…Reaffirms support for 2027_

The Enugu North Senatorial District will, on May 2, 2026, host a mega endorsement rally in honour of Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in appreciation of what they described as their impactful leadership and contributions to the development of the zone.

The rally, which is expected to draw stakeholders from across the senatorial district and beyond, will hold at the Nsukka Township Stadium by 10 a.m.

The organizers, in a statement issued by the Chairman of the Central Planning Committee, Chief Ikeje Asogwa, said the event would also serve as a platform for the people of Enugu North Senatorial District, also known as Nsukka Zone, to reaffirm their resolve to support both leaders to return to Government House, Enugu, and the Aso Rock Presidential Villa, Abuja, in 2027.

They noted that the Mbah administration had executed many impactful projects across the Enugu North zone, including the establishment of Smart Green Schools and Type 2 Primary Healthcare Centres in each of the 102 electoral wards, the revamp and re-equipping of the Type 3 Primary Healthcare Centre at Adani, and key road infrastructure such as the ongoing dualisation of the Abakpa–Ugwuogo Nike–Ekwegbe–Opi Road.

Also listed is the Ama Brewery–Eke–Akama Oghe–Iwollo–Umulopka Road, which is currently at an advanced stage of completion, alongside numerous other projects being executed directly by the state government and through local governments, as well as those in the pipeline.

Expected at the rally are political leaders across party lines, traditional rulers, religious leaders, business and market leaders, women and youth groups, farmers, artisans, civil society organisations, academics and professionals, students, among others.

Gunmen have abducted 23 pupils and the wife of a school proprietor following an attack on an orphanage and school facility in the Zariagi area of Lokoja, Kogi State.

It was gathered that the incident, which occurred late Sunday, targeted a facility identified as Dahallukitab Group of Schools.

Confirming the development in a statement on Monday, the Kogi State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo, said security operatives responded swiftly, leading to the rescue of 15 of the abducted pupils.

The commissioner disclosed that the school was operating outside regulatory oversight.

“The facility was operating illegally in a remote, bushy environment without registration with the State Government and without the knowledge of relevant authorities and security agencies,” Fanwo said.

According to him, efforts are ongoing to secure the release of the remaining eight victims and apprehend those responsible for the attack.

“The Kogi State Government commends the gallantry, professionalism, and swift response of the Police and other security agencies for rising decisively to the occasion,” he added.

Fanwo warned against operating schools and orphanages in isolated areas without proper authorisation, describing such practices as dangerous.

“While the Government remains fully committed to ensuring the rescue of all victims, it is important to stress that the operation of orphanages, schools, and similar institutions in isolated and vulnerable locations, without proper registration and notification to relevant authorities, poses serious security risks, especially in the current security climate,” he said.

The commissioner further urged operators to comply with safety regulations.

“The Government strongly discourages such practices and reiterates the need for strict compliance with regulatory and safety protocols,” Fanwo said.

“All operators of such facilities are advised to engage with appropriate government agencies to ensure proper oversight, security assessment, and protection.”

The commissioner added that security agencies are working to bring the situation under control, noting that updates will be provided as operations continue.

Gunmen have attacked Gako Village in Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State killing a pastor and three members of his family in what residents described as a renewed wave of violence in the area.

The victims were identified as Rev. Ayuba Choji, his wife, Chundung Ayuba, and their two children, Cyril and Endurance.

Residents said the attackers invaded the community at about 11 p.m., shooting sporadically and forcing people to flee into surrounding bushes for safety.

A community member, Martha Dalyop, described the incident as part of a recurring wave of violence that has left residents in constant fear, preventing many from sleeping in their homes or working on their farms.

Confirming the attack, the publicity secretary of the Berom Youths Moulder Association, Rwang Tengwong, said the assailants appeared to operate in coordinated groups during such raids.

Gunmen abduct 23 schoolchildren from orphanage home‎ in Kogi

According to him, while one group attacks residents, others destroy farmlands or block escape routes to prevent intervention.

He also disclosed that large portions of farmland, including maize, cabbage and hot pepper crops, were destroyed in Kassa, Barkin Ladi Local Government Area, within the past 48 hours, worsening food insecurity in the region.

The latest killings have further escalated fears across Riyom and neighbouring communities, with residents calling on security agencies to intensify efforts to halt the ongoing attacks and protect rural populations.