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Bandits kidnap top RCCG pastor in Nasarawa

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

A pastor with the Redeemed Christian Church of God, RCCG, named Faturoti Olaniyi, was abducted by gunmen in Karu, Nasarawa State.

Early on Wednesday, June 24, 2025, the gunmen stormed Olaniyi’s home at the Redeemed Christian Church of God property near Bristol Academy, Federal Housing Authority (FHA) in Karu, and kidnapped him.

Zagazola Makama, a security analyst, stated that the attackers entered the building at around 1:30 in the morning, fired several shots, and then took the victim away to an unidentified location.

According to their source, residents fled for their lives as the gunmen operated for several minutes without encountering any immediate opposition, causing panic in the area.

A manhunt was initiated in response to the incident by joint teams of police, local vigilantes, hunters, and other security personnel. They blocked suspected escape routes and searched the surrounding hills and bushes for the kidnappers.

The victim is still in captivity, and search and rescue efforts are still underway as of the time this report was filed.

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PDP reinstates Wike’s Ally, Anyanwu, as National Secretary

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

The main opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has reinstated Samuel Anyanwu as its National Secretary.

Ambassador Iliya Damagum, Acting National Chairman of the party, announced this at a press briefing which held at the PDP headquarter in Abuja, on Wednesday.

Damagum, flanked by Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, former Senate President Bukola Saraki, and other stakeholders, said the decision to accept Anyanwu into the National Working Committee(NWC), “was difficult”.

He also said the planned NEC meeting had been canceled.

He said, “We will have an expanded Caucus, at the next Caucus we will take a decision leading to a proper NEC.

“Anyanwu is resuming as the National Secretary, that is why I said it was a critical decision. Like INEC said they don’t have our notice, so what we will have on June 30th is an extended Caucus.”

The development comes after PDP leaders held a meeting with Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Mahmood Yakubu, on Tuesday.

Although neither INEC officials nor the opposition members agreed to speak with the press after the meeting, sources told Daily Trust that Yakubu asked the PDP to adhere to the Supreme Court judgement on the position of its national secretary.

The electoral body also told the PDP leaders comprising of governors, members of the National Working Committee (NWC) Board of Trustees (BoT), members and some lawmakers elected on the platform of the party, that it will only accept correspondences signed by the national chairman and national secretary of the party.

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Tinubu would have been on the streets if he weren’t president – Ali Ndume

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

The lawmaker representing Borno South Senatorial District, Ali Ndume has condemned the activities and policies implemented by President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

Ndume in an interview with Arise Television on Tuesday said that with the growing hardship, economic instability and insecurity across states in Nigeria, Tinubu would not have been silent if another person were to be the president.

Stating that the president is known as someone who does not hesitate to speak on issues of governance, Ndume said Tinubu would have led a protest if he were not in charge of the government.

“I am a son of nobody who became somebody without knowing anybody.

“Ask the president (Tinubu); I’m not his dependent, I’m his ally. If there’s one thing I like and I copied from Mr. President, you can get somebody to argue on that. If we were to swap positions and I were the president doing the same thing he is doing now, he would have been on the street.

“He has done it before, to protest, even if the government belongs to him. If the wrong thing is happening,” Ndume noted.

He also stated that he would continue to be on the side of truth irrespective of whose ox is gored.

“Even today, somebody from the government is saying, look, why don’t you come over, I will not come over, I am a Senator and under a real democratic setting, the president is supposed to lobby me on issues because he doesn’t have a vote for me, I have a vote for him.

“Whether in the Senate or the general elections. And you know? I strongly believe that this power or this position is God who will take it away from me, not anybody. But there’s a responsibility on me to always speak the truth,” he added.

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JUST IN: Benue farmer killed by suspected herders in fresh attack

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

A farmer simply identified as Alphonsis Lorbe has reportedly been killed by some suspected armed herders in Benue State.

Lorbe was said to be killed by the herders in Tse-Kanji, Ayilamo, Logo Local Government Area of the state on Tuesday, June 24.

In a post shared on X, Zagazola Makama said the farmer was killed while he was working on his farm at about 1 pm.

A counter-terrorism expert, Makama said sources within the area noted that the attack on the farmer had thrown residents into panic.

According to the sources, troops of the Nigerian military, the police and operatives of other security agencies were deployed to the location to stem further possible attacks.

The body of the deceased farmer has since been recovered from the farm and deposited in the morgue.

State authorities have also assured that efforts are being made to apprehend the killers to prevent an escalation of violence.

