Nigeria News (Standard)
Bandits Kill Farmer in Kaduna’s Giwa LGA, Security Agencies Launch Manhunt
Incident heightens tension in rural Kaduna as local authorities vow to boost patrols and support affected families
Incident heightens tension in rural Kaduna as local authorities vow to boost patrols and support affected families
A farmer was killed by suspected bandits in a fresh attack on a rural community in Giwa Local Government Area of Kaduna State on Monday. The incident, which occurred in the early hours of 15 June 2026, has sparked concern among residents as insecurity continues to affect agrarian communities across the North-West.
According to initial accounts from local officials, the armed men stormed the village while residents were preparing for daily farming activities. The assailants reportedly targeted farmlands on the outskirts, shooting at farmers and causing villagers to flee for safety. One male farmer was confirmed killed at the scene before the attackers escaped into nearby bush.
Banditry has remained a persistent threat in Kaduna State, especially within Giwa LGA and neighbouring areas. Farmers say repeated attacks have disrupted agricultural activities and contributed to food insecurity. Community leaders noted that such incidents discourage residents from cultivating their land, with ripple effects on local economies and markets.
Security agencies have responded by intensifying patrols across affected communities. A senior police officer in Kaduna State Command, who spoke on condition of anonymity due to ongoing investigations, said: “We have deployed additional personnel to the area and are working with vigilante groups to track down those responsible.” Local authorities also assured residents that support would be provided to families affected by the violence.
As at press time, no group had claimed responsibility for the attack. Residents called on Governor Uba Sani and security stakeholders in Kaduna State to strengthen efforts against banditry. The state government is expected to convene an emergency security meeting later this week to review strategies for protecting vulnerable communities during the ongoing farming season.
Source: https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/more-news/887734-bandits-kill-farmer-in-kaduna-community.html
Nigeria News (Standard)
Lagos Ministry Unveils Survey Showing 83% Support for Social Media Age Regulation
Communications ministry says majority of Nigerians back stricter controls on children’s online access at Lagos roundtable
Communications ministry says majority of Nigerians back stricter controls on children’s online access at Lagos roundtable
The Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy has revealed that over 83 percent of Nigerians support new regulations to restrict children’s access to social media platforms. The findings were presented during a roundtable on child online safety held in Lagos on Thursday, highlighting growing national concerns about the impact of digital platforms on young people.
According to the survey, titled ‘Proposed Social Media Age Regulation in Nigeria’, 64.8 percent of respondents backed outright regulation of children’s social media use, while an additional 18.6 percent favoured some form of restriction. The survey, which gathered responses from 585 participants nationwide, focused on issues such as exposure to harmful content, digital addiction and existing legal frameworks.
The results were announced by Kasim Sodangi, Senior Special Adviser to the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, who explained that the consultation was part of ongoing efforts to develop policy options for safeguarding minors online. The event was organised in collaboration with the Nigeria Data Protection Commission, bringing together stakeholders from government and civil society.
This development comes as the United Kingdom considers implementing stricter rules on children’s use of social media. Similar debates are gaining momentum in Nigeria, where parents and advocacy groups have raised alarm over online risks faced by minors. The survey reflects rising demand for government intervention to address issues such as cyberbullying and inappropriate content.
Officials from the communications ministry said further consultations will be held with technology companies, parents and education sector leaders before any final policy is adopted. Stakeholders at the Lagos meeting called for clear enforcement mechanisms and public awareness campaigns to ensure safe digital experiences for Nigerian youths.
Nigeria News (Standard)
South African Minister Confirms Artist Loses All Africa Gigs Amid Xenophobia Fallout
Mmamoloko Kubayi says anti-migrant backlash now affecting South African businesses and entertainment sector across continent
Mmamoloko Kubayi says anti-migrant backlash now affecting South African businesses and entertainment sector across continent
A South African artist has lost all her performance bookings across Africa due to growing backlash over the country’s migration and xenophobia crisis, Justice Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi revealed in Pretoria on Sunday. The minister, who chairs the Inter-Ministerial Committee on irregular migration, said this development signals wider economic consequences as anti-migrant violence continues to damage South Africa’s image abroad.
Kubayi disclosed that the unnamed artist informed her about losing all continental gigs because of the ongoing migration challenges facing South Africa. The minister described it as a direct income loss for a South African citizen, highlighting how the situation is moving from a human rights concern to an economic threat. She warned that negative perceptions of South Africans are now leading to real losses for citizens and businesses operating beyond the country’s borders.
The xenophobic tensions have been escalating since April 2026, forcing thousands of foreign nationals—including over 3,000 Malawians—to seek refuge in open fields in Durban after fleeing targeted attacks. Nigeria recently repatriated more than 260 citizens, with further evacuations planned, while Ghana, Mozambique and Malawi have also started returning their nationals. Reports indicate several foreigners have sustained injuries or lost their lives during these incidents.
Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber confirmed that South Africa currently has only 832 home affairs inspectors nationwide, with just 56 deployed to support the evacuation of Malawians in Durban—underscoring the scale of the challenge compared to available resources. Over 40,000 undocumented migrants have been arrested since January, and more than 2,000 repatriated so far this year.
Kubayi called on communities to reject vigilantism and warned that attacks against foreign nationals could also endanger South Africans who share similar languages or appearances with migrants. She noted that the present wave of anti-migrant sentiment is being driven by organised online networks that have been building for years. The impact is now being felt directly by artists and other professionals who depend on cross-border engagements for income. South African businesses across Africa are also facing increased hostility as a result of these tensions.
Source: https://www.pulse.ng/story/south-african-artist-loses-gigs-xenophobia-crisis-2026061508461463303
Nigeria News (Standard)
House of Representatives Debates State Police, Minority Leadership Amid Public Safety Concerns in Abuja
Lawmakers clash over decentralised policing, as calls for improved security and new minority leadership shape legislative agenda
Lawmakers clash over decentralised policing, as calls for improved security and new minority leadership shape legislative agenda
The House of Representatives in Abuja on Monday placed the issues of state police, minority leadership tussle, and public safety at the forefront of its deliberations, reflecting heightened concerns over insecurity and governance reforms nationwide. The session witnessed robust debates as lawmakers from different geopolitical zones argued the merits and challenges of decentralising Nigeria’s policing structure.
Debate on the establishment of state police dominated the floor, with several members highlighting rising insecurity in states such as Zamfara, Benue, and Plateau. Proponents argued that local police would respond faster to threats, while opponents warned about possible abuse by state governments. The discussion followed recent attacks in North-Central communities and renewed calls from state governors for more autonomy in law enforcement.
The push for state police comes amid persistent security challenges across Nigeria. With kidnapping, banditry, and communal violence on the rise, many Nigerians are demanding a system that allows states to tailor security solutions to their unique problems. The House’s consideration of this proposal signals growing momentum for constitutional amendments that could reshape Nigeria’s policing model.
On minority leadership, tensions surfaced within opposition benches as factions of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Labour Party (LP), and New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) contested nominations for key positions. Lawmakers stressed the importance of inclusive representation to maintain legislative balance. “We must ensure that every region has a voice in this chamber,” one PDP member said during Monday’s plenary.
The House is expected to set up an ad hoc committee to further review the state police bill before it proceeds to a second reading. Meanwhile, civil society groups have urged lawmakers to prioritise transparency and national interest above party divisions as legislative sessions continue this week.
