Don’t lose hope, all will be well again, Abiara tells Nigerians - Newstrends
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Don’t lose hope, all will be well again, Abiara tells Nigerians

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Founder of Christ Apostolic Church, Agbala Itura, Prophet Samuel Abiara, has urged Nigerians not to lose hope in the country, saying all will be well again.

as he announced the 39th edition of Jesus Festival being hosted by the church.

The festival has been slated to hold from December 6 to 12 at the church’s headquarters in Ibadan, Oyo State.

A coterie of top church leaders has been slated to speak at the event. Many top gospel artists are also expected to grace the occasion which will draw participants from across the world.

Abiara who addressed newsmen at the Lagos branch of the church on Monday pleaded with Nigerians not to lose hope in the country.

He said all would be well and called on Nigerians in the diaspora to get set to come back home and be part of the good things God would do.

The 79-year old prophet and former General Evangelist of the CAC expressed confidence that Nigeria would overcome its present challenges.

He said, “I want to assure all Nigerians that all will be well. The present crisis we are facing is a phase. It will become history and we all will have cause to rejoice. I can assure you that the future will be okay”

Prophet Abiara said there is no country that does not have challenges. “Who would have believed 9/11 would happen in the US. From time to time nations go through crises. Ours may be man-made crises but then it’s a phase. I believe we will overcome this phase and move to a better and higher ground.”

He urged Nigerians to put their mind at rest and put their hope in God for a better country. “That is the way to start building a better country. We must first hope in God, put our trust in him. Then we must collectively work hard to bring an end to the issues that are setting us back. We have no other country but this country. We can’t afford to rubbish it all the time,” he said.

The CAC prophet said many have often accused him of being too patriotic and patronising of the government. “Some people even think the government gives me money. But I don’t go near their money. I have never applied for a grant from the government even for my foundation. I just believe we need to be positive about our country and work for its progress,” he said

He urged Nigerians not to listen to prophets of doom who don’t see good things about Nigeria. He assured that “Nigeria will be great again.”

Abiara also seized the opportunity of the media chat to call on the government to listen to the cries of the masses.

He said, “That we hope for a good country does not give room for the government to do as they like. Government must listen to the people who elected them into office. They can’t afford to ignore the cries of the people. The youth population is a critical segment of the country.

“Government must give priority to them and hear them out. God can raise a young person to lead as in the future. So government must not take them for granted.”

On the Jesus festival, Abiara said when God gave him the vision 39 years ago, it was primarily to create a platform where people from all tribes and denominations will come to honour and celebrate Jesus.

“The festival is a festival of Jesus. We believe coming together to praise the name of Jesus will bring healing and progress to Nigeria. Yearly we gather and invite people from all walks of life to celebrate Jesus with us.”

The festival in time past had been graced by the late Archbishop Benson Idahosa, Rev Benny Hinn and a host of top church leaders.

This time, Bishop Wale Oke, Pastor Mathew Ashimolowo, Rev Esther Ajayi and Rev Funke Adejumo are expected to be at the event to preach.

Also expected at the event are the President of the Christ Apostolic Church, Pastor S. O.Oladele and the General Evangelist of the church, Prophet Hezekiah Oladeji and Prophet Funso Akande.

An array of gospel artists including Evangelist Tope Alabi, Bisi Alawiye, Psalmos, Yetunde Are and Elijah Akintunde are expected to minister in songs at the event. Woli Deborah of Ephphatah In’t Music Ministry and Evang. Dorcas Awolumate are also expected at the weekend-long event.

Prophet Abiara said Nigeria is blessed with great preachers of the gospel and gospel artists. He expressed confidence that the week-long programme will bring transformation and healing to Nigeria.

The programme will feature special prayers sessions for some specific individuals and also for the nation. There will be both morning and afternoon sessions featuring teaching and exposition of God’s word.

The Chairman of the Planning Committee, Bishop Isaac Abiara, said adequate security arrangements have been put in place for the festival.

“We have contacted the police and we have been assured of adequate security. We will also observe the covid-19 protocols. Adequate accommodation is being put in place for the programme,” he said.

