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Cameroon Govt Commends Borno State Govt on Repatriation Efforts

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By Abdullahi Alhassan

BORNO – Borno State Government has finalised arrangements for the voluntary repatriation of more than 3,000 Nigerian refugees from Cameroon republic to their ancestral homes after 11 years.

This is in fulfillment of Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum’s commitment to repatriate and resettle all Nigerian refugees from Borno who are sheltering in neighboring Chad, Cameroon and Niger republics.

The operation is being conducted with the support of the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons.

Chairman Borno State Sub-Committee on Repatriation and member of the Presidential Committee on Repatriation, Engineer Lawan Abba Wakilbe, on Monday met with a Government delegation from Cameroon’s Far North Region and officials of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) at the Minawao Refugee Camp in Maroua.

The purpose of the meeting was to finalise logistical and other arrangements to ensure the refugees’ safe and dignified return.

During a visit to the camp in December 2025, Governor Zulum assured refugees willing to return that they would do so in a safe and dignified manner, marking a new chapter for families displaced by insurgency over 11 years ago.

The refugees, predominantly from communities in central and southern Borno, fled to Cameroon more than 11 years ago during the peak of the insurgency, which devastated villages, displaced families, and disrupted socio-economic life across the North-East.

During their stay, Cameroonian authorities and humanitarian partners provided shelter, healthcare, education, and other essential services. Many refugees were also allocated farmland to support agricultural activities, reducing aid dependency and allowing them to sustain their families with dignity.

With improved security in several parts of Borno and ongoing state-led reconstruction efforts, many refugees have expressed their readiness to return home voluntarily.

The Borno State Government has already provided buses and other logistical support for the movement of the refugees while the National Commission for Refugees will oversee and coordinate the repatriation mission in collaboration with Cameroonian authorities and humanitarian agencies.

“This is the fourth phase, which began in 2020. The process is going on smoothly in accordance with the tripartite and technical working group agreements,” Engr. Wakilbe stated.

“His Excellency, Governor Zulum, was here on 8 December 2025 and made commitments. As soon as they return home, all commitments will be fulfilled,” he assured.

In a related development, Engineer Wakilbe led a high-level delegation to the office of the Governor of Cameroon’s Far North Region, Midjiyawa Bakari.

During their meeting, Governor Bakari commended the Borno State Government for sustaining the longstanding and cordial bilateral relationship, noting that cooperation between the two countries has been instrumental in ensuring the protection, welfare, and orderly return of displaced persons across the border.

CISLAC Urges National Assembly to Prioritize Reforms, Warns Against Electioneering

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By Abdullahi Alhassan

KADUNA – As the National Assembly resumes legislative duties for the 2026 session, the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) has called on the 10th National Assembly to refocus on governance, accountability, and critical reforms, warning against the dangers of early electioneering ahead of the 2027 General Elections.

In a statement issued on Monday, the Executive Director of CISLAC, Auwal Ibrahim Musa (Rafsanjani), described 2026 as a defining year for both the Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration and the current legislature, stressing that Nigerians now expect tangible outcomes from policies and programmes introduced since 2023.

“While citizens have shown patience in the early phase of this administration, often attributing prevailing socio-economic and democratic challenges to teething problems of a new government, 2026 naturally marks a period of maturity,” Rafsanjani said. “This is the stage at which policies must begin to deliver visible and measurable benefits to Nigerians, and the role of the National Assembly in achieving this cannot be overstated.”

CISLAC expressed concern that 2026 precedes the 2027 General Elections, a period historically associated with declining legislative productivity due to heightened political activities.

The organisation warned that public anxiety could be further deepened if the proposal to conduct general elections as early as November 2026 is pursued.

“Nigerians are worried and rightly so that governance may once again be sacrificed on the altar of politicking and electioneering,” Rafsanjani noted. “At a time when the country is grappling with economic hardship, worsening insecurity, rising public debt, governance deficits, and declining public trust in institutions, Nigeria cannot afford a distracted or compromised legislature.”

