The Lagos State Government has warned residents that anyone who assaults law enforcement officers, particularly those attached to the Central Business District will face the full weight of the law.

The Special Adviser to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on CBD, Bola Olumegbon-Lawal, said this at the Ministerial Press Briefing held at Alausa, Ikeja, on Thursday.

She disclosed that three individuals had already been prosecuted for attacking CBD officials while they were discharging their duties.

She stated, “We will not tolerate any act of violence against our officers. Anyone found guilty of assaulting law enforcement personnel will be brought to justice. In as much as we train our officers regularly on how to relate professionally with members of the public, we frown at any action of violence.’’

Ms Olumegbon-Lawal said that both the Lagos Island and Ikeja CBDs had been reopened for business activities.

She called on traders and stakeholders in the area to take responsibility for safeguarding public infrastructure.

“We urge all stakeholders to protect government assets in their environment and to obey all traffic rules. These facilities belong to all of us and must not be left at the mercy of vandals. We keep appealing to street vendors to desist from showcasing their wares on CBD lanes,” Ms Olumegbon-Lawal said.

The special adviser revealed that 926 vehicles and 33 tricycles were impounded in the last one year for a range of traffic offences including illegal parking, driving against traffic and obstruction.

She also warned against street trading, stating that goods seized would not be returned.

Ms Olumegbon-Lawal said that the CBD was taking internal discipline seriously as well.

“We have five CBD officers currently undergoing disciplinary action for gross misconduct, which should serve as a deterrent,” she said.

Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Ola Olukoyede, has reiterated the need for students to join the fight against corruption in the country, stressing that the monster does only exist in government but also thrives in homes and schools.

Mr Olukoyede, who spoke during the inauguration of Integrity Club at Al-Hikmah University, Kwara State, on Wednesday, said students should be committed to promoting transparency, discipline and patriotism.

He said, “Corruption is not a distant or abstract concept; it is the abuse of entrusted power for private gain. It takes many forms—from bribery and exam malpractice to cybercrime and sex-for-grades. These acts do not only exist in government; they thrive in our homes, schools, and among our peers. And this is why every Nigerian, especially students, must take ownership of the fight against it.”

The EFCC boss, represented by the Head Public Affairs Department of the Commission in Ilorin, Assistant Commander of the EFCC, ACE11 Ayodele Babatunde, noted the event was to create zero tolerance for corruption among young Nigerians and build a generation of youths committed to good governance and national development.

He further lamented the involvement of students in internet fraud, charging them to uphold the values of hard work and ethical leadership in their schools and communities.

“Education should empower you with knowledge, not with schemes to defraud others. Social media may glorify criminal wealth, but the reality is often disgrace, prison, or worse. Your responsibility as members of the Integrity Club is to promote transparency, discipline, patriotism, and to serve as ethical role models. You are the eyes and ears of integrity on this campus,” Mr Olukoyede noted.

In his remarks, the Vice-Chancellor of University, Noah Yusuf, lauded the commission for its efforts to educate young Nigerians on the dangers of corruption and unethical consciousness, assuring EFCC of its continued support in the fight against the monster.

Mr Yusuf said, “The EFCC has shown tremendous foresight by targeting the youth for early re-orientation. At Al-Hikmah University, we are proud to align with this vision and commit to nurturing students who not only excel academically but also stand tall in character.’’

The Russian delegation arrived in Istanbul for talks aimed at ending the war in Ukraine, with their plane landing at Atatürk Airport, the Interfax news agency reported on Thursday.

The exact time for the start of negotiations with the Ukrainian delegation is yet to be confirmed, the agency reported, citing sources close to the Russian negotiators.

Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin himself proposed the direct talks in Istanbul, but until recently, he had not confirmed whether he would attend in person.

It was only late on Wednesday that it became known that Vladimir Medinsky would head the Russian delegation.

Mr Medinsky, a presidential adviser and former culture minister, is considered a political lightweight in Moscow.

He previously led the last direct negotiations between Russia and Ukraine in 2022, which ended without any breakthroughs.

Germany’s foreign minister, Johann Wadephul, says he backs President Donald Trump’s demands for NATO members to spend five per cent of their economic output on defence.

