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NSA Nuhu Ribadu visits Benue after herdsmen attacks kill 72. FG pledges urgent security support and warns against politicising the national tragedy.

 

NSA Ribadu Visits Benue Over Deadly Herdsmen Attacks, Vows Federal Government Support

Over 72 killed as Benue reels from violence; FG pledges urgent action to restore security and peace

The National Security Adviser (NSA) to the President of Nigeria, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, on Tuesday paid a solemn visit to Benue State, following a wave of violent attacks by suspected armed herders that have claimed the lives of more than 72 residents during the Easter period.

Addressing government officials, security agencies, and grieving families, Ribadu expressed the Federal Government’s strong commitment to stabilising the region and tackling the rising insecurity.

“We are gathered here today in a moment of deep sorrow. The Federal Government of Nigeria stands with the people of Benue, and we are fully committed to overcoming the security threats affecting this state,” Ribadu said.

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NSA Assures Partnership With Benue State Government

Ribadu’s visit followed a closed-door meeting with Governor Hyacinth Alia, who detailed the extent of the damage both human and economic caused by the renewed wave of violence. The governor emphasised the urgent need for sustained federal support, as local efforts alone have proven insufficient in stemming the crisis.

In response, the NSA promised closer collaboration between federal and state authorities, assuring the people of Benue that concrete action would follow the visit.

“I want to assure you that these atrocities will not go unanswered. Our focus is to restore calm, rebuild communities, and hold the perpetrators accountable,” Ribadu added.

 

Call for Unity, De-Politicisation of Insecurity

Ribadu used the occasion to caution against the politicisation of the national security crisis, describing the loss of lives as a shared tragedy that must transcend political affiliations.

“Security is a collective responsibility. We urge all Nigerians to rise above politics when lives are at stake,” he said.

 

Benue Governor Highlights Urgent Needs

Governor Alia reiterated the severity of the situation, revealing that numerous farming communities had been displaced, impacting the state’s agricultural productivity and increasing humanitarian concerns.

He praised the NSA’s visit as a sign of the federal government’s readiness to act, but appealed for immediate interventions—including equipment, personnel, and funding—to help Benue recover.

 

Proactive Measures Already Underway

To boost frontline response, the Benue State Government has taken decisive steps, including the recent procurement of 100 deluxe vehicles and 600 motorcycles to improve the mobility of security personnel across vulnerable areas.

These initiatives aim to strengthen local response capabilities while federal forces increase their presence and coordination in the region.

 

A Renewed Sense of Hope

The NSA’s visit has rekindled cautious optimism among residents, who see it as an indication that the federal government is taking Benue’s plight seriously. Community leaders have called for consistent engagement and action to prevent future tragedies and rebuild public trust in the security apparatus.

Gani Adams slams FG over killings in Plateau, Benue, and Ondo; demands urgent security reform, decentralised policing, and restructuring to save Nigeria.

Gani Adams Slams FG Over Plateau, Benue Killings

Yoruba leader condemns rising violence, calls for decentralised policing to safeguard national unity and food security

The Aareonakakanfo of Yoruba land, Iba Gani Adams, has delivered a scathing rebuke of the Federal Government’s handling of the worsening security crisis in Plateau, Benue, and Ondo States, warning that continued inaction may spell disaster for Nigeria’s unity and stability.

Speaking at the grand finale of the 2025 Eledumare Festival in Lagos on Tuesday, Adams condemned recent violent attacks by suspected armed herders that have claimed scores of lives and displaced thousands. He described the incidents as “barbaric” and “a direct affront to the values of peace and love that should unite Nigeria.”

Zamfara Bandits Demand N60 Million Levy from Villagers Over Military Tip-Off

No nation can thrive when one part of its population is allowed to brutalize another without consequence,” Adams stated. “What we are witnessing is the gradual descent into anarchy, and the Federal Government must urgently recalibrate its security strategy.

 

Security Failures Jeopardising Food Security, National Stability

Adams highlighted the broader implications of the escalating violence, particularly its impact on food security and foreign investment. States like Benue and Plateau are agricultural powerhouses, and their destabilisation, he warned, poses a threat to national food production.

