41 Days in Bandits’ Den: Five Islamic Clerics Still Held After Tinubu Re-Election Prayer Trip - Newstrends
Connect with us

News

41 Days in Bandits’ Den: Five Islamic Clerics Still Held After Tinubu Re-Election Prayer Trip

Published

1 hour ago

on

41 Days in Bandits’ Den: Five Islamic Clerics Still Held After Tinubu Re-Election Prayer Trip
41 Days in Bandits’ Den: Five Islamic Clerics Still Held After Tinubu Re-Election Prayer Trip

Five Islamic clerics abducted by suspected bandits in Zamfara State have remained in captivity for 41 days, renewing concerns over their safety and the persistent threat of kidnapping in Nigeria’s North-West.

The continued detention of the clerics was disclosed on Friday by conflict reporter Bakatsine, who appealed to Nigerians to continue praying for their safe return.

In an update shared on social media on October 23, 2026, Bakatsine said the Islamic scholars were still in the hands of their abductors and expressed hope that they would reunite with their families.

The clerics were reportedly abducted on September 12, 2026, while travelling towards Talata Mafara Local Government Area for a special prayer gathering organised in connection with President Bola Tinubu’s 2027 re-election bid.

The gathering was associated with Senator Abdul’aziz Abubakar Yari, a former Zamfara State governor and the Director-General of Tinubu’s re-election campaign council.

Reports identified the five clerics as Imam Yahuza, Magawata Abdullahi, Malam Shehu Dakko, Imam Bala Fagon and Na’ibi Tasi’u. They were said to have travelled from communities in Bakura and Talata Mafara local government areas to attend the gathering.

READ ALSO:

However, the Nigerian Army clarified shortly after the incident that the clerics were not abducted at Yari’s residence, contrary to some initial reports. According to the military, intelligence indicated that the victims were seized while travelling from the Sububu Forest axis in Bakura towards Talata Mafara.

The Zamfara State Police Command also confirmed the incident, stating that armed men had intercepted the clerics’ vehicle along the Dakko–Damri feeder road in Bakura Local Government Area and that efforts were underway to rescue them.

There were initial reports that six Islamic clerics had been abducted, although the latest reports identifying those still in captivity named five victims.

Reports following the abduction indicated that the kidnappers demanded a ransom of ₦100 million from the victims’ families before the amount was reportedly reduced to ₦30 million during negotiations. However, there has been no confirmed public update on the progress of the negotiations or whether the demand has been met.

As of Friday, October 23, there was no confirmed information that the clerics had been released. Their current whereabouts and condition also remained unclear.

The prolonged captivity has heightened concerns over the security situation in Zamfara State, where armed groups have continued to abduct travellers and residents for ransom.

The incident has also drawn attention to the risks faced by people travelling between rural communities in the state, despite security operations aimed at curbing banditry.

Families of kidnapped victims and residents of affected communities have repeatedly called for stronger security measures and more effective rescue operations to prevent further abductions and secure the release of those still being held.

Bakatsine’s latest appeal has renewed calls for continued public concern over the fate of the five clerics as their families await news of their safe return.

 

41 Days in Bandits’ Den: Five Islamic Clerics Still Held After Tinubu Re-Election Prayer Trip

Loading

Related Topics:
Advertisement

News

EFCC Opens Recruitment for Nigerians, Sets Age Limits for Four Job Categories

Published

1 hour ago

on

October 24, 2026

By

EFCC Opens Recruitment for Nigerians, Sets Age Limits for Four Job Categories
EFCC Opens Recruitment for Nigerians, Sets Age Limits for Four Job Categories

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has opened its 2026 nationwide recruitment exercise, inviting qualified Nigerians to apply for positions across four job categories, with age limits ranging from 18 to 40 years.

The Federal Character Commission (FCC), in a recruitment listing published on October 23, 2026, marked the exercise as ongoing and outlined the qualifications, age requirements and other eligibility conditions for prospective applicants.

The recruitment covers the Detective Superintendent, Detective Inspector, Detective Assistant, and Professionals/Skilled Workers cadres, providing opportunities for university graduates, National Diploma holders, secondary school certificate holders and experienced professionals.

According to the published notice, applications must be submitted online through the designated recruitment portal. The application process is free, and candidates are warned against paying individuals or organisations promising to secure employment for them.

For the Detective Superintendent cadre, applicants must possess a bachelor’s degree or Higher National Diploma (HND) from a recognised institution, alongside a valid National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) discharge or exemption certificate. The position corresponds to Assistant Superintendent of EFCC II on Grade Level 08, and applicants must be between 18 and 30 years old.

The Detective Inspector category is open to candidates with a National Diploma (ND) or National Certificate in Education (NCE) from a recognised institution. The position corresponds to Inspector of EFCC II on Grade Level 06, with an age requirement of 18 to 27 years.

