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‘I Didn’t Mean It Literally’ — Nyesom Wike Clears Air as Atiku Abubakar Fires Back

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It Took Me Time To Develop Your Mum’s Village, Wike Tells Amaechi

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has clarified his controversial remarks directed at television anchor Seun Okinbaloye, insisting that his statement was not meant to be taken literally.

The clarification, issued through the Federal Capital Territory Administration, comes amid backlash from the media office of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, which described the comment as a dangerous signal to press freedom.

ALSO READ: ‘PDP Not Dead’ – Wike Declares Party Ready for 2027 Showdown

Speaking through his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media, Lere Olayinka, Wike explained that his remarks during a live media chat were exaggerated to emphasize a point and not intended as a threat.

“The minister never meant that he will shoot Seun Okinbaloye. They even spoke on phone today, and he understood what the minister meant,” Olayinka stated.

According to the minister’s aide, Wike’s reaction was triggered by what he perceived as a shift in the journalist’s role from neutral interviewer to an active participant in political discourse.

He maintained that the comment was made in a hyperbolic context and should not be misinterpreted.

The FCT Administration further stressed that Wike had clarified his position during the live programme, noting that his explanation at the time drew laughter from those present, reinforcing the absence of any real intent.

However, Atiku’s media office strongly disagreed, condemning the statement as “disgraceful and dangerous.”

It argued that such language, especially from a public office holder, could undermine democratic values and intimidate the media.

“This was not a joke. It was not banter. It was a threat — clear, direct, and deeply sinister,” the statement read.

The opposition also warned that such rhetoric reflects a broader pattern of intolerance, where criticism is met with hostility and dissent is discouraged.

Raising concerns over the safety of journalists and citizens alike, Atiku’s camp called for an immediate and unconditional apology from Wike to Okinbaloye and the Nigerian media community.

It also urged the administration of President Bola Tinubu to publicly distance itself from the remark.

 

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Gunmen Kill Two, One Missing as Fresh Attack Hits Plateau Community

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Plateau set to clear backlog of N18bn gratuities of retired civil servants

Two persons have been confirmed dead while another is missing following a fresh attack on Kum community in Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State in the early hours of Thursday.

The attack reportedly occurred around 3 a.m. when unidentified gunmen stormed the community and opened fire sporadically, forcing residents to flee for safety amid panic.

Eyewitness accounts and community sources said the attackers invaded while residents were still asleep, leaving destruction and confusion in their wake.

ALSO READ: Deadly Ambush: Ghanaian Footballer Killed as Gunmen Attack Team Bus

Confirming the incident, the National Publicity Secretary of the Berom Youth Moulders Association (BYM), Mr. Rwang Tengwong, said local vigilantes had already begun a search operation for the missing resident, while efforts were ongoing to restore calm in the area.

The latest assault adds to growing insecurity concerns in Riyom LGA, which has witnessed a rise in violent incidents in recent weeks, including reported destruction of farmlands in nearby communities.

Security operatives are yet to issue an official statement on the attack, while tension remains high in the affected community as residents fear possible further violence.

Community leaders have called for urgent intervention from security agencies to prevent further escalation and ensure the protection of lives and property.

Authorities are expected to intensify surveillance and investigation into the incident as efforts continue to track the perpetrators.

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Highway Horror Averted as Police Arrest Three Suspected Armed Robbers in Oyo

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The Oyo State Police Command has foiled a suspected armed robbery operation and arrested three suspects along the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway during a routine patrol and stop-and-search exercise.

DSP Ayanlade Olayinka anipr, Mnisma, the Oyo State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), disclosed this in a statement via X (formerly Twitter) on Thursday, noting that the operation was part of sustained efforts to strengthen security on major highways.

SEE MORE: Commuters Stranded As Multiple-Vehicle Crash Blocks Lagos Expressway

According to the Command, operatives of the Federal Highway Patrol, acting on credible intelligence, intercepted a Mazda commercial bus during a routine stop-and-search along the expressway.

During the search, one of the passengers, identified as Imoleayo Ibrahim ‘M’, was found in possession of a locally fabricated pistol, leading to his immediate arrest.

The suspect was reportedly interrogated on the spot and allegedly confessed that the firearm was meant for armed robbery operations along the expressway.

He also revealed that he was working with two accomplices identified as Ibrahim Najeem ‘M’ and Olamilekan ‘M’, who were responsible for coordinating and executing attacks on unsuspecting road users.

Following the confession, police operatives swiftly moved into action and arrested the two accomplices, bringing all three suspects into custody.

Reacting to the development, the Command said: “This arrest is part of our sustained proactive policing strategy aimed at ensuring that the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway and other highways remain safe for commuters.”

The Commissioner of Police, Oyo State Command, CP Abimbola Ayodeji Olugbenga, psc, mnips, commended the operatives for their swift response and professionalism, describing the operation as a reflection of effective intelligence-led policing.

He also appreciated the Inspector-General of Police for his leadership and operational guidance, stating: “The support of the IGP has continued to strengthen our capacity to respond swiftly to emerging security threats.”

The CP further emphasized the importance of public cooperation, noting: “Security is a shared responsibility. We urge residents to continue providing timely and credible information that can help prevent crime.”

The Command assured members of the public that investigations are ongoing to uncover the full network behind the suspected robbery operations and ensure that all those involved are brought to justice.

For emergencies, the Command urged the public to contact: Oyo State Call Response Center (Toll-Free): 615
Police Control Room: 08081768614, 07055495413

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PDP Chieftain Explains Why Peter Obi Could Restore National Hope in Nigeria

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A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Dan Ulasi, has said that former Anambra State governor, Peter Obi, could restore hope among Nigerians if people listen to him in private conversations.

Ulasi made the statement during an interview on Arise TV on Thursday, where he described Obi as a leader with clarity of vision and practical ideas for governance.

According to him, engaging the former presidential candidate one-on-one gives a different perception of his leadership capacity.

ALSO READ: “PDP Can’t Unseat Tinubu with Wike in Charge” — Ulasi Blows Hot, Threatens Exit

He said: “If you listen to Peter Obi one-on-one, you will have hope for this country. You will have tremendous hope that somebody has a concept of what he wants to do and how he will do it for the overall benefit of our people.”

Ulasi also revealed that Obi had visited his residence multiple times in 2026, adding that one of such visits was arranged on short notice, during which he hosted other prominent guests.

He stated that his relationship with Obi dates back to his time as chairman of the National Republican Convention, when Obi first contested for governor of Anambra State.

On the state of his party, Ulasi expressed concern over internal divisions in the PDP, warning that it may struggle to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in future elections.

He said: “We’re a faction, and I don’t see how a candidate with credibility will emerge to stop Tinubu. The process Wike is going through also will not help the system.”

He further added: “I don’t see my party as presently constituted challenging Tinubu with Wike as national leader. These are part of the contradictions, which if I’m not properly informed and explained to, I will leave the party. And I want to be quoted accurately.”

Despite his criticism of the party structure, Ulasi maintained that Obi remains a figure who inspires confidence in Nigeria’s future.

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