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UK to ban social media access for children under 16

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has announced plans to introduce a total ban on social media access for children under the age of 16, citing concerns over child safety and mental health impacts.

Starmer said on Monday that social media platforms are “making children unhappy” and exposing them to harmful and addictive content. He said the government will move to formally prohibit access for all users under 16.

The proposed restriction will affect major platforms including Snapchat, TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, Facebook and X, though messaging services such as WhatsApp are expected to be exempt.

According to the Prime Minister, the legislation is expected to be passed by December, with implementation targeted for spring next year.

The UK government also indicated plans to take what it described as “world-leading action” on gaming platforms and live-streaming services, particularly those that allow interaction between children and strangers.

Officials said additional measures under consideration include overnight usage curfews and restrictions on infinite scrolling features for users under 18. Further details are expected in July.

Starmer said the move was informed by international developments, including Australia’s decision in December to become the first country to ban social media access for users under 16.

The announcement followed a government-led consultation involving teenagers, during which participants tested social media restrictions and time-limit tools on various apps.

Reacting to the proposal, a YouTube spokesperson warned that a blanket ban could push children toward “less safe services.”

Starmer also raised concerns about online gaming and live-streaming platforms, saying stronger safeguards were needed to prevent contact between children and strangers online.

He compared the situation to offline safety norms, arguing that children would not ordinarily be allowed to interact freely with unknown adults in physical spaces.

Canada has also introduced similar measures, with its culture minister recently presenting legislation aimed at restricting social media access for under-16s and tightening controls on AI chatbot content.

The proposed Digital Safety Act positions Canada among a growing number of countries implementing stricter regulations on children’s use of social media, alongside Indonesia, which began enforcing similar restrictions in March, as well as several European nations exploring comparable policies.

 

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42 abducted students.
Headlines

NANS to Hold North-East Solidarity Protest Over Abduction of 42 Borno Students

by Nelson Ugwuagbo
written by Nelson Ugwuagbo
The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Zone E (North-East), has announced plans to stage a peaceful solidarity protest over the abduction of 42 students from Government Day Secondary School, Mussa, in Askira/Uba Local Government Area of Borno State.
The demonstration, scheduled to take place from June 5 to June 7, will be held simultaneously across the North-East states of Borno, Bauchi, Gombe, Adamawa and Taraba.
The planned protest was disclosed in a notice issued by the Chief of Staff to the NANS Zone E Coordinator, Lukman Yusuf. According to the statement, the action is aimed at drawing national attention to the plight of the abducted students and calling for intensified efforts to secure their safe release.
NANS also urged the Federal Government to strengthen security measures in schools and other educational institutions to prevent future attacks and ensure the safety of students across the country.
The association directed its structures throughout the North-East, including Joint Campus Committee leaders, Students’ Union Government executives, delegates and other stakeholders, to mobilise members for the protest while maintaining peace and order during the exercise.
Speaking on the development, the Zonal Coordinator of NANS Zone E, Comrade Muazu Hina, reaffirmed the association’s commitment to advocating for the safe return of the abducted students and improved security for learners nationwide.
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Headlines

Absolutely senseless’, Adeboye cannot lead protest at 84 – Mike Bamiloye

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

Founder of Mount Zion Faith Ministries, Mike Bamiloye, has defended Pastor Enoch Adeboye over calls for him to lead a protest against insecurity, saying such expectations are unreasonable considering the cleric’s age and spiritual responsibilities.

Bamiloye made the remarks while reacting to calls by some people for the cleric to lead a protest against the government over rising insecurity in the country.

In an Instagram post on Wednesday, Bamiloye said the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God had openly spoken against the growing insecurity in the country.

He stated that expecting an 84-year-old religious leader to organise and lead street protests was unrealistic, adding that Adeboye’s primary assignment remained his spiritual calling.

Bamiloye also addressed claims that Adeboye had previously led protests during the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan.

He explained that the February 2010 demonstration followed directives from the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), which instructed churches across the country to protest against insecurity.

According to him, Adeboye only led members of his denomination in compliance with the directive, just as other church leaders did.

The evangelist maintained that the church’s major responsibility is to pray for peace in the country and seek divine intervention in governance.

He wrote, “And for all those who are Expecting an 84 Year Old Man, Servant of God to lead a Protest against a Government, this does not make sense by the virtue of his age and by the Mandate of His Calling. And for all those who said he led a Protest against Jonathan, on February 2nd 2010, it was the instruction of the CAN and PFN for every church to stage a protest against INSECURITY of the Nation and He complied and led his denomination too just as some other churches did.

“Our major responsibility as the Church of God is to continually pray for the peace of our Nation and the intervention of God in the Government. I TIMOTHY 2:1-3.”

