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Like Ibadan, stampede claims 10 lives for Abuja Catholic church, 17 in Anambra
Like Ibadan, stampede claims 10 lives for Abuja Catholic church, 17 in Anambra
The stampede occurred on Saturday morning during an event for the distribution of rice and other palliatives at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in the Maitama area of Abuja.
It was gathered that the church had made it a point of duty to give back to the society every year.
Victims of the stampede are mostly women and children.
Confirming the incident, the FCT Police Command said ten individuals died, while eight others sustained varying degrees of injuries.
A statement signed by SP Josephine Adeh, Police Public Relations Officer, FCT Command, reads: “This tragic event, which happened at about 6:30 am, led to a stampede that claimed the lives of ten (10) individuals, including four (4) children, and left eight (8) others with varying degrees of injuries. Four (4) of the injured have been treated and discharged, while the remaining victims are receiving medical care.
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‘’To prevent such unfortunate incidents in the future, the Command hereby directs that all organizations, religious bodies, groups, or individuals planning any public event, charitable activity, or large gathering in the FCT must notify the Police Command in advance. This will allow the deployment of adequate security measures to ensure public safety and prevent avoidable tragedies.
“Failure to comply with this directive will result in the organizers being held liable for any incident or loss of life resulting from their negligence.
’The FCT Police Command remains committed to safeguarding lives and property in the Territory. Members of the public are encouraged to collaborate with the Police by adhering to these guidelines and promptly reporting emergencies through the FCT Control Room via 0803 200 3913 or 0806 032 1234”
In a related development, 17 residents of Okija community in Anambra state have reportedly lost their lives in a stampede.
The stampede was said to have occurred on Saturday morning during an event for the distribution of rice.
This comes days after the death of about 40 children following a stampede during a funfair in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.
Like Ibadan, stampede claims 10 lives for Abuja Catholic church, 17 in Anambra
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Woman Arrested Over Murder of Nigerian E-Hailing Driver in South Africa
Woman Arrested Over Murder of Nigerian E-Hailing Driver in South Africa
A woman has been arrested in connection with the brutal killing of Isaac Satlat, a 22-year-old Nigerian e-hailing driver, in South Africa, sparking outrage both locally and within the Nigerian community abroad.
The arrest was confirmed by the South African Police Service (SAPS) following investigations into the violent attack that occurred in Pretoria West on February 11, 2026.
According to police reports, Satlat, who worked as a driver on the Bolt platform and was also a student, had picked up passengers shortly before the attack. Video footage that later circulated online allegedly shows a woman seated in the front passenger seat while a male accomplice in the back seat attacked the driver. Authorities say the suspects overpowered him inside his vehicle before taking control of the car.
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- Ex-APC Chairman Ganduje Discusses Kano Politics, National Leadership Plans
The victim’s body and the hijacked vehicle were later discovered in Atteridgeville, a township west of Pretoria. Police have cautioned members of the public against sharing the disturbing footage, warning that it could interfere with investigations and cause further distress to the victim’s family.
The female suspect was subsequently taken into custody and is expected to appear before the Atteridgeville Magistrate’s Court on charges of murder and car hijacking. Authorities say investigations are ongoing and additional arrests are likely as efforts intensify to apprehend other suspects believed to be involved in the crime.
The killing has reignited concerns about the safety of e-hailing drivers in South Africa, particularly foreign nationals. Members of the Nigerian community in Pretoria have called for swift justice and stronger security measures to protect ride-hailing operators. Community leaders have also urged transport platforms to enhance safety features for drivers while appealing to law enforcement to ensure a thorough and transparent investigation.
Woman Arrested Over Murder of Nigerian E-Hailing Driver in South Africa
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Fubara Chooses Peace, Dedicates “Man of the Year” Award to Wike
Fubara Chooses Peace, Dedicates “Man of the Year” Award to Wike
Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has made a bold statement of political reconciliation by dedicating his “Man of the Year” award to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike. The gesture comes as the governor continues efforts to heal political rifts that have plagued Rivers State since his inauguration in May 2023.
At the New Telegraph Honor/Dinner Night in Lagos on Friday, Fubara reflected on leadership, political pressure, and the value of peace, describing what critics often call “weakness” as a deliberate choice for stability.
