
News
Kogi killings: Igala/Bassa nationalities protest alleged ethnic cleansing, demand investigation
Ethnic nationalities in Kogi State took to the streets in Abuja on Tuesday to protest the serial killings allegedly orchestrated by agents of politicians.
They called on the Federal Government and relevant agencies to carry out thorough investigation to fish out those responsible for acts of violence that has seriously threatened peace in the state.
By 10 a.m., the ethnic nationalities under the aegis of the Coalition of Igala/Bassa Socio-Cultural Associations stormed the Garrison Command of Defence Headquarters in Abuja, chanting anti-government songs.
They carried placards with inscriptions such as ‘Stop illegal arrest and detention of Kogites’, ‘Stop the killing of Igala/Bassa people in Kogi State’, ‘Let peace reign in Kogi State’, ‘Igala, Bassa, Okun and Egbira are all brothers’, ‘Protect our lives, it’s not rocket science, save Kogi youths’ and ‘Enough of the bloodbath.’
In a petition addressed to the Service Chiefs during the protest, the coalition accused the government of orchestrating violence, arson, and ethnic cleansing against the people of Igala/Bassa Kingdom in Kogi East Senatorial District.

The petition was co-signed by representatives of various Igala/Bassa associations, including Dr. Ojoachele Akor Felix (Igala Youths Leaders Assembly), Comrade Jackson Omonu James (Okakachi Igala), Benjamin Sekpe, (Bassa Grand Alliance), Salifu Oguche Usman, (Ane Igala Restoration Network), Onogu Collins (Igala Youths Council), Chris Ukwenya (Ujuju Agbadufu Igala), Mabe Adaji (Iko Ukola Mabe), Abubakar Danmusa (Makoji Ata Foundation), and Peters Onuma (Kogi Conscience).
The coalition alleged that since 2016, there had been a campaign of harassment, intimidation, and violence against political opponents and persons with divergent political views, particularly those from the Eastern Senatorial District of the state.
The leader of the protesters and human rights activists, Jacob Okpanachi, cited incidents during the 2019 general elections and the Kogi State governorship elections where the properties of political leaders were destroyed and lives were lost.
He alleged that the violence has continued in the lead-up to the 2023 general election, with numerous incidents involving attacks on political opponents and their properties.
One such incident mentioned in the letter was the attack on Alhaji Yakubu Muritala Ajaka, a governorship candidate of the Social Democratic Party, on May 28.
He also said that Radio Kogi, Ochaja Broadcasting Station, was vandalised and looted on June 2, 2023, for allegedly airing news about the attack on Alhaji Ajaka.
The coalition also said thugs and even military officers had been used to perpetrate violence against the people of the Igala/Bassa Kingdom.
The petition also described how Navy Commander Nicholas Uchendu Akalezi allegedly led a contingent of the Nigerian Navy and operatives in a siege on Ejule community on June 21, 2023.
The attack, according to the coalition, resulted in several casualties and the destruction of properties, including the murder of Bala Kabiru.
They urged the Nigerian Navy and other relevant authorities to intervene and protect the people of the Igala/Bassa Kingdom from the violence and ethnic cleansing in Kogi State.
The letter reads in part, “On account of the foregoing facts, we most respectfully pray to your very exalted office as follows.
“We respectfully request that you thoroughly investigate our petition, in order to ascertain its veracity, and if found to be true, bring all persons and agencies who have participated in these horrific acts against our people to justice.
“We also request that you take all necessary constitutional steps to protect our people and secure their right to political participation.”
The group further sought intervention and protection for the people of the Igala/Bassa Kingdom from the Nigerian Navy and other relevant authorities.
They stressed that the people of Igala/Bassa have suffered greatly primarily due to their larger population size and political influence within the state.
“Our people have suffered greatly under Alhaji Yahaya Bello’s governance, which has been characterised by sheer brutality and high-handedness.”
The protesters called for immediate action from the Federal Government and relevant agencies, seeking thorough investigation and justice for those involved in the alleged acts of violence.
They also asked for constitutional measures to protect their people and guarantee their right to political participation.
Business
AFRAA welcomes Enugu Air, strengthens Nigeria’s Domestic Aviation growth
The African Airlines Association (AFRAA) has admitted Enugu Air as Member, extending the Association’s membership base in Nigeria’s fast-growing domestic aviation market and reaffirming AFRAA’s commitment to supporting the continued development of African carriers across the continent.
This was announced by AFRAA in Nairobi on Wednesday, making Enugu Air the 50th Member of the association, joining the AFRAA airline fraternity, collectively representing more than 85 per cent of total international traffic carried by African airlines.
Speaking on the occasion, AFRAA Secretary General, Mr. Abdérahmane Berthé, said, “We are delighted to welcome Enugu Air into the AFRAA fraternity.

