NEWS
How Ex-Katsina Gov Aide Was Linked to 8-Year-Old’s Kidnap Case
The Katsina State Government has suspended a former Senior Special Assistant (SSA) on Community Development, Nura Aliyu-Garwa, following allegations linking him to a kidnapping syndicate involved in the abduction of an 8-year-old boy in Katsina metropolis.
The development was confirmed in a statement issued by the Commissioner for Information and Culture, Dr. Bala Salisu-Zango, who said the decision followed ongoing investigations by security agencies.
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According to the statement, the suspect was allegedly connected to the kidnap of the minor at Sardauna Estate in the Katsina metropolis, an incident that has sparked widespread concern across the state.
The government also recalled that Aliyu-Garwa had previously been suspended over alleged diversion of empowerment materials meant for communities in Batsari Local Government Area under the state’s Community Development Programme.
He was also said to have declared interest in contesting for a seat in the Katsina State House of Assembly to represent Batsari Constituency before the latest allegations emerged.
Security authorities had earlier paraded suspects linked to the kidnapping syndicate as investigations intensified into the case.
Reacting to the development, the Governor of Katsina State, Dikko Radda, described the situation as unfortunate, noting that it was troubling given the suspect’s previous role in public service.
He commended the efforts of the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies for their continued work in tackling insecurity across the state.
The governor also urged residents to support security agencies with useful and timely information that could help prevent criminal activities.
NEWS
VDM in Trouble as Presidency Seeks Legal Action Over Alleged Fake Tinubu Audio
Popular social media influencer Vincent Martins Ortse, known as VeryDarkMan is facing possible legal action after the Presidency called for his prosecution over the circulation of an alleged fake audio recording purportedly involving President Bola Tinubu.
The call for legal action was made on Wednesday by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, who accused the influencer of spreading misleading content capable of deceiving the public and damaging the image of the President.
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In a statement shared on social media platform X, Onanuga described the audio as fake and criticized VeryDarkMan for amplifying what he termed false information.
“This VDM needs to face the weight of the law for being the conveyor and disseminator of a fake audio of President Tinubu. This is a clear case of an egregious abuse of the social media platform,” Onanuga stated.
The controversial audio clip, which went viral online, allegedly featured voice recordings attributed to President Tinubu making politically sensitive remarks ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The content included claims about insecurity in parts of the country, political negotiations during the 2023 elections, and comments on Nigeria’s economic situation.
There are suspicions that the audio may have been generated using artificial intelligence voice-cloning technology, though this has not been officially confirmed.
VeryDarkMan, in a video response shared online, urged his followers to critically assess the content before drawing conclusions. He also used the clip to criticize the President and expressed opposition to his possible re-election bid in 2027.
International News
U.S. Issues Highest-Level Travel Warning for Uganda Over Deadly Ebola Outbreak
The United States has issued its strongest travel advisory against Uganda, warning citizens to completely avoid travel to the country due to an ongoing outbreak of Ebola virus disease.
In the updated alert, the United States Department of State upgraded Uganda’s travel status to Level 4, the highest risk classification, which is widely understood as a “Do Not Travel” warning.
The decision was based on serious health threats and the rapid spread of the virus in affected areas.
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Authorities also warned of the risk of cross-border transmission, noting that continued movement across neighbouring countries could worsen the situation despite ongoing containment efforts.
Previously, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention had placed Uganda under a lower-level health advisory, advising travellers to take standard precautions.
However, a surge in infections and deteriorating conditions led to the tightening of restrictions.
Meanwhile, Ugandan authorities have stepped up emergency response measures, including stricter border surveillance, movement restrictions in affected zones, and reductions in public transportation and market activities in high-risk areas.
Health agencies remain on high alert as the outbreak continues to raise concern over possible regional spread across East Africa.
NEWS
No Joy on Children’s Day as Students Languish in Captivity — Peter Obi
Former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has expressed deep concern over the continued abduction of schoolchildren across Nigeria, saying the 2026 Children’s Day celebration has been overshadowed by ongoing insecurity.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, Obi said it is painful that while Children’s Day is meant to celebrate the happiness, rights, and future of children, many Nigerian pupils are instead spending it in captivity following recent waves of school attacks.
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His remarks come amid renewed insecurity affecting educational institutions in different parts of the country, with reports of multiple students abducted in separate incidents in Borno and Oyo States.
The attacks have heightened fears among parents and communities over the safety of schools.
According to reports, dozens of schoolchildren were taken during coordinated assaults on schools and surrounding communities, further exposing persistent gaps in security around learning environments.
Obi lamented that despite public celebrations, several children remain in captivity for days, weeks, and in some cases extended periods, while families continue to live in anguish and uncertainty.
He described the situation as unacceptable and a reflection of a nation struggling to protect its most vulnerable citizens.
The former governor warned that any country unable to secure its children from violent attacks risks damaging its moral standing globally.
He further stressed that no parent should endure the trauma of not knowing the whereabouts or safety of their children, urging authorities to take more decisive action to end school-related abductions.
While Nigerians joined the world to mark Children’s Day, Obi’s statement underscored the stark contrast between celebration and the harsh reality faced by affected families.
The recent surge in school kidnappings continues to spark national concern, with renewed calls for stronger protection of schools and urgent intervention by security agencies.





