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Nigeria News (Standard)

Oyo Police Deny Arrest of Pastor in Orire Abduction Case, Fault Social Media Claims

Command says no cleric is in custody over kidnapping of students and teachers; warns public against spreading falsehood

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Command says no cleric is in custody over kidnapping of students and teachers; warns public against spreading falsehood

The Oyo State Police Command has refuted reports alleging that a pastor was arrested in connection with the recent abduction of students and teachers in Orire Local Government Area. The denial was issued on Friday by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Olayinka Ayanlade, who described the circulating claims as false and misleading.

According to Ayanlade, no pastor has been taken into custody by the police or any other security agency involved in the ongoing rescue operation. The clarification follows viral social media posts suggesting that a yet-to-be-named cleric was apprehended for allegedly supplying arms and ammunition to those responsible for the kidnapping.

The incident in Orire LGA has heightened security concerns across Oyo State, South-West Nigeria, with parents and stakeholders demanding urgent intervention to secure the release of those abducted. However, police authorities cautioned against spreading unverified information that could hinder ongoing investigations or cause unnecessary panic among residents.

Ayanlade stated, “The reports on social media did not mention any name or address for the alleged pastor. These allegations are unfounded and have no basis in our records. We urge members of the public to disregard such claims and rely on official updates from the command.”

The police reaffirmed their commitment to rescuing the abducted victims and bringing those responsible to justice. The command also warned that peddling misinformation could jeopardise rescue efforts. As at press time, investigations were ongoing, and no official arrests related to religious figures had been made.

Source: https://guardian.ng/news/nigeria/metro/police-deny-pastors-arrest-over-orire-abduction/

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Nigeria News (Standard)

Edo Government Sets Up Special Court for Cultism, Kidnapping Cases Amid Security Concerns

Move aims to speed up prosecution of suspects as state grapples with rise in cult-related violence and abductions

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8 minutes ago

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June 27, 2026

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Move aims to speed up prosecution of suspects as state grapples with rise in cult-related violence and abductions

The Edo State Government has established a special court dedicated to handling cases of cultism and kidnapping, as part of renewed efforts to tackle insecurity in the state. The initiative, announced on Saturday, comes in response to growing concerns over the increasing rate of violent crimes in various communities across Edo.

The decision to set up the court was reached after a series of security meetings involving key stakeholders in Benin City. According to officials, the special court will prioritise the prosecution of suspects arrested for cult activities and kidnapping, with a view to ensuring speedy dispensation of justice and deterring further crimes.

Edo State has witnessed a surge in cult-related clashes and abductions over recent months, leading to anxiety among residents and calls for more decisive government intervention. Community leaders and civil society groups have repeatedly urged authorities to take stronger action against those responsible for these offences.

While announcing the measure, government representatives emphasised that the new court will work closely with security agencies and the state’s Ministry of Justice. “We are committed to restoring peace and order,” an official said. However, some legal practitioners have raised questions about the capacity of the existing judicial system to handle an influx of cases, stressing the need for adequate resources and fair trials.

With this development, Edo joins other states that have introduced specialised courts to address specific security challenges. The government has called on residents to support law enforcement efforts by providing credible information on criminal activities. Further details on the operational framework of the new court are expected in coming weeks.

Source: https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/top-news/891089-insecurity-edo-sets-up-special-court-for-cultism-kidnapping-cases.html

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Nigeria News (Standard)

Armed Men Kill Benue MACBAN Chairman and Son After Otukpo Peace Meeting

Attack near Ahimeni sparks fresh security concerns as residents mourn loss of key community leaders

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13 minutes ago

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June 27, 2026

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Attack near Ahimeni sparks fresh security concerns as residents mourn loss of key community leaders

Suspected armed men have killed the Benue State chairman of Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), Ardo Risku, and his son, Ibrahim, while they were returning from a peace meeting in Otukpo Local Government Area. The incident happened on Wednesday near Ahimeni in Okodu area shortly after both attended a dialogue aimed at fostering peaceful coexistence among local communities.

Security sources confirmed that the victims were ambushed by the assailants on their way home and killed at the scene. The peace meeting was intended to address rising tensions between farming and herding groups in the region, but the attack has now heightened fears among residents and stakeholders.

Benue State has witnessed repeated violent attacks in recent years, with thousands of residents displaced and many lives lost. This latest incident is seen as a serious setback to ongoing efforts at reconciliation between different communities. Community members described the killing as tragic, warning that it could undermine trust-building initiatives in the state.

Authorities are yet to issue an official statement regarding arrests or immediate security measures. Residents and local leaders are calling for urgent intervention by both state and federal security agencies to prevent further escalation. As at Thursday, tension remains high in Otukpo LGA and surrounding areas, with some residents expressing fears of possible reprisals.

The loss of the MACBAN chairman and his son underscores persistent insecurity challenges facing Benue State and much of Nigeria’s North-Central zone. Stakeholders say renewed commitment to dialogue, enhanced intelligence gathering, and prompt response from security agencies will be critical in restoring confidence among affected communities.

Source: https://guardian.ng/news/nigeria/metro/macban-chairman-son-killed-after-peace-meeting-in-benue/

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Nigeria News (Standard)

MTN Chairman Mcebisi Jonas Condemns Xenophobia, Blames Politicians for South Africa Tensions

Jonas says government failures and political rhetoric fuelling anti-migrant sentiment as repatriation of Malawians begins

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18 minutes ago

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June 27, 2026

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Jonas says government failures and political rhetoric fuelling anti-migrant sentiment as repatriation of Malawians begins

MTN Group chairman, Mcebisi Jonas, has openly criticised the rising wave of xenophobia in South Africa, warning that the country ‘is nothing without the rest of Africa’. Jonas made this statement in Johannesburg on Thursday during a eulogy at the funeral of Thokozani Damasane, a Zimbabwean-born public servant celebrated for his contribution to South African civic life.

Jonas attributed current anti-foreigner tensions to failures within the South African state, specifically highlighting weak border control, a struggling justice system, and a deteriorating education sector. He argued that politicians are exploiting these frustrations by blaming foreign nationals instead of addressing the underlying issues. According to him, ‘certain politicians with no credibility whatsoever’ are using anti-migrant rhetoric for their own political gain ahead of elections.

His remarks come amid renewed migration tensions across South Africa, with authorities reportedly processing over 15,000 Malawian nationals for repatriation and security agencies ramping up nationwide patrols ahead of planned anti-migrant demonstrations. The situation has raised concern among stakeholders in Nigeria and other African countries about the safety of citizens living and working in South Africa.

In his address, Jonas linked current hostility to a longer historical trend, explaining that tribalism and ethnic division were introduced during colonial times to keep Africans divided and easier to control. He warned that continued hostility towards other Africans could undermine South Africa’s regional relationships and economic interests. Reports have also shown waning support for South African businesses and artists across Africa due to ongoing xenophobia.

Jonas, who previously served as Deputy Minister of Finance in South Africa, is one of the most senior business leaders in Southern Africa to publicly speak against xenophobia. His intervention has sparked widespread debate on social media, with some supporting his criticism of government failure while others insist foreign nationals place strain on local resources. As the issue continues to dominate public discourse, observers say more business leaders may be pressured to take a position on migration and national identity.

Source: https://www.pulse.ng/story/mtn-chairman-south-africa-xenophobia-comments-2026062712244911453

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