Category: Daily Trust

Suspected Boko Haram insurgents have attacked a military base in Ngamdu, Kaga local government area of Borno State.

Daily Trust gathered that the incident happened in the wee hours of Friday.

The insurgents, in large numbers, attacked the troops at the camp along Maiduguri-Damaturu highway.

SPONSOR AD

Motorists and commercial drivers said as a result of the attack, the military blocked Ngamdu road until around 11:20am. ‘I left Damaturu very early with the hope of arriving Maiduguri around 9am for an engagement but on reaching Ngamdu, the road was closed.’

‘Some security personnel told us to be patient that there was problem on the road. But residents said the Boko Haram attacked the soldiers and killed some of them,’ a traveller who did not want to be quoted said

Sources in the town revealed that terrorists took the soldier unaware.

‘The attack lasted for hours before the insurgents retreated, but they killed and wounded soldiers,’ he said

A security source told our correspondent that the casualty was not much as reported.

‘Well, the terrorists attempted an ambush but our gallant soldiers have repelled them, and we have the a good fight,’ he said.

When asked about the casualty, he said, ‘Yes some soldiers were wounded and taken to hospital, but the many insurgents were also killed.’

The military is yet to react to the development as of the time of filing this report.

A governorship aspirant on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State, Omooba Dotun Babayemi, has said his ambition is driven by a desire to improve governance and drive development in the state.

Babayemi, who has so far toured 200 of the state’s 332 wards, spoke during his visit to Gbongan, Ayedaade Local Government Area.

He said the tour was aimed at engaging residents and identifying community needs to shape his development agenda if elected.

SPONSOR AD

He noted that Osun’s vast human and natural resources could be harnessed to stimulate economic growth and create jobs, urging APC members to unite ahead of the next election. ‘Our goal is to understand the real challenges across urban and rural areas so that our plans reflect the people’s priorities,’ he said.

He expressed optimism that renewed collaboration within the party and effective leadership could reposition Osun as a model of development in the South-West.

Babayemi had earlier held consultative meetings with party leaders across the 30 local government areas before embarking on the ward-to-ward tour.

A psychiatrist at the Neuropsychiatric Hospital Aro, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Dr Emmanuel Abayomi, says about 60 million are currently battling mental illnesses.

He spoke on Friday in Abeokuta at a workshop organised by the NAS Medical Mission under the aegis of the National Association of Seadogs in commemoration of this year’s World Mental Health Day.

The programme put together by Ash Montana Deck in collaboration with Atlantis, Americana 1 and Longhorn Deck, attracted police and other paramilitary operatives in the state.

SPONSOR AD

Speaking on the ‘Access to services-mental health in catastrophes and emergencies,’ Abayomi expressed concern over growing cases of mental struggles among Nigerians. Quoting WHO statistics, the medical expert said one in eight persons suffer from mental health conditions.

But in Nigeria, Abayomi said the figure is higher with about 60 million citizens estimated to be battling mental health conditions.

‘For Nigeria, the figure is higher. As a matter of fact, about 60m Nigerians, according to the latest estimate, have a mental health struggle. And if you put our population to 200m or 240m , that is one in five, one in six people who have mental health conditions.

‘So, it’s quite much and it is a thing of concern in Nigeria,’ he said.

The expert identified anxiety disorders, depression, post-traumatic stress, alcohol and substance use as some of the behind-the-scenes of mental struggles.

‘Staying too long in isolation with a phone thereby reducing interaction with people also has an effect on people’s mental wellbeing,’ he said.

He called for regular sleep, balance diet, water intake, physical activity and connection as part of moves to improve mental health

‘It is important that we talk about mental health so that people who are suffering can get access to treatment because mental illness is actually treatable. When people get help, they can get better, recover from their mental illness and live life to their full potential,’ Abayomi said.

Also speaking, the Chairman of Ogun State Alternate Medicine Board (OGAMB), Balogun Nurudeen Olaleye, represented by Dolapo Junaid, the Press Officer of the board, said traditional and cultural approaches to mental health in catastrophes involve recognizing and leveraging existing community structures, spiritual beliefs, and traditional healing practices to provide psychological support.