On Thursday, Mr Wadepuhl said he agreed with Trump’s assessment that the drastic increase was necessary, after meeting with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio on the sidelines of a gathering of NATO foreign ministers in the Turkish city of Antalya.

Washington has called for allies to agree on a new target of spending five per cent of gross domestic product on defence at the upcoming NATO summit in June.

Currently, NATO members are committed to spending at least two per cent of GDP on military expenditure, although not all have achieved the goal.

Germany is spending just over two per cent of its GDP on defence.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said last week that each additional percentage point would mean further annual expenditure of $50.5 billion for Berlin.

In Antalya, Mr Rubio said NATO has the opportunity to grow even stronger.

One possible compromise to reach a higher target could be considering significantly more expenditure on infrastructure for military use.

A possible split could be to agree that traditional defence spending would be raised to 3.5 per cent of GDP, with an additional 1.5 per cent of GDP to be spent on infrastructure.

A deadline for meeting a new defence spending target could be 2032.

Mr Rubio said at a NATO meeting in Brussels in April that no one expected five per cent to be achieved in a year or two. Achieving the new target would also be a financial effort for the U.S.

“We have to think about what we can do to make sure that we have all the defence-related expenditures in place,” said NATO secretary general Mark Rutte, arriving at the Antalya meeting.

Mr Rutte said that additional expenditure is needed to protect the alliance from different threats – including Russia, a military build-up in China, and terrorism- and to ramp up NATO’s defence industrial production.

“We need to produce more all over NATO, and particularly when we look at Russia,” he said. “We have to beat them when it comes to defence industrial production.”

The money is also needed “to make sure that Ukraine can prevail and that we can collectively help Ukraine to bring this war to a lasting and durable peace”, Mr Rutte said.

The students of Tai Solarin University of Education have cried out over recent robbery attacks in their host communities by some unknown criminals in Ijebu-Ode, Ogun.

PUNCH Online learnt that the rampant criminal activities in areas like Ijele, Abapawa, Imaweje, among other localities where students reside, have posed a serious threat to their lives.

This was disclosed in an open letter addressed to the Governor of Ogun State, Dapo Abiodun, co-signed by the Students’ Union President, Tomide Abidakun, and General Secretary, Kehinde Olalekan, on Thursday.

They called for the state government intervention, noting that this insecurity has caused fear, and it is affecting their studies.

It was gathered that the students get ambushed, robbed, and sustain injuries from the violent attacks, restricting most of them from moving freely in the area

“This crisis began to escalate on Wednesday, May 8, 2025, with an armed robbery reported around 10:30 PM at the Council junction, a key route leading into our campus.

“That night, students were ambushed, beaten, and robbed of their mobile phones, ATM cards, power generators, and even had their accounts emptied at gunpoint.

“Since then, we have received daily reports of robberies and harassment, especially during the ongoing e-tests,” the letter partly reads.

According to the SU representatives, they alleged inaction from the state’s security agencies, including “Ogun Police Command, So-Safe Corps, and the Amotekun Security Network”.

They claimed that they get heartbreaking responses, despite multiple reports and cries for help, as there has been no consistent security patrol or visible protection.

“We are often met with disappointing excuses such as,” No fuel for the patrol vehicle”, “Our bike is faulty”, “Mobilise us first”.

“In several painful instances, students have been extorted by security personnel, turning victims into funders of their own safety.

“It is heartbreaking to witness law enforcement agencies switch roles, leaving students to organise their own local surveillance, while those officially responsible sleep or look away,” the statement noted.

The students acknowledged the concerns of the community leaders with the provision of local vigilantes, but they highlighted that the security men are poorly equipped and inefficient to combat the kind of armed threat in the area.

In the letter, they requested that the state government immediately deploy skilled security personnel, creation of a dedicated joint task force comprising Police, So-Safe, and Amotekun to conduct daily patrols.

They also demanded a declaration of a state of emergency on security until peace is restored, and disciplinary action on erring officers who neglect their duty or extort students.

The Ogun students also threatened to stage a mass protest if the silence from both the government and security agencies continue.

Efforts to contact the spokesperson for Ogun Police Command, Omolola Oguntola, was proved abortive as she neither responded to calls nor texts as at the time of filing this report.

The Nasarawa Police Command has arrested a 21-year-old woman suspected of trafficking ammunition, recovering a total of 481 rounds of ammunition in a major operation against arms trafficking across key Local Government Areas in the state.

