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JUST IN: Bandits abduct over 100 worshippers in Kaduna church attacks

by Folarin Kehinde January 19, 2026
written by Folarin Kehinde

Bandits abducted over 100 worshippers on Sunday after attacking multiple churches in Kurmin Wali area of Kajuru local government area of Kaduna state.

The attack occurred during church services when the assailants reportedly stormed the churches and forced congregants to follow them.

A source with family members among the victims told Sahara Reporters that the attackers struck several churches simultaneously.

The source said about 10 people considered vulnerable were later released by the bandits.

Authorities and security agencies in the area have been notified, while details of the incident are still emerging.

Kaduna state has witnessed repeated deadly attacks by bandits in recent months.

On January 3, bandits killed four members of a family during an overnight attack in Kachia town, southern Kaduna.

The attack occurred near the newly established Federal University of Applied Science, the headquarters of Kachia local government area.

A family member identified the victims as Bitrus Bahago, his wife Justina Bitrus Bahago, their son Ibrahim Bitrus Bahago, and another relative, Adam Waziri.

“They are all four killed by the bandits,” the source said.

The source said the attackers arrived in large numbers and opened fire on residents, leaving several others injured.

The injured victims were rushed to nearby hospitals for treatment..

 

January 19, 2026 0 comments
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Non-oil Exports
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Nigeria’s Non-oil exports hit record $6.1bn – NEPC

by Nelson Ugwuagbo January 19, 2026
written by Nelson Ugwuagbo

Nigeria’s non-oil exports rose to a record high of $6.1bn in 2025, marking the strongest performance in the sector since the establishment of the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) nearly five decades ago.

The figure represents an 11.5 per cent increase over the $5.4bn recorded in 2024, highlighting growing momentum in the country’s drive to diversify its economy away from crude oil dependence.

The Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of the NEPC, Nonye Ayeni, disclosed this on Monday in Abuja during her annual progress report and the 2026 non-oil export outlook briefing.

Ayeni said data obtained from pre-shipment inspection agencies showed that Nigeria had surpassed its previous best performance, describing the 2025 outcome as a historic milestone for formal, documented trade.

January 19, 2026 0 comments
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Tincan Bridge
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Fuel Tanker Overturns at Tincan Bridge Lagos

by Nelson Ugwuagbo January 19, 2026
written by Nelson Ugwuagbo

A fuel tanker conveying petroleum motor spirit (PMS) has overturned at the Tincan Liverpool Bridge in Apapa, Lagos.

A video of the incident shared by Channels Television on Monday morning showed residents scooping fuel from the fallen tanker beneath the bridge.

“Happening now at Tincan Liverpool Bridge, Apapa: A tanker overturned, with people scooping its contents from underneath the bridge,” Channels TV reported.

As of the time of filing this report, details surrounding the cause of the accident and possible casualties remain unclear.

More details later.

January 19, 2026 0 comments
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gianni infantino
Headlines

Fifa President Condemns Senegal Over Unprofessional Conduct in Afcon Final

by Nelson Ugwuagbo January 19, 2026
written by Nelson Ugwuagbo

FIFA President Gianni Infantino has condemned the conduct of some Senegal players, officials and supporters following chaotic scenes that overshadowed Sunday’s Africa Cup of Nations final against Morocco.

In a statement sent to AFP, Infantino described the behaviour as “unacceptable” after several Senegalese players walked off the pitch in protest at a late penalty awarded to Morocco.

“We strongly condemn the behaviour of some ‘supporters’ as well as some Senegalese players and technical staff members. It is unacceptable to leave the field of play in this manner,” Infantino said. “Violence cannot be tolerated in our sport; it is simply not right.”

The incident occurred deep into injury time with the final locked at 0–0, when Morocco were awarded a spot-kick following a VAR review for a challenge on Brahim Diaz. Most of the Senegal team left the field in protest, delaying the match for almost 20 minutes.