His comments came a day after Adeboye reposted a video urging the Federal Government to give security chiefs a 90-day deadline to end terrorist activities or resign.

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Headlines

Politicians benefit from insecurity – Buratai

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

A former Chief of Army Staff, Tukur Buratai, has blamed the rising wave of insecurity, banditry and school abductions in the country on political transitions and the activities of some politicians who allegedly benefit from criminal violence.

Buratai made the remarks during an interview on TVC News while reacting to the recent abduction of students and teachers in Oyo State.

According to him, some politicians have over the years recruited and sponsored criminal elements for political purposes, only for such groups to evolve into terrorists and bandits.

“Unfortunately, the plain truth is that some politicians benefit from the activities of these terrorists,” he alleged.

The former Army chief said insecurity often worsens during periods of political transition when security operations experience disruptions and funding challenges.

He noted that terrorist groups and bandits appear to intensify their activities during election seasons and transitions from one administration to another.

“You discover that these terrorists or insurgents have a particular pattern, mainly when there are political activities or when there are transitions from one administration to the other,” he said.

Buratai attributed the trend partly to delays in funding and operational adjustments that sometimes accompany changes in government, creating opportunities for criminal groups to exploit security gaps.

Commenting on the recent school abduction in Oyo State, he urged Nigerians to appreciate the complexities involved in hostage rescue operations, stressing that the safety of victims must remain the priority.

He cautioned against hasty military action that could endanger abducted students and teachers, describing rescue missions as delicate operations requiring intelligence, patience and precision.

 

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President Tinubu
Headlines

After one Week, Tinubu Express Condolence For Oyo Behaded Teacher, Pledges FG Rescue for Kidnapped Children

by Nelson Ugwuagbo
written by Nelson Ugwuagbo

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has expressed sympathy with families affected by the abduction of pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, declaring that no child should ever be taken from the safety of a classroom.

In a statement issued on Monday, the President said he shared in the pain and anxiety of families following the attack on communities in Esiele and Yawota, an incident that has heightened concerns over school security across the country.

“No child should be taken from the safety of a classroom. No parent should have to endure this anguish,” Tinubu said.

The President also extended his condolences to the family of the late teacher, Mrs Mary Oyedokun, widow of Michael Oyedokun, who was reportedly beheaded by bandits during the attack. He described her as a victim whose sacrifice would not be forgotten.

“I also extend my deepest condolences to the family of the late teacher, Mrs Mary Oyedokun. Her sacrifice will not be forgotten, and her family will not be abandoned,” he stated.

Tinubu assured Nigerians that efforts to secure the release of the abducted victims would continue through coordinated and intelligence-driven operations.

According to him, the government will deploy both kinetic and non-kinetic measures to ensure the safe return of the pupils and teachers.

“Our rescue efforts will be intelligence-led, careful, coordinated, and sustained. We will deploy every lawful tool available, both kinetic and non-kinetic, to ensure our children and teachers are safely returned home,” the President said.

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Ebola Outbreak
Headlines

FG Place FCT, Nine other States on Alert Over Ebola Outbreak

by Nelson Ugwuagbo
written by Nelson Ugwuagbo

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has placed the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and nine states on heightened Ebola surveillance following an outbreak of the deadly Bundibugyo strain in parts of East and Central Africa.

In a public health advisory issued to state Commissioners for Health, the agency warned that Nigeria faces a high risk of importing the virus due to increased regional transmission, cross-border movement, international travel, and porous borders.

The advisory, dated May 27, 2026, listed Lagos, the FCT, Rivers, Kano, Enugu, Borno, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Taraba, and Adamawa as high-risk areas because of their international airports, seaports, border routes, and heavy human traffic.

According to the NCDC, the Bundibugyo strain poses a major public health concern as there is currently no approved vaccine or targeted treatment for the variant.

“The immediate objective of our national preparedness and readiness efforts is to ensure that every state and the FCT can reasonably detect, contain, and respond swiftly to any suspected case while protecting health workers and sustaining essential health services,” the agency stated.

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Goodluck Jonathan and PDP
Headlines

PDP To Ratify Goodluck Jonathan as 2027 Presidential Candidate

by Nelson Ugwuagbo
written by Nelson Ugwuagbo

A faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) led by Kabiru Turaki has announced plans to hold a special convention on Saturday to ratify former President Goodluck Jonathan as its presidential candidate for the 2027 general election.

The announcement was contained in an invitation issued late Thursday and jointly signed by the faction’s National Publicity Secretary, Comrade Ini Emebong, and National Organising Secretary, Hon. Theophilus Dakas Shan.