According to report, the suspect, Fatima Salisu from Funtua in Katsina State, was intercepted in the Azuba area of Lafia while allegedly conveying a large consignment of ammunition through Keana and Doma Local Government Areas, while en route to Katsina to deliver the consignment to suspected criminal elements.

Following credible intelligence, the Commissioner of Police, Shetima J. Mohammed, immediately deployed the anti-kidnapping unit, leading to the suspect’s arrest and the recovery of 481 rounds of live ammunition, comprising 400 rounds of 7.62x39mm and 81 rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammunition.

According to a statement by the Nasarawa state police command Public Relations Officer, Ramhan Nansel, the suspect is in custody and undergoing intense interrogation, as the Command reiterates it’s commitment to combating crimes.

The statement partly reads: “Police nab 21-Year-Old Female Arms Runner, Recover 481 Rounds of Ammunition in Nasarawa State

“In a bold and precise security operation, operatives of the Nasarawa State Police Command have arrested a 21-year-old female suspected arms trafficker in a mission that cut across key local government areas.

“The operation was launched following credible intelligence, The suspect, Fatima Salisu, a native of Funtua town in Katsina State, was intercepted at a Azuba area of Lafia while allegedly transporting a deadly haul of ammunition through Keana and Doma LGAs, en route to deliver the consignment to criminal elements in Katsina.

“Acting swiftly on the intelligence tip-off, Commissioner of Police, CP Shetima J. Mohammed, ordered the immediate deployment of the Command’s Anti-Kidnapping Unit. The team acted with precision, leading to the arrest of the suspect and the recovery of 400 rounds of 7.62x39mm ammunition and 81 rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammunition.

“The suspect is now in custody and undergoing rigorous interrogation as investigators work to dismantle the arms trafficking network and trace its possible links to armed banditry and terrorism.”

The Kaduna government officially began the 2025 Hajj transportation on Wednesday, with 311 intending pilgrims departing for Saudi Arabia in the first batch.

The ceremony took place at Usman Katsina International Airport, Kaduna, where state officials bid farewell to the pilgrims.

Governor Uba Sani congratulated the pilgrims and urged them to represent Kaduna State and Nigeria positively.

He highlighted the spiritual importance of Hajj and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting a smooth, safe, and dignified pilgrimage.

Salihu Abubakar, chairman of the Kaduna State Pilgrims Welfare Agency, said 4,060 pilgrims from the state would participate in the 2025 Hajj.

He also outlined improvements in Hajj operations, such as the renovation of the transit camp and comprehensive pre-Hajj sensitisation programmes.

The Amirul Hajj and Emir of Kauru, Ya’u Usman, advised pilgrims to uphold Islamic values and follow guidance received during orientation sessions.

He reminded them to act with piety, humility, and discipline while in Mecca.

The flag-off event attracted dignitaries, including Sheikh Muhammad Bin Othman of the National Hajj Commission.

President Bola Tinubu has approved massive recruitment of youth for the establishment of forest guards to secure and flush out terrorists and bandits from forests across the country.

Sunday Dare, presidential spokesperson, in a statement on Wednesday, announced Mr. Tinubu ordered the recruitment of forest guards “to secure the 1,129 forests in the country.”

“The President directed that the forest guards are to be well trained and armed to perform their duties, which is essentially to flush out terrorists and criminal gangs hiding inside the forests for criminal activities,” Mr Dare said.

He added, “Thousands of young Nigerians are expected to be employed as personnel of the outfit.”

This initiative, according to Mr Dare, is a collaborative effort between the states and the federal government aimed at tackling insecurity in the country.

“This recruitment is a security collaborative effort between the federal and state governments. The office of the NSA and the Ministry of Environment have been directed to take charge and ensure full implementation,” Mr Dare said.

This comes amid a resurgence of Boko Haram and bandit raids on communities in the North-East and North-Central in recent times.

The National Universities Commission (NUC) has approved 21 academic programmes for the University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT) following a rigorous accreditation exercise conducted across universities nationwide.

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The Vice Chancellor of UNIPORT, Owunari Georgewill, announced this development to journalists in Port Harcourt on Wednesday.

He stated that the NUC’s approval marked a significant milestone for both the management and students of the university.