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Fake Drugs Allegation: NANS Demands Probe Into Ex-SUG President’s Death at NYSC Camp

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October 11, 2026

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Fake Drugs Allegation: NANS Demands Probe Into Ex-SUG President’s Death at NYSC Camp

Fake Drugs Allegation: NANS Demands Probe Into Ex-SUG President’s Death at NYSC Camp

The death of Etimbuk Daniel, the immediate past Students’ Union Government (SUG) president of Akwa Ibom State University (AKSU), at a National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) orientation camp in Enugu State has sparked calls for a thorough investigation into allegations that he was given fake medication and did not receive prompt medical attention.

The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) disclosed the circumstances surrounding Daniel’s death in a statement issued by its president, Akinteye Babatunde Afeez, on Sunday, October 11, 2026.

According to NANS, Daniel reportedly complained of a headache while participating in the orientation programme and was given medication by medical personnel at the camp.

His condition allegedly deteriorated after he took the drugs, prompting him to request that he be taken to a hospital for further treatment.

However, NANS claimed that approval for his transfer was delayed and that he died before he could be taken to a hospital.

The student body also said it was informed that a doctor subsequently identified the medication administered to Daniel as fake.

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“We were further informed that the doctor later identified the drugs administered to him as fake. These are deeply troubling allegations that require a thorough investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding his tragic death,” Afeez said.

The claims concerning the medication and the alleged delay in transferring Daniel to a hospital have not been independently verified. The precise medical cause of his death has also not been publicly established in the reports available.

NANS expressed shock over the death, describing it as a painful loss to the Nigerian student community. It extended its condolences to Daniel’s family, friends, former colleagues and the entire AKSU community.

The association also raised concerns about the dangers posed by fake drugs and the importance of ensuring that people who fall ill receive appropriate medical attention without unnecessary delays.

Afeez said NANS was mourning the former student leader and would communicate further actions and its official position on the matter in due course.

Daniel’s death has raised questions about the availability of medical care at NYSC orientation camps and the procedures for referring corps members to external hospitals when their conditions require urgent attention.

A comprehensive investigation would be needed to establish the medication Daniel received, whether it was counterfeit, the medical assistance provided to him and the circumstances surrounding the reported delay in transferring him to a hospital.

The NYSC authorities and relevant health agencies have an important role in clarifying the incident and determining whether any procedural failures occurred.

For now, the allegations remain subject to investigation, and the findings of the relevant authorities will be crucial in establishing what happened during Daniel’s final hours.

The tragedy has left members of the student community mourning a former representative while calls grow for answers and measures to prevent similar incidents at orientation camps.

 

Fake Drugs Allegation: NANS Demands Probe Into Ex-SUG President’s Death at NYSC Camp

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Xenophobia: Nigeria Evacuates 111 More Citizens From South Africa as Returnees Hit 2,037

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October 11, 2026

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Xenophobia: Nigeria Evacuates 111 More Citizens From South Africa as Returnees Hit 2,037
Xenophobia: Nigeria Evacuates 111 More Citizens From South Africa as Returnees Hit 2,037

The Federal Government of Nigeria has evacuated another 111 distressed citizens from South Africa amid concerns over xenophobic and Afrophobic attacks, bringing the total number of Nigerians repatriated under the ongoing exercise to 2,037.

The latest batch, comprising 44 men, 23 women and 44 children, arrived in Lagos aboard South African Airways Flight SA060 on Thursday, October 8, 2026, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The returnees were received by officials of the ministry, the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and other relevant federal government agencies.

In a statement issued on Sunday, October 11, the ministry’s spokesperson, Oluwafemi Adeniyi, said the evacuation was fully funded by the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) through its $265,854 donation to support the repatriation of 500 distressed Nigerians from South Africa.

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The latest arrival brings to 318 the number of Nigerians whose one-way tickets have been funded by the church, leaving 182 tickets under its commitment yet to be covered.

The ministry said the latest flight was the 15th consular evacuation from South Africa since the exercise began on June 10, 2026.

Of the 2,037 Nigerians evacuated so far, 1,388 had their repatriation costs fully covered by the Federal Government, according to the ministry.

The government expressed appreciation to the RCCG, led by Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye, for its financial contribution towards bringing distressed Nigerians home.

The evacuation programme follows concerns over xenophobia and Afrophobia in South Africa, where Nigerians and other African nationals have faced reported hostility and attacks. The Nigerian government said it would continue engaging relevant stakeholders, including South African authorities, to address the situation and promote the safety and dignity of Nigerians living in the country.

