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Adeleke raises alarm over planned attacks on schools, farms

Published

2 years ago

March 12, 2024

Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke

Adeleke raises alarm over planned attacks on schools, farms

Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, on Tuesday, said his administration has uncovered plans by criminals to attack schools and farm settlements in rural communities in the state.

The governor, who raised the alarm in a statement signed by his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, said those behind the plot plan to disrupt the implementation of the infrastructure plan of his administration and cause apprehension in the state.

Adeleke, however, said he had convened a meeting of the state security council to prevent security breaches in any part of the state.

The governor referred to intelligence snippets of “deliberate mobilisation of criminal elements to the rural areas of the state”, stressing that such reports were alarming and posed serious concerns to the well-being of the Osun people.

He noted that the administration was worried about reports that “those behind the plot are targeting disruption of farming activities through kidnappings and attacks on rural farm settlements.

“It was further revealed that schools are being targeted with abductions and attacks as a way of distracting from the implementation of the safe school initiative and the multi-billion naira infrastructure plan.”
While a meeting of the state security council has been summoned, Adeleke said preliminary directives have been issued to school authorities to take precautions to enhance the safety of pupils and students.

The statement further read, “The Ministry of Education and all education agencies have been ordered to review safety measures in Osun schools in line with the Safe School Initiative.

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“In specific terms, school principals and heads are expected to clear overgrown school environments and ensure close liaison with the Parents and Teachers Association to secure their school environments.

“The governor further directs the Food Security Committee to submit an interim report to allow for immediate actions to safeguard farm security and secure farmers as the rainy season knocks on the door.

“We expect the initial report to contain practical and implementable measures to safeguard our farming communities through closer integration and mobilisation of the local hunters and forest rangers.”

The governor, who also announced plans to embark on major reforms of the Amotekun security force, frowned at the internal rivalry and what he called opposition penetration and external intervention that have negatively affected the operation of the Amotekun Corps in the state.

According to him, the Amotekun would be reorganised to make it a truly efficient force to complement the efforts and operation of the police and other security agencies.

He assured the public that his administration has taken preemptive steps to secure schools and farming communities in the state, describing Osun as a peaceful state which would not succumb to attempts to destabilize the peace and harmony among its residents.

“I have summoned a meeting of the State Security Council to firm up all plans. I assure our people that I am on top of the situation. We are committed to securing our school, our farm, and our society.

“No stone will be left unturned to disrupt plans of enemies of progress to plunge the state into crisis. I urge members of the public to inform security agencies of any unusual movement or activities across the state”, Adeleke said.

Adeleke raises alarm over planned attacks on schools, farms

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MURIC Calls for Respect for Chief Imams, Urges Improved Government–Religious Relations in Oyo

Published

26 minutes ago

April 12, 2026

Trends Admin

Mallam Ibrahim Agunbiade

MURIC Calls for Respect for Chief Imams, Urges Improved Government–Religious Relations in Oyo

The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC), Oyo State Chapter, has called on the state government, political parties, and public office holders to show greater respect for Chief Imams and ensure proper coordination when engaging religious leaders.

In a press statement issued on Sunday, the group said Chief Imams occupy highly revered positions as spiritual leaders and custodians of Islamic teachings, stressing that their roles are central to the moral, spiritual, and social wellbeing of Muslim communities in the state.

MURIC emphasized the need for stronger government–religious harmony in Oyo State, noting that mutual respect between political institutions and faith leaders is essential for peace, unity, and social stability.

The organisation urged political actors to avoid scheduling official programmes during Jumu’ah (Friday congregational prayers), warning that such timing often disrupts the religious obligations of Imams and creates avoidable conflict.

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It also recommended that invitations to Chief Imams should be issued with at least one week’s notice, except in urgent or exceptional cases, and must be formally communicated with due respect.

According to MURIC, religious leaders should not be treated as ceremonial guests but as respected authorities whose presence deserves dignity and honour at public functions.

The group further called for improved event arrangements for Islamic leaders, including proper seating positions that reflect their status. It also advised that Chief Imams should not be seated in areas where alcohol is served, in order to respect their religious beliefs and preserve the sanctity of their office.

MURIC stressed that these measures would strengthen interfaith respect in Oyo State, improve collaboration between government and religious institutions, and promote peaceful coexistence across communities.

The statement was signed by Barr. Lawal Abduwaheed, Chairman of MURIC Oyo State Chapter, and Mallam Ibrahim Agunbiade, General Secretary.

MURIC Calls for Respect for Chief Imams, Urges Improved Government–Religious Relations in Oyo

metro

BREAKING: 56 Killed in Accidental Bombing at Borno–Yobe Border Market

Published

55 minutes ago

April 12, 2026

Trends Admin

BREAKING: 56 Killed in Accidental Bombing at Borno–Yobe Border Market

No fewer than 56 people, mostly traders, are feared dead and several others injured after an airstrike struck a busy weekly market at Jilli village, located along the border between Borno State and Yobe State.