“Out of the 22 academic programmes presented to the NUC for evaluation, 21 received full accreditation status, while one was granted interim accreditation.

“This reflects a 100 per cent success rate in UNIPORT’s October/November 2024 accreditation exercise conducted by the NUC,” he explained.

Mr Georgewill, who did not mention the newly accredited courses, attributed the achievement to the dedication, resilience, and unwavering commitment of the university’s management to delivering quality education.

He commended members of staff and other stakeholders for their commitment towards the realisation of the institution’s academic objectives.

“This 100 per cent success is a testament to the tireless efforts of every member of the UNIPORT community.

“The positive outcome is the result of strategic planning, teamwork, and a collective vision for academic excellence,” he added.

The vice chancellor further noted that this accomplishment reinforced the university’s standing as one of Nigeria’s leading institutions for advanced learning and research.

Hajj 2025: 14,165 Nigerian pilgrims leave for Saudi Arabia
Ms Usara said that all flights were currently landing in Madinah in line with the agreed plan.
The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) says 14,165 Nigerian pilgrims, representing 34.4 per cent have so far been transported to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for the 2025 Hajj exercise.

Fatima Usara, assistant director, information and publication, NAHCON disclosed this in a statement in Abuja on Wednesday, while providing an update on the ongoing 2025 Hajj airlift operations.

According to Ms Usara, within five days, 35 flights have successfully conveyed 14,165 Nigerian pilgrims to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, representing 34.4 per cent of the total expected movement.

“This time last year, though also significant, the airlift stood at 20.2 per cent of pilgrims, having conducted 23 flights that transported 9, 788 pilgrims,” she said.

The NAHCON spokesperson said that states have concluded their airlift include Oyo, Abia, Kogi, and Nasarawa states.

“Meanwhile, Ondo and Ekiti states are currently preparing for their final flights, which will be undertaken as a combined airlift.

“Importantly, no flight cancellations have been recorded so far.

“On the contrary, one of the carriers transporting pilgrims from Niger State arrived in Saudi Arabia earlier than expected as a mark of diligence,” she said.

She said that the commission commended its staff for their prompt action and being up to task.

“NAHCON attributes the continued success of the airlift operations to the full cooperation from the state pilgrims’ boards, and the wisdom in engaging four airlines for this year’s airlift.

“The air carriers have been doing their best to fulfill the terms of engagement they signed with NAHCON.

“Additionally, Saudi Arabian authorities have released full flight schedules to all participating airlines, which further facilitates proper planning and timeliness,” she said.

Ms Usara said that all flights were currently landing in Madinah, in line with the agreed plan.

“The first set of pilgrims that arrived the Kingdom are expected to enter Makkah today where they will commence their Umrah for those who select Hajj Tumattu’i or Qiran,” she said.

She said that no official visa was issued to Nigeria by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia under this year’s Hajj arrangement.

“The public is invited to report anyone who claims to be in possession of official visa or selling same at any price at all.

“Similarly, NAHCON does not authorise any individual, apart from licensed Tour Operators, to register pilgrims for Hajj.

“Anyone with information and evidence of any individual selling official Hajj slots should kindly furnish the commission with this intelligence so that appropriate action can be taken to protect innocent people from being shortchanged.

“The commission appreciates the high level of interest and concern expressed towards its operations. As partners in progress, we treat all concerns raised with the seriousness they deserve,” she said.

She said that regular updates would continue to be shared with the public.

The Oyo State government has approved N4.5 billion as financial support to the survivors and victims of the Bodija explosion, which occurred on January 16, 2024.

This is contained in a statement issued on Wednesday in Ibadan by the commissioner for information and civic orientation, Dotun Oyelade.

According to the statement, the decision was taken at the executive council meeting held on Wednesday.

“This N4.5 billion approved, is apart from the over N200 million that this government had expended on accommodation, feeding, hospital and security bills following the tragic incident,” Mr Oyelade said.

Mr Oyelade said the council has also approved the recommendation of the 10- man committee to revocate the title of the two properties, off Adeyi avenue, Bodija Ibadan, scene of the explosion.

The revocation, according to him, is in the overall interest of the public.

“The government will build a monument on the location of the revoked land in memory of victims of the tragedy.

