
News
Kogi closes markets, parks in seven LGs for security operations
The Kogi State Government has ordered the temporary closure of selected markets and motor parks across parts of Kogi West Senatorial District to support intensified security operations aimed at flushing out terrorists, bandits and other criminal elements.
The directive was announced in a statement signed on Sunday by the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo.
He said the measure is in support of ongoing clearance operations being carried out in collaboration with the Office of the National Security Adviser and heads of security agencies in the state.
According to the government, the closures are designed to cut off logistics, restrict the movement of consumables and deny criminal elements and their informants access to food supplies and other forms of support during the operations.
The temporary shutdown affects selected communities across seven local government areas.
In Lokoja Local Government Area, the affected locations include Oshokoshoko Market and Motor Park, as well as Jakura, Ogbagbon, Agbaja, Atsawa, Obajana, Apata, Abugi, Amomi, Ebee and Budon.
In Kabba-Bunu Local Government Area, markets and motor parks in Ike Bunu, Aba Marian (Isado), Ofere, Abaa Dola (Ihale Bunu), Aiyede, Oke Offin, Aiyegunle Bunu, Okebukun, Odo Ape Bunu, Agbadu Bunu and Agbede Apa Bunu are covered by the directive.
Communities affected in Yagba West Local Government Area include Okoloke, Isanlu Esa, Okunran, Ogbe, Ejiba, Odo Eri, Igbaruku, Iyamerin, Ogga, Omi, Odo Ara and Oke Ere.

In Yagba East Local Government Area, the closure applies to Irunda Ile, Iyeh Ilotin, Gada, Odogbe and Ilafin.
In Kogi Local Government Area, the affected markets include the Rice Market at Adingere, Koton Karfe, Okpareke and Girinya, as well as the Okro Market at Opanda and the Perishable Market at Edeha.
Markets and motor parks in Otafun Amuro, Oroke Amuro, Takete Ide Amuro, Okeagi, Illai, Ilemo and Ijagbe are affected in Mopamuro Local Government Area.
In Ijumu Local Government Area, the shutdown covers Ayegunle Gbedde, Iyah Gbedde, Ayetoro Gbedde, Ayeh Gbedde, Iluhagba, Odokoro and Okoro markets.
The state government stressed that the measure is strictly temporary and will be lifted immediately after the successful conclusion of the security operations.
On February 3, the state government also announced the temporary closure of schools across the state, citing preventive measures based on credible intelligence to safeguard pupils, students, and teachers.

News
Outrage as Tinubu’s Chief of Staff Gbajabiamila asks Rep to ‘Stay in ADC and scatter them’
There has been widespread criticism on social media following remarks of the Chief of Staff to President Bola Tinubu, Femi Gbajabiamila, encouraging a member of the House of Representatives, Hon Leke Abejide, to “stay in ADC and scatter them.”
The ADC is currently in a crisis as different factions are struggling to take control of the party.
Gbajabiamila, a former Speaker of the House of Representatives, spoke at the 50th birthday party of the wife of Abejide in Abuja.
Video of the event, which surfaced online on Monday, showed Gbajabiamila urging the lawmaker, who belongs to Nafiu Bala faction of the party to remain within the party and intensify internal struggles.
In the viral clip, Gbajabiamila said: “I know you to be a committed party man. I know you to be a fighter. I know you to be someone who does not like to be cheated. So please, my charge to you is to stay in that same ADC. Fight them. Scatter them. Hold on to your party ADC. Do not abandon them.
“We like what you are doing. Continue. Don’t mind what the former governor said they will come and join APC. No, no, no. Stay in ADC. Win your re-election in ADC and you will. Bring Gombe, what’s his name again? Bala Gombe. Bring him. Do the right thing. You are a fighter. Do the right thing. Nobody can come and take your party away from you. A party that you’ve built with your sweat and your money and everything. Continue. Good luck in court.”

