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Rising Kidnappings in All Nigerian Zones Spur Security Agencies to Issue Fresh Advisory

Over 19,000 abductions recorded nationwide in past decade as authorities urge citizens to adopt personal safety measures

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3 hours ago

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Over 19,000 abductions recorded nationwide in past decade as authorities urge citizens to adopt personal safety measures

Security agencies across Nigeria have raised fresh concerns over the increasing rate of kidnappings, with recent data showing that more than 19,366 people have been abducted in 2,694 reported incidents nationwide within the last ten years. The Nigeria Security Tracker documented these cases spanning every geopolitical zone, including the North-East, South-South, North-Central, North-West, South-West, and South-East.

Authorities in Abuja stated on Thursday that kidnappers no longer focus only on wealthy individuals but now target a wider range of victims such as employees, students, and children regardless of their social status. This shift has prompted security operatives to encourage Nigerians to take greater responsibility for their own safety while efforts to contain criminal gangs intensify at both state and federal levels.

The security situation has become a major concern for families and businesses across Nigeria. Armed groups—including militants and other unidentified gunmen—have continued to operate despite ongoing military operations and increased police patrols. Citizens are now being urged to remain vigilant at all times, avoid sharing sensitive information about their movements online or with strangers, and ensure that homes are secured with reliable gates and surveillance systems where possible.

A spokesperson for the Nigeria Police Force said the command is committed to tackling kidnapping through intelligence-led patrols and community engagement. “We advise everyone to be conscious of their environment and report suspicious activities promptly,” the official stated during a media briefing in Lagos. No official opposition response was available as at press time.

Experts warn that until kidnappers are effectively deterred through coordinated action by security agencies and communities, Nigerians must remain proactive about their personal safety. Authorities say additional awareness campaigns will be rolled out in coming weeks to educate the public on practical steps that can reduce exposure to abduction risks.

Source: https://guardian.ng/life/security-tips-that-could-help-you-stay-off-kidnappers-radar/

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Nigeria News (Standard)

Lagos Contestant Loye Sacked from MasterChef Nigeria After Black Apron Jollof Rice Challenge

Judges faulted Loye’s dish for not making jollof rice the star; Top 5 now set for next round

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4 minutes ago

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June 20, 2026

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Judges faulted Loye’s dish for not making jollof rice the star; Top 5 now set for next round

The MasterChef Nigeria competition took a dramatic turn in Lagos on Thursday as contestant Loye was sacked from the show after struggling in the high-stakes Jollof Rice Feast challenge. The episode, which aired on 20 June 2026, saw the remaining six contestants compete under intense scrutiny from the judges during Black Apron Day.

Contestants were instructed to prepare a feast inspired by two regions of Nigeria, with jollof rice required to be the centrepiece of their plate. The judges assessed each entry based on flavour, regional identity, execution and how well the signature Nigerian dish was highlighted. Loye, who had previously shown promise in earlier rounds, admitted dissatisfaction with his final presentation before the panel delivered their verdict.

After tasting all six entries, the judges observed that while Loye’s meal showed some potential, it failed to meet the challenge’s core requirement of making jollof rice the hero of the dish. This shortcoming ultimately cost him his place among the Top 5 contestants. The exit marks another milestone in a season that has kept Nigerian viewers engaged with regional culinary creativity and fierce competition.

MasterChef Nigeria has continued to grow in popularity since its launch, offering a platform for talented home cooks to showcase their skills and celebrate Nigerian cuisine. The show’s focus on regional inspiration has resonated with audiences across various states, reinforcing jollof rice as a unifying dish in national food culture.

With Loye’s departure, five contestants now remain in contention for this year’s title and its lucrative prize package. The next episode will see them tackle another regional food challenge as they vie for a place in the finals.

