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Agents of darkness on the prowl

Published

9 months ago

November 27, 2025

There is no doubt that Nigeria’s insecurity problems reached a new level recently with abduction of hundreds of secondary school students in northern Nigeria. What is more, the abductions in two schools happened in quick succession, leaving well meaning Nigerians somehow dumbfounded while wishing that our country overcome this trying times. Apparently perplexed too and not wanting to take any chance, the authorities have shut a number of boarding schools in the north —-as a last resort; while some state governments having applied all intellectual methods without success are urging their citizens to turn their gaze upwards in prayer.

In 2014 the nation was jolted with horrendous kidnapping of students at the Chibok Girls Secondary school in Borno state considered then as epicentre of the terrorist, Boko Haram group. The sheer effrontery and operational scale of the abductors in ferrying hundreds of school girls into the forest with trucks confounded many. It was the first such large scale abduction since advent of the fourth Republic in 1999. And it birthed the (in)famous “Bring back our girls” movement. Although some of the girls escaped on their own or were found by the authorities, some of them are still missing to-date, despite the military’s best efforts in its search and rescue operation. Some ten years after, everyone connected to the girls whether directly or indirectly have resigned themselves to fate and seemingly forgotten the matter though the scars remain.

More horrific is killing in same year, of no less than 29 teenage boys of Federal Government College, Bunu Yadi, Yobe state by bandits/terrorists that invaded and burnt their school. Following these unprecedented attacks, the government devised some counter measures, one of which is the ‘safe school’ initiative. Another was deployment of security personnel to schools. Kidnappings of other kinds continued to occur and bandits/terrorists continued to prowl about the in north east and northwest regions,

And now some 30 months into current administration’s tenure, the agents of darkness a.k.a bandits/terrorists have spread their tentacles to new areas. Take Kwara state for example. This is a state that had been somehow alien to banditry so to speak. However, over the past months reports began to filter in of bandits terrorizing some communities, forcing residents to flee their homes in fear. Matters deteriorated recently when terrorists invaded Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) Eruku, whisking away 38 worshippers. This is a dangerous precedent because although Kwara state is situated in northern Nigeria, north central region to be precise, it nevertheless shares borders with western Nigeria. Heightening of insecurity there raises the spectre that bandits/terrorists are inching their way to the south west region which over time had been relatively peaceful. This is a warning signal for governments of this region to tighten up security in their states and take other preventive measures to guard against a spill over of events in Kwara. Prevention is better than cure, so goes an adage.

Also, perplexing is terrorists’ incursion into Sokoto state. A new terror group, Lakaruwa is now causing havoc there. I find this rather daring, for, who would have imagined that terrorists would be running amok in Sokoto, of all places, the seat of the Caliphate? Does this signify that places like Kano, Abuja, Gombe, among others are not off limit to these agents of darkness cloaked as bandits, insurgents, terrorists whose goal is to inflict maximum harm and cause disharmony to our peaceful environments.

When I first read reports of kidnapping of 25 students of Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary, Kebbi state, memories of Chibok school girls abduction flashed through my mind. Not only is it depressing that these terrorists are targeting students, it is more worrisome that girls’ schools are their prime target; thereby, they seek to dent northern governments’ very commendable plan of promoting girl child education. Girls/women are the fulcrum of any society and girls need sound education to be able to contribute maximally to a nation’s development. As a saying goes, when you educate a girl (who eventually becomes a fully fledged woman) you invariably educate the nation. Abduction of hundreds of pupils of a catholic school in Niger State, marks another new level in bandits’ activities, for it is the first time that these monstrous elements are targeting private school. So, the recent surge in terrorist’ activities indicate that quite apart from north east and north west regions where they had been operating for several years, they are now getting a foothold in north central region and that they may infiltrate south west region if care is not taken. For government the challenge is to stop them on their tracks as well as uproot them from their current and other operating theatres. Security should/is everyone’s business and all of us irrespective of age or gender are enjoined to be security conscious as these agents of darkness unfold their fangs, prowling about our lands. President Bola Tinubu has now revealed that all 38 kidnapped worshippers of CAC Iruku, have been rescued while 51 of the abducted pupils of the Niger state catholic school have returned. Security agents are said to be on trail of the kidnappers whilst still continuing their search for other victims.

Nevertheless, the recent attacks raise a few questions. The abductions at the church and catholic school happened soon after the US raised issue of so-called “Christian genocide” in Nigeria. Are these attacks meant to justify this narrative? Secondly, the surge occurred just when the new service chiefs were still trying to find their feet following the recent change of guards. Could it be that the terrorists’ took advantage of the seeming lull caused by the wholesale changes in the armed forces and the fact that the new helmsmen are still familiarising themselves with their new duties, to strike? Thirdly could the new wave of banditry and terrorists’ activities be attributed to saboteurs, people who for a variety of reasons are at odds with the government and seek to sabotage its efforts and so cast it in a bad light? Whatever it is, we all should join hands, lend a hand in fighting this monster, for, we have no other country than Nigeria.

BY VICTORIA NGOZI IKEANO
victoriangozii@gmail.com
08033077519

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Kwara: Ifelodun Travellers Transport System Revived

Published

7 hours ago

August 19, 2026

Our Reporter

As Council Signs MoU With P&A Contract Ltd

Stephen Olufemi Oni, Ilorin

The Ifelodun local Government, under the leadership of Hadji Abdulrasheed Femi Yusuf, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with P & A Contract Limited for the construction of a modern motor park in Amoyo, as the Council moves to revive the Ifelodun Travellers transport system and improve transportation within the Local Government.

Speaking during the MoU signing ceremony at the Council s Contact Office in Amoyo, the Chairman explained that the decision to construct the motor park was driven by the need for Ifelodun Local Government to establish its own transport identity, intended to ease people’s transportation problem.

