Over 150 Bandits Reportedly Die in Sokoto Water Accident - Newstrends
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Over 150 Bandits Reportedly Die in Sokoto Water Accident

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Boat accident

Over 150 Bandits Reportedly Die in Sokoto Water Accident

No fewer than 150 suspected bandits are feared dead following a tragic boat accident in Sokoto State, which occurred in the Sabon Gida area of Sokoto State during a water crossing on Saturday evening.

According to local informants who spoke to counter-insurgency expert Zagazola Makama, the group of armed men was traveling across a water body when the boat suddenly capsized mid-journey, throwing all occupants into the water.

The vessel was reportedly carrying a large number of individuals, believed to be members of a bandit group operating in Nigeria’s North-West, when the incident occurred. Preliminary information suggests that the boat may have been overloaded, a common factor in maritime accidents in rural and riverine communities.

Eyewitness accounts indicate that many of the passengers were unable to swim, leading to a high number of casualties. Sources added that the situation quickly turned chaotic as those on board struggled to survive after the boat overturned.

“Preliminary information suggests that many of them could not swim, leading to heavy casualties,” a source disclosed.

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Early reports suggest that none of the occupants survived the incident, although this has not been officially confirmed by security agencies or emergency response authorities at the time of filing this report.

If verified, the incident would represent a significant loss for armed groups operating in the region and could impact the structure and movement of criminal networks in parts of the North-West security corridor, where banditry and kidnapping have remained persistent challenges.

The North-West region has witnessed sustained insecurity over the years, with armed groups often exploiting difficult terrain, including forests and waterways, to evade security forces. Water crossings, while sometimes necessary for movement, are considered risky due to limited safety measures and lack of proper transport regulation.

Boat accidents are also not uncommon in Nigeria, particularly in remote communities where waterways serve as essential transport routes. Experts often attribute such tragedies to overloading, poor vessel maintenance, absence of life jackets, and weak enforcement of safety standards.

As of now, there has been no official confirmation from relevant authorities regarding the exact number of casualties or the circumstances surrounding the incident. Investigations are expected to provide further clarity as security agencies and local officials assess the situation.

The development adds another dimension to ongoing concerns about both insecurity in Sokoto State and the safety of informal transportation systems used in rural parts of the country.

Over 150 Bandits Reportedly Die in Sokoto Water Accident

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VIDEO: Sisi Alagbo Secures Endorsement Deal After Viral Threesome Video Controversy

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Eniola Sisi Alagbo and her husband Akeem Adesola
Eniola Sisi Alagbo and her husband Akeem Adesola

VIDEO: Sisi Alagbo Secures Endorsement Deal After Viral Threesome Video Controversy

Popular herbal vendor and social media personality Eniola Sisialagbo has reportedly secured a new endorsement deal just days after she trended online over a viral private bedroom video controversy that sparked widespread reactions across social media. The development follows days of intense online discussions after a clip surfaced showing a private moment involving Sisialagbo, her husband Eniola Fagbemi (Akeem Adesola), and another woman. In the footage, Sisialagbo was seen recording the encounter, which quickly spread across social platforms and generated significant public attention.

The viral video triggered heavy backlash online, with many users questioning her personal conduct and public image as a herbal wellness brand promoter. Following the circulation of the clip, Sisialagbo issued an emotional public apology to her mother, family members, fellow herb sellers, and Nigerians at large, expressing regret over the incident and asking for forgiveness. She also reportedly said the situation affected her emotionally, as she struggled with the pressure and attention that followed the controversy.

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Her husband also reacted publicly to the incident, taking responsibility for the situation and describing it as regrettable and embarrassing. His response added further attention to the already trending topic, which continued to dominate conversations across social media platforms for several days.

In a new development on May 6, 2026, a video circulating online reportedly showed Sisialagbo securing a new endorsement deal with a company identified as NWC Education, a firm said to specialise in visa processing and study-abroad support services. The clip has since attracted renewed online attention, with users debating the timing of the endorsement in relation to the recent controversy.

Although the endorsement has not been independently verified by all parties involved, reports suggest the deal is centred on promoting education and international study opportunities for prospective applicants. The development has continued to generate mixed reactions online, with some users describing it as a sign of resilience, while others argue it raises questions about public perception and brand association.

Despite the controversy, Sisialagbo has remained active on social media, continuing to engage with followers and share content as discussions around her personal life and professional brand continue to trend.

VIDEO: Sisi Alagbo Secures Endorsement Deal After Viral Threesome Video Controversy

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Osun Rewards 31 Top WAEC Students With Scholarships, Cash

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WAEC Releases 2026 WASSCE Timetable for School Candidates 

Osun Rewards 31 Top WAEC Students With Scholarships, Cash

The Osun State Government, in partnership with consulting firm Electronic Collections Group (ECG), has rewarded 31 outstanding students from the 2025 West African Examinations Council (WAEC) examination with scholarships and cash prizes at the maiden Imole SSCE Scholarship Award Ceremony. The event, held on Wednesday at the Olagunsoye Oyinlola Hall, Osun State University, Osogbo, was organised by ECG in collaboration with the Osun State Ministry of Education. It also featured recognition for teachers and schools whose students performed exceptionally well, with educational materials and cash gifts distributed as part of the award package.

