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Over 70% Of Tinubu’s Team Once Opposed Him – Presidential Aide

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  The Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Policy Communication, Daniel Bwala, has revealed that nearly 70 per cent of those currently working with the President had, at one point, opposed him politically. Bwala stated this while responding to concerns that some individuals on the ambassadorial list were undeserving because they had previously criticised or worked against Tinubu. Speaking on Arise Television’s Morning Show on Thursday, Bwala recalled a conversation in which Tinubu told him that his mother taught him to embrace even those who once stood against him. He said, “Our posture from the Presidency is to be silent until the National Assembly is able to run through the confirmation process, because we feel that if we throw energy behind that, it will amount to prejudicing the National Assembly, as subjecting them to the process will lead to them being sworn in as ambassadors. “If it is because of the political decision of the President, those who understand politics know that the political environment is toxic. It is up to individuals who occupy political positions to exercise discretion and decide that ‘this one, I would appoint him even though he worked against me in the past,’ or ‘I would not work with those who worked against me in the past.’ “But looking at the history and trajectory of Tinubu, I can say that more than 70 per cent of people with him have worked against him in the past at some point.” He added, “When I first met him on the 10th of January last year, as soon as I walked in, I was trying to apologise because he had been trying to get in touch with me, and I was avoiding him, as I could not tell an elder no, since my mind was made up. Tinubu said, ‘You do not even have to go to that extent because if you had listened to me, what you thought was your fear, you do not have to associate it with me: the Muslim–Muslim ticket.’ “But in terms of people who worked against him, he made it clear to me, narrating individuals who had opposed him in the past, that his mother influenced him in that area. The President said, ‘As the head of the market women, she taught him that if you are going to be angry with people just because they offended you, you will wake up one morning and find that there are no people left for you to lead.’” PUNCH Online had reported that President Tinubu submitted the names of 32 ambassadorial nominees to the Senate for confirmation, days after sending an initial batch of three names. The list includes prominent figures such as former Independent National Electoral Commission Chairman, Prof Mahmood Yakubu; former presidential aide, Reno Omokri; former Minister of Aviation, Femi Fani-Kayode; and former Enugu State Governor, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, among others. In a statement issued last Saturday, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said all nominees will know their specific diplomatic postings only after Senate confirmation. He noted that the list also includes four women among the career ambassadors and six women among the non-career ambassadors.

Atiku Meets ADC Leaders in Abuja, Urges Collective Action

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  Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, on Monday, met with the state chairmen of the African Democratic Congress from the 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory at his residence in Abuja. The former presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party disclosed this in a post shared on his official X handle on Tuesday. He said the delegation, led by the Kogi State ADC Chairman, Ogga Kingsley, visited to formally welcome him following his recent registration as a member of the party. He quoted Kingsley as saying that the chairmen were delighted to receive him as a “bona fide member” of the ADC. Atiku, who expressed satisfaction with his formal entry into the party, told the chairmen that there was no time to waste in what he described as a collective rescue mission for the country. The former vice president urged other members and leaders within the coalition to complete their registration, insisting that no one could afford to “sit on the fence.” He commended the ADC leadership across the states for demonstrating commitment to the future of the country, adding that they shared a common goal to work towards a secure and prosperous nation. “I am indeed pleased to see that leaders of the party at the state level are thinking with the future of our country in mind. Together, we are committed to our resolve to work towards a secure, united, and prosperous Nigeria.   “The APC is bent on wrecking our country, and we are ready to stop them from doing so,” he added.   Atiku had declared that “the real opposition has begun” after formally joining the African Democratic Congress, ending months of speculation about his next political move. The former PDP chieftain stated this shortly after receiving his ADC membership card at his Jada 1 Ward in Adamawa State, marking his first public declaration of intent since leaving the main opposition party. Atiku urged his supporters across the country to immediately register with the ADC and join what he described as a new political front. In July, the former vice president resigned from the PDP, accusing the party of straying from its founding ideals. Atiku described his exit from the PDP as “heartbreaking,” saying he resigned because the party’s internal differences had become irreconcilable.