He recalled that residents travelling to and from Ifelodun had, over the years, relied on transport facilities at Offa Garage and Maraba in Ilorin, stressing the need to create a dedicated transport hub that would serve the people of the Local Government.

“At some point in the history of Ifelodun Local Government, we had Ifelodun Travellers, which does not exist anymore. I don’t think there is anything wrong with bringing that identity back to the limelight. Now, we want to add value to that identity,” the Chairman said.

He added that the Council was also working with relevant stakeholders to bring in 10 units of Korope buses, which would commence operations as soon as possible.

“We are working with the NURTW, Kwara State Chapter, for guidance and to ensure that the operation runs smoothly,” he added.

The Supervisory Councillor for Works and Infrastructure Development, Mrs. Kolo Rebecca, explained that the proposed park would feature several amenities, including a garage, warehouse, 100-unit shopping complex, parking spaces and general toilets.

She said the facilities were designed to boost economic activities, improve the image of the Local Government and provide a more convenient transportation system for residents.

According to her, the initiative is also in line with the efforts of the Kwara State Governor, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, to take governance and development directly to the grassroots.

The contractor, Mallam Jimoh Toheeb Abolore, assured the Local Government of the prompt execution of the project, promising that the construction would meet the required standards and contribute positively to the image and development of Ifelodun Local Government.

Those in attendance included the Vice Chairman, Hon. Nike Ajibola; Secretary to the Local Government, Dr. Kamil Akorede; DPM, Mallam Ayinde Salman; LGT, Mallam Usman Waheed; Chief of Staff to the Chairman, Chief Ademola Zubair; Head of Works, Engr. Awodi Muhammad; Land officer, Tola Kadir and other Special Assistants.

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Lawyer Demands Release of Detained Kano Blogger, Maryam Shehu

Published

1 day ago

August 18, 2026

Our Reporter

By Hassan Agboola

A lawyer and human rights activist, Hamza Nuhu Dantani, has called for the immediate release of Kano-based blogger, Maryam Shehu, who he said has been in the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for almost 30 days.

Dantani, in a statement on Monday, said the prolonged detention of Shehu was becoming difficult to reconcile with the rule of law and provisions of the 1999 Constitution, particularly her fundamental right to personal liberty.
He questioned why Shehu should remain in detention for nearly 30 days, particularly over an offence he described as ordinarily bailable.

“How on earth can a person be detained for almost 30 days and counting, particularly in relation to an offence that is ordinarily bailable, without meaningful consideration of her liberty and constitutional rights?” he asked.
Dantani said the EFCC’s powers to investigate did not give the commission the right to detain a suspect indefinitely, punish her before trial or disregard her fundamental rights.

He also criticised the alleged practice of photographing persons in EFCC custody and publishing their images online while they remain presumed innocent.
Citing Section 36(5) of the Constitution, Dantani said the law guarantees the presumption of innocence until a suspect is proven guilty by a competent court.

He warned that publicly portraying suspects as criminals before trial could amount to subjecting them to public punishment and humiliation.
“The EFCC is a law-enforcement institution. It must therefore be the first institution to demonstrate obedience to law. It cannot demand respect for law from citizens while appearing to disregard constitutional safeguards itself,” he said.

Dantani urged the commission to either charge Shehu before a competent court if it has credible evidence against her or release her immediately
.
“We call on EFCC to respect the Constitution, respect presumption of innocence and respect fundamental right to personal liberty. Investigation is not conviction. Detention is not punishment. And an allegation is not guilt,” he said.

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Cristiano Ronaldo’s Comment on Lionel Messi’s Tribute to His Dad Becomes Most-Liked Instagram Comment

Published

1 day ago

August 18, 2026

Our Reporter

By Fabian Apechihin

Cristiano Ronaldo’s heartfelt message to Lionel Messi following the death of his father, Jorge Messi, has reportedly become the most-liked comment in Instagram history.

Jorge Messi died on August 7 in Rosario, Argentina, aged 68. Five days later, Messi paid tribute to his late father in an emotional Instagram post featuring a photo of the pair.

In the post, Messi wrote, “Te amo, pa” — meaning “I love you, Dad” — alongside a lengthy tribute reflecting on his father’s influence and the pain of losing him.

Among the many reactions from fans, celebrities and fellow footballers was a message from Ronaldo.

“Un abrazo enorme para ti y los tuyos en estos duros momentos, Leo. Mucha fuerza,” Ronaldo wrote, which translates to: “A huge hug to you and yours in these tough times, Leo. Much strength.”

Ronaldo’s comment reportedly attracted more than 6.86 million likes and over 86,000 comments, making it the most-liked comment on Instagram.

The previous record was also held by Ronaldo, whose comment on Kylian Mbappé’s announcement of his move to Real Madrid reportedly received more than five million likes.

Other football stars also expressed their condolences to Messi. Neymar Jr.’s message, translated as “Much strength for you and your family. Big hug,” reportedly received more than 1.6 million likes, while David Beckham’s comment expressing support for Messi and his family attracted more than 300,000 likes.

In his tribute, Messi described his father’s death as difficult to comprehend, saying he struggled to accept that he would no longer see or speak with him.

Messi also recalled how his father had encouraged him to play at the 2026 World Cup despite his deteriorating health. He said his father had hoped to watch him compete and had planned to travel if his condition improved.

According to Messi, he had promised his father that Argentina would reach the final so he could be there. Although Argentina reached the final, his father was unable to attend.

Reflecting on the loss, Messi said he had wanted to win the tournament and bring the trophy to his father but ultimately struggled physically during the competition.

The emotional tribute highlighted the close bond between Messi and his father and the profound impact of his loss on the football superstar.