This, he said, includes integrating mental health into primary care, implementing community-based, locally adapted programs, educating the public on self-care and resilience, and ensuring culturally sensitive responses that empower local populations to take ownership of their mental health recovery.

‘There are a lot of powers and solutions embedded in our traditional setting and institutions to so many problems that are confronted by human beings only if we shun sentimental western lifestyle cultural imperialism beliefs,’ Olaleye said.

The Capoon of Ash Montana Deck of Ogun State, Ganiyu Omitogun, said the workshop is crucial to driving the advocacy required to change the narrative and challenge the government to improve access to mental health services in Nigeria and your community around the globe.

Omitogun also said the theme highlights the critical need for mental health and psychosocial support for those affected by crises, including conflicts, public health emergencies, and natural disasters.

‘It is pertinent to note that mental health is a priority not just during major crises but in our everyday life. Our collective well-being is vital, and creating access to care is important in sustaining our mental health and well-being,’ he said.

The Gambia will hold its next presidential election on December 5, 2026, officials announced on Thursday, as President Adama Barrow’s bid for a third term elicits mounting criticism.

Barrow surprised Gambians earlier this year when he said he would seek a third term in office.

The move is allowed under the tiny West African country’s 1997 constitution, but had not originally been expected of him.

SPONSOR AD

After Barrow was elected in 2016, it was widely believed that The Gambia would finally get a new constitution with presidential term limits. However, lawmakers allied to Barrow rejected a draft constitution in 2020 over a retroactive clause imposing two-term presidential limits that would have prevented Barrow from running again.

Four years later, the government drew up a second draft removing the retroactive clause.

But that bill was rejected by lawmakers in July.

Barrow’s decision to run for a third term under the banner of his National People’s Party has caused criticism inside and outside the country.

The Gambia’s largest political party, the United Democratic Party, last month unveiled veteran politician Ousainou Darboe as its flagbearer for the presidential election.

Barrow, however, is widely expected to win the 2026 vote at this stage, as the opposition has yet to pull together a winning coalition.

Joseph Colley, chairman of The Gambia’s Independent Electoral Commission (IEC), announced on Thursday that the presidential vote would take place on December 5, 2026, and parliamentary elections on April 10, 2027.

The December 5 date is standard for the country’s electoral calendar under its current constitution.

The Police Command in Niger State says it has arrested four suspects for criminal conspiracy and theft of motorcycles in Minna and other areas.

This was contained in a statement by the command’s Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Wasiu Abiodun, on Thursday in Minna.

Abiodun explained that on October 3, at about 9 pm, a direct complaint was received that one Michael Isah (23) of the BYJ area of Kwamba, ran away with his friend’s TVS motorcycle.

SPONSOR AD

He explained further that the motorcycle’s registration number is ABJ 402 MV and it is valued at over N1 million.

‘On receipt of this, police operatives of Maje Division swung into action and were on the lookout for the suspect and the motorcycle.

‘Fortunately, on October 4, at about 11:30 a.m., the said motorcycle was found with Abubakar Mutawakil of Kwamba, who was making efforts to get a buyer for it.

‘He was immediately arrested, and he confessed to the crime. He also led the operatives to arrest Michael Isah, who gave him the motorcycle for disposal,’ he said. (NAN)

In a move to attract sustainable investment and strengthen state-level economies, the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) has partnered with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to drive subnational investment and financing reforms.

A high-level UNDP delegation led by Ms. Elsie G. Attafuah, UNDP Resident Representative in Nigeria, and Dr. Raymond Gilpin, Chief Economist for Africa and Head of the UNDP Economists’ Network, visited the NGF Secretariat in Abuja to discuss innovative financing models aimed at helping state governments mobilise investments and close infrastructure and fiscal capacity gaps across Nigeria’s 36 states.

Welcoming the delegation, NGF Director-General, Dr. Abdulateef Shittu, described the engagement as ‘a timely step in deepening Nigeria’s subnational development agenda.’

