News

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

The Nigerian Army has strongly denied social media reports claiming an armed attack on the residence of Bishop Matthew Kukah and the Sokoto Catholic Cathedral, calling the allegations entirely false.

In a statement issued on Saturday, the 8 Division Nigerian Army and Sector 2 of Operation FANSAN YAMMA said the viral Facebook post was misleading and baseless.

“There was no such attack in Sokoto State,” said Lieutenant Colonel Olaniyi Osoba, Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations for the division. He confirmed that Bishop Kukah is currently carrying out his Easter duties without any disruption, and that security around both the Bishop and the cathedral remains intact.

The Army reiterated its commitment, alongside other security agencies, to protecting all residents in Sokoto State and its area of responsibility. “Robust security measures are in place to guarantee a peaceful and secure Easter celebration,” Osoba added.

Authorities have urged the public to disregard the false reports and refrain from spreading unverified information.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, a presidential aspirant of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), has affirmed his readiness to back whichever candidate emerges as the party’s flagbearer for the 2027 presidential election.

Speaking in an interview with DW Hausa, Atiku dismissed claims that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) could undermine the ADC, noting that the party continues to grow in popularity across the country.

The INEC had announced on Wednesday that it would stop further communication with the ADC leadership and would not oversee the party’s national convention scheduled for April 14. The electoral body cited a court ruling for its decision. However, the ADC rejected INEC’s position, accusing the commission of misinterpreting the ruling, and vowed to proceed with its planned convention and other activities.

On the party’s presidential ticket, Atiku stated: “We will support and endorse whoever emerges as the flag bearer. How many are we (presidential aspirants), three or four? In the PDP, more than ten of us contested.”

Atiku also highlighted the ADC’s commitment to youth and women participation. “The youths have taken over the party. Most of those seeking elective positions, from councillor to state assembly, national assembly and House of Representatives, are young people. We have always said our party belongs to youths and women. Our role is to create the opportunity and hand it over to them,” he said.

Asked if he could support a young presidential candidate, Atiku replied: “Yes, why not. Allah has done everything for me. I have brought my sons and grandchildren home. What will be their future and that of their children?”

He expressed confidence that Nigerians are ready for change amid worsening economic and security challenges. “We are confident that Nigerians are yearning for change. They are ready for it. They are being pushed to the wall and are prepared to do even more than they did in the previous elections,” Atiku said.

The former vice president also linked rising insecurity, particularly in northern states, to youth unemployment and limited access to education. “Insecurity is more severe in the northern states, largely due to youth unemployment and lack of access to education. When you go round the region, you see that education is not receiving the attention it deserves. It has been relegated. Governments have not ensured that children enrol in school, and even when they graduate, there are no jobs or business opportunities. I have never witnessed a period like this in Nigeria,” he said.

Atiku further accused the government of tolerating corruption, saying: “There is also embezzlement on the part of government and corruption is rampant. The government has turned a blind eye because it is involved.”

This statement underscores Atiku’s positioning within the ADC as the party prepares for its national convention and the 2027 general elections.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Less than a day after President Bola Tinubu met with families of victims in Plateau State, fresh violence has been reported in the area.

The president had visited Jos, where he held a brief meeting with grieving families at Yakubu Gowon Airport following earlier attacks in Angwan Rukuba, Jos North Local Government Area. During the visit, he reassured residents of improved security.

“To the victims, there is nothing I can give you, whether in billions of naira, but I can console you and promise that this experience will not repeat itself,” Tinubu had said.

Despite the assurance, gunmen struck again on Friday night. The attack occurred in Nyango Gyel community, located in Jos South Local Government Area. Reports indicate that at least three people lost their lives.

Sources said the assailants stormed the community at about 10:40 pm. They fired shots indiscriminately before escaping from the scene.

The Secretary of the Berom Youth Moulders Association (BYM), Rwang Tengwong, confirmed the incident. He condemned the attack and described it as another act of violence against residents.