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RCCG worshippers escape building collapse in Lagos

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

Members of the Redeemed Christian Church of God Liberty Parish located at No. 5, Craig Street escaped death after concrete pillars from a building under construction fell onto the church structure in Lagos on Monday.

According to the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency, the collapse of a two-storey building under construction was at Craig street off Apata Road in the Shomolu area of Lagos State.

LASEMA Permanent Secretary, Dr Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, confirmed this in a statement made available to the News Agency of Nigeria on Monday in Lagos.

Oke-Osanyintolu said the incident occurred during the decking phase of the construction,”Upon arrival at the incident scene, it was discovered that the structure was one of two structures being erected at the site.

“No casualties were recorded as workers reportedly evacuated the site before the arrival of emergency responders,” he said.

He also said that the collapse affected a nearby church, the RCCG Liberty Parish located at No. 5, Craig St., after concrete pillars from the collapsed building, fell onto the structure.

“Worshippers present in the church escaped unhurt, and no injuries were reported,” LASEMA boss said.

“A coordinated search has been carried out to confirm that no one was trapped under the rubble.

“The affected site has since been cordoned off to prevent secondary incidents

“Residents and bystanders have been advised to steer clear of the collapsed structure for their safety.

“He said the immediate cause of the incident was yet to be ascertained, adding that further investigations would be conducted.

“Search and rescue operation has been concluded,” Oke-Osanyintolu said.

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Wanted Bandit Kingpin Ado Aleru Attends Peace Meeting in Katsina

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

Ado Aleru, a wanted bandit leader, has resurfaced at a peace meeting in Bichi community, Danmusa LGA of Katsina state.

Aleru, who has been on the police watchlist since 2020 with a N5 million bounty on his head, was seen in a video addressing community members, government officials, security personnel, and traditional leaders during the meeting held on Saturday.

Zagazola Makama, a counterinsurgency publication, reports that Aleru used the gathering to advocate peaceful coexistence between Fulani herders and farming communities.

Makama noted that the meeting was attended by personnel of the Nigerian Army (NA), Danmusa LGA officials, and religious and traditional leaders.

Aleru reportedly outlined steps that herders, farmers, and government actors must take to end bloodshed in the area.

The meeting has elicited condemnations across the state and on social media.

A top government source criticised the peace deal, calling it a betrayal of justice.

“Ado Aleru was declared wanted by police in this state under the leadership of CP Sanusi Buba,” the source told ThisDay.

“The command even placed a N5 million bounty on his head. He has made himself available now, they should go and arrest him to face the wrath of the law, but certainly not to negotiate with him because he is not sincere.”

Despite the backlash, Nasir Mua’zu, Katsina state commissioner for security and home affairs, defended the government’s involvement in the meeting.

Speaking to BBC Hausa, he said Aleru and seven other terrorist leaders had voluntarily surrendered and denounced terrorism.

He claimed they released 17 hostages as a goodwill gesture and promised to release the rest.

“We spent two years fighting these criminals, and the governor has made it clear that he will not negotiate with them,” Mua’zu said.

“But anyone who genuinely denounces banditry will be accepted and reintegrated into society.”

“Islamically, it is wrong for the government to continue fighting them since they accepted peace. And going by the Geneva Convention, it is also wrong to extend the fight after they came for dialogue.”

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Nigeria ranked 7th most dangerous country for Christians in 2025 – Report

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

Nigeria has once again been named one of the most dangerous countries in the world to be a Christian, ranking seventh globally in the 2025 World Watch List released by Open Doors, an international watchdog organisation that monitors Christian persecution worldwide.

Despite dropping one position from the previous year, Nigeria remains the most violent country for Christians, accounting for nearly 69 percent of all faith-related killings globally.

According to the report, 3,100 out of the 4,476 Christians killed for their faith worldwide in 2024 were Nigerians.

The report identifies Islamist extremist violence, militant herder attacks, and government inaction as key drivers of Christian persecution across Nigeria, particularly in the northern and Middle Belt regions. Boko Haram, Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), and armed Fulani militias continue to target Christian communities with deadly precision.

In Plateau State, at least 200 people were killed in late December 2023 in what has been described as one of the bloodiest attacks on Christian farming communities.

More recently, in April 2025, gunmen suspected to be Fulani herders killed over 40 villagers in Bokkos Local Government Area, also in Plateau State.

In Benue, over 150 people have been reported dead this year alone following a resurgence of attacks that have displaced thousands.

