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Cameroon, Niger, Benin citizens lament fuel subsidy removal in Nigeria
Cameroon, Niger, Benin citizens lament fuel subsidy removal in Nigeria
Prices of petroleum products have nearly doubled in Cameroon, Benin Republic and Niger following the removal of fuel subsidy in Nigeria, findings by Daily Trust Saturday revealed.
Cheap petrol from Nigeria was regularly smuggled to as far as Sudan, a North African country, making it difficult for Nigerian authorities to save enough to provide services to the people.
The subsidy removal in Nigeria has also affected social and economic life in the neighbouring countries, with sources saying black market activities have significantly reduced.
The removal of fuel subsidy was announced on Monday, May 29, by President Bola Tinubu during his inaugural speech.
inubu on Friday, June 9, justified the action, stating Nigeria cannot continue acting as ‘Father Christmas’ to neighbouring countries.
He said this at an interactive session with the Royal Fathers under the aegis of the National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria (NCTRN) at the Aso Villa.
No longer at ease at neighbours’ doorsteps
Our reporters learnt that petroleum products are being sold at CFA700 or CFA 800 in Benin Republic, nearly double the previous price, CFA 450.
The development lends credence to reports that a significant volume of Nigeria’s subsidised petroleum products were being smuggled into other African countries.
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The chief executive officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited, Mele Kyari, in a media interview said, “We know how much we supply. There is data on this. Is all of this consumed in the country? The answer is no. The reason is very simple. We have an arbitrage environment. For instance, before this decision we made, fuel sold at N185 in Abuja, but just across your border, there is nowhere you would have prices that are lower than N500 per litre.
“None of the countries around us imports petroleum products, and you can’t do something about it because there is an arbitrage environment we have created. We have 4,500km of land borders and you don’t have all the resources to man them,” he said.
Questionable businesses grounded
Transporters, passengers and traders in neighbouring countries said they were grounded by the increase in the price of petroleum in Nigeria.
Speaking to Daily Trust Saturday, a top player in the Nigerien petroleum sector, Bio Abdourahamane, admitted that subsidy removal in Nigeria would have more negative effect on his country.
He said that before the subsidy removal, smuggled Nigerian fuel used to flood his country’s oil market and most consumers preferred buying it due to its cheapness, thereby preventing them from selling their domestic fuel favourably.
“Nigeria was selling at N195 and our domestic fuel sold at CFA508 (N381), so the smuggler took that advantage to exploit Niger’s market, selling below our litre price.
“At that time, we faced a lot of challenges selling our product because smuggled oil is cheaper, but now that the subsidy is removed, we can compete or even sell at a lesser price.
“But our fear is that if our fuel sells cheaper now, we would face the risk of shortage; and our product being smuggled into Nigeria, to Borno, Yobe, Kano, Katsina and Sokoto, among others and our fuel capacity is so little to accommodate that,” he said.
Malam Ali, the chairman of Niger/Nigerian transporters, lamented that the subsidy removal had plunged vehicle owners and passengers into economic crisis.
“Petrol is now too expensive that our drivers and passengers cannot cope. A passenger will now pay N10, 000 as transport for what he used to pay N6, 500,” he lamented.
He called on the Nigerien government to look inward and see how the situation could be regulated and bring succour to the citizens.
Malam Musa Abdullahi, the leader of Nigerian taxi owners in Diffa, also lamented that the subsidy removal in Nigeria jerked up fuel price in Niger, forcing many people to park their vehicles.
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“For one week, my car has been parked at home due to the increase in the fuel price because you would go out and burn the little you have without seeing passengers to pick.
“Fuel is available but it is more expensive in border towns where there are no filling stations. For instance, I only know of filling stations in Maine Soroa, Diffa town and Gigime, but I don’t know any in Boso, Kablewa, Jakori, Garin Wanzam, Kinchambi and Tumar. All these are big towns that are supposed to have filling stations. Unfortunately, they don’t have any.
“The consequence of that is that you can only buy fuel at the black market. We are now buying a five-litre gallon at N5, 000, against the old price of 3,000 and a 28-litre jerry can at N25, 000, against the N15, 000 it sold previously,” he said.
