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Southern Governors Mourn Bayelsa Deputy Governor Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, Describe His Passing as a Painful National Loss

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Governors across Nigeria’s southern region have expressed deep sorrow over the sudden death of the Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, who reportedly collapsed in his office on Thursday. In a condolence message released in Abeokuta, Ogun State Governor and Chairman of the Southern Governors’ Forum, Prince Dapo Abiodun, said the news came as a rude shock, describing the tragedy as “particularly painful.” Governor Abiodun praised the late deputy governor as a committed public servant who discharged his duties with dedication and loyalty. “I received news of the demise of the Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State, His Excellency, Mr. Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, with deep sorrow,” he said. “His passing is devastating, especially for Governor Douye Diri, who has lost a dependable ally.” He extended condolences to the people and government of Bayelsa State and prayed for strength and comfort for the bereaved family. Governor Abiodun added that Ewhrudjakpo would be remembered for his devotion to public service, noting that his contributions would leave a lasting impact on governance in Bayelsa and Nigeria. The Bayelsa State Government has yet to issue an official statement, but early reports indicated that the deputy governor collapsed around 1:30 p.m. while carrying out official duties. He was rushed to the Federal Medical Centre (FMC) in Yenagoa, where he was first attended to at the emergency unit before being moved to the Intensive Care Unit. A media aide, Mr. Doubara Atasi, earlier confirmed that the deputy governor was in critical condition, though the cause of the collapse was not immediately known. Sources within Government House suggested that he had been under intense work pressure in recent weeks. A witness who saw his convoy arrive at the hospital described the situation as tense, saying, “It’s true. I saw how fast they drove in. It is well with him.” Born on 5 September 1965, Senator Ewhrudjakpo had served as Bayelsa State’s deputy governor since 2019. His educational journey spanned several disciplines including community health, secretarial administration, business administration, and law and culminated in a PhD in Human Rights and Labour Law awarded in December 2023. Before becoming deputy governor, he served as Commissioner for Works under Governor Seriake Dickson and later represented Bayelsa West in the Senate. His political career was marked by loyalty and principle, even when he chose to remain in the PDP after Governor Diri defected to the APC. PDP: “An Inexplicable Loss, Indescribable Pain” The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has also mourned Ewhrudjakpo’s death, describing it as an “inexplicable loss” and a source of “indescribable pain.” National Publicity Secretary of the PDP, Comrade Ini Ememobong, said the party was deeply shaken by the news. He described the late deputy governor as a steadfast politician whose life was built on conviction and integrity. “He believed in politics of principle, not convenience. He held firmly to his values until his last moments,” Ememobong said. The party extended heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family, the government of Bayelsa State, and all who were touched by Ewhrudjakpo’s life and service.

President Bola Tinubu
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FG Hails Safe Rescue of Niger Schoolchildren, Pledges Stronger Security Measures

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The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has described the rescue of abducted pupils of St. Mary’s Catholic Primary and Secondary School, Papiri, in Agwara LGA of Niger State as a moment of national relief. Idris made the remark on Wednesday when he led a Federal Government delegation to the Niger State Government House in Minna to share in the joy of the children’s safe return. The team was received by Governor Umaru Mohammed Bago. “The rescue of these children is a moment of profound relief for their families and for the entire nation. We are grateful for the tireless work of our security agencies, the swift response of the Niger State Government, and the strong community cooperation that made this outcome possible,” Idris said. He applauded the coordinated efforts of security operatives, the state government, and local communities, describing their collaboration as key to the success of the operation. The minister reaffirmed President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to enhancing school security nationwide, stressing that the protection and welfare of Nigerian children remain a top priority. He added that the Federal Government would continue working with states to prevent future attacks on schools. Governor Bago, in his remarks, thanked the minister for the visit and commended the efforts of security forces and local communities in securing the children’s freedom. He also pledged continued partnership with the Federal Government to strengthen security and social stability across the state.

