Amid relentless attacks in Plateau State by suspected Fulani militia, the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) branches across the state have made a bold call for community-led self-defence, arguing that the government alone cannot ensure citizens’ safety.

Speaking during a press briefing at the NUJ State Secretariat in Jos, representatives from the four Plateau NBA branches—Jos, Pankshin, Bukuru, and Shendam—declared the old mantra of “Enough is enough” outdated.

“This is Enough and let us Stand up and take Action,” they stated.

Leah Hassan, Chairperson of the Jos NBA and spokesperson for the group, expressed deep concern over the continued bloodshed, particularly in Bokkos and Bassa local councils.

“It is utterly heart-wrenching that while Plateau has yet to recover from the horror and pain of previous attacks, our peace is once again shattered by another wave of senseless and barbaric killings,” she lamented.

“These acts of violence are a direct assault on our shared humanity, the rule of law and the fundamental right to life as enshrined in our Constitution,” Hassan added.

The NBA urged the Federal Government to provide vulnerable communities with tools and legal frameworks for self-defence, arguing that current security deployments are grossly inadequate.

Their statement emphasized the need for empowering citizens until lasting solutions to insecurity are found.

Meanwhile, in a show of solidarity and compassion, prominent Christian leaders gathered in Lagos for a benefit concert aimed at raising funds and awareness for victims of northern insurgency.

The concert, organized by the Foundation of Truth Assembly (FOTA) Church and held at the Federal Palace Hotel, Victoria Island, drew a significant crowd.

The event featured performances by gospel stars including Mike Abdul, Kaestring, Abbey Ojomu, and Wisdom Chigozie, with songs focused on peace and national healing.

Some widows from the affected northern communities were also in attendance, sharing emotional stories of how they lost their husbands and now face the daunting task of raising children alone.

Pastor Yomi Kasali, Senior Pastor of FOTA and convener of the concert, stressed the need for empathy among Nigerian Christians.

“Christians in the North needed the empathy of their counterparts in the South to keep faith,” he said.

According to him, the body of Christ in Nigeria has suffered due to political polarisation following the 2015 elections—one of the factors that has contributed to deepening insecurity.

National NBA President, Afam Osigwe (SAN), also weighed in on the crisis, calling on the Federal Government to “rise up to its responsibility of safeguarding the life of every citizen.”

As the Catholic Church prepares for a historic transition following the death of Pope Francis, the Asagba of Asaba, Prof. Epiphany Azinge (SAN), has joined the growing calls for the next pope to come from Africa.

In a statement on Tuesday, the prominent Delta State monarch emphasized the need for inclusivity and representation in the Church’s leadership.

“The time is ripe for Africa to produce the Pope,” he declared, noting that the continent has never had a representative ascend to the papacy in the Church’s nearly 2,000-year history.

The monarch highlighted a list of potential African candidates including Cardinal Peter Turkson of Ghana, Cardinal Robert Sarah of Guinea, and Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo Besungu of the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Besungu, he pointed out, is a current member of the late Pope Francis’s Council of Cardinals and President of the Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar (SECAM).

The cardinal had earlier, in January 2024, signed a letter opposing the Vatican’s controversial allowance for priests to perform non-liturgical blessings of same-sex unions.

The Asagba, a Knight of Saint John (KSJ) and Knight of Saint Gregory the Great (KSG), argued that Africa has become “the bedrock of Catholicism and by extension Christianity the world over” and that this growing significance must now be reflected at the highest levels of Church leadership.

He said, “The late Pope Francis championed inclusivity in the Church and the time has come to practicalise it by giving Africa a chance.”

Meanwhile, preparations are underway for the papal conclave, which will begin between 15 and 20 days after Pope Francis’s passing.

Cardinals under the age of 80 will gather in the Sistine Chapel to elect a new pontiff.

Among the top candidates are Jean-Marc Aveline (France), Peter Erdo (Hungary), Pietro Parolin and Matteo Zuppi (Italy), Marc Ouellet (Canada), Luis Tagle (Philippines), Mario Grech (Malta), and Joseph Tobin (United States), alongside the African contenders.

A two-thirds majority is required to elect the new pope.

As tradition dictates, black smoke from the Sistine Chapel signals a failed vote, while white smoke announces the election of a new pontiff.

Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, died at age 88 on Easter Monday.

He was elected in 2013 following the resignation of Benedict XVI, making history as the first Latin American pope and the first Jesuit to hold the office.

A somber atmosphere engulfed Eagle Island in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, following the alleged suicide of a police inspector, Maxwell Zabu.