SPONSOR AD

A statement issued on Thursday by the NGF Director of Media and Strategic Communications, Yunusa Abdullahi, quoted Shittu as saying: ‘We value UNDP’s partnership in helping states become more competitive and investment-ready. Our goal is to create a pathway where subnational governments can independently attract, manage, and sustain investments that directly impact lives and livelihoods.’ He added that with UNDP’s technical support and the Forum’s coordination structure, states could become key drivers of Nigeria’s economic transformation.

Speaking during the visit, Dr. Raymond Gilpin commended the NGF’s leadership in establishing platforms that enable states to engage effectively with global investors.

Also speaking, Ms. Elsie G. Attafuah described the collaboration as ‘a continuation of UNDP’s long-standing partnership with the Nigeria Governors’ Forum to accelerate inclusive, equitable, and sustainable growth across Nigeria.’

An Ikeja Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Court on Thursday remanded a 42-year-old carpenter, Abdulrahman Malik, for allegedly defiling his 17-year-old daughter (name withheld).

He was also accused of drugging the minor with sleep-inducing medication with an intent to have unlawful sex with her.

The defendant, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges.

SPONSOR AD

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Justice Rahman Oshodi remanded Malik in the Kirikiri Correctional Centre, pending the trial and determination of the case. Justice Oshodi adjourned the case until January 15, 2026.

Earlier, the Lagos State Government arraigned Malik on a three-count charge of defilement of a child, incapacitating in order to commit a felony, and sexual assault.

The State Lead Counsel, Mr. Babajide Boye, had told the court that the defendant allegedly committed the offence between 2015 and 2020 in Ikorodu area of Lagos.

Boye submitted that the defendant drugged the minor with sleep-inducing medication with the intent to have unlawful sex with her.

According to the prosecution, the offence contravenes the provisions of Sections 137, 263, and 239 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State, 2015. (NAN)

The Kano State’s Hisbah Board remains one of Nigeria’s most talked-about moral and religious institutions. Established to uphold Islamic values and promote moral discipline, the agency has become a central feature of life in Northern Nigeria’s most populous state. To its supporters, Hisbah represents a force for good – a guardian of decency and order in a society struggling with moral decline. But to its critics, it is an institution that sometimes blurs the line between religious guidance and personal freedom.

The Kano State Hisbah Board was officially established in 2003 under the administration of then-Governor Ibrahim Shekarau as part of the broader Sharia implementation in the state. The aim was to institutionalize Islamic ethics by creating a body that would assist in moral education, social regulation, and community mediation. Over the years, Hisbah has expanded its role from enforcing decency to offering humanitarian services, settling family disputes, and rescuing abandoned children.

On the streets of Kano, Hisbah officers are a familiar sight. Dressed in khaki uniforms with green berets, they patrol markets, motor parks, and public events to discourage acts considered un-Islamic – such as public intoxication, prostitution, or indecent dressing. They also intervene in domestic conflicts and are known to mediate between quarrelling spouses or neighbours. For many, this community-level engagement makes them an important part of Kano’s social fabric.

SPONSOR AD

However, Hisbah’s activities have not been without controversy. Critics often accuse the agency of overstepping its boundaries, especially when its operations clash with individual rights protected under Nigeria’s constitution. Instances such as the destruction of alcoholic beverages, the arrest of youths at entertainment events, or the confiscation of musical instruments have sparked public debate and drawn attention from national and international observers. Civil rights groups argue that such actions amount to moral policing rather than lawful enforcement.

Despite these criticisms, many residents still believe the board plays a crucial role in maintaining peace and morality. ‘If not for Hisbah, our children would have lost their values,’ says Hajiya Maryam, a shop owner in Sabon Gari. ‘They teach us how to live according to Islam and help settle disputes without violence.’ This sentiment reflects the board’s deep cultural roots and its popularity among conservative segments of Kano society.

In recent years, Hisbah has also become involved in humanitarian and social development efforts. During crises – such as the COVID-19 pandemic and the 2022 flood disaster – Hisbah officials assisted in distributing relief materials and ensuring orderly conduct at emergency centers. The board also works with local scholars and imams to educate the public about drug abuse, domestic violence, and youth immorality. These programs have earned it praise even from some of its critics.

