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US Lawmaker Condemns Kebbi School Abduction

 

A United States lawmaker, Riley Moore, has reacted to the abduction of schoolgirls from Government Secondary School, Maga, in the Danko-Wasagu Local Government Area of Kebbi State.

In a post shared on X on Tuesday, Moore condemned the attack and urged prayers for the victims.

“Please join me in praying for the 25 girls who have been kidnapped and for the repose of the soul of their vice principal, who was killed,” he wrote.

Commenting further, he added:
“While we don’t have all the details on this horrific attack, we know that the attack occurred in a Christian enclave in Northern Nigeria.”

He also called on Nigerian authorities to act decisively, saying,
“The Nigerian government must do more to end the rampant violence.”

The incident happened early Monday when heavily armed bandits invaded the school, killed the vice principal, injured staff members, and abducted 25 students.

However, Moore’s description of the area as a Christian enclave sparked swift backlash online.

Bashir Ahmad, a former presidential aide under Muhammadu Buhari, publicly corrected the lawmaker.

“While appreciating your concern and praying for our sisters, it is important to correct a crucial detail here, the attack did not occur in a Christian enclave,” he wrote in response.

“It happened within a Muslim community, and the victims themselves were Muslims… even you, Americans, either do not understand the complexity of Nigeria’s insecurity challenges, or you are deliberately pushing unholy narratives that risk worsening our already fragile unity.”

The exchange revived ongoing tensions between some Nigerian officials and US political figures over foreign characterisations of Nigeria’s security crisis, particularly claims of “Christian genocide,” which Nigerian authorities have repeatedly rejected.

Meanwhile, the Federal Government has reiterated its commitment to securing the release of the abducted students, expressing concern over the attack and assuring citizens that it “shares in the pain of the victims” as efforts to rescue the girls intensify.

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PDP’s Turaki Calls On Trump, International Community To Intervene As Nigeria’s Democracy Faces Threat

 

The newly elected factional National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Kabiru Turaki, has called on U.S President Donald Trump and the international community to step in amid Nigeria’s deepening political crisis.

Turaki warned that the nation’s democracy is “under threat” as internal disputes within the PDP escalate, culminating in chaos in Abuja.

Speaking outside the party’s national secretariat at Wadata Plaza on Tuesday, he described the country’s political climate as so critical that urgent international intervention is required.

He also accused the faction loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, of mobilising armed thugs to obstruct party activities and block his faction from accessing the secretariat.

“I want to call on President Trump. What is at stake is not just genocide against Christians; he should come and save democracy in Nigeria. Democracy is under threat. I am calling all other developed nations, all advanced democracies, come and save Nigeria,” Turaki said.

Turaki further stated that leaders of his faction are prepared to make the ultimate sacrifice to defend the party’s mandate and the country’s democracy.

“I have said it, we are willing to lay down our lives to protect our office, to protect democracy and to protect our mandate,” he added.

His statements came just minutes before clashes erupted at the secretariat, where both the Turaki-led National Working Committee and the Wike-backed faction, led by factional National Secretary Samuel Anyanwu, had scheduled parallel National Executive Committee and Board of Trustees meetings.

The confrontation escalated as teargas was deployed, causing panic among party members, staff, and journalists, many of whom fled in disarray.

Outside, supporters of the opposing factions continued their clashes, heightening the standoff around the troubled opposition party.

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Atiku, Shehu Sani Seek Answers As ISWAP Claims Killing Of Brigadier General Musa Uba

 

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and ex-Kaduna Central senator Shehu Sani have called for urgent clarification following claims by Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) that it killed Brigadier-General Musa Uba after capturing him during an ambush in Borno State.

ISWAP on Monday alleged it executed the senior officer, releasing through its Amaq channel a picture collage showing Uba in his office and another after his alleged capture.

The terror group claimed its fighters intercepted the general after he “fled” Friday night’s ambush on a military convoy near Wajiroko village, adding that he was eventually “captured… after he was wounded.”

According to ISWAP, “Islamic State fighters overthrew a senior officer in the Nigerian army after a successful ambush on a military force in Borno…,” describing the Army’s denial as “an outright lie and a miserable security failure.”

