Nigeria News (Standard)
Ogun Police Kill Two Suspected Kidnappers, Rescue Victim and Recover ₦2.2 Million
Anti-kidnapping operatives storm hideout after Ogbe Village abduction; command recovers gun and exhibits linked to suspects
Anti-kidnapping operatives storm hideout after Ogbe Village abduction; command recovers gun and exhibits linked to suspects
Operatives of the Anti-kidnapping Unit under Ogun State Police Command have shot dead two suspected kidnappers and rescued an abducted victim unharmed during a raid at a criminal hideout in Ogun State on Tuesday. The incident followed the abduction of the victim on 11 June 2026 at Ogbe Village, with officers deploying intelligence and tactical resources to secure the release.
According to the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, the operation was launched after the command received credible intelligence on the suspects’ location within the state. The anti-kidnap team traced members of the syndicate to their hideout, where a confrontation resulted in the deaths of two suspects and recovery of several exhibits including a single-barrel gun, one expended cartridge, a mobile phone, and ₦2.2 million in cash.
The rescued victim was freed on 18 June 2026 without injury. The police spokesperson explained that swift mobilisation by law enforcement was crucial in apprehending the suspects before they could move to another location or harm the abductee. “Our officers acted promptly upon receiving information about the abduction at Ogbe Village, and we deployed all necessary resources to ensure a safe rescue,” Babaseyi said in his official statement.
Incidents of kidnapping for ransom have continued to raise concern among residents and security stakeholders in Ogun State and across South-West Nigeria. Police authorities say ongoing investment in intelligence-led policing is yielding results, but also urge communities to remain vigilant and report suspicious activity promptly.
The Ogun State Police Command has assured residents that efforts will be intensified to dismantle remaining criminal networks operating in rural areas. Authorities say further investigations are underway to track fleeing members of the gang and recover additional proceeds from related crimes.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Kyoto Opens World’s First Plush Toy Shrine, Honours Over 26,000 Stuffed Animals
Newly launched Nuigurumi Jinja to begin receiving visitors during Tanabata festival as families seek emotional closure
Newly launched Nuigurumi Jinja to begin receiving visitors during Tanabata festival as families seek emotional closure
Authorities in Kyoto Prefecture, Japan, have inaugurated what is believed to be the world’s first shrine solely dedicated to plush toys, offering memorial and thanksgiving ceremonies for cherished stuffed animals. The site, known as Nuigurumi Jinja (Plush Toy Shrine), was established on 20 June and will officially open its doors to the public on 7 July to coincide with the annual Tanabata festival.
The founder, Komichi Horiguchi, who also created the popular Plush Toy Hospital repair service, said the idea came from observing the deep emotional bonds people form with their plushies. According to Horiguchi, more than 26,000 toys have been repaired by her organisation for owners across Japan and internationally. She noted that many people regard these toys as companions during childhood, illness and difficult periods, making it difficult for them to simply dispose of them when they get old or damaged.
The shrine is located in Kyoto’s scenic Miyama area and features plush-inspired architecture — including a torii gate with bear-like ears and a worship hall with a bear-shaped window. In keeping with Japanese tradition, the site underwent a formal Shinto spirit-enshrinement ritual before its opening, with support from an existing Kyoto shrine giving it religious legitimacy within Shinto practice.
Services at Nuigurumi Jinja will include thanksgiving rites for treasured toys, memorials for plushies beyond repair and a peaceful resting place for those being retired. Visitors will be able to collect special amulets and commemorative stamps or leave written messages of gratitude for their beloved stuffed animals. Organisers said the shrine is not just a novelty but responds to genuine emotional needs among the public.