Situation same in Cameroon
Cameroonians living along the border with Nigeria have lamented the effect of subsidy removal by Nigeria, calling on President Tinubu to reconsider the decision.
Fuel smuggled from Nigeria provides Cameroonian border communities with cheaper alternative. In fact, many communities are without filling stations to dispense petroleum products; therefore, residents rely mainly on black marketers.
Residents told Daily Trust Saturday that life had not been easy since the announcement of subsidy removal by the Nigerian authorities. Commercial motorcycle operators across the border expressed fear that they would be pushed out of business.
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It was learnt that they even staged a protest to press home their demands, but considering that the channel they used to get the fuel was not legal, there was no any response.
Muhammadou Auwal, a business man in Garwa, said the increase in petrol prices took the people by surprise, saying the price of a litre of petrol suddenly jumped from round N300 to N800 equivalent.
“We never expected it because the prices of Nigerian fuel, although unstable, had always been relatively low and affordable. This increase is pushing transporters out of business because here, you cannot increase transport fares as you wish.
“We have our own local supply of fuel, only that border communities take advantage of cheap oil from Nigeria, which does not go beyond 150 kilometres. So it is limited to areas around the border, but it has a huge impact,” he said.
The pump price of petrol stands at CFA730, which is N900, to N1, 000 equivalent, while the smuggled petrol, which previously sold at N300, has risen to N850 equivalent following subsidy removal.
Yahaya Bello, a resident of Beka, depends on his motorcycle for movement within the general area and across the border into Nigeria and petrol had never been a problem until recently when it became scarce and expensive.
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Cameroon Horror: Nigerian Pastor Flees As Mummified Body Is Found Under Church Property
Cameroon Horror: Nigerian Pastor Flees As Mummified Body Is Found Under Church Property
Police uncover coffin buried 1.5 metres underground as investigation into Nigerian pastor’s properties deepens
A Nigerian cleric has reportedly gone into hiding in Cameroon after security operatives uncovered a mummified body buried beneath a concrete slab at a property linked to his church in Yaoundé.
The shocking discovery has plunged Mercy of God Ministry, founded by Nigerian-born cleric Kedi Samuel Kenechukwu, also known as Ekedi Samuel, into the centre of a widening investigation by Cameroonian authorities.
The latest discovery was reportedly made on September 19, 2026, at a property in Nkoabang, Yaoundé, during an investigation into activities allegedly linked to the cleric.
According to reports from Cameroon, police discovered a white-and-gold coffin buried about 1.5 metres underground beneath a concrete slab.
Inside the coffin was what investigators described as a mummified human body.
The remains were reportedly dressed in traditional blue clothing decorated with gold embroidery and appeared to be those of a woman.
But authorities have not yet publicly established the identity of the deceased, when she died or how she came to be buried beneath the property.
The discovery has therefore raised a string of unanswered questions as investigators intensify their probe.
Secret burial uncovered
The discovery reportedly followed an examination of the property after part of the structure was damaged, exposing an underground section.
Police subsequently conducted a search and allegedly found the coffin concealed beneath the concrete.
Investigators are expected to carry out further forensic examinations to establish the identity of the remains and determine the circumstances surrounding the death.
Authorities have also reportedly sought permission to conduct additional searches of the premises amid concerns that further evidence could be hidden within the property.
The latest discovery comes barely days after investigators reportedly made another disturbing finding at a different property linked to the ministry.
On September 6, security operatives reportedly raided a property in the Ngousso area of Yaoundé, where they allegedly found 20 people inside a basement.
The group reportedly comprised 10 women, eight men and two children, aged six and seven.
The discovery triggered further investigations into the activities taking place at properties allegedly associated with the ministry.
30 rooms, underground pit discovered
The investigation subsequently moved to the Nkoabang property.
According to reports, investigators found about 30 rooms, five vehicles, several hundred kilogrammes of food and functioning freezers on the premises.
An underground pit measuring approximately two metres deep was also reportedly discovered.
The purpose of the pit has not been established publicly.