IMO state
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Imo Govt Seals Hotel and Mortuary After Discovery of Decomposed Bodies, Suspected Criminal Declared Wanted

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The Imo State Government on Saturday shut down a hotel and a private mortuary in Umuhu Autonomous Community, Ngor-Okpala, after officials uncovered decomposed and mutilated bodies kept in highly unhygienic conditions, sparking fears of illegal organ-harvesting activities. According to a statement issued on Saturday and shared on X.com on Sunday by the Police Command’s spokesperson, DSP Okoye Henry, the operation was part of an ongoing crackdown on kidnapping and violent crimes along the Owerri–Aba Expressway. The effort is being led by the Commissioner of Police, Aboki Danjuma, in collaboration with other security agencies. Henry noted that the raid followed credible intelligence on a wanted suspect, Stanley Morocco Oparaugo, who is still on the run. He revealed that security operatives inspected a hotel and a private mortuary allegedly owned by Oparaugo and said to be used by kidnappers and other criminals. “At the mortuary, officers discovered decomposed and mutilated corpses stored in unhygienic conditions, raising strong suspicions of illegal organ-harvesting activities,” Henry stated. Following the findings, the state government directed that both the hotel and the mortuary be immediately sealed. A search of the suspect’s residence was also conducted, and key exhibits were recovered. The police assured the public that all those connected to the crime would be identified and brought to justice. “Stanley Morocco Oparaugo has been declared wanted. Anyone with useful information should report to the nearest police station,” the statement read, adding that maximum security has now been deployed along the Owerri–Aba Expressway ahead of the holiday season. Meanwhile, the development comes amid renewed calls for an investigation into alleged abuses by the Imo State Police Command’s anti-kidnapping unit, popularly known as Tiger Base. Nigerians have urged the Inspector-General of Police, the Police Service Commission, and human rights groups to probe reports of unlawful detentions, torture, and extrajudicial killings. These calls intensified following the case of Levi Opara, a 46-year-old businessman and father of five, who died under controversial circumstances while in the custody of the Tiger Base Unit. Opara, from Emekuku in Owerri North LGA, was arrested on October 15, 2023, after a domestic dispute with his wife. Despite efforts by his family to secure his release, he was found dead three days later, with conflicting accounts about what happened to him before his death.

Usman Ododo
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Ododo Highlights Security Boost, Infrastructure Drive in Kogi’s Two-Year Progress Report

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Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, says his administration has stepped up the fight against insecurity by employing 1,050 hunters, establishing a Forward Operation Base, and absorbing vigilante operatives into the state’s civil service. The governor also outlined major achievements recorded within his first two years in office, focusing on economic recovery, infrastructure development, and improved social welfare. He spoke in Lokoja during a three-day training programme aimed at strengthening development and infrastructure growth in line with Kogi’s 32-year development plan. Represented by the Commissioner for Finance, Budget and Economic Planning, Mukadam Asiru Asiwaju, Ododo highlighted the revival of the Confluence Rice Mill as a key milestone. He noted that the initiative has supported more than 7,000 farmers and created jobs through KEDA grants and soft loans. Ododo also reiterated his administration’s commitment to completing over 500 kilometres of roads, installing solar streetlights, and rehabilitating major waterworks across the state. He added that significant progress has been made in expanding free healthcare services, improving educational support, and rolling out empowerment programmes for women and youths. “We have employed 1,050 hunters, established a Forward Operation Base, and absorbed vigilante operatives into the civil service,” he said. The governor stressed the importance of aligning current and future projects with the state’s long-term 32-Year Development Plan to ensure continuity and sustainable growth. He urged participants at the training to apply the knowledge gained in driving Kogi State’s vision of prosperity by 2056.

Kidnap
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Two Weeks After Niger School Abduction, Families Still Wait as No Word Comes From Kidnappers

