Residents of Lafiagi in Edu Local Government Area, Kwara State, erupted in protest on Monday, burning down the local office of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and attacking the Emir’s palace.

DAILY GAZETTE gathered that the youths, driven by recurring terrorist attacks, kidnappings, and killings, launched the demonstration to highlight what they described as authorities’ silence and inaction toward mounting security threats.

Protesters, angry and frustrated, stormed local streets demanding an end to the violence.

They didn’t spare the palace of the Emir of Lafiagi, damaging windows and other parts of the historic structure in their rampage.

One resident expressed the community’s exasperation:

“We have kept silent for so long; our people are being killed and kidnapped, but nobody is doing anything about it.
The rate of criminality here is becoming so alarming and the authorities are not doing anything to checkmate it.”

As at the time of filing this report, neither the Kwara State government nor the police has released an official statement regarding the violent demonstrations.

The Agu-Owa Concerned Landlord & Landowners Association in Nike, Enugu East Local Government Area, has raised alarm over what it describes as “attempted forceful takeover” of private properties by the Enugu State Government.

In a strongly worded statement responding to a communiqué issued by the Commissioner for Housing, Dr. Martin Chukwunweike, on June 26, the association expressed shock and concern over alleged efforts by certain government officials to reclaim their land and houses under a new development initiative.

“We are deeply displeased and shocked by continued efforts of some members of the state government to take our lands and houses away from us, simply because they have the power to do so,” the group said.

The landlords, many of whom identified themselves as retired civil servants, artisans, and low-income earners, claimed that their properties were legally acquired and supported by Certificates of Occupancy (C of O), Government-Approved Survey Plans, Deeds of Lease, and land purchase receipts.

They warned that the situation could erode public trust in property ownership across the state.

“This development puts property ownership in Enugu State in serious doubt. What is the future of a citizen’s investment if a government policy can make them lose everything overnight?” the statement asked.

Although the state government has portrayed the housing scheme as a compassionate intervention to provide affordable homes for the masses, the association disputes this, saying the real motive is the high commercial value of their land.

“Agu-Owa is part of the Trans-Ekulu area, where a plot of land currently sells for as much as ₦80 million. We believe the end goal is profit, not public interest,” they alleged.

The group also revealed that they had secured a restraining order from the Enugu State High Court, preventing any encroachment or acquisition of their property, and called on the state government to respect the judicial process.

Directly addressing Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, the landlords issued a passionate plea for intervention, invoking Igbo proverbs to emphasize the gravity of their plight.

“Our forefathers say, adịghị ana nwa ukpana ya, maka na ọ bụ akwa. Nwata adighi abu nwata na-anu ogburu. We believe our governor is a good man and will listen to our cry,” the statement read.

They urged the governor to stop any alleged encroachment and rein in officials pushing the initiative without community consent.

Anambra State Governor, Chukwuma Charles Soludo, has directed a full investigation into a viral video showing members of the state’s Anti-Touting Squad allegedly engaging in physical abuse of suspected touts.

The announcement was made on Monday by the State Commissioner for Information, Law Mefor, who emphasized the administration’s zero-tolerance stance on touting but stressed that such enforcement must respect human rights.

“The Soludo administration is committed to upholding the rights and dignity of every lawful citizen and resident of Anambra and will not allow any person or group to infringe or inflict pain unduly upon lawful citizens,” Mefor stated.

While urging a thorough inquiry into the circulating footage, Mefor also cautioned the public on the risk of misinformation, especially in the digital age.

“In this era of AI and sophisticated disinformation, we urge members of the public to always verify media content before spreading or holding the same as true,” he said.

He reassured Anambra residents of the government’s unwavering commitment to public safety, justice, and human rights.

According to Mefor, “The principles of justice, fairness, and respect for human rights will always guide the state”

The state government has reiterated that while efforts to rid Anambra of touting and related crimes will continue, they must be conducted within the framework of the law.

The Emir of Kano, HRH Muhammadu Sanusi II, has painted a grim picture of Nigeria’s current state, declaring that virtually every sector of the country is in distress.

Represented by labour and human rights activist Auwalu Yakasai (Danmalikin Kano) at the 51st regular National Executive Council (NEC) meeting and training workshop of the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU), held at Aliko Dangote University of Science and Technology, Wudil, the monarch voiced deep concern about the nation’s economic and social decline.

“Every other sphere of human endeavour in Nigeria is now being battered. The economy, social life, education and health are all going down,” the Emir said.

“Even the labour movement is under a dwindling fortune.”

He lamented that the Nigerian labour movement, once a vibrant voice for the people, has lost much of its influence during what he described as one of the most challenging periods in its history.

Sanusi cited rising fuel prices, inflation, and economic hardship as symptoms of a broader national crisis, stating that the level of suffering among citizens is unprecedented.

He recalled a time when labour unions boldly resisted “anti-people policies” and actively defended the interests of workers.

Meanwhile, the broader economic context for Nigeria and several other African nations remains troubling.

A Business Insider Africa report, citing Forbes currency data as of June 23, 2025, ranks Nigeria among the ten African countries with the weakest currencies relative to the US dollar.

The Nigerian naira is currently trading at ₦1,553.68 to $1, reflecting recent depreciation despite efforts toward stabilization.

