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Slain Army 17: I’ll make fresh pronouncements after befitting burial, says Tinubu

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BREAKING: Tinubu Orders Immediate Rescue of Niger Mosque Abduction Victims

Slain Army 17: I’ll make fresh pronouncements after befitting burial, says Tinubu

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu says he will make some remarkable pronouncements on 17 military men who lost their lives while on a peace mission in Okuama, Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State.

He said they would get a befitting burial and national honours.

Tinubu spoke during a special Ramadan Iftar (Muslim breaking of fast) with Vice-President Kashim Shettima and House of Representatives leadership, including Speaker Tajudeen Abbas.

He again expressed his heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims and pledged that the sacrifices of the fallen heroes will never be in vain.

The President said, ‘’In responding to distress calls they met the end of their lives in a savage manner. Let us work to sympathise and symbolise the fact that they are worth the sacrifices they have made for Nigeria.

‘’We salute all our men and women in uniform, and we sympathise with them. I will soon make further pronouncements but they must have a befitting burial and national honours.’’

The Commission of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) also condemned the gruesome killing of the soldiers and commiserated with the Nigerian government.

It called on the authorities “to carry out a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding the gruesome murder of the soldiers and apprehend the perpetrators with the view to bringing them to justice.

“The Commission urges the communities to eschew all forms of violence and employ pacific means to resolve their differences and maintain communal harmony in the overall interest of all”.

Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and policemen have not gained access into Okuama Ughelli South Local Government Area because of an ongoing military operation in the troubled community, the state Police Commissioner Abaniwonda Olufemi said.

“Since that incident (killing of officers and men of the Nigerian Army in Okuoma) happened, it has become what I call a military operation zone. We have not been able to move into that community,” Olufemi told a national television station on Wednesday.

Four officers and 13 soldiers were ambushed and killed a week ago by youths suspected to be indigenes of the Ijaw community.

The soldiers were said to have gone to Okuama to settle a land dispute between the community and its neighbour, Okoloba.

Olufemi added that “few individuals who have been brought in” were being quizzed over the killings.

President Tinubu, who on Sunday expressed deep concern over the killings had directed the Chief of Army Staff to immediately arrest the perpetrators.

Before visiting the President on Tuesday over the development, Governor Oborevwori told reporters that the troubled community had been deserted.

The police commissioner said he would need clearance before deploying police operatives in Okuama since it is now a military zone.

He said, “In the Okuoma incident, we have an ongoing military operation there. We are working in conjunction with other security agencies and I can assure you that we are making progress.

“The situation in the general Okuama area, not just the communities, is calm for now. Most of the places are deserted.

“The Okuama and Okoloba communities have been having perennial disputes over fishing rights. The unfortunate incident happened when military officers went on peacekeeping. Since that incident happened, it has become what I call a military operation zone.

“We have not been able to move into this community. Of course, it is our responsibility as the primary line of defence in internal security. But when you have another sister agency conducting an operation, the reasonable thing to do is to wait for them to finish.

“We have not been able to get into Okuama because of the volatile nature of what is going on around that environment.

“I might not be able to accurately respond to these questions [if buildings were torched or more civilian casualties have occurred, but what is important to note is that these things are ongoing. We must seek to be collaborative.

“For us to get to Okoloba or Okuama, we must get clearance from a military theatre commander or the operation commander so that any police operative deployed would not be hurt.”

On the possibility of deploying drones by the Police, Olufemi said, “When this situation happened, the main perpetrators disappeared into the creeks and to other states. Delta shares boundaries by the waterways with several states.

“A few individuals who have been brought in are being questioned. The manhunt is on. It is a collaborative responsibility and engagement. For now, our drones are not deployed in that environment.”

Senate Joint Committee on Defence, Army, Navy and Airforce which is currently probing Okuoma massacre has urged the military not to punish innocent citizens.

