Author: oduduwanews

At least five officers of the National Park Service Forest Guard have been killed following a deadly attack by suspected bandits on the National Park Office in Oloka Village, Oyo State. The incident occurred earlier today while the officers were carrying out their lawful duties, marking one of the deadliest assaults on park officials in the area in recent times.

Preliminary investigations by security agencies indicate that the assailants were cross-border bandits who launched a coordinated attack on the facility. The killing of the forest guards has been described as a devastating loss, prompting renewed security concerns along border communities in the state.

Security agencies have since commenced joint operations to address the situation and are intensifying intelligence gathering to track down the perpetrators. Residents in the affected areas have been urged to cooperate with security operatives by providing useful information that could aid ongoing investigations.

Meanwhile, residents of Oyo State—particularly those in Oriire Local Government Area and other border LGAs—have been advised to remain calm. Authorities confirmed that normalcy has been restored, with additional security personnel deployed to prevent further attacks. The state government has assured the public of its commitment to responding decisively to ensure such incidents do not recur.

The Gbenga Hashim Solidarity Movement (GHSM) has intensified its grassroots mobilisation in Northern Nigeria, with a renewed push in Kaduna State as part of preparations ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Speaking during an engagement with local mobilising groups in Kaduna, the Chief of Staff to Dr. Gbenga Hashim, Mr. Kamal Sani, described the movement as strong, focused, and divinely guided, expressing confidence in its growing national momentum.
Sani said the calibre of individuals driving the movement, combined with what he described as divine support, positions it to make a meaningful impact on Nigeria’s future. He portrayed Dr. Gbenga Hashim as a unifier and bridge builder, citing his extensive background in politics and business, as well as his long-standing commitment to national development.

According to him, Hashim’s cross-religious and cross-regional relationships place him in a unique position to foster unity, national cohesion, and collective progress across the country.

Also speaking, the Chief Press Secretary to Dr. Gbenga Hashim, Mr. Hassan Ibrahim, emphasised the importance of disciplined communication, coordinated mobilisation, and consistency of message as the movement expands across the federation. He noted that effective grassroots engagement remains central to building national consensus ahead of 2027.

In his remarks, the National Coordinator of the Gbenga Hashim Solidarity Movement, Mr. Abdulrazaq Hamzat, reaffirmed the group’s commitment to what he described as safeguarding Nigeria through sustained grassroots mobilisation nationwide.

Hamzat explained that the Kaduna visit was part of the movement’s ongoing nationwide consultations, aimed at assessing state-level activities and encouraging members to remain focused despite the prevailing political climate.

He disclosed that the movement has established several mobilisation groups across the federation, noting that Kaduna State alone hosts four distinct groups spread across various local government areas.

According to him, GHSM operates through multiple solidarity structures, all united by a shared national objective of promoting good governance and national renewal.

“Our message to Nigerians as we approach the 2027 general elections is clear: citizens must actively safeguard the country from misrule and misgovernance,” Hamzat said, adding that the movement remains resolute in mobilising Nigerians nationwide.

In his remarks, the Kaduna State Coordinator of the Gbenga Hashim Solidarity Movement, Comrade Ahmed Sabo Jimeta, commended the dedication of grassroots mobilisers working to advance the objectives of the movement. He expressed appreciation to supporters, particularly women and men actively involved in its activities, describing their efforts as critical to sustaining momentum.

Jimeta said the level of commitment demonstrated by members across Kaduna State reflects a strong sense of unity and purpose, reaffirming the movement’s resolve to continue supporting Dr. Gbenga Hashim’s presidential aspiration ahead of 2027.

In a related development, another pro-Hashim platform, the GOH Front, led by Muhammad Aliyu Kacham, called on coordinators across the 23 local government areas of Kaduna State to intensify mobilisation efforts towards the actualisation of Hashim’s presidential ambition.

The one day event attracted hundreds of supporters, many of whom paid glowing tributes to the Kebbi-born politician and global businessman.

Dignitaries in attendance included Dr. Ibrahim Umar, Alhaji Muhammad Zanna, Alhaji Muhammad Danmaliki, Amina Ibrahim, among others.

