Category Nigeria News

The Edo State Government has reiterated its strong commitment to the safety and security of the lives and property of residents of the state, declaring that decisive measures are already yielding results in the fight against kidnapping, cultism, and other criminal activities.

According to a Saturday statement signed by Dr Patrick Ebojele, the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo stated this while addressing growing public concerns over security.

Okpebholo emphasised that his administration has made massive investments in modern security apparatus, intelligence gathering, and inter-agency collaboration to confront criminal elements head-on.

The governor affirmed that the issue of kidnapping is being seriously and strategically addressed, noting that security operations are ongoing across the state.

He stressed that security matters are sensitive and not always suitable for public debate, as premature disclosures could undermine operational effectiveness.

READ ALSO: Okpebholo Decries ‘Lack Of Transparency’ In MOWAA Project

While stating that the government respects the constitutional right of citizens to peaceful protest, Governor Okpebholo warned against attempts by unscrupulous individuals or groups to exploit public sentiments to destabilise the peace and security of the state.

“This administration will not allow criminals or their sponsors to take Edo State hostage. Anyone involved in kidnapping, cultism, or any form of criminality will be tracked down and brought to justice. There will be no hiding place for perpetrators,” he stated.

The governor urged residents to remain calm, vigilant, and law-abiding, and to continue with their normal daily activities, assuring them that the government is firmly in control of the security situation.

Okpebholo reaffirmed his determination to win the battle against crime and restore lasting peace across Edo State, calling on citizens to support security agencies by providing useful information and refusing to shield criminals in their communities.

Doctors in Edo State have halted medical services across parts of the 18 local government areas as they continue their strike action over the abduction of one of their colleagues, Dr Ibrahim Babatunde.

Despite assurances from security agencies that efforts to secure his release are ongoing, the doctors said they could no longer work under an atmosphere of fear and uncertainty.

The industrial action sparked concern among patients and their families, many of whom are now bearing the brunt of the disruption.

A relative of a patient who recently underwent an amputation described the strike as distressing, given the critical condition of their loved one.

READ ALSO: 25 Abducted Children Rescued In Plateau

Speaking to Channels Television, the Chairman of the Association of Resident Doctors at Edo Specialist Hospital, Benin City, Dr Paul Evbuomwan, expressed concern over the constant threat health workers face.

He called on security agencies to intensify efforts to protect both medical personnel and residents across the state.

The strike has left many hospitals operating at minimal capacity, raising fears over the provision of essential medical care in the state.

Security concerns over the safety of health workers has rise over the years, worsened by the spate of abductions in the country.

In November 2025, a consultant neurosurgeon, Dr Tochukwu Mbanugo, with the Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital (NAUTH), Nnewi, Anambra State, was kidnapped by Gunmen.

Reports from NAUTH indicated that the doctor was attacked around Omatha Junction, Uruagu, Nnewi, after performing several complex neurosurgical operations.

The Commander, 6 Brigade Nigerian Army/Sector 3 Operation Whirl Stroke, accompanied by officers of the Brigade, has paid a solidarity visit to Regimental Sergeant Major (RSM) Wesley Tafida, a World War II veteran and father of Major  General HT Wesley (Retired).

The visit, aimed at crisscrossing, brought to light sacrifices made by the veteran in protecting the territorial integrity of Nigeria during World War II (1944–1945), where he served as a courier conveying arms and ammunition.

Aged 106 years, the veteran warmly received the delegation and assured them of a good reward for their sacrifices and dedication to the safety of the country.

RSM Tafida commended the Commander for his steadfast commitment to securing the state.

He further disclosed that he was discharged from 93 Mechanised Infantry Battalion, Ojo Cantonment, after seven years of service as an RSM.

The Commander 6 brigade Nigerian Army/Sector 3 operation whirl stroke Brigadier General Kingsley Uwa, in his remark, applauded the retired RSM, underscoring the Nigerian Army’s commitment to operational excellence, institutional appreciation, and honouring the sacrifices of veterans, while sustaining peace and security in Taraba State.

According to him, the war against insecurity will be won by the military, saying that they are not deterred by the contemporary and emerging threats.

He assured Tafida of the Army’s victory against insecurity as he departed the veteran’s residence in Jalingo.

Meanwhile, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Defense, Richard Pheelangwa, has applauded Uwa for his effective leadership and sustained efforts at ensuring peace and tranquility across the State.

According to him, the commander’s desire to flush out criminals in the state has restored public confidence in security personnel and boosted the quest for vigilance.

Pheelangwa, during a courtesy visit on the 6 Brigade commander, further lauded the discipline, professionalism, and commitment to duty displayed by officers and soldiers of the Brigade.

He described their conduct as exemplary and in line with the highest traditions of the Nigerian Army.

