News
Lagos Govt demolishes over 19 buildings at Trade Fair Plaza
• Victims claim no notice of demolition issued
Over 19 buildings were on Thursday pulled down at the New Mandela Plaza, within the popular Trade Fair Complex in Lagos, as the state government moved in with a heavy security presence to carry out a massive demolition exercise.
Reports say the demolition exercise was carried out under heavy security, with a convoy of trucks from the Lagos State Task Force, Rapid Response Squad, and tactical teams stationed around the plaza.
The stern-looking officers restricted access to the premises and sent away traders who attempted to record the exercise.
At the time of filing this report, selective buildings inside the plaza were already reduced to rubble, sparking outrage from shop owners who claimed they were not served prior notice.
One trader, who spoke reluctantly to Vanguard, said: “We don’t even know the reason for the demolition. That’s why you see people moving up and down, asking questions.”
Another speculated that the affected structures might have been marked for being too close to a canal.
A visibly agitated plaza owner, who arrived while his shop was being pulled down, screamed from his car that no notice was served before the bulldozers moved in.
Some sales representatives lamented that their bosses’ goods, still locked up inside the shops, were destroyed alongside the buildings.
It was gathered from distraught traders that no fewer than 19 buildings valued at over N150 million each were affected by the exercise.
“If government doesn’t want companies or development here, they should just come out and say it. People have invested their life savings here. Over 19 buildings are in that plaza”, one trader said angrily.
When contacted to clarify the role of the Task Force, its Chairman said the operation did not originate from his office.
He explained: “Sometimes, security agencies in the state seek the backup of the Task Force to secure the environment. That does not mean they initiated the process. However, if such reports come to my table, I will let you know.”
As at press time, there was no official statement from the Lagos State Government on the demolition, but security operatives remained on ground to forestall any breakdown of law and order. (Vanguard)
Gunmen on Thursday night ambushed and beheaded a 30-year-old man, Elisha Abbas Saku, at Riwhie-Chwo in Nzharuvo, Miango District of Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The incident occurred around 10 pm when the gunmen stormed the community, throwing residents into panic and confusion.
A statement issued on Friday by the Irigwe Youth Movement described the killing as a brutal ambush.
The group’s National Publicity Secretary, Joseph Yonkpa, who signed the statement, prayed for the repose of the deceased’s soul while calling for divine comfort for the entire Irigwe Nation.
“Yesterday night, 16th April 2026, gunmen ambushed and beheaded Mr. Elisha Abbas Saku, 30 years old, at Riwhie-Chwo, Nzharuvo, Miango District of Bassa LGA, Plateau State,” the report stated. “May his soul rest in peace, and may God comfort the entire Irigwe Nation.”
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has announced the release of results for 632,788 candidates who participated in the first day of the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), held on Thursday.
This was disclosed in a statement signed by the Board’s spokesperson, Fabian Benjamin, on Friday.
According to the Board, candidates can now access their results by sending “UTMERESULT” via SMS to either 55019 or 66019, using the same phone number registered during the examination process.
At this stage, only result viewing is available, as printing of result slips has not yet been enabled.
JAMB emphasised that the UTME exercise is still ongoing, adding that additional batches of results will be released progressively as marking and processing continue.
The Board also issued a stern warning against any attempts to manipulate or falsify results.
It cautioned candidates against altering SMS messages received from its official platforms to misrepresent their scores to others, including parents and guardians.
JAMB Releases Results of 632,788 Candidates from Day One of the 2026 UTME
The results of candidates who sat the 2026 UTME on Thursday, 16 April 2026, have been released and are now available for viewing.
To check their results, candidates should send UTMERESULT via SMS to 55019…
— Fabian Benjamin (@FabianB58246501) April 17, 2026
Describing such actions as a serious criminal offence, JAMB disclosed that it has already taken action against offenders. “Two candidates and one parent are currently in custody for engaging in result falsification using AI and other electronic means,” the statement revealed.
The Board reiterated that anyone found guilty of such misconduct would face the full weight of the law.
JAMB urged candidates to adhere strictly to official channels and maintain integrity throughout the examination process, as it continues efforts to ensure a credible and transparent admissions system in Nigeria.
The Arewa APC Forum, Kano State chapter, has announced the withdrawal of its support for the second-term bid of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, citing concerns over governance and leadership direction.
In a statement dated April 17, 2026, the forum said its decision followed “extensive consultations and careful reflection” on the state of affairs at the federal level.
The group stated that it could no longer, “in good conscience,” continue to support the current administration, which it criticised over alleged issues including nepotism, incompetence, and corruption.
“We believe that leadership must inspire confidence, uphold fairness, and demonstrate a sincere commitment to national unity, institutional integrity, and responsible governance,” the statement read.
It added that where such values are persistently undermined, “silence becomes complicity.”
The forum further declared that its confidence in the current political direction has been withdrawn, urging its members to align with this position in future political engagements.
The statement was signed by Sallah Hakilu Kibiya, chairman of the forum in Kano State.
The development signals potential cracks within support structures linked to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), particularly in the northern region, as political alignments begin to shift ahead of the next electoral cycle.
-
News2 days agoJAMB: Gunmen abduct UTME candidates, others
-
News2 days ago
Billionaire trader Habby Forex hospitalized in Canada, undergoes surgery
-
News22 hours ago
JAMB to release Thursday’s UTME 2026 results today
-
News8 hours ago
BREAKING: JAMB releases first batch of 2026 UTME results, warns against score manipulation
-
News3 days ago
Cybersecurity breach hits CAC as Nigerian Agency confirms unauthorised access to system
-
News1 day ago
Pastor sentenced to life imprisonment for raping church member’s daughter
-
News8 hours ago
Arewa APC Forum withdraws support for Tinubu citing nepotism, incompetence
-
Politics2 days ago
Atiku says 2027 presidential election will be his last outing