The committee appealed during its meeting with the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa; Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja; Chief of Air Staff (CAS) Air Marshal Hassan and Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Vice-Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla.

A member of the committee, Senator Gbenga Daniel, told reporters that the security chiefs were also told the importance of using technology and artificial intelligence to track down the “gangsters’ behind the killings.

He said, “By and large, we encouraged them that they are doing a yeoman job protecting the assets of the nation. Without a doubt, Delta State is very important as far as the custodians of the assets of our nation is concerned and whatever happens, we must make sure that only guilty people face the consequences.

“These are some of the things we spoke about. Of course, we also spoke about the need to continually support the Armed Forces with additional funding.

“We recognise that Mr President has done very well, more than any other leader in recent history, but because of the peculiar situation, we find ourselves we just have to continue to appeal that within the framework of limited resources, we have to give more priority to ensuring we retrain and equip our Armed Forces. That is the summary of the meeting.

“The killing is a major affront and of course, we have to continue to appeal for patience and understanding.”

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Lagos Mob Sets BRT Bus Ablaze After Fatal Crash, Driver Rescued

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October 17, 2026

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Lagos Mob Sets BRT Bus Ablaze After Fatal Crash, Driver Rescued
Lagos Mob Sets BRT Bus Ablaze After Fatal Crash, Driver Rescued

A Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) bus has been set ablaze by an angry mob in Ikorodu, Lagos State, following a road accident involving a commercial motorcyclist, popularly known as an Okada rider.

The incident occurred on Friday, October 16, around Ogolonto Bus Stop along Ikorodu Road, where the crowd reportedly attacked the bus driver before security operatives intervened to rescue him.

The circumstances surrounding the crash remained unclear, and the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA) said it could not confirm reports that the motorcyclist died in the incident.

Kolawole Ojelabi, LAMATA’s Head of Corporate Communication, confirmed that an accident had occurred between a BRT bus and a motorcycle on the BRT corridor. He said the motorcycle rider was reportedly using the dedicated bus lane, contrary to traffic regulations.

Ojelabi condemned the destruction of the bus, warning that the incident would affect public transportation in the area. According to him, the damaged vehicle would have served at least 400 Lagos residents daily.

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The attack reportedly escalated after news of the collision spread, prompting a crowd to set the bus on fire. Police officers and personnel of the Lagos Neighbourhood Safety Corps (LNSC) intervened and rescued the driver from the angry crowd.

The Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service also responded to the emergency. Its spokesperson, Amodu Shakiru, said the service received a distress call at about 10:21 a.m. and that firefighters found the bus engulfed in flames on arrival. Firefighters subsequently worked to extinguish the blaze.

Shakiru confirmed that the driver had been beaten but was rescued by security operatives and received medical attention. He said he could not provide further details about the circumstances of the collision.

The identity of the motorcyclist and the precise cause of the crash had not been officially established in the reports available after the incident. It was also unclear whether anyone had been arrested over the burning of the bus.

The incident has renewed concerns about road safety, the use of dedicated BRT lanes and mob violence following road accidents. While fatal crashes can provoke anger and grief, attacking drivers and destroying public transport vehicles can endanger lives, disrupt services and impose additional costs on the public.

Authorities are expected to establish the circumstances of the accident and determine responsibility for the destruction of the bus.

 

Lagos Mob Sets BRT Bus Ablaze After Fatal Crash, Driver Rescued

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Imodi-Ijebu Muslim Community Bets on 20 Chiefs to Drive Education, Economic Growth

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October 17, 2026

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Imodi-Ijebu Muslim Community Bets on 20 Chiefs to Drive Education, Economic Growth

New chiefs urged to promote unity, shun partisan politics in mosques, invest in youth, Islamic education

The ancient community of Imodi-Ijebu in Ogun State recently witnessed a blend of tradition, faith and renewed development aspirations as 20 distinguished sons and daughters were turbaned as chiefs of the Muslim community, with a ₦1bn fundraising drive launched to support education and empowerment initiatives.

