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23 children abducted from orphanage

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It was a dark Sunday in Kogi as about  23 pupils have been reportedly  abducted by gunmen during an attack on an “unregistered” orphanage and school facility in the Zariagi area of Lokoja, area of the state.

According to reports, the wife of the proprietor was also abducted.

the Commissioner for information and communications, Kingsley Fanwo confirmed the attack in a statement on Monday.

He said that the state government received reports of a security breach at an unregistered orphanage and school facility located in an isolated area of Zariagi, along the Kabba Junction.

“Preliminary findings indicate that the facility, identified as Dahallukitab Group of School, was operating illegally in a remote, bushy environment without registration with the state government and without the knowledge of relevant authorities and security agencies.

“The unfortunate incident, which occurred late on April 26, 2026, involved the abduction of 23 pupils and the wife of the proprietor by unknown gunmen,” Fanwo said.

He disclosed that upon receiving the report, security agencies, led by the Nigeria Police Force, in collaboration with other security operatives, swiftly mobilised to the scene, leading to the rescue of 15 of the pupils.

“Their prompt and coordinated response led to the successful rescue of 15 of the abducted pupils, while intensive operations are ongoing to secure the safe return of the remaining 8 victims and apprehend the perpetrators. The Kogi State Government commends the gallantry, professionalism, and swift response of the police and other security agencies for rising decisively to the occasion.

“While the Government remains fully committed to ensuring the rescue of all victims, it is important to stress that the operation of orphanages, schools, and similar institutions in isolated and vulnerable locations, without proper registration and notification to relevant authorities, poses serious security risks, especially in the current security climate,” he added.

The commissioner also said that the government strongly discourages such practices and reiterates the need for strict compliance with regulatory and safety protocols.

He, therefore, advised all operators of such facilities to engage with appropriate government agencies to ensure proper oversight, security assessment, and protection.

“The Kogi State Government reassures citizens of its uncompromising commitment to the protection of lives and property across the state.

“Security operations remain active, and every effort is being made to bring this situation under control. Further updates will be communicated as necessary,” Fanwo added.

The incident comes two weeks after the Kogi State Police Command launched a massive search-and-rescue operation following a kidnapping incident on the Ayere–Kabba Road.

The Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Saliu Afusat, said the incident occurred at approximately 8:30 p.m. on April 13, 2026, when armed hoodlums intercepted a Toyota Hiace bus.

The vehicle, operated by a transport company, was said to be traveling from Lagos to Abuja when it was attacked in the Kabba Local Government Area.

The police said that following a swift, coordinated response from security forces, one passenger was successfully rescued, while the transport vehicle had since been recovered and moved to a police facility for forensic examination.

The Commissioner of Police, CP Naziru Kankarofi, also confirmed the arrest of the suspects in connection with the attack.

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Two APC states reschedule governorship primaries

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PRESS STATEMENT

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has announced the rescheduling of its Governorship Primary Elections in Bauchi State and Kwara State to Friday, May 22, 2026.

In the same vein, the party has approved a new date for the State House of Assembly Primary Elections in Maradun I and Maradun II constituencies of Zamfara State, which will now hold on Sunday, May 24, 2026.

The decision was ratified by the National Working Committee (NWC) after consultations with critical stakeholders as part of efforts to guarantee a transparent, peaceful, orderly, and credible primary election process.

The party reiterated its commitment to upholding internal democracy and ensuring the successful conduct of all primary elections ahead of the forthcoming polls.

Signed:

Felix Morka

National Publicity Secretary

All Progressives Congress (APC)

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Abia moves closer to energy independence

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The Governor of Abia State has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to achieving energy independence and expanding access to reliable electricity across the state following a high-level meeting with the leadership of the Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC).

The governor disclosed this after receiving the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of NDPHC, Jennifer Adighije, alongside members of her management team during a courtesy visit to his office.

During the meeting, the governor praised the successful revival of the Alaoji Power Plant in Aba, describing the development as a major breakthrough in ongoing efforts to guarantee stable and uninterrupted electricity supply in the state.

According to him, the restoration of operations at the plant represents a critical milestone in strengthening power generation and supporting industrial growth, particularly within the Aba economic corridor.

He revealed that the Alaoji Power Plant currently dispatches approximately 375 megawatts of electricity to the national grid, while expansion plans are already underway to increase output capacity to nearly 800 megawatts, with long-term projections targeting up to 1,100 megawatts.

The governor noted that electricity remains central to his administration’s broader economic transformation agenda, stressing that sustainable power supply is essential for industrialization, job creation, healthcare delivery, education, and overall social development.

He explained that since assuming office, his government has implemented strategic reforms aimed at repositioning the power sector within the state. These reforms include the ring-fencing of the Aba industrial cluster to ensure more efficient electricity management and the ongoing process to acquire the Umuahia electricity axis of the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC).

According to the governor, the measures are designed to place electricity generation, regulation, and distribution substantially under the control of the state government, thereby enabling faster decision-making and improved service delivery.

He expressed optimism that deeper collaboration between Abia State and NDPHC would make it possible to wheel electricity directly from the Alaoji facility to the remaining eight local government areas outside the Aba corridor.

The planned expansion, he said, would ensure that homes, schools, hospitals, and industries across the state gain access to reliable and affordable power supply.

The governor further emphasized that improved electricity infrastructure would significantly boost economic productivity, attract investors, strengthen small and medium-scale enterprises, and enhance the quality of life for residents.

Reaffirming his administration’s vision, he declared that Abia State is prepared to lead Nigeria’s push toward subnational energy independence through strategic partnerships, infrastructure investments, and sector reforms.

He added that the state government remains committed to building a power ecosystem capable of driving industrial production, supporting innovation, and sustaining long-term prosperity for the people of Abia.

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Obidient Movement ex mobilization director apologises to Obi, supporters 

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A former Director of Mobilization of the Obidient Movement, Morris Monye, has issued a public apology to supporters of the movement and to Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, over a controversial resignation letter he previously released.

In an open letter addressed to members of the Obidient Movement, Monye admitted that he acted out of “frustration and immaturity” when he published the resignation letter, which he said contained statements that unfairly targeted Obi.
According to him, the remarks did not reflect the values of accountability and constructive engagement associated with the movement.
“I allowed deep frustration and personal emotions to cloud my judgment. I made statements that subtly and unnecessarily dragged Peter Obi, a man I still respect for his vision, integrity, and sacrifice for this nation. That was wrong,” he stated.
Monye accepted full responsibility for the letter, stressing that no one influenced or edited his comments before publication. Although he later deleted the letter, he acknowledged that the action had already caused disappointment and loss of trust among supporters.
The former mobilization director also apologized directly to Obi and members of the Obidient Movement, especially young supporters who he said remained committed to the vision of a better Nigeria despite political challenges.
“To Peter Obi himself, Sir, I am sincerely sorry. My words were not a true reflection of the values of sacrifice, accountability, and constructive criticism that you preach,” he wrote.
He further noted that he was not seeking a return to any position within the movement, adding that his apology was motivated by a sense of responsibility and the need to own up to his mistakes.
Monye said he understood that trust could only be rebuilt through consistent actions over time and appealed for forgiveness from members of the movement.
He ended the letter on a lighter note, urging supporters to move forward in unity while reaffirming his commitment to the struggle for a better Nigeria.
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