Nigeria News (Standard)
Fresh Security Concerns in Sokoto as Bandits Allegedly Conduct Weapons Training
Local residents raise alarm over increased bandit activities while state authorities promise intensified security patrols
Local residents raise alarm over increased bandit activities while state authorities promise intensified security patrols
There are renewed fears in Sokoto State following reports that suspected bandits have been allegedly engaging in weapons training within parts of the state. The development, which surfaced on Sunday, 21 June 2026, has heightened anxiety among residents and prompted calls for urgent government intervention.
According to local accounts, groups believed to be linked with armed banditry were reportedly sighted conducting what appeared to be organised drills and training sessions with firearms. While the exact locations within Sokoto remain unclear, the activities have raised apprehension among communities already facing insecurity challenges.
The latest concerns come against the backdrop of persistent attacks and kidnappings attributed to criminal gangs operating in North-West Nigeria. Many locals say the alleged training camps could signal plans for further violence or expanded operations by these groups, underscoring the urgent need for improved security presence in affected areas.
State officials have acknowledged the rising tension and assured residents that security agencies are stepping up patrols and surveillance. A senior government official, who did not wish to be named as at press time, noted that “all relevant agencies have been directed to intensify efforts to identify and dismantle any illegal training grounds.” The official added that collaboration with local vigilante groups would continue as part of a broader strategy to restore peace.
Security analysts warn that unchecked proliferation of weapons and tactical skills among bandit groups poses significant risk not only for Sokoto but also neighbouring states. They advise a coordinated response involving intelligence gathering, community engagement, and sustained law enforcement operations. As at now, no arrests or direct confrontations linked to the reported training activities have been confirmed. Authorities urge anyone with credible information on suspicious movements to report promptly.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Ekiti Observers Report Vote Buying, Irregularities in Governorship Election
CJID cites widespread voter inducement and unauthorised assistance as polls open across Ekiti State on Sunday
CJID cites widespread voter inducement and unauthorised assistance as polls open across Ekiti State on Sunday
Observers deployed by the Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development (CJID) have reported cases of vote buying and irregular voter assistance during the governorship election held in Ekiti State on Sunday, June 21. The monitoring team raised concerns after witnessing multiple incidents at polling units across the state.
According to CJID, their field officers documented several instances where voters were offered cash or material incentives in exchange for supporting particular candidates. In addition, observers noted that unauthorised persons assisted voters in casting their ballots, a practice that contravenes Nigeria’s electoral guidelines. The irregularities were reported in both urban and rural polling stations, with some locations recording higher rates of alleged inducement.
The CJID said these activities undermine the credibility of the electoral process and may affect public confidence in the outcome. Vote buying has remained a persistent challenge in Nigerian elections despite repeated warnings from electoral authorities and law enforcement agencies. The situation in Ekiti mirrors reports from previous polls, where similar tactics were employed to influence voter behaviour.
Officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) are yet to release an official response to the allegations as at press time. Stakeholders, including civil society groups and opposition parties, have called for stricter enforcement of electoral laws to deter malpractice. “All forms of inducement threaten the integrity of our democracy,” a CJID statement said.
With vote counting underway, attention has shifted to how security agencies and INEC will address complaints from observers and ensure that results reflect the will of Ekiti people. The final outcome is expected to shape public discourse around election reforms and accountability ahead of future polls.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Yiaga Africa Confirms INEC Ekiti Poll Results, Flags Widespread Vote Buying
Observer group validates official outcome but urges authorities to tackle electoral malpractice as vote trading persists in South-West state
Observer group validates official outcome but urges authorities to tackle electoral malpractice as vote trading persists in South-West state
Yiaga Africa has confirmed the official results announced by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for the recent governorship election in Ekiti State, South-West Nigeria, but raised alarm over widespread incidents of vote buying during the exercise. The group made this known on Sunday, following its independent observation of the poll.
According to Yiaga Africa, its Parallel Vote Tabulation (PVT) data matched the final figures released by INEC, indicating that the official results reflect votes cast at polling units across Ekiti. However, the organisation expressed serious concern about patterns of financial inducement observed at various locations during voting.
The confirmation from Yiaga Africa comes amid growing scrutiny of Nigeria’s electoral process and repeated calls for reforms to curb malpractice. Vote buying has remained a persistent challenge in recent elections across the country, with stakeholders warning it undermines the credibility of democratic institutions and disenfranchises voters who refuse inducements.
While commending INEC for improvements in logistics and result transmission, Yiaga Africa said urgent action is needed from law enforcement agencies and political parties to address vote trading and ensure future elections are free from undue influence. The group also called on citizens to resist attempts to sway their votes through monetary offers.
INEC has yet to respond publicly to Yiaga Africa’s findings on vote buying. Political observers say the latest reports could increase pressure on both federal and state authorities to prosecute offenders and strengthen safeguards ahead of upcoming elections.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Tinubu Congratulates Ekiti Governor Oyebanji on Re-Election Victory
Presidency hails Oyebanji’s win in South-West state, says outcome reflects Ekiti people’s trust in APC leadership
Presidency hails Oyebanji’s win in South-West state, says outcome reflects Ekiti people’s trust in APC leadership
President Bola Tinubu has congratulated Governor Biodun Oyebanji of Ekiti State following his victory in the just-concluded re-election held across the South-West state on Sunday, 21 June 2026. The president extended his felicitations to Oyebanji in a statement released from Abuja, describing the result as a clear indication of voters’ confidence in the All Progressives Congress (APC) administration.
Governor Oyebanji, who contested on the APC platform, secured a second term after defeating his closest rivals from other parties at the polls. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) announced the official results late Sunday night, confirming Oyebanji’s lead across the majority of local government areas in Ekiti State.
The presidency noted that Oyebanji’s victory is significant for both the APC and the people of Ekiti, coming at a time when political analysts had predicted a tight contest. Tinubu urged the governor to continue prioritising development projects and good governance, stating that “the renewed mandate is an opportunity to deepen reforms and improve livelihoods across all communities.”
Although some opposition candidates have expressed reservations about aspects of the electoral process, there were no major incidents reported by security agencies during voting. The APC national headquarters has also issued a congratulatory message to Oyebanji, calling on all stakeholders to support his next term for the benefit of Ekiti residents.
Governor Oyebanji is expected to be sworn in for his second tenure later this year. Political observers say attention will now shift to how his administration addresses economic challenges and ongoing infrastructure projects across Ekiti State.
Ekiti Observers Report Vote Buying, Irregularities in Governorship Election
Yiaga Africa Confirms INEC Ekiti Poll Results, Flags Widespread Vote Buying
Tinubu Congratulates Ekiti Governor Oyebanji on Re-Election Victory
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