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Ayilamo attack: Alia tasks DSS on investigation of arrested suspects

Benue governor Hyacinth Alia has described the arrest of three suspects allegedly involved in attack that claimed lives of four policemen and seven others in Ayilamo community in Logo Local Government Area of the State as a significant step towards uncovering the full circumstances of the incident.

Alia said this while condemning the gruesome attack on the Ayilamo community in a statement by his spokesperson, Sir Tersoo Kula, on Friday.

Alia commended the Department of State Services, particularly its personnel in Benue and Nasarawa States, for the prompt and professional operation that led to the arrest of three suspects allegedly connected with the Ayilamo attack.

The Governor said the arrest will ensure that those responsible for the gruesome attack are brought to justice.

He said, ‘We urge the DSS to intensify its investigation and make the best use of the information obtained from the suspects in its custody.

‘Every available lead should be diligently followed to identify and arrest the remaining accomplices, sponsors, collaborators, and other persons connected with the attack. All those found culpable must face the full weight of the law’, Alia said.

He also described the attack as ‘despicable act is an attack on the peace-loving people of Ayilamo and a grave threat to the security and stability of Benue State.

‘The reported killing of four law enforcement officers is particularly painful and underscores the enormous sacrifices being made by security personnel in the line of duty’.

Alia said it was a disturbing reminder of the persistent insecurity and repeated attacks on vulnerable communities and law-enforcement officers in the area.

The Governor also extended his heartfelt condolences to the people of Ayilamo, the families of all the victims, and the entire Logo Local Government community.

‘We mourn with you and assure you that you are not alone in this difficult period,’ he said.

The Governor also commiserated with the Inspector-General of Police and the Commissioner of Police, Benue State Command, over the loss of the four officers who paid the supreme price in the service of their fatherland.

He said, ‘We honour their courage and sacrifice and pray that God grants their families, colleagues, and loved ones the strength to bear this irreparable loss’.

Ali assured that his administration will continue to collaborate with the security agencies to strengthen security in Ayilamo, Logo, and other vulnerable communities across the State.

He said, ‘We are committed to supporting efforts aimed at preventing further attacks, protecting residents, restoring peace, and ensuring that affected communities receive the necessary attention and support.

‘We appeal to the people of Ayilamo and surrounding communities to remain calm, vigilant, and law-abiding.

‘I encourage residents to provide credible and timely information to the security agencies while refraining from actions that could heighten tension or undermine the ongoing investigation’.

The Governor further assures the people of Ayilamo and the entire State that they will not be abandoned, saying, ‘saying we remain resolute in our determination to protect lives and property, uphold justice, and restore lasting peace across Benue State’.

Tinubu mourns Bamanga Tukur

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has mourned the passing of elder statesman, renowned businessman, and former Governor of the old Gongola State, Bamanga Tukur, who died at age 90.

President Tinubu in a statement by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President, Information and Strategy, described the passing of Tukur, the Tafidan Adamawa, as the end of a remarkable chapter in Nigeria’s political and economic history.

The President said Tukur was a towering figure whose distinguished career spanned public administration, governance, industry, politics and pan-African business leadership.

The late Tukur rose to national prominence as General Manager of the Nigerian Ports Authority from 1975 to 1982, where he helped modernise port operations and improve Nigeria’s maritime sector.

President Tinubu recalled Tukur’s colourful foray into politics during the Second Republic, which led to his election as Governor of the old Gongola State (now Adamawa and Taraba States) in 1983.

In his tribute, President Tinubu further described the deceased as ‘urbane, generous and deeply rooted in the values of integrity and service that the Adamawa Emirate and the nation hold dear. He was a man of big ideas and bold enterprise who believed in Nigeria’s limitless potential. Nigeria will sorely miss his wise counsel and fatherly guidance.’

‘The President extends his heartfelt condolences to the Tukur family, to the Fombina Emirate of Adamawa, the Government and people of Adamawa State, and to the entire political and business communities in Nigeria and across Africa.

‘He prays that Almighty Allah will forgive Alhaji Tukur’s shortcomings, grant his soul Aljannah Firdaus, and comfort all who mourn this irreparable loss.’

