Their individual bases of support are proving crucial in mobilizing voters across diverse regions.

Editorial: Abuja’s Fire Scourge – Lessons from Lugbe’s Bungalow Blaze

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Editorial: Abuja’s Fire Scourge – Lessons from Lugbe’s Bungalow Blaze

Editorial: Abuja’s Fire Scourge - Lessons from Lugbe’s Bungalow Blaze

The recent fire that razed a bungalow in Lugbe’s Federal Housing Authority estate is more than an isolated tragedy; it is a stark reminder of the recurring menace of urban fires in Abuja.

On April 25, 2026, the two-bedroom home was reduced to ashes shortly after electricity was restored to the area. Though no lives were lost, the complete destruction of property underscores the fragility of residential safety in the capital.  

This incident joins a troubling timeline of fire outbreaks across Abuja in the past year. In December 2025, a major blaze gutted shops at the Nyanya market, leaving traders devastated. Earlier in February 2026, a fire at Wuse Market destroyed dozens of stalls, sparking renewed calls for stricter enforcement of safety standards.

Even government facilities have not been spared: in October 2025, a section of the Federal Secretariat was engulfed in flames, disrupting operations for weeks. 

Fire razes bungalow in Lugbe

Fire razes bungalow in Lugbe

Fire razes bungalow in Lugbe

A fire outbreak on Saturday evening, April 25, 2026, completely destroyed a bungalow in the Federal Housing Authority (FHA) estate in Lugbe, Abuja.

Fortunately, no casualties were recorded, as the occupants were not at home when the blaze began.

The fire started around 7:30 p.m. shortly after electricity was restored to the area. Witnesses reported that the bungalow went up in flames almost immediately after power was supplied.

The building, a two-bedroom residential structure located in a fenced compound with a red-coloured gate, was entirely consumed by the fire.

Residents quickly alerted the fire service, and at least three fire trucks with fully equipped personnel arrived at the scene. However, many locals expressed dissatisfaction with the response time, noting that the fire had already been burning for nearly an hour before firefighters managed to intervene.

‘Operation Wetie started from Ibadan’ - Seyi Makinde warns against one-party domination

Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde
‘Operation Wetie started from Ibadan’ - Seyi Makinde warns against one-party domination

Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has warned that Nigeria risks sliding into one-party domination, invoking the violent history of “Operation Wetie” which began in Ibadan in the 1960s as a cautionary tale. He stressed that democracy thrives only when opposition parties remain viable and provide real alternatives to citizens.

‘Operation Wetie started from Ibadan’ - Seyi Makinde warns against one-party domination

Operation Wetie was a violent political uprising that erupted in Nigeria’s Western Region after the disputed 1965 elections, which were widely believed to have been rigged in favor of the ruling faction. The term “Wetie,” derived from Yoruba meaning “soak it,” referred to the practice of dousing opponents, their homes, and vehicles with petrol and setting them ablaze. Ibadan was the epicenter of this unrest, and the violence spread across the region, destabilizing governance and contributing to Nigeria’s eventual descent into military rule.

Speaking at the National Summit of Opposition Political Party Leaders in Ibadan on April 25, 2026, Makinde reminded attendees that Operation Wetie began in the city, cautioning that unchecked political dominance could lead to similar instability. He noted that:

- Opposition parties are weakened by internal crises and legal battles, raising doubts about their ability to function effectively.  

- Legislative consolidation under one party is underway, which risks eroding democratic competition.  

- Democracy is not defined by the success of one party but by the existence of real alternatives and the ability of citizens to choose freely.

Makinde emphasized Ibadan’s historical role in Nigeria’s political development. In 1950, Ibadan hosted constitutional discussions that shaped Nigeria’s future.

World Malaria Day: Malaria defies medications despite ongoing eradication

World Malaria Day: Malaria defies medications despite ongoing eradication

World Malaria Day: Malaria Defies Medications Despite Ongoing Eradication

World Malaria Day 2026 highlights both the remarkable progress made in the global fight against malaria and the stubborn challenges that continue to undermine eradication efforts. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), since 2000, approximately 2.3 billion cases and 14 million deaths have been averted, with 47 countries certified malaria-free, including five in the past two years. Yet, malaria remains a formidable public health crisis, causing an estimated 282 million cases and 610,000 deaths in 2024 alone.

Global Progress and Setbacks

The number of malaria-endemic countries has dropped from 108 in 2000 to 80 in 2024, with many reporting fewer than 10,000 cases annually. Vaccination campaigns are underway in 25 countries, aiming to protect 10 million children each year. However, WHO warns that drug and insecticide resistance, extreme weather events, and declining investment threaten these hard-won gains.

