Author: topnews

Bandits Abduct 40 Worshippers in Zamfara Mosque Attack

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  Armed bandits on Sunday night abducted no fewer than 40 worshippers during prayers at a mosque in Zamfara State, in yet another wave of insecurity plaguing the North-West. The incident occurred in Tsafe Local Government Area, where residents said dozens of gunmen stormed the community mosque and whisked away worshippers at gunpoint. Eyewitnesses told reporters that the attackers, who rode on motorcycles, surrounded the mosque during evening prayers, forcing terrified worshippers into the nearby forest. A resident, who gave his name simply as Musa, said: “They came in large…

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DecemberIssaVybe: How FirstBank Made Yuletide the Season of Music, Memories and Magic

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Every December in Nigeria is a whole mood. The harmattan breeze and the Christmas themed red and white decorations all over the cities and towns; the cousins returning from the UK, US and Europe with “I just came back” stamped on their accents — and of course, the unmissable lineup of street carnivals, concerts, plays, and festivals that keep Lagos, Abuja, Warri and Port Harcourt buzzing deep into the New Year. Since its launch, FirstBank’s “DecemberIssaVybe” (DIAV) campaign has stood at the centre of this cultural energy, giving Nigerians more…

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Anambra’s first lady fires back at Senator Ekwunife

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The wife of Anambra State Governor, Mrs. Nonye Soludo, has dismissed allegations made by Senator Uche Ekwunife, describing them as “false, laughable and pitiable.” Ekwunife, in a viral video, had alleged that Mrs. Soludo once worked under the administration of the late former Governor Chinwoke Mbadinuju. She also took a swipe at Governor Charles Soludo, accusing him of poor performance in office and even making unflattering remarks about his personal hygiene. In a strongly worded reaction on Wednesday, Mrs. Soludo denied ever having any connection with Mbadinuju’s government, insisting she…

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INEC Recognises David Mark, Aregbesola as ADC Leaders

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The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has officially recognised former Senate President, David Mark, as the National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), with former Minister of Interior, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, confirmed as National Secretary. The electoral umpire also listed Dr. Mani Ibrahim as National Treasurer, Akibu Dalhatu as National Financial Secretary, and Professor Oserheimen Osunbor as National Legal Adviser, among other interim national officers of the opposition party. David Mark was unveiled as interim chairman in July at the Yar’Adua Centre, Abuja, following the resignation of long-serving National…

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EFCC Quizzes Mele Kyari Over $7.2bn Refinery Funds

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The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Wednesday interrogated former Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Mele Kyari, over the alleged mismanagement of $7.2 billion earmarked for the rehabilitation of the nation’s refineries. Kyari, who was removed from office in April, arrived at the EFCC headquarters in Abuja around 2:30 p.m. and was questioned for several hours by investigators. Sources said the former NNPCL boss was pressed to account for funds released for the turnaround maintenance of the Port Harcourt, Warri and Kaduna…

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15 Jehovah’s Witness members die in road crash while returning from convention in Imo

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At least 15 members of the Jehovah’s Witness faith community were killed on Sunday evening in a fatal road accident at Awomama Bridge, Imo State. The victims, all from Agwa community in Oguta Local Government Area, were returning from the group’s annual convention in Uli, Anambra State, when their bus was crushed by a trailer reportedly driving against traffic. The crash occurred around 6:45 p.m., and all passengers in the bus were said to have died on the spot. Their remains have since been deposited in a morgue. Chairman of…

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Anambra OCHA Brigade operatives arrested after pregnant woman, traders’ killed 

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  Operatives of the Anambra State government’s enforcement outfit, Operation Clean and Healthy Anambra (OCHA Brigade), have been arrested following a shooting incident that left a pregnant woman and four traders dead in Onitsha. The tragedy occurred on Tuesday during an enforcement exercise around Emeka Offor Plaza, Main Market, when a clash broke out between the operatives and traders. Eyewitnesses said five people, including a pregnant woman, were killed, but police authorities maintained that only one woman died, while four others sustained gunshot wounds. Confirming the arrest, the Managing Director…

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Senate bars Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan from resuming duties at National Assembly 

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The Senate has stopped Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan from returning to legislative duties, insisting her suspension remains in force pending a Court of Appeal ruling. Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central, was suspended in March following a confrontation with Senate President Godswill Akpabio. The Senate’s Ethics Committee accused her of misconduct, including defying seat assignments, speaking out of turn, and making abusive remarks. She also lost her salary, office access, and security privileges. The suspension, however, came amid her sexual harassment allegations against Akpabio—claims dismissed on procedural grounds. Since then, Kogi Central…

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TUC Rejects FG’s Proposed Petroleum Tax

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  The Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) has rejected the Federal Government’s plan to introduce a new tax regime on petroleum products, warning that it would worsen the economic hardship facing citizens. In a statement issued on Tuesday, TUC President Festus Osifo described the proposed tax as “ill-timed and anti-people,” insisting that Nigerians are already battling with inflation, high transport fares, and rising food prices. “Introducing additional taxes on petroleum at this period amounts to punishing the masses further. The government must reconsider this policy if it truly cares…

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Katsina Governor Radda Confirms Talks With Bandits to End Insecurity

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  Governor Dikko Umaru Radda of Katsina State has confirmed that his administration has opened channels of dialogue with armed bandits as part of efforts to end the protracted insecurity crisis bedeviling the state. Speaking during a media parley on Monday, Radda said the negotiations were aimed at finding a lasting solution to the frequent attacks, kidnappings, and killings that have devastated farming communities and displaced thousands of residents across Katsina. The governor stressed that while his government continues to support military and security operations in the troubled areas, dialogue…

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