Author: oduduwanews

Amotekun operatives in Ondo State have arrested a 19-year-old suspected serial motorcycle thief, Oyediran Ayomide, who fled from Omu-Aran in Kwara State after allegedly attacking a commercial motorcyclist with a sledgehammer and stealing his bike. The suspect reportedly lured the victim to a remote farm settlement under the pretense of taking a call before hitting him on the head and escaping with the motorcycle.

After committing the crime, Ayomide fled to Ore, Ondo State, where he planned to use the stolen motorcycle for commercial transport. However, as he attempted to return to the crime area believing the victim might have died, Amotekun officers on border patrol under Operation Le Won Jade tracked and arrested him in the Ajue community.

The suspect confessed to the crime during interrogation and detailed how he executed the attack. Amotekun’s Public Relations Officer, Superintendent Jimoh Adeniken, disclosed the arrest during a media briefing in Akure, noting that the operation demonstrates the agency’s increased vigilance against cross-border criminal activities.

Following his arrest, Ayomide was handed over to the Kwara State Local Government Security Initiative for further investigation and possible prosecution. Authorities in Kwara expressed gratitude to Ondo State Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa for the inter-state collaboration that made the arrest possible, stressing the importance of joint security efforts in curbing border-related crimes.

The Kwara State Government has ordered the immediate closure of schools across four local government areas following rising insecurity in the affected communities.

The directive was communicated on Wednesday through the Nigeria Union of Teachers, Kwara State Wing, which conveyed the government’s decision to school heads and teachers.

In a circular obtained by Newsmen, the NUT Chairman, Yusuf Agboola, announced that schools in Isin, Irepodun, Ifelodun, and Ekiti LGAs should shut down indefinitely.

Agboola explained that the union acted strictly on instructions from the Ministry of Education and Human Capital Development after the government raised concerns about fresh security threats in Kwara South.

He said the order was urgent and necessary, noting that the region had been experiencing escalating security challenges that required immediate intervention. School authorities were urged to comply without delay.

“This decision was occasioned by the security challenges ravaging the area and the efforts of the government to control the situation,” the circular stated, assuring teachers that further information would be provided as events unfold.

The shutdown comes barely a day after suspected bandits attacked a church in Eruku, Ekiti Local Government Area, killing three worshippers and abducting over 35 others during a night service.

Also on Wednesday, Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq announced plans to push for the establishment of a Forward Operating Base of the Nigerian Army and a Mobile Police Squadron in Eruku to strengthen security response and protect vulnerable communities.

The Oyo State Government has reiterated its commitment to the Ibadan Circular Road project, emphasising that it is being executed with a clear vision and a deliberate objective to attract unprecedented investment opportunities into the state.

In a statement signed by the Commissioner for Information, Prince Dotun Oyelade, he explained that the current agitation is not unexpected even when it appears to have been hijacked by a few individuals with a different agenda

The commissioner said that for a defining project of this nature, avoided by past administrations, the government is left with no choice but to see the project to its conclusion

The government said that the imminent all-inclusive meeting between it and genuine land owners is what everybody should look forward to, instead of preemptive and volatile remarks that tend to confuse the citizenry.

The commissioner said as far as the government is concerned, the issue of compensation is ongoing, while the issue of resettlement is up for discussion as soon as an appointment is agreed between government officials and genuine stakeholders.

Oyelade cited examples of demolitions and compensations by the state governments paid in the past and this present administration which include dualization of Idi Ape, Bashorun, Akobo and Odogbo Baracks road; dualization of Ilorin express junction, ikoyin road, Taki leading to the Soun Palace at Oja-igbo in ogbomosho; dualization of Saki Oke-Ogun Polytechnic, Ilesha Ibaruba road; dualization of Idi Ape, Bashorun Akobo, Olurunda-Aba including the Ashi overhead bridge; rehabilitation of Bere Orita/Orita Aperin, Akanran, Gbedu and Dagbolu Road; dualization of Ibadan/Oyo Iseyin Okeho junction road; dualization of challenge/Odo -Ona Elewe Road and many more roads adding up to sixteen (16) in numbers.

According to him the compensation paid for all these combined is two billion, three hundred and twenty-six million, fifty-nine thousand, four hundred and fifty-three naira( #2,326, 059,453) for a total of 250km of roads across the state

The Commissioner said that in the first phase of the ongoing Ibadan Circular Road project spanning 32.2 kilometres from Abiola Ajimobi Technical University to Badeku Junction, only 1,354 buildings were affected out of a total of 7,340 structures for the entire 110km, noting that 5,986 buildings, representing 82%, were not affected by the exercise.

According to him, “The sensitive process of verification makes it important for the government to engage in a painstaking yet humane approach.”

” In this regard, over Eight Hundred Million (#800,000,000) has been paid to about 200 verified claimers while the process for further disbursement is actively going on.”