The remarks have triggered backlash online, with many Nigerians accusing the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of promoting political interference and internal destabilisation of opposition parties.
On X, users expressed anger over Gbajabiamila’s comments, describing them as undemocratic and politically reckless.
Lapai Boy wrote: “They will not be a ruling party forever, let them enjoy it while it lasts.”
Oluwadamilare said: “Shame.. and that clueless man called bejide has family… No one can counsel him he is fight against democracy. APC is evil”
Charles Darwin posted:“Foolish people, I was seeing this man like a responsible person.”
Matthew Beckley added:“APC thinks dis is 2023, were Der Baba said snatch and grab it, Der eyes go clear
TrendPHD wrote:“Continue to push for the destruction of ADC, the people’s choice. It’ll never happen but your own downfall is imminent”
Isah Ishola criticised the development, saying: “This has further shows these people are only after politics of destruction, demonstrating their evil act publicly is so shameful, at least they should have some courtesy for the office of the president. They reduced the office of the pres!dent to nothing than business ventures..”
Another user Thanos wrote, “I don;t blame them, I blame INEC and the judiciary.”
A’man posted “He is blushing for being sent a dangerous work. Your end may likely not justify your means.
The controversy adds to ongoing debates about political conduct and party rivalry in Nigeria, especially as opposition parties continue to reorganise ahead of future electoral cycles. Daily Trust

News
Gunmen kill driver, abduct passengers along Ore–Benin expressway
Gunmen suspected to be kidnappers have attacked a commercial bus operated by GUO Transport along the Ore–Benin expressway, killing the driver and abducting several passengers in what underscores Nigeria’s deepening insecurity on major highways.
Reports indicate that the assailants ambushed the east-bound vehicle, opened fire on the driver, who died at the scene and subsequently whisked away passengers to an unknown destination.
The incident is believed to have occurred along a notorious stretch of the highway linking the South-West to the South-South, long plagued by banditry and abductions.
While official confirmation from security agencies is expected, local sources and a circulating video showed that passengers might have forcefully been taken into nearby forests, a tactic commonly employed by kidnapping syndicates operating along the corridor.
Similar attacks in the past have involved mass abductions, with victims later released after ransom payments.
The Ore–Benin expressway has increasingly become a hotspot for such criminal activities, with security analysts attributing the trend to inadequate patrol coverage, difficult terrain, and the strategic importance of the route for interregional travel.

This latest incident adds to growing public frustration over what many describe as the normalization of violent attacks on Nigerian roads.
Nigerians have repeatedly called for intensified security presence, surveillance infrastructure, and coordinated response mechanisms to curb the menace.

News
Pregnant woman ‘falls and dies while fleeing from cow during burial’ in Anambra
A tragic incident has been reported in Oba, Anambra state where a pregnant woman identified as Omalicha, reportedly lost her life after falling while trying to escape from a stray cow during a burial ceremony.
According to accounts shared online, the incident occurred when the animal suddenly broke loose at the event, causing panic among attendees. As people scrambled for safety, the expectant mother was said to have fallen during the chaos.
The story was brought to public attention by a friend of the deceased, Chinazor Peace Anyadiegwu, who recounted the events in an emotional social media post on Saturday, April 18, 2026.
She revealed that she had seen the woman just hours before the incident, describing a brief encounter where the deceased was with her children. The sudden news of her death, she said, came as a shock.
According to her account, confusion broke out at the burial when the cow became uncontrollable, forcing people to run in different directions. It was during this moment that the pregnant woman reportedly fell, leading to the fatal outcome.
The incident has left many in the community devastated, especially given the woman’s condition and her role as a mother. Tributes have continued to pour in, with friends and acquaintances expressing grief over the sudden loss.

The tragedy has also raised concerns about safety measures at social gatherings, particularly in situations where animals are involved.
Observers say better control and supervision could help prevent such unfortunate incidents in the future.
As of the time of reporting, there has been no official statement from authorities regarding the incident.

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