The officer was reported to have taken his own life at the residence of a former Chairman of Port Harcourt Local Government Area in the early hours of Tuesday, April 22.

Sources revealed that the case was promptly reported to the Police post at Eagle Island, which operates under the Azikiwe Police Division.

Officers from the division swiftly moved to the location to begin preliminary investigations.

Confirming the development, the spokesperson for the Rivers State Police Command, Superintendent of Police Grace Iringe-Koko, noted that it is being treated as a suspected case of suicide.

“It is suspected that the Police officer killed himself,” she stated.

Nevertheless, the command emphasized that investigations were still ongoing to determine the exact circumstances of the incident.

Meanwhile, in a decisive move to ensure a thorough investigation, the Commissioner of Police in Rivers State, CP Olugbenga Adepoju, has ordered the case to be handed over to the State Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department (SCIID), Port Harcourt.

Barr. Ekene Okenwa, former chairman of Nkanu West Local Government Area in Enugu State, is set to lay his father, Chief John Okenwa Nnamani, to rest on Thursday, April 24, 2025.

In a statement made available to DAILY GAZETTE on Monday, Okenwa announced that burial arrangements will commence with a Christian wake scheduled for Wednesday, April 23, 2025.

Christian wake will take place at the family compound of the late Chief Nnamani in Uvuegu Village, Obinagu Uwani Akpugo, at 6pm.

“On Thursday, 24th April 2025, there will be a church service at St. Theresa’s Primary School, Obodo Nwafor, by 12pm. Entertainment of guests and condolences follows thereafter,” Ochendo added.

Late Chief John Okenwa Nnamani was aged 87.

The Cross River State Government has formally added a new spiritual celebration to its tourism calendar, unveiling the “Carnival Parade of Thanksgiving and Festival of Praise,” popularly known as the Jesus Carnival.

The event is scheduled to take place every Easter season, with the inaugural edition held on Easter Monday in Calabar.

Governor Senator Bassey Otu, joined by his wife, Bishop Eyoawan Bassey Otu, officially flagged off the maiden edition.

The carnival, characterized by vibrant colours, cultural expressions, and deep spirituality, is envisioned as a Christian counterpart to the internationally recognized Carnival Calabar, typically celebrated in December.

Organizers emphasized that the Jesus Carnival serves as a platform for collective thanksgiving to God for the continued peace and progress of the state, as well as the success of Carnival Calabar.

It merges faith, culture, and gratitude into a uniquely Christian celebration.

Speaking during the event, Governor Otu declared, “Jesus Christ has taken Cross River State to unimaginable heights within two years of this administration. From inception, I declared this a Godly state, and Jesus the true governor.”

He announced that Easter Monday would now be reserved for this purpose annually: “Easter Monday has now been set aside to celebrate Jesus and to say, ‘Father, thank You for how far You’ve brought us.’ The story of Cross River State is changing for the better. I’m grateful to all the men and women of God who have continually kept the state in their prayers.”

Calling for continued spiritual support from Christian communities, he stated, “No investment in the things of God is ever wasted.”

The governor also extended gratitude to the multitude of clergy who mobilized their congregations for the event.

The celebratory procession covered key parts of Calabar Municipality and Calabar South, including stops at Millennium Park, Watt Market, Nelson Mandela Street, Target Street, and the Mary Slessor Roundabout.

Prayers were offered at various locations along the route, lending spiritual weight to the parade.

Governor Otu and his wife sang and danced with thousands of Christians, with powerful gospel music reverberating through the streets.

Before the flag-off, First Lady Bishop Eyoawan Otu shared the inspiration behind the event: “While Carnival Calabar is a secular celebration, this is a spiritual festival — one created to honor Christ for His sacrifice and celebrate our faith as a people.”

The Special Adviser to the Governor on Event Management, Mr. Effiong Ekpenyong, attributed the vision behind the Jesus Carnival to the First Lady’s influence and spiritual commitment.

“With this spiritually uplifting addition to its tourism calendar, Cross River State has reaffirmed its identity as a place where culture and faith intersect, making Easter not just a religious observance, but a state-wide celebration of divine gratitude and praise,” he remarked.

The event concluded with live performances from top gospel artists, headlined by celebrated musician Cobhams Asuquo, who delivered a moving performance that captivated the crowd.

Leading the prayers during the celebration were notable Christian leaders, including Rev. (Dr.) Takis Etim Caiafas, State Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN); Bishop Josef Bassey; Bishop Emma Isong; Bishop Bassey E. Edem; Apostle Frank Umoh, the Governor’s Special Adviser on Religious Affairs; and other ministers from various denominations.