“Government is not unaware of the activities of land speculators who have moved in batches into the area to ply their trade irrespective of the government’s instructions to avoid new constructions /transactions within the marked corridor.”

The Information Commissioner said that the government remains optimistic in spite of the unnecessary militancy of a few, stressing that the vast majority of our people understand the bigger picture of what the State Government intends to achieve.

He appealed to the protesters to immediately stop the disruption of social and commercial activities in the city of Ibadan

He added that the Seyi Makinde Administration will remain transparent in the implementation of this inevitable project

The National Judicial Institute (NJI) has debunked viral social media claims that judges sang the political chorus “On Your Mandate We Shall Stand” during the opening of the 2025 All Nigeria Judges Conference in Abuja. In a statement by its spokesperson, Kolade Umoru, the NJI said the allegation is “entirely false and unfounded,” stressing that the only song sung at the event was the National Anthem.

The Institute clarified that the tune associated with President Bola Tinubu was briefly played by the Guards Brigade Band as part of their ceremonial protocol while escorting the President to the podium, not by judges. It added that judges only stood out of respect for the President, not in support of any political message.

Reaffirming its neutrality, the NJI said the judiciary remains non-partisan and insulated from politics, warning that misinformation capable of undermining public trust in institutions should not be circulated.

• Ex–presidential candidate consoles Kebbi, Kwara victims • Says terrorists now dictate life across northern states

Former presidential candidate, Gbenga -Hashim, has raised fresh alarm over what he described as the Federal Government’s “loss of operational control” of security in Northern Nigeria, following renewed terrorist attacks in Kwara and Kebbi States.

Hashim, in a strongly worded statement on Tuesday, said the latest assaults, including the killing of two security operatives in Rogun Village, Kpada District of Patigi LGA, aswell as another attack in Ekiti Local government, Kwara State, show that terrorists now operate across the North “without fear of the state.”

Terrorists reportedly stormed a police outpost in Rogun on Sunday night, engaging officers in a prolonged gunfight before overwhelming the facility. The attack occurred just days after 25 schoolgirls were abducted and a vice principal murdered in Kebbi State, in addition to the killing of a senior Customs officer in Bagudo LGA.

“These coordinated attacks are evidence of a nation sliding toward total collapse,” Hashim declared.

“From Niger to Zamfara, Kaduna to Plateau, Bauchi to Kebbi, and now Kwara, terrorists determine the rhythm of life in too many communities. The Federal Government has lost control.”

He described the Patigi and Ekiti attacks as particularly disturbing, noting that the Middle Belt corridor had historically been considered relatively stable. The incident, he warned, marks a dangerous expansion of terrorist activity and underscores “a total failure of intelligence and policing.”

“What we are witnessing is a quiet surrender of northern Nigeria to non-state actors. Rural communities are under siege. Schools are unsafe. Police posts are now battlefields. This is not governance; this is abandonment,” he said.

Hashim also referenced recent reports of a serving military general ambushed after terrorists allegedly intercepted his communication, insisting the development proves insurgents now possess “advanced capability and extraordinary daring.”

“If terrorists can attack a police outpost in Kwara and kill officers without consequences, what hope is left for villagers? If 25 girls can be taken in Kebbi without immediate rescue, what remains of the meaning of government?” he asked.

He stressed that effective state authority is now limited mostly to state capitals, while “vast rural territories have fallen under the shadow of armed groups.”

“Outside the state capitals, sovereignty is collapsing. Villages are governed by fear, by bandits, by terrorists. The silence from those in power is complicity. Many villagers now pay taxes to terrorists,” he lamented.

Hashim condoled with families affected by the Kwara and Kebbi attacks and demanded an urgent national response, including a radical overhaul of Nigeria’s security architecture.

“Unless drastic steps are taken now, Nigeria risks tumbling into a new and uncontrollable phase of disintegration,” he warned.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has postponed his scheduled trip to Johannesburg, South Africa and Luanda, Angola, as he awaits further security briefings on the kidnapped Kebbi schoolgirls and the attack on Christ Apostolic Church worshippers in Eruku, Kwara State.

In response to the request by the governor of Kwara State, President Tinubu has ordered the deployment of more security men to Eruku and the entire Ekiti Local Government Area of the state, and directed the police to go after the bandits who attacked worshippers.

President Tinubu was scheduled to leave Abuja today to attend the 20th G20 Summit of leaders in South Africa and thereafter proceed to Luanda to attend the 7th AU-EU Summit.

Disturbed by the security breaches in Kebbi State and Tuesday’s attack by bandits against worshippers at Christ Apostolic Church, Eruku, President Tinubu decided to suspend his departure.

He now awaits reports from Vice President Kashim Shettima, who paid a sympathy visit to Kebbi on his behalf, as well as reports from the police and the Department of State Services regarding the attack in Kwara.

President Tinubu reiterates his directive to the security agencies to do everything possible to rescue the 24 schoolgirls, abducted by the bandits and bring the girls back home, safe.

