Gunmen suspected to be bandits have reportedly attacked the National Park Service Office in Oloka, in the Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State. THENEWSCREDIT investigation revealed that the attack occurred at about 9p.m. on Tuesday. Unconfirmed reports added that about five NPS personnel were killed during the attack. When contacted, the state Police Public Relations Officer, Olayinka Ayanlade, confirmed the incident to our correspondent. He said, “Yes, there was an attack by yet to be identified men against the men of the National Park. The Commissioner of Police and other service chiefs are currently on their way to the location. “Meanwhile, the CP Femi Haruna has deployed tactical teams, Mobile Police Force officers of the NPF and EOD to the affected area to prevent further breakdown of law and order,” he explained.

Nigerian petroleum products marketers have announced a plan to further cut the price of premium motor spirit near N739 per liter nationwide. The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria said its members have been promised direct fuel sales by Dangote Refinery at N699 per liter in January 2025. The president of IPMAN, Abubakar Maigandi, disclosed this to our correspondent on Monday in an exclusive interview. THENEWSCREDIT reports that the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited reduced its petrol price to N815 per liter across its retail outlets in Abuja on Monday amid an ongoing price war in the country’s oil downstream sector. While NNPCL retail outlets’ price stood at N815 per liter, the new price is still N76 higher compared to Dangote Refinery-backed MRS filling at N739 per liter At the end of last year, Dangote Refinery had announced a massive drop in petrol prices to edge out marketers. Dangote Refinery’s price cut set the tone for a petrol price war among major players into the new year, 2026. THENEWSCREDIT reports that fuel price is currently between N739 and N900 per liter across filling stations. This showed that there is a huge price gap between Dangote-backed MRS and other filling stations, including NNPCL. While this price gap subsists, our correspondent reports that the majority of Nigerians are yet to benefit from cheaper fuel prices nationwide. In a move to close the price gap and for more Nigerians to benefit from cheaper fuel prices, Maigandi said its members would begin dispensing petrol at N750 maximum price in January as soon as Dangote Refinery kicks off direct sales to IPMAN members. “You know, he (Aliko Dangote) promised that Dangote Refinery will start direct supply to filling stations this month, January 2026. “We are waiting for the refinery to supply to independent marketers; it’s going to start in January. That’s the promise he made. “Immediately he starts direct delivery, without transport, you will see all this queue will go. You know, if you get to N699 per liter by the time you add transport, N15, the product will arrive at the rate of about N750 to your filling station. “Immediately when he starts, you will see marketers will start buying and start discharging and reducing the price,” he told THENEWSCREDIT. Recall that in December last year, Dangote Refinery cut its petrol gantry price to N699 per liter from N838. Aliko Dangote, the president of the 650,000-barrel-per-day refinery, later pegged MRS filling stations’ petrol price at N739 per liter. However, the drop has not spread across players in the downstream sector, as filling stations still dispense petrol as high as N900 per liter in Abuja and other parts of the country.

Grief has continued to envelop the Omatu family following the death of three brothers who were among the eight victims of the devastating fire that engulfed the Great Nigeria Insurance, GNI, building on Martins Street, Lagos Island, on December 24, 2025. The deceased: Stephen Onyeka Omatu, 50, Casmir Nnabuike Omatu, 39, and Collins Kenechukwu Omatu, 37, were natives of Ihiala in Anambra State. They were in Lagos pursuing economic opportunities and were reportedly conducting business within the Great Nigeria House, a busy commercial complex comprising offices, shops and warehouses. According to family members, the fire broke out unexpectedly and spread swiftly through sections of the building, leaving occupants with limited opportunity to escape. Witnesses recounted chaotic scenes as thick smoke filled the structure and people desperately attempted to flee. The three brothers were among those trapped inside, and their remains were recovered after firefighters brought the blaze under control. The tragedy has once again drawn attention to persistent concerns over fire safety, emergency preparedness and compliance with building regulations in Lagos’ densely populated commercial districts, where similar incidents have repeatedly resulted in loss of lives and property. Those who knew the Omatu brothers described them as hardworking, closely bonded and dedicated to the welfare of their immediate and extended family. Since the incident, sympathisers from within and outside Anambra State have continued to send condolence messages. Community groups, youth organisations and religious bodies in Ihiala have held prayer sessions in their memory, while also renewing calls for stricter enforcement of safety standards in commercial buildings. A service of songs was held in their honour on January 7, 2026, at Jesus the Saviour Catholic Church, Bucknor Ejigbo, Lagos. The family announced that the brothers will be buried on January 14, 2026, in their hometown of Ihiala. Burial preparations are ongoing, with relatives arriving from different parts of the country to pay their final respects. Traditional rulers and representatives of various associations are also expected to attend the funeral rites.