The incident, which occurred on Saturday afternoon, has raised serious concerns over civilian safety during ongoing military operations targeting insurgents in Nigeria’s North-East region.

Jilli Market, situated between Gubio and Geidam Local Government Areas, is a major commercial hub that attracts traders and buyers from surrounding communities including Gubio, Chiweram, Benisheikh, Gurokayeya, and Geidam.

According to multiple local sources, the airstrike was carried out during a military operation aimed at suspected Boko Haram insurgents who were believed to have visited the market to collect levies and source supplies from traders.

However, the strike reportedly missed its intended targets and instead hit areas crowded with civilians actively engaged in market activities.

Eyewitnesses said the incident occurred around 2:46 p.m., when several fighter jets were seen hovering over the area before explosions were heard. One witness claimed that at least four jets were involved in the operation, though visibility of all aircraft was unclear.

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“I counted 56 bodies myself and assisted in rescuing injured victims. The number could be higher because more bodies are still being recovered,” a local source said, adding that panic broke out as traders and buyers attempted to flee during the bombardment.

Medical sources confirmed that at least 14 injured victims were taken to the Specialist Hospital in Geidam for treatment, while others were reportedly moved to nearby health facilities. Some of the injured were later referred to a teaching hospital in Damaturu due to the severity of their conditions.

Local officials have given varying casualty figures as rescue efforts continue. A ward councillor, Malam Lawan Zanna, confirmed that dozens were killed, noting that some of those initially hospitalised later died, pushing the death toll higher.

The Special Adviser on Security Matters to the Yobe State Governor, Brigadier General Abdulsalam Dahiru (retd.), also confirmed the incident but clarified that the affected community falls under Gubio Local Government Area of Borno State.

The attack has sparked fear and outrage among residents, with calls for a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the strike and measures to prevent civilian casualties during military operations.

As of the time of filing this report, the Nigerian Air Force has not issued an official statement regarding the airstrike or the reported civilian casualties.

Security experts say the incident highlights the ongoing challenge of distinguishing between insurgents and civilians in conflict zones, particularly in areas where armed groups are known to blend into local populations.

Authorities are expected to provide further clarification as investigations continue and more details emerge about the operation and its outcome.

BREAKING: 56 Killed in Accidental Bombing at Borno–Yobe Border Market

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Court Orders Forfeiture of Pastor Ebonyi’s Hotel, School, Factory Over Alleged N1.39bn Fraud

Published

6 hours ago

April 12, 2026

Trends Admin

Pastor Theophilus Ebonyi

Court Orders Forfeiture of Pastor Ebonyi’s Hotel, School, Factory Over Alleged N1.39bn Fraud

A Federal High Court sitting in Lafia has ordered the permanent forfeiture of multiple properties belonging to Pastor Theophilus Ebonyi, founder and General Overseer of Faith On The Rock Ministry International, after ruling that the assets were acquired through proceeds of a large-scale fraud scheme estimated at about N1.39 billion.

The judgment followed an application by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), which told the court that the forfeited properties were linked to funds traced to a fraudulent investment and fake grant operation allegedly run through Theobarth Global Foundation.

The court, presided over by Justice M.O. Olajuwon, held that the EFCC successfully established that the assets were derived from unlawful activities under the provisions of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Related Offences Act. The judge further ruled that the defendant failed to provide credible evidence to justify legitimate ownership of the properties.

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The forfeited assets include a 23-room hotel and event centre in Nyanya Gwandara, a warehouse and sachet water factory in Karu, two office buildings, a primary school, and a bank account containing over N1 million. Authorities said these properties were either directly purchased or developed using proceeds from the alleged financial fraud scheme.

EFCC investigators told the court that Ebonyi was arrested in 2023 over allegations that he orchestrated a fraudulent scheme through Theobarth Global Foundation, where he promoted a fake $20 billion Ford Foundation grant. The commission said he falsely claimed affiliation with the internationally recognised Ford Foundation, a claim the organisation has publicly denied.

According to investigators, victims were made to pay about N1.8 million each as registration and processing fees, with promises of access to the non-existent grant. The EFCC stated that the scheme defrauded individuals and corporate bodies of approximately N1.39 billion before it was exposed.

With the court’s ruling, all listed assets have now been permanently forfeited to the Federal Government of Nigeria as part of ongoing efforts to recover proceeds of crime and dismantle fraudulent investment networks.

The EFCC said the judgment marks a major step in the prosecution process and reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that proceeds of advance fee fraud are recovered and returned to public ownership.

Authorities also cautioned members of the public against falling for fake grant schemes or investment programmes that promise unrealistic returns or falsely claim affiliation with reputable international organisations such as the Ford Foundation.