Other nations on the list include São Tomé and Príncipe (22,281.80/$), Sierra Leone (20,969.50/$), and Guinea (8,657.48/$).

The report attributes currency weakness across these countries to persistent inflation, economic instability, and over-reliance on imports.

In Nigeria’s case, the weakened naira continues to drive up import costs, fuel inflation, and reduce household purchasing power, compounding the hardship described by the Emir.

Celebrations have erupted across Zamfara State and several parts of Nigeria’s Northwest following the death of Kachalla Yellow Danbokolo, a feared bandit kingpin, in a clash with Shinkafi Volunteer Forces.

Danbokolo, widely known as the brutal enforcer behind numerous attacks in the region, was killed after a fierce ambush by local volunteer forces.

Security sources confirmed that over 173 bandits loyal to him were also neutralized in the operation. Danbokolo reportedly sustained severe gunshot wounds and later died over the weekend.

He was buried on Saturday.

While the Department of State Services (DSS) has not officially commented, sources close to the operation noted that the intelligence agency may have been involved in a “covert assault” during the operation.

The death of Danbokolo has sparked jubilation, particularly in Kurya District of Shinkafi Local Government Area, where residents say they lived under his reign of terror for years.

“We are in serious celebrations mood. It is hard to believe that Danbokolo, a man whose name used to strike fear in our hearts, is no more. I can authoritatively tell you that Danbokolo is the man behind the mask. He is the overall Commander. Turji merely communicates, while dreaded Danbokolo is the executioner of all the evil,” said one relieved villager.

The bandit leader was said to be more dangerous than his cousin, Bello Turji, who is often regarded as the spokesperson of the group.

“Not only Danbokolo was killed, at least, 173 bandits, loyal to him have been killed and buried within the week and several of them have fled the community. We see them running away after every raid on their hideouts,” the villager added.

Another resident explained that the operation has thrown Turji’s faction into disarray.

“Known loyalists of Turji are now in a state of fear and confusion, and some are now seeking to surrender as they see the end in sight,” he said.

“This is the first time we believe that these bandits will soon be gone for good. Bello Turji has no hiding place. Knowing that his days are numbered, he and some of his foot soldiers have begun to desperately beg for amnesty.”

The offensive launched by the Shinkafi Volunteer Forces marks one of the most successful operations against organised banditry in Zamfara’s recent history.

Residents credit the success to enhanced local collaboration and possible intelligence support.

Although the DSS has maintained a low profile, community members believe the agency played a key role behind the scenes.

The atmosphere in many communities remains festive, with farmers particularly expressing hope for a safer planting season.

“This farming season, we hope not to pay taxes to bandits. For the first time, we feel free,” one farmer said.

The Bishop of the Anglican Diocese of Enugu, Rev. Samuel Ike, has issued a strong appeal to Nigeria’s judiciary, urging it to end the trend of conflicting court judgments and promote clarity and consistency in judicial pronouncements.

Speaking during the 2nd Session of the 19th Synod of the Diocese in Enugu, Bishop Ike highlighted the growing public frustration and confusion resulting from contradictory legal rulings, which he said were undermining the integrity and credibility of the justice system.

“The judiciary should ensure it is frank, plain and simple in its use of language in delivering judgments.
If need be, the certified true copies of judgments should be translated into the three major Nigerian languages to improve understanding among the populace,” he said.

He stressed that such inconsistency in court decisions often leaves litigants interpreting the same judgment in different ways, thereby weakening public confidence in the judiciary.

The Bishop also made a direct appeal to the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, calling on her to preserve the sanctity and integrity of the courts as the final arbiter of justice.

“The judiciary should ensure it is frank, plain and simple in its use of language in delivering judgments. If need be, the certified true copies of judgments should be translated into the three major Nigerian languages to improve understanding among the populace,” he said.

He warned that judicial ambiguity not only fuels misinterpretation but also deepens public discontent, stressing that the courts must rise to their constitutional role as guardians of the rule of law.

Turning to broader national concerns, Bishop Ike expressed serious concern over worsening insecurity and the rising cost of living across Nigeria.

He called on President Bola Tinubu to act with greater urgency and political will in tackling these escalating crises.

“Mr. President must remember the hope he promised to renew. Time is running out,” he cautioned.

He pointed to the growing anxiety over resurgent violence, soaring food prices, and harsh living conditions, which continue to dominate public discourse.

The bishop also raised alarm over allegations of nepotism, comparing current trends to the failings of previous administrations.

Bishop Ike renewed his call for comprehensive reforms in Nigeria’s electoral and constitutional systems, and once again emphasized the need for State Police to help address security challenges at the local level.

While he acknowledged certain efforts by the current administration, including the ambitious Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project, Bishop Ike emphasized that attention must also be paid to repairing existing infrastructure.

“We need to fix our existing roads even as we embark on new ones. Infrastructure is key to national development,” he said.

He urged Nigeria’s leaders to prioritize transformational policies that benefit ordinary citizens, rather than ones that only serve the interests of a privileged few.

In his remarks, Bishop Ike encouraged both political and judicial leaders to return to the core values of justice, fairness, and people-focused governance, warning that Nigeria’s future depends on the choices made today.