“This cycle of attacks on our rural communities must stop. We call on security agencies to act swiftly and bring the perpetrators to justice.”

“We urge heightened vigilance among residents of rural communities in Jos South, Riyom, and Barkin Ladi Local Government Areas,” he said.

Police authorities have yet to provide full details on the incident. The Police Public Relations Officer in Plateau State, Alfred Alabo, said he was in a meeting when contacted and promised to respond later. He had not issued further comments as of the time of filing this report.

The latest attack has raised fresh concerns about security in Plateau State, especially in rural communities that have faced repeated violence in recent times.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Amnesty International has criticised the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, over what it described as a dangerous outburst directed at a journalist during a live television appearance.

The condemnation followed comments Wike made during an Arise TV broadcast, where he reacted angrily to a line of questioning. During the exchange, he said: “If there’s anyway to broke (sic) the screen, I would have shot him…”

The minister’s remark targeted Channels TV presenter, Seun Okinbaloye, and has drawn strong reactions from rights groups and media advocates across the country.

The incident took place during a media chat in Abuja on April 3. Wike addressed ongoing political tensions. He spoke on concerns about a possible one-party system ahead of the 2027 general elections. His comments came in response to views earlier expressed by Okinbaloye on Politics Today, where opposition worries, including those linked to the African Democratic Congress (ADC), were discussed.

In a statement posted on its official X handle on Saturday, Amnesty International described the minister’s words as reckless and capable of encouraging violence against journalists.

“Apart from inciting violence, Wike’s remarks violated Nigeria’s broadcasting code that the Nigerian Broadcasting Commission (NBC) is supposed to be enforcing,” the organisation stated.

The group warned that such statements from a senior government official could create a climate where attacks on media professionals become more likely. It added that the comment risks portraying journalists as targets for simply carrying out their duties.

“This level of violent intent coming from a member of Nigeria’s federal cabinet is unlawful and unacceptable. Mr. Wike must withdraw his violent statement immediately and apologise,” the statement added.

The development has also renewed scrutiny of the Nigerian Broadcasting Commission. Critics have questioned why the regulator has not taken action, despite its record of sanctioning media organisations for perceived violations.

Wike’s time in office has been marked by several controversies. Observers say the latest incident signals growing tension between public officials and the media.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has announced the appointment of envoys in 12 major cities across the world. The party said the move is part of efforts to draw international attention to what it described as a “growing pattern of undemocratic practices and attacks on opposition members” in Nigeria.

The development comes shortly after the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) withdrew recognition from both the faction led by David Mark and another group headed by Nafiu Bala.

In a statement issued by Mohammed Haruna, INEC’s commissioner for information and voter education, the commission explained that it would not relate with either faction. It based its decision on a March 12 judgment of the Court of Appeal. INEC also stated that it would stay away from any meetings or activities organised by the groups until a pending case before the Federal High Court is resolved.

The decision has generated strong reactions. The Mark-led faction of the ADC called for the removal of INEC chairman, Joash Amupitan. The group argued that the commission’s position reflects bias and weakens public confidence in the electoral body.

On Saturday, the party’s national publicity secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, disclosed that the ADC has created a “special representatives network (SRN) in key foreign capitals” to deepen its international engagement and promote accountability in governance.

He alleged that since July 2025, there have been attempts “to destabilise opposition parties, undermine legitimate party leadership structures, and restrict democratic political participation”.

According to Abdullahi, the SRN will serve as a formal channel between the ADC and global stakeholders. He said selected individuals will act as envoys in strategic cities. Their role will include engaging foreign governments, legislative institutions, international media organisations, and Nigerians in the diaspora.

He added that the representatives will keep their host countries informed about political developments in Nigeria. These include issues related to governance, human rights, election credibility, and what he described as pressure on opposition figures. They will also present the party’s policy ideas and reform agenda.

Abdullahi noted that the initiative is designed to reinforce the party’s image as “a responsible democratic actor” and present it as a credible alternative for leadership.

