NEWS
Apprehension as senate fails to deliberate on Terrorists’ Threats to Abduct, Buhari, El-Rufai, lawmakers
By John Danjuma
The senate’s unusual silence over recent threats by terrorists to abduct President Muhammadu Buhari, Kaduna Governor El-Rufai and lawmakers is creating more fears Nigerians over the state of insecurity that seemed to have overwhelmed every sector of Nigeria.
Two days after terrorist who hijacked the Kaduna-bound train released a video, where they threatened to kidnap President Muhammadu Buhari and Kaduna State governor, Nasir el-Rufai, apprehension heightened in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), leading to the immediate closure of all unity schools in Abuja.
Even the federal Government was panic striken to the extent of ordering the closure of schools over the matter.
Despite the obvious the lawmakers upon their resumption on Tuesday did not give any thought to the issue
The terrorists abducted the train passengers on transit from Abuja to Kaduna on March 28, 2022 had in their latest video that had gone viral identified the Commander-in-Chief of Nigeria’s armed forces and President, Buhari, the Governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai and Senators as their next target.
The same video showed the terrorists flogging the remaining defenceless captives in their den as they passed home the disturbing message to shift their focus on Buhari and other top government functionaries including senators.
But surprisingly, the federal lawmakers in the Senate who are directly possible victims on the list with the terrorists did not deem it necessary enough to mention or deliberate on the issue even behind closed doors in an executive session as they returned to work on Tuesday.
At the senate, the lawmakers rather embarked on their routine legislative work, attending to three separate letters from President Buhari for various appointments including the confirmation and approval of the appointments of Justice Olukayode Ariwoola as Substantive Chief Justice of Nigeria.
READ ALSO: Nine APC Govs visit Buhari, throw weight behind choice of Shettima
Others were requests for them to confirm and approve the re-appointments of 4 Non-Executive Directors of the Central Bank of Nigeria as Board members of the apex bank and the confirmation of Suleiman Afikpo as Commissioner ( South-East ), National Hajj Commission.
An attempt in the House of Representatives to initiate the discussion was countered by the stronger voices who were of the opinion that the handlers of Nigeria’s security should be allowed to do their job.
The silence of lawmakers in both chambers has further heightened the apprehension of many Nigerians who have been on the edge, wondering if the lawmakers are exhibiting signs of being overwhelmed by politics
The National Assembly had through several resolutions had severally drawn the attention of the executive arm of government to the activities of bandits and terrorists in the country, forcing Buhari to overhaul his entire security architecture.
This was as lawmakers granted Buhari express approval for the purchase of military hardwares to boost Nigeria’s fight against insurgency and other criminal acts. All of which seems to have been to no avail and now their reluctance to say a word even as the threats inch closer to their door steps.
Former Delta State Governor, Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan, has reportedly died, according to sources said to be close to his family.
The sources confirmed the development on Monday, October 19, 2026, although details surrounding the circumstances of his death remained unclear as of the time of filing this report.
“Uduaghan is no more; he is dead,” one of the sources reportedly said.
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The reported death comes months after claims that the former governor had died circulated on social media before being dismissed by his media aide, Henry Unini.
In June, reports of Uduaghan’s alleged death spread across Facebook and WhatsApp, prompting Unini to publicly debunk the claims and assure the public that the former governor was alive.
“I can tell you for a fact that Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan is alive,” Unini said at the time.
“Frankly, I don’t know where the writer got his information from. The death of someone is not something you take and write about casually,” he added.
Unini acknowledged at the time that Uduaghan had been experiencing health challenges but maintained that he was receiving medical attention.
“It is now common knowledge that Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan has been sick, but he is receiving proper medical care,” the media aide said.
He also stated that the former governor was recuperating, assuring the public that there was no immediate cause for concern.
“There is no cause for alarm whatsoever,” Unini said.
The media aide thanked friends, well-wishers and residents of Delta State who contacted the family to verify the former governor’s condition. He also urged the public to avoid spreading unverified information.
“The rumour was uncalled for,” he said while addressing the earlier reports.
As of the time of filing this report, further details about the circumstances surrounding Uduaghan’s reported death had yet to emerge.
The Delta State Government has commenced a ₦5 billion grassroots empowerment programme targeting 100,000 small-scale business owners and other beneficiaries across the state’s 500 wards.
The initiative, announced on Monday, will see each beneficiary receive ₦50,000 to support small businesses, strengthen household finances and stimulate economic activities across the state.
SEE ALSO: Two Arrested as Delta Police Uncover Cache of Illegal Weapons
The Executive Assistant to the Governor on Public Enlightenment (Projects and Policies), Mr Olisa Ifeajika, disclosed this while speaking with journalists in Asaba.
Ifeajika explained that the programme was designed to complement the state government’s investments in critical infrastructure with direct financial assistance to residents.
According to him, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori directed local government councillors to facilitate the distribution of the funds, with each of the 500 wards expected to reach at least 200 beneficiaries.
He added that the initiative reflects the administration’s commitment to improving livelihoods and expanding economic opportunities for Deltans, in line with the people-centred objectives of the MORE Agenda.
The Minister of Education, Dr Maruf Tunji Alausa, has commended Alhaji Aliko Dangote and the Aliko Dangote Foundation for plans to acquire Initial Public Offering (IPO) shares of Dangote Refinery on behalf of eligible Nigerian tertiary institution students.
Alausa described the initiative as an innovative approach to promoting financial literacy, youth empowerment and wealth creation among young Nigerians.
According to a press release issued by the Federal Ministry of Education on Monday, October 19, 2026, the initiative is expected to benefit up to four million students aged 18 and above, with each eligible student expected to receive 10 IPO shares without requiring prior investment or share purchase.
The minister said the programme would expose students to capital markets, responsible investing and long-term financial planning, preparing them for greater economic participation and financial independence.
He noted that the initiative aligns with the Nigeria Education Sector Renewal Initiative (NESRI) and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda by connecting education with enterprise, human capital development and inclusive economic growth.
According to Alausa, the initiative reflects the importance of partnerships between the education sector and private organisations in equipping young Nigerians with the knowledge and skills needed to participate in the economy.
He said the Federal Ministry of Education remained committed to strengthening private-sector partnerships to improve educational quality, relevance, equity and efficiency while preparing learners for a changing economy.
While appreciating the foundation’s contribution to youth development, the minister clarified that the ministry’s commendation was based on the initiative’s educational and developmental value.
He stressed that the ministry’s position “does not constitute an endorsement of any particular investment decision.”
Alausa also encouraged other corporate organisations to support similar initiatives that promote financial awareness, economic productivity and entrepreneurship among young Nigerians.
He urged businesses to support NESRI and the Renewed Hope Agenda in building a financially informed and economically productive generation.
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