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Two weeks after the abduction of students, pupils, and staff of St Mary Catholic School in Papiri, Agwara LGA of Niger State, families and school authorities say they are still in the dark with no contact from the kidnappers and no confirmed information on the children’s whereabouts. The attack, carried out on November 21 by suspected bandits, led to the abduction of 315 children and staff. About 50 of them managed to escape days later. After reviewing its records, the Catholic Diocese of Kontagora confirmed that 265 students, pupils, and workers remain in captivity. Catholic Bishop Bulus Dauwa Yohanna of Kontagora Diocese said neither the school nor parents have received any communication from the abductors. However, he said they remain hopeful following assurances from a federal government delegation led by National Security Adviser (NSA) Nuhu Ribadu, who visited the diocese and promised that the children are safe and will be rescued. Parents share the same mix of fear and hope. One of them, Dimas Joseph Mauhuta whose son Julius, a JSS 2 student, is among the abductees said he has not received any contact and is relying on the NSA’s assurances. “The government should act and come to our aid,” he pleaded. The school’s head teacher, Rev Sister Blessing Amodu, also appealed emotionally for urgent help, saying all they want is the safe return of the children and staff. The Niger State police spokesperson, Wasiu Abiodun, said updates would be made public “in due course,” noting that efforts are ongoing. Schools Across Northern States Remain Shut Amid Kidnapping Fears In Kebbi State, all public and private schools remain closed following a wave of kidnappings. School managements say they are waiting for an official resumption date. Some of the affected schools include Unity Government Girls’ College, Nagari College, Emir Haruna Rashid College, and others. The Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education said reopening may happen in January, though this has not been officially confirmed. Bauchi State is considering reopening its schools after Christmas. Schools were shut 11 days ago due to rising insecurity. The Commissioner for Education, Dr Lawal Rimin-Zayam, said schools may resume next year, with first-term exams to be conducted immediately. He added that the closure period will be used to renovate facilities and strengthen security under the Safe Schools Initiative. Kwara Strengthens Security Measures, University Relocates Campus In Kwara State, the Federal Government College, Ilorin, was shut on November 21 in line with a directive from the Federal Ministry of Education affecting 47 Federal Unity Colleges nationwide. Kwara State University also directed staff and students at its Ilesha-Baruba campus to relocate temporarily to the main campus in Malete as a preventive security measure ahead of its 13th convocation ceremony and the upcoming academic break. The state government has activated enhanced security measures in several LGAs Ifelodun, Ekiti, Irepodun, Isin, and Oke Ero where schools may be more vulnerable to attacks. The measures, which may remain in place for a while, are designed to prevent kidnappers from using schoolchildren as shields amid intensified security operations.

Health
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UCH Resident Doctors Resume Work After Month-Long Nationwide Strike

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Doctors working as residents at the University College Hospital (UCH) in Ibadan, Nigeria, have gone back to their duties despite a monthlong nationwide strike launched by the Nigeria Association of Resident Doctors (NARD). However, the industrial action, which commenced on November 1, was a result of the federal government failing to address the doctors’ requests, such as a 200% increase in the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) scale, implementation of new allowances, as requested since July 2022, as well as addressing the shortage of clinical staff caused by delays in replacement. Commenting on the issue, the President, UCH Association of Resident Doctors (ARD), Dr. Gboyega Ajibola, stated that the National Executive Council of NARD sat on November 29 to review the strike action. He clarified that most of their urgent demands as the association were already fulfilled, causing the halt in the industrial action. A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was also reached between the group and the federal government, addressing the list of their demands. “Based on the satisfactory terms of the MoU, the NARD NEC agreed to suspend the industrial action, giving the government four weeks to reappraise its progress,” Ajibola stated. After this incident, NARD ordered that congresses must be held in all centres on December 1, with the objective of informing members. Based on this, congress was held in UCH on Monday morning at 8 a.m., with members required to resume their duties. Ajibola affirmed that the resident doctors in UCH were all back at their duties.

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Africa Launches Groundbreaking Twice-Yearly HIV Prevention Injection with 99.9% Effectiveness