The Nigerian Army had earlier dismissed reports of Uba’s abduction as “fake news,” insisting the commander of the 25 Task Force Brigade had survived the ambush after troops repelled the assault.

Reacting on X, Atiku Abubakar said he was “deeply saddened and extremely shocked and disturbed” by reports of the officer’s death and criticised what he described as unclear communication from military authorities.

He said: “I am deeply saddened and extremely shocked and disturbed by news making the rounds of the killing of Brig. Gen. Musa Uba by terrorists and the failure of the military hierarchy to clearly explain how it happened or what went wrong, as initial official denials indicated that this was not the case.”

Atiku blamed the development on what he termed “a failure of political leadership,” accusing President Bola Tinubu of focusing on political battles instead of national security.

He stressed that the incident reflects “a bold terrorist resurgence” and urged the president to prioritise safety.

“To Mr. President: the security of the lives of our people is your primary responsibility,” Atiku wrote, adding that Tinubu must “live up to it or be humble enough to admit incompetence and either ask for help or resign.”

He suggested that, if he were in office, he would instruct the military to “occupy Borno State or any state under siege… until they clear those areas.”

Atiku described Uba’s reported death as “one too many,” calling for stronger protection for front-line troops.

Senator Shehu Sani also responded, warning Nigerians not to be shaken by terrorist propaganda.

He wrote: Terrorists often circulate videos of killings or kidnappings to cowardly portray their power and send a threatening message to the world.”

He insisted that “their evil antics must not dampen the spirit of a nation confronting them.”

Sani described Brigadier-General Uba as “a brave and gallant soldier, an indomitable spirit who marched toward the fire in order to save his country.”

He urged the military to thoroughly investigate any operational lapses that may have led to the attack:

“We must emphasise on celebrating his courage and patriotism and never glorify their crimes, cruelty and cowardice… The military authorities must do everything to investigate the circumstances and possible lapses that led to the fall of Gen Uba and others. May their souls rest in peace.”

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Tinubu’s Wife Condemns Kebbi School Abduction, Reaffirms Support For Security Efforts

 

First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, on Tuesday expressed strong outrage over the abduction of 25 students from Government Girls Comprehensive Senior Secondary School, Maga, in Kebbi State’s Danko Wasagu Local Government Area.

During a visit to her office in Abuja by the Wives of Service Chiefs, Tinubu called for a minute of silence in honour of the slain vice principal and the kidnapped schoolgirls.

The delegation comprised Mrs Sefiyan Shuaibu, Mrs Ngozi Aneke, Mrs Aishatu Abass, and Mrs Elizabeth Egbetokun, representing the Army, Air Force, Navy, and Police Officers’ Wives Associations.

Tinubu commended the newly appointed service chiefs for what she described as their renewed commitment to strengthening national security.

She also praised their spouses for supporting their husbands’ demanding roles and for contributing actively to community development.

She encouraged the visiting wives to explore partnerships with her office, noting her previous productive collaborations with past service chiefs’ spouses, particularly initiatives supporting widows and military families.

Reflecting on the recent attack, the First Lady acknowledged the difficult conditions security personnel face in Kebbi and commended their courage.

She stressed the importance of ensuring the safety of all Nigerians, especially children.

Tinubu also announced upcoming end-of-year humanitarian projects sponsored by her NGO, the Renewed Hope Initiative.

These include financial aid for persons with disabilities on December 3 and support for elderly citizens on December 16.

According to her, N100 million has been earmarked for vulnerable groups nationwide.

Speaking on behalf of the delegation, Mrs Egbetokun thanked the First Lady for her leadership and consistent support.

She highlighted ongoing programmes within their associations, such as skills training, scholarships, and annual assistance to elderly citizens.

The visiting group also pledged to continue partnering with the First Lady to expand empowerment efforts and contribute to peace-building and community welfare across the country.

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“They Were Young Men In Army Uniform, Speaking Fulani” – Wife Of Kebbi Vice Principal Killed By Bandits

 

Amina Hassan, the distraught wife of the vice principal of Government Girls’ Comprehensive Secondary School Gada in Kebbi State, has recounted how the bandits killed her husband during the kidnapping of 25 schoolgirls from a nearby school.

