Nigeria News (Standard)
Lagos Pastor Donates ₦6.6m to 66 South Africa Returnees After Xenophobic Attacks
NiDCOM and NEMA receive evacuees at Murtala Muhammed Airport as victims recount ordeal in Johannesburg
NiDCOM and NEMA receive evacuees at Murtala Muhammed Airport as victims recount ordeal in Johannesburg
Sixty-six Nigerians evacuated from South Africa following xenophobic violence were received at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja, Lagos, on Wednesday night by officials of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) and the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA). The returnees, who spent nearly two weeks at the Nigerian High Commission in Johannesburg before being airlifted home, arrived at 10:46 p.m. on June 24, 2026.
The evacuation was coordinated by Chief Kunle Soname, who facilitated their safe return amidst ongoing attacks targeting foreign nationals in South Africa. The group was welcomed with jubilation and relief, as they were met not only by government officials but also by Pastor Chris Oyakhilome of the Healing International Christian Centre (HICC), who donated ₦100,000 each to all 66 returnees—a total of ₦6.6 million—to help them restart their lives in Nigeria.
Many of the returnees recounted harrowing experiences in South Africa. Genevieve Chibuzo, one of those airlifted back, said she had lived in South Africa for four years but decided to leave after facing persistent threats and attacks. “No more fear. I am free and happy to be back home. I thank God for the gift of life,” Chibuzo said while speaking with officials at the airport.
Officials from NiDCOM and NEMA said the federal government remains committed to supporting Nigerians affected by xenophobic violence abroad. They assured that reintegration assistance would be provided to help the returnees settle back into their communities. The agencies called on state governments and other stakeholders to partner with federal authorities in providing shelter, counselling, and job opportunities for those returning under distressing circumstances.
The Nigerian government has carried out similar evacuations in recent years due to recurring xenophobic incidents in South Africa’s major cities. According to NiDCOM, more than a thousand Nigerians have returned through official programmes since 2019. The latest evacuation underscores ongoing security challenges faced by African migrants in South Africa and highlights calls for stronger diplomatic engagement between Abuja and Pretoria.
Nigeria News (Standard)
NSCIA Expands National Executive Council to Strengthen Muslim Representation Nationwide
Islamic council increases leadership body size, aims for broader inclusion of stakeholders across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones
Islamic council increases leadership body size, aims for broader inclusion of stakeholders across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones
The Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) has announced the expansion of its National Executive Council, a move aimed at deepening representation and strengthening the council’s capacity to address Muslim affairs across Nigeria. The development was made public on Monday, 5 October 2026, following a meeting of top council officials in Abuja.
According to the statement released after the meeting, the NSCIA leadership resolved to increase the number of seats on its executive body. The council said this adjustment will allow for greater input from Muslim leaders and scholars from all six geopolitical zones, reflecting the diverse interests and challenges faced by Nigeria’s Muslim community.
The decision comes at a time when many stakeholders in the Islamic community have called for more inclusive governance structures within faith-based organisations. The council noted that as Nigeria’s Muslim population continues to grow and diversify, it is critical that leadership bodies remain responsive to changing realities. The expanded executive is expected to facilitate improved consultation and coordination on religious matters affecting education, social welfare, and interfaith relations.
In its official statement, the NSCIA emphasised that “the expansion will enhance collaboration among stakeholders and ensure that voices from every region are properly represented.” While no specific figures were disclosed regarding the number of new seats or names of new appointees, the council assured members that transparency and merit would guide all selections. Attempts to reach opposition or dissenting voices within the council were unsuccessful as at press time.
The NSCIA said it will release a full list of new executive council members following its next general assembly. Observers say this move could influence policy directions within Nigeria’s wider religious landscape over the coming months.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Lagos Tenant Discovers Landlord’s Father Buried Beneath Living Room After Over a Year
Landlord’s family exhumes remains in Surulere flat, pledges to repair sitting room after tenant expresses shock
Landlord’s family exhumes remains in Surulere flat, pledges to repair sitting room after tenant expresses shock
A Lagos tenant, identified as Mr Bachelor, has revealed he lived for more than a year in a Surulere apartment without knowing his landlord’s late father was buried beneath the living room floor. The discovery was made on September 20, 2026, when members of the landlord’s family visited the property and informed the tenant of their intention to exhume the remains.
According to Mr Bachelor, who shared details of the incident on X (formerly Twitter), he was in his apartment when the landlord’s relatives arrived and disclosed that their late brother—who is also the landlord’s father—had been buried in the middle of his sitting room. “He was buried right in my living room, and I was not aware until they came around today,” he stated.
The family explained that they planned to move the body to another location they had prepared and assured Mr Bachelor that necessary repairs would be made to his sitting room after the exhumation. The tenant noted that he was the first occupant of the newly built house and had spent over a year there before learning about the burial.
The incident has raised fresh concerns among Lagos residents about transparency from landlords regarding property histories. Some social media users responding to Mr Bachelor’s post urged prospective tenants across Nigeria to conduct due diligence before moving into rental properties. Others called for clearer regulations around residential burials and disclosure by property owners.
As at press time, neither local authorities nor tenants’ rights groups have issued official statements on the matter. The landlord’s family has not provided additional comments beyond assurances of repairs. The situation highlights ongoing gaps in property regulation and tenant protection in Lagos State.
Source: https://www.pulse.ng/story/man-discovers-corpse-buried-under-living-room-2026100506463406930
Nigeria News (Standard)
INEC to Address Nigerians Nationwide as 2027 Election Countdown Reaches 100 Days
Electoral commission prepares public statement amid growing anticipation for next general polls across all states
Electoral commission prepares public statement amid growing anticipation for next general polls across all states
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced plans to address Nigerians nationwide as the countdown to the 2027 general elections hits the 100-day mark. The development, expected to take place across all states, comes as political parties and voters begin preparations for one of the country’s most significant democratic exercises.
According to information from INEC headquarters in Abuja, the commission will issue a formal statement to outline its readiness and call on citizens to participate actively in the electoral process. This move is seen as part of efforts to assure stakeholders of INEC’s commitment to credible and transparent polls, following widespread debates over electoral integrity in recent cycles.
The announcement is particularly significant given Nigeria’s recent history of tightly contested elections, with issues such as voter turnout, technological deployment, and security logistics taking centre stage. Many Nigerians, especially young voters, have expressed concerns about the credibility of past elections and are watching closely for signals of improvement in 2027.
While details of INEC’s planned address remain under wraps, observers expect the commission’s leadership to emphasise the importance of voter registration, collection of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), and adherence to election guidelines. Political analysts note that early communication from INEC could help build public confidence and encourage broader participation ahead of the polls.
With just over three months before Nigerians return to the ballot box, all eyes are on INEC’s next steps. The commission is likely to face scrutiny from both ruling and opposition parties over its preparations. As at Monday, October 5th, no official response has been issued by major political parties regarding INEC’s planned address.
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NSCIA Expands National Executive Council to Strengthen Muslim Representation Nationwide
Lagos Tenant Discovers Landlord’s Father Buried Beneath Living Room After Over a Year
INEC to Address Nigerians Nationwide as 2027 Election Countdown Reaches 100 Days
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