Reps Decry Breach of Federal Character Principles in Varsities

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  The House of Representatives Committee on University Education has raised concerns over what it described as a growing disregard for federal character principles in staff recruitment and student admissions at several federal universities. The Chairman of the Committee, Abubakar Hassan Fulata, made the disclosure in a statement issued to journalists in Abuja on Thursday. The statement followed the committee’s recent oversight visits to the University of Ibadan, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, the Federal University of Technology, Akure, and other federal universities in the South-West. According to Fulata, adherence to federal character must be reflected in staff recruitment and student admissions across public universities, regardless of their geographical location. “We have observed that many universities are not complying with the federal character principles in the appointment and employment of workers, even in the admission of students. “The Act establishing the Federal Character Commission is very clear on this aspect: 2.7 per cent equity share for each state of the federation, 1 per cent for the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, and 3 per cent for the state where the institution is located. But there is no semblance of this in these universities today,” Fulata noted. He stressed that the oversight exercise was not intended to witch-hunt anyone but was a constitutional obligation designed to promote efficiency, transparency, and accountability in the system. Fulata acknowledged that while universities face numerous unmet needs, available resources must be properly managed. He criticised the spending of huge sums on travel, entertainment, and other non-essential items at the expense of critical academic and infrastructural priorities. He also warned against the suppression of figures, under-reporting of internally generated revenue, misrepresentation of records, and irreconcilable financial entries. Other universities visited by the Committee included the Federal University, Oye Ekiti; the Federal University of Health Sciences, Ila Orangun, Osun State; the Federal University of Medicine and Medical Sciences, Abeokuta, Ogun State; and the Nigerian French Language Village, Badagry, Lagos State. The federal character principle was introduced in the late 1970s and formally entrenched in the 1999 Constitution (Section 14(3)), alongside the Federal Character Commission Act, to ensure equitable distribution of public sector jobs, fair representation of all states and ethnic groups, and prevention of dominance by any region or group. In the context of education, federal character was intended to broaden access and integrate Nigeria’s diverse population within national institutions. Despite clear guidelines, investigations over the years have shown that some universities admit disproportionately from their host states or regions, sidelining applicants from other parts of the country. Merit lists are sometimes overshadowed by internal policies that favour local candidates beyond the limits allowed by federal character rules. Catchment area policies, although legally recognised, have frequently been applied in ways that distort national spread, contributing to repeated complaints from parents, civil society groups, and lawmakers about lopsided admissions. The same trend has been observed in staff recruitment.  

Islamic Scholar Sheikh Dahiru Usman Bauchi is dead

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  The prominent Islamic scholar, Sheikh Dahiru Bauchi, is dead. News of his death started circulating early Thursday morning. A former presidential aide to late President Muhammadu Buhari, Bashir Ahmad, in a post on X confirmed the death of the revered Islamic scholar. “It is with a heavy heart and complete submission to the will of Allah (SAW) that we receive the news of the passing of our revered leader, Sheikh Dahiru Usman Bauchi, one of the leaders of the Tijjaniyya order in Nigeria,” he wrote. He also prayed for the deceased. His brief post concluded, “May Allah forgive his shortcomings, accept his noble deeds and grant him Jannatul Firdaus. Ameen.” The deceased’s son, Sayyadi Ali Dahiru Usman Bauchi, also confirmed his death to Daily Trust. “It is confirmed. Sheikh has returned to his creator. We are all from Allah and to Him we shall all return. “It is time for Sheikh to rest. We thank Almighty Allah. Allah has done everything for us to spare the life of Sheikh till this time. Sheikh’s life was well spent. Alhamdulillah. “I’m right now in Madinah, so I cannot confirm to you where the remains of the Sheikh will be buried; maybe in Abuja or Bauchi,” he said. Meanwhile, PUNCH Online reports that the family and the Bauchi State Government have yet to make an official announcement. Sheikh’s humanitarian activities The renowned preacher also made a name through humanitarian actions in the north and nationwide. In October 2025, no fewer than 117 beneficiaries from northern Nigeria have departed for Algeria to pursue various academic programmes under a fully funded study scholarship facilitated by the Sheikh Dahiru Usman Bauchi Foundation. Speaking during a send-forth and orientation ceremony organised for the beneficiaries in Bauchi, the Chairman of the Foundation, Sayyadi Aliyu, explained that the scholarship was secured through the Tariqa Tijjaniyya Islamic Sect in collaboration with the Algerian Government. His family, marriage The Sheikh, who was also the Deputy Chairman, Fatwa Committee (Islamic Scholars’ Committee of the Supreme Council of Islamic Affairs in Nigeria) told our correspondent in an interview in 2019 that he married his first wife in 1948, and as at then blessed with about 70 children and several grandchildren and great-grandchildren, all of whom are competent in Quranic education. The then-92 years old Sheikh when asked, what more do he want from life at that age, responded, “No matter what you enjoy in life when you get to my age, all you do is manage life. I see myself as someone who has put his loads at the park and is waiting for a car to come so that he can put the loads inside. “When it’s time to pray, he goes to pray, when it’s time to eat, he eats and returns to where he kept his things which he would take on his journey to the great beyond.” Buhari hosts Sheikh In 2021, former and late President Muhammadu Buhari received the leader of the Tijaniyya sect at the State House in Abuja. Photos from their meeting were shared on Facebook by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina. The revered scholar in 2018 lend his voice to the farmer-herder crisis. There he emphasised that it was wrong to accuse the Fulani of the killings in some parts of the country. Dahiru, who was fielding questions from newsmen in Bauchi, also said the killings had no religious colouration. He was quoted to have said, “Fulani are not new and they are not visitors in Nigeria, they are well known as one of the respected tribes. If they are killers, they could have started these killings hundreds of years back, not now. “The real killers disguise themselves and hide with the intention of painting the Fulani black. Fulani are known to carry sticks and bows and arrows but you are saying the killers have guns. Who gave the Fulani herdsmen guns?”

