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“I Told Them To Kill My Brothers” – Governor Speakes on N300m Ransom Refusal

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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.

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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.

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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.

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(DailyTrust)

Aprokorepublic

Ojogwu Godwin Chukwudi hailed from Delta State. A young talented personality, Alumnus of Delta State university,Abraka Studied Library and information science. He is an intellectual cyber communicator expert and a prolific blogger professional.

NEWS

Why Are Nigerians Borrowing To Build Houses? CBN Drops New Report

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Credit for house purchases by households rose to 9.6 index points in the second quarter of 2026 (Q2’26), indicating a notable increase in borrowing by Nigerians to acquire personal homes.

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) disclosed this in its Credit Condition Survey Report for Q2’26, noting that financial institutions reported an overall growth in credit availability across secured, unsecured, and corporate lending categories during the period.

Lenders also recorded lower default rates across major categories.Respondents in the survey reported that credit demand increased to 15.1 index points for secured lending and 15.2 index points for corporate lending, while unsecured lending remained subdued at -1.2 index points.

Within the household segment, consumer loans increased to 11.2 index points, credit for house purchases rose to 9.6 index points, mortgage or re-mortgage lending grew to 13.3 index points, and small business lending to households increased to 26.4 index points. Regarding unsecured household credit, demand for overdraft facilities and personal loans grew to 7.9 index points, whereas credit card lending from households declined to -2.0 index points.

In the corporate sector, credit demand expanded across various business sizes, rising to 26.5 index points for small businesses, 25.5 index points for Medium Private Non-Financial Corporations (PNFCs), and 8.9 index points for Large PNFCs.

Meanwhile, credit demand for Other Financial Corporations (OFCs) remained unchanged at 0.0 index points.The apex bank added that commercial lenders observed a widespread decline in default rates across secured and unsecured loans, as well as throughout all corporate borrower categories, including small businesses, medium and large PNFCs, and OFCs.

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NEWS

Delta 2027: Monarch Declares Asaba’s Stance On Tinubu And Oborevwori

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The Asagba of Asaba, Prof. Epiphany Azinge, has assured President Bola Tinubu and Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of his Kingdom support in their re-elections in the forthcoming elections.

He also threw his weight behind Tinubu and Oborevwori’s support group, the FOOG Women Support Group, in their empowerment initiatives for the women of Delta North Senatorial District.

The Asaba monarch gave the assurance, weekend, when the FOOG Women Support Group for President Tinubu and Governor Oborevwori paid him a courtesy visit at his palace at Asaba, last week.

He said they respected and appreciated women in all their endeavours towards growth and development of the community and Kingdom because they could access where even men could not.

The Royal Father said Nigerians had no business with poverty given her God-given oil and gas resources and charged FOOG Women to continue with their good work of empowering women, noting that they were the engineers of the good things in every community and nation.

Director-General of FOOG Women Support Group For President Bola Tinubu And Governor Sheriff Oborevwori For 2027 Continuity, Chief (Mrs) Esther Okotie-Eboh, said they were in Asaba to empower the women but decided to visit His Majesty and sought his royal blessing.

The empowerment programme for  Women of Delta North Senatorial District was held at the Samuel Dietake Multi-Purpose event hall.

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NEWS

Tinubu Speaks: Why 147 Structures Must Be Removed For The Coastal Highway

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President Bola Tinubu has said about 147 structures in Lagos State will be affected by the construction of the service lane for the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, with only five earmarked for complete demolition.

He made the disclosure during a stakeholders’ engagement held alongside the flag-off of rehabilitation works on the Eko and Marine bridges and repairs to a flood-damaged section of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.

Represented by Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the President explained that the remaining 142 structures would experience only minimal impact.

He assured owners of affected properties that the Federal Government would provide compensation where applicable and urged them to remain patient.

“It will be given to you at the right time,” he said.Tinubu noted that the engagement was meant to foster public understanding and cooperation, stressing that community support was essential for the successful execution of the infrastructure projects.

