Nigeria News (Standard)
Edo State Reopens Schools Closed Over Kidnap Threats Across LGAs
State government resumes academic activities after temporary closure, citing improved security measures in affected communities
State government resumes academic activities after temporary closure, citing improved security measures in affected communities
Edo State government has announced the reopening of schools that were temporarily shut across several local government areas due to recent kidnap threats. The directive, issued on Friday, comes after a period of heightened security concerns that led to the suspension of academic activities in various public and private institutions.
The affected schools had been closed following intelligence reports and incidents that raised fears for the safety of students and staff. Security agencies were subsequently deployed to vulnerable communities, with patrols increased around school premises in response to residents’ calls for protection. The reopening follows a thorough assessment by state authorities in collaboration with security operatives, who now report an improved situation in the targeted areas.
School closures due to insecurity have become more frequent in parts of Nigeria, especially in states facing threats from armed groups and kidnappers. In Edo State, the temporary halt in learning disrupted thousands of students and drew concern from parents and teachers over academic setbacks and psychological impact on children. The incident underscored ongoing challenges around securing educational environments, particularly as national debates continue over how best to address rising cases of abduction targeting schools.
According to government officials, additional security measures have now been put in place around reopened schools. “We have worked closely with all relevant agencies to ensure the safety of our children and staff,” an official said Friday, urging parents to remain vigilant while assuring them that authorities would continue monitoring developments closely. No further comments were available from opposition leaders as at press time.
The government indicated it will keep reviewing its security strategy for schools statewide as the academic calendar progresses. Stakeholders have called for sustained vigilance and investment in school safety infrastructure, emphasising the importance of uninterrupted education for young people across Edo State.
Nigeria News (Standard)
NDLEA Steps Up Raids on Drug Cartels as Delta State Sees Drop in Substance Abuse
Delta NDLEA Commander credits stricter enforcement and public campaigns during United Nations anti-drug event in Asaba
Delta NDLEA Commander credits stricter enforcement and public campaigns during United Nations anti-drug event in Asaba
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has ramped up its crackdown on drug trafficking syndicates nationwide, recording a marked reduction in substance abuse cases in Delta State. This was revealed on Thursday in Asaba by Delta State Commander of NDLEA, Halilu Hamidu, during the MTN Anti-Substance Abuse Programme (ASAP) advocacy road walk held to mark the United Nations Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.
The advocacy event brought together officers of the NDLEA, members of the Military, Police, other security agencies, civil society organisations and students, all marching through Asaba with the aim of promoting a drug-free society. Participants emphasised safeguarding Nigeria’s youth from the dangers of substance abuse and called for sustained community vigilance.
Hamidu said Delta State has recorded a notable drop in substance abuse cases due to intensified enforcement actions targeting drug cartels as well as ongoing sensitisation efforts by the agency and its partners. “We are seeing improvement because of our constant raids on traffickers and steady enlightenment campaigns,” Hamidu stated at the event.
He attributed these gains to a combination of targeted operations against known drug syndicates and active community outreach programmes. According to him, collaboration with other security agencies and stakeholders has been key to disrupting supply chains and raising awareness among young people about the consequences of drug use.
The road walk also featured engagement sessions with students and youth leaders, who pledged support for anti-drug initiatives. NDLEA officials urged parents, schools and local groups to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities. The agency said it will continue to work closely with partners to sustain momentum in curbing substance abuse across Delta State.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Senate Leader Says Ekiti Electoral System Improving Ahead of 2026 Polls
Statement comes as stakeholders assess reforms in South-West state, highlighting increased transparency and voter confidence
Statement comes as stakeholders assess reforms in South-West state, highlighting increased transparency and voter confidence
The Senate Leader has declared that Nigeria’s electoral system, particularly in Ekiti State, is steadily evolving and improving as preparations intensify for the 2026 governorship election. The lawmaker made the assertion on Saturday in Ekiti, noting visible advancements in election conduct and administration across recent cycles.
The comment was made while reviewing electoral processes and ongoing reforms targeted at strengthening democracy in the state. With the next governorship poll scheduled for 2026, political actors and civil society groups have been scrutinising mechanisms put in place by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to ensure free and fair elections.
Ekiti State has witnessed several reforms over past elections, including the introduction of biometric voter accreditation, deployment of result viewing portals, and closer monitoring by security agencies. These measures are aimed at boosting public trust in the system and minimising incidents of irregularities that previously marred polls in parts of the South-West zone.
According to the Senate Leader, recent improvements are a sign that Nigeria’s democracy is maturing. He said: “Our electoral process is not static; it is growing with every election cycle. We have seen better transparency and increased confidence among voters.” The lawmaker encouraged INEC to maintain its commitment to credible elections while urging political parties to play by the rules. No statement from opposition parties was available as at press time.
As campaigns are expected to commence next year, attention will remain on how INEC implements further safeguards and whether these efforts translate into higher voter turnout and reduced post-election disputes. Observers note that Ekiti’s experience may influence future reforms across other states ahead of national elections.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Ekiti Police Dismiss Link Between Isan Unrest and 2026 Governorship Election
Command says reported fracas in Isan-Ekiti was unrelated to political activities, cites personal dispute as cause
Command says reported fracas in Isan-Ekiti was unrelated to political activities, cites personal dispute as cause
The Ekiti State Police Command has clarified that the recent unrest reported in Isan-Ekiti, Oye Local Government Area, was not connected to the forthcoming 2026 governorship election. The incident, which occurred on Saturday, June 20, sparked concerns among residents about possible political violence ahead of the polls.
According to the police, preliminary investigations showed that the disturbance stemmed from a personal disagreement between individuals in the community rather than any election-related activity. Officers were deployed to the area following reports of a fracas, and normalcy was restored shortly after their intervention.
With heightened attention on Ekiti State as political parties intensify mobilisation for the 2026 governorship race, any outbreak of violence is closely scrutinised by both stakeholders and security agencies. The clarification by police aims to allay fears of an escalation of political tensions in Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s home zone (APC, South-West), where Isan-Ekiti is located.
In a statement issued on Saturday evening, the Ekiti Police Public Relations Officer urged residents to disregard rumours linking the unrest to partisan activities. “Our findings indicate that this incident was purely a local matter. We have taken steps to ensure peace and will continue to monitor the situation,” the statement said.
The police further appealed for calm and assured that security patrols would be intensified across Oye LGA and other parts of Ekiti State as preparations for the governorship election continue. No arrests or injuries were reported from Saturday’s incident.
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