READ ALSO: Fire Razes Section Of LG Secretariat In Taraba

Pheelangwa encouraged the formation to sustain the current operational tempo and civil-military cooperation that have contributed to curbing insecurity and unrest within the state and its environs.

In response, Uwa expressed profound gratitude to the Permanent Secretary for the honour of the visit and reaffirmed the loyalty and dedication of officers and Men of 6 Brigade to the constituted authority.

A fire outbreak that razed a section of the Wukari Local Government Secretariat in Taraba State has destroyed property worth billions of naira.

Confirming the incident, the Chairman of Wukari Local Government Area, Bala Useni, said the fire started shortly after he left the office for an official engagement.

According to him, he was alerted to the incident by a security operative of the Taraba State security Marshal.

Useni explained that initial efforts to put out the fire were unsuccessful, as the Federal University Wukari Fire Service was unable to operate due to a lack of water.

READ ALSO: PLASIEC Adjusts Pre-Election Timetable, Retains September LG Poll Date

The inferno was eventually brought under control through the combined efforts of council staff and other concerned individuals.

He disclosed that most of the administrative buildings were damaged in the fire, with only a section of the chairman’s office spared.

The chairman said the cause of the fire remains unknown, adding that investigations are still ongoing to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident.

He noted that the destruction has disrupted administrative activities and adversely affected service delivery within the local government area.

Useni further revealed that a committee would be constituted to assess the extent of the damage and establish the cause of the fire outbreak.

The Plateau State Independent Electoral Commission (PLASIEC) has amended the timetable for the 2026 Local Government elections, shifting key pre-election activities while maintaining September 9, 2026, as the official poll date.

The revised timetable was announced by the Commission’s Chairman, Hon. Plangji Cishak, who said the adjustments were made after careful consideration of legal, administrative, and operational concerns.

“The Commission has reviewed the timetable to strengthen the electoral process and ensure that every stage meets the standards of transparency, legality, and credibility,” Cishak said.

One of the major amendments is the rescheduling of party primaries from January to March 7–12, 2026.

Cishak explained that the change would allow parties and aspirants more time for internal consultations and reconciliation.

“The new dates will give political actors the necessary space to organise and field candidates without unnecessary pressure,” he added.

Other activities, including nomination of candidates, screening, and publication of final lists, have also been shifted.

Screening is now scheduled for late March, a move observers believe could help address eligibility concerns early and reduce disputes ahead of the elections.

Official campaigns are expected to commence on April 11, 2026, and end two days before the polls in line with established electoral regulations.

READ ALSO: Osun, Ekiti Guber, FCT Polls Testing Ground For 2027 Elections — INEC

Despite the adjustments, the Commission retained major milestones such as publication of the voters’ register, submission of polling agents, and the election date itself.

“By keeping key dates intact, we are providing certainty to political parties, security agencies, and civil society partners. This is crucial for planning and coordination,” Cishak stated.

Local government elections in Plateau State are often viewed as highly competitive and serve as a measure of political strength ahead of future state and national contests.

PLASIEC reaffirmed its commitment to conducting free, fair, and credible elections in accordance with the PLASIEC Law and electoral guidelines.

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF), operating under the joint task force of Operation HADIN KAI, said it recorded another operational success following a coordinated air interdiction conducted at AbbagaJiri in the Timbuktu Triangle in Borno State.

Director of Public Relations and Information, Headquarters, NAF, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, on Saturday, noted that the feat was achieved following multi-source intelligence that confirmed active terrorist presence, structures, and concealed logistics facilities in the area.

According to the statement, following intelligence, NAF air assets were then employed in integrated surveillance and precision strike roles to engage identified targets.

“The operation was deliberately designed to degrade terrorist capability, deny sanctuary, and shape the battlespace for ground forces, in strict adherence to established rules of engagement and the protection of non-combatants,” the statement read in part.

READ ALSO: Insecurity: FG Vows To Empower Armed Forces As Trump Threatens More Strikes In Nigeria

Commenting on the operation, the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, stated that the success of the mission reflected the NAF’s resolve to dominate the air domain in support of joint operations.

“This operation demonstrates our unwavering commitment to delivering precise and decisive airpower in support of ground forces. We will continue to deny terrorists freedom of movement, sanctuary, and logistics wherever they seek to hide.

“The identified terrorist structures were decisively engaged and destroyed, denying the terrorists freedom of action, while a follow-up engagement neutralised armed elements observed converging on the location.

“Subsequent advances by ground troops into the area confirmed the effectiveness of the air strikes and validated the success of the joint air–land operation,” CAS said.

Reaffirming the NAF’s posture, Air Marshal Aneke emphasised that air operations would remain relentless and intelligence-driven.