He described the Eko Bridge as one of the major bridges built in the post-independence era and highlighted the importance of the Marine Bridge as a key access route to the Lagos seaports.

He also commended Minister of Works David Umahi for efforts to expand and rehabilitate Nigeria’s road infrastructure.Appealing for cooperation, Tinubu said: “For all of us to enjoy the full benefit of infrastructure, we have to shift a bit, so that it becomes an asset that will outlive all of us.”

The figure of 147 affected structures was presented during the engagement by a representative of the AEC consortium involved in the project.

Tinubu reiterated that the Federal Government welcomed constructive criticism but urged stakeholders to support well-planned projects that benefit the public.

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NEWS

How A Single Crash In Niger Killed 15 People And Left Families Broken

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Fifteen passengers were burnt to d3ath when an 18-seater bus was involved in a fatal road crash along the Enagi-Cistain Duma Road in Mokwa Local Government Area of Niger State.

The accident occurred on Saturday, August 8, 2026 at a sharp bend around Costain Duma, where the bus reportedly caught fire, trapping the passengers inside.

An eyewitness, Ahmed Ndagana, who confirmed the incident, said the vehicle was engulfed in flames shortly after the crash, leaving the occupants with little chance of escape.

According to him, about 15 passengers were burnt to d3ath inside the vehicle, while the circumstances surrounding the crash were still being established.

Although the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has confirmed the d3ath toll, details about the identities of the victims and the exact cause of the crash were not immediately available.

Ndagana urged motorists, particularly commercial drivers, to exercise greater caution when navigating sharp bends, especially during the rainy season when road conditions can become hazardous.

He commended the FRSC and local volunteers for their prompt intervention following the crash.

It was learnt that the remains of the 15 victims were later given a mass burial in the area.

At the time of filing this report, further details from the police were not immediately available.

15 passengers burnt to d3ath in Niger State auto crash
15 passengers burnt to d3ath in Niger State auto crash
15 passengers burnt to d3ath in Niger State auto crash
15 passengers burnt to d3ath in Niger State auto crash
15 passengers burnt to d3ath in Niger State auto crash

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NEWS

The ₦53tn Secret: What Fuel Subsidy Removal Really Did To Nigeria’s Money

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The Chairman of the Nigeria Revenue Service, Zacch Adedeji, has said Nigeria’s petrol subsidy bill could have “risen to about ₦53 trillion and the exchange rate weakened to ₦3,500 to the dollar if the subsidy had remained.”

Adedeji made the claim in an exclusive interview on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics programme while defending President Bola Tinubu’s economic reforms.

Bola Tinubu
File: President Bola Tinubu.

He described the removal of petrol subsidy as the best thing to have happened to Nigeria, saying the decision had contributed to the positive economic outcomes being recorded by the government.

“All the good results that I will reel out soon come as a result of that courageous decision (subsidy removal). So, it is not a mistake; it is the best thing that has happened to this country. Subsidy was evil and had been with Nigeria for decades,” he said.

Adedeji said Tinubu inherited an economy characterised by an unsustainable subsidy regime, an underperforming oil sector and a narrow tax base.

He argued that retaining the subsidy would have placed a greater burden on the country’s finances, particularly amid pressures from the global energy market and the Iran crisis.

According to him, the subsidy bill could have reached about ₦53 trillion, while the exchange rate could have risen to ₦3,500 to the dollar.

The NRS chairman also defended the government’s exchange-rate reforms and urged Nigerians to assess the administration’s economic decisions without relying on emotions.

He said those seeking to challenge the Tinubu administration ahead of the 2027 elections should explain how they would address the country’s economic challenges differently.

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“What the President deserves now is support and commendation for being a statesman and not a politician. Anybody who says he is coming (to contest as president), just ask them, ‘What will you do differently?’

“Are they saying that it is wrong that we removed fuel subsidy? Are they saying that it is wrong that we unified the rate?” he asked.

Tinubu announced the removal of petrol subsidy in his inaugural address on May 29, 2023, triggering a sharp increase in petrol prices and contributing to higher transportation, food and production costs.