According to CISLAC, the current national challenges demand a fully functional, responsive, and accountable National Assembly, rather than one perceived as absentee, politically distracted, or a rubber stamp for the executive.

As part of its expectations for the 2026 legislative year, CISLAC outlined key priority areas for lawmakers.

First, CISLAC urged lawmakers to remain committed to plenary sessions, committee engagements, and oversight responsibilities, cautioning against frequent absences and unnecessary recesses driven by political ambitions.

Second, the organisation called for the fast tracking of critical legislative reforms, particularly electoral, economic, security, and governance related bills. Drawing lessons from the 2023 general elections, CISLAC stressed that electoral reform remains a core demand of Nigerian citizens and must not be delayed.

Third, CISLAC emphasised the need for strengthened legislative oversight to promote transparency and accountability, especially in budget implementation, public procurement, and the management of public funds.

Rafsanjani warned that failure to exercise robust oversight would further entrench public perception of the Assembly as a rubber stamp institution.

Finally, CISLAC cautioned the National Assembly against becoming an early casualty of the 2027 election cycle.

“Nigerians elected lawmakers to legislate and provide oversight, not to abandon governance long before the official campaign period,” Rafsanjani said. “The legislature is the backbone of any democratic system, and in 2026, the National Assembly must rise to this responsibility with integrity, discipline, and a clear commitment to the public interest.”

CISLAC reaffirmed its readiness to engage constructively with the National Assembly and other stakeholders to advance reforms that strengthen democracy, accountability, and good governance in Nigeria.

Governor Uba Sani Urged to Secure Release of Abducted Residents

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By Abdullahi Alhassan

KADUNA – The Chairman of the Elders Forum of Gidan Waya, Yarkasuwa, Saminaka, in Lere Local Government Area of Kaduna State, Mr. Rabo Sabo Jantsauni, has sent a desperate appeal to Governor Uba Sani, seeking help to secure the release of 13 kinsmen who were kidnapped on November 11, 2025, and remain in captivity despite the payment of a ₦40 million ransom to the bandits.

Addressing a press conference in Kaduna on Monday, Jantsauni recounted how bandits stormed their village in November 2025, killing four people, injuring five others, and abducting 13 residents.

He identified those killed as Promise Korau, 18; Hycent Timothy, 19; Mato Shagori, 40; and Markus Ishaya. Those currently receiving treatment in hospital are Kefas Iliya, 23; Philimon Daniel, 25; Ezra Samson, 27; and one unidentified person.

The 13 kidnapped victims are Habibu Yahaya, 42; Love Markus, 38; Mummy Markus, 49; Catherine Shitu, 40; Ibrahim Bagobari, 46; John Ibrahim, 15; and Rev. Istifanus Dungu, 58. Others are Christiana Dungu, 14; Prince Dungu, 13; Miss Dauda; Mrs. Rev. Danbala Inuwa, 38; Lois Markus, 25; and Yohanna Umar, 30.

According to Jantsauni, the bandits later demanded ₦300 million as ransom, but the community could not raise the amount, asking, “Where did they expect us to find such a huge amount?” He explained that the community eventually sold about 3,000 bags of assorted grains to raise ₦40 million, which was delivered to the bandits.

Jantsauni lamented that despite paying the ransom, “it is now three weeks, and the bandits are yet to release the 13 kidnapped people. Worse still, they attacked the village again on January 7, 2026, and abducted two Fulani women.”

“The community wants to appeal to Governor Uba Sani to come to our rescue and ensure that our people regain their freedom. We do not know if His Excellency, Governor Uba Sani, or even our local government chairman is aware of what has happened to us. That is why we are appealing through the media,” he said.

While acknowledging the efforts of the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in Lere, who reportedly visited the community several times after the attack, Jantsauni appealed for urgent intervention from both the state and federal governments.