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Africa has reached a historic milestone in HIV prevention as three countries begin rolling out lenacapavir, a revolutionary injection that needs to be taken just twice a year and has shown over 99.9% effectiveness in preventing HIV transmission. According to report, South Africa, Eswatini, and Zambia are leading the continent’s first public distribution of the breakthrough drug, bringing hope to a region that carries the world’s heaviest HIV burden. Lenacapavir works almost like a vaccine in its ability to prevent HIV infection. Unlike daily pills, this injectable treatment only requires administration every six months, making it far more practical for widespread use. The rollout in South Africa is being led by a Wits University research team with backing from Unitaid, a United Nations health initiative. This is particularly significant in a country where roughly one in five adults lives with HIV. “The first individuals have begun using lenacapavir for HIV prevention in South Africa, making it among the first real-world uses of the 6-monthly injectable in low- and middle-income countries,” Unitaid announced, though they didn’t specify exact numbers of people who’ve received the initial doses. Currently, lenacapavir costs about $28,000 (over ₦30 million) per person annually in the United States, a price that puts it far out of reach for most people in affected countries. However, pharmaceutical giant Gilead Sciences has pledged to provide the drug at no profit to two million people in high-burden countries over the next three years. Zambia and Eswatini each received around 1,000 doses last month through U.S. support and launched the program during World AIDS Day events. The real breakthrough is expected by 2027, when affordable generic versions are projected to hit the market at approximately $40 per year in over 100 countries. These generics will be made possible through agreements involving Unitaid, the Gates Foundation, and Indian drug manufacturers. Eastern and southern Africa account for about 52% of the world’s 40.8 million people living with HIV, according to 2024 UNAIDS data.

Nigerian Soldier
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Soldiers Arrest Police Officer, Four Others Over Renewed Communal Clash in Taraba

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Troops of the Nigerian Army’s 6 Brigade have arrested a police officer and four armed militia members linked to the fresh outbreak of violence between the Shomo and Wurkun communities in Usmanu village, Karim-Lamido LGA of Taraba State. The clash, driven by a long-running land dispute, resulted in significant destruction including the burning of several houses though no fatalities were reported. This was disclosed in a statement released on Sunday by Lt. Umar Muhammad, Acting Assistant Public Relations Officer of the Brigade. According to the Army, the operation was launched after credible intelligence revealed a resurgence of hostilities between the two communities. When troops arrived at the scene, they were ambushed by armed attackers emerging from the Fadama axis. The soldiers returned fire, neutralising four assailants. A sweep of the area led to the recovery of three dane guns, a fabricated AK-47 rifle, 25 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, and two motorcycles. In a development described as highlighting “the complexity of the conflict,” soldiers also arrested a police personnel found operating alongside the armed militia. The officer is now undergoing investigation to establish his role in the crisis. Commander of the 6 Brigade and Sector 3 Operation Whirl Stroke, Brig.-Gen. Kingsley Chidiebere Uwa, praised the troops for their swift action and professionalism. He reiterated the Brigade’s commitment to eliminating criminal elements and maintaining security across Taraba State. He called on residents of Karim-Lamido and surrounding areas to remain calm, cooperate with security agencies, and support efforts to restore lasting peace through credible information. The Nigerian Army assured the public that stability is steadily returning as security operations continue.

President Bola Tinubu
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Tinubu Reaffirms Security, Peace, and Economic Reform as Top Priorities at Prince Audu Memorial

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President Bola Tinubu has restated that restoring peace, strengthening national security, and expanding economic opportunities remain the central focus of his administration. Represented by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, at the memorial of former Kogi State governor, Prince Abubakar Audu, in Lokoja on Sunday, the President said the Federal Government is fully mobilised to confront threats and restore nationwide stability. “We are under no illusions about the recent setbacks and security challenges that have tested our nation’s resolve,” Idris said. “Let me be unequivocal: the security and welfare of every Nigerian remain the sacred priority of my government. We have therefore taken decisive action.” He emphasised that the recently declared State of Emergency on national security is not symbolic but a firm commitment to strengthening security manpower, modernising intelligence systems, and accelerating key reforms including the push for State Police as a community-focused approach to local threats. “The Declaration of a State of Emergency is a declaration of war against all forms of insecurity,” he said. “We are expanding the capacity of our armed forces with more personnel, advanced weaponry, and improved intelligence. We will hunt the enemies of our state and restore the peace every Nigerian deserves.” Idris also noted that lasting security requires structural changes, highlighting the administration’s push for State Police as essential for grassroots safety and increased local employment. He added that the Federal Government is intensifying diplomatic engagement to counter misinformation that distorts Nigeria’s image, particularly regarding religious harmony. Reflecting on the legacy of Prince Abubakar Audu, President Tinubu praised the late leader as a pivotal figure in Nigeria’s democratic development. He described Audu as a visionary whose leadership shaped Kogi State and contributed significantly to Nigeria’s return to stable civilian governance. “Prince Abubakar Audu was not just a politician; he was a pathfinder,” Tinubu said. “As the first democratically elected Governor of Kogi State, he carved a vision for the state and laid the foundations of our enduring democracy.” The President also outlined ongoing reforms, including a major initiative to modernise the livestock industry through ranching schemes, better animal husbandry, and full integration of the livestock value chain into the national economy. This, he said, aims to reduce conflict between herders and farmers while boosting economic growth. Tinubu further highlighted expansions in Social Investment Programmes to support vulnerable citizens, strengthen small businesses, and equip youths with globally competitive skills. He added that the administration is embarking on an unprecedented expansion of national infrastructure from modernising roads and railways to enhancing electricity supply. “We are building the arteries that will connect our markets, power our industries, and unite our people,” he said. “The legacy of development Prince Audu began in Kogi is a model we are determined to scale across the nation.”