The deceased distinguished himself in the private sector as Chairman of BHI Holdings and the DADDO Group of Companies, conglomerates with interests in manufacturing, agriculture, logistics and trading, and served as Federal Minister of Industries under the administration of General Sani Abacha from 1993 to 1995.

On the continental stage, Alhaji Tukur was an eloquent champion of Africa’s economic renaissance. As Executive President of the African Business Roundtable and Chairman of the NEPAD Business Group, he was a relentless advocate for intra-African trade, private sector-led growth and sustainable development.

Tukur was the National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) from March 2012 to January 2014.

Firm unveils MVP at GITEX Lagos ahead of launch

HelpMe AI Solutions has exhibited the minimum viable product (MVP) of its still-unlaunched platform at the GITEX AI Exhibition 2026 in Lagos, using the event to publicly unveil work that had remained in development and to test live reaction from visitors and investors.

The company, founded by Nwaeke Ezekiel Abure, has not opened the product to the public. Commercial launch is scheduled for November 24, 2026.

Ezekiel said the decision to attend was deliberate. GITEX was chosen because of its scale in the local AI calendar, and because the team wanted first-hand comments on the MVP rather than another closed-door preview.

‘We went there mainly for exhibition, to showcase our MVP and see the comments we get from people, and also to unveil what we have been working on all this while. We also chose GITEX because it is one of the biggest AI exhibition events in Lagos.’

HelpMe AI Solutions is building two products for the Nigerian market: HelpMe AI, an all-in-one lifestyle and business assistant covering payments, airtime, bills, food ordering, dispatch and SME automation; and HelpMe AI Home Automation, a smart-home and security system designed around local realities.

What Ezekiel described as the real opportunity for African and Nigerian AI was not only that the product can operate commercially at home, but that it is being built to understand basic Nigerian languages and complete tasks in those languages.

‘The fact that our AI product works commercially locally, and also understands all basic Nigerian languages and can complete tasks with these Nigerian languages, stood out as the real opportunity.’

That local-language and local-use pitch, he said, produced the strongest reaction on the exhibition floor. Visitors who were taken through the MVP did not respond with mild interest. They questioned whether a product of that scope could already exist.

‘Most people were amazed about the product. Their reaction was like our product is too good to be true.’

The exhibition was not treated as a victory lap. Ezekiel said the trip also exposed gaps in the product and gave the team a practical way to measure how the MVP lands with a live audience. That reading, he added, has not changed the launch calendar. It has sharpened the company’s confidence in the direction of the 2026 plan.

‘It has made us see our lacks and has also helped us measure the success rate of our product. Currently, we are very sure we are heading in the right direction.’

Between now and November 24, HelpMe AI Solutions is expected to close those gaps, refine the MVP using comments gathered in Lagos, and continue conversations opened with investors and other attendees.

The company remains pre-launch. What GITEX provided, Ezekiel said, was a public first look and a clearer measure of whether the product belongs in the market it was built for.

kidnapping, banditry must be eradicated in South West – Igboho

The Yoruba nation activist, Chief Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, on Saturday ordered all volunteers of Iru Ekun Security Network in Lagos, Oyo, Ogun, Ondo and Ekiti states to ensure total eradication of kidnapping, banditry and other criminalities in communities and agrarian settlements.

Igboho, who gave the order in Lagos while inaugurating the state chapter of Iru Ekun Security Network, said the current reduction in the spate of abduction for ransom, banditry and other heinous crimes must be sustained within the ambit of the law.

A statement by Igboho media office disclosed that the security outfit was committed to confront and checkmate anybody regardless of ethnic or religious colouration who constitutes threats to peace and stability in the South West.

Describing the organisation as a panacea to insecurity and other emerging threats to communal peace and safety, he contended that tactical support through intelligence and versatile personnel by the Police, the Department of State Service (DSS), and other paramilitary agencies had greatly assisted Iru Ekun to subdue criminals in the South West.

While contending that Iru Ekun Security remains the best local initiative to reinvigorate and strengthen security in the South West, Igboho cautioned volunteers in Lagos against exceeding the limit and standard set by the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Tunji Disu and the Director-General of the Department of State Service (DSS), Tosin Ajayi, in the discharge of their duties.

The statement reads, ‘We have had a successful launching of Iru Ekun in Osun, Ekiti, Ondo, Ogun and Lagos with intimidating population of volunteers coming out to work for effective security of South West states. This laudable feat was as a result of approval of our private security agency by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and laudable support by our governors.