“In addition, the council frowned at the spate of disinformation, half-truths and mischievous lies being peddled by persons purportedly representing residents of the explosion area on the role which the state government has played in the explosion saga.

“Council said such insinuations are unfair and mischievous and the government will not be discouraged in taking its time to do what is just for her citizens,” he said.

The commissioner further made it known that the government will, through the ministry of justice, ensure effective prosecution of the suspects so far arraigned in court, in respect of the explosion.

He added that efforts were being intensified to apprehend other suspects linked to the case but were at large

The Academic Staff Union of Universities, University of Nigeria Nsukka branch, has threatened to sue the Joint Matriculation Board over massive failure recorded in the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Exam.

The Chairman of ASUU-UNN, Óyibo Eze, who claimed that the union targeted candidates from the South-East region, spoke during an interview with journalists in Nsukka on Wednesday.

Mr Eze said that the massive failure which mostly affected candidates from the South-East, was a deliberate attempt by JAMB to stop children from the zone from getting admission.

He stated, “My office has been inundated with protests, calls and visits by parents and the general public on this deliberate massive failure in the 2025 JAMB examination. ASUU will challenge this result in the High Court if JAMB fails to review the result and give candidates their merited scores. JAMB knows that children from the South-East must score higher before they can get admission whereas their counterparts in some parts of the country will use a 120 JAMB score to get admission to read medicine in universities in their area.

“In the JAMB recently released result, out of 1,955,069 candidates who sat for the 2025 examination, over 1.5 million candidates scored less than 200 and majority of these are from the South-East and Lagos State where many Igbo reside.’’

He called on governors from the South-East to rise and challenge the injustice targeted towards preventing children from the zone from gaining admission into higher institutions in the country.

He said, “The governors in the zone should not sit and watch JAMB toy with the academic future of our children. I am not against the board punishing those found guilty of exam malpractice, but JAMB should not, because of these few candidates, fail the whole candidates in an exam centre.’’

The ASUU boss said that it was unbelievable and unacceptable that in the whole University Secondary School, Nsukka, no candidate that sat for the exam scored up to 200 in the UTME.

He stated, “This school has superlative students who have excelled in academics both inside and outside the school, how come all of them scored less than 200 in the exam. Even if JAMB discovered one or two candidates for exam malpractice, is that enough reason to fail all others who have prepared very hard for that exam.”

Mr Oyibo advised JAMB to act fast and do the needful by reviewing the result, noting that the massive failure had become a national issue which might attract national protest if nothing urgent was done.

Troops of 6 Brigade, Sector 3 Operation WHIRL STROKE (OPWS) have neutralised a suspected bandit and recovered a rifle in Taraba State.

This is contained in a statement by the Acting Assistant Director Army Public Relations of the Brigade, Capt. Olubodunde Oni, on Wednesday in Jalingo.

According to him, the troops on patrol came across the suspected bandit along Bandawa – Karim Lamido Road.

He stated, “In the brief but fierce encounter, troops gallantly engaged the criminals, neutralizing one of the bandits and successfully recovering one AK-47 rifle and thirty-nine (39) rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition. This operation is a testament to the brigade’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property and ensuring that criminal elements find no safe haven within Taraba State.’’

The statement added that the Commander of the Brigade, Brig.-Gen. Kingsley Uwa, has intervened in the brewing tensions between locals in Kashimbila of Takum Local Government Area of Taraba and Jato Aka of Kwande Local Government Area of Benue State.

It said that a security meeting was held involving stakeholders to de-escalate the tension.

It added, “At the conclusion of the meeting, both communities agreed to embrace peace and shun all forms of violence, pledging to work together for the safety and development of the region.’’

Nottingham Forest striker Taiwo Awoniyi has been placed in an induced coma following the first phase of surgery to treat a serious abdominal injury sustained during his side’s 2-2 draw with Leicester City on Sunday.

The 27-year-old Nigerian international suffered a ruptured intestine after colliding with the post in the 88th minute, as he attempted to connect with a cross from teammate Anthony Elanga.

Sources confirmed that the forward underwent an emergency surgery on Monday and remains hospitalised, with another procedure expected on Wednesday.

The club released a statement on Tuesday saying Awoniyi was “recovering well.” Awoniyi, who had come on late in the game to replace Ibrahim Sangare, received extensive medical attention before being stretchered off.