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has declared that no 2027 presidential aspirant will step down in the African Democratic Congress presidential race, adding that all aspirants will present themselves freely. Atiku, in a statement released on Tuesday by his media adviser, Paul Ibe, called on Nigerians to resist efforts by the All Progressives Congress to intimidate and weaken the opposition. The former Vice President’s comments came amid speculation that he is facing pressure to step aside for a Southern candidate to emerge as the ADC’s flagbearer in the upcoming election against President Bola Tinubu. Atiku added that if anyone should step down, it is President Bola Tinubu, whose leadership he described as a growing national liability. The statement read in part, “For nearly three years, Nigerians have endured one of the harshest periods in recent history, an era defined by punishing economic policies and shrinking democratic space under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. “True to form, this administration has not only inflicted widespread hardship but has pursued a calculated effort to eliminate political alternatives. The objective is clear: a creeping, de facto one-party state. “Perhaps the Tinubu administration’s most disturbing achievement has been the systematic weakening of opposition parties, leaving the All Progressives Congress—despite its manifest failures—standing alone by default, not by merit. “Thankfully, patriotic leaders saw this danger early and chose resistance over silence by rallying around the African Democratic Congress as the nucleus of a credible national alternative. “Predictably, agents aligned with the Presidency are now attempting to destabilise the ADC from the outside, issuing reckless prescriptions about its internal affairs, particularly the choice of a presidential candidate. “Let it be stated plainly: the ADC is on a national rescue mission. Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, alongside other committed patriots, is central to this effort. Any call—overt or covert—for Atiku to step aside is a gift to authoritarian ambition and a betrayal of the Nigerian people.” He added that the ADC is committed to ending the purported misfortunes brought about by the Tinubu-led APC, stressing that no form of intimidation, manipulation, or sabotage will derail this mission. It continued, “The ADC has consistently affirmed its commitment to an open, transparent, and competitive process for selecting its flagbearer. APC proxies and external meddlers have no standing to intimidate, blackmail, or sabotage this democratic resolve. “At present, the ADC is focused on building strong ward, local government, and state structures nationwide. Disruptors and infiltrators must allow the party to do this essential work without interference. “The party remains open and welcoming to all genuine opposition figures. This inclusiveness—not coercion is the soul of democracy. When the time comes, all qualified aspirants will present themselves freely. No one is stepping down. If anyone should step aside, it is President Tinubu—whose leadership has become a national liability. “The recent public declaration of ADC membership by former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi in Enugu, the political heartbeat of the Southeast, triggered open boasts by a serving minister and presidential aides about plans to undermine the party. Their fear is evident. “Let there be no ambiguity: the ADC is determined to end the misfortune imposed by the Tinubu-led APC. No amount of intimidation, intrigue, or sabotage will derail this rescue mission. Nigeria will not surrender its democracy without a fight.”

The management of Obafemi Awolowo University, OAU, Ile-Ife, has announced the death of an 18-year-old part-three medical student of the institution. The student, identified as Timilehin Adetoye Toromade, was a student of the College of Health Sciences, Department of Medicine and Surgery. According to a statement by the institution’s Public Relations Officer, Abiodun Olarewaju, Timilehin with matriculation number CLI/2022/133, reportedly died in his sleep in the early hours of Tuesday, January 6, 2026. The statement revealed that the “university received the news of the student’s passing with shock and deep sorrow”. It also described the incident as devastating to the academic community. According to the statement, “preliminary information suggested that the student might have died shortly after 2 a.m., as one of his roommates reportedly said the deceased opened the door for another student around that time. “The Vice-Chancellor of the university, Professor Adebayo Simeon Bamire, expressed condolences on behalf of the Visitor, the University Council, Management, Senate, staff and students”. The VC, Professor Bamire, described the incident as a painful loss, saying, “The loss of a young life filled with promise, purpose, and potential is a tragedy that words alone cannot adequately capture.” He added that the university community was united in grief over the passing of a student who had embraced the rigours of medical training with the aim of serving humanity. According to him, the death had left a void among the student’s peers and all those who knew him within the university community. The university management stated that it was working closely with relevant authorities to fully understand the circumstances surrounding the incident, in line with established medical and administrative procedures. It also disclosed that appropriate support measures were being put in place to assist students and members of the university community who may have been emotionally affected by the loss. The management called on students, staff, alumni and friends of the institution to remain calm and compassionate, while extending sympathy to the family of the deceased.