READ ALSO:

For the Detective Assistant cadre, applicants must have at least five credit passes in WAEC, NECO, GCE or NABTEB examinations, including English Language and Mathematics. The results must be obtained in no more than two sittings. The position corresponds to Detective Assistant II on Grade Level 04, and applicants must be between 18 and 25 years old.

The fourth category, Professionals and Skilled Workers, covers applicants with relevant academic qualifications, professional credentials or technical expertise. The stipulated age range is 18 to 40 years.

The professional and skilled-worker category covers several fields, including medicine, pharmacy, law, nursing, medical laboratory science, engineering and technology-related disciplines. The commission is also seeking qualified or experienced personnel in human resources management, financial analysis, media and publicity, policy analysis, legal services, research, planning, monitoring and evaluation, librarianship, information and communications technology, driving, and administrative or clerical support.

Applicants in this category are expected to possess qualifications relevant to their chosen positions. An NYSC discharge or exemption certificate is also listed among the requirements, while membership of a relevant professional association is an added advantage. A valid national driver’s licence is similarly listed as an advantage for applicants seeking professional and skilled-worker positions.

Beyond the academic and age requirements, the published recruitment notice states that applicants must be Nigerian citizens, possess basic computer skills and demonstrate good character and integrity. Candidates must also be medically fit and provide evidence of fitness from a government-approved hospital. Applicants with criminal records are ineligible, while the notice states that tattoos on any part of the body are not permitted.

Additional conditions apply to cadet applicants, who must be single at the time of application. Male cadet applicants must be at least 1.67 metres tall, while female applicants must have a minimum height of 1.64 metres. Prospective candidates are advised to review the requirements carefully and ensure they meet the conditions for their preferred category before submitting their applications.

Interested applicants are directed to complete their applications online through the designated EFCC recruitment portal at https://recruitment.efcc.gov.ng. The recruitment listing states that applications are expected to close one week after the commencement of the exercise. Applicants should therefore check the portal for the exact closing date and any additional instructions before applying.

Candidates who are shortlisted will be required to present printed copies of their completed application forms during screening. The commission’s recruitment process is stated to be entirely free of charge. Applicants should not pay recruitment agents, intermediaries or individuals claiming to have connections within the EFCC.

Candidates should also avoid unofficial websites and social media accounts requesting payment or sensitive personal information in exchange for employment opportunities. Qualified Nigerians are encouraged to rely on the designated recruitment portal and official EFCC and Federal Character Commission communication channels for updates on the exercise.

EFCC Opens Recruitment for Nigerians, Sets Age Limits for Four Job Categories

Loading

Continue Reading

News

NEC Targets Cheaper Fares, Food Prices in 90-Day Plan to Ease Nigerians’ Hardship

Published

22 hours ago

on

October 23, 2026

By

Shettima Blasts States Over Power Woes, Says Govs Must Stop Waiting for Abuja

NEC Targets Cheaper Fares, Food Prices in 90-Day Plan to Ease Nigerians’ Hardship

 

Nigerians struggling to cope with soaring food prices and transport fares may be in line for some relief as the National Economic Council has approved a 90-day economic action plan aimed at reducing the cost of living and making essential services more affordable.

 

At the heart of the initiative is a push to ensure that government economic reforms translate into tangible benefits for ordinary citizens, particularly commuters who spend a significant portion of their daily earnings travelling to work, trading centres and other places of livelihood.

 

The council has specifically directed federal and state governments to ensure that savings from the use of compressed natural gas-powered and electric vehicles are reflected in lower transport fares, rather than remaining with fleet owners and transport operators.

 

The plan was proposed by the Federal Ministry of Finance and endorsed on Thursday at the 161st meeting of the NEC, chaired virtually by Vice-President Kashim Shettima.

 

According to a statement by Stanley Nkwocha, the Senior Special Assistant to the Vice-President on Media and Communications, the 90-day programme has five priority areas: food affordability, tax harmonisation, completion of high-impact projects, removal of investment bottlenecks and regulated household support.

 

The council’s intervention comes amid persistent pressure on household budgets, with the rising cost of transportation and food leaving many Nigerians with less money to meet other essential needs.

 

For workers, traders, artisans and small business owners, cheaper transportation could mean retaining more of their daily earnings, while improved food affordability could ease the pressure on already stretched household incomes.

 

Speaking at the meeting, Shettima said the effectiveness of government policies should be judged by their impact on the daily lives of citizens, including access to affordable transportation, healthcare, employment and financial security.

 

“The first dividend of prosperity should be the confidence to plan a life. Our task is to make such confidence less dependent on fortune,” he said.

 

The Vice-President stressed that the National Compressed Natural Gas Bus Initiative should not be judged merely by the number of buses deployed but by how much it reduces the financial burden on commuters.

