metro
Ogun: Two down as cultists operate in broad daylight, ignore Gov Abiodun’s threat
The once peaceful Ogun State seems to be gradually becoming a ‘battlefield’ where cultists carry out their nefarious activities with no holds barred, DAILY POST reports.
Lately, cultists and other criminal gangs have dared the police and the state government by going after their victims in broad daylight, killing and maiming.
This is happening in spite of threats by the Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, that he would deal decisively with cultists, demolish their houses and prosecute their parents.
“If I catch anybody engaging in cultism, the person, his parents and their house will be severely dealt with.
“Any house where a cultist is discovered will be demolished. Parents should warn their children because it is going to be tough.
“Our state is adjudged the most peaceful state in this country. Without peace, there cannot be meaningful socio-economic development. So, we will deal decisively with anyone that wants to disturb our peace in this state,” the governor seriously warned recently.
However, it appears the cultists in Ogun were not moved by the governor’s threat as cult clashes became a regular occurrence in the Gateway State, especially in Abeokuta, the State capital and in Ijebu-Ode.
Recently, Abiodun admitted that cultism is one of the security challenges facing the State. He, however, said he believed “that the cult activities have abated now because of the joint efforts of the Nigeria Police, the State Security Services and the Nigerian Army.”
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But, the current reality in Ogun did not correlate with Abiodun’s claim that cult clashes were abating in the State. This is because the cultists, who usually carried out their deadly clashes at night before, have now been emboldened to the extent of chasing a victim on a motorcycle until he was hacked to death at Kuto around 2:30pm on Tuesday.
That same day, another young man simply identified as Alagbole was killed by the same set of people at Elite road, Abeokuta, in the full glare of traders and passers-by.
The cultists threw a section of Abeokuta into confusion by parading the metropolis on about three motorcycles with dangerous weapons without any regard for security agents.
The police in Ogun State has confirmed the worrisome incident that left many disturbed, adding that some of those behind the criminal acts have been arrested.
While confirming that one person was killed at Elite road, Oyeyemi said he was yet to be briefed about the Kuto incident.
But a reliable source confirmed to our correspondent that the okada rider hacked at Kuto had his body deposited at a mortuary in Abeokuta.
Oyeyemi said the killings could not be unconnected with the usual supremacy battle between the various cult groups.
Interestingly, when the killings were going on in Abeokuta yesterday, Gov Abiodun was in Lagos, revealing how the state under his watch had been tackling insecurity and making Ogun safe for investors.
Abiodun spoke at the 2021 Capacity Building Workshop for security agencies in Lagos and Ogun States, organised by the Nigeria Police Force, Zone II Headquarters, Onikan, Lagos.
According to him, local vigilantes, Community Development Associations and the Amotekun Corps had been mainstreamed into the state security architecture to achieve greater efficiency and effectiveness in policing Ogun.
He pointed out that the current insecurity in the country could be reduced to the barest minimum if more jobs were created and more youths empowered.
“Fighting insecurity is not just by arming the police and the military. There is a nexus between insecurity, poverty, education, drug abuse and all other socio-economics indices. As much as it is good to equip the police as we have done that in Ogun. It is important to ensure that we look at the various interventions on how to reduce unemployment,” he added.
Abiodun said state-based security agencies had been created to deal with peculiar security challenges because the national police would not be able to handle the enormous security issues in all parts of the country.
However, speaking on the security challenges in Ogun, a resident, Michael Ogunsiji, said: “Governor Dapo Abiodun declared open 2021 Capacity Building for Nigeria Police Force in Lagos with the theme: ‘Internal security operations in a democratic dispensation.’
“But, his home state, cultists are having field days carrying arms and other dangerous weapons freely without any disturbance; killing two people at Elite road and Kuto today in broad daylight. Yet, some ‘no brainers’ are saying Ogun is safe in the hand of the Governor.
“If this can happen in the state capital without anyone challenging these criminals and other security threats, what would be the faith of the rural settlers?
“Mr. Governor, the killings are getting too much. You need to wake up and do something.
“Residents of Sapon, Oke-Ijemo, Ake, Ijemo, Ago-Oko, Oke Lantoro, Leme, Mokola, Saje, Ajitadun, Arinlese, Oju Ogbara, Ijaiye, Ilugun cannot sleep with their two eyes closed.