Every act of violence in these regions sets us back not only in lives lost but also in economic progress, he said. “The farmers cannot go to their fields, and investors will not go where there is no guarantee of safety.”

 

Criticises Centralised Policing, Calls for Restructuring

The Yoruba leader did not mince words in criticising the federal government’s centralised approach to policing, which he labelled as outdated and politically motivated.

“You cannot cling to a failed structure for the sake of political convenience,” he declared. “What Nigeria needs now is a decentralised security architecture one that empowers state and local government policing to tackle threats at the grassroots level.”

Adams stressed that restructuring Nigeria’s governance is no longer a political talking point but a national survival strategy. He urged the federal government to prioritise the establishment of state and community policing frameworks to allow localised responses to insecurity.

 

Eledumare Festival: A Call to Cultural Unity

Amid the calls for reform, Adams also used the occasion to highlight the spiritual and cultural significance of the Eledumare Festival. The event, he said, celebrates divine providence, unity, and the enduring identity of the Yoruba people.

“Our heritage gives us strength, and in these turbulent times, we must hold on to the values that bind us together peace, love, and justice,” he said.

 

A Final Warning from Gani

Gani Adams concluded with a stern warning that the federal government’s continued silence and inaction on the killings could push the country toward irreversible fragmentation.

“We cannot allow political interests to override the safety and dignity of Nigerian citizens,” he said. “The time to act is now.”

The Nigerian Senate rebukes Pastor Tunde Bakare for inflammatory remarks, defends stance on Rivers emergency, and urges responsible public discourse.

 

Senate Rebukes Pastor Tunde Bakare Over National Assembly Criticism, Defends Rivers Emergency Stance

Lawmakers urge civility in public discourse, say criticisms must not undermine democracy

The Nigerian Senate has issued a pointed rebuttal to recent remarks made by Pastor Tunde Bakare, warning the prominent cleric and political figure against channeling personal political frustrations into attacks on the 10th National Assembly.

In a statement released on Tuesday, Senator Yemi Adaramodu, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs, described Bakare’s comments as disrespectful, inflammatory, and lacking in factual basis. The Senate insisted that while all Nigerians have a constitutional right to critique government, such freedoms should not be weaponized to delegitimize democratic institutions.

Pastor Bakare, a cleric and a political voice in his own right, has previously made contributions to national discourse that encouraged reflection and debate,” Adaramodu acknowledged. “However, his latest remarks go beyond constructive criticism. They are steeped in disdain and filled with sweeping, unsupported allegations.

Zamfara Bandits Demand N60 Million Levy from Villagers Over Military Tip-Off

Critique Must Not Undermine Democratic Institutions  Senate

According to the Senate, Bakare’s recent comments suggest a personal political undertone, given his history as a presidential aspirant and vice-presidential candidate. This context, they said, must inform how Nigerians interpret his political interventions.

These statements are not emerging from a neutral pulpit,” Adaramodu stated. “They are politically tinted and should be evaluated accordingly.

 

Rivers State Emergency: Lawmakers Defend Position

One of the key issues addressed was the Senate’s rejection of a proposed emergency declaration in Rivers State, a decision Pastor Bakare had criticized. Adaramodu defended the legislature’s handling of the matter, saying the Assembly acted within the bounds of constitutional responsibility.

The Senate has, on several occasions, constructively challenged executive actions, including those related to the Rivers State situation,” he said. “Our decisions are informed by a deep commitment to democratic principles and the Nigerian people  not political grandstanding.

 

Respect for Judicial Process: Senate Will Not Discuss Sub Judice Matters

The statement emphasized that the National Assembly would not be drawn into public debates on issues that are currently before the courts, reiterating its respect for the rule of law and judicial independence.

In line with legal standards, we will not engage in commentary on matters pending before the judiciary,” Adaramodu added.

 

On Governance: Performance Over Public Drama

The Senate also criticized the idea that constant conflict between branches of government is a sign of effective oversight. Adaramodu noted that meaningful legislative performance should be measured by outcomes, not by public spectacle.

“Tension is not always an indicator of accountability,” he argued. “True responsibility lies in delivering results for the Nigerian people not in public drama.”