2027 Presidential Race: Ego, Tribalism, and Power Struggles Threaten ADC’s Ambition

2027 Presidential Race: Ego, Tribalism, and Power Struggles Threaten ADC’s Ambition

2027 Presidential Race: Ego, Tribalism, and Power Struggles Threaten ADC’s Ambition

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) is entering the 2027 presidential race under a cloud of internal discord that threatens to derail its ambitions before the primaries even begin.

What should have been a period of consolidation and strategic planning has instead devolved into a struggle for survival, marked by ego clashes, tribal sentiments, and fierce power struggles among its leading figures.

At the center of the crisis are two former governors whose rivalry has polarized the party. One is accused of opposing a Southeast candidate, fueling allegations of ethnic bias, while the other is seen as overly ambitious, convinced that northern support will rally behind him alone.

This clash of personalities has shifted the party’s focus away from coalition-building and toward narrow battles over who controls the presidential ticket. Insiders lament that leaders are prioritizing personal ambition over collective victory, creating a tense standoff that undermines unity.

MTN’s Airtime Compensation and the Wider Telecom Landscape in Nigeria

MTN’s Airtime Compensation and the Wider Telecom Landscape in Nigeria

MTN’s Airtime Compensation and the Wider Telecom Landscape in Nigeria

MTN’s decision to begin compensating subscribers with airtime credits for poor service marks a significant moment in Nigeria’s telecommunications sector. It is not merely a gesture of goodwill but a regulatory-driven response to mounting consumer dissatisfaction.

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has long emphasized that operators must uphold minimum service quality standards, and this compensation directive is a tangible enforcement of that principle.

For MTN, the move is both a reputational safeguard and a compliance measure, ensuring that its vast subscriber base sees some restitution for the disruptions that have plagued voice and data services.

MTN begins airtime compensation to subscribers over poor service

MTN NIGERIA
MTN begins airtime compensation to subscribers over poor service

MTN Begins Airtime Compensation to Subscribers Over Poor Service

MTN Nigeria has initiated a compensation program for its subscribers following widespread complaints about poor service quality earlier in the year.

This move comes after a directive from the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), which mandated mobile network operators to provide restitution to customers in areas where service quality fell below established standards.

The compensation began in April 2026 and is part of a broader regulatory effort to strengthen consumer protection and enforce compliance with quality-of-service benchmarks.

Subscribers have reported receiving varying amounts of airtime credited to their accounts, with notifications confirming the credits. Some customers received modest sums such as ₦20 or ₦91, while others reported larger amounts like ₦284, ₦341, and even ₦900.

“I Was Defending Myself on TV” - Natasha Akpoti’s Defamation Case

“I Was Defending Myself on TV” - Natasha Akpoti’s Defamation Case

“I Was Defending Myself on TV” - Natasha Akpoti’s Defamation Case

Natasha Akpoti, a Nigerian politician and lawyer, has recently been at the center of a high-profile legal dispute involving former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello.

The controversy stems from remarks she made during a televised appearance, which Bello claimed were defamatory. A court ruling ordered Akpoti to pay ₦1 billion in damages to Bello, a verdict she has firmly rejected.

Akpoti’s response has been defiant and unapologetic. She insists that her statements were not malicious but rather a defense of herself in the public arena. According to her, the comments were made in the context of protecting her reputation and clarifying issues that had been raised against her.

She has described the judgment as unjust and has vowed to challenge it at the Appeal Court, signaling her determination to continue the legal battle rather than comply with the financial penalty.

“WE HAVE TURNED SATELLITE TOWNS INTO CITIES” - FCT MINISTER

L-R) Managing Director, Abdul Val Limited, Otunba Abdullahi Suleiman Bello, FCT Minister Barr Nyesom Wike and the Coordinator, STDD, Hon. Abdulkadir Zulkifli during the Minister's inspection of the Karu township roads project in Abuja on Friday

FCTA PRESS RELEASE

“WE HAVE TURNED SATELLITE TOWNS INTO CITIES” - FCT MINISTER

…AS HE ANNOUNCES IMMINENT RELOCATION FOR APO MECHANICS AND TRADERS

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barr. Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, has declared that the FCT Administration has successfully bridged the developmental gap between the city center and suburban areas through the provision of key infrastructure.

Speaking during a routine inspection of major infrastructure projects in the FCT’s satellite towns, on Friday, April 24, 2026, the Minister emphasized that the administration’s focus has transformed peripheral districts into vibrant, functional urban areas.