‘I Will Kill Any Terrorist Who Enters P’Harcourt,’ Says Asari-Dokubo

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  Former militant leader and Niger Delta activist, Mujahid Asari-Dokubo, has warned Boko Haram fighters not to enter Port Harcourt, saying he will not hesitate to confront and kill any terrorist who attempts to operate in the city. In a viral video reacting to the rising cases of killings and kidnappings across Nigeria on Tuesday, Asari-Dokubo said his faith as a Muslim will not stop him from fighting back if attacked. He said, “If Boko Haram comes to Port Harcourt, you know sey my business na to kill them. I dey Zamfara dey kill them, I dey Plateau dey kill them, I dey Niger dey kill them. If they come to Port Harcourt, my business is to kill them. “This thing I’m telling you is raw. I’m not like those people who do sisi sisi, this and that, apologetic. I am a Muslim. If you come to fight me, I will kill you. That one is no compromise.” His comments sparked fresh debate over his growing influence in security matters and his long history of armed activity in the Niger Delta.  

UN Urges Nigeria to Take ‘all Lawful Measures’ to Stop Kidnappings

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  The United Nations on Tuesday condemned a surge in mass kidnappings in north-central Nigeria, calling on the authorities to take urgent steps to halt the attacks and bring perpetrators to justice. “We are shocked at the recent surge in mass abductions in north-central Nigeria,” UN rights office spokesman Thameen Al-Kheetan told reporters in Geneva. “We urge the Nigerian authorities — at all levels — to take all lawful measures to ensure such vile attacks are halted and to hold those responsible to account.” His comments came as the recent abduction of hundreds of Nigerians, including almost 350 schoolchildren, in just a matter of days, has reignited a pressing debate about the persistent security crisis gripping the country. “At least 402 people, most of them schoolchildren, have been abducted in the states of Niger, Kebbi, Kwara, and Borno since 17 November,” Kheetan said, adding that “only 88 of them have reportedly been freed or have escaped from their captors”. He called on “Nigerian authorities to ensure the safe return of all those still in captivity to their families, and to prevent further abductions”. “They must also hold prompt, impartial, and effective investigations into abductions and bring those responsible to justice.” Mounting security fears in Africa’s most populous nation have sparked a wave of school closures across some parts of the country. Since Islamist militants kidnapped nearly 300 schoolgirls from Chibok town in northeast Borno State more than a decade ago, Nigeria has struggled with a spate of mass kidnappings, mostly carried out by criminal gangs looking for ransom payments. Borno State is also the centre of a long-running Islamist insurgency that has killed more than 40,000 people since 2009. AFP