The Leader of INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, Primate Elijah Ayodele, has revealed that former Vice President of Nigeria, Abubakar Atiku, will be asked to step down for former President Goodluck Jonathan ahead of the 2027 general elections. In a statement signed by his media aide, Osho Oluwatosin, Primate Ayodele revealed that the international community, including the African Union, European Union, United States of America, in conjunction with some local actors like TY Danjuma, Abubakar Abdulsalami and Olusegun Obasanjo, will be behind the move. The clergyman revealed that Goodluck Jonathan will be made to join the coalition against the current administration, explaining that he will be used against President Bola Tinubu and that the aim is for him to serve for one term. “I see that the AU, UK, USA, EU and some local actors like TY Danjuma, Abubakar Abdulsalam, Obasanjo, will ask Atiku to step down for Jonathan ahead of the 2027 presidential election, even in the coalition. “They will compel Jonathan to join the coalition and ensure he gets the ticket to contest against Tinubu in 2027. It will be a difficult move, but I see it being planned already. “The meeting started late December, but Tinubu doesn’t know what they are planning against him.” The prophet further reiterated his prophecy about the US President ‘caging’ Tinubu. “As I said, the US will be Tinubu’s greatest opposition. Trump’s wish is to see Tinubu out of the seat, except that the president makes a very bold political move. The international community will be involved in our election, and we have to be careful about it.”

Former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi has said Nigeria’s persistent economic decline is the result of leadership failure rather than a lack of resources, warning that the country has fallen far behind peers such as India, which has now overtaken Japan to become the world’s fourth-largest economy by nominal GDP. Obi made the remarks in a statement issued on Monday, following IMF estimates for 2025, which show India’s GDP at about $4.187 trillion, slightly ahead of Japan’s $4.186 trillion, with India now setting its sights on overtaking Germany to become the world’s third-largest economy. Drawing comparisons between both countries, Obi recalled that Nigeria once outperformed India on key economic indicators, citing World Bank data showing Nigeria’s nominal GDP per capita exceeded India’s in 2007 and again in 2015, before the trend sharply reversed. According to IMF World Economic Outlook projections, India’s nominal GDP per capita is expected to rise to about $2,878 by 2025, while Nigeria’s is projected to decline to roughly $807, despite Nigeria’s vast natural and fiscal resources. “Nigeria’s challenge is therefore not a lack of resources, but a failure of leadership and priorities. “Despite significant subsidy savings, substantial revenue growth, and excessive borrowing (more than all previous governments combined from 1999 to 2023), Nigeria’s performance remains troubling,” he said. Obi noted that combined government revenue between 2023 and 2025 is estimated at about ₦200 trillion (approximately $135 billion), yet critical sectors such as healthcare, education and poverty alleviation have seen no meaningful improvement. Highlighting the impact on everyday Nigerians, Obi said worsening living conditions are evident across the country, with businesses struggling to survive and the cost of living continuing to soar. “Businesses, particularly small and medium enterprises, are closing daily due to lack of support, electricity remains erratic and expensive, and the costs of basic necessities, such as rent, transport, and food, continue to rise beyond the reach of ordinary Nigerians. “I continue to call for national unity to build a leadership consensus anchored on competence, compassion, and character. This leadership must prioritize the welfare of Nigerians and invest in essential areas such as healthcare, education, infrastructure, agriculture, and technology. It should also focus on cutting waste, reducing the cost of governance, and ensuring full transparency and accountability so citizens can track and assess national progress. “Only through united collective action, transparency, and visionary leadership can Nigeria close the gap with nations like India and ensure that its wealth translates into prosperity, security, and opportunity for all citizens. The time for Nigeria to act, catch up, and reclaim its potential is now,” the ADC chieftain added.