Source: https://guardian.ng/life/loye-exits-masterchef-nigeria-after-tough-jollof-rice-challenge/

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Nigeria News (Standard)

SDP Denies Isaac Alade’s Withdrawal, Affirms Candidacy for Ekiti Governorship Poll

Party insists Alade remains in race as speculation of withdrawal spreads ahead of 2026 Ekiti election

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25 minutes ago

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June 20, 2026

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Party insists Alade remains in race as speculation of withdrawal spreads ahead of 2026 Ekiti election

The Social Democratic Party (SDP) has dismissed reports suggesting that its candidate, Isaac Alade, has withdrawn from the upcoming Ekiti State governorship election. The party made this clarification on Saturday, 20 June 2026, amid rising rumours across the South-West state about Alade’s participation.

According to the SDP, Isaac Alade remains its flagbearer for the crucial poll scheduled later this year. The party stated that recent claims of his withdrawal were unfounded and aimed at misleading voters and supporters. Party officials maintained that Alade has not stepped down or decamped to any other party.

The clarification comes as political activities intensify in Ekiti State ahead of the governorship election, with multiple parties seeking to consolidate their chances. Observers note that such rumours are common during pre-election periods in Nigeria, often used to destabilise rival camps or confuse the electorate.

A statement from SDP leadership urged members and supporters to disregard the withdrawal reports and continue mobilisation efforts across all local government areas. The party emphasised its confidence in Alade’s candidacy and readiness to present a credible alternative in Ekiti’s political landscape.

With this development, attention remains on how parties will navigate last-minute alignments and propaganda as election day approaches. The SDP called on security agencies and electoral bodies to monitor misinformation closely, warning that such tactics could affect the credibility of the process.

Source: https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/top-news/889183-sdp-denies-withdrawal-rumours-confirms-isaac-alade-still-in-ekiti-governorship-race.html

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Nigeria News (Standard)

Iranian Court Sentences Singer Parastoo Ahmadi to 74 Lashes for Performing Without Hijab

Human rights groups condemn Qom Province ruling as crackdown on women’s rights intensifies after viral concert

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34 minutes ago

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June 20, 2026

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Human rights groups condemn Qom Province ruling as crackdown on women’s rights intensifies after viral concert

An Iranian criminal court in Qom Province has sentenced singer Parastoo Ahmadi to 74 strokes of cane, a two-year travel ban, and a two-year prohibition from artistic activities for performing without a hijab during a livestreamed concert in December 2024. The verdict, delivered this week, also affects eight members of her production team, all of whom received similar penalties after their performance went viral online.

The case centres on Ahmadi’s performance of the patriotic song ‘Az Khoone Javanane Vatan’ during an audience-free event later dubbed the ‘Caravanserai Concert.’ The concert was broadcast on Ahmadi’s YouTube channel and quickly attracted millions of views. Iranian authorities charged the artist and her colleagues with producing and publishing what they described as ‘vulgar and immoral content.’ Shortly after the concert, Ahmadi and several musicians were reportedly arrested before being released on bail, leading to formal legal proceedings.

The sentence has drawn strong reactions from international human rights advocates, who describe it as part of a wider campaign by Iranian authorities against cultural expression and women’s rights. According to Bahar Ghandehari, Director of Advocacy at the Center for Human Rights in Iran, the punishment highlights that conditions for artists and women in Iran remain largely unchanged. “Ahmadi’s punishment of 74 lashes for merely singing and appearing without a hijab is yet another reminder that human rights conditions in Iran have not changed,” Ghandehari said.

Legal experts have also raised concerns about the legitimacy of the charges. Human rights lawyer Moein Khazaeli argued that Iranian criminal law does not criminalise women singing or producing musical works. Khazaeli added that corporal punishment like flogging raises serious issues under international human rights standards, with many organisations considering it a form of torture.

The ruling comes amid ongoing tension over compulsory hijab laws in Iran, especially following nationwide protests triggered by the death of Mahsa Amini in police custody in 2022. Exiled Iranian figures such as actress Nazanin Boniadi have condemned the verdict as evidence that repression remains entrenched. Setareh Maleki, another exiled actress, praised Ahmadi’s courage in performing despite knowing the risks involved. Rights groups say prosecutions like Ahmadi’s are designed to deter dissent and enforce strict social restrictions on cultural expression.

Source: https://www.pulse.ng/story/iranian-singer-sentenced-to-74-strokes-of-cane-and-other-penalties-for-performing-without-hijab-2026062007211385817

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