“We are calling on the state government, the local government, and Governor Uba Sani to help us secure the release of our people. We also want the governor to reach out to the federal government for assistance,” he said.

Beyond the trauma of the abduction, the community is now facing hunger after selling off its grain reserves. “After selling our food to pay ransom, we are now going hungry. We can no longer feed our families,” he said, calling on the government to provide food support while the community awaits the return of their abducted relatives.

He described the situation as heartbreaking, noting that the entire community has been thrown into mourning, fear, and uncertainty. “Everybody is shedding tears. We are suffering, and our people are still in captivity,” he added.

Zulum Urges Borno Residents to Support Rayyan Microfinance Bank

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By Abdullahi Alhassan

BORNO – Borno State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum, has unveiled Rayyan Microfinance Bank, headquartered in Maiduguri, the state capital on Sunday.

Rayyan Bank is an Ethical Compliant Digital Bank that offers non-interest financing. With a commitment to ethical compliance practices, the bank also provides a comprehensive range of banking solutions designed to meet the diverse needs of individuals and businesses.

Speaking at the unveiling ceremony held in Forshams Event Centre, Maiduguri, Zulum emphasised that the bank is a critical tool for building resilience and fostering self-reliance among the people of Borno. He highlighted its role in providing the financial backbone communities need to rebuild livelihoods affected by years of insurgency.

“Microfinance banks are crucial for driving financial inclusion, reducing poverty and promoting economic growth through providing accessible financial services to such as small loans, savings accounts and insurance amongst others to low income individuals who don’t have access to traditional banking systems in Nigeria,” Zulum said.

He added, “I want to commend the vision and tenacity of the chairman and members of this very important bank, I also want to assure you that the government, under my leadership, will partner with you to promote the ideals of the non-interest banking system which is very important to our economy.”

Demonstrating Borno State government’s confidence in the new institution, Zulum directed the State Ministry of Finance to open an account with Rayyan Microfinance Bank.

Following the unveiling, the Governor formally presented the bank to the public, urging residents, cooperatives, and business owners to utilise its services to grow their businesses, support local enterprises, and contribute to the state’s economic resurgence.

The event featured keynote addresses and lectures by academics, regulatory agencies, religious scholars, and other stakeholders, highlighting the potential of non-interest banking to promote ethical investments and foster inclusive economic growth.

177 Worshippers Still in Captivity, CAN Seeks Govt Intervention

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By Abdullahi Alhassan, Kaduna

KADUNA – The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Kajuru Local Government Area of Kaduna State has held a special prayer session for the safe return of 177 worshippers abducted from churches in Kurmin Wali community, one week after the incident.

The prayer session, held on Sunday at Tawaliu Baptist Church in Maraban Kajuru, brought together Christian leaders from across Kaduna State and the wider northern region as families of the abducted worshippers continued to wait anxiously for their release.

The worshippers, who are members of the Evangelical Church Winning All and the Cherubim and Seraphim churches, were abducted during Sunday services when armed men invaded Kurmin Wali community and forced congregants into surrounding forests. Although a few of the victims later escaped, many remain in captivity.

Speaking at the prayer gathering, the Chairman of CAN in the 19 Northern States and the Federal Capital Territory, Reverend Joseph John Hayab, urged churches to strengthen surveillance and security around places of worship in response to the growing threat against worship centres.

He said churches must combine prayer with vigilance by putting in place basic internal security and monitoring arrangements that would enable them to observe activities within and around worship premises during services.

According to him, unrestricted access to church premises without situational awareness exposes worshippers to danger and leaves congregations vulnerable to attacks.

Reverend Hayab described the security situation in Kajuru as deeply troubling, noting that repeated attacks on communities and churches had reached an unacceptable level and required urgent collective action.

He warned that unless proactive steps were taken, churches would continue to suffer losses, stressing that faith must be accompanied by responsibility and preparedness.

“We have been praying and watching instead of watching and praying. The church must wake up,” Reverend Hayab said.