“As a state-backed carrier serving Nigeria’s rapidly expanding domestic market, Enugu Air represents the kind of homegrown investment that is vital to building resilient air connectivity across our continent.

“We look forward to supporting the airline through the IOSA certification process and to its continued growth within the AFRAA membership, as we work together to advance the cause of unified African skies.”
Reacting to the development, the CEO of Enugu, Capt Tolu Ita, described the admission into AFRAA as a major milestone in the airline’s short history.
“We are honoured to join the AFRAA fraternity. This membership underscores Enugu Air’s commitment to safe, reliable, and affordable air travel for Nigerians while contributing to the vision of a unified African aviation market.
“We look forward to collaborating with fellow AFRAA members and leveraging the association’s support as we grow our network and pursue IOSA certification,” Tolu stated.
Founded on July 7, 2025, Enugu Air commenced commercial operations with a fleet of Embraer E170/E190/E195 aircraft.
The airline, which has its headquarters in Enugu and operates from the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, currently serves nine domestic destinations including Enugu, Abuja, Lagos, Port Harcourt, Kano and Benin City.
As part of the airline’s growth strategy, Enugu Air plans to expand further across Nigeria and, in subsequent phases, to launch regional and international routes across Africa, Europe, and beyond.
As part of its growth strategy, Enugu Air plans to expand further across Nigeria and, in subsequent phases, to launch regional and international routes across Africa, Europe, and beyond.
The admission of Enugu Air aligns with AFRAA’s strategic priorities and strengthens the voice of the association. Nigeria, as Africa’s most populous nation and one of its fastest-growing economies, remains central to the realization of a truly integrated African aviation market.
Meanwhile, founded in Accra, Ghana, in April 1968, and headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya, AFRAA’s mission is to promote, serve African Airlines and champion Africa’s aviation industry.
The association envisions a sustainable, interconnected and affordable air transport industry in Africa, where African airlines become key players and drivers of African economic development.
AFRAA membership cuts across the entire continent and includes all the major intercontinental African operators.
The association’s members represent over 85% of total international traffic carried by African airlines.
News
Aiyedatiwa appoints 1,004 aides, picks commissioner, three advisers
Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has approved a fresh round of appointments involving a commissioner, three Special Advisers and 1,000 other aides.
The appointments comprise 90 Senior Special Assistants and 910 Special Assistants, with the governor saying the move is intended to reinforce his administration and improve its reach across the state.
Erelu Taibat Yemi Oloruntoba, from Akoko North-West Local Government Area, has been nominated as Commissioner for Special Duties. Her nomination has been transmitted to the state House of Assembly for consideration and confirmation.
The governor also appointed Hon. Abimbola Fajolu as Special Adviser on Environment, Chief Ade Adeniyi as Special Adviser on Rural and Community Development, and Mr Muyiwa Ogunyemi as Special Adviser on Transport.
Among those named as Senior Special Assistants are Erelu Toyin Ogungbure, Women Mobilisation (South); Bidemi Obayangbon, Forestry; Gboluge Olufunmi Alex, Community Engagement (South); Hon. Akin Adeniyi, Community Engagement (Central); and Obayan Theophilus Ayodeji, Community Engagement (North).

Others include Kelvin Solomon, Students Affairs; Adeolu Iwakun, Volunteer Services; Samson Job Bazuaye, Oil and Gas; Fade Ojamomi, Youth Empowerment and Job Creation; Sam Adepoju, Public Engagement; and Alhaji Samad Orijeminiyi, Scholarship.
Also appointed are Victor Omodara, Grassroots Mobilisation; Abayomi Adefolalu, Photography; and Alhaji Abdukadiri Adenoyi, Prince Nzuoma Egbulefu and Alhaji Garba Goni, all for Non-Indigenes.
News
40 feared dead as boat capsizes in Sokoto
About 40 people are suspected to have lost their lives after a boat carrying farmers to their rice farms capsized in Gorau town, Goronyo Local Government Area of Sokoto State.
The incident occurred while the victims were crossing a stream to access their farms.
An eyewitness said more than 70 people were on the boat when it capsized shortly after taking off.
The village head was among those on board but he was reportedly rescued.
“So far, we have recovered about 40 bodies, while six people, including the village head, were rescued,” a local journalist who was at the scene, Sharhabilu Yahuza Kiliya, told our reporter.

According to him, the victims comprised farm owners and labourers who had been engaged to harvest rice.
“The canoe capsized shortly after take-off. Rescue operations are still ongoing, with local divers searching for those still missing and recovering bodies,” he said. (Daily Trust)
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