Open Doors noted that the violence goes beyond killings. Christian women and girls face abduction, rape, and forced conversion, particularly in rural areas. Churches have been burned, villages razed, and survivors forced into Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps that often lack adequate food, healthcare, or protection.

“Christian communities in Nigeria continue to live under the constant threat of attacks. The government has not only failed to stop the violence but has in many cases been complicit through silence or inaction,” said an Open Doors spokesperson.

President Bola Tinubu’s administration has promised increased investment in security and has appointed new military chiefs.

However, civil society groups and international observers say the federal government has done little to hold perpetrators accountable or prevent further attacks.

Critics also point to structural issues such as climate-related migration, ethnic tensions, and poor law enforcement that have compounded the crisis.

In some northern states, Christians reportedly face institutional discrimination, including restrictions on church construction, denial of political representation, and economic exclusion.

The World Watch List ranks countries based on the intensity of persecution faced by Christians in five areas: private life, family life, community life, national life, and church life. Nigeria scored particularly high in violence-related metrics.

Other countries in the top 10 include North Korea (1st), Somalia (2nd), Yemen (3rd), Libya (4th), Sudan (5th), and Eritrea (6th).

Despite the grim outlook, Christian advocacy groups say they are committed to providing trauma care, humanitarian relief, and legal support for victims.

“There is a genocide going on against Christians in Nigeria, and the world cannot continue to look away,” said Jeff King, president of International Christian Concern.

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President Tinubu Wades Into Osun Local Government Crisis

by Nelson Ugwuagbo
written by Nelson Ugwuagbo

There are credible reports from the State House Abuja today that President Bola Tinubu has waded into the leadership and judicial crisis rocking Osun local government with a view to immediately politically resolve the matter.

A top flight source in the know of the matter hinted that the President had called for the file on the Osun local government issue soon after the visit of the Adelekes to his Bourdillon residence.

The President was reported to have expressed displeasure that the full story of the local government crisis was not related to him.

After reviewing the file, the Number One Citizen is reported to have resolved to wait for the outcome of the APC case seeking to relist its appeal against the outstanding judgement sacking the APC Yes /No chairmen.

The ruling of the Court of Appeal dismissing the relisting attempt by the state APC accounts for what the source called the President’s new attention.

According to the source, the President is seeking a middle ground especially as it is now established that the APC chairman were elected in violation of the electoral act, the basis of which the court sacked them originally.

It is however not clear what the middle ground is going to be.

It is also not clear whether the President is going to call a mediating team involving the state government.

“Mr President has waded into the matter. Baba believed all are his children and the matter needs to be brought to a close without further delay”, the source privy to the issue but not authorized to speak publicly hinted at on our news platform.

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Tinubu Heads to Benue on Wednesday as Killings Persist

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

President Bola Tinubu has announced his resolve to visit Benue on Wednesday following the continued killing of some residents by suspected Fulani pastoralists.

The president disclosed this on Monday when he commissioned The Greater Abuja Water Supply Network, Loops 1, 2, 5 & 6 of the Federal Capital City, FCC.

“While I sympathise with the Benue people, I have spoken to the governor, the leadership and people of Benue to accept our condolences and try hard, very consciously, to maintain peace and harmony among themselves.

“I have always said we are one single, huge family living in the same house, say in different rooms but living together in harmony which should be the result of our diversity for prosperity. We should be able to manage our anger and frustrations.

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753 Abuja Duplexes: Court Grants Emefiele ₦2bn Bail

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

Justice Yusuf granted the bail after Emefiele was arraigned on an eight-count charge in which he is accused of among others, unlawfully acquiring a housing estate comprising 753 units, allegedly stealing and taking control of billions of naira in proxy accounts.

In the ruling, Justice Yusuf noted that Emefiele had been granted bail in three other criminal cases pending against him and that there was no evidence that he had jumped bail.

He then proceeded to admit him to bail on the condition that he must produce two sureties, who must own property worth ₦ 2 billion in either Asokoro, Maitama or Wuse 2 within the jurisdiction of the court.

Justice Yusuf ordered Emefiele to submit his travel documents to the court and directed that he must perfect the bail by Wednesday, failing which he would be remanded in custody.

The ruling was on the bail application moved by his lawyer, Matthew Burkaa, which was not objected to by prosecuting lawyer, Rotimi Oyedepo, who urged the court to impose additional conditions different from the ones earlier given by the other courts.

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