Nigeria News (Standard)
Bandits Kill 6 Farmers, Injure 10 in Gora Community, Zamfara State
Troops respond after attack in Maradun LGA; residents call for improved security as injuries mount
Troops respond after attack in Maradun LGA; residents call for improved security as injuries mount
Six farmers have been killed and at least ten others injured following a bandit attack on Gora community in Maradun Local Government Area of Zamfara State. The incident occurred on Wednesday, 12 June 2026, when armed men stormed the farmlands, targeting villagers as they worked.
According to reliable sources, the attackers descended on Gora village in the absence of security operatives, unleashing violence that left several dead and many wounded. Local residents said that some people were also kidnapped during the raid and sustained varying degrees of injuries before military intervention.
Troops of Joint Task Force Operation Fansan Yamma, Sector 2, along with local security outfits, mobilised quickly after receiving distress calls from the area. The military unit stationed at Forward Operating Base (FOB) Faru was alerted to the ongoing attack but arrived after the bandits had already fled into nearby forests. “We received information about the attack and moved immediately with local vigilante support, but by then the bandits had escaped,” one security source explained.
Banditry remains a persistent threat across Zamfara State and much of Nigeria’s North-West zone, disrupting farming activities and displacing communities. The recent violence in Maradun LGA underscores ongoing insecurity despite government deployments. Residents continue to demand sustained presence of security agencies to protect lives and livelihoods during the current farming season.
As at press time, no official statement has been released by Zamfara State Government or police authorities regarding further action or casualty updates. Community leaders have urged federal and state authorities to intensify operations against armed groups in rural areas to prevent further loss of life.
Source: https://guardian.ng/news/nigeria/metro/bandits-kill-6-farmers-injure-10-in-zamfara-community/
Nigeria News (Standard)
Italian Club Ravenna Signs Ronaldinho at 46, Sparks Debate Over Return to Competitive Football
Move by Serie C side raises questions as fans, pundits discuss whether ex-Brazil star’s deal is marketing or genuine comeback
Move by Serie C side raises questions as fans, pundits discuss whether ex-Brazil star’s deal is marketing or genuine comeback
Legendary Brazilian footballer Ronaldinho has joined Italian third-tier club Ravenna FC at the age of 46, in a move announced on Saturday that has set tongues wagging across the global football community. The signing, which was confirmed by club officials in Ravenna, Emilia-Romagna region of Italy, has left many observers debating whether it signals a real return to the pitch or is simply a marketing strategy by the Serie C outfit.
The development unfolded as Ravenna released an official statement announcing Ronaldinho’s arrival and unveiling plans for his integration into the squad. Details of his contract were not immediately disclosed, but the club highlighted the former Barcelona and AC Milan star’s global appeal and experience. While training schedules and matchday plans remain unclear, supporters have already begun speculating on when he might feature in competitive fixtures.
Ronaldinho’s move comes at a time when Nigerian fans are closely following international football stories, especially those involving African or global icons making surprise returns. The news has drawn mixed reactions within Italy and beyond. Some analysts say Ravenna hopes to boost stadium attendance and merchandise sales by bringing in such a high-profile name, while others argue it could undermine the team’s focus on younger talent. The story resonates with Nigerian football enthusiasts who recall similar stunts by clubs seeking publicity.
Neither Ronaldinho nor Ravenna FC officials have issued further comments regarding expectations for playing time or long-term plans. Some Italian sports commentators welcomed the move as a potential source of inspiration for young players, while sceptics questioned its impact on team performance. There was no immediate response from Italian league authorities concerning player eligibility at this level.
As speculation continues about Ronaldinho’s role—whether as an active player or primarily an ambassador—attention now shifts to Ravenna’s upcoming fixtures. The club is expected to clarify next steps in the coming days as both supporters and critics await confirmation on whether the Brazilian icon will actually grace Serie C matches this season.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Ekiti Party Agents Deploy Tactics to Induce Voters at Polling Units During Governorship Election
Concerns mount over alleged voter inducement as stakeholders call for INEC and security agencies to enforce electoral laws
Concerns mount over alleged voter inducement as stakeholders call for INEC and security agencies to enforce electoral laws
Party agents in Ekiti State were observed deploying various tactics to induce voters at several polling units during the governorship election held on Saturday, 20 June 2026. Reports from across the state indicated that agents representing major parties approached voters around the polling centres, allegedly offering incentives in a bid to sway electoral choices.
The incidents unfolded as voting commenced in multiple local government areas, with eyewitnesses noting that party representatives engaged in subtle exchanges and conversations with prospective voters. Some residents expressed worry that these practices could compromise the integrity of the electoral process. Security personnel and officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) were seen monitoring activities at some locations but did not intervene in all cases.