“Some of these pains, some persons describe them as weakness, while others say it is being strong, but I choose for a lot of reasons to be weak. Weak, because I want peace. Weak, because we need to survive. Weak, because I need to also protect those things that are dear, not just to me, but to our dear nation,” Fubara said.
The governor emphasised that weakness is a virtue, adding that it “pays at the right time,” highlighting his focus on peaceful governance and unity. He also thanked the people of Rivers State for their patience and maturity during months of political tension.
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In a notable gesture, Fubara dedicated the award to Wike, describing him as the mentor who “discovered” his potential and paved the way for his political rise. “Without him, I wouldn’t be standing here as governor … it is the discovery that gave me this loudness,” he said, framing the award as a symbol of respect and reconciliation.
Reconciliation Amid Political Tensions
The dedication signals a thaw in the previously tense relationship between Fubara and Wike, which had seen governance instability, impeachment threats, and legislative conflicts. Recent interventions by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu reportedly helped ease the tension, prompting both leaders to take steps toward collaboration and stability.
Observers note that Fubara’s public acknowledgment of Wike’s role in initiatives such as the Port Harcourt Ring Road project reinforces the governor’s commitment to unity and development-focused leadership. Fubara has also moved to stabilize governance, including submitting a new list of commissioner nominees to the Rivers State House of Assembly.
Political Implications
Analysts describe Fubara’s award dedication as a strategic political peacebuilding move, enhancing stability in Rivers State and setting a tone for future cooperation. The gesture underscores the importance of mentorship, respect, and reconciliation in Nigerian politics, particularly in states where rivalries have historically disrupted governance.
The award ceremony drew dignitaries across political, traditional, and civil society circles, highlighting the symbolic significance of Fubara’s message of unity and inclusive leadership.
Fubara Chooses Peace, Dedicates “Man of the Year” Award to Wike
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Kwara Communities Abandon Homes as Terrorists Circulate Threat Letters
Kwara Communities Abandon Homes as Terrorists Circulate Threat Letters
Residents of Ira, Inaja, and Aho communities in Oyun Local Government Area, Kwara State, have fled their homes following threats from suspected terrorist groups, raising alarm over security in northern Nigeria. The threats come in the form of letters warning of imminent attacks, fueling fear and prompting mass displacement.
Over the past week, hoodlums linked to extremist elements reportedly delivered threat letters to four communities. One of the letters, left near the central mosque in Ira, was signed by the “Nigeria Terrorist Association (NTA)”. The message warned villagers to “be ready for us at any time, any date,” claiming the group had moved from Kaiama LGA and intended to target surrounding towns.
The warnings follow a deadly attack on Woro town in Kaiama LGA, where over 176 residents were killed and 38 others abducted earlier this month. Residents fear a repeat of the massacre, causing widespread panic and displacement.
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Community Reactions
Traditional leaders reported that the letter was delivered by two men on a motorcycle at a busy Okada riders’ park. Once discovered, the letter was immediately taken to local chiefs and security agencies. Despite the presence of DSS, police, NSCDC, and military personnel, many families chose to leave, while others remained indoors, closing shops and suspending farming and school activities.
Oba Wahab Oyetoro, the Oninaja of Inaja, confirmed that the threat heightened tensions, forcing some residents to seek refuge in neighboring towns such as Offa. Community members described nights of fear and warned children to avoid moving outside after dark.
Yekini Olarewaju, National Secretary of the Ira Descendants Union, emphasized the disruption to daily life, noting that people could not tend to farms, operate businesses, or attend schools. He added that locals have sought urgent government and security intervention.
Security Response
The Kwara State Police Command confirmed receiving the threat letters, stating that investigations are ongoing to verify the source. Police have intensified patrols in collaboration with local vigilantes and urged residents to report suspicious activity.
A senior officer from the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Nigerian Army’s Forward Operating Base in Ilemona confirmed increased security measures and operational alertness. Oyun LGA Chairman Akanbi Olarewaju convened an emergency meeting with traditional rulers and security agencies to map out preventive strategies and reinforce community policing efforts.
Authorities stressed the importance of timely information-sharing to avert potential attacks and reassure residents. Despite these measures, fear continues to grip communities, leaving many families displaced and anxious about the coming days.
The incident underscores ongoing challenges in combating terrorism and insecurity in Kwara State and northern Nigeria, particularly in vulnerable rural corridors near forest belts.
Kwara Communities Abandon Homes as Terrorists Circulate Threat Letters
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