“It has worsened to the extent that, residents and shop owners of these areas have to close their businesses as soon it is 7pm for fear of cultists attacks.”
Meanwhile, other residents of Abeokuta have called on Abiodun to make good his threat by waging serious way against cultism and other acts of criminality in the State, especially kidnapping which the governor himself has identified as another challenge.
One Dayo Akanbi narrated how cultists trouble places like Ijemo, Ilogbo, Ago Oko, Isale Ake, Ejigbo, Oke Lantoro and others, asking the police and government to take action.
He said, “There is no more security in Abeokuta again. On daily basis, cultists engage in clashes, fighting and killing one another. They are even using the opportunity to rob people in places around Abeokuta. The government should do something before everything gets out of hand.”
In his word, a commentator, Akorode Khameel, asked, “Where were the security operatives when these cultists were butchering an Okada rider without getting disturbed right in the act?”
Khameel spoke further that, “Talk of the spate of insecurity again in the state and the country in general. How did we get here? I know cultists have no regard for values but, what about laws? Now people will start living in perpetual fear. The government should please make Abeokuta and other areas in the state safe for us.”
David Adegbola suggested that Ogun government should set up a joint security patrol, involving the police and the military.
“I think there should be a joint task patrol in the state, especially Abeokuta metropolis. It is not until an election is coming before joint task force patrol should come up. Also, it should be made up of police, the Army, Navy and other security agencies.”
Daily Post
metro
Rufai Oseni Dismisses Suspension Rumour, Labels It ‘APC Propaganda
Rufai Oseni Dismisses Suspension Rumour, Labels It ‘APC Propaganda
ARISE News Channel’s The Morning Show anchor, Rufai Oseni, has firmly dismissed reports alleging that he was suspended from the international broadcaster, describing the claims as false, misleading, and politically motivated.
The rumour, which gained traction across social media platforms, claimed that Oseni had been suspended from Arise News following an alleged disagreement with a senior colleague. However, the journalist debunked the claim in a post shared on his verified Facebook page on Wednesday, where he described the report as “APC propaganda.”
“Rufai Oseni suspended by ARISE News? Lies, APC Propaganda,” he wrote, rejecting the viral narrative.
Providing clarity on his absence from the popular breakfast programme, Oseni explained that he is currently in Berlin, Germany, attending a series of international conferences and professional engagements.
He further disclosed that he is scheduled to appear at the Bundestag, also known as the German Parliament, located in the historic Reichstag building, where he is expected to participate in discussions and engagements.
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Oseni noted that his trip is aimed at gaining insights and experiences that could be beneficial to Nigeria, particularly in governance and institutional development.
The suspension rumour was reportedly linked to a social media post attributed to High Chief Lawrence Igbins Okoro, which alleged that the broadcaster had a confrontation at the station, including claims that he banged his fist on a table during a disagreement.
However, there has been no official statement from ARISE News confirming any disciplinary action against Oseni, further reinforcing his position that the report is unfounded.
Industry observers note that similar rumours have surfaced in the past, often coinciding with Oseni’s temporary absence from television broadcasts due to travel or official engagements.
Known for his fiery and assertive interviewing style, Oseni has built a reputation as one of Nigeria’s most outspoken television journalists, frequently engaging political figures and public office holders in robust debates.
His approach has earned him both praise and criticism, making him a prominent voice in Nigeria’s media and political discourse.
Despite the controversy, Oseni remains part of the core three-man anchor team of The Morning Show, one of the flagship programmes on ARISE News.
The latest clarification is expected to quell speculation, as the broadcaster continues his international engagements with plans to return to Nigeria after completing his scheduled appearances.
Rufai Oseni Dismisses Suspension Rumour, Labels It ‘APC Propaganda
metro
Tension in Osogbo as Protesters Demand Respect for Court Judgments in LG Dispute
Tension in Osogbo as Protesters Demand Respect for Court Judgments in LG Dispute
Tension erupted on Wednesday in Osogbo as protesters stormed the Osun State High Court over the ongoing dispute involving Osun State local government funds and alleged non-compliance with court rulings on the release and control of allocations.
The demonstrators, who marched from the Government House axis to the court premises at Lameco, demanded strict adherence to judicial pronouncements amid rising concerns over governance and legal authority in the Osun LG funds crisis.