NDLEA
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NDLEA Busts Lekki Drug Network Using Social Media to Sell Illicit Substances Packaged as Christmas Snacks

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Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have uncovered a social media-based drug distribution network disguising illicit substances as imported Christmas cookies and snacks in the Lekki area of Lagos. The agency arrested two alleged ringleaders after raiding their hideout and dismantling the operation. According to NDLEA spokesperson Femi Babafemi, the syndicate, led by Deji Adesanya and Olubiyi Majekodunmi, imported consignments of Canadian Loud a potent strain of cannabis and a variety of colourful designer sachets branded with cookie and snack labels. These were used to package the drugs in small retail quantities for distribution through a WhatsApp platform. Acting on credible intelligence, NDLEA operatives raided an apartment on Ojulari Street, Ikate, Lekki, on Saturday, 22 November 2025, where they recovered a large stash of the designer packaging and 5kg of Loud. In a separate operation on Thursday, 27 November, officers arrested 38-year-old drug kingpin Philip Ucheka in Mushin, Lagos, as he received 110 pouches of Canadian Loud weighing 55.6kg. Three delivery vehicles linked to him were also seized. That same week, NDLEA personnel intercepted 100 grams of Loud hidden inside a teddy bear imported from Thailand at a courier company, and seized 548 capsules of tramadol concealed in Vitamin C and magnesium bottles at another logistics firm. Along the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway in Oyo State, officers arrested 55-year-old Wasiu Kareem on Saturday, 29 November, with a haul that included 8,000 ampoules of pentazocine injection, 590 bottles of codeine syrup, 1,500 Co-codamol pills, and 9,900 tramadol capsules. In Ondo State, seven suspects were taken into custody on Monday, 24 November, following a raid on the Ipe Forest in Akoko South East, where 3,077kg of skunk was recovered. The suspects were identified as John Ede, Ede Ndubuisi, Ikenna Abe, Eze Chukwuma, Maduabuchi Odo, Nnaji Chudubem, and George Okowor. Other arrests included: Kogi State: Anthony Sylvester, 49, arrested on 26 November while transporting 649kg of skunk in a truck along the Okene–Lokoja Highway. Lagos (Seme Border): One suspect, Abubakar Shuaibu, 33, arrested with 487 blocks of skunk weighing 243.5kg during a warehouse raid on Friday, 28 November. Kano: Tsalha Alasan, 47, intercepted with 137kg of skunk along the Zaria–Kano Road on 24 November. Bauchi: Three suspects Godspower Appeal, 50; Ernest Upong, 55; and Godday Chukwudi, 38 arrested on 26 November with 322 blocks of skunk weighing 209kg in Fanshanu village, Toro LGA. Officers also recovered a black Toyota Highlander used to transport the drugs. Abuja/Jos Highway: John Ekojo, 51, arrested with 210.15kg of skunk on 29 November. Abuja/Kaduna Highway: A couple, Abdullahi Abubakar, 45, and Jamila Abdullahi, 35, arrested with 725 rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition concealed in a sack of maize. Another suspect, Awwal Sabiu, 20, was caught with 400 rounds of the same ammunition at the Abuja/Kaduna toll gate on 28 November. The NDLEA says investigations and further operations are ongoing.

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