The incident occurred during a controversial passage of play in which Elanga, who was in an offside position, delivered the cross. Under current officiating guidelines, assistant referees are instructed to delay raising their flag until the end of a potential goal-scoring move, a rule increasingly criticised for putting players at risk.

Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis was visibly shaken, reportedly confronting manager Nuno Espirito Santo after the match to express concern about how the situation was handled. Marinakis is said to be receiving regular updates on the player’s condition.

Speaking to the BBC, consultant colorectal surgeon Gillian Tierney described the injury as life-threatening. “A ruptured intestine can be fatal and is often difficult to diagnose immediately, especially in elite athletes running on adrenaline. Surgery is typically required, and the procedure carries a 9% mortality rate,” she explained.

Awoniyi has experienced significant challenges in his campaign this season due to recurring injury setbacks, resulting in only one goal scored in 26 appearances for his team.

Among the most heartfelt wishes came from Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, who described Awoniyi as “a proud son of Kwara” adding “Get well soon, dear brother and valued citizen. Kwara stands with you.”

Despite how serious it is, medical experts are hopeful, noting that the attacker’s fitness gives him a strong chance of recovery.

The Senate on Wednesday confirmed the appointments of five Resident Electoral Commissioners for the Independent National Electoral Commission.

Those confirmed as INEC RECs by the senators during plenary are Umar Yusuf Garba from Kano State, Sa’ad Umar Idris from Bauchi, Chukwuemeka Ibeziako from Anambra State, Umar Mukhtar from Borno State, and Johnson Alalibo Sinikiem from Bayelsa State.

Plateau South Senator, Simon Lalong, who presented the report on behalf of the committee on election matters, chaired by senator representing Oyo South, Sharafadeen Alli, urged the Senate to confirm the five nominees having passed screening and satisfied necessary requirements for the positions.

The lawmakers confirmed the appointments of the five nominees after adopting the committee’s report, in accordance with section 154(1) of the 1999 constitution (as amended).

The new RECs, nominated by President Bola Tinubu in a letter to the Senate on March 18, will each serve for a five-year term.

Mr Tinubu also on Monday swore in two newly appointed INEC commissioners.

Mr Oloyede said, “I apologise for the trauma caused the candidates and I take full responsibility for this.’’
Registrar, Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, on Wednesday betrayed emotion and broke into tears as he apologised for the errors in the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination.

Mr Oloyede, during a news conference in Bwari, took responsibility of the errors in the just concluded examinations.

He said, “I apologise for the trauma caused the candidates and I take full responsibility for this.’’

He admitted that errors were made during the 2025 UTME after the investigations carried out.

The National Universities Commission has granted Benue State a provisional licence to establish a new state university.

The Executive Secretary of NUC, Prof. Abdullahi Ribadu, presented the licence to the State’s Deputy Governor, Samuel Ode, who represented Governor Hyacinth Alia at the occasion on Wednesday.

Ribadu said the institution, Benue State University of Agriculture, Science and Technology, located at Ihugh in Vandeikaya Local Government Area, Benue State, has become the second Benue state-owned university.

He said that the new addition brought the number of state-owned universities in the country to 68 and the total universities in Nigeria to 299.

“We expect that it will adhere strictly to the guidelines set forth for quality assurance, character development, and overall management of academic programmes.

“I have no doubt that this university will play a vital role in shaping the future of education, especially agriculture, and the development of this country.

“Going forward, whenever you are ready, we will write the commission to send a team to look at the facilities on the ground.We will look at the communities, facilities, infrastructure, human capital, staff members and resources you have,’’ he said.

The governor, for his part, said the development marked a watershed moment in the state’s pursuit of academic excellence.

“For those who know the people of Benue and our quest for education, you will understand the joy with which we receive this recognition that the Commission has accorded.

“We are indeed very grateful and want to assure the Executive Secretary of the NUC that Benue State will pursue the mandate of its university with all the zeal required.

“We shall, in no time, put in place the necessary amenities and platforms that will enable us to drive the agenda and help this university to reach its full potential,’’ he

A member of the House of Representatives representing Kaura Namoda/Birni Magaji federal Constituency of Zamfara state, Aminu Sani Jaji, has raised the alarm over the rising cases of insecurity and banditry in the state and called for synergy between and among security agencies and communities to address the issue.