Tinubu had announced that “fuel subsidy is gone.”

The policy has also contributed to increased government revenues and higher allocations to the three tiers of government through the Federation Account, while its impact on the cost of living has remained a major concern, the NRS boss noted.

Tosin OyediranTosin Oyediran is a journalist at Punch Newspapers with over eight years of professional experience in reporting and storytelling. He is known for conducting incisive interviews and producing compelling human-angle stories that bring clarity and depth to the news. Tosin covers a broad range of beats including politics, health, advocacy, sports, and entertainment, with a strong focus on people-centred reporting. His work reflects firsthand newsroom experience, editorial insight, and a commitment to accurate, engaging, and trustworthy journalism.

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NEWS

“A Beautiful Woman In and Out”: Ekwunife Celebrates Dame Ezinwa Jane Onyewelu at 70

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AWKA — Senator Uche Ekwunife, CON, has celebrated Dame Ezinwa Jane Onyewelu, JP, on the occasion of her 70th birthday, describing her as “a beautiful woman in and out” and a shining testimony of God’s enduring grace.

Ekwunife made the remarks at a colourful reception held at the Senator Uche Ekwunife Centre in Awka to mark the milestone birthday of the respected celebrant.

The Senator noted that attaining the age of 70 is a remarkable privilege that calls for gratitude to God, stressing that such a milestone should not be taken for granted.

“Seventy years can only be attained by God’s grace. It is not something we should take for granted. Today, we are here to celebrate a beautiful woman, a beautiful soul and a life that has touched many people in different ways,” Ekwunife said.

The former federal lawmaker also commended the family members, friends and caregivers who have continued to surround Dame Ezinwa with love, care and support.

According to her, the dedication and commitment shown by those caring for the celebrant are a reflection of the kind of person Dame Ezinwa has been to the people around her.

“To all those taking care of her, God will bless you. Thank you for honouring this beautiful soul, for loving her and for making sure that she continues to enjoy the blessings that come with this stage of life.”

Ekwunife further prayed for God’s continued protection, good health and abundant blessings upon the celebrant, while wishing her many more fruitful and fulfilling years.

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She said the 70th birthday should not merely be seen as a celebration of age, but as a celebration of God’s faithfulness throughout Dame Ezinwa’s journey.

“At 70, we are not counting the years alone; we are celebrating God’s faithfulness. May the years ahead be even more beautiful than the years behind. Congratulations, Dame Ezinwa. May God continue to bless you abundantly.”

The celebration brought together family members, friends, well-wishers and associates who joined Dame Ezinwa to commemorate the significant milestone and celebrate seven decades of life, grace and impact.

Signed:
Tony Ezike
Special Adviser, Media & Publicity

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NEWS

Ekwunife Celebrates Obiano, Ngige, Extols Their Legacies in Anambra, Nigeria

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Distinguished Senator Uche Ekwunife, CON, has felicitated with former Anambra State Governor, Chief Willie Obiano, and former Minister of Labour and Employment, Senator Chris Ngige, as they celebrate their respective birthday anniversaries.

In separate birthday messages, Senator Ekwunife described the two prominent Anambra sons as distinguished leaders who have made significant contributions to the development of the state and the country at large.

Ekwunife commended the administration of former Governor Willie Obiano for what she described as notable contributions to key sectors of Anambra State, including security, infrastructure, education, healthcare, agriculture and community development.

According to her, Obiano’s tenure remains significant in the state’s development journey, particularly for the initiatives and policies implemented during his administration.

The former Senator also celebrated Senator Chris Ngige for his contributions to the development of Anambra State and his distinguished service at the national level.

She particularly acknowledged Ngige’s role as Minister of Labour and Employment, noting his efforts in advancing labour relations, employment opportunities and the welfare of Nigerian workers.

Senator Ekwunife wished both elder statesmen continued good health, renewed strength and many more years of meaningful contributions to society.