Voter inducement has long been a source of concern during elections in Nigeria, with repeated calls from civil society and opposition parties for stricter enforcement of existing laws. The situation in Ekiti highlights ongoing challenges facing Nigeria’s democracy, especially regarding vote buying and electoral malpractice. Political observers note that such actions undermine public trust and can affect election outcomes.
INEC officials present at several polling units declined to comment directly on specific incidents but emphasised their commitment to ensuring a free and fair process. Security agencies deployed across Ekiti State stated they would investigate any reported breaches of electoral law. Stakeholders have urged INEC and law enforcement to take decisive action against any individuals or groups found culpable.
As collation of results continues, attention remains on how authorities will address allegations of voter inducement. The outcome may shape public perception ahead of future elections in Ekiti State and other parts of the South-West.
Nigeria News (Standard)
NSCDC Rescues Teenage Girl from Kidnappers in Delta, Arrests Suspects
Security operatives recover victim unharmed; authorities urge vigilance as abductions rise in South-South region
Security operatives recover victim unharmed; authorities urge vigilance as abductions rise in South-South region
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has rescued a teenage girl from suspected kidnappers in Delta State, arresting individuals believed to be involved in the abduction. The operation took place on Saturday, 20 June 2026, as officers responded to distress signals from the affected community.
According to security sources, the rescue followed credible intelligence about suspicious movements within the area. NSCDC operatives launched a swift operation, locating the abducted teenager and detaining several suspects at the scene. The girl was recovered unhurt and has since been reunited with her family, while investigations into the incident are ongoing.
Kidnapping cases have seen a worrying increase in recent months across many parts of Nigeria’s South-South zone, with residents and stakeholders calling for heightened security patrols and community vigilance. The Delta State Command of NSCDC said it remains committed to collaborating with other agencies to protect lives and property in the state.
An official from NSCDC urged members of the public to report any suspicious activity promptly. “The safety of our communities requires collective effort. We encourage everyone to work closely with security agencies,” the official stated during a briefing on Saturday.
Authorities have assured that all arrested suspects will be prosecuted according to Nigerian law upon conclusion of investigations. The NSCDC also reiterated its resolve to maintain regular patrols and intelligence-led operations aimed at curbing kidnapping and related crimes in Delta State.
Ụlọ Akụ Isi Nigeria Kwupụtara Na Ego Nchekwa Mba Ruru Ebumnuche $51.04bn Ka Naira Dara n’ahịa Izuka
Italian Club Ravenna Signs Ronaldinho at 46, Sparks Debate Over Return to Competitive Football
Ekiti Party Agents Deploy Tactics to Induce Voters at Polling Units During Governorship Election
NSCDC Rescues Teenage Girl from Kidnappers in Delta, Arrests Suspects
Low Voter Turnout Hits Ilawe-Ekiti as BVAS Glitch Disrupts Ado-Ekiti Polling Unit
Ekiti Observers Raise Alarm as BVAS Fails to Recognise Elderly Voters in Governorship Poll
Trump Distances Himself from Netanyahu over Iran Deal, Insists ‘I Call All the Shots’
Enugu North By-Election Records Peaceful Voting Amid Low Turnout
APC, Other Parties Contest Kano Federal Bye-Election as NDC Remains Absent
Lagos Truck Accident Blocks Oshodi-Apapa Road as Driver, Assistant Escape Scene
Environment Minister Urges Increased Investment in Nigeria’s Green Economy Ahead of Global Climate Summit
Gọvanmenti Nigeria Kwupụtara 53 Orù Anyanwụ Maka Ike Ọhụrụ N’iru Afọ 2050
Moniepoint Graduates Second DreamDevs Cohort in Lagos to Strengthen Nigeria’s Engineering Workforce
Fresh Romance Rumours Trail Lando Norris as Alix Earle Sparks Drama in Monaco
FG Launches $500m Abuja Formula 1 Bid, Targets Africa’s First Grand Prix Since 1993
Why More Nigerians Are Searching for Casino Bonuses—and What You Should Know Before Claiming
Peter Obi Demands ₦5bn and Public Apology From Kenneth Okonkwo Over Defamation in Lagos
Ụlọ Ọrụ Nigeria Kwupụtara Nsogbu Nchekwa na Ụtụ Isi N’agbanyeghị Ịrị Elu Obi Ike Ahịa
Senate Disowns Arrest Warrant for Ex-NNPC Boss Kyari, Rebukes Oshiomhole Over ₦210trn Probe Comments