The ministry also urged Nigerians still residing in South Africa to obey local laws, remain vigilant and prioritise their personal safety.

It advised citizens who require assistance to maintain contact with the Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria and the Consulate General in Johannesburg for consular support.

The government reiterated its commitment to protecting the welfare of Nigerians in the diaspora and providing timely assistance to citizens who find themselves in distress abroad.

With more Nigerians still undergoing verification and clearance for possible repatriation, the authorities are expected to continue coordinating with relevant agencies and partners to facilitate further evacuations.

 

Xenophobia: Nigeria Evacuates 111 More Citizens From South Africa as Returnees Hit 2,037

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How Bauchi Court Jailed Three 21 Years Each for Abducting Seven Children

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October 11, 2026

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How Bauchi Court Jailed Three 21 Years Each for Abducting Seven Children

A Bauchi State High Court has sentenced three defendants to 21 years’ imprisonment each for criminal conspiracy, kidnapping and the abduction of seven children who were allegedly given new identities after being taken from their families.

The judgment was delivered on Wednesday, October 7, 2026, by Justice Farouq Sarki, following a trial involving 11 defendants. The case attracted attention because of allegations that the children, some of whom were as young as three years old, were taken from their biological families and given different names.

According to reports by Channels Television, the three defendants sentenced to prison terms were identified as Ruth Yarima, Chika Izuegbu and Abner Samuel. Each was sentenced to 21 years’ imprisonment without the option of a fine.

Two of the defendants were reportedly convicted on all 21 counts against them, while the third was found guilty on three counts. The court, however, discharged and acquitted the remaining eight defendants standing trial in the case.

The prosecution followed investigations into a suspected child-trafficking network whose activities reportedly involved children who disappeared from Bauchi State at different times between 2016 and 2023.

The investigation reportedly recorded a breakthrough in December 2023, when the Bauchi State Police Command arrested suspected members of the network. The arrests paved the way for the prosecution, which commenced in March 2024.

The children were subsequently rescued and reunited with their families, bringing relief to relatives who had spent years searching for them.

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The case drew particular attention over allegations that the abducted children were assigned new names after being taken from their biological families. The children were identified in reports as Usman Adamu, Mahmud Bilyaminu, Muhammad Iliyasu, Aisha, Hafizu Hassan, Abdulmudanlib Sa’adu and Asiya Mukhtar.

According to the reports, their names were changed to Chibuke, Chibunna, Chibere, Chi’amaka, Ukechukwu, Ifeanyi Chukwu and Chioma, respectively. The children were reportedly between infancy and five years old when they were abducted.

The alleged renaming of the children was a particularly disturbing aspect of the case, as changing a child’s identity can complicate efforts by relatives and law enforcement agencies to establish the child’s origins and trace missing family members.

The Bauchi State Government welcomed the convictions, describing the judgment as an important step towards securing justice for the victims and their families.

The State Solicitor-General, Sabi’u Gumba, said the families had endured considerable emotional distress while trying to establish the whereabouts of their missing children. He highlighted the anguish parents experience when they do not know where their children are or whether they are safe.

Gumba also defended the sentences in view of the seriousness of the offences and the suffering allegedly caused by the abductions. The government urged parents, guardians and communities to remain vigilant and take appropriate measures to protect children against abduction, trafficking and other forms of exploitation.

Despite the convictions, the case may proceed to another stage of litigation, as defence lawyers indicated plans to challenge the judgment.

Ogbuchi Ben, counsel to the third defendant, said the defence intended to appeal the conviction, arguing that there was insufficient basis for the court’s decision against his client.

Florence Bwala, counsel to the second defendant, also noted that her client had the right to challenge the judgment at the Court of Appeal.

Any appeal would give the appellate court an opportunity to examine the grounds raised by the affected defendants in accordance with the law.

The Bauchi case highlights the challenges associated with child abduction and trafficking, as well as the importance of prompt reporting when a child goes missing. It also underscores the need for effective investigations, cooperation among law enforcement agencies and sustained efforts to protect minors from exploitation.

Parents and guardians are encouraged to report missing children promptly to the police and provide relevant identifying information that could assist investigations.

The convictions mark a significant development in the prosecution of those found guilty in the case, while the acquittal of the other defendants and the announced intention to appeal underline the importance of due process in the administration of criminal justice.

How Bauchi Court Jailed Three 21 Years Each for Abducting Seven Children

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