News

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

Former Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi has alleged that the economic policies of President Bola Tinubu’s administration contributed to the death of his mother, citing the rising cost of medicines.

Mr Amaechi, a former Rivers State governor and vice-presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, made the allegation on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Friday.

“Because policies are killing people. I’ve lost my mother,” he said.

When reminded that his mother died at the age of 82, Mr Amaechi questioned why she could not have lived longer, arguing that her health deteriorated after the administration’s economic policies took effect.

“You want me to mention my friends who are 90 or 92 years old? Why do you think my mother couldn’t live up to 92? Tinubu was the reason. Before Tinubu, my mother was healthy,” he said.

“Suddenly, by the time Tinubu came, it was difficult to buy drugs for my mother. I know most of you won’t believe this.”

Mr Amaechi said the rising cost of medicines had affected many Nigerian families, leaving some unable to afford essential healthcare for their ageing parents.

He cited figures he attributed to the National Bureau of Statistics, claiming Nigeria spent N200 billion on drug imports in the last quarter. He added that about 40 per cent of finished goods were imported, describing the situation as a sign of dependence on imported products.

Mr Amaechi has repeatedly criticised the Tinubu administration’s economic policies, especially the removal of the petrol subsidy, which he has linked to the rising cost of living.

He also expressed confidence that an administration led by former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar and himself would improve living conditions for Nigerians, saying citizens could begin to feel relief within a year.

By Hadiza Abdulkadir

US President Donald Trump has promised to give $5,000 to every adult American if Republicans win control of Congress in the November midterm elections.

Trump said the proposed payment, which he called a “Trump Dividend,” could be funded partly by revenue from tariffs.

However, the plan has not been approved by Congress. The proposed payments could cost about $1.2 trillion, meaning significant legislative and financial challenges remain.

For now, the $5,000 payment is an election promise and is not a guaranteed government benefit.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

At least 20 people have died in a fatal road accident at Hawan Kibo community in Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State.

The crash occurred at about 5pm on Friday along the Hawan Kibo bend, a section of the road known for frequent accidents, according to eyewitnesses.

The Plateau State Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps, Corps Commander Adelaja Ogungbemi, confirmed the death toll in a telephone interview with The PUNCH in Jos.

He said, “Yes it is true. There was an accident this evening at the Hawan Kibo area in Riyom LGA of Plateau state. Our Officers are right there at the scene on rescue Operation.

” It was a terrible accident. They have evacuated many injured persons to the hospital and others are still being taken to the hospital right now. At the moment, I can confirm to you that 20 people have been confirmed dead from the accident ”

Ogungbemi attributed the crash to brake failure and urged motorists to ensure their vehicles are in good condition before embarking on journeys.

“It was a brake failure. We will continue to advice that motorists should always check their vehicles before driving. And they should drive carefully especially when negotiating a bend,” he added.

An eyewitness, Moses Gyang, who arrived at the scene shortly after the incident, described the crash as severe.

“I was close by when it happened around 5pm. The vehicle lost control while descending the hill. It was a terrible sight, people were shouting for help,” the eyewitness said.

Another witness said the number of people who gathered at the scene made the rescue operation more difficult.

“We have never seen such an accident here in recent times. Many people were lying on the ground. FRSC officers came quickly and started carrying the injured to the hospital, but many had already died,” he said.

FRSC personnel remained at the scene as of the time of filing the report, where they continued rescue operations and evacuated injured victims to hospitals for treatment.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Fifteen farmers have been killed in a fresh attack by suspected Boko Haram terrorists in Marte Local Government Area of Borno State.

The victims were attacked on Wednesday evening while working on their farms and gathering firewood in Ala and Musune wards.

The Borno State Police Command confirmed the deaths and said it had launched a search for three other farmers whose whereabouts remained unknown.

The command’s Public Relations Officer, Nahum Daso, confirmed the incident to Saturday PUNCH on Friday.

“Yes, there was an attack in Marte. Fifteen people were killed while others are still missing. Efforts are ongoing to determine their whereabouts,” Daso said.

Daso said details of the attack were still limited, adding that the command would release further information as investigations progressed.

However, local sources said 18 farmers were attacked, with 15 bodies recovered from the scene and buried on Thursday according to Islamic rites.

The victims reportedly included young men, married men and elderly residents who had gone into the bush to work on their farms or collect firewood for their households.

A community source said the victims were ambushed by the attackers, tied up and killed at close range.

“They were ambushed by terrorists while carrying out their daily work, bound, forced to lie down, and executed at close range,” the source, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said.

The source also alleged that some of the victims were decapitated, which made identification difficult.

“So far, we have buried 15 out of the 18; we are currently searching for three persons,” the source added.

Amnesty International condemned the attack and described the killings as a serious violation of international humanitarian law.