Lagos Task Force Arrests 32 Suspected Street Urchins for Highway Nuisance
The Lagos State Taskforce has arrested 32 street urchins, popularly known as Omotaku, for allegedly causing public nuisance and obstructing traffic on major highways across the state.

According to the Taskforce, the suspects were apprehended during a coordinated enforcement operation carried out in the early hours of the day at strategic locations known for traffic disruption and street harassment. Areas covered included major expressways, bus stops, and traffic intersections where commuters frequently complain of intimidation and congestion.

The Chairman of the Lagos State Taskforce said the operation was part of the government’s ongoing efforts to maintain public order, ensure free flow of traffic, and protect residents from harassment and safety risks posed by street urchins. He noted that the arrested individuals were found engaging in activities such as loitering on highways, accosting motorists, begging aggressively, and obstructing vehicular movement.

He stressed that Lagos State has zero tolerance for acts that threaten public safety or undermine the state’s urban management policies. “Highways are not meant for trading, loitering, or any activity that endangers lives. These actions contribute significantly to traffic gridlock and accidents,” he said.
The suspects have been charged to court for prosecution in line with existing laws on environmental sanitation and public order. The Taskforce also warned that enforcement operations would be sustained across the state, urging residents to comply with the law and report any activities that constitute public nuisance to the appropriate authorities.

The Lagos State Government reiterated its commitment to keeping roads clear, improving traffic management, and ensuring a safer environment for all road users.

The Management of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, has received with profound shock, deep sorrow and a heavy heart the devastating news of the sudden passing of an Eighteen years old Part Three student of the College of Health Sciences, Department of Medicine and Surgery — who reportedly died in his sleep in the early hours of today, Tuesday, 6th of January, 2026.

A release by the Public Relations Officer of the University, Abiodun Olarewaju, stated that the student, Timilehin Adetoye TOROMADE with matriculation number CLI/2022/133, might have died after two in the morning because one of his room mates said that he opened the door for one of them at that time

The Vice-Chancellor, Professor Adebayo Simeon Bamire, on behalf of the Visitor, the University Council, Management, Senate, staff, and students of the University, expresses heartfelt and unreserved condolences to the bereaved family, classmates, colleagues, and friends of the deceased. According to the Vice Chancellor : “The loss of a young life filled with promise, purpose, and potential is a tragedy that words alone cannot adequately capture.”
Describing the incident as deeply painful and distressing, the Professor Bamire notes that the entire University community is united in grief over the untimely departure of a student who had embraced the rigours of medical training with the hope of, one day, healing others and serving humanity. His passing has left a void in the hearts of his peers and all who knew him.

The University Management assures the public that it is working closely with relevant authorities to fully understand the circumstances surrounding this unfortunate incident, in line with established medical procedures.

The Public Relations Officer said that the University is also putting in place appropriate support measures to assist students and members of the University community who have been emotionally affected by this tragic loss.

At this moment of collective mourning, we University calls on students, staff, alumni, and friends of the institution to remain calm, compassionate, and prayerful, and to uphold the values of empathy and solidarity for which the Great Ife is renowned.

As a community of faith, hope and learning, we commit the soul of our departed student into the hands of Almighty God, the giver and sustainer of life. We pray that the Lord, who comforts those who mourn, will grant his family and all of us the strength to bear this irreparable loss.

May his gentle soul rest in perfect peace, and may light perpetual shine upon him.

The Oyo State Government has suspended the Sobaloju of Ofiki, Oba Jacob Adefabi, over alleged involvement in illegal mining activities within his domain. The suspension follows accusations that the traditional ruler violated existing state laws regulating mining operations.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, Moses Alao, Special Assistant to Governor Seyi Makinde on Print Media, said the monarch was suspended for allegedly breaching the state’s Executive Order 001 of 2023. The order prohibits illegal mining and safeguards government-owned and gazetted assets across the state.

According to the statement, Oba Adefabi was also accused of encouraging trespassing on government-controlled assets, actions the state government described as unacceptable and contrary to its commitment to protecting natural resources and maintaining law and order.
The government stressed that the suspension takes immediate effect and will remain in force pending the outcome of investigations into the allegations.

