At least one person is feared trapped after a two-storey building under construction collapsed on Sultan Road in Kano metropolis around 9 a.m. on Friday.

As of the time of reporting, rescue workers had successfully pulled three people from the rubble, while efforts continued to locate and rescue a fourth victim believed to be trapped beneath the debris.

Eyewitnesses reported that construction workers on the upper floor noticed warning signs of an imminent collapse and quickly fled the site. However, four individuals, including a security guard and a commercial tricycle (Keke Napep) driver were trapped when the structure gave way.

One of the construction workers, Shu’aibu Yaro, confirmed the sequence of events. “The engineer noticed signs that the building was about to collapse, so the workers immediately ran for safety,” he said.

Three of the victims, including the security guard and one of his friends, were rescued and rushed to Sir Muhammadu Sanusi Specialist Hospital in Kano for treatment after sustaining injuries. Rescue officials were still searching for the fourth person.

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Minister of Works, David Umahi, has said nobody is threatening the life of Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC,.presidential
candidate, Peter Obi.

Umahi while inspecting some legacy projects in Ebonyi State, dismissed Obi’s statement that political opponents want him dead.

He attributed Obi’s statement to frustration, saying the former Anambra governor is worried about President Bola Tinubu’s acceptance in the South-East.

The minister said: “Nobody wants Obi dead, it’s not just reasonable. We all want him alive to contest this election and watch himself lose again.

“What he is afraid of is because he said South-East is his catchment area because of the last election which I call accident of history, but we have come with visible development in the zone and our people have now agreed with us that we are better off with President Tinubu to complete the good works he is doing for us than playing Artificial intelligence kind of politics.”

Umahi reiterated his readiness to debate with Peter Obi on the many gains of the Tinubu administration and reason the South-East should be grateful for inclusion in national politics.

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President Bola Tinubu says the rescue of the abducted pupils and teachers from schools in Oriire LGA of Oyo state has brought relief to the entire nation.

Bayo Onanuga, the president’s special adviser on information and strategy, said in a statement on Friday that Tinubu “expressed profound joy” over the successful rescue of the victims.

Onanuga said the president commended the military, the Department of State Services (DSS), and the police “for working round the clock in the last 56 days to secure the release of the abducted children and their teachers without any collateral damage and for arresting eight of the abductors and neutralising others.”

Onanuga said Tinubu also expressed regret over the suffering endured by the children, their teachers, their families, and the nation since the abduction.

The president praised the Oyo state government for working closely with the federal government throughout the rescue operation and urged the state to strengthen security around schools.

“I am profoundly happy that our security forces successfully rescued the abducted pupils and teachers from Orire, Ogbomoso in Oyo State today after a military, police and intelligence-driven operation that neutralised some of the terrorists that perpetrated the evil act and the arrest of eight of them,” the statement reads.

“This successful military operation has ended the siege and standoff of over 50 days and has brought relief to the entire nation and the affected families in particular.

“On behalf of the country, I express my gratitude to the officers and men of our armed forces, the intelligence agencies and the police for the safe rescue of the children and their teachers.

“My government will get justice for these children and their teachers and for the family of Mr Oyedokun, who the terrorists gruesomely murdered.

“I must commend the government of Oyo State for working cooperatively with us in bringing this unfortunate incident to a successful end.”

The president also directed emergency agencies to work with the Oyo state government to provide the rescued children and teachers with all necessary medical care and relief support.

It is understood that the pupils and their teachers were rescued during a joint operation involving personnel of the Nigerian Army and the police, backed by intelligence from the DSS.

A security source said at least nine of the bandits were killed during the operation, while eight were arrested and are in the custody of the DSS.

On May 15, gunmen attacked Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota; Community Grammar School, Esiele; and LA Primary School in Ogbomoso, all in Oriire LGA.

The Oyo police command said two people were killed during
the attack on the schools. At least 45 schoolchildren and teachers were
reportedly kidnapped during the incident.

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The kidnapped pupils and teachers from Orire, Oyo State, have been freed by their abductors.

The development comes after more than 50 days in captivity.

Their release was announced in a post on X on Friday by Bayo Onanuga, spokesman for the presidency.

“Finally, the kidnapped pupils and teachers in Orire, Oyo, have been freed by their abductors,” Onanuga wrote.

Details to follow…

The Federal Government has announced plans to implement 112 as Nigeria’s nationwide emergency telephone number, aiming to unify and strengthen the country’s emergency response system.

The initiative was disclosed in a statement by Stanley Nkwocha, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications (Office of the Vice President), following a meeting between Vice President Kashim Shettima and a delegation from the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) at the Presidential Villa.

The move comes days after the National Economic Council (NEC), chaired by Shettima, approved the adoption of 112 across all levels of government and agencies.

Shettima directed the NCC to develop a roadmap for implementation and to collaborate with the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to improve coordination nationwide.

“The Vice President assured the delegation that the project would be sustained, with funding mobilised through NEC and private sector support,” the statement read.

