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Two persons were killed while eight others sustained injuries in a road crash in Maiduguri, Borno State capital.

The incident occurred on Friday when a truck crashed into moving vehicles at the Commissioner of Police traffic junction in Maiduguri.

The sector commander, Federal Road Safety Corps, (FRSC) in Borno, Usman A Muhammad, confirmed the incident, and attributed it to brake failure.

‘Eight people (all Male adults) were involved in the crash. Two dead (all male adults) and 6 injured (all Male adults).’ he said.

He added that the victims were conveyed to the Specialist Hospital Maiduguri for medical attention, while the dead were deposited at the hospital mortuary.

According to eyewitnesses, the truck driver lost control and hit a Mazda car and Keke Napep.

‘They were all carrying passengers. Two lives were lost instantly, while others sustained serious injuries,’ he said.

A shop owner at the commissioner of Police junction lamented that such accidents have become a recurring menace in the area, attributing it to recklessness of drivers.

‘A medical student who was trying to submit her project to her supervisor was injured in a similar accident involving a truck, one person was also killed. It happened last two months,’ he noted.

He called on government to take action before the situation gets out of hand.

Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, has resettled three more communities after residents resisted Boko Haram displacement in Banki, Bama Local Government Area.

The governor, who was in Banki, where the insurgents attacked military barrack and civilian locations, on Sunday, sympathized with residents and commended their resilience.

‘I purposely came to Banki to salute your courage; your act of bravery is really encouraging,’ Governor Zulum stated.

He added, ‘We should not allow a few bad elements to displace this town whose businesses and economic activities have been thriving.’

‘I want to assure you that the insurgents will not succeed, Insha’Allah. We will strengthen the security of this border town and will support our youth volunteers, hunters, and vigilantes to further fortify this area.’

He assured that robust security measures will be implemented to protect the border town from further attacks by Boko Haram insurgents.

As part of his ongoing post-conflict recovery programme, the governor also announced the planned resettlement of three communities, Kumshe, Tarmu’a and Bula Yobe in Bama Local Government Area.

‘Kumshe, Tarmu’a and Bula Yobe will be resettled. The people deserve a dignified life and we are committed to delivering it,’ he affirmed.

Zulum confirmed that the rehabilitation of Banki road has commenced, with 30 trucks already deployed to repair the dilapidated route.

He called on the people, particularly the youths, to actively participate in the ongoing voter registration exercise for the betterment of the society.

Similarly, Governor Babagana Zulum also addressed traders at the Banki Market where he urged them to be vigilant and cooperate with security agencies for sustainable peace in the area.

Troops of 6 Brigade of the Nigerian Army in a joint operation with personnel of the Nigeria Police Force, have rescued six kidnap victims, including a child, in Taraba State.

Acting Assistant Director of Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Umar Mohammed, disclosed the development in Jalingo, Taraba State capital, on Saturday.

He said the suspected kidnappers abducted passengers from a Toyota Carina II vehicle coming from Katsina-Ala in Benue State after forcing the vehicle to a halt around an abandoned checkpoint.

He said, ‘Acting on a timely tip-off, the troops of the 6 Brigade, in conjunction with the Police, swiftly mobilized and combed the general area. Their rapid response led to the successful rescue of six persons, comprising the driver and five passengers.’

The Army spokesperson identified the rescued persons as Mr. Terna Gbaya, 43; Mr. Musa Adamu, 55; Mrs. Rose Sor, 35; Mrs. Lydia Vyiashima, 40; Mrs. Comfort Iyofar, 60; and a baby.

He said the victims had been reunited with their families.

The Army spokesperson added that search and rescue operations were still ongoing to track down the perpetrators and rescue any other victims that may still be in captivity.

The Commander, 6 Brigade Nigerian Army, Brigadier General Kingsley Chidiebere Uwa, commended the swift response and synergy between the troops and the Police that led to the successful rescue operation.

He further reaffirmed the commitment of the Brigade to ensure the safety and security of lives and property in Taraba State.

Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has met with Governor Siminalayi Fubara and some elders of the state.

According to Lere Olayinka, Wike’s media aide, who shared a picture of the meeting on social media, Martin Amaewhule, Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, also attended the meeting.