The protest is linked to an ongoing legal battle involving allegations that a commercial bank released funds allegedly used in the reinstatement of All Progressives Congress (APC) local government chairmen. The Osun State Government had initiated proceedings at the Magistrate Court over the matter.
However, the Osun State High Court in Osogbo, presided over by Justice Matthias Agboola, had earlier issued an ex parte order quashing the criminal proceedings against United Bank for Africa (UBA) and its officials at the Magistrate Court level.
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Despite the High Court ruling, proceedings were reportedly allowed to continue at the Magistrate Court, a development that triggered fresh protests by reinstated local government officials and their supporters.
Carrying placards with inscriptions calling for respect for court judgments, adherence to the rule of law, and protection of judicial integrity, the protesters accused relevant actors of disregarding valid court decisions.
Security operatives were deployed across the court premises to maintain order and prevent any breakdown of law and order as the demonstration unfolded.
Speaking on behalf of the protesters, Hon. Maaroof Ogundipe, representing reinstated council executives, warned that continued legal actions against bank officials despite higher court rulings could escalate into a broader constitutional crisis.
He also disclosed that the group may petition the National Judicial Council (NJC), arguing that the situation raises serious concerns about judicial compliance and institutional integrity.
“It is worrisome when court decisions appear to be undermined,” he said.
Chairman of Ejigbo Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Olayanju Kolapo, also weighed in, stating that aspects of the dispute had already been addressed by earlier rulings, including a Supreme Court judgment delivered in December 2025.
He cautioned that continued disregard for court decisions could heighten political tensions and destabilise local government administration in Osun State.
The dispute over Osun local government allocations has continued to generate legal confrontations, competing interpretations of court orders, and political tension across council areas in the state.
Authorities are yet to issue an official response to Wednesday’s protest, but security presence around the High Court remained heavy throughout the demonstration.
Tension in Osogbo as Protesters Demand Respect for Court Judgments in LG Dispute
metro
Nigerian Air Force Releases BMTC 46/2025 Shortlist, Fixes Kaduna Interview Dates
Nigerian Air Force Releases BMTC 46/2025 Shortlist, Fixes Kaduna Interview Dates
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has released the list of successful candidates for the Basic Military Training Course (BMTC) 46/2025 selection board, marking the next phase of its ongoing NAF recruitment exercise for new airmen and airwomen.
According to a statement issued on Wednesday, April 15, by the Director of Public Relations and Information, Ehimen Ejodame, the shortlist comprises candidates who passed the Zonal General Aptitude Test conducted across 15 Nigerian Air Force bases on December 5, 2025.
The Air Force said only candidates whose names appear on the official recruitment portal have been selected to proceed to the next stage of the process.
Kaduna Selection Interview Begins April 27
NAF confirmed that all shortlisted candidates are invited for the Selection Board Interview for Trades and Non-Tradesmen/Women, scheduled to hold at the Nigerian Air Force Base, Kaduna.
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The interview will run from April 27 to June 13, 2026, and candidates must report strictly according to their assigned batch schedules as published on the official portal.
The Air Force warned that failure to report on the specified dates will result in automatic disqualification from the recruitment process.
How to Check NAF BMTC 46/2025 Shortlist
Candidates are advised to visit the official NAF recruitment portal at https://nafrecruitment.airforce.mil.ng/updates/ to:
- Confirm their inclusion on the BMTC 46/2025 shortlist
- Check their assigned interview batches
- Access official instructions for the next stage
NAF stressed that only information published on its official platform should be trusted.
NAF Warns Against Recruitment Fraud
The Nigerian Air Force reiterated that the entire NAF recruitment process is free of charge, warning applicants not to pay money to individuals or groups claiming to offer assistance.
It urged candidates to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities linked to recruitment scams.
About BMTC Recruitment
The Basic Military Training Course (BMTC) is the entry-level training programme for recruits into the Nigerian Air Force, designed to prepare successful candidates for military service as airmen and airwomen.
The ongoing BMTC 46/2025 recruitment exercise follows a structured process including online application, aptitude testing, and final selection interviews before enlistment.
Final Phase of Screening Begins
With the release of the shortlist, the recruitment exercise has entered its final phase, where candidates will undergo verification and interviews before final selection into the Force.
NAF urged all applicants to strictly follow official guidelines to avoid disqualification and ensure smooth participation in the selection process.
Nigerian Air Force Releases BMTC 46/2025 Shortlist, Fixes Kaduna Interview Dates
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