 

Track Record of Inconsistent Criticism

The Senate further pointed out that Pastor Bakare has, in the past, offered similarly harsh criticism of previous assemblies, only to later shift his tone. This pattern, according to Adaramodu, casts doubt on the objectivity of his current statements.

 

Call for Constructive Engagement

Despite the critical tone of its statement, the Senate expressed openness to engaging with Bakare and other public figures in the national interest.

“We believe that, with time, the achievements of the 10th National Assembly will speak for themselves and may even earn the respect of Pastor Bakare,” Adaramodu concluded.

He ended the address with a call for civility and factual engagement in national conversations, particularly from civic and spiritual leaders.

“Our democracy is best served when dialogue is reasoned, respectful, and focused on progress not polarization.”

Zamfara bandits impose N60 million levy on 12 villages for allegedly aiding military. Residents face threats as illegal extortion worsens in northwest Nigeria.

 

Zamfara Communities Slammed with N60 Million Levy by Bandits for Alleged Military Collaboration

 

Twelve Villages Targeted in Maru Local Government Area as Terrorists Tighten Grip on Rural Communities

In yet another grim illustration of Nigeria’s deepening security crisis, residents of twelve communities in the Maru Local Government Area of Zamfara State have been ordered by bandits to pay a staggering N60 million levy. The terrorists imposed the illegal levy after accusing villagers of collaborating with the military during a recent offensive in the Dan Kurmi forest.

The punitive demand comes just days after soldiers reportedly launched a successful assault on terrorist hideouts in the forest, killing a significant number of insurgents. In response, the surviving bandits accused the communities of sharing intelligence with security forces.

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Villages Named, Threats Delivered

The affected communities include:

Koloma, Dan Hayin Zargado, Zargado, Dan Godabe, Sabuwar Tunga, Makini, Bubaka, Yelwa, Bahwada, Koda, Manya, and Kabusu.

Residents told The Beat, an online platform known for tracking banditry in northwestern Nigeria, that local leaders and representatives from these villages were summoned by the terrorists for what was described as a “peace meeting.” However, the meeting quickly turned hostile, with the terrorists issuing a non-negotiable ultimatum to pay the N60 million levy or face coordinated attacks.

 

Bandits Allegedly Retaliating for Forest Fires and Intelligence Leaks

In a separate interview monitored on BBC Hausa, a traditional leader from Dan Kurmi, Sani Usman, revealed that the bandits also accused residents of deliberately burning parts of the forest where they had established hideouts. The fires, according to the terrorists, further hindered their mobility and operations in the wake of the military raid.

Usman noted that the bandits explicitly stated the levy was a form of punishment and a warning against future cooperation with security agencies.

Official Silence from Authorities

Attempts to obtain comments from the Zamfara State Police Command were unsuccessful. As of Monday evening, calls placed to the spokesperson, Abubakar Sadiq, were not connecting.

Security experts have repeatedly called on the federal and state governments to address the increasing cases of “protection levies” being imposed on rural communities by armed groups operating freely in the region. The situation has worsened in recent months, with citizens forced to choose between paying terrorists or risking violent attacks.

 

A Growing Trend of Extortion in the Northwest

This incident is not isolated. In recent weeks, terrorists in Katsina State imposed a N1.5 million levy on the communities of Gurza, Kurechin Giye, and Kulawu, all in Danmusa Local Government Area. Similarly, a group led by a known terrorist named Nabaruma demanded N10 million from Unguwan Zakara village in Dutsin-Ma LGA.

These levies have become a reliable revenue stream for insurgents, helping to fund their operations, acquire weapons, and strengthen recruitment networks. In many cases, failure to pay results in mass abductions, destruction of property, or mass killings.

 

The Implication: Bandits Now Acting as Shadow Governments

Analysts warn that the imposition of these levies points to a dangerous evolution in the power of non-state actors in northern Nigeria. Bandits are no longer just attackers—they are enforcing taxes, resolving disputes, and punishing perceived disloyalty, effectively establishing a parallel government in regions where state presence is weak or non-existent.

 

Call for Urgent Action

With rural communities at the mercy of armed groups, civil society leaders, security analysts, and citizens are demanding urgent military and policy intervention. There are growing calls for the Nigerian government to adopt a more proactive, intelligence-driven counterinsurgency strategy, alongside investment in local policing, economic recovery, and trust-building in affected areas.

