Nigeria News (Standard)
Kebbi Bandits Kill Ex-APC Chairman in Captivity, Abduct Sitting Chairman’s Family in Yauri
Police deploy personnel after armed men seize wife and son of APC Yauri chairman; state authorities yet to comment
Police deploy personnel after armed men seize wife and son of APC Yauri chairman; state authorities yet to comment
A former chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Koko/Besse Local Government Area of Kebbi State, Alhaji Muhammadu Mai Barga Besse, has been confirmed dead in bandit captivity, just hours after gunmen abducted the wife and son of a serving APC chairman in Yauri LGA. The incidents, which occurred within days of each other, have heightened concerns over insecurity targeting political leaders in Kebbi, North-West Nigeria.
According to security sources and social media reports on Tuesday, Besse was kidnapped along with an associate earlier in June. A video circulated online showed both men being humiliated by their captors inside the Birnin Gwari forest, a notorious hideout for bandit groups. Both men have now died in captivity without being reunited with their families. As at the time of filing this report, Kebbi State authorities had not issued an official statement regarding the deaths.
The killing comes barely a day after suspected bandits stormed the home of Alhaji Yusuf Alhassan, the current APC chairman for Yauri LGA. The attackers reportedly entered his residence in the Low-Cost area of Yauri during the early hours of Thursday and whisked away his wife and son into a nearby forest. The Kebbi State Police Command said officers had been deployed to track down the kidnappers and secure the safe release of the abducted victims.
The two incidents underscore growing threats facing both current and former local government officials across Kebbi State. Armed attacks and abductions have continued despite ongoing military operations targeting bandit groups operating throughout Nigeria’s North-West zone. Many residents say these attacks have deepened fears among political stakeholders and ordinary citizens alike.
As at Tuesday, neither Kebbi State government nor APC officials had issued a formal response to the latest killings and abductions. Security analysts say urgent action is needed to restore public confidence as families await news on the fate of those still held captive. Police authorities maintain that efforts are ongoing to rescue abducted persons and curb further violence.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Delta Governor Oborevwori Hails Favour Ashe’s 9.93s Triumph at Lagos Commonwealth Trials
Governor credits Delta State sports investment as Ashe becomes fastest Nigerian man on home soil, praises Team Delta athletes
Governor credits Delta State sports investment as Ashe becomes fastest Nigerian man on home soil, praises Team Delta athletes
Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori has applauded Favour Ashe after the sprinter clocked a personal best of 9.93 seconds to win the men’s 100 metres final at the Commonwealth Games National Trials in Lagos on Monday. The event, which concluded yesterday, saw Ashe emerge as Nigeria’s fastest man, setting a new milestone for athletics in the country.
Ashe, who hails from Delta State and is among the foreign-based athletes sponsored by the state government, delivered a stellar performance at the trials. He first posted a time of 9.98 seconds in the semifinals before lowering it to 9.93 seconds to clinch the gold in the final round. The achievement marks a significant feat for Nigerian athletics and reinforces Delta State’s status as a powerhouse in local sports development.
The governor’s commendation was conveyed in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Sir Festus Ekpen Ahon. According to Oborevwori, Ashe’s success is proof of what can be achieved when government invests consistently in sports and provides robust support for young athletes. “Favour Ashe has brought pride not just to Delta State but to Nigeria as a whole,” Oborevwori said, describing the win as evidence that sustained investment produces results.
Oborevwori also congratulated other members of Team Delta for their impressive showing at the national trials, which served as selection for this year’s Commonwealth Games contingent. He urged all athletes representing Nigeria to uphold discipline and aim for podium finishes at international competitions.
With Ashe’s record-setting run putting him among Africa’s elite sprinters, expectations are high for his performance at upcoming global events. Stakeholders say continued investment from state governments like Delta will be crucial if Nigeria is to reclaim its dominance in track and field on the world stage.
Source: https://guardian.ng/sport/oborewvori-commends-favour-ashe-for-emerging-nigerias-fastest-man/
Nigeria News (Standard)
FCT Minister Wike Blasts Super Eagles Over 2026 World Cup Miss, Calls for Urgent Overhaul
Minister expresses disappointment as Nigeria fails to qualify for FIFA tournament; calls mount for NFF and team management reforms
Minister expresses disappointment as Nigeria fails to qualify for FIFA tournament; calls mount for NFF and team management reforms
Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, has openly criticised the Super Eagles following Nigeria’s absence from the 2026 FIFA World Cup, expressing deep dissatisfaction with the team’s performance. Speaking in Abuja on Wednesday, Wike said Nigerians are disappointed that the country will not be represented at football’s biggest stage.
The Super Eagles failed to secure a spot at the 2026 tournament after a series of underwhelming results in their qualifying group. The outcome has triggered widespread reactions among football stakeholders and fans nationwide, who expected Nigeria to maintain its long tradition of World Cup appearances.
Nigeria’s failure to qualify is seen as a major setback for local football and national pride. The Super Eagles have historically been Africa’s most consistent World Cup representatives since their debut in 1994, missing only one tournament in the past three decades. This year’s elimination has led to renewed calls for reforms within the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) and a review of technical management.
Wike, while addressing journalists, lamented the missed opportunity for Nigeria’s youth and sports sector. “We are not happy at all with this development. Nigerians expect better from our national team,” he stated. The minister urged the NFF to urgently review its strategies to restore confidence and competitiveness in Nigerian football.
With mounting pressure from both fans and government officials, attention is now on the NFF to implement changes ahead of upcoming continental competitions. Many expect an overhaul of coaching staff and renewed investment in grassroots football development to prevent future disappointments.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Senate Opens Final Debate on State Police Bill in Abuja
Proposed law sparks renewed arguments over security decentralisation as lawmakers weigh implications for states and federal control
Proposed law sparks renewed arguments over security decentralisation as lawmakers weigh implications for states and federal control
The Nigerian Senate commenced the final debate on the state police bill at the National Assembly complex in Abuja on Wednesday, 24 June 2026. Lawmakers across party lines engaged in spirited discussions regarding the proposed constitutional amendment aimed at allowing individual states to establish and manage their own police forces.
During plenary, senators reviewed the bill’s clauses, which seek to shift policing powers from exclusive federal control to a shared responsibility with state governments. Proponents argued that enabling state police would improve responses to rising insecurity, particularly at local government level. Opponents raised concerns about potential abuse by state governors and possible threats to national unity.
The renewed push for state police follows persistent insecurity nationwide, including bandit attacks and kidnappings in the North-West and South-East zones. Security analysts have repeatedly called for decentralised policing, saying it could help address community-level crimes more effectively than the current centralised system.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio (APC, Akwa Ibom North-West) presided over proceedings. Some lawmakers expressed reservations about funding and oversight mechanisms for state police commands. Others cited past incidents where local security outfits were allegedly misused for political purposes. The House of Representatives is also expected to consider a parallel version of the bill this week.
The Senate will continue clause-by-clause consideration before a final vote scheduled for next week. If passed by both chambers and approved by two-thirds of state assemblies, the bill will amend Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution. Supporters believe it could mark a major shift in Nigeria’s security architecture, while critics warn that careful safeguards are needed to prevent misuse at sub-national level.
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