Nigeria News (Standard)
Gunmen Kill Plateau District Head in Bokkos LGA Ambush
Attack on Safron Samuel Alaket throws Gwande community into mourning as police yet to issue official statement
Attack on Safron Samuel Alaket throws Gwande community into mourning as police yet to issue official statement
Unknown gunmen have killed the District Head of Gwande, Safron Samuel Alaket, in an ambush along the Sha District axis bordering Daffo community in Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State. The incident occurred around 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday as the traditional ruler was returning from the popular Tuesday Market in Daffo after attending a council meeting in Bokkos.
Eyewitnesses reported that Alaket’s vehicle was attacked near the boundary between Sha District and Daffo, where he sustained serious injuries. He was rushed to a nearby clinic for urgent medical attention but did not survive the wounds inflicted during the attack.
The killing of the district head has sent shockwaves through Gwande and neighbouring communities. Residents say Alaket played a key role in promoting peace and development within Bokkos LGA, an area that has experienced repeated security challenges in recent years. His death is being mourned widely by both traditional institutions and local stakeholders.
A community member, Mr Aten Pukat, described Alaket’s death as a painful loss for Gwande and the entire Bokkos area. “The district head was highly respected for his dedication to peace and unity. His sudden demise has left us devastated,” Pukat said, noting that condolences have continued to pour in from sympathisers across Plateau State.
As at press time, efforts to reach Plateau State Police Command spokesperson Alfred Alabo for confirmation were unsuccessful. The police are yet to release an official statement regarding investigations or possible arrests connected to the attack.
Source: https://guardian.ng/news/nigeria/metro/gunmen-ambush-kill-plateau-district-head/
Nigeria News (Standard)
Sickle Cell Disease Remains Widespread in Nigeria Despite Decades of Awareness Campaigns
Health experts lament persistent high cases nationwide as government faces criticism over inadequate screening and treatment support
Health experts lament persistent high cases nationwide as government faces criticism over inadequate screening and treatment support
Sickle cell disease continues to affect millions across Nigeria, with health authorities reporting no significant decline in new cases despite years of public awareness efforts. The ongoing struggle was highlighted on Saturday, 20 June 2026, as medical professionals and advocacy groups raised concerns over the country’s slow progress in reducing the burden of the genetic disorder.
According to health officials, Nigeria remains one of the countries with the highest prevalence of sickle cell disease globally, particularly in states across the South-West and North-Central zones. Despite repeated campaigns and education programmes, many Nigerians still lack access to early diagnosis and comprehensive care, leading to preventable complications and deaths among children and adults.
The continued spread of sickle cell disease is a major public health concern in Nigeria, where an estimated quarter of the population carries the sickle cell trait. Experts say factors such as low rates of genetic counselling before marriage, limited newborn screening, and inadequate funding for specialised treatment centres have hampered efforts to curb new cases. The World Health Organisation has also identified Nigeria as a priority country for intervention due to its high disease burden.
Health sector stakeholders have criticised government’s response as insufficient. Medical practitioners point out that while awareness campaigns have increased knowledge about sickle cell disease, there is still a lack of free or subsidised screening services at most primary healthcare centres. An official from a leading sickle cell foundation noted that many families are unable to afford regular medical care for affected children. The Federal Ministry of Health has acknowledged these challenges and pledged to strengthen support for affected communities through improved funding and expanded screening initiatives.
Experts warn that without urgent reforms—including making genotype testing compulsory before marriage and increasing budgetary allocations—the country may continue to witness high rates of sickle cell complications. Advocacy groups are calling on policymakers at both federal and state levels to prioritise comprehensive sickle cell control strategies, including public education, affordable diagnosis, and access to life-saving treatments.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Ekiti Observers Hail BVAS Performance, Raise Alarm Over Vote-Buying in 2026 Governorship Election
Civil society groups praise INEC’s technology but warn that widespread cash inducement threatens credibility of South-West poll
Civil society groups praise INEC’s technology but warn that widespread cash inducement threatens credibility of South-West poll
Election observers in Ekiti State have commended the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) for its efficient performance during the 2026 governorship election held on Saturday, June 20. However, they expressed concern over reports of rampant vote-buying across several polling units, warning that such malpractice undermines the integrity of the electoral process.
According to monitoring teams deployed by various civil society organisations, the BVAS devices functioned smoothly at most polling centres in Ado-Ekiti and other LGAs, allowing for quick accreditation and reducing incidents of multiple voting. The observers noted that the swift verification process contributed to orderly conduct at many locations and encouraged voter turnout.
Despite these technological gains, observers reported that party agents from major political parties were openly distributing cash and material inducements to voters near some polling stations. They said that while security personnel were present at many sites, enforcement against vote-buying was inconsistent. This development has renewed concerns about the effectiveness of Nigeria’s campaign against electoral corruption, especially in the South-West region where Ekiti is located.
The observers called on INEC and security agencies to intensify efforts to curb financial inducement in future elections. “The use of BVAS is a major step forward for transparency,” one monitoring group stated in their preliminary report. “But as long as politicians continue to buy votes with impunity, the credibility of our elections remains at risk.” Calls for stricter prosecution of offenders were echoed by local civic leaders.
INEC officials have yet to issue a formal response regarding the reported cases of vote-buying. Meanwhile, stakeholders say they expect a comprehensive review from the commission once collation is concluded. Many believe that addressing these challenges is crucial as Nigeria prepares for subsequent off-cycle elections in neighbouring states.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Oyo Emergency Services Confirm Five Dead, Eight Injured in Lagos-Ibadan Expressway Multi-Vehicle Crash
FRSC and Oyo Fire Service cite truck brake failure as cause; victims evacuated after fire outbreak near Satguru Maharaj Ji Village
FRSC and Oyo Fire Service cite truck brake failure as cause; victims evacuated after fire outbreak near Satguru Maharaj Ji Village
No fewer than five persons have been confirmed dead while eight others sustained injuries following a multiple-vehicle crash along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway on Friday evening. The incident occurred close to the Satguru Maharaj Ji Village axis in Akinyele Local Government Area of Oyo State, according to emergency officials who responded to the scene.
The accident involved six trucks, two Toyota Hilux vans and two cars. According to responders from the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and the Oyo State Fire Service, the incident began when a truck suffered brake failure and rammed into another parked truck. This triggered a chain reaction, with several vehicles becoming involved in the collision.
The force of the impact led to a fire outbreak, which further complicated rescue operations as emergency teams battled both flames and wreckage. Personnel from Oyo State Fire Service and FRSC arrived promptly to manage the situation, contain the fire, and evacuate victims from the affected vehicles.
Chairman of Oyo State Fire Service, Maroof Akinwande, confirmed that five bodies were recovered from the site of the crash. He stated that eight injured persons were rescued and taken to hospital for medical attention. “Upon arrival, we discovered that the accident involved six trucks, including…” Akinwande said at the scene.
Officials urged motorists plying the Lagos-Ibadan corridor to maintain safe speeds and ensure their vehicles are roadworthy before embarking on long journeys. As at press time, clearing operations were ongoing at the accident site to restore normal traffic flow on this critical expressway connecting South-West states.
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