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AbdulRazaq: Nowhere ‘ll Be Safe for Criminals, Kidnappers in Kwara

AbdulRazaq: Nowhere ‘ll Be Safe for Criminals, Kidnappers in Kwara

Hammed Shittu in Ilorin and  Yinka Kolawole in Osogbo

Kwara State Governor, Alhaji AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, has said that there will be no safe place in the state for criminal (and kidnapper) elements that have been terrorising residents of the state.

AbdulRazaq, who spoke in Ilorin on the sidelines of the security council meeting held with the head of security agencies in the state at the Government House in Ilorin last Tuesday, said: “To any criminal who seeks to destabilise the peace in Kwara State, you may run, but you cannot escape justice.”

But  the Christian Association of Nigeria and  Ipee Ministers Forum in Oyun Local Government Area of Kwara State yesterday observed a special prayer session to end one day fasting against the scourge of insecurity bedeviling  Kwara  communities as well as the country at large.

However,  the governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to protecting lives and property across the state.

The security meeting was called on the heels of the recent attacks by suspected bandits at Oke-Ode community in Ifelodun Local Government Area of the state and other parts of the state.

During the incident, no fewer than 15 people were killed,, while several residents were abducted by the suspected bandits.

The development, however, prompted the Nigeria Air Force operatives to bombard the hideoutss of the bandits at Baba Sango and Babanla forests, where about 20 bandits were neutralised during the operation.

However, Governor AbdulRazaq moved swiftly to brief President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, during which he reiterated his request for additional federal deployment to raid the hideouts of the criminals.

Speaking after the security meeting, Governor AbdulRazaq said that: “The Army headquarters has since relocated the General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the 2nd Division to Ilorin as part of the renewed efforts to strengthen security operations in the state.

“On Monday night, combined forces of the Army, DSS,, and Police launched an offensive around Baba Sango along the Kwara–Kogi States border, neutralising about 15 bandits.

“The same operation continued last Tuesday. Last night, I presided over the State Security Council meeting at the Ahmadu Bello House, Ilorin, to integrate state and federal assets into a single strategy for both Kwara North and South.”

AbdulRazaq assured the residents that his administration would not relent in supporting security agencies to keep every community safe.

“I have assurances from the security forces to smoke out and eliminate the criminals from their hideouts. We will fight insecurity with every resource at our disposal.

“Kwara State will not be a hiding place for criminals. To any criminal who seeks to destabilise the peace in Kwara State, you may run, but you cannot escape justice.

“Kwara belongs to its people, and their peace will be defended,” the governor added.

Meanwhile,  the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) with Ipee Ministers Forum in Oyun local government area of Kwara state yesterday observed a special prayer session to end one day fasting against the scourge of insecurity bedeviling the state  as well as the country at large.

While speaking at the prayers session the Minister-in-charge, Reverend Dr. A. O. Taiwo, who took his message from the book of Chronicle 14  observed that God fought on the side of Judah who seemed to be powerless but called on God to fight for us and conquer the insecurity in the country.

Taiwo charged for the steadfastness of everyone, urging Nigerians to turn to God for victory over every power of darkness and threat to the well-being either visible or not.

He remarked that with the spread of insecurity into communities in Kwara State, all hands must be on deck to return back peace in the respective communities. 

Also ministering at the event were  Evangelist Sunday Fadipe, Prophet Ezekiel Oladipo, Rev’d Canon S. Adeshina, Apostle Olatunji Emmanuel, Pastor Obadare Adeniyi, Mrs. C. F. Adeogun and Rev’d S. A. Olabiyi.

The programme was coordinated by Pastor Michael Ayodele.

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Hammed Shittu in Ilorin and  Yinka Kolawole in Osogbo Kwara State Governor, Alhaji AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, has said that there will be no safe place in the state for criminal (and kidnapper) elements that

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Police Call for Probe into Killing of Three in Osun Community

Police Call for Probe into Killing of Three in Osun Community

Yinka Kolawole in Osogbo

Osun State Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Gotan, yesterday called for an investigation into the killing of three persons in Akinlalu community as a result of an alleged ambush on the operatives of Amotekun Security Corps.

The police commissioner equally directed the transfer of the case to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in an efforts to unravel the circumstances surrounding the incident. The Osun State  Police Image – maker (PPRO), DSP Abiodun Ojelabi, disclosed this in a statement issued and made available to journalists in Osogbo yesterday.

The spokesperson for Amotekun Security Corps in Osun State, Yusuf Idowu Abass, had, in a separate statement issued on Tuesday, hinted that personnel of the security organisation were attacked by some hoodlums while responding to a distress call over the invasion of Akinlalu, a neighbouring community of Ile-Ife, by some bandits.

“On 30th September 2025, at about 1320hrs, information was received from Chief Oyebamiji Kamorudeen of Akinlalu that members of the Western security network, also known as Amotekun, came in large numbers and invaded Akinlalu community with their two official patrol and one private vehicle in retaliation for the two pump-action guns allegedly snatched earlier from their operatives by yet-to-be-identified person(s).