‘We have to commend heads of security agencies in Nigeria for their respective motivation, technical support and cooperation, which have contributed immensely to the recent rescue operations of victims of kidnapping, banditry and other criminalities in our communities, most especially in agrarian settlements and forests.

‘There is no gainsaying the fact that since the advent of Iru Ekun Security Network, cases of abduction, herders-farmers’ clash, banditry and other incidents of insecurity have subsided in the South West. We must not relent in the our efforts to ensure that we rid our states of criminals in order to foster visible socioeconomic developments in Yorubaland.

‘I can assure you all that Iru Ekun will outlive the regime of President Tinubu after the completion of its second term in office by 2031. But as volunteers you must not interfere in civil matters such as land disputes, recovery of debt, marital crisis and snatching of peoples’ wives. Image and credibility of our security organisation must be guarded jealously and protected through responsible and decent conduct by all volunteers.

‘It is pertinent and gratifying to inform the public that we have restored hope and confidence of our people in Owa Onire community, in Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State, who were hitherto sacked by gun weilding bandits. The community became desolate after they fled their ancestral homes.

‘Now they have returned as a result of our intervention. Currently, personnel of Iru Ekun Security Network are mounting guards in Owa Onire and the displaced inhabitants have the confidence and courage to thrive in their domain.’

Guber hopeful, Solomon Adeola Yayi returns from vacation

After taking some time away to unwind and recharge his batteries, Ogun State governorship hopeful and Senator representing Ogun West, Solomon Adeola, has returned from vacation, refreshed and ready for the political activities ahead.

The lawmaker, who has remained a prominent figure in the political calculations ahead of the 2027 Ogun State governorship election, reportedly used the break to relax away from the demands of political engagements and legislative responsibilities.

With his return, attention is expected to shift once again to the political terrain in Ogun, where the race for the governorship seat is gradually gathering momentum. Yayi’s name has continued to feature prominently in conversations surrounding the state’s next political dispensation.

Known for his energetic political style and extensive grassroots network, the senator has, over the years, built a formidable political structure, particularly across Ogun West, while maintaining relationships with stakeholders across the state.

His return is therefore expected to rekindle a fresh wave of political activities among his supporters and associates, many of whom have been eagerly awaiting his arrival.

Beyond politics, Yayi has also cultivated a reputation for maintaining a vibrant social circle, with his engagements often attracting politicians, business leaders, traditional rulers and members of the high society.

Now back in town, the governorship hopeful appears set to resume his engagements, consultations and other activities as the political temperature in Ogun continues to rise.

For Yayi, the vacation may have offered a much-needed breather, but with the 2027 political season steadily approaching, the period of rest appears to be over. The senator is back, and as his associates would say, refreshed, recharged and ready for the race ahead.

Lady Gaga welcomes first child with fiancé

American singer and actress Lady Gaga has reportedly welcomed her first child with her fiancé, entrepreneur Michael Polansky.

The couple were recently spotted in Northern California, with Gaga seen carrying their newborn, according to Page Six.

Gaga, whose real name is Stefani Joanne Angelina Germanotta, began dating Polansky in 2020 before the pair got engaged in 2024.

The couple has yet to disclose details about the baby, including the child’s name, gender, or exact date of birth.

Gaga had previously spoken publicly about her desire to become a mother.

In a YouTube video in December 2019, while discussing her plans for the next decade, the singer said she hoped motherhood would be part of her future.

‘I want to do more movies, I want to have babies,’ she said.

Ododo’s reconciliation committee raises hope for Kogi APC unity

The reconciliation committee set up by Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, has renewed expectations of greater unity within the All Progressives Congress (APC) as the party prepares for the 2027 general elections.

The 17-member Peace and Conflict Resolution Committee, chaired by former Governor Idris Wada, is mandated to identify grievances among party members, engage aggrieved stakeholders, and propose measures to resolve lingering disputes.

The committee is also expected to reach out to inactive and estranged members in an effort to bring them back into the party and establish a framework for managing future disagreements.

Its membership, which includes former governors and other prominent political figures, is expected to provide a broad range of perspectives to the reconciliation process.

