Gunmen Abduct RCCG, CAC Clerics, Families in Kogi Community Attack

Tension remains high in Odo-Eri community in Yagba West Local Government Area of Kogi State following the abduction of clerics from the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) and Christ Apostolic Church (CAC), alongside their family members and other residents, by suspected armed bandits.

Security agencies have confirmed that rescue operations are ongoing after the attack, which occurred on Wednesday night when heavily armed men invaded the community on motorcycles, firing sporadically to create panic before whisking away victims.

According to local sources and security briefings, the attackers—estimated to be about 30 in number—stormed the area around 10 p.m., targeting homes believed to house church leaders and other residents. Victims reportedly include pastors, their wives, children, and other community members caught in the raid.

Although the exact number of abducted persons is yet to be officially confirmed, community sources estimate that at least 20 people were taken during the coordinated attack. The gunmen were said to have escaped through Abewo Road, heading toward the Kwara State axis.

READ ALSO:

• Trump Says White House Shooting Will Not Change Iran War Stance
• Resident Doctors Suspend Strike, Demand Payment of 19 Months’ Allowances
• Dangote Sugar Plans ₦485.9bn Rights Issue for Expansion Drive

The Nigeria Police Force confirmed that tactical teams have been deployed to the area to track the abductors and rescue the victims. A police spokesperson, Afusat Saliu, earlier told TVC News that operations had been intensified, assuring that efforts were ongoing to secure the release of the abducted persons and apprehend those responsible.

Meanwhile, the Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Kogi State, Apostle Olaniyan Adebayo, said intelligence from the Department of State Services (DSS) had earlier warned of possible attacks in parts of the state, prompting churches to take precautionary measures.

According to him, “The DSS called me and asked me to call the churches in those places based on the intelligence report they had. We alerted all the churches on Wednesday and Thursday concerning it.”

Despite the warning, the attack still took place, raising concerns over the effectiveness of preventive security measures in vulnerable rural communities.

The leadership of RCCG has yet to issue an official statement on the incident, while a senior church official said the matter had been escalated to appropriate authorities.

Security analysts say the latest abduction highlights the continuing threat of bandit attacks in North Central Nigeria, where rural communities remain vulnerable due to limited security presence and difficult terrain that aids attackers’ escape routes.

Residents of Odo-Eri and surrounding communities have been urged to remain vigilant as search-and-rescue operations continue across forested areas linking Kogi and Kwara States.

Gunmen Abduct RCCG, CAC Clerics, Families in Kogi Community Attack

Gunmen Invade OOU Hostels, Injure Students in Midnight Robbery Attack

Suspected armed robbers have invaded student hostels at Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ibogun Campus, Ogun State, in a violent midnight attack that left several students injured and triggered widespread panic across the university community.

The attack, which reportedly began around midnight and lasted into the early hours of Saturday, saw more than 12 armed men storm multiple hostels, firing shots sporadically and dispossessing students of valuables including phones, laptops, and cash.

Eyewitness accounts and student testimonies shared online indicated that the attackers operated for several minutes without immediate resistance, causing chaos as residents fled in different directions to escape the gunfire. An X user, identified as Michael Mabayomije, said the gunmen moved from room to room during the raid, forcing students to surrender their belongings while firing shots into the air to scare victims.

READ ALSO:

• Xenophobic Attacks: FG Advises Nigerians in South Africa to Close Businesses
• Obasanjo, Atiku, Kwankwaso Lead Opposition Unity Talks in Ibadan Summit
• US, AU Condemn Coordinated Terror Attacks on Military Bases Across Mali

Some students reportedly sustained injuries while attempting to escape, while others were traumatised by the intensity of the attack. Residents described scenes of panic and confusion following the incident, with reports indicating that blood stains believed to be from injured victims were seen on walls and floors of some affected hostels. The attack left the campus environment tense, with students expressing fears over repeated security breaches in the area.

