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ASUU strike: Presidential primaries can’t hold in Abuja, NANS declares

Published

4 years ago

May 1, 2022

NANS President, Sunday Asefon

The National Association of Nigerian Students on Sunday declared that no political party will hold a convention to select any presidential candidate in Abuja.

NANS President, Sunday Asefon, made this known in a statement made available to our correspondent.

The Peoples Democratic Party picked the Federal Capital Territory for its May Convention to select its presidential candidate amid 15 aspirants from all over the country. The ruling All Progressives Congress is also reported to have considered Abuja for its presidential primary later this month.

However, NANS, in its statement, told the political parties to either end the strike embarked upon by the Academic Staff Union of Universities since February 14, 2022, or forget about holding any presidential primary in the nation’s capital.

The apex students’ union body also expressed anger that those saddled to ensure the smooth running of the education sector including Minister of State for Education, Emeka Nwajiuba; and Minister of Labour and Employment, Chris Ngige; have picked up the outrageous N100m presidential forms of the ruling APC.

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In the statement titled, ‘End ASUU Strike Or Forget Political Activities In Abuja’, the NANS president said, “We have also in the past weeks seen those saddled with great responsibility in the education sector and those saddled with responsibilities of resolving labour crises declaring interest to contest for the seat of the President come 2023.

“We are surprised by their effrontery and total disrespect to the Nigerian people for having the courage to even mute the idea of contesting talkless of picking up the N100m presidential form while students languish at home because of their collective failures.

“Politicians have shown no concern to the plight of the students but are only busy in their selfish and inordinate ambitions to become the next President.

“Let me say without mincing words, the two major political parties should forget any political gathering in Abuja or elsewhere except there is a solution to the lingering ASUU strike.

“We will frustrate all the activities leading to the selection of party candidates if we remain on strike. We also want to advise the government and the politicians who are busy campaigning to be President to either resolve the ASUU crises or give direct orders to the security operatives to shoot us at the site during party conventions to select a presidential candidate. If we remain on strike, they should just forget it.”

ASUU, on March 14, at the expiration of its four-week warning strike which it declared on Monday, February 14, had extended the industrial action by two months.

The union led by Professor Emmanuel Osodeke said it made the decision to extend the strike so as to give the Federal Government and its agencies enough time to meet the lingering demands of the union.

The union had embarked on a nine-month strike in 2020 before it was called off in December of that year.

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IGP Orders Officers in Viral Stop-and-Search Video to Abuja

Published

25 minutes ago

April 5, 2026

Trends Admin

One of the Officers in Viral Stop-and-Search Video and Police IG, Tunji Disu

IGP Orders Officers in Viral Stop-and-Search Video to Abuja

The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, has ordered the transfer of officers captured in a viral stop-and-search video to the Force Headquarters in Abuja for disciplinary proceedings.

The directive follows widespread public outrage over footage showing police officers allegedly harassing civilians during a roadside operation in Lagos.

The viral clip, which surfaced on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), showed officers stopping a vehicle and directing the occupants to step out before moving them away from where the car was parked to conduct a search. The action has triggered criticism, with many Nigerians questioning the legality and professionalism of such stop-and-search operations in Nigeria.

In the video, a voice behind the camera challenged the officers’ conduct, noting that searches are typically carried out at the point where a vehicle is stopped, not at a different location.

The Police Complaint Response Unit (CRU) later confirmed that the officers involved had been identified, and that the Inspector-General had ordered immediate action.

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According to the CRU, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in charge of the Satellite Town Division has been directed to present the officers at the Force Headquarters on Wednesday, April 8, 2026.

The move is part of ongoing efforts by the Nigeria Police Force to enforce accountability and address allegations of misconduct, especially amid growing public concern over police harassment in Lagos and other parts of the country.

Security experts say the swift directive signals a renewed commitment by police authorities to restore public trust and uphold professionalism within the Force.

The incident has once again spotlighted the need for stricter adherence to policing guidelines, particularly regarding citizens’ rights during routine checks. It also reinforces ongoing advocacy for transparency, including the right of citizens to record police activities in public spaces.

As investigations continue, Nigerians are watching closely to see whether the disciplinary process will lead to concrete sanctions and reforms within the system.

