Nigeria News (Standard)
Kebbi Community Clash Leaves Eight Dead as Farmers, Herders Renew Hostilities
Security agencies deploy personnel to affected area in Kebbi State after deadly confrontation over farmland access
Security agencies deploy personnel to affected area in Kebbi State after deadly confrontation over farmland access
At least eight people were killed on Tuesday following a violent clash between farmers and herders in a rural community in Kebbi State. The incident, which occurred on 23 June, has raised fresh concerns about recurring tensions between agricultural and pastoral groups in the North-West state.
According to initial reports, the confrontation broke out when herders allegedly led their livestock onto farmlands belonging to local farmers. The dispute quickly escalated into violence, resulting in multiple casualties before security operatives arrived at the scene. Residents said the attack took place early in the morning, with both sides suffering losses.
The latest violence highlights the persistent challenges facing communities across Nigeria’s North-West region, where competition over land and water resources frequently leads to deadly clashes. Farmers accuse herders of destroying crops and encroaching on cultivated land, while herders claim shrinking grazing routes and lack of government intervention have made their livelihoods more difficult.
Security agencies have confirmed the deployment of additional personnel to restore order in the affected area. Officials have called for calm and urged community leaders to assist with ongoing investigations. No arrests have been reported as at press time, and authorities said efforts are underway to prevent further escalation.
The Kebbi State government has yet to issue an official statement on the incident. Meanwhile, residents are appealing for urgent intervention to address underlying grievances and improve dialogue between farming and herding communities. Local stakeholders say sustained peace will require both security measures and lasting solutions to resource disputes.
Source: https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/top-news/889978-eight-killed-in-kebbi-farmer-herder-clash.html
Nigeria News (Standard)
Osas Ighodaro and Gbenro Ajibade Celebrate Daughter’s 10th Birthday Together in Lagos After Public Split
Former couple’s joint appearance at Azariah’s birthday marks continued co-parenting despite past online accusations and separation
Former couple’s joint appearance at Azariah’s birthday marks continued co-parenting despite past online accusations and separation
Nollywood actress Osas Ighodaro and her ex-husband, actor Gbenro Ajibade, reunited in Lagos over the weekend to celebrate their daughter Azariah’s 10th birthday, years after a highly publicised separation. The event, held on Saturday, saw both parents share tributes online and appear together in videos dancing at the party—demonstrating a pattern of cooperation that has grown since their split.
Ighodaro and Ajibade were married in 2015 during a wedding that received national media attention. They welcomed Azariah in 2016, but by 2018, the marriage ended with a public fallout. In the months following their separation, Ajibade openly criticised Ighodaro on social media, alleging neglect of their child and questioning her suitability as a mother. These accusations played out online, including on Mother’s Day when Ajibade mocked celebrations of Ighodaro’s role as a mother.
Despite the initial hostility, both parents have made consistent efforts to co-parent publicly for Azariah’s benefit. Over the years, they have appeared together or coordinated closely for each of Azariah’s birthdays. Notably, when Azariah turned five, Ajibade organised an amusement park outing at her school; for her ninth birthday last year, he flew into Nigeria from the United States to surprise her at the airport—a moment that went viral for its emotional impact. This year, Ajibade visited Azariah’s school ahead of her birthday before joining Ighodaro for the main celebration.
Videos from this year’s party have sparked widespread discussion on social media. Many Nigerians expressed admiration for the pair’s commitment to peaceful co-parenting despite living apart and past disputes. Some commenters praised Ajibade for his consistency despite residing abroad, while others highlighted Ighodaro’s efforts as evidence that healthy relationships after separation are possible—even within Nigeria’s often dramatic celebrity culture.
Although there is no indication that Osas Ighodaro and Gbenro Ajibade intend to rekindle their romantic relationship, their transition from public acrimony to deliberate co-parenting has been noted by observers as an example within Nigerian society—where messy breakups frequently dominate headlines but positive post-separation arrangements rarely receive similar attention.