DAILY GAZETTE earlier reported that the Kebbi State Police Command confirmed that no fewer than 25 students were abducted from the Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School in Maga, Danko/Wasagu Local Government Area, early Monday morning.

The attack, carried out by heavily armed bandits, left one staff member dead and another injured, according to a statement by the Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Nafi’u Abubakar Kotarkoshi.

The incident reportedly occurred around 4am when the assailants stormed the school and engaged police officers on duty in a fierce gun battle.

The attackers reportedly scaled the school fence, forced their way into the hostel, killed a staff member, and injured another.

Amina in an inteview with DW said her husband was killed while the family was asleep.
She introduced herself, saying she was the wife of the slain vice principal, and described the attackers.

She explained that she initially thought the noise was from cows entering their farm. She said they were sleeping around 3:30 am when she heard footsteps near the house and school hostel, and woke her husband to alert him about the cows.

In the process, she noticed the door opening and saw armed men in army camouflage uniforms.

“My name is Amina Hassan, wife of vice principal of Government girls comprehensive secondary school Gada, Kebbi State killed by armed bandits.”

“We were sleeping around 3:30 am when I heard the footsteps of the armed men around the house and school hostel and I wake my husband that cows are invading our farms, in the process of waking him up from sleep I heard our door open, I notice it was human being with guns and on Army camouflage uniform.”

The bandits threatened her husband before shooting him.

Hassan said her husband pleaded to be allowed to pray before they executed him, and they permitted him to do so.

“They threatened to kill my husband if he did anything strange. My husband pleaded that they should allow him to pray before they executed him, they allowed him and he was shot after saying his last prayer. When I try to go close to his corps they threatened to kill me too if I dared to go near my husband.”

“Then they asked me to follow them and I refused, I told them after killing my husband they wanted to take me away.”

“I will not follow them, they asked the kids to go inside and lay down. After the whole thing when they left the scene, I attempted to leave the house with the kids. I noticed they were all around the house and the school hostels. They sorrounded the whole place.”

He was shot after saying his final prayer. When she attempted to approach him, the attackers threatened to kill her.

She added that the bandits tried to take her away, but she refused. She told them she would not follow them after they had killed her husband. The attackers instructed the children to go inside and lay down.

After they left, Hassan and the children tried to leave the house, noticing that the bandits had surrounded the residence and school hostels.
Amina identified the attackers as young men in army camouflage uniforms.

Three were inside the hostel while the rest remained outside, and she noted that their voices indicated they could be Fulani.

“They were wearing army camouflage uniforms and they were all young men. Three of them intern at the hostel while the rest were outside the building. And from their voices when I heard them speaking one could indicate they are Fulanis.”

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There Is Christian Genocide In Nigeria, CAN Insists

 

The Christian Association of Nigeria has reiterated that there is a Christian genocide in the country, citing years of unspeakable tragedy, persecution, and insecurity faced by Christians in the country.

CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, stated this on Tuesday at the ongoing Fourth Quarterly National Executive Council Meeting of the association in Jos, Plateau State.

He said, “Our presence in Jos today is not accidental. It is intentional, purposeful, and deeply symbolic.”

“We are here as ambassadors of solidarity, compassion, and moral support. We are here to identify with our brothers and sisters across Plateau State and Northern Nigeria who have endured years of unspeakable tragedy—persecution, displacement, devastation, and unrelenting insecurity.

“It would be a grave injustice to deny the painful reality of what has transpired: lives brutally cut short, communities uprooted from their ancestral lands, families torn apart, churches razed, and hopes shattered.”

“CAN has spoken clearly and courageously on this matter, and we stand unwaveringly by our position that there is Christian genocide in Nigeria,” he said.

The CAN expressed the association’s unwavering solidarity with the affected communities across the country.

The CAN president highlighted the plight of displaced Christians, citing a recent visit to Bokkos, where he met with displaced brethren, listened to their stories, prayed with them, and supported them with relief.

“We declare with one united voice: You are not forgotten. You are not abandoned. The Body of Christ stands firmly with you,” Okoh emphasised.