Senegal captain and former Liverpool forward Sadio Mane stayed on the pitch and was seen urging his teammates to return so the match could resume.

The Senegal players were already angered after having a goal disallowed moments earlier for what appeared to be a soft foul.

Meanwhile, disorder also broke out in the stands as some Senegalese fans attempted to enter the pitch and clashed with security personnel.

After play eventually resumed, Diaz’s attempted panenka penalty was saved by Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy.

Despite the dramatic finish, the controversy has now drawn sharp criticism from world football’s governing body, with Infantino insisting such conduct has no place in the game.

January 19, 2026 0 comments
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Headlines

FCTA, FCDA Workers Embark on Indefinite Strike, Close Offices

by Folarin Kehinde January 19, 2026
written by Folarin Kehinde

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) and the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) workers have commenced an indefinite strike, leading to the closure of government offices across the FCT.

The industrial action follows a prior warning issued last Friday, when the workers announced their intention to down tools over unresolved labour and welfare-related issues.

The strike was initiated by the Joint Union Action Congress (JUAC), which directed employees at all levels within the FCT public service to withdraw their services.

JUAC accused the FCTA authorities of ignoring long-standing demands, stating that the strike was triggered after the expiration of a seven-day ultimatum issued to the administration.

According to the unions, several meetings were held with management during the ultimatum period, but none produced tangible results.

The ultimatum, which began on January 7, 2026, was formally communicated in a statement dated January 8 and jointly signed by the JUAC President, Comrade Rifkatu Iortyer, and Secretary, Comrade Abdullahi Saleh.

The notice was also copied to key officials, including the Minister of State for the FCT, the Chief of Staff, the Head of Service, and the Director of Security Services.

Among the grievances highlighted by the unions are unpaid promotion arrears, delays in staff promotions, and continued service extensions granted to directors and permanent secretaries due for retirement.

JUAC further alleged that the administration has failed to remit statutory deductions, including pension contributions and National Housing Fund payments.

In addition, the unions raised concerns over the handling of the 2024 promotion examinations, describing the process as “poorly managed and unfair to many affected workers.”

 

January 19, 2026 0 comments
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Headlines

Impeachment: Fubara Aide Reveals Rivers Lawmakers Were Given ₦350m Each

by Folarin Kehinde January 16, 2026
written by Folarin Kehinde

A fresh allegation has emerged amid the impeachment tension in Rivers State, as an aide to Governor Siminalayi Fubara claimed that lawmakers of the Rivers State House of Assembly received N350 million each for constituency projects.

The allegation was made by Darlington Orji, a Special Adviser to the governor, during a television interview on Friday.

He spoke while addressing issues surrounding budget approvals and the growing rift between the executive arm and the state legislature.

Orji said the claim by some lawmakers that certain payments were not properly appropriated did not align with past actions taken by the Assembly members. He argued that the same lawmakers had earlier collected much larger sums without raising similar concerns.

According to him, lawmakers were each given N350 million for constituency projects. He questioned why no objections were raised at the time, especially regarding appropriation procedures.

The governor’s aide also spoke on a N100,000 payment made in December. He explained that the money was paid to civil servants as an end-of-year appreciation. He added that members of the House of Assembly were also extended the same gesture.

However, Orji revealed that some lawmakers rejected the N100,000 payment. He said the reason given was that the money was not captured in the appropriation process.

He described the rejection as questionable. He argued that it was inconsistent for lawmakers to reject a smaller amount on appropriation grounds after accepting a much larger sum earlier.

While speaking, Orji insisted he would not make false claims. He maintained that his statements were based on facts known to him.

He also addressed issues surrounding the budget process. He explained that several adjustments usually take place before a budget is finalized and passed into law.

Orji stated that a presentation was expected from the lawmakers concerning certain interests. He said this presentation did not happen because the governor did not agree with their position.

He further noted that the exact figures being disputed could not be confirmed at the moment due to the absence of the presentation. Despite this, he maintained that the December payments were clear and straightforward.