Olayinka did not disclose details of the meeting, which is the first known one with stakeholders since Fubara fired his loyalists ahead of the formation of a new cabinet.

Appointing new commissioners is said to be one of the agreements reached at the peace meeting President Bola Tinubu held with Wike and Fubara during the emergency rule.

Speaking at Government House, Port Harcourt, during a valedictory session with his cabinet, on Wednesday, Fubara had said the decision to disengage his loyalists had to do with the Supreme Court judgement which affected their appointments.

Daily Trust recalls that in February, the Supreme Court had recognised the House of Assembly loyal to Wike.

At the height of the rift between Fubara and Wike, the governor’s appointees were screened by assembly faction under then factional speaker, Victor Oko-Jumbo.

But the assembly loyal to Wike had kicked against the development.

In a statement on Wednesday, Nelson Chukwudi, Fubara’s spokesman,

quoted the governor as thanking members of his cabinet for their services and contributions to the development of the State in the last two years.

He said: ‘The Governor highlighted the significance of Nigeria’s Independence, and called on all Nigerians to work together with Mr President to build a peaceful, secure and prosperous country and a brighter future for all.

‘The Governor also reiterated his commitment to serve the State with renewed vigor, while thanking all citizens for their support, and wished all Nigerians a happy Independence anniversary.

‘Furthermore, the Governor has relieved all Commissioners and other public officers affected by the recent Supreme Court judgement of their appointments with immediate effect,’ Chukwudi said.

At its inaugural sitting after the expiration of emergency rule, the lawmakers had asked Fubara to send a list of commissioner nominees.

The governor is expected to form a new cabinet any time from now.

The Kano State Shura Council has cautioned Islamic clerics against making public comments on the ongoing case of alleged blasphemy against Sheikh Lawan Shu’aibu Abubakar, popularly known as Triumph.

Briefing journalists, the Secretary of the Council, Shehu Wada Sagagi urged restraint and called for understanding, noting that the matter was being handled with fairness and transparency.

‘The attention of the committee has been drawn to a new development. We are therefore calling on the general public, especially the clerics, to desist from speaking on this issue. The council is on it, and every step taken will be made public,’ he said.

Sagagi emphasized that clerics from outside Kano should refrain from making statements capable of inflaming tensions. ‘We are trying our best to be just in what we do. Let’s have the fear of God and stop deliberate misinterpretations that could fuel the crisis,’ he added.

He further clarified that the state government had no political interest in the matter, stressing that its sole objective was to ensure justice.

According to him, a subcommittee has already been constituted to examine the main issues in contention.

‘Immediately after its review, Sheikh Lawan Shu’aibu Abubakar will be invited to come and defend himself,’ Sagagi stated.

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Kebbi Branch, has directed its members to refrain from travelling to nine local government areas identified as kidnapping hotspots in the state.

The Chairman of the branch, Alhaji Aminu Hassan, gave the directive in a statement issued in Birnin Kebbi on Sunday.

Hassan said the affected areas include Bagudo, Suru, Kamba in Dandi, Bunza, Kangiwa in Arewa,Dirin Daji in Sakaba, Ribah, Kanya and Augie Local Government Areas.

He explained that the decision followed an emergency meeting of the association held on Saturday to deliberate on the abduction of one of its members, Mr Isyaku Muhammad- Danjuma, on Wednesday. The association said he was abducted along the Ibeto- Birnin Kebbi route in Magama Local Government Area of Niger.

According to Hassan, the association condemned the abduction and expressed deep concern over the rising wave of insecurity across the country.

He said the branch resolved that all its members should boycott Court proceedings from Oct. 7 to Oct. 10 in protest against the kidnapping of their colleague and to draw attention to the worsening security situation.

‘Upon the expiration of the boycott period, members are also urged to suspend handling of terrorism-related cases, including those involving kidnapping, abduction, armed robbery or unlawful possession of firearms, until further notice.’

The chairman said the association would engage the relevant authorities to ensure the safe release of the abducted lawyer.

He called on the government and the security agencies to take urgent steps to restore peace and public confidence.

Hassan added that the branch would work with the judiciary to provide alternative venues for court cases to minimise travel to unsafe locations.