The Christian body called for justice, accountability, and peace, urging the Federal Government and the international community to act decisively to halt the destruction of lives and the displacement of indigenous people, particularly in Christian-dominated communities across Northern Nigeria and the Middle Belt.

The association also appealed to governments to resettle internally displaced persons back to their ancestral homes, warning that prolonged stays in IDP camps could escalate into a more devastating humanitarian crisis.

Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, who declared the NEC meeting open, reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to restoring and sustaining peace across the state.

Represented by his deputy, Josephine Piyo, Mutfwang described the meeting as “symbolic” for Plateau State, which has long been regarded as the “Home of Peace and Tourism”.

Mutfwang equally expressed his administration’s firm commitment to healing divisions, securing rural areas, resettling displaced persons, and restoring dignity and livelihood to affected families.

“I want to appreciate CAN, both at the national and state levels, for your unwavering support, prayers, and partnership. Your counsel and collaboration continue to guide our steps as we build a safer, stronger, and more united Plateau,” he said.

The governor urged CAN leaders to reflect on how the Church can continue to shape national discourse, strengthen moral values, and foster unity among Nigerians.

“Nigeria needs the Church now more than ever,” Mutfwang emphasised, wishing the delegates fruitful deliberations and impactful resolutions.

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Tanzania President Appoints Own Daughter, Ex-President’s Son As Ministers

Tanzania President Appoints Own Daughter, In-law As Ministers

Tanzanian President, Samia Suluhu Hassan on Monday unveiled the team that will steer her second-term agenda, naming a new Cabinet featuring 27 ministers and 29 deputy ministers, among them her daughter, Wamu Hafidh Ameir, and Ridhiwani Jakaya Kikwete, son of former President Jakaya Kikwete.

In an address broadcast from the Chamwino State House in Dodoma, President Samia said the new lineup reflects her commitment to “effective service delivery and renewed leadership focus.”

“This afternoon, I have announced the appointment of the Cabinet and Deputy Ministers. Together, we will work to fulfil the fundamental responsibility of serving the citizens,” she said.

Wamu Hafidh Ameir, 43, currently the Member of Parliament for Makunduchi in Zanzibar, was appointed Deputy Minister of Education, Science and Technology.

She recently retained her seat under the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) following the October 29, 2025, general election.

Ridhiwani Jakaya Kikwete, 46, representing Chalinze Constituency in Pwani Region, was named Minister of Public Service Management and Good Governance in the President’s Office.

His appointment reinforces the long-standing political alliance between his father, Tanzania’s fourth President, and President Samia, who has often acknowledged Kikwete’s influence in her political rise within CCM.

President Samia also named Tanzania’s ambassador to China, Khamis Mussa Omar, as the new Minister of Finance in a sweeping reshuffle that saw seven ministers dropped from the previous Cabinet.

Those left out include: Dr. Doto Biteko — Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Energy, Hussein Bashe — Agriculture, Innocent Bashungwa — Home Affairs, Jenista Mhagama — Health, Dr. Seleman Jafo — Industries and Trade, Dr. Pindi Chana — Natural Resources and Tourism and Dr. Damas Ndumbaro — Constitution and Legal Affairs.

The newly appointed ministers and their deputies took the oath of office on Tuesday morning during a ceremony held at Chamwino State House.

Addressing the appointees, President Samia underscored the weight of their responsibility.

“This responsibility is both a duty and a debt we must repay to the people by serving them with passion, hard work and great integrity. May God guide and lead you,” she said.

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BREAKING: Wike-Led PDP Faction Expels Governor Makinde, Bala Mohammed, Bode George, Others

 

A major political upheaval rocked the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Tuesday as the faction led by Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, announced the expulsion of several prominent party leaders, including Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, and party elder statesman Chief Bode George.

The announcement, made after an emergency meeting of the Wike-backed National Executive Committee (NEC) at the faction’s Abuja base, cited “gross anti-party activities, persistent insubordination, and attempts to destabilise the party” as the reasons for the expulsions.

According to the statement issued by the factional National Publicity Secretary, the affected members were accused of working covertly to undermine the PDP ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The statement read in part:

“Following extensive deliberations, the NEC has resolved to expel the following individuals from the Peoples Democratic Party with immediate effect for their roles in acts that threaten the unity, cohesion, and survival of the party.”