January 16, 2026 0 comments
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Headlines

2026 Budget: Ministry of Works Allocates N500m to Hairdressers and Make-Up Artists

by Folarin Kehinde January 15, 2026
written by Folarin Kehinde

The 2026 budget proposal has placed the Federal Ministry of Works at the centre of a fresh controversy.

This followed the discovery of multiple non-infrastructure empowerment projects running into hundreds of millions of naira under the ministry’s allocations.

Details from the 2026 Appropriation Bill show that the Federal Ministry of Works plans to spend over ₦500 million on programmes linked to skills training, empowerment schemes, and social interventions across several states.

The budget document indicates that these allocations cover activities such as training hairdressers and make-up artists, distributing grinding machines, motorcycles, mini-vans, and funding anti-drug abuse campaigns.

These projects are spread across different geopolitical zones of the country.

One of the allocations shows that ₦35 million has been earmarked for the distribution of grinding machines to women in Ndokwa/Ukwani Federal Constituency in the South-South. The document did not specify the number of beneficiaries or machines to be supplied.

Another ₦35 million is listed for the training and empowerment of women in hairdressing, make-up, and soap production in Mikang, Shandam, and Qua’an Pan Federal Constituency of Plateau State in the North-Central zone.

In the North-East, the ministry plans to spend ₦70 million on skill acquisition and the provision of trade equipment for youths, women, and seven retirees in the Inyamaltu/Deba area of Gombe State.

The budget also provides for ₦70 million to be used in supplying mini pick-up vans, mini shuttle buses, and motorcycles to constituents in Abakaliki Federal Constituency of Ebonyi State in the South-East.

Another line item includes funding for training, sensitisation, advocacy, and youth empowerment programmes targeted at drug abuse in Zamfara State, located in the North-West.

Similar constituency-based projects appear in other parts of the budget under the ministry.

Nevertheless, the presence of these empowerment and social intervention projects under the Ministry of Works has raised concerns about the core mandate of the ministry, which is primarily responsible for road construction, rehabilitation, and other federal infrastructure.

 

January 15, 2026 0 comments
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Headlines

Detained AAU students regain freedom

by Folarin Kehinde January 15, 2026
written by Folarin Kehinde

Students of Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, who were arrested and remanded at the Ubiaja Correctional Centre over a recent protest, have been released alongside other detainees.

The release was confirmed in a statement released on Thursday by the Chief Press Secretary to Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, Patrick Ebojele.

The students were among 52 persons remanded by a Benin High Court on charges bordering on malicious damage and armed robbery.

They were arrested after a peaceful protest against insecurity in Ekpoma last Saturday turned violent.

Hoodlums reportedly hijacked the protest, attacking traders, setting tyres ablaze and blocking roads, scenes which were captured in viral videos on social media.

Okpebholo met with the released students and other affected persons during a stakeholders’ engagement at the Banquet Hall of Government House, Benin, where he assured them of his administration’s commitment to dialogue, reforms and the development of Ambrose Alli University.

The governor said he was deeply pained by the violence, especially given his resolve to revive the university.

The governor said, “I was highly in pain when I saw what was happening in my place. The day I was sworn in, I said I was going to revive Ambrose Alli University.

“They were paying light bills, water, printing, salaries and everything from ₦41 million, which was not enough for anything at all. But on record, one consultant was receiving ₦59 million under the last administration, while the entire university community was receiving ₦41 million.”

He added that his administration increased the subvention to ₦500m as part of efforts to reposition the institution.

He said, “Since then, it has been about how to revive the school, how to move the school forward and how to reposition it again.”

The governor also disclosed that outstanding salary and wage arrears owed to AAU staff stood at about ₦41bn, noting that plans were underway to gradually offset the debt.

He cautioned students against allowing themselves to be used by criminal elements, urging them to focus on their studies and pursue peaceful engagement.