Still, the balance between moral enforcement and modern governance remains a delicate one. Kano is a rapidly changing city, where traditional norms now coexist with global media, technology, and urban youth culture. Hisbah’s challenge is how to remain relevant and respected in a generation increasingly exposed to digital influences, pop culture, and diverse worldviews. Some young people view Hisbah’s approach as outdated and too harsh, arguing for moral education rather than public arrests or punishments.

The government of Kano State continues to defend the existence of the board, emphasizing its role in promoting peace, social order, and community service. Officials argue that Hisbah’s activities align with the state’s commitment to preserving Islamic identity while ensuring social harmony. However, analysts suggest that the agency must undergo reforms that focus more on enlightenment, counselling, and youth engagement rather than punitive actions.

The Super Eagles of Nigeria face a must-win situation as they take on Lesotho this evening in a crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier in South Africa.

Nigeria’s hopes of reaching the tournament – to be hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico – appeared dim after a 1-1 draw against South Africa in their previous match.

However, a recent decision by FIFA to deduct three points from South Africa for misconduct has reopened the qualification race.

SPONSOR AD

Following the deduction, both Benin Republic and South Africa sit on 14 points ahead of today’s fixtures, giving Nigeria a renewed chance to fight for top spot in Group C.

The Super Eagles must defeat Lesotho to keep their hopes alive, while also relying on favourable results from other fixtures – particularly Zimbabwe vs South Africa and Rwanda vs Benin. The outcome of these matches will determine whether Nigeria’s final group game against Benin on October 14 becomes a decisive one.

There remains a narrow alternative route through the playoff stage. Under CAF’s format, only the nine group winners qualify automatically for the World Cup. The four best runners-up across all groups will then contest a playoff for a possible spot.

However, that route looks difficult for Nigeria. The current fourth-best runner-up, Burkina Faso, have 15 points, with Cameroon, Namibia, and Uganda also on 15 – four points ahead of Nigeria, who have two games remaining.

To stand any realistic chance, the Super Eagles must win both remaining matches and hope results elsewhere work in their favour. Otherwise, Nigeria risk missing out on football’s biggest stage for the second consecutive time.

The Kogi State Internal Revenue Service (KGIRS) has charged property owners who have received Land Use Charge Demand Notice to pay up to fulfil their obligation to the State.

The Executive Chairman of KGIRS, Alhaji Sule Salihu Enehe disclosed this in Lokoja yesterday in a chat with Journalists on the significance of Land Use Charge, and early payment of tax.

He said the Land Use Charge introduced by the government was aimed at eliminating the burden of multiple taxations, including providing more streamlined and efficient tax system.

SPONSOR AD

Alhaji Enehe urged property owners that have received Land Use Charge (LUC) Demand Notice to pay as soon as possible to enable them enjoy early payment incentives. ‘Payment within 5 days of receipt of Demand Notice attracts 15% discount while payment within 15 days of receipt of demand Notice has 10% discount ; and payment within 25 days of receipt of Demand Notice also has 5% discount to encourage prompt payment of the LUC.

‘Payment can be made in all bank branches across the State as well as Kogi State Revenue POS Agents’ he said.

He assured that government would continue to use the revenue for infrastructure development, maintenance of the environment, and provision of adequate security for the State.

The Executive Chairman, KGIRS added : ‘The Land Use Charge offers several benefits, including; Accurate assessment of property values for taxation purposes, Identification and registration of property in the State, Allocation of land for government projects and social amenities, Employment opportunities for enumerators from the District, and Creation of a reliable database on the property makeup of the State to inform decision-making.

‘The tax obligation section of the Land Use Charge focuses on property used for lease and commercial purposes, but there are exemptions, and they include; Property owned and occupied by religious bodies for public worship or education, Public cemeteries and burial grounds,

‘Others are non-profit educational institutions and public libraries, palaces of recognised traditional rulers, community property like town-halls used for community meetings, and Property owned and occupied by pensioners’.