By: Fabian Apechihin

A federal lawmaker, Jafaru Mohammad Ali Damisa, narrowly escaped death on Tuesday after suspected terrorists ambushed his convoy along the Lumma–Babanna road in Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State.

Damisa, who represents Borgu and Agwara Federal Constituency, was reportedly on his way to Babanna for an official engagement when the assailants, identified as Lakurawa terrorists (locally referred to as bandits), launched a sudden attack in broad daylight.

According to witnesses, the gunmen opened heavy fire on the convoy, damaging about 11 vehicles and leaving several people wounded.

Security escorts accompanying the lawmaker engaged the attackers in a fierce gun battle. Unfortunately, one soldier was killed, while several others sustained injuries and were rushed to a nearby hospital. Some political aides and supporters were also injured in the crossfire.

Reinforcements from the Forward Operating Base in Babanna arrived shortly after receiving a distress call, forcing the gunmen to retreat into the surrounding forest.

Although Damisa escaped unhurt, the incident has heightened tension in the area.

Military patrols have since been intensified around the Lumma–Babanna axis, a corridor frequently targeted by armed groups.

The attack adds to growing concerns over rising insecurity in Niger State, particularly in border communities vulnerable to terrorist infiltration.

By: Fabian Apechihin

Former Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Abdulrahman Dambazau (retd.), has suggested that the United States may be positioning itself to establish a military base in Nigeria, citing recent foreign narratives about religious persecution as possible cover for broader strategic interests.

Speaking in Abuja on Tuesday at the 7th Annual Lecture of the Just Friends Club of Nigeria, Dambazau argued that the renewed international focus on alleged Christian persecution in the country could be part of a geopolitical agenda.

The former Interior Minister pointed out that despite maintaining two military bases in Niger Republic for more than a decade, the U.S. failed to prevent the worsening insecurity in the Sahel.

“In the more than ten years of U.S. presence in Niger, where it maintained two military bases, what did the U.S. do to prevent the growth of security challenges?” he asked.

He recalled that during Donald Trump’s early return to office, members of the U.S. Congress had accused USAID of indirectly funding terrorism in Africa, further fueling suspicions about Washington’s true intentions.

“I think the U.S. is looking for an opportunity to establish an alternative base in Nigeria — a country it knows is strategically important. The U.S. protects its interests by any means possible, including the use of force,” Dambazau said, warning that “unfortunately, they have willing partners in Nigeria.”

Dambazau stressed that terrorism in Nigeria is not religiously motivated, as both Muslims and Christians have been victims of attacks. He cited examples of assaults on mosques, assassinations of Islamic clerics, and attacks on traditional rulers as evidence that insecurity affects all communities.

He urged Nigerians to remain united against terrorism and to resist attempts by foreign powers to exploit internal divisions for their strategic gains.

Stephen Olufemi Oni Ilorin

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo and the Kwara State Deputy Governor, Elder Kayode Alabi, are among the special dignitaries expected to grace the 2025 Yadah programme of the House of Prayer Assembly, Basilica, in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital.

The General Overseer of the House of Prayer Assembly, Basilica, Pastor (Dr.) Joseph Omorinoye, disclosed this at a press conference in Ilorin, adding that the annual event, which would be strictly devoted to praise to the Almighty God, would come up on November 14, 2025 in the Church.

The cleric added that some other powerful and spirit-filled men of God, including Prophet Taiwo Ojo, Prophet (Dr.) Micheal Adio, and Pastor (Dr.) Samuel Olukosi, would be Guest Speakers on the special day.

Pastor Omorinoye said Yadah is a Hebrew word, which means praise, adding that it would be praise galore at the epoch-making event, resulting in breaking of chains and lifting of burdens.

He said: “Yadah is a Hebrew word, meaning praise. We want to praise God in style with our voices and all that is in us.

“We want everyone to come and experience praise that will break chains and as well lift burdens.

“This is not just an ordinary praise, it is a kind of praise that will command healing, deliverance and explosion of joy.

“Our former President, Chief Obasanjo, and the Kwara State Deputy Governor, Elder Alabi, will be present alongside other dignitaries from across the country.”

The cleric disclosed that the theme for Yadah 2025 was taken from the Holy Scripture in Psalm 34 vs 1 as follows: “I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth.”

He also disclosed that over 60 Royal Fathers, Commissioners, and Local Government Chairmen would be present at the annual event, adding that “Yadah has been in existence since 2018 and it has always been a special event that is celebrated annually at the House of Prayer Assembly, Basilica in Olunlade Ilorin”.

According to the General Overseer, popular gospel singers like Tope Alabi, Mama Bola Are, Mercy Chinwo, Bidemi Olaoba, and Deborah Ajayi, among others, had featured prominently in past Yadah nights, while this year’s event also promises to be spiritually impactful and fulfilling as usual.

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