The ADC listed Washington DC, London, Brussels, Berlin, Ottawa, Paris, Pretoria, Addis Ababa, Nairobi, Accra, Geneva, and New York as the cities where the envoys will operate.

The party also revealed plans to launch a documentation system across the country. Abdullahi said this mechanism will record incidents that affect political participation.

“State party structures will gather information on incidents including threats, harassment, violent attacks, arbitrary arrests, and disruptions of political activities,” he said.

By Anwar Usman

Another tragedy struck again in Plateau State as unknown gunmen invaded Nyango Gyel in Jos South Local Government Area, killing three people in a late-night attack.

The unknown gunmen arrived at the community around 10:40 pm on Friday, shooting sporadically before fleeing into the darkness, eyewitnesses and community sources said.

The incident was confirmed by the secretary of the Berom Youth Moulders Association (BYM), Rwang Tengwong,  describing it as “one too many.”

He strongly condemned the attack, saying it represents yet another senseless assault on innocent citizens going about their normal business.

“This cycle of attacks on our rural communities must stop. We call on security agencies to act swiftly and bring the perpetrators to justice,” Tengwong stated.

He urged heightened vigilance among residents of rural communities in Jos South, Riyom, and Barkin Ladi Local Government Areas.

Recakked that, Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang had earlier vowed that such attacks would not continue unchecked, instructing security agencies to find out those behind the recent bloodshed.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Adeyemo Oluwafemi Temitope, a final-year student of quantity surveying at the University of Jos (UNIJOS) in Plateau State, has been confirmed dead after earlier being declared missing.

The confirmation was made by his close friend, Meshak Gimba, a 400-level psychology student, who shared the update on X on Friday.

“Adeyemo Oluwafemi Temitope has now been confirmed dead. He has been found, but not alive,” Gimba wrote.

According to a report by TheCable newspaper, Temitope’s body was discovered three days after reports emerged that he was attacked by unidentified persons in Jos, the state capital.

“We initially thought he went missing, and that was why I posted and circulated his picture on Facebook and included my number in case anyone finds him,” Gimba said.

“But we got a call earlier today to come to the hospital, where we saw his corpse.”

He explained that the remains had been taken to the University Teaching Hospital mortuary on Wednesday by local security operatives. The operatives reportedly said the student was attacked by unknown individuals.

“The officials at the hospital said the security operatives told them he was coming from the market that morning when unknown persons attacked and killed him at Bauchi junction, close to the hostel,” Gimba added.

The university’s vice-chancellor, Tanko Ishaya, has pledged to reach out to the deceased’s family to ensure proper identification and necessary arrangements.

Agama Solomon, the institution’s chief security officer, also confirmed the development.

“On Wednesday, he was declared missing. This morning, we were told that his corpse is at the university teaching hospita,” Solomon told TheCable.

“So, myself, the vice-chancellor, dean of student affairs, and other staff went to the hospital to find out whether truly that was his corpse.

“And we discovered that indeed, it was his corpse. His close friend identified him, saying he is the one,” he added.

Solomon said the university authorities had contacted the family and were awaiting their arrival to begin burial preparations.

The incident comes amid rising security concerns in the area. About 28 people were recently killed and several others injured in Angwan Rukuba, a community near the university in Jos North LGA.

In response to the tension, the university directed students to vacate hostels immediately on Wednesday. The management also suspended ongoing examinations, with plans to reschedule them after the Easter celebration due to the deteriorating security situation.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Iranian media say a United States search helicopter has been shot down during an operation to locate a missing fighter jet, in what marks a further escalation following an earlier aerial incident.

Reports indicate that the helicopter, which was deployed to search for the downed aircraft’s crew, was struck by a projectile. “The US search helicopter was hit by a projectile.”

This development comes after Iranian authorities claimed they had brought down a US fighter jet, though details about the aircraft and its crew remain uncertain. No official confirmation has been issued by US authorities regarding the condition or location of those on board.

A source familiar with the situation said efforts are ongoing to locate the crew of the aircraft, according to a report by the UK Guardian.