 

“The cost of reaching a livelihood should never consume the livelihood itself,” he said.

 

The council consequently resolved to establish a joint financing framework between the Federal Government and state governments to accelerate the deployment of CNG-powered and electric vehicles.

 

It also directed relevant authorities to engage transport unions and operators to ensure that the operational savings associated with the vehicles translate into lower fares for passengers.

 

The directive seeks to address a key concern surrounding the transition to alternative-energy transportation: whether the savings from cheaper fuel and more efficient operations will benefit commuters or simply improve operators’ profit margins.

 

Beyond transportation, the 90-day plan will focus on measures to improve food affordability, streamline taxation, remove barriers to investment and fast-track projects expected to deliver significant economic benefits.

 

The NEC also approved the establishment of a national dashboard to monitor projects across the country, with particular emphasis on transparency, accountability and tracking the utilisation of funds generated from the removal of petrol subsidies.

 

The monitoring mechanism is expected to strengthen oversight of public spending and improve the tracking of projects intended to cushion the effects of economic reforms.

 

Shettima called for closer cooperation between the Federal Government and state governments, warning that their separate responsibilities must not become excuses for failing to provide essential services.

 

However, the ultimate test of the 90-day plan will be whether Nigerians begin to experience measurable improvements in the cost of transportation, food and other necessities within the stipulated period.

 

For a worker who must spend a substantial part of a day’s wages getting to work, or a family struggling to put affordable meals on the table, the success of the initiative will not be determined by government announcements or the number of alternative-fuel buses introduced.

 

It will be measured by the money left in their pockets at the end of the day.

Loading

Continue Reading

News

FG Moves Against Filling Stations Short-Changing Nigerians With False Measurements

Published

2 days ago

on

October 22, 2026

By

FG Moves Against Filling Stations Short-Changing Nigerians With False Measurements

FG Moves Against Filling Stations Short-Changing Nigerians With False Measurements

The Federal Government has announced plans to intensify nationwide surveillance against false measurements and short-changing of consumers at filling stations and other commercial outlets, warning businesses against practices that deny Nigerians the full value of their money.

The planned enforcement drive is expected to strengthen checks on measuring equipment used in commercial transactions, including fuel dispensers, as authorities seek to curb under-dispensing of petrol and other forms of measurement fraud.

The initiative comes amid renewed concerns about inaccurate fuel pumps at retail outlets, where motorists may pay for a specified quantity of petrol but receive less than the amount displayed on the dispensing meter.

The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) has already raised the alarm over cases of under-dispensing at filling stations across the country and directed operators to carry out immediate calibration and verification of their dispensing equipment.

In September, the regulator warned that filling stations found delivering less fuel than customers paid for, using improperly calibrated equipment or otherwise compromising dispensing accuracy would face enforcement action. Persistent or serious violations could attract sanctions, including the revocation of operating licences.

The NMDPRA said the directive was intended to ensure that motorists receive the correct quantity of petroleum products and restore confidence in transactions within the downstream oil sector.

READ ALSO:

The regulator also called on industry associations, including the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), the Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Association of Nigeria (PETROAN), the Major Energy Marketers Association of Nigeria and the Depot and Petroleum Products Marketers Association of Nigeria, to notify their members and ensure compliance.

PETROAN subsequently directed its members nationwide to inspect their dispensing meters, while its president, Billy Gillis-Harry, urged motorists to monitor pump readings and request receipts when buying fuel.

The association acknowledged that dispensing equipment could develop faults through prolonged use, potentially resulting in either under-dispensing or over-dispensing. It said regular checks were necessary to ensure that customers received the quantity for which they paid.

The Federal Government’s planned nationwide crackdown is expected to reinforce efforts to improve measurement accuracy and protect consumers from dishonest commercial practices.

The issue has become particularly significant amid high petrol prices and the deregulation of Nigeria’s downstream petroleum sector, which has left consumers facing varying pump prices across locations.

With motorists spending substantial amounts on fuel, even small discrepancies in dispensing measurements can result in financial losses when repeated across multiple transactions.

Authorities have continued to stress that filling station operators are responsible for ensuring that their equipment is properly maintained, calibrated and verified in line with applicable regulations.

The broader enforcement effort is also expected to address the use of faulty or manipulated measuring equipment in other commercial activities, where inaccurate weights and measurements can similarly short-change consumers.

The Federal Government’s stated objective is to promote fair trade, strengthen consumer protection and ensure that Nigerians receive the exact quantities of goods and services for which they pay.

However, the effectiveness of the planned crackdown will depend on consistent inspections, transparent enforcement and appropriate sanctions against businesses found violating measurement standards.

FG Moves Against Filling Stations Short-Changing Nigerians With False Measurements

Loading

Continue Reading

Trending