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Nigeria News (Standard)

Imo State Kidnappers Demand ₦950m for Release of 19 NYSC Members Abducted on Owerri-Onitsha Road

Police rescue 10 victims as families of abducted graduates in South-East face direct ransom calls from kidnappers

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3 weeks ago

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Police rescue 10 victims as families of abducted graduates in South-East face direct ransom calls from kidnappers

Nineteen prospective National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members were abducted by gunmen along the Owerri-Onitsha Road in Mbaitoli Local Government Area of Imo State on Thursday, 1 October 2026, with kidnappers now demanding a total ransom of ₦950 million for their release. The incident occurred as the graduates were travelling from Ibadan, Oyo State, to orientation camps in Akwa Ibom and Abia states.

According to accounts from the Managing Director of Uko Akwa Ibom Motors Nigeria Limited, Isiah Akpan, the affected buses left Bodija/Samonda Park in Ibadan on Wednesday but were delayed by heavy traffic around Benin, Edo State. The group spent the night in Onitsha before continuing their journey early Thursday morning. Barely after entering Imo State, gunmen reportedly emerged from the bush and blocked the vehicles before forcing nineteen corps members into the forest.

The abduction has heightened concerns over the safety of young Nigerians travelling for compulsory national service. Police confirmed that two buses were recovered at the scene and said a swift response by security agencies led to the rescue of ten victims as at press time. The Imo State Police Command said tactical teams and other security agencies are still conducting search-and-rescue operations to locate those still held captive. However, families have reported receiving direct calls from the kidnappers using victims’ phones, demanding ₦50 million per person.

One parent, Mrs Oladosu, whose daughter Greatness was among those travelling to Uyo, described receiving a video call from her daughter’s number showing several corps members sitting on the ground in distress. “Where will petty traders get ₦50 million? They are just going to serve Nigeria; why this punishment?” she lamented. Another family said their son managed to send a brief message reading only ‘Kidnappers!’ before his phone became unreachable.

Security agencies continue efforts to secure the safe release of those still held captive as anxiety mounts among affected families. The reported ransom demand has added further strain on parents and guardians, many of whom say they cannot afford such sums. Authorities have not yet confirmed whether negotiations are ongoing or if any arrests have been made regarding those responsible.

Source: https://www.pulse.ng/story/kidnappers-demand-950m-ransom-abducted-nysc-members-2026100312460455351

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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

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3 weeks ago

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October 5, 2026

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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.

Source: https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/more-news/914524-nscia-expands-its-national-executive-council.html

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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

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3 weeks ago

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October 5, 2026

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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

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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

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3 weeks ago

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October 5, 2026

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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.

Source: https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/top-news/914520-2027-inec-to-address-nigerians-as-election-countdown-hits-100-days.html

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