Hon. Dele Adeola, Member representing Iseyin/Itesiwaju State Constituency in the Oyo State House of Assembly, has extended warm birthday greetings to his colleague, Hon. Akintunde Olajide, popularly known as AKT, who represents Lagelu State Constituency.

In a message personally signed by him, Hon. Adeola described AKT as a committed, visionary, and resourceful lawmaker whose contributions continue to strengthen the legislature and advance democratic governance in the state.

He noted that AKT has consistently demonstrated leadership excellence, dedication to his people, and unwavering passion for public service.

Hon. Adeola commended his colleague for his collaborative spirit within the House, acknowledging that AKT’s experience and proactive engagement on critical legislative issues have made him an invaluable partner in driving impactful policymaking. He added that AKT’s representation reflects a deep understanding of the needs of the Lagelu constituents, which is evident in his community-focused interventions and legislative advocacy.

He prayed for God’s guidance, wisdom, and good health for Hon. Akintunde Olajide, wishing him greater accomplishments as he continues to serve the people of Oyo State. Hon. Adeola further expressed optimism that AKT’s new year will bring renewed strength and more opportunities for purposeful leadership.

President Bola Tinubu will depart Abuja today for Johannesburg, South Africa, and Luanda, Angola, to attend the G20 Leaders’ Summit and the AU–EU Summit.

This was disclosed in a statement on Tuesday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.

Tinubu will first join world leaders at the 20th G20 Summit in Johannesburg from November 22 to 23, hosted by President Cyril Ramaphosa.

The meeting, themed “Solidarity, Equality, Sustainability,” will focus on inclusive growth, disaster risk reduction, climate change, energy transition, food systems, critical minerals, decent work and artificial intelligence.

After the G20 sessions, Tinubu will proceed to Luanda for the 7th AU–EU Summit holding from November 24 to 25.

The summit will gather African and European leaders, young innovators and civil society groups to develop recommendations on climate change, infrastructure, digital economy, manufacturing and agribusiness.

Tinubu is also expected to hold bilateral meetings on security, development and economic cooperation.

He will be accompanied by Foreign Affairs Minister Yusuf Tuggar, Finance Minister Wale Edun, Solid Minerals Minister Dele Alake, Trade and Investment Minister Jumoke Oduwole and NIA DG Mohammed Mohammed.

The president will return to Nigeria after the engagements.

The crisis rocking the Peoples Democratic Party may be far from over, as events took a dramatic turn on Tuesday 18 November, 2026, as the factional National Executive Committee loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, announced the expulsion of Governors Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State, and Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State.

The NEC also expelled former Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Senator Adolphus Wabara; former National Vice Chairman of the party, Bode George, and the recently elected party National Chairman, Kabiru Turaki, SAN.

This is coming days after Wike and his loyalists were also expelled at the controversial PDP national convention held in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.

In addition to the expulsions, the faction also dissolved several state executive committees, citing widespread breaches of internal processes and factional loyalties. States affected include Oyo, Bauchi, Lagos, Ekiti, Edo, Zamfara, and Yobe, where fresh congresses are expected to be conducted under newly appointed caretaker committees. The decision further solidified the faction’s push to reassert control at both national and sub-national levels.

The NEC concluded by announcing a new nationwide reconciliation initiative and a comprehensive membership audit ahead of preparations for the 2027 elections. However, the latest wave of expulsions has intensified concerns among party observers, who warn that the PDP may be heading toward its most significant internal split in decades unless urgent mediation efforts succeed.

Former Governor of Ekiti State, Ayodele Fayose, has once again taken aim at former President Olusegun Obasanjo, rekindling their long-standing political rivalry. Fayose accused the former president of consistently undermining Nigeria’s democratic institutions and using his influence to intimidate political opponents.

Speaking during a media session in Lagos on Tuesday, Fayose alleged that Obasanjo’s public posturing as an elder statesman contrasts sharply with what he described as “a history of political intolerance and dictatorial tendencies.” He claimed that several pressing national challenges today stem from what he called Obasanjo’s “failure to nurture genuine democratic values” during his time in office.

Fayose, who has repeatedly clashed with the former president since his first term as governor, insisted that his criticism was not personal but a call for Nigerians to “stop glorifying leaders who contributed to current national problems.” He added that Obasanjo’s frequent letters to sitting presidents were attempts to “retain relevance” after leaving office.

In response, sources close to the former president dismissed Fayose’s comments as “baseless and attention-seeking,” noting that Obasanjo had consistently spoken out on national issues out of patriotism. They argued that the ex-president remains one of the few Nigerian leaders willing to challenge government excesses and advocate reforms.

Political analysts say the renewed verbal exchange highlights deeper divisions within the political class ahead of upcoming national realignments. Many believe the Fayose–Obasanjo feud reflects broader tensions among influential figures battling for relevance and control within the opposition landscape.