Author: News Room
A 60-year-old man has been abducted by four masked armed men in the Monatan community in Lagelu Local Government Area of Oyo State. Investigation by PUNCH Online revealed that the victim, a building materials trader, was accosted while returning home along the Jinarere axis of Alakia Road by the assailants, who forcefully whisked him away in an unregistered ash-coloured Toyota Corolla vehicle around 8:47 pm on Saturday. The state Police Public Relations Officer, Olayinka Ayanlade, confirmed the abduction in a statement released on Sunday in Ibadan, the state capital. He said, “I can confirm that there was a case of…
As usual, I am an ordinary citizen, and like many Nigerians, I remain naturally optimistic about the possibilities of a better tomorrow, even if such hopes are not always realised. Hope is part of our national character. We endure setbacks, yet continue to believe renewal is possible. But optimism must never become a substitute for reality. It must be tested against evidence, performance and outcomes. It is from that standpoint that I reflect on the future of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited and what it means for Nigeria. Few institutions matter more to the Nigerian state. Recent developments underscore…
Former lawmaker representing Adamawa North Senatorial District in the 9th Assembly, Senator Ishaku Abbo, has resigned his membership of the African Democratic Congress. In a statement issued via his Facebook page on Sunday, Abbo, who leads the SIA Movement, attributed his decision to the leadership crisis within the party at both the national and state levels, saying conflicting court rulings had created uncertainty. He cited a Federal High Court judgment that voided the party’s state congresses, as well as a Supreme Court ruling that returned the leadership dispute to the Federal High Court for determination. Abbo said he has joined…
Nigeria’s U-20 women’s side, Falconets, took a significant step towards qualification for the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup with a 2-0 victory over Malawi in the first leg of their final round qualifier in Ikenne on Saturday, PUNCH Sports Extra reports. The result leaves Nigeria in a strong position ahead of the return leg in Lilongwe, as they continue their pursuit of yet another appearance at the tournament, where they have featured consistently since its inception in 2002. Despite the comfortable scoreline, the Falconets were made to work hard for their victory, particularly in a first half where they dominated…
The StatFin Database defines “low-income earners or persons at risk of poverty” as “those whose household’s disposable money income per consumption unit is lower than 60 per cent of the equivalent median money income of all households.” For many citizens, an unforeseen paucity has become their present reality as they grapple with the rise in food prices, fuel costs, transportation fares, and electricity charges, among others. Financial experts have linked Nigeria’s worsened crisis to the end of the fuel subsidy payment in June 2023 which has jacked up the prices of goods and services and has tended towards food insecurity.…
All Elite Wrestling aired a tribute to wrestler Tanea “Rebel” Brooks following her announcement that she has been diagnosed with “terminal” amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). “You probably know by social media that one of our fine athletes has some very serious health problems,” announcer Tony Schiavone told viewers on the Saturday, May 2, episode of AEW Collision. “We want [Tanea] to know you are big part of AEW and we are thinking about you right now and we are praying for you, that you will pull through.” Schiavone, 68, mentioned that there were “a lot of signs” from fans attending…
The Nigerian Army has defended the arrest of a social media influencer and activist, Justice Chidiebere, popularly known as “Justice Crack,” stating that he is being investigated over alleged attempts to incite discontent among soldiers. In a statement issued on 2 May, army spokesperson Appolonia Anele said the arrest followed soldiers’ complaints about how their welfare concerns were portrayed on social media. According to the army, preliminary findings suggest that Mr Chidiebere engaged soldiers in discussions that “bordered on subversion,” including conversations that allegedly encouraged dissatisfaction within the ranks. “It is important to state that a situation where civilians cultivate…
Six civilians abducted during a deadly attack in Borno State have regained freedom after troops of Operation HADIN KAI intercepted and rescued them during a military operation in the Mandara Mountains. The development was disclosed in a statement posted on May 1 2026, on the official page of the Nigerian Army. According to the military, the victims were rescued in the early hours of the day around Amuda, a deserted corridor between Ngoshe and Gava in Gwoza Local Government Area, known for terrorist movements. The operation followed sustained offensives and air strikes targeting insurgent enclaves in the Mandara axis, which…
The Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ebonyi State, Chief Stanley Okoro Emegha, alongside party aspirants, has expressed strong confidence in the party’s prospects for victory in the 2027 general elections, citing unity, grassroots support, and a consensus-driven strategy as key advantages. Speaking in Abakaliki after several aspirants obtained their expression of interest and nomination forms, Emegha dismissed concerns over internal disagreements, insisting that the party remains cohesive and focused on securing wins across all constituencies. He attributed recent tensions within the party to “overzealousness” by a few individuals, stressing that such developments do not reflect the true…
Security operatives have arrested two men suspected of posing as soldiers in Jema’a Local Government Area of Kaduna State. The arrest was made around 8:30 p.m. on May 1 along Bauchi Street in Kafanchan town by troops of Sector 7 of Operation Safe Haven. This was revealed by security sources who spoke with security expert, Zagazola Makama. The suspects were reportedly wearing military camouflage, which raised suspicion during a patrol. Preliminary findings suggest that the uniforms they were wearing may belong to a serving soldier. The suspects are now in custody while investigators work to find out their real identity,…