The discovery of the mummified remains has now added another disturbing dimension to the investigation.
Cameroonian authorities are reportedly examining whether there is any connection between the body and the other findings made during their operations.
However, there is currently no established evidence publicly showing that the cleric caused the death of the person whose remains were discovered.
Cleric reportedly disappears
Kenechukwu, who has reportedly been operating in Cameroon since 2018, is said to have disappeared as authorities intensified their investigation.
Cameroonian security agencies are reportedly searching for him and have taken steps to alert relevant authorities as efforts to locate him continue.
The cleric is reportedly being sought over allegations arising from the broader investigation, including claims concerning human trafficking, unlawful detention and kidnapping.
The allegations have not been proven in court.
Authorities are expected to question Kenechukwu over the discoveries and establish his relationship with the properties and the people found there.
Investigation deepens
The case has generated considerable concern in Cameroon because of the nature of the discoveries reportedly made at properties associated with the ministry.
The finding of 20 people in a basement, the existence of numerous rooms and an underground pit, and the subsequent discovery of a coffin containing mummified remains have all intensified scrutiny of the ministry’s activities.
Investigators are expected to focus on establishing whether the different discoveries are connected or merely occurred at properties belonging to the same religious organisation.
Forensic experts will also be expected to determine the identity of the deceased, establish the cause and approximate time of death, and examine the circumstances surrounding the burial.
Until those investigations are completed, several critical questions remain unanswered.
Who was the deceased?
How did she die?
Why was her body placed inside a coffin and buried beneath a concrete slab?
Who buried the remains there, and when?
And perhaps most importantly, what connection, if any, does the discovery have with the activities under investigation at the church properties?
For now, those questions remain with Cameroonian investigators as the search for the Nigerian cleric reportedly continues.
The case is expected to generate further developments as security agencies conduct additional searches and forensic examinations.
Cameroon Horror: Nigerian Pastor Flees As Mummified Body Is Found Under Church Property
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Bauchi Farmer Hacked to Death Over Witchcraft Allegation, Four Arrested
Bauchi Farmer Hacked to Death Over Witchcraft Allegation, Four Arrested
The Bauchi State Police Command has arrested four men over the alleged killing of a 45-year-old farmer, Garba Abdullahi, who was reportedly attacked after being accused of causing a woman’s illness through witchcraft.
The incident occurred on Tuesday, September 22, 2026, in Dunari Village, Atahowa District, when Abdullahi was returning from his farm.
The suspects were identified by the police as Shitu Dahiru, 25; Magaji Dahiru, 42; Sabi’u Auwalu, 20; and Abbah Abdulzahar, 19.
According to the police, the suspects allegedly accused Abdullahi of being responsible for the illness of a woman identified as Sawaida Dahiru before attacking him at about 11:40am.
The suspects allegedly used knives and machetes to inflict multiple injuries on different parts of Abdullahi’s body, leaving him unconscious.
His 35-year-old younger brother later reported the incident at the Gadau Divisional Police Headquarters at about 12:35pm.
Police operatives who responded to the report evacuated Abdullahi to the General Hospital, Azare, where he was subsequently confirmed dead by a medical doctor.
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His remains were released to his family for burial, while the four suspects were taken into police custody.
The case has since been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Bauchi, for further investigation and possible prosecution.
The Commissioner of Police, Sani-Omolori Aliyu, condemned the killing and warned residents against resorting to jungle justice or violence based on unverified and superstitious allegations.
The police commissioner stressed that no person had the right to take another person’s life and urged residents to report disputes, suspicions and suspected criminal activities to security agencies rather than take the law into their own hands.
He also appealed to members of the public to provide timely and credible information that could help security agencies prevent crime and protect lives and property.
The incident has renewed concerns over violence arising from witchcraft allegations in parts of Bauchi State. Another woman, Habse Ubale, was reportedly hacked to death in the state in an earlier incident after she was accused of being a witch.
Police had arrested one suspect in that case and launched a search for two others.
The latest killing highlights the dangers of acting on unverified claims of witchcraft and other forms of superstition. Security authorities have repeatedly urged communities to seek lawful intervention when disputes arise rather than resort to violence.