NCC Chairman Idris Ibikunle Olorunnimbe noted that about 35 Emergency Communications Centres had already been established across the country, but urged greater support from governors, the police, ambulance services, and NEMA to keep them operational.

He stressed that the success of the initiative would depend on collective commitment:“Everyone is expected to buy into this initiative. It is a patriotic duty to ensure that anyone in distress can get help swiftly.”

The adoption of 112 is expected to streamline emergency response, reduce delays, and provide Nigerians with a single, reliable number for police, fire, medical, and disaster-related emergencies.

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By Tony Ezike

Distinguished Senator Uche Ekwunife, CON, has been appointed as a Member of the Board of Trustees (BOT) of the Solar Energy Society of Nigeria (SESN), a recognition of her outstanding leadership, integrity, and unwavering commitment to science, technology, innovation, and sustainable national development.

The appointment was communicated in an official letter dated May 1, 2026, and signed by the President of the Solar Energy Society of Nigeria, Dr. Sunny Akpoyibo, FSESN. According to the Society, Senator Ekwunife’s wealth of experience in public service and her remarkable contributions to national development make her a worthy addition to its highest decision-making body.

As a BOT member, Senator Ekwunife will provide strategic direction and oversight, help safeguard the Society’s mission, support research and advocacy in renewable energy, promote the adoption of solar technologies, and contribute to policy decisions aimed at advancing Nigeria’s clean energy transition.

The appointment, which took effect on April 15, 2026, is for an initial two-year term, subject to the provisions of the Society’s constitution. Senator Ekwunife formally accepted the appointment on May 11, 2026, pledging to faithfully discharge her responsibilities in line with the Society’s ideals and constitutional provisions.

Established in 1980, the Solar Energy Society of Nigeria remains one of the nation’s leading professional organizations promoting solar and renewable energy through research, advocacy, policy engagement, public enlightenment, and professional collaboration.

Senator Ekwunife’s appointment is widely regarded as a testament to her impactful service as Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Science, Technology and Innovation during the 9th National Assembly. During her tenure, she played a significant role in strengthening the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), championing legislative reforms that secured first-line charge funding for the agency from the Federation Account, thereby boosting technological innovation and industrial growth.

Her inclusion on the SESN Board of Trustees further underscores her enduring commitment to national development. Stakeholders believe her experience and leadership will strengthen the Society’s efforts to expand renewable energy access, promote sustainable energy policies, and support Nigeria’s journey toward a cleaner, greener, and more resilient energy future.

A federal high court in Abuja has remanded Bello Bodejo, president of Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore, in the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over an alleged $2.63 million money laundering case.

Inyang Ekwo, presiding judge, on Thursday, ordered that Bodejo remain in the anti-graft agency’s custody pending the determination of his bail application.

The judge adjourned the matter to July 20 for ruling on the bail request.

Bodejo was arraigned on charges bordering on alleged money
laundering and pleaded not guilty to all counts.

Following the arraignment, Wahab Shittu, counsel to the EFCC, asked the court to fix a date for trial and remand the defendant.

Ahmed Raji, counsel to Bodejo, informed the court that a bail application had already been filed and urged the court to hear it.

Moving the application, Raji said the motion, filed on June 30, was supported by several grounds.

The senior advocate argued that the offences alleged against his client are bailable under the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) and urged the court to grant bail.

Shittu opposed the application, relying on a 28-paragraph counter-affidavit filed by the EFCC.

“We adopt all our processes in opposition to the application my lord,” he said.

The prosecutor argued that Bodejo had previously been “a guest at the Department of State Services (DSS) for other offences” and could commit further offences if released on bail.

Shittu also dismissed the defendant’s claim of ill health, arguing that the injury he referred to was not recent and that he did not appear to be in poor health.

He further submitted that Bodejo could interfere with witnesses if granted bail, but urged the court to impose stringent conditions should it decide otherwise.

According to the charge, the EFCC alleged that Bodejo, on January 21, 2022, accepted $200,000 in cash from Sa’idu Abubakar, a former accountant-general of Bauchi State, in a transaction that exceeded the threshold permitted by law.

The commission also alleged that he received another $100,000 in cash from Abubakar on October 26, 2022, and a further $980,000 in separate cash transactions.

The EFCC said the alleged offences contravene Section 19(1)(d) of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, and are punishable under Section 19(2)(b) of the same Act.

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The House of Representatives has urged the Federal Government to impose strong diplomatic measures against South Africa following renewed xenophobic attacks, extrajudicial killings, and alleged systematic persecution of Nigerians and other African nationals.

The resolution was adopted after a motion of urgent public importance sponsored by Yusuf Gagdi, who represents Kanke/Kanam/Pankshin Federal Constituency of Plateau State.

The motion received unanimous support during plenary presided over by Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu.Gagdi condemned the repeated violence against Nigerians, noting that recent reports confirm fresh attacks on citizens from Nigeria, Ghana, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Mozambique, and Malawi.