In his remarks, the Chairman of CAN in Kajuru Local Government Area, Reverend Enoch Kaura, said the prayer session was convened to seek God’s intervention for the safe return of the abducted worshippers and to pray for wisdom for government authorities and security agencies in addressing insecurity in the area.

Reverend Kaura condemned the abduction of worshippers in Kurmin Wali and criticised what he described as the initial denial of the incident by government authorities, saying it cast doubt on the accounts of victims, families, clergy and eyewitnesses.

He traced the roots of insecurity in Kajuru to the 1980s, noting that violence escalated in 2017 and 2018 during the crisis in Kasuwan Magani, which culminated in the abduction and killing of the area’s paramount ruler.

According to him, the Kurmin Wali abduction was not an isolated incident, recalling previous attacks on Buda Church where a pastor and some members were abducted, as well as the killing of a church member in Ugakala Maro last year.

He said that since 2019, no fewer than eleven pastors and their wives had been killed, while several others had been abducted, forcing many communities to abandon their homes.

While acknowledging that the administration of Governor Uba Sani had recorded relative peace in parts of Kajuru, Reverend Kaura said lingering insecurity continued to prevent residents from fully returning to normal life, particularly in harvesting their farm produce.

He called on the government and security agencies to intensify security operations in Kajuru and other vulnerable areas to prevent further attacks and ensure the rescue of all abducted worshippers.

The prayer session was attended by the Kaduna State Chairman of CAN, Reverend Caleb Bawa Ma’aji, bishops, and clergy from various denominations.

Delta Governor Unleashes “Zero Tolerance” Crackdown

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...Orders Police to Hunt Down, Prosecute All Illegal Firearm Holders Ahead of 2027 Polls

By Sunday Apah

ASABA – In a hardline security directive, Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has commanded the state’s police force to **arrest and prosecute without exception** anyone caught with illegal firearms or attempting to disrupt public peace—especially as the 2027 general elections loom.

Governor Oborevwori issued the stern order on Tuesday while receiving the newly posted Commissioner of Police for Delta State, CP Aina Adesola, and his management team at the Government House in Asaba.

Describing CP Adesola’s posting as a “strategic homecoming,” the governor emphasized that the police chief’s prior experience in the state would be crucial in **crushing criminal elements** and maintaining order. He hailed the existing collaboration between security agencies for the current relative peace but warned that **any slide back into lawlessness would be met with ruthless enforcement**.

“Before 2023, criminals and youths brazenly brandished firearms on our streets—spreading fear and chaos. That era is over. Under my watch, it will **never be allowed to return**,” Governor Oborevwori declared.

He further commended officers such as ACP Aliyu Shaba and the former Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations for their fierce crackdown on gun violence in once-volatile areas, signaling that such **aggressive policing would continue and intensify**.

With another election cycle approaching, the governor charged the police to remain **unyielding and proactive**, stressing that the full force of the law must fall on anyone threatening the state’s security.

“We will **not tolerate insecurity**. Anyone found with illegal weapons or trying to breach the peace must be hunted down, arrested, and prosecuted—no excuses, no exceptions,” he vowed.

Oborevwori also called on residents to act as the “eyes and ears” of security agencies, warning that peace is non-negotiable for development and investment.

“Without peace, investors flee. With peace, Delta State is open for business—and we **will defend that peace with everything we have**,” he asserted.

In his response, CP Aina Adesola thanked the governor for the reception and pledged an **unrelenting, tireless campaign** to keep Delta safe. “Under my command, the people will sleep with both eyes closed. We will ensure lasting peace through relentless action,” he promised.

Just In: Police Arrest 22 Suspects in Grisly Murder of Ughelli Prince

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...As Egbo Vows to Purge Ughelli of Criminal Elements, Dismiss False Curfew Reports as “Dangerous Propaganda”

By Sunday Apah

UGHELLI — In a sweeping crackdown that has sent shockwaves through the area, security operatives have detained over twenty-two persons linked to the brutal assassination of Prince Idjesa Oharisi of Ughelli Kingdom royal family.