The four suspects remain accused persons, and their alleged involvement in Abdullahi’s death will be determined through the investigation and judicial process.
Bauchi Farmer Hacked to Death Over Witchcraft Allegation, Four Arrested
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Rivers: Nwuche Urges FG to Grant Amnesty to Repentant Cultists, Militants
Rivers: Nwuche Urges FG to Grant Amnesty to Repentant Cultists, Militants
Former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives and Chairman of the Governing Board of the South-South Development Commission, Chibudom Nwuche, has appealed to the Federal Government to establish an amnesty programme for repentant cultists and militant youths in the Orashi region of Rivers State who are willing to renounce violence and surrender their weapons.
Nwuche said individuals involved in cultism, kidnapping, robbery, assault and other violent activities should be given an opportunity to abandon criminality through a structured process of rehabilitation, reorientation, skills acquisition and reintegration into their communities.
He made the appeal through his representative, Chief Kingdom Ajugo, during the opening of the 2026 Upata Folklore (Ele) at Ula Upata in Ahoada East Local Government Area of Rivers State.
The Orashi region comprises Ahoada East, Ahoada West, Abua/Odual and Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Areas.
Nwuche expressed concern over the security challenges confronting parts of the region, particularly Ahoada and neighbouring communities, where residents have continued to face killings and other forms of violent crime.
He cited the 2023 killing of SP Bako Angbashim, the former Divisional Police Officer of Ahoada Division, who was killed during an operation against criminal elements in the area. The incident triggered intensified security operations and investigations in the region.
According to Nwuche, repeated calls had previously been made for the Rivers State Government to introduce an amnesty initiative for youths willing to abandon criminal activities, but such a programme had yet to materialise.
He therefore urged the Federal Government, particularly the Office of the National Security Adviser, to consider a comprehensive amnesty framework for individuals who genuinely renounce violence.
He said such a programme should include the surrender of weapons, proper identification and screening of participants, rehabilitation, vocational training and reintegration into society, alongside mechanisms for monitoring beneficiaries.
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Nwuche also urged youths still involved in violent activities to take advantage of any genuine rehabilitation opportunity provided by government rather than continue on a path that threatens lives and undermines the economic prospects of their communities.
He said insecurity had affected economic activities across the Orashi region, making it difficult for residents to farm, trade and carry out other legitimate businesses without fear.
The former deputy speaker called for greater cooperation among government agencies, traditional rulers, community leaders and residents in tackling cult-related violence and other criminal activities.
He also appealed to traditional rulers in Ekpeye land to promote unity and peaceful coexistence, urging them to work together in addressing issues affecting their communities.
The remarks were made during the Upata cultural festival, which attracted traditional rulers, chiefs, community leaders, women, youths, students and other members of the Ekpeye community.
The Eze Igbu Upata III, Eze Felix Otuwarikpo, declared the festival open and described it as an important platform for preserving the cultural heritage and identity of the Upata people.
The monarch said the annual celebration, traditionally held after the harvest season, provides an opportunity for the community to promote unity, hospitality and peaceful relations while passing its traditions and history to younger generations.
Nwuche further encouraged young people in the region to reject criminality and pursue legitimate economic opportunities, stressing that sustainable development could only take place in an environment where lives and property are protected.
He also urged the traditional institution to maintain constructive engagement with government authorities and oil companies in order to protect the interests of local communities.
The call for an amnesty for repentant cultists and militants comes amid wider debates over how to address youth involvement in cultism, armed violence and other criminal activities in parts of Rivers State.
If adopted, any such initiative would require clearly defined eligibility conditions, verification of participants, weapon surrender procedures and sustained rehabilitation and monitoring to ensure that beneficiaries genuinely abandon violent activities.
For communities in the Orashi region, the proposed approach would combine security measures with rehabilitation and economic opportunities for youths willing to renounce violence, while those who continue to commit crimes would remain subject to existing laws.
Rivers: Nwuche Urges FG to Grant Amnesty to Repentant Cultists, Militants
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