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Edo Women Protest Cult Killing Of Their Husbands

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Hundreds of young women took to the streets of Benin City on Tuesday, protesting the alarming rise in cult-related killings that have plagued Edo State.

The women, aged between 30 and 35, lamented the devastating impact of the violence, which they said has turned many into widows and made it increasingly difficult for others to find husbands.

Clad in black, the protesters marched to the Edo State House of Assembly and the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) secretariat, urging government authorities, traditional leaders, religious institutions, and security agencies to urgently address the killings.

READ MORE: Corps Members Eligible To Serve In Oil Firms, Banks As FG Lifts Ban

Miss Precious Ikponmwen, one of the protesters, voiced the grief and frustration of the women, saying, “We are tired of the killings. Many young girls are turning into widows in their 20s and 30s. Almost all Edo State households have been affected. It is difficult to train children as a single parent. Those fighting are our husbands and brothers. We want government at all levels and security agencies to help us stop these killings.”


Another protester, Miss Ojo Gloria Eki, emphasised the tragic loss of young lives, describing it as a threat to the future of the state. “The youths are the hope and future of any nation, and it is disheartening to witness their lives cut short by violence,” she said.

In a letter co-signed by Eki and Precious Omoghan Ikpowonsa, titled ‘Appeal for Peace and Unity in Edo State,’ the women called on those in authority to act decisively to end the violence.

“We are writing to you with a heavy heart regarding the recent tragic events unfolding in Edo State, specifically the senseless killings of youths that have brought sorrow and despair to our communities,” the letter read.

The letter appealed to traditional and political leaders to promote dialogue, tolerance, and reconciliation. It stated, “Your guidance and support in mediating conflicts, promoting tolerance, and advocating for justice will be instrumental in restoring peace and stability in Edo State. Let us stand together as a united community, bound by the values of peace, compassion, and respect for all individuals.”

Since the beginning of November, over 50 people have reportedly lost their lives to renewed cult clashes in Edo State.

Governor Monday Okpebholo has directed security agencies to intensify efforts to eliminate cultists and other criminal elements to ensure the state’s safety.

The protesters urged immediate action to prevent further loss of life and protect the future of the youth in Edo State.

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Gov Uba Sani Hands Over Land Titles to Displaced Residents of Nine Kaduna Communities

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Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani has handed over land titles to displaced residents of nine communities in Birnin Yero, Igabi Local Government Area, to enable them to rebuild their homes and regain shelter.

The Kaduna State Ministry of Information and Culture disclosed the development on Sunday, October 18, 2026, describing the exercise as an intervention aimed at helping displaced residents rebuild their homes.

According to the ministry, each beneficiary is being allocated a plot of land to support resettlement and provide shelter for affected residents.

SEE ALSO: Kaduna Moves to Clear 5-Year Promotion Backlog for 24,000 Teachers

“ He is officially handing over land titles, giving each person a plot of land to rebuild their homes and regain shelter,” the ministry’s announcement stated.

The ministry also noted that Governor Sani had continued to support displaced communities across Kaduna State since assuming office.

The latest exercise focuses on nine communities in Igabi Local Government Area, with the allocation of land intended to help affected residents rebuild their homes and regain stability.

The development comes amid previous reports concerning land disputes and displacement affecting communities in Kaduna State.

In September 2026, reports indicated that the Kaduna Geographic Information Service (KADGIS) had resolved more than 5,000 land disputes and restored over 150 property titles.

The agency also reported that alternative plots had been provided to some communities affected by previous demolitions.

 

 

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JUST IN: Presidency Rejects Makinde’s Claim of ₦250bn NLNG Dividends for Each State

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The Presidency has rejected Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde’s claim that the Federal Government is withholding ₦250 billion in Nigeria LNG Limited (NLNG) dividends for each state, describing the allegation as false and inconsistent with the company’s historical dividend payments.

The rebuttal was contained in a statement issued on Sunday by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy.

Makinde had alleged that the Federal Government would not release the funds until after the 2027 general elections, despite states having identified development projects for which the money was expected.

ALSO READ: “Makinde Never Owed Salary Despite FAAC Changes” — APM Chieftain Adelore

The governor made the claim on Friday at the 2027 Budget Stakeholders’ Consultative Engagement held at Olola Ogunlana Hall, International Conference Centre, University of Ibadan.

“Each state was supposed to get ₦250 billion. We had already identified projects that would expand Oyo State’s economy. But they have now said the money will not be paid until after the election. Is the election more important than the people of Nigeria?” Makinde said.

However, the Presidency disputed the governor’s figures, arguing that the amount he cited would require an exceptionally large dividend payment from NLNG.

“Makinde’s latest claim that the Federal Government is withholding the NLNG dividend windfall is false and should be disregarded,” Onanuga stated.