Until then, residents of Zamfara and other Northwestern states remain trapped in a cycle of violence, extortion, and fear victims of a state of lawlessness rapidly gaining ground.

Adamawa State Police Command begins in-house refresher training to boost officer professionalism, discipline, and service delivery under IGP Egbetokun’s vision.

Capacity Building in Focus: Adamawa Police Launch Refresher Training for Officers

CAPACITY BUILDING: ADAMAWA POLICE COMMAND KICKS OFF IN-HOUSE REFRESHER TRAINING FOR PERSONNEL

In alignment with the Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM’s strategic vision for a redefined and professional Nigeria Police Force, the Adamawa State Police Command has officially commenced an in-house refresher training program for its personnel.

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Gunmen Kill 6 in Ilesha Baruba as Kwara Police Launch Crackdown on Banditry

The Adamawa Police Refresher Training, which began on April 22, 2025, at the Police Officers Mess, Karewa, Yola, was formally declared open by the Commissioner of Police, CP Dankombo Morris, PSC (+). The training is aimed at enhancing the capacity, discipline, and operational efficiency of officers across the Command.

This capacity-building initiative will be conducted in phases, featuring structured modules that address key areas of modern policing such as police ethics, civil engagement with the public, emotional intelligence, and professionalism under pressure. It is tailored to support the IGP’s agenda of repositioning the Nigeria Police Force for improved service delivery.

The Command reiterates its unwavering commitment to continuous officer development and the promotion of global best practices in policing for the safety and security of all residents of Adamawa State.

Gunmen killed 6 people in Ilesha Baruba, while a vigilante was slain during a patrol in Kemanji. The Kwara State Police Command has arrested a bandit informant and deployed tactical teams to restore order in affected areas.

Gunmen Kill 6 in Ilesha Baruba as Kwara Police Launch Crackdown on Banditry

The Kwara Police launch crackdown on banditry following two deadly attacks in Baruten and Kaiama LGAs. Gunmen killed six in Ilesha Baruba, while a vigilante lost his life during a clash with suspected bandits in Kemanji. Police have arrested an informant as tactical operations intensify across the troubled regions.

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Kwara Police Launch Full-Scale Operations in Response to Armed Violence in Ilesha Baruba and Banditry in Kemanji

The Kwara State Police Command has initiated comprehensive security operations in response to two violent incidents that occurred on Sunday, April 21, 2025, in Baruten and Kaiama Local Government Areas.

At approximately 9:30 p.m., suspected armed assailants—numbering about ten—carried out a brazen attack at the Ilesha Baruba Motor Park, indiscriminately opening fire on civilians near a local relaxation spot. Six individuals—identified as Alhaji Ja’awire, AbdulJabar, Mohammed Nasamu, and three others—tragically lost their lives, while two others sustained severe gunshot injuries. The deceased have been transported to the Ilesha Baruba General Hospital morgue for autopsy, and the injured victims are currently receiving medical care.

Earlier that same day, around 11:30 a.m., members of a local vigilante group conducting a routine patrol within the Kainji National Park in Kemanji encountered suspected bandits. A fierce gun battle ensued, during which three bandits were fatally wounded. Sadly, one vigilante member, identified as Yusuf Samba, sustained gunshot injuries and was later confirmed dead.

In the course of investigations, the Command arrested an individual who confessed to acting as an informant for a bandit syndicate. This suspect is currently assisting law enforcement with valuable intelligence, significantly advancing the ongoing investigation.

The Kwara State Police Command has since activated a robust security architecture, deploying tactical teams and enhancing intelligence-driven surveillance across the affected regions. These efforts are aimed at restoring peace and ensuring the safety of residents.

The Commissioner of Police, Kwara State Command, reassures citizens that every effort is being made to identify and apprehend all individuals involved in these heinous acts. The Command urges members of the public to remain vigilant and to cooperate with security agencies by providing useful information.

Let it be unequivocally stated: anyone found aiding, abetting, or participating in criminal activities in any part of Kwara State will face the full force of the law.

