News

By Uzair Adam

The Bauchi State Government has disbursed N95 million to families of vigilantes and civilians who were killed in recent bandit attacks in Alkaleri Local Government Area.

Governor Bala Mohammed made the announcement during a condolence visit to Duguri and Gwana communities, where the attacks occurred.

The victims include 13 vigilantes and 10 civilians who lost their lives in an ambush by bandits.

According to the governor, each family of the deceased vigilantes will receive N5 million, while families of the civilians will receive N3 million each.

He noted that a committee led by the Chairman of Alkaleri LGA has been set up to oversee the equitable distribution of the funds.

“We are doing this out of sympathy and appreciation for the sacrifices made by these heroes. This support is meant to offer some relief to their families,” Mohammed said.

He also revealed that over 60 of the attackers were killed in the confrontation with security forces and vigilantes, praising the courage of the local defenders despite the superior firepower of the bandits.

In response to the ongoing security challenges, the governor pledged to employ up to 2,100 youths into the vigilante corps before the end of the year, beginning with the most affected communities.

He said the recruits will be trained by security agencies and equipped with clear rules of engagement to avoid extrajudicial actions.

“To strengthen their operations, I’m releasing N10 million immediately, and the committee will add another N10 million to support their mobility, especially fuel for patrols,” he added.

Governor Mohammed also warned traditional leaders to be vigilant against informants within their communities, describing them as more dangerous than the bandits themselves.

Meanwhile, the state Commissioner of Police, represented by Deputy Commissioner Muhammad Ahmed, said additional personnel and equipment have been deployed by the force headquarters to enhance security in the state.

By Uzair Adam 

Two federal legislators from Kano State have left the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) and joined the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), citing unresolved internal issues within their former party.

The defection of Kabiru Alhassan Rurum, representing Rano/Bunkure/Kibiya, and Abdullahi Sani Rogo of Karaye/Rogo federal constituency, was formally announced by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, during Thursday’s plenary.

Their move adds to the recent wave of defections to the APC, with Oluwole Oke, a lawmaker from Osun State, also officially joining the party during the same session.

The sitting was attended by APC National Chairman Abdullahi Ganduje and other top party members, who were in the green chamber to receive the new members.

The House has recently witnessed a series of defections, many of which have strengthened the numerical advantage of the APC.

By Uzair Adam 

The House of Representatives has resolved to investigate the technical error that resulted in the mass failure recorded during the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).

This decision was made following the adoption of a motion of urgent public importance moved by a lawmaker from Osun State, Adewale Adebayo, during Thursday’s plenary session.

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) released the results of the 2025 UTME on May 9, revealing that over 78 per cent of candidates scored below 200 out of a possible 400 marks. 

An early review by the board indicated a significant technical error had occurred.

At a press briefing in Abuja, JAMB Registrar Prof. Ishaq Oloyede disclosed that server-related issues affected the results of 379,997 candidates. 

He explained that updates to servers in Lagos and South-East zones disrupted the upload of responses during the first three days of the examination. 

The issue, caused by one of JAMB’s two technical service providers, went undetected before the results were initially released.

To remedy the situation, the board announced that affected candidates would be allowed to retake the examination between May 16 and 19, 2025.

While presenting the motion, Adebayo emphasised the hardship many candidates and their families endured, travelling long distances only to face disappointing outcomes. 

He called for a thorough investigation to ensure such lapses do not recur.

In his contribution, Sada Soli from Katsina praised the JAMB Registrar for admitting the error and publicly apologising. 

He also commended Oloyede’s efforts in boosting the board’s revenue since taking office.

However, House Speaker Tajudeen Abbas said it would be up to the investigating committee to determine whether the Registrar deserves an official commendation.

The motion was unanimously adopted through a voice vote.

The House further called on the Federal Government to establish Computer-Based Test (CBT) centres in all Local Government Areas across the country to make exam centres more accessible. 

It also urged JAMB to release the withheld results of candidates below the age of 16.

By Muhammad Abubakar

Valeria Marquez, a 23-year-old beauty influencer from Zapopan, Jalisco (Mexico), was tragically shot and killed during a TikTok livestream on May 13, 2025. Known for her makeup tutorials and lifestyle content, Marquez had nearly 200,000 followers across social media platforms.

The incident occurred at Blossom The Beauty Lounge, where Marquez worked. A man posing as a delivery person entered the salon and fatally shot her while she was streaming live. She was struck in the chest and head, collapsing on camera in a moment that quickly went viral and shocked viewers.

Authorities are investigating the killing as a femicide, a gender-based crime. Reports indicate that Marquez had previously expressed fears about threats from an ex-partner, whom she believed was behind earlier harassment.

Her death has sparked outrage and renewed calls for stronger protections against gender-based violence in Mexico, a country grappling with high rates of femicide.

By Anas Abbas

The government of Plateau State , has announced the confirmation of five cholera cases, including three fatalities, alongside 20 suspected cases in the state.

During a press briefing, Dr.Nicholas Baamlong, the state commissioner of health, indicated that the confirmed cases have emerged from the Ngyong, Hurti, and Wurit communities within the Bokkos Local Government Area (LGA).

In response to the outbreak, the state Ministry of Health has initiated an incident management system aimed at implementing a comprehensive multi-sectoral approach.

The state Epidemiologist has been designated as the Incident Manager for this cholera outbreak.

His responsibilities will include overseeing the establishment of oral rehydration centers in the affected communities, as well as cholera treatment facilities at the College Hospital located in Bokkos LGA.

Additionally, he will coordinate efforts related to surveillance, case management, and risk communication.