According to the presidential aide, paying ₦250 billion to each of Nigeria’s 36 states would amount to ₦9 trillion, excluding the Federal Government, the Federal Capital Territory and the 774 local government councils.

He explained that under the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) revenue-sharing formula, states receive 26.72 per cent of distributable Federation Account revenue.

Onanuga said NLNG would have to pay more than ₦33.68 trillion, equivalent to approximately $25 billion, into the Federation Account in a single declaration for the states’ share alone to reach ₦9 trillion.

“NLNG has never paid $25 billion in dividends to the Federation Account in a single payout,” he said.

The Presidency also stated that NLNG had paid approximately $21.5 billion in dividends to the Federation over the past 25 years, with less than $3 billion realised since Tinubu assumed office.

Onanuga argued that these figures contradicted the allegation that a single dividend payment exceeding the company’s total historical distribution to the Federation was being withheld.

“Therefore, any claim that a single payout exceeds the company’s entire lifetime distribution to the Federation—and is being withheld—defies basic logic and economic reality,” he stated.

The presidential aide further criticised Makinde’s public statements, accusing the governor of making misleading claims since embarking on his presidential ambition ahead of the 2027 elections.

“We expect Governor Makinde to be more measured in his public conduct and utterances,” Onanuga said.

He also recalled Makinde’s previous description of the substantial financial allocations from the Federation Account to states, including Oyo, as “voodoo.”

While acknowledging that Makinde was free under Nigerian law to pursue his presidential ambition, Onanuga urged him to avoid what the Presidency described as false claims and disinformation.

“Under Nigerian law, Governor Makinde is free to pursue his presidential ambition. He should desist from making falsehoods and disinformation the hallmarks of his campaign,” he stated.

The Presidency urged Nigerians to disregard the governor’s allegation, arguing that it could mislead citizens and create unnecessary hostility towards the Federal Government.

“We urge the public to disregard these unfounded claims, which serve only to mislead citizens and stoke needless disaffection against the Federal authorities,” Onanuga added.

 

 

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Sowore Challenges Okonjo-Iweala to Name Those Behind Alleged $2.4bn Subsidy Fraud

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Okonjo-Iweala Narrates Encounter With Ruthless Fuel Subsidy Cabal

The 2027 presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), Omoyele Sowore, has challenged the Director-General of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, to identify the individuals and companies allegedly involved in the $2.4 billion oil subsidy fraud she said she uncovered while serving as Nigeria’s Minister of Finance.

Sowore made the demand in a statement posted on X on Sunday, questioning the evidence supporting the alleged fraud and its reported connection to the kidnapping of Okonjo-Iweala’s mother in 2012.

SEE ALSO: 2027: No New Taxes Under My Gov’t If Elected – Sowore Clarifies

His response followed reports of an interview in which Okonjo-Iweala recounted how her efforts to uncover an alleged $2.4 billion fuel subsidy fraud led to threats against her and the abduction of her mother, Kamene Okonjo.

The initial report, published by Nigerian media outlets on Saturday and Sunday, October 17 and 18, followed Okonjo-Iweala’s account of the incident and her experience fighting corruption while serving in government.

In his response, Sowore questioned the identities of those allegedly responsible for the fraud and the availability of documentary evidence supporting the claims.

“During her two terms at the center of Nigeria’s economic management, who exactly did she discover was responsible for this multibillion-dollar subsidy fraud?” he asked.

He also demanded details of the companies and individuals allegedly implicated, as well as the findings of investigations into the matter.

“Which companies and individuals were implicated? Where are the audit findings, investigation reports and records of prosecution?” Sowore queried.

The AAC presidential candidate also criticised Okonjo-Iweala’s book, Fighting Corruption Is Dangerous, in which she recounted the kidnapping and linked it to her anti-corruption efforts.

Sowore argued that the book did not provide evidence identifying those responsible for the alleged fraud or explaining what happened to the money.

He further questioned the evidence connecting the alleged subsidy fraud investigation to the kidnapping of Okonjo-Iweala’s mother.

According to Sowore, police records, prosecution records and judicial findings concerning the kidnapping pointed to the alleged involvement of palace guards, relatives and domestic workers.

He maintained that the circumstances surrounding the incident should be examined using verifiable evidence, rather than accepting or dismissing competing accounts without proper scrutiny.

Sowore also questioned why, according to his understanding, Okonjo-Iweala had not publicly challenged the police’s account of the kidnapping or demanded a fresh, independent investigation.

He criticised Bloomberg Television journalist Francine Lacqua over her handling of Okonjo-Iweala’s account, arguing that further verification was necessary.

Returning to the central issue, Sowore asked: “Who stole the alleged $2.4 billion?”

He also demanded to know where the audit findings were, which companies and individuals were implicated, what became of the investigations and what evidence established a direct connection between the alleged fraud and the kidnapping.

 

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