In a statement issued on Friday, the organisation said the victims were residents who had entered the surrounding bush to gather firewood for income or household cooking.

“The victims, who were residents venturing into the surrounding bush to gather firewood to earn a living or cook for their families, were ambushed and targeted by a suspected Boko Haram group,” the organisation stated.

Amnesty International urged the Federal Government to take “immediate, transparent, and human rights-compliant measures” to protect communities across the North-East.

The police search for the three missing farmers was still ongoing as of Friday.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Families of 19 prospective National Youth Service Corps members abducted in Imo State have been thrown into panic after their captors reportedly demanded a total ransom of N950m for their release.

The graduates were travelling from Ibadan, Oyo State, to NYSC orientation camps in Abia and Akwa Ibom when gunmen intercepted two buses along the Owerri-Onitsha Road in Umunoha, Imo State, on Thursday.

The Managing Director of Uko Akwa Ibom Motors Nigeria Limited, Isiah Akpan, confirmed the incident on Friday and said the abductors demanded N50m for each victim.

According to Akpan, the affected buses belonged to his company and were carrying corps members heading to their respective orientation camps.

He said the vehicles left Bodija/Samonda Park in Ibadan on Wednesday but encountered traffic delays around Benin, Edo State, before reaching Onitsha, Anambra State, later that day.

Akpan explained that the drivers could not proceed with the journey because of the condition of the road and spent the night in Oba. They resumed the journey at about 5am on Thursday.

He said the buses had only just entered Imo State when armed men emerged from the bush.

“They blocked the two vehicles and took 19 passengers, all corps members, into the bush,” he added.

The drivers reportedly escaped and alerted security personnel at a nearby checkpoint, after which police and military personnel began searching for the victims.

Akpan, however, said the operation faced an initial setback after some villagers allegedly prevented security personnel from moving the abandoned buses from the scene.

The buses were eventually left at the location, with the passengers’ belongings still inside.

The Imo State Police Command had announced on Thursday night that 10 victims had been rescued. The command’s Public Relations Officer, Henry Okoye, said security agencies were pursuing the kidnappers and conducting a coordinated search for the remaining victims.

Okoye was, however, unable to confirm whether the rescued persons were among the abducted corps members.

Families Receive Ransom Demands

The development has increased anxiety among the victims’ relatives, with some families reportedly receiving direct ransom demands from the abductors.

One parent, who requested anonymity for security reasons, said the kidnappers contacted her through her son’s telephone.

“The kidnappers called with my son’s phone this morning (Friday) and demanded N50m for his release. The N50m is for only my son,” she said.

Another parent, Mrs Oladosu, said her daughter, Greatness, was among those travelling to Uyo. She said the abductors briefly contacted the family using her daughter’s phone.

Friends Seek Help Online

Friends of some of the missing graduates have launched social media campaigns to draw attention to the abduction and seek assistance for their release.

One of the victims was identified as Precious Oladipupo, a graduate of Obafemi Awolowo University.

Another individual, Adebayo (@Adebayoakim1), appealed on X for support for Wahab Ayandare, whom he identified as another victim of the attack.

A friend, Akinlabi Abayomi (@Mubiiiiin), also appealed for assistance for Oyindamola Adeoye. He said the kidnappers had demanded N50m for her release.

Oyo Government Reacts

The Oyo State Government condemned the abduction and described it as distressing and reprehensible.

The Commissioner for Information, Dotun Oyelade, said the state government was communicating with security agencies, the Imo State Government and NYSC authorities over the incident.

He said Governor Seyi Makinde had directed that all necessary resources be deployed towards securing the victims’ safe return.

“We are fully committed to securing the safe release of our children and will stop at nothing to ensure that they are reunited with their families without harm,” the statement read.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Former Rivers State Governor and African Democratic Congress vice-presidential candidate, Rotimi Amaechi, has said an administration led by Atiku Abubakar would reduce the cost of fuel, transportation and food within its first year in office.

Amaechi made the claim on Friday during an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today, where he criticised President Bola Tinubu’s economic policies and outlined some of the measures he said the ADC would introduce if elected in 2027.

He attributed the rising cost of living to the removal of petrol and electricity subsidies, saying Nigerians were struggling to afford basic necessities.

“Everybody is suffering, everybody is looking for food to eat. People can’t buy fuel or travel. The airlines are threatening to increase the cost of transportation; everything is skyrocketing,” he said.

Amaechi also criticised the Tinubu administration over electricity supply and said Nigerians were still waiting for improvements promised by the President.

“For Christ’s sake, President Tinubu does not have the right to speak; he doesn’t. He promised power and said if he doesn’t give power, they should not vote for him. Nigerians are waiting to vote him out,” he said.

According to Amaechi, Atiku has pledged to reintroduce subsidy measures as part of his plan to reduce the financial burden on Nigerians.