Baamlong attributed the outbreak to several factors, including inadequate sanitation, limited access to clean water, and population displacement due to recent attacks in Bokkos LGA.

He noted the importance of evacuating suspected cholera cases to designated treatment centers promptly.

The commissioner urged residents of Bokkos LGA and neighboring areas to remain vigilant, maintain good hygiene practices, and report any suspected cases to the nearest healthcare facility without delay.

Dr. Baamlong reiterated the government’s commitment to protecting the health and well-being of all residents in Plateau State and called on partners to assist in the ongoing emergency response efforts.

By Uzair Adam

Nasarawa State Governor Abdullahi Sule has issued a stern warning to local government workers who abandon their duty posts, saying such indiscipline will no longer be tolerated and could lead to dismissal.

Speaking during the inauguration of the Nasarawa State Local Government Service Commission and the Nasarawa State Universal Basic Education Board (NSUBEB), the governor expressed concern over the widespread absenteeism among some local government staff.

Governor Sule lamented that certain employees had relocated to urban areas while continuing to receive monthly salaries, without contributing to their respective local government areas.

“I observed with deep concern that some local government workers only exist on the payroll. They’ve left their duty posts and moved to the cities, contributing nothing to grassroots development. This practice must end if we are to make meaningful progress,” he said.

He reiterated that the current administration is committed to restructuring local government operations, especially with the constitutional backing of local government autonomy.

Sule urged the newly inaugurated commission to support the government’s vision of enhancing socio-economic development in rural communities by ensuring effective local governance.

The governor also warned his appointees and elected officials to refrain from interfering in the recruitment of new teachers in the state.

He recalled that the previous exercise conducted by the Teachers’ Service Commission was marred by irregularities, which led to the removal of the commission’s chairman.

To address the shortage of educators, Governor Sule announced plans to recruit 1,500 additional teachers for both primary and secondary schools.

He said professionals have been engaged to oversee the recruitment process and ensure only qualified candidates are selected.

He called on all eligible applicants to take advantage of the opportunity, rather than complain about unemployment without making any effort.

Addressing the newly inaugurated appointees, Sule urged them to uphold integrity, discipline, patriotism, and the rule of law in their service, reminding them that public office is a trust from the people.

“In your duties, let the fear of God and the public interest guide you above personal gain,” the governor stated.

By Uzair Adam 

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has acknowledged making errors that negatively affected candidates’ performance in the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).

This admission was made by the Board’s Registrar, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, during a press briefing held on Wednesday in Abuja.

Oloyede stated that, “What should have been a moment of joy has changed due to one or two errors.”

The Daily Reality reports that this comes amid growing concern over the mass failure recorded in the 2025 UTME. 

It was gathered that out of the 1.9 million candidates who took the examination, more than 1.5 million reportedly scored below 200 out of a possible 400 marks—representing over 75 per cent of all candidates.

Some affected candidates have expressed intentions to take legal action against the Board.

More details to follow…

Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, has called for tighter border controls and warned that Nigeria’s porous borders leave it vulnerable to spillover crises from other West African nations.

Speaking at a lecture titled ‘National Resilience and Security in the 21st Century’ at the National Defence College in Abuja, Abbas stressed the need for stronger regional cooperation and internal cohesion to tackle security threats.

“Porous borders mean Nigeria’s security is tied to that of its neighbours,” he said.

He advocated for joint patrols, regional standby forces, and initiatives like grazing corridors to enhance stability.

The Speaker highlighted challenges across Africa, including insurgencies, coups, economic instability, and climate change, but noted the continent’s resilience, citing recovery efforts in Rwanda and Sierra Leone.

He outlined a three-phase strategy for national resilience: mitigation (preventive measures), adaptation (crisis response), and recovery (rebuilding).

He pointed to Nigeria’s National Security Strategy and Disaster Management Framework as key tools but urged deeper inter-agency collaboration.

Abbas also emphasized ECOWAS’ role in crisis management, referencing past interventions in Liberia and The Gambia, while acknowledging recent coups as a test for the bloc.

“True resilience requires political will, resources, and public preparedness,” he said. “By strengthening security and resilience together, Nigeria can safeguard its future.”

By Sumayyah A. Usman

Academic activities have been paralysed at the Kaduna State University, KASU, Kaduna, as the strike embarked upon by the institution’s branch of Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, enters its third week.

TDR visits to the two campuses at Kaduna and Kafanchan revealed that both lecturers and students were not in the classes and many students seized the opportunity of the strike to travel home.

However, some few students were found at the institution’s sport complex engaging in sport activities It would be recall that on April 24th, 2025, the union branch declared a “total, comprehensive & indefinite” strike action in response to several unfulfilled promises made by the Kaduna State Government.

By Sumayyah A. Usman

The Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani, on Monday launched the power supply reconnection project in Kagarko Local Government Area, in a move seen as a major step towards the actualization of his campaign promise during the 2023 electioneering campaigns.

The governor who was represented by the Kagarko LG Chairman, Honourable Muhuyideen A. Umar, said the reconnection project would help alleviate power challenges faced by residents as well as boost economic activities and the overall quality of life of the people of the LG.

He further stated that “the project is in line with the promise made by Governor Uba Sani to restore power supply in Kagarko after years of darkness”.

He assured residents that with the availability of needed materials, equipment.and commitment from the workers, the job would be completed in record time.

According to reports electricity supply had been disrupted for over two years in the local government area as a result of vandalism.

But news of the reconnection was warmly received by Kagarko residents, who expressed their gratitude to the governor for his efforts to restore power.