“Happy birthday to two distinguished sons of Anambra. May God continue to bless you with wisdom, good health and longevity,” she said.

The goodwill message was signed by Tony Ezike, Special Adviser, Media & Publicity.

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CULTURE AND TRADITION

Celebrating an Illustrious Son of Nri: Sir Chima Pius Nwokoye as he is Initiated into the Prestigious Nze na Ozo Society

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With immense joy and pride, the people of Nri celebrate one of their illustrious sons, Sir Chima Pius Nwokoye, on the auspicious occasion of his initiation into the prestigious Nze na Ozo Society of the Ancient Nri Kingdom. The historic ceremony took place at the Alexander Nwokoye Country Home, Umu Nduka Enwe Family, Umudiana Adama, Nri, in Anaocha Local Government Area of Anambra State.

Sir Chima Pius Nwokoye, Mgbologwuinyi Mgbago na Mgbada, Ugochukwutubelu, Kpakpando Nri is the first son of the late Sir Alexander Nnakwuzie Nwokoye (Mkpọlọgwụinyi) and Lady Esther Nwojinika Nwokoye, Iyom Eziafakaego (née Tabansi). He is also the distinguished grandson of His Royal Highness, Eze Nri Tabansi Udene, a lineage that reflects a rich heritage of honour, leadership, and dedicated service to society.

A seasoned engineer and a worthy Knight of St. Mulumba, Sir Chima has built an outstanding reputation through exemplary leadership, integrity, and selfless service. He also served meritoriously as President of the Rotary Club of Nigeria, Trans Amadi, Port Harcourt, where he championed humanitarian causes and community development initiatives that positively impacted many lives.

By taking the revered Ozo title, Sir Chima Pius Nwokoye joins the ranks of distinguished custodians entrusted with preserving the customs, traditions, values, and moral heritage of the Ancient Nri Kingdom. His initiation represents not only a personal achievement but also a reaffirmation of the enduring cultural legacy of Nri.

We heartily congratulate Sir Chima Pius Nwokoye and the entire Nwokoye family on this remarkable and well-deserved milestone. May his Ozo title continue to bring him honour, wisdom, divine blessings, and the grace to uphold the noble traditions of the Ancient Nri Kingdom for generations to come.

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Congratulations once again to Sir Chima Pius Nwokoye and the entire Nwokoye family on this memorable achievement.

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HEALTH

After Oko Hostel Tragedy, Sen. Uche Ekwunife Calls for Tougher Building Safety Enforcement (See details)

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The Most Distinguished Senator Uche Ekwunife, CON, has expressed deep sadness over the tragic collapse of a student hostel in Oko, Orumba North Local Government Area of Anambra State, which claimed lives and left several others injured.

In a statement issued following the incident, Senator Ekwunife extended her heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims, describing the loss of lives as a painful tragedy for the bereaved families, the Oko community, and Anambra State as a whole.

She also expressed concern for those who survived the collapse and are currently receiving medical treatment, praying for their quick and complete recovery.

While commending the efforts of rescue workers, security personnel, healthcare providers, volunteers, and community members involved in the emergency response, the former senator urged them to sustain the search-and-rescue operation until every missing person is accounted for.

Senator Ekwunife further called on the appropriate authorities to conduct a thorough, transparent, and impartial investigation into the cause of the building collapse. She stressed that establishing the circumstances surrounding the incident is crucial not only for ensuring accountability but also for preventing similar tragedies in the future.

She also advocated stricter monitoring and enforcement of building regulations across Anambra State, emphasizing that adherence to approved construction standards and professional guidelines must be treated as a critical public safety responsibility rather than a mere administrative requirement.

According to her, stronger enforcement by relevant regulatory agencies would significantly reduce the risk of building failures and help safeguard lives and property.

Senator Ekwunife concluded by praying for the peaceful repose of the souls of those who lost their lives, divine comfort for their grieving families, and speedy healing for those injured in the unfortunate incident.

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The statement was signed by Tony Ezike, Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to Senator Uche Ekwunife.

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