Speaking about the project, Horiguchi said: “Many people feel real sadness when they can no longer keep a favourite plush toy. This shrine is here to help them say goodbye in a meaningful way.” Social media users have described the concept as heartwarming and uniquely Japanese. The practice aligns with broader cultural traditions in Japan where objects like dolls and sewing needles are honoured after years of service. The opening has attracted significant attention online as families prepare to visit during Tanabata festival.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Kaduna, Zaria Residents Switch to Charcoal, Firewood as Cooking Gas Prices Surge
Soaring cost of liquefied petroleum gas forces households in North-West states to abandon cleaner fuels
Soaring cost of liquefied petroleum gas forces households in North-West states to abandon cleaner fuels
Many residents of Kaduna and Zaria in Kaduna State have turned to charcoal and firewood for their daily cooking needs following a sharp rise in the price of cooking gas. As at Thursday, June 25, 2026, the cost of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) has increased significantly across major markets in the North-West, pushing families to seek cheaper alternatives.
The hike in LPG prices has been attributed by local traders and residents to factors including volatile naira exchange rates and persistent inflation affecting import-dependent commodities. Households who previously relied on gas cylinders now frequent roadside vendors selling firewood and charcoal, with demand for these traditional fuels rising sharply in recent weeks.
The shift marks a setback for government efforts to encourage clean energy adoption and reduce deforestation. Nigeria’s National Bureau of Statistics recently reported inflation hovering above 33 percent, with energy costs among the primary drivers of hardship for urban and peri-urban communities. Many affected residents say they are unable to afford refilling their cylinders at current prices, which have more than doubled compared to the same period last year.
Despite repeated assurances from federal authorities about measures to stabilise gas supply and pricing, relief has yet to reach consumers. Several residents who spoke at local markets in Kaduna expressed frustration with the lack of effective intervention. “We just dey manage now with firewood because gas money don too much,” one woman said.
As the rainy season advances, experts warn that continued reliance on charcoal and firewood could worsen indoor air pollution and environmental degradation. Advocacy groups are urging government to prioritise affordable access to cleaner fuels as part of its broader energy policy reforms.
Nigeria News (Standard)
EFCC Arraigns Miyetti Allah Leader Over Alleged ₦3.8bn Money Laundering From Bauchi Government
Anti-graft agency files charges in Abuja as cattle breeders’ association faces scrutiny over multi-million dollar transfer
Anti-graft agency files charges in Abuja as cattle breeders’ association faces scrutiny over multi-million dollar transfer
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has charged the national president of Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore with money laundering involving a reported $2.53 million (about ₦3.8 billion at current rates) said to have been received from the Bauchi State government. The arraignment took place in Abuja on Thursday, marking a significant development in the ongoing efforts to tackle financial crimes linked to public funds.
According to information made available by the EFCC, the leader of the influential cattle breeders’ association is accused of receiving funds from Bauchi State government coffers without due process, allegedly disguising the source and intended use of the money. The commission stated that investigations uncovered suspicious transfers and that the accused failed to provide satisfactory explanations when questioned.
This case has drawn attention from stakeholders across Nigeria, given Miyetti Allah’s prominent role in livestock policy discussions and its influence within rural communities. Anti-corruption campaigners say it underlines persistent concerns about transparency in dealings between state governments and powerful interest groups. The EFCC has stepped up efforts in recent years to trace illicit financial flows involving associations and individuals with close ties to government officials.
While details of the court proceedings are still emerging, EFCC spokespersons have reiterated that all suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty. Calls for comment from Miyetti Allah officials were not immediately returned as at press time, while Bauchi State government representatives have yet to issue an official response regarding their role in the transaction.
The case is expected to proceed with further hearings in Abuja. Observers note that its outcome could set an important precedent for accountability in state-level disbursements and dealings with non-governmental associations.
Kyoto Opens World’s First Plush Toy Shrine, Honours Over 26,000 Stuffed Animals
Kaduna, Zaria Residents Switch to Charcoal, Firewood as Cooking Gas Prices Surge
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EFCC Arraigns Miyetti Allah Leader Over Alleged ₦3.8bn Money Laundering From Bauchi Government
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