A Nigerian Army officer, Lance Corporal Yusuf Yunnusa, has been arrested in Abuja for attempting to sell a stolen Toyota Corolla. The incident raises serious concerns about crime within the military ranks.

Nigerian Army Officer Nabbed Selling Stolen Toyota Corolla in Abuja

A Nigerian Army officer sells stolen Toyota Corolla in Abuja and gets caught in the act. Lance Corporal Yusuf Yunnusa, aged 33, was arrested while attempting to offload the vehicle at a filling station in Kwali. The car had been stolen from the Federal Secretariat two days earlier.

A shocking case of betrayal has rocked the Nigerian Army as one of its own, Lance Corporal Yusuf Yunnusa, has been arrested in Abuja for attempting to sell a stolen Toyota Corolla.

Yunnusa, 33, attached to the 82 Battalion in Rukuba, Plateau State, was apprehended by security operatives at Mamu Filling Station in Lambata, Kwali Area Council, on Friday, April 19, 2025.

His arrest followed an intelligence-led operation triggered by the theft of a silver Toyota Corolla LE, bearing registration number ABC 570 FJ, stolen just two days earlier from a parking space at the Federal Secretariat in Abuja.

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Investigations revealed that Yunnusa had used his position as a serving soldier to avoid suspicion while driving the stolen vehicle out of the city. However, his cover was blown when he attempted to discreetly sell the car without ownership documents in Kwali.

The arrest was confirmed by sources close to security intelligence specialist, Zagazola Makama, who disclosed that the vehicle was recovered at the point of sale. Yunnusa, upon interrogation, reportedly confessed to stealing the vehicle and planning to sell it for quick cash.

As of the time of filing this report, the disgraced soldier is in police custody, and further investigations are ongoing.

This incident has reignited public concern about the growing trend of uniformed men engaging in criminal activity, sparking urgent calls for more stringent internal vetting and discipline within the armed forces.

Talks intensify over a potential 2027 coalition between Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi, with a proposed one-term presidency and power shift in 2031. But Obidients insist Obi must be the presidential flagbearer. SDP and CPC emerge as possible platforms.

 

2027: Obidients Push Back as Atiku-Obi Coalition Takes Shape—Inside Talks of One-Term Deal, New Party Platform

As Nigeria’s political tide begins to shift in preparation for the 2027 general elections, conversations around a possible alliance between former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Labour Party’s Peter Obi have gained new traction. What began as quiet speculation following a 2024 “friendly meeting” between the two political heavyweights now appears to be blossoming into a serious conversation.

Atiku, in a BBC Hausa interview, openly hinted at a coalition, saying, “We can merge to achieve a common goal. So, it’s possible, and nothing can stop it if we so wish.” His comments reignited speculation that plans may be in motion to create a united front against the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

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But the most telling sign came when Atiku visited former President Muhammadu Buhari in Kaduna. He was not alone. Accompanying him were notable political players—ex-Kaduna governor Nasir El-Rufai, Senator Aminu Tambuwal, Senator Bindu Jibrilla, Senator Gabriel Suswan, and Chief Achike Udenwa—all of whom have deep roots in Nigeria’s political landscape.

Though officially framed as a Sallah visit, insiders suggest the meeting had more to do with strategic planning than holiday greetings. The objective? To brief Buhari on coalition groundwork being laid and potentially secure his blessings.

Interestingly, Atiku’s visit followed closely behind separate meetings some APC governors had with Buhari—further fueling talk of realignments within and beyond the ruling party.

 

Plotting a Comeback: CPC and SDP in the Picture

The former vice president and his allies are reportedly considering alternatives to the troubled PDP and Labour Party. Two platforms being eyed are the defunct Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), once Buhari’s political base, and the resurging Social Democratic Party (SDP).

The SDP option may carry more weight than assumed. El-Rufai, now leaning towards the party, is said to be courting influential figures in the North. A source close to the former Kaduna governor disclosed that the SDP’s national leader, who was the party’s 2023 presidential candidate, has declared he won’t contest in 2027—opening the door for new power players.

 

The Game Plan: Atiku in 2027, Obi in 2031

Multiple sources confirm that the proposed alliance includes a detailed power-sharing agreement: Atiku will run for President in 2027 with Obi as his running mate, but serve only one term. In 2031, the plan is for Obi to take over and contest the presidency under the same coalition.

