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Nine abducted ABU students regain freedom
Nine students of Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) Zaria kidnapped last Sunday have regained their freedom.
The students were going to Lagos for an immersion programme at the Nigerian French Language Village in Badagry when they came under attack by kidnappers along the Kaduna-Abuja road.
Kaduna State Government confirmed two persons died during the incident and nine others rescued by security personnel.
Director of Public Affairs at the ABU, Malam Auwal Umar, confirmed the release of the students on Sunday.
He said, “I can confirm to you that the students have been released. They were released yesterday (Saturday) night and most of them have already been reunited with their families.”
The students were reportedly released midnight Saturday after the parents had paid between N500,000 and N4 million as ransom.
One of the parents, who confirmed the release of his daughter, said, “After series of bargaining, they said I should pay N1 million, but I told them that I could not afford to raise that amount. I told them I have over N500,000 and they asked me to bring it.
“I sold my goats, pigs and other belongings to pay the money.”
Another parent said she among the team of four parents that went to deliver the ransom to the bandits, adding that they were directed to come to Abuja Junction.
The parent said, “They called me yesterday (Saturday), and said if I am not able to pay N1 million, they would kill the girls or marry them or use them as sex slave.
“On arriving in Kaduna, we were told that security personnel were monitoring the bandits in the bush. But surprisingly, the bandits called us and told us to come and wait at Abuja junction.
“They sent us a telephone number to call. We called the number and the person came to take us to a car. Unknown to me, the owner of the car is also a victim. His daughter was among those abducted. We drove along the Kaduna-Abuja road. That was around 11pm to deliver the ransom and other things they demanded.”
He said the bandits also demanded some crates of Malta drink and cartons of milk from each parent.
“When we got to Dutse, we stopped at a junction leading to the bush. We met soldiers there and they stopped us and made the four of us in the vehicle to sit on the ground.
“The soldiers noticed that all of us were carrying nylon bags and the items and they asked what was in the nylon bags.
“We told them that we were carrying money to go and pay ransom for the students that were kidnapped. The soldiers wished us safe journey to the bush and we parked the car at the junction.
“We trekked far inside the bush from Dutse and handed over the money to them and they released the girls to us. He said the owner of the car is one of the parents given directives by the bandits.
“The bandits are very clever. They planned everything very well. We came back and picked the vehicle where we parked by the main road and returned with the girls to Kaduna around 1am.
“Some parents paid N1 million; some paid over N1 million; some paid N2 million; some paid over N500,000, depending on how each parent bargained with the hoodlums because they spoke separately with the parents.”
News
Obasanjo Holds Secret Meeting With Babangida Amid 2027 Election Speculations
Obasanjo Holds Secret Meeting With Babangida Amid 2027 Election Speculations
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo met privately with ex-military ruler General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida at Babangida’s residence in Minna, Niger State, in a closed-door meeting that has sparked widespread speculation about potential political alignments ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The meeting, which lasted about 30 minutes, drew attention as both leaders emerged as key elder statesmen whose counsel and influence are often sought by Nigeria’s political elite. Neither Obasanjo nor Babangida spoke to journalists after the session, and no official statement was released, fueling discussions about behind-the-scenes strategic planning and coalition-building for 2027.
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Political analysts note that such high-profile consultations are common ahead of major elections, as party leaders, former presidents, and influential figures explore alliances, policy priorities, and national governance strategies. Observers also link this meeting to recent PDP and APC elder consultations, signaling continued efforts by senior politicians to shape the electoral landscape.
The rendezvous underscores Obasanjo’s continuing role as a political kingmaker, leveraging his network and experience to influence party strategies, candidate selection, and national discourse. With the 2027 elections approaching, similar closed-door meetings among Nigeria’s top political figures are expected to intensify in the coming months.
Obasanjo Holds Secret Meeting With Babangida Amid 2027 Election Speculations
News
Outrage in Borno as APC Excludes VP Shettima’s Photo at North‑East Zonal Hearing
Outrage in Borno as APC Excludes VP Shettima’s Photo at North‑East Zonal Hearing
There has been widespread anger in Borno State after the All Progressives Congress (APC) omitted Vice‑President Kashim Shettima from the official banner at the party’s North‑East zonal public hearing on constitutional amendments in Maiduguri. The banner, which featured President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the five APC governors from the region, and the party’s National Legal Adviser, conspicuously left out Shettima, a native of Borno State.
The omission prompted immediate backlash from party leaders, including Abdulkarim Lawan, Speaker of the Borno State House of Assembly, who described it as “provocative and unfair,” stressing that it was inappropriate to sideline a senior party official in his home state. The speaker recalled a similar controversy at an APC event in Gombe State last year, highlighting persistent sensitivities within the party’s North‑East faction.
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Attendees of the Maiduguri hearing, convened to discuss proposed constitutional amendments, expressed support for Lawan’s remarks, with loud applause and calls for the Vice‑President’s recognition. In response, the APC Deputy National Chairman dismissed the exclusion as an oversight by organisers, insisting there was no intention to diminish Shettima’s status and affirming that the hearing’s focus remained on party reforms rather than politics.
The incident comes amid speculation about internal APC dynamics ahead of the 2027 general elections, including questions around representation and leadership within the North‑East. Analysts note that repeated omissions of Shettima at high-profile events could fuel perceptions of internal rifts and affect party cohesion in the region.
Outrage in Borno as APC Excludes VP Shettima’s Photo at North‑East Zonal Hearing
News
How to Become a United Nations Online Volunteer in 2026: Step-by-Step Guide
How to Become a United Nations Online Volunteer in 2026: Step-by-Step Guide
Becoming a United Nations Online Volunteer in 2026 offers individuals the opportunity to contribute to global development, peacebuilding and humanitarian causes without leaving their homes. Through the UN Online Volunteering Programme, managed by the United Nations Volunteers (UNV), skilled and passionate people can support UN agencies and partner organisations remotely.
The UN Online Volunteering initiative connects volunteers with assignments aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), covering areas such as research, digital communications, translation, data analysis, advocacy, and project support. Assignments are flexible, fully remote and open to applicants from all countries.
To be eligible, applicants must be 18 years and above. There are no nationality restrictions, and many online roles do not require formal academic qualifications, although relevant skills and experience are often essential. Online volunteering positions are unpaid, but successful participants receive an official UNV certificate, which can strengthen career profiles and international exposure.
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Interested candidates are required to register on the Unified Volunteering Platform (UVP), the official portal for all UN volunteering opportunities. After creating an account, applicants must complete their profiles with detailed information on skills, languages and interests. Volunteers can then search for available online UN volunteer opportunities and apply directly through the platform.
Assignments typically last between a few weeks and three months, with flexible time commitments that can fit around work or studies. Recent and ongoing opportunities include roles supporting UNDP, UNICEF, and civil society partners in areas such as social media outreach, SDG advocacy, research support and community engagement.
Experts say the programme is increasingly attracting young professionals, students and freelancers seeking international experience, especially amid rising interest in remote work and global digital collaboration. With preparations already underway for major UN campaigns in 2026, including global volunteerism initiatives, demand for online volunteers is expected to grow.
The United Nations Volunteers programme encourages interested individuals to apply early and regularly update their profiles to improve their chances of selection, as new opportunities are posted frequently.
How to Become a United Nations Online Volunteer in 2026: Step-by-Step Guide
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