“During the invasion, they shot sporadically, causing serious bullet injuries to the following people, namely: Adeagbo Kadijat, ‘f’, 22 years; Oke-Ila Oyebamiji, ‘f’, 60 years; and Fayomi Toheeb, ‘m’, 19 years. 

It was further alleged that three persons lost their lives during the shooting, namely: Ibrahim Oyebamiji, ‘m’, 26 years; Sefiu Oyebamiji, ‘m’; and Abiola Olutayo, ‘m’, and their corpses were taken away by Amotekun operatives.“On receipt of the report, police operatives swiftly mobilised to the area, recovered 13 expended cartridges, and evacuated the injured victims to hospitals for medical treatment.

 The situation, which initially generated tension, was brought under control by the police as angry residents were called to order not to take the law into their own hands. 

While speaking on the  conflicting reports, the CP  has ordered the immediate transfer of the case to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Osogbo, which is the apex criminal investigative body within the state, for a discreet and thorough investigation.

“All claims and counterclaims — including allegations of murder, assault occasioning harm, gun snatching, wounding, and impersonation — will be carefully verified to establish facts and ensure justice,” the police image – maker stressed.

Reacting,  Mr. Olamide Babarinde, who spoke on behalf of Akinlalu noted that “The Amotekun Corps did not report the true event correctly. All their claims were null and void. “

 According to him, “On Monday, they said there was an alleged theft in a neighbouring village, so the Amotekun went to pick the culprit at a village close to Akinlalu called Aba Oba. They picked the alleged thief and brought him to Akinlalu because the suspect’s father has a house there. “

“When they brought him there, I don’t know how an Amotekun officer will go and arrest someone and the person will overpower him. They said there was a kind of fight with him, and after that fight, the Amotekun people went that Monday. “

“So, it was yesterday around 1:00pm when the Amotekun people came, what we suspected was that the person involved was a child of a former army officer. So, they could not go to the house of that person. What they were now doing was shooting at anybody they saw on the road. In fact, they were shooting harmless people, people who were coming from the farm, people who were seated in their shops, people who were going along the road, etc. That was what actually happened. “

“There was no armed person or gunmen as claimed by Amotekun who laid an ambush for the Amotekun. They alleged our people as hoodlums, but Akinlalu is known for hardworking people, who are very peaceful and loving. Such a thing has never happened in Akinlalu before. “

“So far three people have died as a result of the attack. Those people they shot, they still came around and took them away. Some people they shot did not die at the spot, but three people were confirmed dead. While some people were taken to the hospital, some were taken away. I don’t know whether they are dead or alive now. “

“The community is demanding the release of our people who were taken away including the corpses. We want justice for those people they killed and the government should come to our rescue. “

“We don’t want them again, they are using the gun that the government got the money through taxpayer money to kill the people, we want the corps involved in the attack prosecuted. The way they acted yesterday, shows that they are not meant to be in the town, they are not meant to be carrying arms and ammunition. So we want them to face the law. “

“There were two siblings among those killed, along with the child of one of their senior siblings. The same family. Those are the three confirmed dead. As for the rest taken, we don’t know their condition yet. “

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Yinka Kolawole in Osogbo Osun State Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Gotan, yesterday called for an investigation into the killing of three persons in Akinlalu community as a result of an alleged

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Coastal Highway: CSOs, Experts Commend Quality of Work

Coastal Highway: CSOs, Experts Commend Quality of Work

Sunday Ehigiator

Civil society organisations (CSOs), opposition party figures, and economic experts have lauded the federal government, and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the pace and quality of work on the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, describing the project as a landmark initiative that could redefine Nigeria’s infrastructure and economic growth trajectory.

The commendations came during a project inspection tour in Lagos, led by the Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, who disclosed that the first section of the 750-kilometre highway, spanning from Ahmadu Bello Way, Victoria Island, to Eleko, would be completed by May 2026.

Umahi noted that 35 kilometres of the stretch had been executed, with 12 kilometres outstanding, and reaffirmed the government’s choice of concrete pavement for durability. He said the second section, from Eleko to Ode-Omi in Ogun State, was already underway.

“Roads and bridges are the infrastructure that build the GDP of every nation,” Umahi said. “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu understands this and has shown the commitment to deliver.”

 “Lagos today is an economy within an economy because of such foresight.”

Among those who joined the tour was Otunba Segun Showunmi, a Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain and policy advocate, who urged Nigerians to rise above partisan divides in supporting legacy projects.

“You cannot develop a nation without a long-term plan,” Showunmi said. “What I have seen so far is commendable. Beyond political differences, we must build consensus for national development. At 65, Nigeria must be in a hurry to model its infrastructure after globally competitive economies like Singapore, India, and the UAE.”