He highlighted the killing of two Nigerians, one allegedly in police custody and another murdered outside his business premises.

Recalling Nigeria’s pivotal role in the anti-apartheid struggle, Gagdi described the current treatment of Nigerians in South Africa as “profoundly disturbing” and a betrayal of African solidarity.

He warned that continued attacks undermine pan-African unity and regional integration.Other lawmakers, including Billy Osawaru, Moshood Akiolu, Ghali Tijjani, and Adebayo Adepoju, echoed calls for decisive action.

They urged intensified diplomatic engagement, legal redress, and support for affected Nigerians, while also advocating for the summoning of South Africa’s High Commissioner in Abuja.

The House resolved to:Summon South African envoy to explain Pretoria’s position on protecting Nigerians.

Push for international investigation into the killings of Nigerians and other Africans.Engage AU and UN to ensure accountability and protection of migrants.

Review bilateral ties with South Africa, including possible suspension of cooperation.Strengthen consular services and provide reintegration support for Nigerians returning home.

An ad hoc committee will also be constituted to engage South Africa’s Parliament, government, and regional institutions, with a report expected within 21 days.

Xenophobic violence in South Africa has remained a recurring diplomatic flashpoint, with major outbreaks in 2008, 2015, and 2019 claiming lives and destroying businesses owned by foreign nationals, including Nigerians.

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Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State has revealed that he refused to pay a N300 million ransom demanded by kidnappers who abducted his brothers in 2019, saying he chose not to negotiate with the criminals rather than encourage the growing menace of kidnapping for ransom.

The governor said his decision was based on his conviction that paying ransom only emboldens criminal groups to continue abducting innocent people.

Lawal made the disclosure on Thursday while speaking at the ARISE News and THISDAY Townhall Conference in Abuja, where he also renewed his call for the establishment of state police as part of broader efforts to tackle insecurity across the country.

Recounting the ordeal, the governor said the kidnappers demanded N300 million for the release of his brothers, but he refused to negotiate or make any payment.

“My own brothers were kidnapped in 2019, and these criminals were demanding at the time about 300 million. And I said, look, I’m not going to pay a dime. If you like, go and kill them.”

According to him, despite his refusal to pay, the kidnappers eventually released his brothers after they spent about three months in captivity.

Lawal maintained that his experience reinforced his belief that ransom payments only strengthen criminal networks and fuel more abductions.

“By the time we continue to pay ransom to these people, we are encouraging them to be kidnapping people more and more.”

He argued that if kidnappers realise they cannot obtain money from victims’ families or governments, they would be discouraged from engaging in the crime.

The governor stressed that his position has remained unchanged over the years, insisting that he would never negotiate with or reward criminals.

“I will not negotiate, and I will not pay ransom to any criminal, no matter what happens.”

Lawal made the remarks while advocating for the creation of state police, arguing that governors should have operational control over security architecture in their states if they are expected to guarantee the safety of residents.

He lamented that although governors are widely regarded as chief security officers of their states, they lack constitutional authority to direct the operations of the various security agencies.

“In as much as I was called or I’m being called the chief security officer of the states, however, I don’t have the command and control structure to determine what happens or give instructions to some of these security officers.”

According to him, the current arrangement places governors in a difficult position, as they are held responsible for insecurity despite having no direct control over the police and other security agencies operating within their states.

Lawal described security as the foundation upon which every other aspect of development depends, saying meaningful progress cannot be achieved where lives and property are not adequately protected.

“Why is it difficult for people to understand that my primary responsibility is the protection of lives and property, and I don’t have that control? How do you hold me accountable?”

The governor said establishing state police would make elected leaders more accountable to the people, as citizens would be able to directly assess the performance of their governors in maintaining law and order.

He also argued that state governments would be better positioned to recruit, fund, equip and train security personnel based on the peculiar security challenges in their respective states.

Lawal further noted that the Nigeria Police Force is constrained by inadequate funding, poor welfare and insufficient training, challenges he said have continued to affect the effectiveness and morale of officers.

Highlighting Zamfara State’s investment in security, the governor disclosed that his administration currently finances more than 30 per cent of security operations carried out within the state.

He said that over the past three years, the state government had procured more than 500 operational vehicles for security agencies to strengthen their capacity to combat banditry and other violent crimes.

Lawal also revealed that the government recently acquired and handed over 35 Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs) and Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicles to support ongoing security operations.

The governor added that his administration has embraced technology in the fight against insecurity through the acquisition of both surveillance and combat drones.

“We bought drones, both surveillance drones and attack drones, to be able to aid the security forces in terms of fighting these criminals in their respective areas.”

He maintained that the solution to Nigeria’s worsening insecurity lies in strengthening security institutions through improved funding, better welfare, enhanced training and modern technology rather than negotiating or paying ransom to armed groups.

Lawal’s comments come amid renewed national conversations on the creation of state police and wider security sector reforms, with supporters arguing that decentralising policing would improve accountability, enhance intelligence gathering and enable quicker responses to local security threats across the country.

(DailyTrust)

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