According to the invitation circulated on the faction’s social media platforms, the ratification ceremony will take place at the A Class Event Centre in Wuse 2, Abuja, beginning at 10 a.m.

The planned convention comes amid renewed efforts by the Kabiru Turaki-led faction to persuade Jonathan to return to active politics and contest the 2027 presidential election.

The move also follows a recent court ruling affirming that the former president is constitutionally eligible to seek the presidency again in 2027.

However, Jonathan has yet to publicly declare his intention to contest the election, leaving uncertainty over whether he will attend the convention or formally accept the nomination.

Meanwhile, another PDP faction recognised by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and reportedly aligned with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, earlier adopted former federal lawmaker Sandy Onor as its presidential candidate for the 2027 election.

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Ebola Outbreak
Headlines

Nigeria Faces High Ebola Threat Amid DRC, Uganda Outbreaks — NCDC

by Nelson Ugwuagbo
written by Nelson Ugwuagbo
Nigeria has been placed on high alert over the possible importation of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD), following ongoing outbreaks in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Uganda, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has said.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the Director-General of the NCDC, Jide Idris, disclosed that the agency’s latest risk assessment classified the threat of Ebola entering the country as “high.”
According to the statement, the assessment was based on continued transmission of the virus in the DRC and Uganda, increased international travel and population movement, uncertainty surrounding the scale of the outbreaks, and the likelihood of delayed detection due to symptoms that resemble common illnesses such as malaria and Lassa fever.
The NCDC noted that several Nigerian states have already been identified as vulnerable because of their closeness to land borders, major transportation routes, and international entry points.
The agency added that response measures are currently underway in the affected countries, including surveillance, contact tracing, laboratory testing, infection prevention and control, as well as public awareness campaigns aimed at containing the spread of the disease.
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Ekiti State
Headlines

Kidnapped passengers escape as bandits doze off in forest

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

Few of the passengers who were abducted along Itobe-Ajegwu-Anyigba road in Ofu local government of Kogi State have escaped.

The kidnappers were said to have attacked two buses filled with passengers.

One of the buses has registration number, Ebonyi NKE 737 XA.

A motorcycle rider was also said to have been forcefully whisked to unknown destination alongside the travellers in the incident which reportedly happened on Saturday.

A resident, Ahiaba Michael, said security operatives, including vigilantes and hunters, trailed the armed hoodlums shortly after the incident but were not successful.

However, a security source disclosed that barely three hours after the attack, one Monday Agi was arrested in connection with the incident.

The suspect allegedly lost his way due to mounting pressure by the security personnel.

The source said: “When interrogated, the suspect claimed to be on board of a trailer from Ekiti, but decided to alight around the scene of the incident to continue the journey by trekking to his destination.

“He said when he heard gunshot, he decided to flee into the bush with two herders whom he claimed he did not know.”

The source added that the suspect is already in the police custody while the manhunt against the armed hoodlums is being intensified.

Meanwhile, three of the kidnapped victims, who identified themselves as Micheal Adejo, Monday and Mariam Yakubu, claimed to have escaped from their abductors after they dozed off in the forest.

The escapees noted that the hoodlums numbering up to 10 operated with AK 47 and Pump Action rifles.

“The bus I boarded suddenly ran into their barricade. On stopping, they filed us out, wielding AK 47 rifles and pump Action guns . The second bus behind us was shot at and the driver rammed into cashew trees. All of us were taken to the bush thereafter.

“On our way, we were stopped, and asked to lay face down. In the process, they searched our pockets and evacuated everything in it , including, money, our cell phones and other valuables. We are many , all passengers from two Hummer buses,” he said.

According to Adaji, another escapee, they crawled out of their assailants’ cell when they retired to a place and slept off.

“When I noticed that the hoodlums closer to my position started sleeping , I started crawling gradually. After a distance was covered, I got up ,and with luck I ran until I reach a village with these two others,” said Adaji.

The Kogi state police command’s spokesperson, ASP Saliu Oyiza Afusat, was contacted over the incident , but failed to respond to text and call asthe time of filing this report.

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Ekiti State
Headlines

Ekiti Govt Close Schools Over Bandit Scare

by Nelson Ugwuagbo
written by Nelson Ugwuagbo

Students of Ayetoro-Iloro High School in Ekiti State fled the school premises in panic on Friday following reports of suspected bandits sighted near the community, prompting authorities to shut down academic activities early as a precautionary measure.

Videos circulating online, including clips shared via the X handle @dammiedammie35, captured terrified students running along major roads and seeking assistance from motorists and residents as fear spread across the area.

The incident triggered anxiety among parents and residents, many of whom hurried to the school to evacuate their children.

As of the time of writing this report, police authorities had not confirmed any attack or abduction linked to the incident.

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