The revelation came from the Chairman of Ughelli North Local Government Council, Hon. Chief Jaro Egbo, Esq., during a high-profile condolence visit to the bereaved Ovie of Ughelli Kingdom, His Royal Majesty, Evang. Wilson Ojakovo, Oharisi III.

Speaking with formidable authority within the sacred walls of the royal palace on Monday, January 26, 2026, Egbo described the killing as a “heinous and calculated atrocity” that has pierced the heart of the entire kingdom. “This is not merely a crime; it is an act of war against our traditions, our peace, and our future,” he thundered. “The blood of a prince cries out for justice, and we shall deliver nothing less.”

The chairman dispelled any notions of inter-communal strife, instead pointing an accusatory finger at the metastasizing scourge of cultism masquerading as rebellion.

 

 

He issued an unequivocal decree to all criminal factions operating within Ughelli: “Your time is up. Vacate our streets, our communities, and our kingdom immediately, or be prepared to face the relentless and unforgiving wrath of the law.”

Egbo confirmed that the arrests are part of a broader, aggressive operation targeting recent waves of violence, with the investigation into the prince’s murder being treated as an absolute priority.

He assured the people of Ughelli that security agencies are deploying every resource at their disposal to dismantle the networks responsible.

In a firm rebuke of spreading misinformation, both Egbo and the Ovie categorically denied the existence of any government-declared curfew. “Let these words echo through every quarter: there is no curfew in Ughelli,” Egbo stated, his tone leaving no room for ambiguity.

He issued a stern warning to overzealous security personnel, stating that any intimidation of innocent citizens under this false pretext would be met with severe disciplinary action.

Emphasizing Ughelli’s critical role as a commercial and cultural linchpin connecting three major geopolitical zones, Egbo warned that any attempt to destabilize the throne or undermine the kingdom’s sovereignty would be crushed.

He appealed directly to families, elders, and community leaders to reclaim their youth from the clutches of violence and cultism, pledging the local government’s total commitment to eradicating this menace.

His Royal Majesty, the Ovie of Ughelli Kingdom, received the chairman’s pledges with solemn gratitude, describing the visit as “a powerful testament to unity in our moment of profound sorrow.”

The monarch also vehemently dispelled the curfew rumours, labeling them “malicious fabrications” intended to breed fear and disorder. “I have issued no such order.

These lies must cease,” he commanded, urging all citizens and media houses to obtain information solely through authorized official channels.

Agbeyi Lauds Alema of Warri, Uduaghan, on Birthday

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By Admin 

Dr., Monday Agbeyi has congratulated Chief Emmanuel Oritsejolomi Uduaghan, the Alema of Warri, on the occasion of his birthday, describing him as a distinguished humanist, bridge-builder, and an outstanding pillar of community development whose life has been devoted to service to humanity.

In a statement issued to newsmen in Warri, Delta State, Dr. Agbeyi extolled the Alema for his unwavering commitment to peace, unity, and grassroots development, noting that Chief Uduaghan’s leadership style is anchored on humility, compassion, and a deep sense of responsibility to the people.

He said the Alema has continued to play a stabilising role within Warri Kingdom and its environs through dialogue, wisdom, and selfless interventions.

According to him, the celebrant’s numerous philanthropic and humanitarian gestures over the years have positively transformed lives, empowered the less privileged, and strengthened communal harmony. Dr. Agbeyi stressed that Chief Uduaghan’s contributions to social cohesion and human capital development have earned him widespread respect and admiration both within and outside Delta State.

Dr. Agbeyi further described the Alema as a father figure and dependable leader whose counsel and moral authority have guided many individuals and institutions, adding that his dedication to justice, fairness, and inclusive progress has set him apart as a quintessential community builder.

