General News

The Federal Government has intensified efforts to reform Nigeria’s policing system amid growing insecurity and concerns over communities resorting to self-help. The development followed the appointment of Professor Emmanuel Olukemi Rotimi of Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, to the Policy Advisory Committee of the Presidential Working Group on the National Policing Bill. The proposed bill is expected to provide a legal framework for a dual policing structure comprising Federal and State Police Services. It will also address funding, accountability, oversight, training, firearms control and information sharing. Meanwhile, President Bola Tinubu ordered the Armed Forces, Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services and other security agencies to intensify efforts to rescue victims abducted from a mosque in Niger State. The attackers reportedly stormed Kpenya Mosque in Borgu Local Government Area after attacking nearby communities, with at least 60 people reportedly abducted. Speaking at the Nigerian Bar Association’s 66th Annual General Conference in Port Harcourt, National Human Rights Commission Executive Secretary Anthony Ojukwu also called for the urgent establishment of State Police. Ojukwu said decentralised policing would improve response times because officers would be more familiar with local communities and terrain. However, he stressed that strong oversight and accountability mechanisms would be necessary to prevent political abuse and human rights violations. Social media activist Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan, also called for greater measures to enable citizens to protect themselves, including easier access to firearms. He alleged that some security agencies were aware of the identities and locations of criminals responsible for kidnappings and attacks. The proposed National Policing Bill is expected to form part of broader efforts by the Federal Government to strengthen security and address weaknesses in Nigeria’s existing policing structure.

Former Secretary-General of the Anglican Communion Worldwide, Bishop Josiah Idowu-Fearon, has urged the Federal Government to acknowledge the hardship facing Nigerians and explain the measures being taken to address it. Speaking in Kaduna on Monday, Idowu-Fearon said rising food and transportation costs had made life increasingly difficult for many Nigerians. He noted that some people could barely afford food and had been forced to reduce the number of meals they took daily. The bishop also expressed concern over the rising cost of household goods and poor electricity supply, saying his residence had been without public power for several days. He questioned how increased government revenues were being distributed amid the hardship. Idowu-Fearon called on the government to stop denying the economic difficulties and clearly communicate its plans to Nigerians. He also warned religious leaders against becoming too close to politicians, saying such relationships could affect their ability to speak truth to power. On the 2027 elections, he urged Nigerians to focus on candidates’ character and values rather than their religion. He also advised religious and traditional leaders against directing their followers on how to vote.

The Lagos State Government has introduced a temporary traffic diversion plan following the commencement of reconstruction work at Anthony Village Bus Stop. The Commissioner for Transportation, Oluwaseun Osiyemi, announced the development in a statement shared on his X account on Tuesday. According to the commissioner, excavation has begun on the damaged section of the road, which has repeatedly deteriorated due to heavy rainfall. The affected area will be reconstructed with interlocking stones to provide a more durable and long-lasting surface. To ensure the project is carried out safely, the government has implemented temporary traffic adjustments for motorists using the corridor. Motorists travelling from Fadeyi towards the Apapa-Oshodi Expressway through Anthony Village will be unable to access the route throughout the construction period. Similarly, drivers intending to use the Anthony Village Bus Stop service lane to connect to Oshodi have been advised to remain on the expressway and use an alternative connecting route further ahead. The government also noted that motorists travelling from Oshodi towards Anthony–Ikorodu Road via Anthony Village should be aware that there is currently no through road at the project site. The Ministry of Transportation urged motorists to plan their journeys ahead of time, avoid the affected section where possible and make use of alternative routes to reduce traffic congestion. The state government appealed for patience and cooperation from road users, assuring residents that the reconstruction is aimed at providing a lasting solution to the recurring road damage. Authorities expressed appreciation for the understanding of commuters and urged everyone to comply with traffic management measures throughout the duration of the project.

At least 18 Nigerians and two other foreign nationals have died following a boat accident in the Republic of Cameroon while travelling to Adamawa State, Nigeria. The boat, which was travelling from Garoua in northern Cameroon to Yola in Adamawa State, reportedly capsized late Monday night after being caught in a violent storm. According to reports, the vessel was carrying more than 50 passengers and was heavily loaded with iron rods and other building materials destined for Dasin, a community in Fufore Local Government Area of Adamawa State. Eyewitnesses said the boat encountered severe weather around midnight, causing it to overturn. Initial reports suggested that about 30 people may have died in the incident. However, local authorities have so far confirmed 20 fatalities, including 18 Nigerians and two foreign nationals. Sources said the remains of the Nigerian victims have been buried in Wuro Bokki community in Fufore Local Government Area, while search and rescue operations continue for passengers who are still missing. Divers from both Nigeria and Cameroon are participating in the ongoing rescue efforts. Meanwhile, several survivors are receiving medical treatment at hospitals in border communities.