“Atiku said I should tell you people that he will bring back the subsidy. Tinubu removed subsidy for electricity bill. He said Band A, B and C,” Amaechi said.

He cited the increase in his household electricity bill as an example of the impact of the current tariff structure.

“My house electricity bill was N500,000; now I pay N4 million. Atiku said if he comes, I will go back to N500,000. No more Band A and B because government will subsidise it,” he said.

Amaechi also linked higher food and transportation costs to the removal of petrol subsidy.

“He just held microphone and didn’t care. He just said remove subsidy. Since he removed subsidy, transportation increased, food prices increased, tomatoes, corn, everything,” he said.

He added, “Atiku said he will bring back subsidy. If Atiku brings back subsidy, everything will come down.”

Amaechi clarified that the ADC was proposing a production subsidy rather than a return to the former consumer subsidy arrangement.

“The greatest asset you have is that the presidential candidate has said, I will bring back subsidy. We are not saying we are putting back consumer subsidy. We say we are putting back production subsidy,” he said.

On education, Amaechi claimed that the number of out-of-school children had risen from 12 million to 20 million under the Tinubu administration, while putting the number of illiterate Nigerians at 92 million.

“The number of out-of-school children has risen from 12 million to 20 million under Tinubu,” he said.

He also linked worsening insecurity to difficulties faced by farmers in accessing their farmlands.

“Insecurity also increased. You no even fit go farm, and government doesn’t care,” he said.

Explaining his decision to contest the 2027 election, Amaechi said his motivation was based on his understanding of Nigeria’s challenges.

“I don’t care who else is running. I’m running because I’m a Nigerian candidate. Because I know the Nigerian problem. And I can solve the Nigerian problem,” he said.

He also expressed confidence in the ADC’s chances if the party appears on the ballot in 2027, saying:

“Whether free and fair or not free, if we [ADC] are on the ballot, President Bola Tinubu will lose the election,” Amaechi added.

Amaechi’s comments came on the same day he said he would withdraw from Atiku’s ticket and campaign for Tinubu if petrol falls to N600 per litre, according to Channels Television’s report of the interview.

By Uzair Adam

The Kano State Police Command has reiterated its enforcement of the ban on Durbar, horse-riding, and other animal-riding activities across the state, warning individuals, institutions, and organisations against violating the directive.

The command said the Kano State Government, in consultation with relevant security agencies, kept the restriction in force as part of measures to preserve public peace and maintain security across the state.

Commissioner of Police, Kano State Command, CP Ibrahim Adamu Bakori, said this on Friday, October 2, 2026, during a joint security press briefing at the Bompai Police Headquarters in Kano.

Bakori said security agencies had received reports of possible breaches of the directive, stressing that the security concerns that led to the ban remained unresolved.

“The Kano State Police Command, in conjunction with relevant security agencies in the state, hereby reiterates that these executive security directives regarding the ban on Durbar/horse-riding activities are still in force and binding on all persons in the state, irrespective of status or position,” he said.

The latest directive comes amid renewed controversy over horse-riding activities involving supporters of Kano’s two rival emirate camps.

The state government imposed the restriction after a public procession by the 15th Emir of Kano, Aminu Ado Bayero, on September 27, citing security concerns and the risk of confrontation between supporters of rival camps.

However, on Thursday, October 1, Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II rode on horseback to the Sani Abacha Stadium in Kano to attend the Independence Anniversary celebration, despite the government’s ban on horse-riding.

Horse-riding has traditionally been associated with Kano’s Durbar culture. However, authorities have previously imposed restrictions due to concerns about indiscriminate riding in public places.

In 2020, the Kano Emirate Council announced a ban on indiscriminate horse-riding and unofficial Durbar activities within the metropolis, citing reports of injuries, deaths, property damage and alleged criminal activities involving some riders.

Speaking on the current security situation, Bakori said law enforcement and security agencies’ primary responsibility was to maintain public peace, safety, and order.

He stressed that the authorities would not allow activities capable of undermining public safety, adding that security agencies had agreed on additional measures to ensure proper coordination and coverage.

“For the avoidance of doubt, in order to strengthen security coordination and to ensure proper security coverage, this Joint Security Meeting has resolved” that any person, institution or organisation seeking to undertake any form of Durbar or horse/animal-riding activity in a public place must give at least 72 hours’ prior written notice to the Kano State Police Command.

He explained that the notice must be submitted through the Office of the Commissioner of Police to enable security agencies to conduct the necessary security assessment and make appropriate arrangements for public safety and order.

“All concerned are therefore urged to comply strictly with all lawful security directives and to cooperate with the security agencies,” Bakori said.

The Commissioner assured residents that law enforcement and security agencies remained united and committed to enforcing the law and safeguarding public peace and order across Kano State.