Makinde Presents N892bn Budget Proposal for 2026

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  Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, on Monday proposed a N891.99 billion appropriation bill for the 2026 fiscal year, up from the N684 billion approved by the House of Assembly for 2025. The governor made the proposal on the floor of the state House of Assembly in Ibadan, the state capital. The presentation ceremony was attended by prominent traditional rulers, including the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade, and the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, among others. In his presentation, Makinde said, “Out of this proposed figure, N389.34bn is for recurrent expenditure and N502.65bn for capital expenditure.” In the sectoral breakdown, he stated, “The Infrastructure sector takes the lead with N210.02bn; the Education sector, N155.21bn; the Health sector, N70.81bn; and the Agricultural sector, N19.99bn, while other multisectoral allocations amount to N435.9bn.”   Details later…

US Condemns Niger, Kebbi School Abductions, Demands Justice

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  The United States has condemned the abduction of students and teachers in Niger State, as well as the earlier kidnapping of schoolgirls in Kebbi State. In a statement issued on Monday via its X handle, the State Department’s Bureau of African Affairs described the attacks as acts that must not go unpunished and urged the Federal Government to bring the perpetrators to justice. It further called on the government to strengthen security measures and guarantee the safety of vulnerable communities, including Christian populations. It wrote, “The United States condemns the mass abduction of reportedly over 300 students and teachers from St. Mary’s Catholic School in Papiri, Niger State, Nigeria, and the kidnapping, just days before, of 25 schoolgirls from the Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School in Maga, Kebbi State. “Those responsible for these crimes must be swiftly captured and held accountable. The Nigerian government must act decisively and do more to protect Christians and ensure Nigerians can live, learn, and practice their religion freely without fear or terror.” PUNCH Online reported that gunmen on November 17 stormed Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School in Maga, Kebbi State, killing the vice principal, Hassan Makuku, and abducting at least 24 female students. Four days later, on November 21, gunmen raided St. Mary’s Catholic Primary and Secondary School in Papiri, Agwara Local Government Area of Niger State, abducting 303 students and 12 teachers. Initial estimates varied, but the Christian Association of Nigeria later confirmed the figures through a census of missing individuals. Fifty students managed to escape and reunite with their families. The abductions mark a surge in school-targeted violence in Nigeria and echo the 2014 Chibok kidnapping of 276 girls by Boko Haram. In response, the Federal Government initiated rescue operations in various states. President Bola Tinubu, on Thursday, directed the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, to relocate to Kebbi State to coordinate security operations for the rescue of the abducted schoolgirls. Governments in Niger, Katsina, Plateau, and Bauchi states have also ordered the closure of numerous schools to prevent further incidents.