The Ogun State Police Command confirmed the incident and said an investigation had commenced immediately after receiving reports of the attack. Police spokesperson, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, said the Divisional Police Officer of Ibogun Division and the Area Commander were deployed to the scene to assess the situation and restore confidence among students and residents.

Security patrols have since been intensified around the campus and surrounding communities as part of efforts to track down the attackers and prevent further incidents.

The attack has renewed concerns over student safety in Nigerian tertiary institutions, particularly in satellite campuses and rural areas where security coverage is often limited. Students and residents are calling for improved security measures, including increased night patrols, better surveillance, and stronger collaboration between university authorities and security agencies.

Gunmen Invade OOU Hostels, Injure Students in Midnight Robbery Attack

Adelabu Resigns as Power Minister Despite Tinubu’s Opposition

The Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, has resigned from President Bola Tinubu’s cabinet amid reports that his decision went against the initial wishes of the President, who allegedly attempted to dissuade him from stepping down. Multiple Presidency insiders said Adelabu insisted on leaving office to focus on his Oyo State governorship ambition ahead of the 2027 general elections, despite efforts within the Villa to retain him in the federal cabinet.

Tinubu Reportedly Tried to Stop Adelabu’s Exit

Sources familiar with the matter disclosed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was reluctant to accept Adelabu’s resignation, given his role in ongoing power sector reforms. According to insiders, the President had even delayed meetings with the minister for weeks in an effort to prevent an immediate resignation and had sent emissaries to discourage him from quitting.

However, when both men eventually met at the Presidential Villa, Tinubu reportedly questioned Adelabu’s chances of winning the APC governorship ticket in Oyo State. The President was said to have asked whether he was confident of securing victory, to which Adelabu reportedly replied affirmatively. Following the exchange, Tinubu allegedly wished him well in his political ambition.

Delayed Exit Beyond Presidential Deadline

Adelabu officially submitted his resignation in a letter dated April 22, 2026, through the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation. His exit came 22 days after the March 31 deadline earlier issued by the Presidency for political appointees intending to contest in the 2027 elections.

READ ALSO:

• Army Dismantles IPOB Camp, Recovers Remains of Slain Soldier Couple in Imo
• Nigerian Union Demands Autopsy After Member Dies in South African Police Custody
• A coup trial without precedent, By Farooq Kperogi

While several ministers complied with the directive, Adelabu’s late resignation triggered speculation of internal negotiations and possible resistance within government circles. However, Presidency sources clarified that the deadline was administrative rather than strictly legal, noting that the Electoral Act 2026 allows resignation ahead of party primaries.

Possible Elevation to Finance Ministry Role

Further revelations suggest that Tinubu had considered Adelabu for a possible appointment as Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, following the exit of Wale Edun. This potential promotion, insiders said, contributed to the President’s preference that Adelabu remain in the cabinet.

Power Sector Performance and Presidential Support

Despite public criticism over Nigeria’s electricity crisis, grid collapses, and tariff increases, sources said Tinubu consistently defended Adelabu’s performance. The President reportedly viewed the challenges in the Nigerian power sector as structural issues rather than personal failures of the minister.

Camp Claims Resignation Was Approved

Contrary to reports suggesting a fallout, Adelabu’s aides insist the resignation was mutually understood and not a confrontation with the Presidency. His media aide, Femi Awogboro, said the former minister enjoys Tinubu’s support and had secured his approval before resigning.

He also referenced Adelabu’s past voluntary resignation from the Central Bank of Nigeria as evidence of his long-standing pattern of stepping down for personal convictions.

Focus Shifts to Oyo Governorship Race

Adelabu, a former governorship candidate in Oyo State, has now fully returned to state politics, declaring his intention to contest again in 2027. His resignation becomes effective April 30, 2026, allowing for a transition period at the Ministry of Power.

However, political dynamics within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the South-West are already shifting, with stakeholders reportedly considering other consensus candidates for Oyo State.

Adelabu Resigns as Power Minister Despite Tinubu’s Opposition