Chairman of Proshare Group, Mr. Olufemi Awoyemi, stressed that the highway was a test case for large-scale infrastructure financing and an alternative route to ease cross-country connectivity.

“This is not just a road,” Awoyemi said. “It is a test case for how Nigeria will finance and manage transformative infrastructure.”

CSO leader Declan Ihekaire, who was among 20 civil society representatives on the tour, praised the government’s openness to scrutiny, urging NGOs to be balanced in their assessments.

“We must not condemn all the time,” he said. “When we see progress, we should commend it. Ultimately, the people benefit from such initiatives.”

Umahi also revealed that the ministry had resolved property-related disputes along the project route and announced that the EFCC and DSS would investigate allegations involving diaspora investments and the WinHomes estate.

Beyond the coastal highway, Umahi listed three other legacy projects designed to connect Nigeria’s regions: the 477-kilometre Trans-Saharan Highway, the 422-kilometre Akwanga–Jos–Bauchi–Gombe Expressway, and the 1,068-kilometre Sokoto–Badagry Superhighway.

He assured Nigerians that periodic briefings and media engagements would continue to provide updates on progress.

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Sunday Ehigiator Civil society organisations (CSOs), opposition party figures, and economic experts have lauded the federal government, and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the pace and quality of work on

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Lukman Raises the Alarm over Plot to Hijack  ADC  Structures

Lukman Raises the Alarm over Plot to Hijack  ADC  Structures

Chuks Okocha in Abuja

A  chieftain of the opposition African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Kaduna state, Mallam Salihu Moh. Lukman, has raised the alarm over plot by some aspirants to hijack party structures against their perceived opponents. 

The ADC chieftain appealed to the former Kaduna state Governor Nasir El-Rufai, among other leaders to unite the party ahead of 2027 general elections. 

Other leaders Lukman appealed to are  Mallam Jaafaru Sani, Alhaji Bashir Saidu and Senator Musa Bello. 

In a statement released yesterday  in Abuja, Lukman said the ‘madness’ of controlling structures of ADC is the biggest threat before the party ahead of 2027 general elections. 

The former Director -General of Progressives Governors Forum (PGF) said instead of working to build the party, “we are setting ourselves to produce a party whose business will be limited to presenting candidates for elections. People with ambition to contest elections have become restless and want to dominate the process of developing the structures of the party to the exclusion of their opponents.”

According to him, for whatever reasons, those of us who want the ADC to be an equal opportunity party are being condemned. Sadly, some of our leaders instead of providing fair leadership are taking side with strengthening aspiring candidates for 2027 elections across the state to the exclusion of others.

“I want to use the opportunity of this independence anniversary to appeal to all of us to stop this madness of trying to take over structures of ADC and control it to the exclusion of so called opponents. If ADC is to emerge as a strong party capable of defeating the APC in Kaduna State, we must agree to work together. Anybody who is not ready to work as part of a united opposition in Kaduna State is consciously or unconsciously working for APC.

“I am making this strong appeal with very deep feeling of disappointment that we are recklessly mismanaging an opportunity to provide the needed leadership to our people. In particular, I want to appeal to  Nasir El-Rufai, Mal. Jaafaru Sani and Alh. Bashir Saidu as opposition leaders in Kaduna State to please stop encouraging the madness of aspiring candidates seeking to take over structures of ADC to the exclusion of so-called opponents. 

“At individual level, I have tried to talk to those I can talk to. Unfortunately, I must also admit that I have failed in many respects. The fact that we have Sen. Musa Bello aggressively seeking to control structures of ADC in Zone 2 is a reflection of my failure. Largely because I am in recent times associated with Sen. Musa Bello, Sen. Lawal Adamu (Mr. La) has avoided all my request to meet him.

“I have met Mal. Jaafaru Sani on this matter. We have had some discussions with Mal. Nasir. Sincerely, I am saddened by the fact that we not united and the perception is that I am part of the problem. As a citizen from Kaduna State, I am willing to make every necessary sacrifice to move our state forward. I have no ambition to contest election. Without sounding immodest, I made every sacrifice to contribute to forming the coalition and negotiating the agreement with ADC.

“May I therefore appeal to Mal. Nasir and all our leaders to please seek to unite all of us. It is only if we are united in ADC that we can be able to unite our people in the state to defeat the APC in 2027. We must bear in mind, it is not just about defeating APC but more about producing a government controlled by our party (ADC) based on collective leadership. We need to put an end to the era when we produce emperors as Governors. Anything short of producing a  Goverment managed by collective leadership under ADC will be unacceptable.

“May God Almighty touch the heart of all us and guide us towards unity both within the ADC and in the state. Amin. Happy Independence  Anniversary.”

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Chuks Okocha in Abuja A  chieftain of the opposition African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Kaduna state, Mallam Salihu Moh. Lukman, has raised the alarm over plot by some aspirants to hijack party