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Kaduna: CAN Report Bandits’ 4-Year Impact On Pastors, Churches

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The Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Kaduna State, Rev Joseph Hayab, revealed that in the past four years, 23 pastors have lost their lives, and approximately 200 churches have been forced to close as a result of attacks by bandits.

 

Hayab shared this information during a meeting in Kaduna with the Commissioner of Police, CP Musa Garba, and pastors from various denominations representing all 23 Local Government Areas (LGAs) of the state on Tuesday.

 

He emphasized the challenges the Church has faced due to criminal activities in the region.

 

He said “A Pastor who was kidnapped on 8th August, 2023, told the CAN leadership that there are over 215 Christians abducted by the bandits in Birnin Gwani forest.

 

“They are still there and the Pastor told us that the bandits asked him to lead prayers for the 215 Christians while he was in their den.

 

“We are calling on the CP to look into this issue among many others holistically to build the confidence of the people once again.”

 

Rev. Dr. Yunusa Nmadu Jnr, the former Secretary General of the Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA) worldwide, along with other pastors present during the meeting, appealed to the Commissioner to take action against both pastors and imams who deliver hate sermons and speeches.

 

Additionally, they urged the CP to investigate individuals involved in the sale of hard drugs, as many criminal activities were believed to occur under the influence of these substances.

 

In response, the Commissioner emphasized that criminality should not be associated with any religion, and individuals engaged in criminal acts should be treated as such, without categorizing them based on their religious beliefs, ethnicity, or tribal affiliations.

 

According to him, “Security is the responsibility of all and not only that of the government.While the government takes the lead in the protection of lives and property, individuals are also expected to play their parts particularly in the area of providing information.

 

“The meeting was basically to strengthen relationship between the police and religious leaders and listen to their challenges and together foster possible solutions.

 

“The police force under my leadership in the state will do its very best in the discharge of our duties, We should all be our brothers keeper.

 

“Always reach out to security personnel around your communities with prompt information once you identify suspicious persons.” he added

NEWS

Gunmen Kill Ex-Ogun State Broadcaster, Security Guard in Early Morning Attack

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Man Arrested For Burglary In Ogun Churches

Gunmen have killed a former staff member of Ogun State Television, Mrs. Kitan Oyesiku, popularly known as “Aunty Kitan,” alongside her security guard in a violent early morning attack in Agodo community along the Abeokuta–Siun–Sagamu Expressway in Ogun State.

The incident, which occurred in the early hours of Sunday, threw residents of the area into panic and mourning as news of the killings spread across the community.

The victims were reportedly attacked inside their residence by unknown armed men who stormed the compound and carried out the operation before fleeing the scene.

SEE MORE: Midnight Horror in Kaduna: Gunmen Kill Nine, Injure 11 in Fresh Community Attack

The security guard on duty was also killed during the invasion.

The attack took place within the Abeokuta axis of Abeokuta, raising fresh concerns over insecurity in parts of the state.

The bodies of the deceased have since been deposited at the morgue of the State Hospital, Ijaiye, Abeokuta.

As of press time, the motive behind the attack remains unclear, while security agencies are expected to launch a full-scale investigation into the incident.

An anonymous source who spoke on the development said the incident was discovered after concerned church members went to check on the deceased when she failed to appear at church service.

The source said: “They had come around to check on Mrs Oyesiku when they did not see her in the church. On getting to her residence, they found out that the security officer had been killed, and they later also saw that the assailants had also killed Mrs Oyesiku. That was how they raised the alarm in the community.”

When contacted, the spokesperson of the Ogun State Police Command confirmed the incident and said an official statement would be issued after preliminary investigations.

Mrs. Oyesiku, a former broadcaster with the state-owned television station, was well known in media circles before her retirement.

Her death has sparked grief among colleagues, friends, and residents across Ogun State, as calls mount for improved security in the area.

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NEWS

Ekiti 2026: Tinubu Hails Oyebanji, Demands Cooperation from Opposition Parties

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President Bola Tinubu has congratulated Governor Biodun Oyebanji of Ekiti State on his re-election, describing the outcome of the governorship election as a clear affirmation of the people’s trust in continuity, stability, and development-focused leadership.

Tinubu also called on opposition parties in the state to accept the results of the election and work with the re-elected governor to strengthen governance and accelerate development across Ekiti.

His message was contained in a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, following the official declaration of results by the Independent National Electoral Commission (Independent National Electoral Commission).

ALSO READ: Ekiti Poll Shock: ADC Candidate Loses Home Ward to Oyebanji

The president said the victory represents a strong endorsement of Oyebanji’s performance during his first term in office, noting that the people of Ekiti have reaffirmed their confidence in his leadership.

He urged the governor to remain humble in victory and ensure inclusive governance that carries all stakeholders along in the next phase of administration.

“President Tinubu urges Governor Oyebanji to remain magnanimous in victory and to carry all Ekiti people along as he consolidates on his achievements in the next four years,” the statement read.

Tinubu further appealed to candidates who participated in the election to prioritize peace and unity, stressing the importance of collaboration in moving the state forward.

He noted that the election outcome should mark the beginning of broader cooperation among political actors in Ekiti rather than division.

According to him, Oyebanji’s first term witnessed notable progress in key sectors such as infrastructure, agriculture, education, healthcare, youth empowerment, and rural development under the BAO agenda.

The president described the renewed mandate as a reflection of voters’ confidence in stability and continuity of governance.

“The renewed mandate is therefore a clear vote of confidence in continuity, stability, and people-centred governance,” Tinubu stated.

He also reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to partnering with the Ekiti State Government to deepen development and ensure the delivery of democratic dividends under the Renewed Hope Agenda.

Tinubu praised the conduct of voters during the election, describing the process as largely peaceful, and commended security agencies for maintaining order throughout the exercise.

Meanwhile, Biodun Oyebanji was officially declared winner of the poll after securing 319,224 votes across all 16 local government areas of the state.

The victory makes him the first governor in the history of Ekiti State to win consecutive re-election, marking a significant milestone in the state’s political history.

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International News

“He Failed Badly” — Trump Says Starmer Will Step Down as UK PM

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U.S. President Donald Trump has predicted that British Prime Minister Keir Starmer will step down from office, accusing the Labour leader of failing on two critical issues — immigration and energy policy.

Trump made the remarks on Sunday in a post on his Truth Social platform, where he claimed Starmer’s leadership had fallen short in addressing challenges facing the United Kingdom.

SEE MORE:New US Strike on Iran Sends Oil Prices Soaring as Middle East Tensions Escalate

“Keir Starmer will resign as Prime Minister of The United Kingdom,” Trump wrote. “He failed badly on two very important subjects — IMMIGRATION AND ENERGY (OPEN NORTH SEA OIL!). I wish him well!”

The U.S. president did not provide any evidence to support his claim, nor did he reveal the basis for his prediction that Starmer would leave office.

Starmer, who leads the Labour Party, became Prime Minister after securing victory in the UK’s general election.

Since taking office, his government has faced criticism over a range of issues, including migration policies, energy security, and the cost-of-living challenges confronting many Britons.

Trump’s comments come as debates over immigration and energy continue to dominate political discussions in the UK.

However, there has been no official statement from Starmer, his office, or the British government suggesting that he plans to resign.

As of the time of filing this report, Starmer remains in office and continues to lead the government despite the claims made by the American president.

 

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