The pan-Yoruba socio-political organization, Afenifere, has frowned at the reported attack on women who were at the gate of the Kwara State Government House on a Save Our Soul, SOS mission. A statement by the organisation’s national publicity secretary, Jare Ajayi, maintained that citizens have an inalienable right to call the attention of government to their plight so long as such is done in a peaceful manner. He added that the Saturday attack on Kasuwan Daji in Niger State, like many other similar attacks “saddens our heart coming at a time when terrorism is expected to be tamed.” Our correspondent reports that some women and children from Oke-Ode, Ifelodun local government area of Kwara State went to the Kwara State Government House in Ilorin, the state capital to plead that the state government come to their rescue. But according to a viral video, the protesters were flogged by perceived thugs near the entrance of the Government House. The state Police spokesperson, Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi confirmed the incident and said that it is being investigated. Reports also indicated that a similar thing occurred in Kabba where some people gathered to express their displeasure over the incessant banditry in the Kabba-Bunu axis and Okun speaking area of Kogi state. Reacting, Afenifere condemned the attack, stating that protesters have the right to call the attention of government to their plight, “especially since they were not seen with any dangerous weapon”. “It is noteworthy that Governor Abdulrasaq has not only distanced himself from the unfortunate incident but went further to call on the police to ‘find the attackers and bring them to account’. “The incident occurred in broad daylight in front of the Government House that certainly has security personnel. And it lasted for a while. “What baffles the mind here is that for the whole of the period of the incident, the women could not be protected and their attackers apprehended. Would the situation have been the same were the attackers came with ammunitions to wreck havoc in the Government House? For the attackers not to have been arrested raises a lot of questions”, the statement added.

Popular Nigerian Tiktoker, Peller, has expressed regret over his inability to speak good English. The streamer made this known during a recent live stream session with his colleague, Enzo. Enzo during the live session, asked Peller to formally introduce himself, “just tell them in English that your name is Peller.” In response Peller said “in English? E no go go.” Enzo replied “So, you’re telling me that if Speed comes, you are not going to talk to him? Because he just called me now that he’s coming tomorrow.” Peller; “I no go even see am. My English is very bad, but I dey go university soon to study Arts.” THENEWSCREDIT recalls that Peller’s decision to return to school came after his breakup with Jarvis, his older girlfriend.

Nollywood actor and filmmaker, Funke Akindele, has recorded another major commercial triumph as her latest cinema release, Behind The Scenes, grossed ₦1.77 billion at the Nigerian box office, further reinforcing her dominance in the country’s film industry. The milestone was announced by the film’s distributor, FilmOne Entertainment, in a post shared on X (formerly Twitter) on Monday. “Celebrating yet another incredible milestone and we’re so sure we wouldn’t have done this without you and your love. “Behind The Scenes hits a whopping ₦1.77 billion. Thank you to everyone for the love and support so far,” FilmOne said. According to the distributor, the film has now generated ₦1,767,305,878, emerging as the number one film of the weekend in West Africa, with box office figures still rising as of 4pm on January 5, 2025. “THANK YOU WEST AFRICA. NO.1 FILM OF THE WEEKEND… AND COUNTING,” FilmOne added, noting that the earnings were verified figures. The official announcement graphics….Credit: X I FilmOne Ng Behind The Scenes stars Scarlet Gomez in the lead role and features an ensemble cast including Funke Akindele, Iyabo Ojo, Destiny Etiko, Tobi Bakre, Uche Montana, Uzor Arukwe, Ini Dima-Okojie, Adebowale ‘Mr Macaroni’, Ibrahim Chatta, Kamo State, as well as reality TV stars Handi and Wanni Danbaki, among others. The film centres on the theme of black tax, exploring the social, emotional and financial pressures faced by individuals expected to support extended family members, a subject that has struck a chord with audiences across Nigeria and the wider West African market. THENEWSCREDIT had earlier reported that Behind The Scenes crossed the ₦1 billion mark at the box office, recording ₦1,109,463,846, a feat that placed it among the highest-grossing Nollywood films of all time. Following the milestone, FilmOne described Akindele as “the only director to cross ₦1B+ at the box office three different times” and “Nollywood’s highest-grossing producer of all time,” underscoring her consistent commercial appeal. The performance of Behind The Scenes adds to a growing list of box office successes for Akindele, whose earlier film, Everybody Loves Jenifa, reportedly earned over ₦40 million on its opening day, crossed ₦355 million within its first week, exceeded ₦700 million by its second weekend, and became the fastest Nollywood film to reach ₦1 billion domestically. With Behind The Scenes continuing its strong cinema run, industry watchers say the film’s success reflects a combination of relatable storytelling, strategic marketing and Akindele’s enduring popularity with mainstream audiences.