However, the effectiveness of the initiative will largely depend on its ability to address the issues behind the disagreements within the party.

Among the concerns likely to require attention are political inclusion, party structures, appointments, primary elections and competing interests ahead of the 2027 elections.

Stakeholders also emphasise the need for the committee to provide all sides with a fair opportunity to present their grievances and ensure that its engagement goes beyond meetings to produce practical outcomes.

The initiative comes as the APC begins preparations for the 2027 elections, when a united party structure could be critical to its performance across the state.

If supported by political will and a commitment to implementing credible recommendations, the reconciliation process could help rebuild trust among divided stakeholders and strengthen cooperation within the party.

Its ultimate test, however, will be whether it can translate its engagements into genuine reconciliation and a more cohesive APC ahead of the 2027 polls.

Ridon cites relevance of VP Sara’s husband in unexplained wealth charge

Lawyer Manases ‘Mans’ Carpio is highly relevant to the unexplained wealth charge against his wife, Vice President Sara Z. Duterte, because what he owns also bears on her wealth, House impeachment prosecutor and Bicol Saro party-list Rep. Terry Ridon said Saturday.

‘Very relevant po ‘yung asawa po ng Pangalawang Pangulo dahil, siyempre, basically kung ano po ‘yung pag-aari ni Atty. Carpio ay pag-aari din po ng ating Pangalawang Pangulo,’ Ridon said during the Saturday News Forum in Quezon City.

Ridon, who co-leads the prosecution of Article II with Akbayan Party-list Rep. Chel Diokno, said questioning Carpio could help establish the actual extent of the couple’s properties, wealth and business interests.

‘So I think very relevant po ‘yung mga pagtatanong patungkol doon sa mga actual na extent ng kanilang mga ari-arian, ‘yun pong actual na extent ng kanilang mga kayamanan at kanilang mga kumpanya,’ he said.

Ridon said the prosecution is therefore keeping open the option of calling Carpio as a hostile witness as it begins presenting evidence on the unexplained wealth charge Monday.

‘So as it is, asking him to be a hostile witness for the prosecution today remains on the table,’ he said.

The Senate impeachment court earlier allowed subpoenas for bank and tax records involving Duterte, Carpio and their companies.

Prosecutors have since received copies of the documents for use in Article II.

Ridon also expressed the view that Carpio could not necessarily invoke the same right against self-incrimination that Duterte might assert if she were called to testify.

‘So if the Vice President, for example, will insist on her right against self-incrimination, I don’t think Atty. Carpio can actually raise that same particular point,’ Ridon said.

Any invocation of the constitutional protection against self-incrimination would have to be resolved in relation to the particular questions posed before the impeachment court.

Prosecutors are reviewing more than 1,800 financial documents for Article II, including bank and tax records involving Duterte, Carpio and their companies.

For UAAP Season 89 opening treat, FEU turns its eyes to Super Bowl

You’d think that after University of Santo Tomas put on quite the opening show for last season’s UAAP, the España-based school would be the standard everyone else in the league would match.

This year’s host, however, is aiming to rival a bigger franchise.

Far Eastern U athletic director Mark Molina, the UAAP Season 89 president, told journalists the school will stage an opening ceremony on Saturday that would be as talked-about as the celebrated Super Bowl halftime show of the National Football League in the United States.

‘Palag,’ Molina said, using a term that people use to denote, among other things, the ability of something to hold its own when compared to much better alternatives.

The confidence stems from the two celebrities headlining FEU’s opening party. Popular noontime show host and comedian Vice Ganda and rapper Gloc-9 have pledged to not just perform but contribute their creative input to the show, which will be held at Mall of Asia Arena.

‘We were overwhelmed with the kind of support [they gave], how they embraced being part of the show,’ Molina said.

‘Vice said she’ll aim for the level of a Super Bowl halftime show,’ he added. ‘I’ve seen [the rehearsals] and Vice really did it. We were also surprised that she came up with a show like that.’

‘It’s going to be fantastic.’

The NFL showcase has been a premier and lavish intersection of sports and entertainment, with top pop artists vying to star in the spectacle.

Last year, UST wowed everyone with the pomp and pageantry of its opening ceremony, which thoroughly defied tradition and redefined the way curtains are lifted off UAAP seasons.