IGP Orders Officers in Viral Stop-and-Search Video to Abuja

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Gunmen Attack Kaduna Churches During Easter, Kill 7, Abduct Worshippers

Published

43 minutes ago

April 5, 2026

Trends Admin

Commissioner of Police in Kaduna State is CP Muhammad Rabiu

Commissioner of Police, Kaduna State, CP Muhammad Rabiu

Gunmen Attack Kaduna Churches During Easter, Kill 7, Abduct Worshippers

Suspected terrorists have launched a deadly assault on Ariko community in Kachia Local Government Area of Kaduna State, attacking two Christian worship centres during Easter celebrations and killing at least seven people, while abducting several others.

The coordinated attack, which occurred in the early hours of Sunday, has heightened fresh concerns over security in Southern Kaduna, especially during major religious events.

Eyewitnesses said the attackers stormed the community in large numbers, reportedly arriving on motorcycles, before opening fire on worshippers gathered for Easter services. The gunmen targeted First ECWA Church and St. Augustine Catholic Church, shooting indiscriminately and causing chaos among congregants.

Mark Bawa, councillor representing Awon Ward, confirmed the incident, stating that the exact number of casualties is still being verified.

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“I am currently on my way to the community to ascertain the exact number of casualties. Some sources said seven persons were killed, while others claimed eight. I will provide an update once details are confirmed,” he said.

Residents said the assailants surrounded the churches and operated for an extended period without resistance, a situation blamed partly on poor telecommunications coverage, which delayed distress calls and emergency response.

“The attackers came in large numbers. They surrounded the area and began shooting sporadically at worshippers. Several people were killed, and many others were taken away into the bush,” Bawa added.

Survivors revealed that several victims, including women and children, were abducted and forced into nearby forest areas, raising fears about their safety as rescue efforts continue.

Security operatives have reportedly been deployed to the area, with search-and-rescue operations underway. However, local sources fear the attackers may have retreated into forest corridors around Kachia and adjoining communities, known to harbour armed groups.

The latest violence comes barely two months after a similar attack in Kurmin Wali community, also in Kachia LGA, where dozens of worshippers were abducted during a church gathering. That incident triggered widespread outrage and renewed calls for stronger security presence in Kaduna communities.

Efforts to get an official response from the Kaduna State Police Command are ongoing, as authorities continue to assess the situation.

Analysts say the repeated targeting of rural communities during religious celebrations underscores the persistent insecurity in Kaduna State and the urgent need for improved intelligence, rapid response systems, and enhanced protection for vulnerable populations.

Gunmen Attack Kaduna Churches During Easter, Kill 7, Abduct Worshippers

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Military Arrests Two Suspects, Recovers Weapons After Jos Crisis

Published

7 hours ago

April 5, 2026

Trends Admin

Military Arrests Two Suspects, Recovers Weapons After Jos Crisis

The Nigerian Military has arrested two suspects and recovered weapons following a deadly crisis that hit several communities in Jos North Local Government Area, Plateau State. The arrests were made to prevent further escalation and restore peace and security in the troubled region.

Captain Chinonso Oteh, Media Officer for the Joint Task Force Operation Enduring Peace, explained that troops launched a comprehensive stop-and-search operation across the Jos metropolis on Friday. The operation focused on key flashpoints and major transit routes to identify and detain suspects linked to the violence.

During the operation, troops recovered a fabricated AK‑47 rifle, four rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, and a pump-action firearm with a cutlass. The arrests and recoveries were conducted in areas including Dadinkowa, Old Airport Junction, Tudun Wada, and the State Low-Cost Housing Estate.

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In a simultaneous development, troops responded to a distress call involving sporadic shooting at the Yelwa Cattle Market in Shendam. Soldiers applied superior tactical pressure, forcing suspected gunmen to retreat into nearby forested areas, preventing further civilian casualties. Two residents who sustained gunshot injuries during the incident were evacuated for immediate medical attention.

The military emphasized that the arrests and weapons recovery are part of ongoing efforts to curb criminal activity and restore lasting peace in Plateau State. Operation Enduring Peace continues to maintain a dominant security presence, particularly in flashpoint areas, and will persist until the threat of violence is fully neutralized.

Plateau State has faced recurrent insecurity in recent years, with conflicts often stemming from disputes between farmers, herders, and armed groups. Security analysts note that operations like these, combined with intelligence-led patrols, are critical in disrupting the activities of armed gangs and safeguarding local communities.

Captain Oteh reiterated the military’s commitment to ensuring stability and protection for residents. He affirmed that troops would continue to engage communities, enforce law and order, and carry out proactive measures to prevent further outbreaks of violence.

The arrests and recovery of illegal weapons have been welcomed by local leaders and residents, who continue to urge authorities to sustain these operations and promote reconciliation among affected communities.