He commended the members of the Bar, the judiciary, the media and other Nigerians for their solidarity and urged them to remain united in the pursuit of justice and peace.(NAN)

The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has raised concern over what it described as a calculated plot by entrenched interests to cripple the operations of the Dangote Petroleum Refinery.

It warned that such actions pose a grave threat to Nigeria’s economic stability and investment reputation.

In a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Prof. T.A. Muhammad-Baba, the northern socio-political group expressed concern over Refinery’s challenges, including regulatory interference, crude oil disruptions and labour union disputes.

According to the Forum, the refinery, reputed as ‘Nigeria’s largest and most modern indigenous crude oil processing outfit’, has been subjected to ‘an unrelenting onslaught’ since its inception. ‘Evidentially, the challenges are the handiworks of entrenched subterranean interests or the proverbial cabals, bent on maintaining an asphyxiating hold on the oil sector and the national economy,’ the ACF declared.

The Forum alleged that some vested interests are uncomfortable with the refinery’s potential to reform Nigeria’s petroleum products supply chain, which for decades has been mired in controversies, subsidy rackets, and inefficiencies.

‘From conception, implementation and commissioning, the Dangote Refinery has faced all sorts of obstacles, confident that its success would change the sordid narrative about petroleum supply long dominated by sharp practices and inefficiencies,’ the statement noted.

The ACF further condemned the alleged pressure on Dangote Refinery workers to join PENGASSAN, describing it as coercive and unconstitutional.

‘What is questionable has been the forceful nature of demand for workers at the Dangote Refinery to join PENGASSAN. The constitutional provision does not confer automatic membership on anyone; it is an individual’s right to accept or reject membership,’ it stressed.

Backing Alhaji Aliko Dangote’s legal action to protect the refinery from industrial disruption, the Forum expressed dismay that PENGASSAN had allegedly refused to obey a subsisting court order restraining it from interfering with operations at the facility.

‘It should be concerning to all law-abiding citizens that PENGASSAN refuses to comply with a subsisting court order against any disruption to the Refinery’s operations,’ the Forum stated.

The ACF aligned itself with calls by Senator Adams Oshiomhole and Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume, who both advised that workers should allow the refinery to stabilize before pursuing unionization.

‘ACF believes that a prime consideration for the workers should at this time be ensuring that the Refinery is fully functional as a workplace before workers can unionize,’ it added.

The Forum warned that attempts to destabilize the multi-billion-dollar refinery could discourage both domestic and international investors and send negative signals about Nigeria’s business climate.

‘Putting down the Dangote Petroleum complex is a potent disincentive to domestic and international investors because it sends wrong signals to investors,’ the statement read.

Describing the Dangote Refinery as a ‘strategic national asset’, ACF urged the Federal Government to protect it from what it termed ‘internal and external sabotage.’

It recommended that the refinery be listed in a National Register of Strategic Assets, ensuring it enjoys special protection under national security provisions.

The Forum also called for the establishment of a judicial commission of inquiry to identify and sanction individuals or groups behind recurring industrial actions that paralyze vital industries.

‘We call for a commission of enquiry, with judicial powers, to unearth the brains behind incessant strikes by employees of vital national and private institutions, so that strikes do not result in acts of sabotage,’ the statement said.

ACF further urged the Federal Government to take firm measures – without violating labour rights – to prevent any union from undermining the country’s economic stability through unnecessary industrial actions.

‘Nigeria’s labour unions ought to be wary of the real international conspiracy and related machinations aimed at sabotaging Nigeria’s and Africa’s quests for indigenous industrial development,’ it cautioned.

While welcoming ongoing government negotiations to resolve the impasse between the refinery and labour unions, ACF expressed hope that the truce reached would be permanent.

‘The Dangote Refinery must not be allowed to fail. Protecting such a facility is not just about one businessman; it is about defending Nigeria’s economic sovereignty and future,’ the Forum emphasized.

The administration of Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, in partnership with the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), has commenced a free medical outreach program targeting rural communities across the state.

The initiative, which offers free surgical procedures, medical consultations, essential drugs, and diagnostic scans, is designed to bring healthcare closer to underserved populations who often lack access to quality medical services.

The outreach officially began in Toungo Local Government Area on October 2, 2025, and will run until October 3, 2025. It marks the first phase of a statewide program that will cover multiple communities in the coming weeks.

