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Gunmen kidnap four women in Bayelsa boat attack

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Gunmen have kidnapped four women along the waterways of Foropa in the Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.

The women were abducted when the gunmen attacked a local boat conveying traders on Tuesday.

It was gathered that 12 women were in the boat, which had departed from the jetty at the Swali Ultra-Modern Market. All of them were dispossessed of their money and other valuables.

However, four of the women were taken to an undisclosed location, sparking concern among traders who regularly use boats to travel between Yenagoa and markets in the hinterland.

The incident drew a sharp reaction from a member of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly representing Southern Ijaw Constituency 4, Selekaye Victor-Ben, who called for urgent action to address the rising insecurity in the area.

Victor-Ben, who also chairs the Assembly Committee on Human Rights, described the abduction of the four market women as a cowardly attack on innocent citizens, speaking on Thursday in Yenagoa.

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He said, “This cowardly attack on innocent citizens, who were simply trying to earn their livelihoods, is not only an affront to our shared humanity but also a grave threat to the peace and economic well-being of our constituency and the entire state.

“I vehemently condemn this barbaric act in the strongest possible terms and stand in solidarity with the families of the victims during this agonising time.”

Victor-Ben called on the Bayelsa State Government and all relevant security agencies, particularly the Nigeria Police Force, to act swiftly and decisively to secure the immediate and unconditional release of the victims.

He also urged the security agencies to ensure no stone is left unturned in apprehending those responsible and bringing them to justice.

The lawmaker said, “The safety and security of our waterways is paramount, and urgent steps must be taken to enhance surveillance and patrols to prevent future occurrences of such heinous crimes.

“The people of Southern Ijaw deserve to traverse our waterways without fear of molestation or attack.

“I implore the state government to prioritise the security of our maritime environment and implement sustainable measures that will guarantee the safety of all those who depend on these routes for their daily sustenance.

“We must collectively work together to ensure that our waterways are safe havens for commerce and transportation, and that such acts of terror are eradicated from our communities.”

When contacted about the development, the Police Public Relations Officer of the Bayelsa State Police Command, SP Musa Mohammed, said he was yet to be briefed on the incident.

Mohammed said, “I am yet to be briefed on it.”

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Akani Landlords in Enugu raise alarm over alleged encroachment, urge buyers to exercise caution

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The Akani Ancestral Layout Landlords Association has issued a public warning to prospective land buyers and investors over alleged encroachment issues involving parts of the Akani Land Layout Planning Scheme located in Emene-Nike, Enugu.

In a public notice released on Monday, the association said its attention had been drawn to videos circulating online concerning individuals allegedly involved in controversial land transactions within sections of the Akani Ancestral Layout.

According to the association, one of the videos featured a female investor who allegedly paid for plots of land in New Enugu Estate and Dolphine Estate but was yet to receive allocation of the purchased plots.

While sympathising with the investor over the development, the association stated that its members had reviewed the location and size of the land reportedly belonging to Dolphine Estate and now suspect that parts of the estate may have encroached on the area officially known as the Akani Land Layout Planning Scheme.

The association explained that the layout was approved through a Public Notice issued under the Urban and Regional Planning Law, 2012, and signed on August 16, 2012, by the then Commissioner for Lands and Urban Development in Enugu State, Dr. Chukwuemeka Ujam.

Raising what it described as a “red flag” to the public, the association urged intending land buyers to conduct proper due diligence before purchasing land in the area, stressing the importance of ensuring that any property being acquired does not violate the boundaries of the Akani Layout Planning Scheme.

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The group also disclosed that many members of the Akani Layout Landlords Association had already completed verification processes and payments for their title documents with relevant authorities in the Enugu State Government.

The association noted that the notice was aimed at preventing future disputes and helping prospective investors avoid costly mistakes.

“Forewarned is forearmed,” the statement concluded.

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Tinubu congratulates Rangers International after ninth NPFL title win

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Victorious Rangers International FC
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…Lauds Gov Mbah’s investment in youth, sports

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated Rangers International FC on winning the 2025/2026 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) title, describing the club’s triumph as a remarkable achievement and a testament to its enduring football legacy.

Rangers secured the league crown for a record ninth time after finishing the season with 68 points from 38 matches, ahead of closest rivals Rivers United.

In a statement issued on Monday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu congratulated the management, players and supporters of the Enugu-based side for their successful campaign.

The President recalled the club’s dominance in Nigerian football during the 1970s and 1980s, highlighting its historic exploits on the continental stage.

He specifically referenced Rangers’ run to the final of the African Cup of Champions Clubs in 1975 and their triumph in the African Cup Winners’ Cup in 1977.

President Tinubu also praised the Governor of Enugu State, Peter Mbah, for supporting youth and sports development in the state, saying the club’s success reflected the impact of such investments.

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“I must also congratulate Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State on the victory of Rangers International FC. This victory is an obvious fruit of his administration’s investments in youth and sports in the state. I commend him,” the President said.

He further noted that Rangers, as one of Nigeria’s oldest football clubs, has produced several players who brought honour to the country on the global stage.

The President equally commended Rivers United for their impressive performance throughout the season and for displaying sportsmanship during the competition.

Tinubu wished both Rangers International FC and Rivers United success as they prepare to represent Nigeria in next season’s CAF Champions League.

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INEC appeals ruling against Election Guidelines

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INEC Chairman, Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan (SAN)
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The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has asked the Abuja Division of the Court of Appeal to set aside the judgement of the Federal High Court, Abuja, which nullified part of the the election guidelines put in place by the commission for the conduct of the 2027 general election.

Justice Muhammed Umar of the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja, had last week nullified guidelines issued by the INEC directing political parties to submit their membership registers and databases by May 10, 2026, as a condition for participation in the 2027 general election.

A political party, the Youth Party, had filed a suit challenging the legality of the electoral body’s directive or guidelines.

The court said in its judgement that INEC could not lawfully shorten the timeline already provided under Section 29(1) of the Electoral Act 2026 for the submission of party membership records and candidates’ particulars.

But, in the appeal notice dated May 25, 2026, filed by INEC, through its Counsel, Chief Alex Izinyon, SAN, the electoral umpire prayed the court to set aside the judgement of the lower court.

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