Relevant security and regulatory agencies have also been directed to intensify monitoring of mining activities in the area.

The Oyo State Government warned that it would not hesitate to take decisive action against any individual or group, regardless of status, found to be involved in illegal mining or acts that undermine the state’s laws and economic interests.

APC National Secretary Ajibola Basiru has asked the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, to resign his ministerial position if he cannot stop interfering in the internal affairs of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). Basiru said Wike, who is not a member of the APC, has no right to comment on or influence the party’s internal politics, particularly in Rivers State.

In a strongly worded statement, Basiru accused Wike of creating tension within the APC through public remarks and political posturing linked to Rivers State. He insisted that being part of the Federal Executive Council under an APC-led government does not grant Wike authority to meddle in party structures, adding that the “honourable option” is for him to resign and focus fully on Rivers politics.

Basiru also dismissed allegations attributed to Wike that APC leaders were eyeing or scrambling for funds allegedly left in Rivers State, describing such claims as baseless and blackmail. He challenged Wike to provide evidence for the allegations or be prepared to face legal consequences.

The exchange followed comments by Wike during a visit to Rivers State, where he warned APC leaders to stay out of the state’s political affairs and accused them of making provocative statements. The war of words has further highlighted the deepening political tension between the former Rivers State governor and key figures within the APC.

Omoyele Sowore, the 2023 presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), has said he would place a strong emphasis on drone technology rather than traditional military fighter jets if elected president of Nigeria.

Sowore made this known while speaking on national security and defence strategy, stressing that modern warfare and internal security challenges require smarter, technology-driven solutions. According to him, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), commonly known as drones, offer greater efficiency and effectiveness compared to conventional fighter jets.

“If I’m president of Nigeria, I’m not buying any jet anymore. I’m buying unmanned aerial vehicles. I want to invest in drones. They are pretty expensive, but they are more effective,” Sowore said.

He explained that drones provide superior surveillance capabilities while requiring fewer personnel, making them better suited for tackling Nigeria’s current security threats. Sowore noted that drones can be deployed to monitor vast and difficult terrains, track kidnappers, bandits, and insurgents, and gather real-time intelligence without exposing soldiers to unnecessary risks.

The former presidential candidate also argued that Nigeria’s security problems are largely internal and asymmetric in nature, requiring advanced surveillance and intelligence gathering rather than expensive fighter aircraft designed mainly for conventional warfare between states.

Sowore’s comments come amid ongoing debates about Nigeria’s defence spending and the effectiveness of military strategies in combating insecurity, including kidnapping, banditry, terrorism, and armed robbery across various parts of the country.

He maintained that investing in modern technology such as drones would not only improve national security outcomes but also reduce long-term costs and enhance accountability within the defence sector.

Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, on Monday announced a minor cabinet reshuffle, effecting changes in key positions within his administration.
According to a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media, Dr Sulaimon Olanrewaju, the governor relieved the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Professor Olanike Kudirat Adeyemo, of her appointment with immediate effect.

The governor subsequently appointed Professor Musibau Adetunji Babatunde as the new Secretary to the State Government.

The statement also disclosed that Barrister Temilolu Seun Ashamu has been redeployed from the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources to the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning.

In addition, Governor Makinde announced his Senior Special Assistant on Public Works, Ademola Aderinto, as a commissioner-designate. Aderinto is to be presented to the Oyo State House of Assembly for screening and confirmation.

Further appointments include Honourable Abiodun Adedoja as Special Adviser on Energy Security, while Kolawole Elijah Akanmu was named Senior Special Assistant on Budget and Economic Planning.

The statement noted that the reshuffle and new appointments are part of ongoing efforts by the governor to strengthen governance and enhance service delivery across the state.
The announcement was signed by Dr Sulaimon Olanrewaju, Special Adviser (Media) to the Oyo State Governor, and dated January 5, 2026.

Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have recorded major breakthroughs in Lagos and Oyo states with the interception of illicit drugs and the arrest of a wanted drug kingpin.