Governor Fintiri reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to improving healthcare delivery, particularly in rural areas where residents face the greatest challenges in accessing medical facilities. He noted that the partnership with the NMA demonstrates the government’s resolve to leverage professional expertise in delivering impactful, people-centered health interventions.

Beneficiaries of the outreach expressed appreciation for the initiative, describing it as a timely intervention that would relieve many families of the burden of high medical costs.

This free medical mission adds to the series of health sector reforms and interventions under the Fintiri administration, further strengthening Adamawa State’s journey toward universal health coverage and improved quality of life for all residents

No fewer than 10,000 less privileged persons across the 44 local government areas of Kano State are to receive N20,000 each from the Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau I. Jibrin, CFR, FCNA.

The Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the Deputy President of the Senate, Ismail Mudashir, in a statement, said the selection process for the programme will commence on Thursday, October 9, 2025, with the distribution of forms.

The cash disbursement is being carried out by the Barau I Jibrin Foundation (BIJF), established by the Deputy President of the Senate. The foundation has undertaken various programmes, including a foreign postgraduate scholarship for indigent students in Kano State.

He said the initiative is part of Senator Barau’s efforts to have a direct impact on the lives of the less privileged individuals in the state. ‘A total of 6,500 persons would be selected from the Kano North Senatorial District, with each of the 13 LGAs set to produce 500 beneficiaries. One hundred twelve individuals (112) will be selected from each local government area in Kano Central and South Senatorial Districts.

‘This is in addition to the numerous interventions of the Deputy President of the Senate in the areas of education, healthcare, agriculture, security and transportation, among others. The Deputy President of the Senate remains committed to empowering the people.

‘ Empowering women and youth is a central focus of His Excellency’s initiatives, which aim to foster development and growth in the North and the country at large,’ he said.

The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) state congresses in Adamawa State have garnered national attention for their unprecedented peace and orderliness. This achievement, under the stewardship of His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, Governor of Adamawa State and Chairman of the party’s National Convention Committee, has set a new benchmark for political gatherings in Nigeria.

Adamawa State’s PDP congresses were marked by transparency, inclusivity, and fairness – qualities that are often aspired to but seldom fully realized in Nigerian political processes. The absence of the usual disputes, acrimony, and factionalism signalled a deliberate shift towards constructive engagement and consensus-building. Governor Fintiri’s hands-on supervision provided not just oversight but active facilitation of dialogue, mutual respect, and equitable participation.

At the heart of this achievement lies Governor Fintiri’s leadership style. His ability to set a positive tone and ensure all voices were heard created an environment where grievances could be addressed before they escalated. This approach fostered trust among stakeholders and offered a practical demonstration of how strong, principled leadership can de-escalate potential crises and encourage unity.

The peaceful outcome of the Adamawa congresses resonates far beyond the state’s borders. In a political landscape often characterized by instability and contentious power struggles, Adamawa’s experience provides a replicable model for other states and parties. It shows that with the right leadership and organizational commitment, political processes can be vehicles for unity and democratic renewal rather than division.

The Adamawa congresses also served as a rehearsal for the upcoming PDP National Convention. Governor Fintiri’s dual role as the state’s chief executive and National Convention Chairman allowed him to pilot best practices and demonstrate readiness for the larger event. Stakeholders nationwide are now looking to Adamawa’s example as the gold standard for the forthcoming convention, with hopes that its peaceful and credible conduct can be mirrored on a national scale.

While the Adamawa congresses set a remarkable precedent, the potential for even deeper democratic engagement remains. Future processes could further institutionalize mechanisms for conflict resolution, enhance grassroots participation, and build stronger frameworks for accountability. By embedding these values into the party’s culture, the PDP – and Nigerian politics at large – can move beyond episodic successes towards sustained democratic excellence.

The PDP state congresses in Adamawa State exemplify what is possible when effective leadership, transparency, and inclusivity are prioritized. Governor Fintiri’s stewardship has not only restored faith in the PDP’s internal democracy but has also offered a blueprint for peaceful political engagement across Nigeria. By striving to go even deeper – through institutional reforms and broader participation – the Adamawa model can continue to inspire and elevate Nigeria’s democratic journey.