During the tour, which covered the Karu township roads reconstruction, the 13km Apo-Karshi road and the rehabilitation of the Gbazango/Kubwa road, Barr. Wike noted that the FCTA is prioritizing projects that provide immediate relief and value to residents and commended the quality of work seen across the sites.

Middle East crisis live: Trump says Israel-Lebanon ceasefire extended by three weeks but claims he won’t rush Iran deal

Middle East crisis live: Trump says Israel-Lebanon ceasefire extended by three weeks but claims he won’t rush Iran deal

Middle East Crisis: Israel-Lebanon Ceasefire Extended, Iran Deal Stalled

The latest developments in the Middle East crisis reveal a complex and escalating situation involving Israel, Lebanon, Iran, and the United States.

President Donald Trump announced that the ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon has been extended by three weeks. He expressed hope that leaders from both countries might use this window to meet and explore longer-term peace prospects.

However, when pressed about negotiations with Iran, Trump insisted he would not be rushed, signaling a cautious approach toward any potential deal.

At the same time, Trump ordered the U.S. Navy to “shoot and kill” small Iranian boats suspected of laying mines in the Strait of Hormuz, claiming that American forces now have “total control” over the strategic waterway.

This follows U.S. special forces boarding a stateless oil tanker in the Indian Ocean, which the Pentagon alleged was carrying Iranian crude oil. Trump also stated that the U.S. had struck approximately 75% of its intended targets in Iran, though he argued that internal turmoil within Iran’s leadership was preventing progress toward a settlement.

Iranian officials pushed back against Trump’s characterization of divisions within their government. President Masoud Pezeshkian rejected the notion of “hardliners” versus “moderates,” while Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi emphasized that Iranian institutions remain united and disciplined.

Ghana summons South African high envoy over xenophobic attacks

Ghana summons South African high envoy over xenophobic attacks

Ghana Summons South African High Envoy Over Xenophobic Attacks

On April 23, 2026, Ghana’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs formally summoned Thando Dalamba, South Africa’s acting High Commissioner in Accra, in response to a wave of xenophobic attacks and anti-foreigner protests in South Africa.

The move was announced by Ghana’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Samuel Ablakwa, who emphasized that the summons was intended to register Ghana’s “strong concern” over the intimidation and harassment of foreign nationals, including Ghanaian citizens.

The tensions in South Africa reportedly escalated after groups staged anti-foreigner demonstrations in several communities. Viral videos circulated showing protesters chanting slogans such as “We don’t want Africans here,” accusing migrants of taking jobs and straining public services. In one notable incident in KwaZulu-Natal province, a Ghanaian resident was confronted and asked to prove his legal status, with individuals allegedly telling him to leave the country.

Ablakwa warned that similar episodes in the past had spiraled into violence and loss of lives, stressing the urgency of preventing a recurrence.

Ghana’s government highlighted the historical solidarity between the two nations, recalling Ghana’s support for South Africa’s anti-apartheid struggle under Kwame Nkrumah. Ablakwa argued that the current hostility undermines African unity and solidarity, calling for immediate measures to protect Ghanaian nationals and assurances that such incidents will not happen again. He described the harassment of law-abiding individuals as “unacceptable” and demanded swift intervention by South African authorities to prevent further escalation.

Dangote Plans Nigeria-scale Refinery in East Africa, Seeks Partnership with Ruto, Museveni

Dangote Plans Nigeria-scale Refinery in East Africa, Seeks Partnership with Ruto, Museveni

Dangote’s East Africa Refinery Ambition

Aliko Dangote, Africa’s richest man and the driving force behind Nigeria’s landmark 650,000 barrels-per-day refinery, has unveiled plans to replicate a project of similar scale in East Africa.

Speaking at the “Africa We Build” summit in Nairobi, alongside Kenyan President William Ruto and Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni, Dangote emphasized that the refinery would be completed within four years if regional governments provide strong policy backing and institutional support.

He framed the initiative as a bold step to end Africa’s dependence on exporting raw materials while importing finished products, a cycle he described as impoverishing the continent’s 1.4 billion people.

The proposed refinery would serve multiple countries including Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, South Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. It is envisioned as a hub supported by shared pipeline infrastructure, designed to process crude from across the region and reduce costs through economies of scale.

Dangote stressed that consistency in government policy is critical, warning that reversals and uncertainty have historically discouraged long-term investment in Africa. He revealed that his group plans to invest $40 billion across refining, petrochemicals, fertiliser, and manufacturing by 2030, positioning the refinery as a catalyst for industrial self-sufficiency.

Kenyan President Ruto echoed Dangote’s sentiments, insisting that Africa has the raw materials, capital, and industrialists needed to succeed, and that regional collaboration is the way forward.