Each of the best students from Osun’s 30 local government areas received ₦100,000, while the overall best student was awarded ₦1 million. Teachers who taught the students across the nine WAEC subjects were also recognised, with each receiving ₦50,000, while their respective schools benefited from educational support packages aimed at improving learning facilities and academic performance. Officials said the initiative was designed to promote academic excellence, reward hard work, and strengthen competition among students in public secondary schools across the state.

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Governor Ademola Adeleke, who addressed students, teachers, school administrators, and local government chairmen at the ceremony, said the programme was aimed at raising a generation that would be guided by knowledge and purpose. “To our awardees, you are that light. But your light must shine beyond this stage, into your future,” the governor said. He commended teachers, education officials, and administrators for their role in shaping students’ character and academic success, noting that his administration remains committed to recognising excellence from the grassroots to higher levels.

Adeleke also stated that Osun’s education performance had improved since he assumed office, claiming that the state moved from lower rankings to 7th position nationally in education performance within his first year. He said, “The education policy of the governor is working despite the challenges,” adding that his administration will continue to prioritise education development across all levels.

The governor also used the occasion to caution residents against vote buying ahead of the August 15 governorship election in Osun State. He alleged that some political actors were attempting to influence voters with money and urged citizens to reject inducements. “Osun is at an unusual time ahead of the August 15 election. Those who hijacked and diverted over ₦300 billion Osun local government funds are desperate,” he said. He added, “I charge Osun people to reject Greek gifts, to shun proceeds of crime and use their votes to sustain continuity.”

Coordinator of ECG, Akinmade Akintoye, said the scholarship initiative would become an annual programme aimed at encouraging academic excellence among students and teachers across Osun State. He urged schools to remain committed to nurturing future leaders despite societal distractions. “We implore schools not to relent. This is just their stepping stone; the sky is going to be their limit,” he said. Organisers also confirmed that the list of award recipients was obtained directly from the WAEC headquarters, ensuring transparency and credibility in the selection process.

Osun Rewards 31 Top WAEC Students With Scholarships, Cash

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Tinubu Approves ₦250bn for Student Hostel Construction Nationwide – Alausa

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Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa
Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa

Tinubu Approves ₦250bn for Student Hostel Construction Nationwide – Alausa

The Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, says President Bola Tinubu has approved ₦250 billion for the construction of student hostels across tertiary institutions in Nigeria as part of efforts to address the country’s long-standing student accommodation crisis. Alausa made the disclosure on Wednesday in Abuja during the inauguration of governing boards, principal officers, and chief executives of agencies under the Federal Ministry of Education. He explained that the intervention represents the first major, dedicated federal investment targeted specifically at improving hostel facilities in universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education across the country.

The minister stated that the funding will be deployed to at least 50 tertiary institutions, with each institution expected to receive about ₦2 billion for the construction of hostels Feacapable of accommodating at least 500 students. He added that an additional ₦90 billion will be channelled through Public-Private Partnership (PPP) arrangements to support hostel development in 24 federal institutions, with each facility expected to provide between 1,200 and 1,500 bed spaces. According to him, “We have several of those schools whose constructions have already started cumulatively, ₦250 billion in 2026 to provide student accommodation alone.”

Alausa further disclosed that the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) will provide ₦1 billion counterpart funding per institution, while private investors are expected to contribute about ₦4 billion each under the PPP framework. He said the initiative is designed to expand access to safe and affordable student housing in Nigerian tertiary institutions, reduce overcrowding in hostels, and improve overall welfare and learning conditions.

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The minister noted that the project directly targets long-standing accommodation deficits in institutions such as Lagos State University (LASU) and Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH) among others. He stressed that the administration is now prioritising implementation-driven reforms that focus on measurable outcomes rather than policy announcements alone. Alausa also commended President Tinubu for what he described as a “missionary approach” to governance, saying the Renewed Hope Agenda has strengthened investment in education and human capital development. He added that the education sector has received the highest budgetary allocation in Nigeria for two consecutive years, reflecting government focus on education reform in Nigeria.

Beyond the hostel project, Alausa announced additional investments including ₦130 billion for engineering and technology workshops and ₦120 billion for upgrading medical schools nationwide. He charged newly inaugurated board members of education agencies to ensure accountability, transparency, and improved institutional performance across the sector.

The event also featured the inauguration of several governing council members and agency heads across key education institutions. Among those inaugurated were Prof. Babatunde Salako as Chairman of the NBTE Governing Board, Prof. Modupe Adelabu as Chairman of the NECO Governing Board, and David Shofoyeke as Executive Secretary of the National Institute for Educational Planning and Administration (NIEPA). Others include Prof. Garba Shuaib, Prof. Kabiru Dungurawa, Dr Bongfa Bonfa, Prof. Tijani Kalli, and Mr Abba Goni, among others appointed to various councils and administrative positions across federal tertiary institutions.

Chairman of the NBTE Governing Board, Prof. Babatunde Salako, pledged commitment to transparency, institutional strengthening, and aligning Nigeria’s education system with national economic needs. The Federal Ministry of Education says the new interventions are part of a broader strategy to improve infrastructure, reduce student hardship, and reposition Nigeria’s tertiary education system for long-term competitiveness.

Tinubu Approves ₦250bn for Student Hostel Construction Nationwide – Alausa

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