Source: https://www.pulse.ng/story/osas-gbenro-co-parenting-journey-2026062312354671382
Nigeria News (Standard)
NCC Unveils Free Internet Access for Students in Abuja, Targets Data Cost Relief Nationwide
Pilot programme to remove data charges on JAMB, WAEC portals as telecoms weigh portal and whitelist models
Pilot programme to remove data charges on JAMB, WAEC portals as telecoms weigh portal and whitelist models
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has commenced public consultations on a new ‘Zero-Rated’ free internet scheme for students, aiming to eliminate data charges when accessing accredited educational websites. The initiative, announced in Abuja on Monday, follows a presidential directive targeting high data costs that affect millions of students across the country.
According to the NCC, the proposal will initially run as a 12-month pilot with daily data caps to monitor its impact on telecom infrastructure. Under the plan, students in public schools would have unrestricted access to education portals such as JAMB and WAEC without deductions from their personal data balance. Two implementation models are being considered: a centralised online portal hosting all approved learning materials or a network-wide website whitelist managed by major operators including MTN, Airtel and Glo.
Rising internet costs have forced many Nigerian students to spend thousands of naira monthly just to download lecture materials or attend virtual classes. In some cases, students must choose between buying data or meeting other essential needs. The government says this digital divide undermines access to quality education and economic opportunities. “This programme is designed to ensure no student is left behind due to inability to afford data for academic work,” an NCC official involved in the consultation stated.
Stakeholders in the telecom sector are reviewing potential impacts on network traffic and revenue, while student groups have welcomed the move but called for strict measures against abuse—such as using VPNs or accessing social media through the scheme. The whitelist will strictly block non-academic sites, according to NCC’s draft guidelines.
If implemented nationwide after the trial phase, the project could enable millions of Nigerian students to participate fully in digital learning environments and apply for opportunities online without financial strain. The NCC said feedback from stakeholders during the consultation period will determine final rollout plans and coverage.
Source: https://www.pulse.ng/story/ncc-free-internet-students-nigeria-data-costs-2026062312192906779
Nigeria News (Standard)
Taraba Sanitation Agency Cuts Sweepers’ Allowance by ₦5,000 Amid Funding Constraints
Chairman Illiya Kefas says decision not from Governor Agbu Kefas as agency faces rising costs in 16 LGAs
Chairman Illiya Kefas says decision not from Governor Agbu Kefas as agency faces rising costs in 16 LGAs
The Taraba State Environmental and Sanitation Agency has reduced the monthly allowance of street sweepers under the Operation Keep Taraba Clean programme from ₦15,000 to ₦10,000, citing the need to sustain its operations across the state. The agency’s chairman, Illiya Kefas, announced the development on Tuesday in Jalingo, clarifying that the decision was an internal administrative measure and not a directive from Governor Agbu Kefas.
Kefas explained that the pay adjustment was implemented following an increase in the number of workers recruited into both state and local government civil services, which has put pressure on available resources. He stated that with more personnel now engaged across Taraba’s 16 local government areas, maintaining previous allowance levels became unsustainable for the agency. “The arrangement was an internal decision to sustain the activities of the agency and not a directive from the governor,” Kefas told journalists.
The reduction has drawn concern among sweepers and residents, as it means beneficiaries now receive half of the ₦20,000 monthly allowance they were previously paid before earlier cuts. The cut comes at a time when many Nigerians are grappling with rising living costs and inflationary pressures. According to Kefas, operational costs have continued to climb as the workforce expands, making it difficult for the agency to meet all financial obligations at prior rates.
Agency officials have maintained that while they regret any hardship caused by the new allowance structure, their priority remains ensuring that sanitation services continue uninterrupted across all local councils. No official response has yet been issued by workers’ representatives or organised labour regarding the pay cut. Attempts to reach them for comment were unsuccessful as at press time.
The agency said it will monitor developments and review its financial capacity periodically. Meanwhile, stakeholders in Taraba are calling on government and relevant authorities to find lasting solutions to funding challenges affecting essential public services.