He added that the directive applied to everyone in the state, irrespective of status or position.

By Muhammad Sulaiman

Saudi authorities have denied reports circulating on social media that a suicide bomber was arrested at the Grand Mosque in Mecca.

The Saudi security authorities said a man was arrested after allegedly harassing passersby and causing fear and panic among people at the holy site. He was dealt with immediately, and legal procedures were initiated before the case was referred to the Public Prosecution.

Authorities stressed that there was “no truth” to the claims that the incident involved a suicide bomber or an attempted attack.

The clarification followed the circulation of videos and social media posts alleging that a man wearing an explosive vest had approached the Kaaba before being apprehended by security personnel. Saudi authorities did not provide further details about the arrested man.

The incident highlights the need to verify reports about events at the Grand Mosque with official sources before sharing them on social media.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

A United States-based advocacy firm, Von Batten-Montague-York, has accused President Bola Tinubu of being desperate to retain power ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections.

The firm made the allegation in a statement published on its verified X account on Thursday, October 1, 2026.

It also alleged that the police, courts and electoral institutions could be used by the President’s administration to influence the outcome of the 2027 elections.

The statement followed reports of the arrest of five men in Borno State over their alleged use of T-shirts bearing the inscription, ‘Tinubu Must Go’.

Von Batten-Montague-York stressed what it described as the importance of the United States supporting Nigerians in their efforts to defend democracy and the rule of law.

The firm said, “Nigerian President Bola Tinubu is desperate to remain in power for many self-beneficial reasons, including something called head-of-state immunity, a doctrine that can protect sitting heads of state from the jurisdiction of foreign courts while they remain in office.

“Tinubu is now fully aware that the only thing standing in the way of a possible official re-examination of his alleged role in the trafficking of heroin from Nigeria into the United States during the 1980s and 1990s, and a possible new criminal indictment, is his current status as President of Nigeria,” the firm tweeted.

The allegations come as political activities ahead of the 2027 general elections continue to gather momentum across the country.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have killed 16 terrorists during a coordinated ambush on a terrorist enclave in the Boima general area of Gombi Local Government Area of Adamawa State.

The Nigerian Army also recorded the death of three soldiers after terrorists launched simultaneous attacks on military positions in Garkida and Garaha.

The incidents occurred between September 30 and October 1, 2026, according to a statement issued on Thursday by the Military Information Officer of the North-East Joint Task Force, Operation Hadin Kai, Maiduguri, Capt. Mohammed Goni.

Goni said the operations produced several results, including the neutralisation of terrorists, recovery of weapons and ammunition, and the prevention of attacks on military positions.

According to him, troops first engaged the terrorists in the Boima general area of Gombi LGA.

“The operational momentum commenced in the Boima general area of Gombi Local Government Area, where troops conducted a well-coordinated ambush against a terrorist enclave.

“The swift tactical action resulted in the neutralisation of 16 terrorists.”

He said troops later recovered three AK-47 rifles, two pump-action rifles, one Dane gun, six AK-47 magazines and a belt of pump-action cartridges from the area.

The Army spokesman also disclosed that an Air Component of Operation Hadin Kai carried out a separate air strike on a group of terrorists in the early hours of October 1.

“Reinforcing the ground operations, the Air Component of OPHK delivered a precision strike in the early hours of 1 October 2026.

“At approximately 4:40 am, an Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) platform detected a concentration of about 16 terrorists assembling alongside 15 motorcycles beneath a tree canopy in Sector 4,” he added.

Goni said the target was subsequently engaged after identification and target acquisition.

“Subsequent Battle Damage Assessment confirmed the successful destruction of the target, while a few surviving elements scattered in disarray,” he said.

Meanwhile, terrorists also launched coordinated attacks on military positions at 226 Battalion, Garkida, and 232 Battalion, Garaha.

Goni said the troops responded with heavy firepower and forced the attackers to abandon their operation and retreat.

“Regrettably, three brave soldiers paid the supreme sacrifice during the fierce battle, while wounded personnel were swiftly evacuated and are currently in stable condition, receiving medical treatment,” he stressed.

He added that troops had commenced further exploitation and mop-up operations across the affected areas.

According to Goni, the latest operations form part of efforts by the Theatre Command to improve coordination among land, air and other supporting components involved in counter-terrorism operations.

“Building on the strong foundation laid by the previous leadership, the renewed approach is already yielding operational dividends through enhanced coordination of land and air components and other supporting elements,” he said.

Goni said the theatre command would continue to rely on intelligence, technology and joint military capabilities to restrict terrorists’ operations across the North-East.

“As Nigerians commemorate the nation’s Independence anniversary, the troops of OPHK remain resolute in defending the nation’s territorial integrity and creating the conditions for lasting peace, security and socio-economic development across the region,” he stated.