Nnamdi Kanu Thanks Ex-US Mayor Mike Arnold, Reaffirms IPOB Support

The detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, has expressed appreciation to former United States mayor Mike Arnold, commending what he described as Arnold’s efforts to present a “truthful account” of his situation and the activities of the IPOB movement.

The message was disclosed on Saturday by Kanu’s special counsel, Aloy Ejimakor, who said he was instructed to deliver the statement in full without any modifications.

In the letter, Kanu praised Arnold’s intervention in ongoing international conversations about Nigeria, describing his comments as a rare example of “honesty amid dominant global narratives.”

“Dear Mike, I am writing to acknowledge your remarkable effort in shedding light on the truth about me and my people. Your commitment to the truth is commendable,” Kanu said in the statement.

He further suggested that global understanding of the IPOB issue would have been different if similar voices had spoken earlier.

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“You can count on the support of the Indigenous People of Biafra and myself. May Elohim guide and protect you always,” he added.

The message comes amid continued legal proceedings and diplomatic attention surrounding Kanu’s prolonged detention and the wider agitation campaign in Nigeria’s South-East.

Earlier, IPOB had also praised Arnold and some members of the United States Congress, describing their comments on Nigeria’s security situation as a “bold intervention” and alleging that they helped highlight alleged attacks in parts of the country.

In a statement issued by IPOB spokesperson Emma Powerful, the group said it welcomed what it called international acknowledgment of violence affecting communities in Nigeria, particularly in the Middle Belt and southern regions.

The group also reiterated claims that past warnings issued by Kanu were being validated by ongoing insecurity in parts of the country, citing attacks across several states as evidence of worsening violence.

However, the Nigerian government has consistently maintained that IPOB is a proscribed organisation under Nigerian law and has denied allegations of systematic persecution as described by the group.

Security analysts note that the IPOB issue remains one of Nigeria’s most sensitive political and security challenges, with ongoing court cases and diplomatic commentary continuing to shape public debate.

Nnamdi Kanu Thanks Ex-US Mayor Mike Arnold, Reaffirms IPOB Support

Gunmen Abduct RCCG, CAC Clerics, Families in Kogi Community Attack

Tension remains high in Odo-Eri community in Yagba West Local Government Area of Kogi State following the abduction of clerics from the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) and Christ Apostolic Church (CAC), alongside their family members and other residents, by suspected armed bandits.

Security agencies have confirmed that rescue operations are ongoing after the attack, which occurred on Wednesday night when heavily armed men invaded the community on motorcycles, firing sporadically to create panic before whisking away victims.

According to local sources and security briefings, the attackers—estimated to be about 30 in number—stormed the area around 10 p.m., targeting homes believed to house church leaders and other residents. Victims reportedly include pastors, their wives, children, and other community members caught in the raid.

Although the exact number of abducted persons is yet to be officially confirmed, community sources estimate that at least 20 people were taken during the coordinated attack. The gunmen were said to have escaped through Abewo Road, heading toward the Kwara State axis.

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The Nigeria Police Force confirmed that tactical teams have been deployed to the area to track the abductors and rescue the victims. A police spokesperson, Afusat Saliu, earlier told TVC News that operations had been intensified, assuring that efforts were ongoing to secure the release of the abducted persons and apprehend those responsible.

Meanwhile, the Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Kogi State, Apostle Olaniyan Adebayo, said intelligence from the Department of State Services (DSS) had earlier warned of possible attacks in parts of the state, prompting churches to take precautionary measures.

According to him, “The DSS called me and asked me to call the churches in those places based on the intelligence report they had. We alerted all the churches on Wednesday and Thursday concerning it.”

Despite the warning, the attack still took place, raising concerns over the effectiveness of preventive security measures in vulnerable rural communities.

The leadership of RCCG has yet to issue an official statement on the incident, while a senior church official said the matter had been escalated to appropriate authorities.

Security analysts say the latest abduction highlights the continuing threat of bandit attacks in North Central Nigeria, where rural communities remain vulnerable due to limited security presence and difficult terrain that aids attackers’ escape routes.

Residents of Odo-Eri and surrounding communities have been urged to remain vigilant as search-and-rescue operations continue across forested areas linking Kogi and Kwara States.

Gunmen Abduct RCCG, CAC Clerics, Families in Kogi Community Attack

Gunmen Invade OOU Hostels, Injure Students in Midnight Robbery Attack

Suspected armed robbers have invaded student hostels at Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ibogun Campus, Ogun State, in a violent midnight attack that left several students injured and triggered widespread panic across the university community.

The attack, which reportedly began around midnight and lasted into the early hours of Saturday, saw more than 12 armed men storm multiple hostels, firing shots sporadically and dispossessing students of valuables including phones, laptops, and cash.

Eyewitness accounts and student testimonies shared online indicated that the attackers operated for several minutes without immediate resistance, causing chaos as residents fled in different directions to escape the gunfire. An X user, identified as Michael Mabayomije, said the gunmen moved from room to room during the raid, forcing students to surrender their belongings while firing shots into the air to scare victims.

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Some students reportedly sustained injuries while attempting to escape, while others were traumatised by the intensity of the attack. Residents described scenes of panic and confusion following the incident, with reports indicating that blood stains believed to be from injured victims were seen on walls and floors of some affected hostels. The attack left the campus environment tense, with students expressing fears over repeated security breaches in the area.

The Ogun State Police Command confirmed the incident and said an investigation had commenced immediately after receiving reports of the attack. Police spokesperson, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, said the Divisional Police Officer of Ibogun Division and the Area Commander were deployed to the scene to assess the situation and restore confidence among students and residents.

Security patrols have since been intensified around the campus and surrounding communities as part of efforts to track down the attackers and prevent further incidents.

The attack has renewed concerns over student safety in Nigerian tertiary institutions, particularly in satellite campuses and rural areas where security coverage is often limited. Students and residents are calling for improved security measures, including increased night patrols, better surveillance, and stronger collaboration between university authorities and security agencies.

Gunmen Invade OOU Hostels, Injure Students in Midnight Robbery Attack