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Sultan clarifies the concept of jihad

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▪︎▪︎▪︎ says Islam abhors extremism

The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III, has stressed the need for Nigerians to understand the true meaning of jihad, noting that it is not about violence but about striving for excellence in all spheres of life.

The Sultan stated this on Thursday in Abuja at the public presentation of “Scars: Nigeria’s Journey and the Boko Haram Conundrum,” a book authored by former Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Lucky Irabor (rtd.).

He cautioned against misinterpretations of Islamic concepts, saying extremists and uninformed commentators had for decades wrongly associated jihad with terrorism and violence against non-Muslims.

“Jihad simply means striving — striving to be a better Muslim, a better Christian, a better citizen, and a better human being. It is not about killing anyone. Islam abhors extremism, and no true Muslim can claim to follow the teachings of the Prophet while embracing violence,” the Sultan said.

He explained that Islam, properly understood, promotes peaceful coexistence and good governance, adding that Islamic teachings have over the years helped shape Nigeria’s democratic journey by emphasising justice, accountability, and leadership responsibility.

According to him, Islamic institutions such as mosques, scholars, and traditional councils continue to play a stabilising role in the country by mediating conflicts, guiding leaders, and educating citizens on tolerance and civic duties.

“Islam is not about seizing power; it is about ensuring good governance and accountability in society. Our democracy has benefitted from these values because justice and fairness are principles rooted both in the Qur’an and in democratic practice,” he said.

The Sultan also called for stronger interfaith dialogue, stressing that Nigeria’s unity depends on mutual understanding between Christians and Muslims.

“If I know who you are, and you know who I am, we can live in peace. Understanding one another is the foundation for national security and stability,” he added.

He commended Gen. Irabor for writing the book, describing it as a timely resource that not only documents the scars of insurgency but also provides insights for policy, governance, and national healing.

The launch attracted dignitaries including former Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan, the Minister of Defence, service chiefs, traditional rulers, senior military officers, and members of the diplomatic corps.

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Benue Killings: Tiv Youths Give Politicians, Governments 90-Day Ultimatum

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The Tiv Youths Organisation (TYO), Worldwide, has issued a 90-day ultimatum to political aspirants across all parties and to governments at the local, state and federal levels to put an end to the ongoing killings by suspected herdsmen in Benue State.

The warning was issued by the Acting President General of the organisation, Comrade Patrick Terfa Angbagh, amid continued attacks, loss of lives and the displacement of Tiv communities. He described the situation as a clear failure of leadership and governance, stressing that the blood of Benue people must no longer be reduced to political statistics.

According to Angbagh, the Tiv people have endured prolonged suffering marked by repeated attacks, mass burials and what he described as “empty condolences.”

“The Tiv people and Benue citizens have suffered enough pain. If within the next 90 days these killings do not stop, then no aspirant—regardless of party affiliation—should expect to campaign or seek votes in Benue State ahead of the 2027 elections,” he said.

The organisation warned that political ambition without a commitment to protecting human lives was unacceptable, adding that Tiv youths across the state were ready to mobilise peacefully to resist any attempt to normalise insecurity for electoral gain.

Angbagh emphasised that security should not be treated as a campaign slogan but as a constitutional responsibility. He called on the Federal Government to strengthen intelligence gathering, improve security deployment and ensure accountability among security agencies.

He also urged the Benue State Government to move beyond rhetoric and take concrete action, while charging local government authorities to assume responsibility for community protection and the establishment of effective early-warning systems.

The Tiv Youths Organisation cautioned that silence, indifference or political exploitation of the crisis would no longer be tolerated, warning that Benue must not be turned into a killing field ahead of future elections.

“Any aspirant who cannot defend the lives of the people has no moral right to ask for their votes,” Angbagh stated.

The group reaffirmed its commitment to peaceful advocacy, justice and the protection of Tiv ancestral lands, and called on traditional rulers, religious leaders and civil society organisations to join in demanding urgent action to end the killings.

“Enough is enough. Benue lives matter,” the organisation declared.

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Woro Bandits’ Attack: Kwara Gov sets up seven-person committee

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Stephen Olufemi Oni, Ilorin

Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has approved the appointment of a seven-person committee to interface with Woro community on humanitarian support that the Governor announced earlier on Thursday.

In a statement on Friday, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor Rafiu Ajakaye said the Chairman of the Committee is Hon. Ahmed Kiwozi, a former lawmaker from Kaiama Local Government Area.

Other members are the Vice Chairman of the Local Government Council Aisha Abubakar Sadiq; Alhaji Abubakar Mora; Woro Village Head Alhaji Umar Bio Saliu; and a representative each of the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) and Kwara State Social Investment Programme (KWASSIP); and a representative of the Office of the Secretary to the State Government who should be a female.

The Committee, which has four weeks to carry out its assignment, will interface with the community leaders on rebuilding efforts, areas of need of the survivors, and other outstanding issues.

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Tinubu Holds High-Level APC Meeting at Presidential Villa

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Fabian Apechihin

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Thursday met with top stakeholders of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, to review preparations for the party’s forthcoming convention and congresses.

The closed-door meeting brought together members of the APC national leadership, state governors, and key figures from the party’s caucus in the National Assembly.

Among those present were Senate President Godswill Akpabio; Chairman of the Nigerian Governors Forum and Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq; Chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum and Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma; Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin; House of Representatives Majority Leader, Prof. Julius Ihonvbere; Chief Whip of the House, Usman Bello Kumo; Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila; and APC National Secretary, Senator Ajibola Bashiru.

Speaking after the meeting, APC National Chairman, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, described the engagement as brief but productive, noting that it focused on aligning preparations and strengthening unity within the party ahead of the convention and congresses.

According to Yilwatda, discussions centred on deepening collaboration between the party’s national leadership, sub-national governments, the National Assembly, and the party structure. “It was a brief meeting to review our preparations for the convention and congresses and to strengthen synergy among all arms of government,” he said.

He added that the party’s rapid growth, marked by the influx of new members, governors, and lawmakers, made inclusivity a key priority. “The party is expanding every day. We are growing beyond bounds, and we want to ensure that in the process of this growth, nobody is left behind,” Yilwatda stated.

The APC chairman also praised President Tinubu’s leadership, describing him as a seasoned politician whose guidance continues to shape the party’s strategic direction. “Mr President is a very experienced politician. His advice was remarkable, and his deep understanding of the political cycle is driving the strength and expansion of the party,” he said.

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