The move is seen as a balancing act—Atiku brings northern clout and decades of political structure, while Obi carries the youth momentum, grassroots appeal, and regional strength in the South-East.

Their combined votes in 2023—over 13 million—surpassed President Tinubu’s 8.7 million. And with the growing dissatisfaction toward the current administration, analysts believe a united front could pose a real threat in 2027.

 

Lagos as a Telltale Sign

Supporters of the alliance point to the 2023 election result in Lagos State as proof of its potential. Obi secured 582,454 votes, edging out Tinubu’s 572,606—a remarkable feat in the President’s own backyard. Many argue that the internal fractures within Lagos APC, amplified by unresolved legislative crises and public discontent, could make the state more vulnerable in the next election.

 

Arewa Support and Northern Calculations

The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has, in recent times, voiced frustration with the Tinubu-led administration. Sources say Atiku has already received tacit assurances from key Northern stakeholders, including ACF elders, who are reportedly disillusioned with the status quo.

With this backing, Atiku is expected to consolidate more Northern votes than he did in 2023. Combined with Obi’s influence, the alliance might cover both geographic and demographic gaps.

 

Obidients Draw a Line

However, the proposed Atiku-Obi ticket isn’t sitting well with all. Members of the Obidients movement, known for their zealous support of Peter Obi, have voiced firm opposition to any ticket that does not have Obi as the presidential candidate.

They argue that the South hasn’t completed its eight-year rotation and that it’s Atiku’s turn to step aside. “Why repeat what didn’t work?” asked Samuel Ajayi, an Obidient advocate. “It’s time for Obi/Atiku, not the other way around.”

Another supporter, Jonathan Ajere, warned: “Fielding another northern candidate after Buhari would only guarantee Tinubu an easy path to a second term. Obi is the only candidate with cross-regional credibility to win.”

Challenges Ahead

Despite the potential of this alliance, hurdles remain. Differences in political ideology, ambition, and party structure could create internal friction. Also, any coalition built on power-sharing must be carefully managed to avoid collapse midway.

Yet, if successful, this coalition could significantly alter Nigeria’s political equation.

APC’s Response

Meanwhile, loyalists of the Tinubu administration appear unfazed. Daniel Bwala, a presidential spokesperson, dismissed the alliance as “a coalition for a wild goose chase.” In a post on X (formerly Twitter), he said: “They are still struggling to convince Nigerians that they have any plan at all, needless alternative plan.”

The Road to 2027

As the political chessboard rearranges, all eyes are on how this proposed coalition will evolve. Will Atiku step down for Obi or will Obi agree to serve as vice president? Will a new party emerge, or will they salvage a battered PDP?

One thing is clear: 2027 won’t be business as usual.

 

A Lagos resident narrowly escaped a building collapse at a popular Ojodu Berger restaurant. The two-storey building came down Saturday morning. Details here.

 

Lagos Building Collapse: Resident Recounts Chilling Escape From Popular Ojodu Berger Restaurant

“I almost ate there this morning,” said Chike, a resident of Ojodu, Lagos, who narrowly escaped being caught in the building collapse that occurred on Saturday morning, April 19, 2025, in the Ojodu Berger area of Lagos State.

The two-storey structure, which housed a popular local restaurant on Oremeta Street, reportedly caved in at approximately 8:00 a.m., just minutes after some of the staff resumed for the day.

According to officials of the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), five individuals had been rescued from the rubble as of press time. However, eyewitnesses and local residents feared that more victims might still be trapped beneath the debris.

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Chike, speaking to our correspondent, shared his chilling story:

“I live in Ojodu, and that restaurant is where I usually eat. Last night, I planned to eat there, but something didn’t feel right. I ended up buying ingredients and cooking at home instead. That decision may have saved my life.”

He added that he was heading towards Berger to pick up an item when he heard about the incident.

“I was getting ready to go out when I heard something had happened at EqualRight. By the time I arrived, I saw people injured and chaos everywhere.”

Chike expressed concern over the number of people who may still be inside the collapsed structure.