Jaji, who heads the House committee on ecological fund, said at a news conference in Abuja that the level of insecurity in the state is at such a high level that the people of the state, particularly Kaura Namoda/Birni Magaji, just walk around aimlessly, not knowing where they are going.

He said there was no need for a state of emergency in Zamfara as being demanded by some persons, since there was no complete breakdown of law and order in the state.

He, however, opposed the clamour for the hiring of machinery by the government to help in the fight against banditry, adding that security agents in the country should rather be encouraged and equipped to carry out their assigned mandate.

Jaji painted a gloomy picture of happening in the area, which he said has gone unreported, adding that over 200 persons are currently in captivity of the bandits while they parade the area unchally.

He recalled that one of the promises of the present government during the campaign was to ensure the security of the lives of the people, warning that although the government is doing everything possible to keep the promise, there is a lot that still needs to be done.

The lawmaker said the situation in the state has become so alarming to the extent that kidnapping and invasion of communities have become almost a daily occurrence, with about 60 persons kidnapped from a village about 2 weeks ago, while the kidnappers demanded about N30 million for their release.

He said even after some of the victims were killed, the kidnappers kept insisting on the N30 million ransom, with their leader insisting on killing a young man who fell in his presence because of his ailment.

“The leader of the kidnappers went to the House of the young man who was epileptic and insisted that the family bring him out for him to shoot. When they were delaying in bringing him, they shot two in the compound, saying they would keep killing them until they brought him out. The father had to bring out the boy, and they shut him.

Operatives of the Ondo State Security Network codenamed Amotekun Corps have rescued five persons abducted in different parts of the State.

They were rescued after spending days in the forest and endured severe beating from their captors.

Four of the victims were kidnapped along Ore-Lagos highway while the other victim was abducted at his Upemen residence along Owo-Ikare road.

Their abductors had demanded N150m ransom before they were rescued.

Commander of Ondo Amotekun, Akogun Adeleye Adetunji, while presenting the rescued victims to the public, said Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa-has directed security agencies to flush out kidnappers and stopped payment of ransom.

Adeleye said his men were mobilised to the forest few minutes after the victims were abducted.

According to him: “I want to tell you today that by the grace of God, Amotekun corps have been able to recover them present here today without payment of ransom and no loss of lives.

“In the same vain, one Emmanuel Adeladun that was kidnapped along Ikare-Owo road on the 6th of May was also rescued without payment of a kobo as ransom. Despite the fact that the attackers inflicted several matchet cut and wound on him, we acted on credible intelligence and we are able to secure his release.

“In the case of Emmanuel Adeladun, they started with ransom of N50 million. On the day they told him he was going to be killed if funds were not paid they were actually expecting the money.

“We told them we are bringing N10million in exchange for him but we were able to get him without payment of one kobo.

“In the case of Ayodele Olatunji and Stanley, they were expecting N100million but we told them that we are bringing N15million and we were able to rescue them without payment of one kobo and no casualty.”

U.S. President Donald Trump on Wednesday met with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa in Riyadh, a U.S. government representative confirmed.

The meeting took place in the Saudi capital before a scheduled meeting between Trump and leaders of several Gulf countries.

It is the first between a U.S. and Syrian Presidents in around 25 years.

The meeting also came a day after Trump said that he would be lifting sanctions imposed on Damascus.

Trump, who was in Saudi Arabia for the first leg of his three-nation Gulf tour, said lifting the sanctions were a chance for the war-torn country to shine.

The White House said on Tuesday that Trump had agreed to say hello to the Syrian President.

Sanctions were imposed by the U.S. and other countries in response to former president Bashar al-Assad’s brutal crackdown on protesters in 2011.

The violence in his regime carried out against civilians during the ensuing civil war.

Al-Assad was overthrown in early December by an Islamist rebel alliance led by al-Sharaa, who was later appointed interim president.

Once an insurgent leader, al-Sharaa has since renounced both al-Qaeda and Islamic State.

However, doubts remain as to whether he has fully abandoned extremist ideology and he is still listed on U.S. and EU terrorist lists.

The last meeting between U.S. and Syrian leaders was in 2000 between then presidents Bill Clinton and Bashar’s father, Hafez al-Assad.