He prayed that Almighty God grants Chief Emmanuel Oritsejolomi Uduaghan many more years in good health, renewed strength, divine wisdom, and lasting fulfillment, urging the younger generation to draw inspiration from his exemplary life of service and integrity.

Tompolo’s Peace Initiative Brings Development to Ogbinbiri, Ogbudugbu Communities

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By Admin 

Hon. King Producer Miebi has commended High Chief Dr. Government Owoizide Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, for his uncommon commitment, resilience, and unwavering dedication to the promotion of peace and stability in the Niger Delta region. He described Tompolo as a true patriot whose selfless interventions have continued to prevent avoidable conflicts and foster unity among communities.

According to Hon. Miebi, the recent peaceful resolution of the long-standing boundary dispute between Ogbinbiri and Ogbudugbudu communities in Egbema Kingdom, Warri North Local Government Area of Delta State, stands as a landmark achievement.

He noted that the dispute, which had persisted for generations, could have easily degenerated into a full-blown communal crisis if not for the timely and decisive intervention of Tompolo.

He further explained that through personal sacrifice, strategic engagement, and the deployment of his own resources, High Chief Tompolo successfully resolved the dispute by establishing a boundary road acceptable to both communities.

This intervention not only ended decades of tension but has also opened the area to increased development, improved access, and enhanced socio-economic activities for the benefiting communities.

Hon. Miebi emphasized that this historic intervention has permanently etched Tompolo’s name in the annals of Egbema Kingdom.

In recognition of this noble contribution, he proposed that the Ogbinbiri/Ogbudugbudu boundary road be officially named after High Chief Dr. Government Owoizide Ekpemupolo, Tompolo, so that future generations will remember his role in transforming conflict into cooperation and development.

He therefore called on leaders, stakeholders, and influential figures across the Niger Delta to emulate Tompolo’s peace-building approach, rather than promoting division or instigating conflicts for selfish interests. Hon. Miebi stressed that sustainable development in the Niger Delta can only be achieved through dialogue, sincerity, and genuine concern for the collective good of the people.

Okpe Authority Limited to 510 Acres, Itsekiri Leaders Clarify

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By Admin 

  
The Chairman of the Abigborodo Management Committee, Hon. Barrister Misan Ukubeyinije, Esq., a former Commissioner in Delta State, in a statement released to newsmen on Friday, raised serious concerns over the planned foundation-laying ceremony of a Sub-Palace in Sapele Town by the Orodje of Okpe Kingdom, scheduled for January 24, 2026, while drawing attention to an earlier caveat issued by Chief Emmanuel Oritsejolomi Uduaghan, the Alema of Warri Kingdom and Administrator of several Itsekiri communities in Sapele, stressing that Sapele is not the exclusive property of any single ethnic group.

He stressed that Sapele is not the exclusive town of the Okpe people, noting that the town has a well-documented historical background that predates recent claims of exclusive ownership.

Barrister Ukubeyinije reaffirmed that Sapele historically belongs to the Itsekiri nation, a position he said is supported by documented historical and colonial records, while acknowledging that other ethnic groups have long coexisted peacefully in the town.

He referenced the 1930 Colonial Intelligence Report on the Okpe-Sobo clan, authored by L. E. A. Fellows, which listed recognized Okpe villages as Amukpe, Elume, Orerokpe, and Gbukurusu, with no mention of Sapele as an Okpe settlement.

The former Commissioner further clarified that the judgment in Chief Ayomano v. Ginuwa II (JELR 81222, WACA), often cited by the Okpe Kingdom, did not confer ownership of Sapele on the Okpe people but rather awarded them a clearly defined area of 510 acres of land.

According to him, any attempt to exercise authority or erect traditional structures beyond the legally granted 510 acres would amount to an encroachment and could trigger avoidable communal tension in the area.

Barrister Ukubeyinije emphasized that while the Itsekiri people remain committed to peace and lawful coexistence, any action capable of undermining historical facts and legal boundaries would be resisted through all lawful means, urging restraint in the interest of peace and stability in Sapele.

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