Earlier, Iranian state media identified the downed aircraft as an F-35 warplane. However, this claim has not been independently verified. Questions have also emerged about the accuracy of that identification.

Iran’s semi-official Tasnim news agency reported that US forces are searching for a pilot “of a fighter jet that was attacked by the Iranian armed forces this morning”. The agency also released images it claimed showed debris from the aircraft, although some analysts have raised doubts about the type of jet involved.

Providing a different assessment, Peter Layton, a visiting fellow at the Griffith Asia Institute in Australia, told NBC News: “I think the structure looks like an F-15 and from the tail flash stripe markings from the 48th Fighter Wing, based at RAF Lakenheath in the United Kingdom.”

His analysis suggests the aircraft could be an F-15E Strike Eagle, rather than the F-35 initially reported.

Meanwhile, the Associated Press reported that a broadcaster linked to Iranian state television aired details about the missing pilot. The report said the transmission came from Kohkilouyeh and Boyer-Ahmad province, a mountainous area in southwestern Iran.

As of the time of filing this report, US officials have yet to issue a formal statement on the incidents.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

A United States fighter jet has been shot down inside Iran, in what officials describe as the first confirmed loss of an American aircraft to Iranian air defences since the conflict escalated.

American officials and Iranian state media both acknowledged the incident. Several US sources also confirmed the development to CNN, backing earlier reports from Iranian outlets that the jet was intercepted and destroyed by local air defence systems.

Reports indicate that the aircraft was an F-15E Strike Eagle. It reportedly went down in or near Khuzestan Province in southwestern Iran, about 470 kilometres from Tehran.

Videos traced to the area near a bridge over the Karoon River showed military aircraft flying at low altitude. The activity is believed to be linked to rescue or support operations after the crash.

US forces have reportedly launched a combat search and rescue mission to find the crew. The aircraft is believed to have carried two pilots.

Iranian state media, including Fars News and Tasnim News Agency, said early efforts to locate any crew members who may have ejected did not produce results.

A report by Fars News also stated that a reward had been offered for information that could lead to the capture of any “enemy pilot or pilots,” which has raised fears about the safety of the missing crew.

Iranian authorities credited the incident to “advanced and newly developed” air defence systems operated by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).

Images and videos shared by Iranian platforms appeared to show wreckage from the crash, including what looked like an ejection seat. However, independent confirmation of the materials remains limited.

Initial claims from Iranian sources suggested the aircraft was an F-35, but later assessments and US-based reports identified it as an F-15E.

As of Friday afternoon, there was no official statement from the Pentagon, the United States Central Command (CENTCOM), or the White House on the incident or the status of the crew.

Analysts say such silence is common during ongoing combat search and rescue operations in hostile environments.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has said it will proceed with its planned congresses and national convention, despite the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) withdrawing recognition of its leadership.

In a statement issued on Friday by the party’s spokesperson, Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC outlined a timetable for the exercise, which is scheduled to run from April 7 to April 14, 2026.

According to the party, activities will begin with the screening of aspirants and conclude with a national convention at the end of the exercise.

“This is to notify all party members that, despite INEC’s illegal actions, the African Democratic Congress will continue with its congresses as scheduled, having duly notified INEC by our letters dated 27th February 2026 and 28th March 2026.

“Screening of Aspirants—7th April 2026; Appeals on Screening Exercise—8th April 2026; Polling Unit, Ward, and Local Government Congresses – 9th April 2026; Appeals on the Congresses-10th April 2026; State Congresses-11th April 2026; Appeals on the State Congresses-12th April 2026 and Convention-14th2026; April 2026,” the notice reads.

The development follows INEC’s recent decision to delist the party’s leadership under former Senate President, David Mark.

The ADC has criticised the move and called for the resignation of the commission’s chairman, Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan.

In response, Amupitan explained that INEC acted due to an ongoing court case. He warned that if the party goes ahead with the exercise in violation of judicial directives, any electoral victory recorded by the ADC could be nullified.