‎A yet-to-be-identified student of Ambrose Alli University, AAU, Ekpoma, has reportedly died in an auto crash while celebrating the completion of his final examinations. Our correspondent reports that the incident happened on Monday, December 8, 2025, around Ujoelen Junction along the Ekpoma-Auchi Expressway. It was also gathered that the deceased was part of the motorcade of the fresh graduates who took to the highway after their signing-out activities. ‎ When contacted, the Edo State Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps, FRSC, Cyril Mathew, confirmed the incident, adding that only one person died while five others who sustained various degrees of injuries were taken to the hospital for treatment. According to him, the students, after writing their last paper, entered the road in a convoy. In the process, one of them overtook another vehicle and rammed into a stationary truck. ‎ Mathew advised students to celebrate within campus areas and to always prioritise safety, noting that “there is life after graduation”. ‎ ‎THENEWSCREDIT learnt that the group failed to observe basic safety rules during the celebration. ‎ It was also gathered that the deceased attempted to overtake a moving truck when he reportedly collided with a stationary vehicle.

Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno State has assured residents displaced by the Boko Haram crisis who fled to Cameroon that the government is ready to provide each of them with N500,000 if they are willing to return home. Zulum made this statement on Monday while addressing refugees at the Minawao camp in Cameroon’s Far North region. According to him, robust security arrangements had been put in place in their home communities, after years of expanded military operations and civilian security initiatives across Gwoza and other parts of the state. “The welfare of refugees, internally displaced persons, and returnees remains a priority for us,” Zulum said. The governor further explained that rebuilding the lives of insurgency survivors is a core pillar of his administration’s humanitarian and development agenda. “Borno State, in partnership with the federal government, will provide a cash assistance of N500,000 to each refugee who is willing to return home, while women households will be given N100,000 each,” Zulum added. According to him, the measure is designed to help returnees begin reconstructing their homes.

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo Has Outlined Four Critical Pillars: Intelligence, Training, Equipment, And Technology, As Essential To Overcoming Nigeria’s Persistent Security Challenges. Obasanjo Made The Remarks On Sunday During The Toyin Falola Interviews, Held Via Zoom With Professor Toyin Falola As Host. He Was Engaged In Conversation By Bishop Matthew Kukah, Founder Of The Kukah Centre, And Former Presidential Candidate, Professor Kingsley Moghalu. The Former President Noted That Insecurity Has Reached Every Corner Of The Country, Stressing That Nigeria Must Adopt A Comprehensive And Modern Approach To Restoring Peace. According To Him, Strengthening Intelligence Gathering, Improving The Training Of Security Personnel, Equipping The Armed Forces Adequately, And Integrating Advanced Technology Are Non-negotiable Steps. “When I Talk About Intelligence, Training, Equipment, And Technology, I Know Exactly What I Am Saying. And Beyond All These, We Must Cultivate The Right Attitude, An Honest Commitment, To Confront Insecurity Decisively,” Obasanjo Stated. He Cautioned That The Federal Government Must Ensure That No Region Is Neglected In Ongoing Security Operations, Adding That The Scale Of The Problem Requires Both National Unity And Global Cooperation. Obasanjo Argued That Insecurity Has Grown Far Beyond Regional Boundaries And Should Be Addressed As A Nationwide Emergency. He Urged The Government Not To Hesitate In Seeking International Assistance When Necessary. “We Have Security Challenges Across The South-East, South-West, And North-East. This Is A National Issue. “If Our Government Is Overwhelmed, There Is Nothing Wrong With Turning To The International Community. We Are Part Of A Global Family, And The World Has A Vested Interest In Our Peace And Stability,” He Said. He Also Raised Alarm About The Rising Population Of Out-of-school Children, Warning That Failure To Address The Issue Could Create Significant Long-term Security Threats.

Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has approved the outstanding salaries and minimum wage arrears of staff of the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, LAUTECH Teaching Hospital, Ogbomoso. Makinde made this disclosure on Monday. He spoke while inaugurating the governing board of the teaching hospital. The event was held at the Executive Chamber of the Governor’s Office, Secretariat, Agodi, Ibadan. Makinde, while addressing the gathering, noted that he will resolve the issue of LAUTECH lecturers embarking on strike soon. He promised that the state government will provide the necessary support to the board to make the facility operational. Makinde said, “One request that I have before this Board is that the LAUTECH Teaching Hospital Complex, Oyo, must be totally revamped. It should be operational within 12 months. “So, by this time next year, we will not be going back and forth. I thought it was included in the French grant, but they came back and said no. I said okay, even if it was not included, we will take it on as a state. It is a special project for 12 months. And I will be available to provide and give any kind of support that you may require.”