APC Plans Appearance as US Congress Debates ‘Christian genocide’ Today

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  The United States chapter of the All Progressives Congress has requested to testify today (Thursday) before the United States House Subcommittee on Africa as American lawmakers prepare to review former President Donald Trump’s redesignation of Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” over alleged religious persecution. In a letter forwarded to the Subcommittee Chairman, Chris Smith, the APC USA said it was prepared to lead a high-level delegation to provide what it described as firsthand intelligence and verifiable data on Nigeria’s security landscape. The APC USA Chairman, Prof Tai Balofin, disclosed this in a statement added available to journalists in Abuja. Balofin said that while the party supports religious freedom for all Nigerians, global discourse on the matter often fails to reflect the full complexity of the nation’s insecurity challenges. He said the delegation was ready to appear before Congress at short notice. “The narrative that is sometimes presented abroad risks oversimplifying a complex security crisis driven by banditry, resource conflicts, climate stress, and transnational crime, not solely by religious persecution. We owe it to the American people and to millions of Nigerians to ensure Congress hears the complete picture before conclusions are drawn.” Balofin said the group’s planned testimony would highlight what it considers notable security gains under President Bola Tinubu. He added, “These include progress in degrading terrorist networks, improvements in community-based early-warning systems, and initiatives that promote interfaith harmony. Recent reductions in attacks across several hotspots have been documented by both Nigerian authorities and independent international monitors.” The APC USA also plans to present proposals for stronger U.S.–Nigeria cooperation on security, intelligence sharing and humanitarian support, arguing that such collaboration is vital for protecting all religious groups without undermining diplomatic relations. He said, “Chairman Chris Smith has been a consistent champion for human rights and religious liberty worldwide. We respectfully ask him to grant APC USA—the official voice of Nigeria’s democratically elected government in the United States—the opportunity to contribute to a fair, accurate, and solution-oriented discussion.” The development comes hours after Nigeria faulted the United States for excluding it from a UN event hosted by American rapper Nicki Minaj on alleged killings of Nigerians from a particular faith group. Nigeria’s chargé d’affaires to the UN, Syndoph Endoni, condemned the exclusion, saying deciding Nigeria’s case without Nigerian representation amounted to “shaving our head in our absence.” The event, held at the UN headquarters in New York with the backing of the U.S. Mission, was organised amid renewed U.S. allegations of Christian persecution in Nigeria — accusations Nigeria has repeatedly denied. Endoni said, “It is important to ensure the country concerned in the ongoing allegations of genocide against Christians is present, aware and has a voice in the matter. This is because you should not make important decisions or take action on something that involves a country without their presence or consent.” He expressed disappointment that while a few countries and even a Nigerian pastor were invited, officials of the Nigerian government were deliberately left out. According to him, U.S. officials later explained that the event was “private” and that the organisers demanded no Nigerian government representatives be invited due to fears of “reprisals” against participants. Endoni warned that such unilateral actions could escalate tensions, adding that both countries could more effectively address insecurity by working together and ensuring inclusive engagement. The Nigerian envoy said Abuja would continue to engage Washington over killings by extremist groups and collaborate on efforts to protect lives and property nationwide. The PUNCH had earlier reported that the US House of Representatives Subcommittee on Africa will on Thursday, November 20, 2025, examine President Donald Trump’s recent redesignation of Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern. The CPC designation, if ratified by the Senate, would allow the US to impose sanctions on Nigerian officials found complicit in religious persecution and limit certain forms of bilateral assistance. It also signals to the international community that religious freedom in Nigeria remains under serious threat. The hearing, scheduled for 11:00 am in Room 2172 of the Rayburn House Office Building and available via live webcast, will be chaired by Representative Chris Smith (R-NJ). It will feature two panels of witnesses, including senior US State Department officials and Nigerian religious leaders. The invite to the members of the Committee on Foreign Affairs, sighted by It reads, “You are respectfully requested to attend an open hearing of the Committee on Foreign Affairs to be held by the Subcommittee on Africa at 11:00 a.m. in Room 2172 of the Rayburn House Office Building.” According to the invite, panelists will include Senior Bureau Official of the Bureau of African Affairs, Jonathan Pratt, and Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor, Jacob McGee. The second panel will feature the Director of the Center for Religious Freedom, Ms Nina Shea; Bishop Wilfred Anagbe of Makurdi Catholic Diocese in Nigeria; and Ms Oge Onubogu of the Center for Strategic & International Studies. The congressional hearing is expected to review not only the scope of religious persecution in Nigeria but also potential policy responses, including targeted sanctions, humanitarian assistance, and collaboration with Nigerian authorities to prevent further violence. On October 31, 2025, President Trump designated Nigeria a Country of Particular Concern for religious freedom violations. The move has sparked debate over rising attacks on Christians in Nigeria and the possibility of US intervention. In designating Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern,” Trump cited alleged severe violations of religious freedom, particularly the persecution of Christians. He claimed that Christianity is facing an existential threat in Nigeria, with thousands of Christians being killed by radical Islamists. Trump warned that the US would take action, including potential military intervention, if Nigeria did not address the issue. The US President also threatened to halt all aid and assistance to Nigeria should President Bola Tinubu’s administration fail to end the alleged persecution and killing of Christians. “If the Nigerian Government continues to allow the killing of Christians, the USA will immediately stop … Read more

Fear in Kwara: 3 Killed, 35 Abducted as State Closes Schools, Seeks Military Base