This Season 89, which FEU will host, will carry the theme ‘For Everyone, UAAP.’

‘When you talk about the UAAP, you always see the basketball players, the volleyball players, but we don’t see the people who made them successful,’ Molina explained.

‘Everyone in the community is very important; that’s why we have successful teams: teachers, students, drivers, the cooks in the canteen. All of them are an important part of the FEU and UAAP communities. That’s why we chose that theme.’

Enters the new Balogun of Oyo Kingdom

It was the radiance of kings last Saturday at the palace of the Alaafin of Oyo as His Imperial Majesty, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade I, led a battery of traditional rulers from far and near to install a new Balogun (war leader, Captain) for the kingdom.

Dr Adesola Adeduntan, FCA, was an accomplished banker, indeed, the former Group Chief Executive Officer of FirstBank. He is also Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of Abiola Ajimobi Technical University, Ibadan. Now he adds another title to his already well-bedecked cap. Balogun of Oyo.

Alaafin Owoade, accompanied by His Imperial Majesty, the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba (Senator) Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, Arusa I, the Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrasheed Akanbi, the Olowu of Owu, Oba (Professor) Saka Adelola Matemilola, many other monarchs from across Oyo and neighbouring states, captains of industry, technocrats, and other high net-worth people turned out at the installation ceremony, held within the precinct of the Alaafin’s palace. There was also a high-level contingent of Lagos traditional rulers, including the Oniru of Iruland, Oba Abdulwasiu Omogbolahan Lawal, and the Olu of Iwa and Apapa, Oba Morufu Amodu-Tijani. Enters the new Balogun of Oyo, successor to Dr Omololu Olunloyo, a former governor of Oyo State.

Come and see traditional drumming at its quaintest, most scintillating. And the drummers were not just old men, but included boys as young as four, five years old. Tradition and culture at its best. And you could hear panegyrics as well as chants that made the head swell.

A lot of rumours had attended the relationship between the Alaafin and the Olubadan over the months, how they were at loggerheads, and at no love lost. All that was laid to rest when the two monarchs ushered Adeduntan and his wife, Hajia Ameenat Olabimpe Amope Oluwa-Adeduntan, installed Ayinba Balogun of Oyo, into the hall. A rapturous welcome heralded them.

A lot of plaudits attended Adeduntan as he took the new title. Most significant was that from the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Bola Ahmed Tinubu. He described the installation of the new Balogun as ‘both an honour and a call to greater service’, adding: ‘I trust that you will continue to deploy your experience, influence and resources towards promoting peace, opportunity, development and the preservation of our rich cultural heritage.’

The President recalled the illustrious banking career of Adeduntan, his continuing contribution to national development through enterprise, education and philanthropy, and urged the new Balogun to ‘bring to the service of the Alaafin, the Oyo Kingdom and its people, the same discipline, strategic foresight and commitment to excellence that have distinguished your professional and public life.’

It will be recalled that in his 9-year tenure as MD/CEO, Adeduntan turned FirstBank into a digitally driven institution, raising the number of customer accounts from about 10 million to over 40 million.

Since retiring from FirstBank, Adeduntan has increasingly turned his attention to enterprise and philanthropy. He is Founder and Chairman of Sequoia Holdings, whose flagship minerals business, Sequoia Minerals and Metals, is building district-scale positions across Nigeria’s critical, precious and industrial minerals belts. Through the Adesola Adeduntan Foundation, he is also investing in education and healthcare, including modern Grade ‘A’ Primary Healthcare Centres being developed within the palace complexes of the Alaafin of Oyo and the Olubadan of Ibadanland.

Oba Owoade described the Balogun title as one of the most revered and senior, historically saddled with the responsibility of leadership, courage, and defence of the Oyo Kingdom.

He challenged the new Balogun to deploy his experience for the development, peace and unity of the kingdom.

Adeduntan expressed gratitude for the honour and pledged to serve with humility, integrity and commitment, describing the Alaafin as kind, social, giving, and ‘typically builds deep personal bonds with the people. He is known for resolving conflicts peacefully (and for avoiding them in the first place)…He is a dynamic ruler.’

Chief Bode Thomas was Balogun before Dr Olunloyo. Now, the Apesin Ola of Ibadanland (where he hails from) is the new one. May he serve well. Amen.