The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, has urged Yoruba people to remain vigilant as insecurity spreads across the country, warning that recent attacks in northern and central states pose a growing threat to the South-West. A statement issued on Sunday in Ibadan by his media aide, Adeola Oloko, said the monarch made the call in Ode-Omu, Osun State, during the weekend celebration of Ode-Omu Day. In recent weeks, the northern part of the country has recorded a surge in terrorist and bandit attacks, leaving many killed or kidnapped. Fresh incidents in Kwara and Kogi—states that share borders with the South-West—have heightened regional anxiety and prompted governors in the zone to convene an emergency security meeting. Speaking at the Ode-Omu event, Ladoja said the situation demands increased alertness. “Let me use this occasion to urge Yoruba people to be vigilant amid security challenges facing Nigeria,” he said. The monarch commended the community spirit of the people of Ode-Omu under the leadership of the Alaye of Ode-Omu, Oba Bolarinwa Oladipupo, praising their continued investment in development projects. “I want to pledge the readiness of Ibadan to always support Ode-Omu’s development. Next year, an illustrious son and Parakoyi of Ibadanland, Chief Tunde Afolabi, will be drafted to chair Ode-Omu Day,” he added. Ode-Omu Day is an annual celebration during which the community reviews its progress and sets development goals for the future. Earlier, a former Minister of Police Affairs, Jelili Adesiyan, reminded attendees of the historical ties between the two communities, noting that “Ibadan ancient warriors settled Ode-Omu in its present location in 1909.” He also commended the royal fathers for their strong turnout, particularly the Olubadan. Members of the Olubadan-in-Council present included the Balogun of Ibadanland, Oba Tajudeen Ajibola; the Osi Olubadan, Oba Abiodun Kola-Daisi; and the Ekerin Balogun of Ibadanland, High Chief Sharafadeen Alli, who represents Oyo South in the Senate. The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, was represented by the Salu of Edunabon, Oba Kehinde Oladepo, while the Ogunsua of Modakeke, Oba Francis Adedoyin, also attended with his chiefs.

A young man from Plateau State identified simply as Nengak, has been reportedly beaten to death by a mob in Lagos State after he was caught “sleeping” with the wife of his employer. According to reports sent to our correspondent by one Bitrus Idi who claims to be a close friend of the deceased, Nengak worked as a security man for a family in the highbrow Victoria Garden City in Lagos. Idi said Nengak who was in his early 20s, was more like a general servant who did everything in the house including cooking, washing cars and taking the couple’s children to school. Idi said from what he gathered, the man of the house was hardly at home as he was always travelling outside the country “Being a handsome, strong and hardworking young guy, his master’s wife had a crush on him and began inviting him for other duties outside what he was employed to do,” Idi said. Idi said the affair had been going on for months before the man of the house discovered through a CCTV camera he set up after getting rumours that his wife was sleeping with their houseboy. “On the day Nengak was beaten to death, the man had pretended that he was traveling outside Lagos. Unknown to Nengak, the man had installed CCTV and had gotten enough evidence. “So that day, he told the wife he was traveling but had invited area boys to hang around the house. As usual, the madam called Nengak to their master bedroom and it was in the process that the man and his gang bust in and caught them red handed. “They beat Nengak to death and till now, the case is still to be filed as we have nobody to fight for him. Nengak’s corpse is still in the mortuary and the police have said we must pay for autopsy and other things,” Idi said.

The General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Pastor Enoch Adeboye, on Sunday assured churches in Nigeria that an end will come to insecurity, declaring that “the church will laugh last.” This is just as he asked Nigerians to put their mind at rest, saying evil will not prevail. Adeboye made the declaration during his teaching, “The Master Builder”, at RCCG’s monthly thanksgiving service, which was telecast and monitored by our correspondent. According to the renowned preacher, the current security realities in the country serve as a reminder that God can build and protect His church. Churches in Nigeria have, in recent years, grappled with violent attacks, including gunmen invasions leading to kidnappings, ransom demands, injuries, and deaths. Speaking further, he said, “We can pull down. When God opens a door, nobody can shut it. “It’s when God shuts a door that nobody can open it. So, I have good news for you, my children, once again. “Put your mind at rest. The gates of hell shall not prevail. Whether the devil likes it or not, the church is going to laugh last.” Adeboye emphasised that beyond building the church, God also transforms individuals. “Why? Because it is God that is doing the building. “He said, I will build my church and the gates of hell shall not prevail. But then God does much more than that. He builds people,” the GO said. The cleric added that God is not only a master builder but also an architect who shapes lives, destinies, and futures.

The Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, has assured Igbo people, both at home and in the diaspora, of robust security across the Southeast during the festive season, urging them to return in large numbers without fear. The group’s Media and Publicity Secretary, Comrade Emma Powerful, gave this assurance in a statement on Sunday. Powerful stated that security operatives affiliated with the group’s Eastern Security Network (ESN), alongside community volunteers, would help maintain safety throughout the festive period. IPOB described the Southeast as one of the most peaceful regions in Nigeria, insisting that security conditions have improved despite what it termed “sponsored instability” in recent years. According to the spokesman, attempts to portray the region as unsafe were exaggerated and aimed at discrediting the group’s activities. He also dismissed reports of a recent kidnapping along the Owerri–Aba Expressway at Ngor Okpala, describing the circulating video as an old clip that had resurfaced on social media. The group maintained that security operations by the ESN are often carried out discreetly and are not publicized online. It further stated that the ESN does not operate official social media accounts and warned the public against misinformation. The organisation accused the Federal Government and some political actors of trying, unsuccessfully, to dismantle its operations, while reiterating its long-standing demand for the self-determination of the Biafra region. “Return home for the festive season and consider investing in the region. Your safety is guaranteed. We wish travellers a peaceful Christmas and safe journeys,” IPOB said.

Benin’s President Patrice Talon is safe, and security forces are restoring order after a faction of soldiers claimed to have removed him from power, the presidency announced on Sunday. In a brief statement, the presidency dismissed the soldiers’ declaration as the actions of a fringe group with limited influence. “This is a small group of individuals who only managed to seize the television station. The regular army is steadily regaining control. Both the city and the entire country remain completely secure,” the statement said. The clarification follows an earlier broadcast by soldiers identifying themselves as the “Military Committee for Refoundation,” who declared that Talon had been removed from office. The government has since described the broadcast as an isolated disruption, assuring citizens that the situation is under control.

ABUJA: The crisis rocking the All Progressives Congress APC in Osun State deepened on Saturday after six of the seven disqualified governorship aspirants, led by former National Secretary of the party, Senator Iyiola Omisore, rejected the decision of the screening panel, describing it as a politically-motivated hatchet job that threatens the party’s electoral chances. Only two of the nine aspirants who appeared before the screening committee were cleared, while seven—including Omisore—were disqualified. Omooba Dotun Babayemi was not part of the complainants. Speaking on behalf of the aggrieved aspirants, Omisore dismissed the report as “the jokest report of the year,” alleging that the panel submitted multiple contradictory documents and that the version taken to the party secretariat was not the authentic report. “We are aware that the panel members have two, three reports. The one taken to the secretariat wasn’t the original report. As we speak today, none of us has seen their report or why we were disqualified,” Omisore said, insisting that their political pedigree made the decision laughable. “You can see for yourself that when you disqualify people like us in any contest, where do we go from there? The party is pointing at failure”, he added. The former APC National Secretary further made a damning allegation against the chairman of the screening panel, claiming he admitted that the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy and former Osun State governor, Adegboyega Oyetola, ordered that all the aspirants be disqualified to pave the way for his preferred candidate, Wale Oyebamiji. “He told us that Minister Gboyega Oyetola called him that they must disqualify all of us because he wants his lackey, his poster boy, Oyebamiji,” Omisore said. When asked to clarify whether the panel chairman indeed made such a confession, he responded, “Yes, he told us that he was under pressure. Unfortunately, we are in it together.” Omisore, who has so far been the only one among the disqualified aspirants to meet with the appeal panel, said he demanded to know the specific allegations against them since none had been communicated. According to him, the claim that they failed to secure the required five nominators per local government was baseless. “The law says he who alleges must prove. They should have used another method to disqualify us,” he said. Although the screening report contained a proviso empowering the National Working Committee NWC to overrule the panel, Omisore rejected any speculation that the NWC might uphold the disqualification. “You can’t shave my head for me. Why don’t you say the NWC will cancel the report of the panel? Why are you pessimistic? “The NWC in their own wisdom have the list of our party members, and we have over 13,000 members who are financiers. All of us aspirants are guilty of the same thing, the same system, the same way. That’s the issue, and it calls for caution”, he said. Asked about the implication of the crisis for the party’s chances in the forthcoming governorship election, Omisore was blunt, pointing to even media reports acknowledging the divisions within the APC. “You reported that the party is factionalized. Even the committee wrote there that the party is likely to lose the election. So what are you talking about?” he said.