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Banditry: Peace gradually returning to Kwara South-Community Leader

Published

10 months ago

October 28, 2025

Stephen Olufemi Oni, Ilorin

A veteran journalist and community leader, Elder Oyin Zubair, has hailed the gradual restoration of peace to parts of Kwara South after months of coordinated bandit attacks, saying the situation is now stabilising due to renewed collaboration between local vigilantes and state authorities.

Fielding questions from journalists in Ilorin, the state capital, Zubair, who also coordinates the Kwara South Joint Security Task Force, said more than 1,000 local security personnel have now been deployed across Babanla, Oke-Ode, and other troubled communities.

“We are glad things are getting back to normal. It’s easier to fight a war than to fight bandits,” he said. “When they attacked Babanla and Oke-Ode, the destruction was massive. We had assembled over 850 vigilantes and forest guards, but circumstances prevented them from confronting the bandits immediately. Several of our men and civilians were killed, but that hasn’t dampened our morale.”

Zubair described the attacks as coordinated and brutal, noting that some informants within local communities aided the assailants. “Yes, there are collaborators among our people,” he admitted. “Some elders are culpable due to financial greed. They recruit informants who leak information to these criminals. Fortunately, arrests have been made and investigations are ongoing.”

He commended Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq for what he called “proactive and quiet leadership,” adding that the Governor responded promptly with training and better equipment for forest guards.

“The Governor doesn’t talk much, but he listens and acts. Some of our forest guards just completed training and have been issued better weapons. That has given our men confidence,” he said.

Zubair said the federal government’s intervention also helped to stem the tide of attacks, citing the establishment of a new military formation the 22 Armoured Brigade in Babanla, which he described it as a turning point in restoring calm to the area.

He praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Chief of Defence Staff for sustaining security collaboration with the state, noting that “insurgency is not an ordinary war you can bulldoze through, it requires patience, intelligence, and precision to avoid civilian casualties.”

The community leader, however, warned that Nigeria’s intelligence operations remain weak and must be strengthened if the country hopes to defeat banditry and terrorism nationwide.

“Our intelligence network across all security agencies needs improvement. If intelligence fails, everything fails,” he said.

Zubair said the bandits, many of whom were dislodged from Niger and Kwara North, had found safe havens in the dense forests around Babasango, a border region linking Kwara, Kogi, and Ekiti states.

“They had made Babasango their own Aso Rock,” he revealed. “It’s a hilly area with caves and rivers. Even trained officers feared to go there. They kept boats, used the terrain to their advantage, and negotiated ransoms there. But things have changed ,our men are now reclaiming the area.”

On the broader national context, the journalist expressed optimism that the recent shake-up in Nigeria’s security leadership would enhance professionalism and accountability among the armed forces.

“There’s nothing wrong with changing service chiefs; it brings fresh ideas. I believe President Tinubu acted in the best interest of national security. We only hope the new hierarchy will tighten coordination and restore people’s confidence,” he said.

Zubair also reflected on journalism and governance, urging media practitioners to uphold professionalism amid the rise of unregulated online platforms.

“What irritates me is how journalism is practiced now. We were taught that when in doubt, leave it out. But many just write anything without verification. Journalism must return to ethics and factual reporting,” he said.

On local governance, he lauded the AbdulRazaq administration for balancing development across the state, citing new roads, health facilities, and the establishment of a civic development centre in Igbaja.

“The governor has not left development to local governments alone. He’s been responsive to community needs, especially in infrastructure and security. However, the issue of ghost workers in local councils must be tackled to ensure funds reach projects,” he said.

Zubair, a longtime advocate of grassroots development, urged the creation of more local governments or administrative development areas to speed up governance and response to emergencies.

“The smaller the local governments, the better they can develop. Kwara is large, and security or welfare responses take too long to travel from Ilorin to outlying districts,” he said.

He concluded with a call for national unity, responsible leadership, and patience among Nigerians.

“Nigeria has its challenges, but we are developing. Every generation faces its trials, and ours is insecurity. With sincerity from leaders and cooperation from citizens, the country will overcome,” Zubair said.

End

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Kwara: Ifelodun Travellers Transport System Revived

Published

9 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.