He said, “Somebody said he is a student, and he protests. What are you protesting for? Don’t allow yourself to be used. Read your books so that you can be like us.”

 

January 15, 2026 0 comments
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Headlines

BREAKING: Budget Office reacts to Alleged NEDC Secret ‘N246 Billion Salary Account’

by Folarin Kehinde January 15, 2026
written by Folarin Kehinde

The Budget Office of the Federation has dismissed claims making the rounds that the North East Development Commission (NEDC) operates a ₦246 billion salary budget, describing the allegation as false, misleading and based on a poor understanding of the Federal Government’s budgeting structure.

In a statement issued on Thursday and signed by the Director General of the Budget Office, Tanimu Yakubu, the agency said the figure being referenced publicly does not represent a salaries-only allocation, but a statutory lump-sum provision captured under approved budget preparation procedures.

The statement was dated January 15, 2026.

According to the Budget Office, the ₦246.77 billion recorded against the NEDC in the federal budget is a consolidated figure that is sometimes uploaded at aggregate level for statutory and quasi-statutory institutions under the Medium-Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF).

It added that the claim suggesting ₦244 billion of that amount is dedicated solely to personnel cost is “factually incorrect.”

The Office explained that in some cases, when agencies have not submitted detailed internal economic breakdowns at the time budget entries are uploaded, the total allocation may temporarily appear under personnel cost as a technical placeholder.

It said this is a recognised convention during budget preparation and does not reflect the final spending structure or intent.

“This technical presentation must not be confused with spending intent,” the Budget Office stated.

Addressing public commentary that only ₦2.70 billion was set aside for capital projects, the Budget Office attributed the figure to legislative adjustments made by the National Assembly, which reportedly restructured capital votes in the 2025 budget and rolled over about 70 per cent into the 2026 fiscal year.

It said the adjustment was a decision tied to appropriation timing and sequencing, and should not be interpreted to mean the absence of development projects.

The agency insisted that project schedules attached to budget documents clearly show multiple ongoing interventions in the North East, including agricultural support programmes, food security efforts, orphanage construction and rehabilitation, reconstruction of internally displaced persons (IDP) camps, borehole projects, security logistics support, and constituency-level initiatives.

The Budget Office criticised what it called selective interpretation of a single budget line while ignoring supporting schedules, warning that such an approach misrepresents the true picture.

It also defended the existence of personnel costs within a development commission, noting that staffing funds are required for the professionals needed to deliver projects effectively, including engineers, procurement officers, project managers, monitoring teams, and financial oversight units.

“No development institution executes its mandate without institutional capacity,” the statement added.

The Budget Office further said the NEDC operates within accountability and oversight structures, including the MTEF, annual Appropriation Acts, National Assembly supervision, quarterly budget performance reporting, and statutory audits.

 

January 15, 2026 0 comments
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VP Shettima
Headlines

VP Shettima leads Armed Forces Remembrance Day tribute in Abuja

by Nelson Ugwuagbo January 15, 2026
written by Nelson Ugwuagbo

Vice President Kashim Shettima on Thursday attended the 2026 Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day (AFCRD) ceremony at the cenotaph of the Unknown Soldier in Eagle Square, Abuja, representing President Bola Tinubu.

President Tinubu is currently in the United Arab Emirates to participate in the 2026 Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW).

The annual AFCRD, organised by the Ministry of Defence, is held to honour fallen Nigerian service personnel who lost their lives in the line of duty. The event pays tribute to officers and men who died during the First and Second World Wars, the Nigerian Civil War, various peacekeeping missions, and internal security operations, including the ongoing fight against terrorism.

The ceremony also recognises living veterans and serves as a platform to mobilise financial and moral support for wounded service members, as well as the families of fallen heroes.

The Federal Government reaffirmed its appreciation for the sacrifices of Nigeria’s armed forces and urged individuals, organisations and the private sector to continue supporting service personnel, particularly injured veterans and bereaved families, during the remembrance period and beyond.

January 15, 2026 0 comments
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