In Lagos, the agency seized consignments of ketamine, ecstasy and tramadol pills concealed in sachets of coffee mix and book parcels bound for Zambia and the United Kingdom. The seizures were made at a courier company in the state on December 24 and 29, 2025.

Also in Lagos, NDLEA operatives uncovered 31.5 kilograms of cocaine concealed in hatch three of a merchant vessel, MV Aruna Hulya, at the GDNL terminal, Apapa Port, on January 2, 2026. Following the discovery, 22 Indian crew members of the ship, including the master, Sharma Shashi Bhushan, were taken into custody for investigation.

In addition, a large consignment of cannabis was intercepted in the state on New Year’s Day, January 1, 2026, when NDLEA officers recovered about 400 kilograms of skunk along with a van at the Mobolaji Johnson area of Lagos, further dealing a blow to drug trafficking networks operating in the state.

In Oyo State, NDLEA operatives arrested a wanted female drug kingpin, Fatima Ilori, popularly known as “Mama Kerosine,” during an intelligence-led operation in Ibadan on December 29, 2025. The 65-year-old suspect, described as a major distributor of illicit drugs in the state capital, was apprehended alongside another female suspect, Olusanya Abosede, at the Onireke/Elekuro area of the city.

The arrest in Oyo followed the seizure of 238.4 kilograms of skunk linked to the suspect, marking a significant disruption of drug distribution channels in Ibadan. Commending the Lagos and Oyo commands for the successful operations, NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (retd), urged officers to sustain the momentum in the agency’s ongoing war against drug trafficking and abuse.

Former presidential candidate, Dr. Gbenga Hashim, has reaffirmed his unwavering commitment to Nigeria, insisting that surrender is not an option despite the nation’s deepening political, economic and security challenges.

Hashim made the declaration in Abuja during a North Central zonal meeting of the Gbenga Hashim Solidarity Movement, which brought together state coordinators from across the region.

Addressing the gathering, Hashim said Nigeria’s current realities demand steadfast leadership, organised civic engagement and citizens who are willing to remain involved rather than retreat into apathy or despair. He warned that abandoning the country would amount to handing its future over to mediocrity, impunity and misrule.

According to him, national renewal requires discipline, clarity of purpose and sustained grassroots organisation, stressing that meaningful change is never accidental but the product of deliberate and collective effort. He urged coordinators to deepen community-level engagement while remaining anchored to the core values of accountability, justice and national unity.

The meeting reviewed the state of the movement across the North Central zone, assessed ongoing mobilisation efforts and agreed on strategies to strengthen coordination and expand the movement’s reach within the region.

Coordinators in attendance reaffirmed their commitment to the vision of a Nigeria governed by competence, integrity and inclusiveness, pledging to intensify grassroots organisation and political education across their respective states.

In a personal reflection, Hashim recalled his long history of political advocacy, which began at the age of 14 when he became a sympathiser of progressive parties of the era.

“We were not of voting age then, but we pasted posters and sang with excitement,” he said. “As a young boy, I engaged an NPN representative to the National Assembly, who was a family friend, in discussions about economic management based on my rudimentary knowledge of economics and government.”

He explained that his early activism set him on the path of advocacy for democracy and good governance, a journey that later led to his detention as a political detainee at about the age of 20.

“Almost 40 years later, we are still standing,” Hashim said. “We will not give up until we see the Nigeria of our dreams, by the grace of God.”

Hashim also urged members to remind Nigerians, particularly the youth, of the country’s past economic strengths and future possibilities.

“Tell the people that in 1966 Nigeria’s economy was twice the size of Malaysia’s and bigger than those of Thailand and Indonesia,” he said. “Remind them how Nigeria assembled cars and tractors and produced vaccines at the Yaba Vaccine Centre. Let young people know that jobs through industrialisation are possible, as we had before, and that they are not condemned to a life dependent on palliatives. Tell them about our $4 Trillion plan for economic transformation,” he added.

The meeting ended with renewed determination among members to strengthen organisation, sustain advocacy and remain firm in the belief that Nigeria can still be rescued through principled leadership and collective action.