“That place is always busy. They serve over 100 customers daily, especially during football matches when up to 70 people gather there to watch. It’s heartbreaking.”

He noted that the building had aged visibly and speculated that there might have been some reconstruction or extension work ongoing before the collapse.

Meanwhile, emergency response teams battled to manage the crowd, as onlookers and anxious relatives gathered at the scene. Two bulldozers were seen navigating through the debris as police officers urged residents to keep clear, although many refused to leave.

Efforts to get a comment from the Lagos State Police Command were unsuccessful, as calls to the spokesperson, Benjamin Hundeyin, went unanswered.

Residents and families of potential victims remain hopeful as rescue operations continue. The state government has yet to release an official statement on the incident or confirm if there were any fatalities.

NDLEA operatives intercepted a cocaine shipment hidden in religious books heading to Saudi Arabia and made major drug seizures across Nigeria. Read the full report.

NDLEA Bursts International Drug Syndicates, Uncovers Cocaine in Religious Books, Arrests Suspects Nationwide

In a major crackdown on international drug trafficking, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has intercepted multiple illegal drug consignments and made several high-profile arrests across Nigeria between April 13 and 18, 2025.

At a courier company in Lagos on Tuesday, April 15, NDLEA officers from the Directorate of Operations and General Investigation (DOGI) uncovered 500 grams of cocaine ingeniously concealed within 20 religious books bound for Saudi Arabia. The discovery was made during a routine inspection of export cargo.

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The same day, officers at another Lagos courier facility seized 2.8 kilograms of Loud, a potent cannabis variant, hidden in a carton shipped from the United States.

Meanwhile, in Kano, a 22-year-old suspected drug supplier to criminal elements, Muhammad Mohammed, was apprehended while en route to Katsina with 277 ampoules of pentazocine injection strapped to his thigh and private area with tape. Another suspect, Mohammed Abdulrahman Abdulaziz (43), was arrested in the Nasarawa area with 30kg of cannabis skunk.

In Bayelsa State, NDLEA operatives raided a residence on Major General Isaiah Allison Street in Yenagoa, seizing 557.2kg of skunk, 5.6kg of methamphetamine, and 29.8g of heroin. Four suspects Sarimiye Suwa Kurtis, Roland Prosper, Sarimiye Tare Paul, and Fidelis Ugbesla were taken into custody.

Also in Lagos, a delivery van loaded with 1,100kg of skunk was intercepted in Surulere on April 17, leading to the arrest of Ismail Abdullahi, the driver. In Zaria, Kaduna State, NDLEA agents raided the hideout of Ike Ani (30) and recovered 31,950 pills of Tramadol 225mg and Diazepam.

In Kebbi State, a vehicle transporting sacks of charcoal from Benin Republic was found to be concealing 97kg of skunk. Three men—Abubakar Ibrahim (50), Mustapha Aliyu (32), and Bashar Lawali (28)—were arrested.

In the southeast, Okafor Marcel (48) was nabbed with 11.5kg of skunk in Abatete, Anambra State. Similarly, in Osogbo, Osun State, operatives arrested Ajala Mercy (27) after recovering 43 litres of “skushi,” a cocktail of cannabis, opioids, and blackcurrant, from her residence.

Two illicit cannabis farms in Egbeta Forest, Edo State, spanning 1.48 hectares, were also dismantled. Over 3,717kg of cannabis plants were destroyed and 136.5kg of processed cannabis recovered.

At Tincan Seaport, Lagos, Basorun Usman Kayode (40), wanted since 2023 for the importation of 107kg of Loud from Canada, was finally arrested. Another suspect, Dauda Yakubu, allegedly involved in local distribution within the seaport area, was also apprehended.

The agency’s nationwide War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) sensitization campaign also gained momentum. Awareness lectures were held in schools, markets, and transport parks across Lagos, Ekiti, Niger, Osun, Cross River, and Anambra States.

Commending the successful operations, NDLEA Chairman/CEO Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd) applauded the dedication of officers in Lagos, Kano, Kaduna, Kebbi, Osun, Edo, Zone 13, and Tincan Commands. He emphasized the importance of balancing supply reduction with demand reduction strategies in the country’s fight against illicit drug use.