Detail shortly…

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Justice Must Never Be For Sale, Tinubu Tells Judges

 

President Bola Tinubu on Monday issued a strong warning to judicial officers nationwide, insisting that justice must remain pure and free from corruption, declaring that “justice must never be for sale.”

Speaking at the opening of the 2025 All Nigerian Judges’ Conference of the Superior Courts in Abuja, Tinubu reaffirmed that judges are the true custodians of justice.

He pledged continued federal support for their welfare, training, and the work of the National Judicial Institute, noting that continuous learning and ethical discipline must guide the judiciary.

However, the President stressed that no judicial reform can succeed without integrity at its core.

According to him, “Justice must never be for sale, and the Bench must never become a sanctuary for compromise. Corruption in any arm of government weakens the nation, but corruption in the Judiciary destroys it at its core.”

Tinubu emphasized that judicial discipline must be both firm and transparent, adding that protecting the integrity of the courts is a responsibility shared by all judicial officers, not only the National Judicial Council.

The President also expressed concern over the growing backlog of cases and the slow pace of justice delivery, describing both as unacceptable and dangerous to Nigeria’s democratic stability.

He urged judges to implement bold and practical reforms aimed at restoring public confidence.

“The backlog of cases in our courts must be addressed with urgency. Our courts must no longer be places where cases languish for years. Justice exists for the people, and their faith in the judicial process is the foundation of our national stability,” he said.

Tinubu noted that Nigerians continue to complain about delayed verdicts, questionable judicial conduct, and difficulty accessing justice.

He said these concerns demand reflection and meaningful action.

“These perceptions, whether wholly justified or not, cannot be ignored. They call upon us to reflect, to reform, and to restore,” he stated.

Reiterating his administration’s commitment to strengthening the Judiciary, the President highlighted the need for better capacity, working conditions, and infrastructure across courts nationwide.

He added that technology must play a central role in future reforms.

“Support must be tangible, not ceremonial. We will prioritise modern infrastructure, digital processes, and efficient case management. A digital, transparent judiciary will deepen accountability and public trust,” he said.

Tinubu also urged judges to adopt reforms that enhance discipline, reduce case congestion, and make justice more accessible and affordable to ordinary Nigerians.

Declaring the conference open, the President praised the Judiciary’s role in shaping Nigeria’s democratic evolution, stressing that its decisions continue to define the nation’s stability and fairness.

“Each fair judgment strengthens the Republic; each courageous ruling preserves its soul,” he said.

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‘I Acted Foolishly,’ VeryDarkMan Apologises After Aircraft Brawl

 

Martins Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), has issued a public apology following his altercation with comedian Freedom Atsepoyi (Mr Jollof) aboard a United Nigeria Airlines flight, an incident that caused delays and drew widespread criticism.

In a video shared on Instagram on Tuesday, Otse admitted fault, saying he accepts “full responsibility” for the disruption.

“I would really like to apologise for what happened yesterday on the United Nigerian Airlines. What happened yesterday was not supposed to happen, and I will take full responsibility for it,” he said.

He expressed concern for passengers whose schedules were affected by the delay.

“A lot of people on that flight had important things to do, but because of that little irresponsibility from my end, their flight was delayed. Some people might have had medical emergencies, and some had business contracts to sign. I don’t know what that little delay would have cost them, and I really want to apologise,” Otse added.

The influencer also extended his apology to everyone aboard the aircraft, “all the mothers, all the daddies, all the uncles, all the younger ones”,  including the pilot and flight crew.

Otse admitted that the incident was avoidable and reflected poorly on him.

“Looking back at what happened yesterday, I really didn’t like that part. Even though some people saw everything as a cruise on social media, I acted irresponsibly,” he said.

Although he declined to make an absolute promise, he assured Nigerians that such scenes would never be repeated in public spaces.

“I cannot guarantee that it will not happen again. I can only guarantee that it will not happen on the plane, on the bus or in a public place that will stop people from going to their destination,” he stated. “But I am really, really sorry for yesterday.”

DAILY GAZETTE earlier reported that both VeryDarkMan and Mr Jollof may face criminal prosecution over the confrontation, which occurred on Monday during boarding.

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