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  The Kwara State Government, on Wednesday, directed the closure of schools across four Local government areas amid escalating insecurity in the affected communities. The government’s decision was disclosed by the Nigeria Union of Teachers, Kwara State Wing, on Wednesday. In a circular issued on Wednesday and obtained by The PUNCH, the NUT Chairman, Yusuf Agboola, announced the shutdown of schools in Isin, Irepodun, Ifelodun, and Ekiti LGAs. Agboola explained that the union was acting strictly on instructions from the Ministry of Education and Human Capital Development after the government raised concerns over fresh security threats in Kwara South. “Comrade chairmen, this is to inform you and through you, all schools in the above local governments of the instruction to close down all schools with immediate effect until further notice,” the circular read. “This decision was occasioned by the security challenges ravaging the area and the efforts of the government to control the situation. Treat this information as important and with the urgency it deserves, as it emanated from the ministry.” He assured school heads and teachers that further directives would be communicated as the situation evolves. On Wednesday, Kwara State Governor, Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, also announced plans to seek the establishment of a Forward Operating Base of the Nigerian Army and a Mobile Police Squadron in Eruku, Ekiti Local Government Area, following Tuesday night’s deadly bandit attack on a church in the community, which left three worshippers dead and over 35 abducted. The governor, who visited Eruku for an on-the-spot assessment, disclosed that he had spoken with the General Officer Commanding, 2 Division, and the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, on the urgent security upgrade needed in the crisis-hit area. “We will speak with the GOC to see that we have a Forward Operating Base in Eruku to enhance security here and also talk to the Inspector General of Police about establishing a mobile squadron here,” Abdulrazaq said. “It is indeed unfortunate what happened yesterday despite all the effort we have been making. Our main purpose here is to commiserate with the people of the community. All the security agencies are on this. The President had to cancel his trip to the G-20 because of this incident and that of Kebbi State. So the President is aware and we are on top of the situation,” he added. Community recounts ordeal For many residents, the governor’s visit came after a harrowing night of fear, bloodshed, and unanswered pleas for help. One of the victims, Adesuyi Joshua, whose wife and granddaughter were among those abducted, recounted the horror. “They took my wife and our granddaughter, who were in the church, along with about 30 other people. At first, we thought the gunshots were knockouts, but the sound changed. By the time we mobilised ourselves to confront the attackers, it was too late,” he said. He accused security agents, especially the police, of worsening the situation instead of assisting the community. “We have soldiers around this place. We also have a police station, but nothing was done throughout the attack. “When we were pursuing the bandits, the police started shooting from their gate. We thought it was the bandits again. When we got to the station, they tear-gassed us and allowed the attackers to escape,” he alleged. Another youth leader, Shola Peters, also accused the police of failing the community despite benefitting from local support. “These are the same police officers the town supported. We built houses for the DPO and the men. When we needed them most, they failed us. “Instead of joining us to pursue the bandits, they stopped us. The Inspector General needs to probe the Eruku division. All they do here is harass young boys and tag them as Yahoo boys or cultists. “We need the Commissioner of Police and the Inspector General to come and probe the police. We don’t want them again. Let the government give us guns; we can protect ourselves.” He added that despite having only “a Dane gun and one pump-action,” the youths confronted the armed attackers. “Their firepower was too much. They came with AK-49 rifles and machine guns.” Speaking earlier with The PUNCH, the President Pastor of the attacked church, Pastor Lawrence Abiodun Bamidele, said the congregation was holding a thanksgiving service for 18 kidnapped residents freed last week when the bandits struck. “We are doing Thanksgiving service for the 18 people who were kidnapped three weeks ago, and all of them were rescued. We were thanking God for their safe return, not knowing that danger was lurking around. “The incident happened unexpectedly and so fast. They came in and surrounded the church, shooting sporadically. Some who ran outside were shot from a tree, which one of the bandits climbed. “In the pandemonium, three people died on the spot, and about 35 church members were kidnapped. We need government assistance. This attack is the first of its kind in Kwara State in a church.” The Ekiti LGA Christian Association of Nigeria Coordinator, Pastor Kenneth Adigoke, expressed deep concern, warning that the attack could be interpreted as an assault on the Christian community. “This attack is just like a direct assault on the Christian community and the body of Christ. “Look at the situation that happened yesterday, they entered the church and killed three people on the spot, and kidnapped about 35. If they said there is genocide against the church or the Christian community, it can be justified. “People are not happy. We want the government to handle this insecurity issue dispassionately, and we believe that with prayers, the issue will be tackled.” Protesters block the highway. Earlier in the day, hundreds of angry youths barricaded the Ilorin–Kabba Expressway to protest what they described as “total abandonment” by security agencies during the attack. When The PUNCH visited around 1:30 pm, bonfires, stones, and logs blocked the highway, leaving dozens of trailers and commercial vehicles stranded. Residents insisted the attack lasted almost an hour without any intervention from security operatives reportedly … Read more

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