Beyond the colourful ceremony and conferment of prestigious titles, the gathering presented an opportunity to redefine leadership within the community, with prominent Islamic scholars and community leaders challenging the new titleholders to translate their honours into tangible benefits for the people.

Held at the Tititlayo Agbaje Memorial Comprehensive High School, Imodi, the event brought together Islamic leaders, professionals, traditional titleholders and other stakeholders united by a common aspiration to strengthen the Muslim community and accelerate the development of the town.

At the heart of the ceremony was a strong message: the new titles must not become symbols of prestige alone but instruments for service, unity, religious advancement and social transformation.

The National Missioner of Ansar-Ud-Deen Society of Nigeria, Shaykh AbdurRahman Ahmad, set the tone with a warning against the intrusion of partisan politics into mosques, stressing that religious institutions must remain places of worship and unity rather than platforms for political mobilisation.

He reminded the newly turbaned chiefs that Muslims were entitled to support political parties of their choice, but cautioned that those occupying leadership positions must not exploit their influence to impose their political preferences on others.

“The chiefs should abstain from bringing politics into the mosque. Any Muslim is entitled to belong to whatever party he wants to belong to. A chief must not use his position to influence other members of the mosque to join his party,” he said.

Shaykh Ahmad also reminded the titleholders that their new positions came with significant responsibilities, urging them to exercise restraint, uphold exemplary conduct and deepen their knowledge of Islam.

He called on them to support the advancement of the religion by paying greater attention to the welfare of Islamic clerics, whose services remain central to the spiritual and social wellbeing of the Muslim community.

A call for accountable leadership

The Grand Mufti of the Conference of Islamic Organisations, Sheikh Dhikrullah Shafi’i, reinforced the message of responsibility, urging the new chiefs to protect the integrity of Islam, promote religious tolerance and discharge their duties with accountability.

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Citing Qur’an 33:57, he emphasised the need for the titleholders to appreciate the consequences of their actions and ensure that their conduct advanced rather than undermined the interests of the religion.

For him, the responsibilities attached to the titles demanded more than public recognition. They required a conscious commitment to protecting Islamic values and creating an environment in which Muslims could deepen their understanding of the faith.

He proposed the establishment of an Islamic library to improve access to learning resources, encourage continuous religious education and provide members of the community with opportunities to expand their knowledge.

The proposal added an educational dimension to the broader development agenda emerging from the ceremony, underscoring the importance of knowledge in sustaining religious values and preparing future generations for leadership.

Former Chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria, Alhaji Zikrullah Hassan, also challenged the Muslim community to look beyond conventional religious activities and embrace a broader developmental role.

He said the mosque should serve as an institution for promoting education, economic development and youth empowerment, helping young people build confidence, acquire useful skills and prepare for the challenges of life.

His position aligned with the spirit of the ₦1bn fundraising initiative, which placed education and empowerment among the key priorities of the community.

New chiefs unveil their priorities

For some of the newly installed chiefs, the ceremony marked the beginning of a fresh commitment to community service, with promises ranging from strengthening Islamic institutions to improving social welfare and expanding economic opportunities.

Alhaji Ishaq Sanni, a retired director of NAHCON who was installed as Aare Adeen, said his immediate priority was to support the Central Mosque, promote unity among Muslim faithful and strengthen Islamic education.

He also pledged to work towards establishing a welfare system for the less privileged and widows, highlighting the need for religious leadership to respond to the everyday challenges confronting vulnerable members of society.

Sanni urged young people to take pride in their faith, pursue Western education, avoid social vices and contribute meaningfully to the development of Islam in Imodi.

His message reflected a wider concern expressed at the gathering: that religious identity, formal education and responsible citizenship should reinforce one another in preparing young people for the future.

Dr Abdulfattah Olufowobi, former Dean of the Faculty of Environmental Science at The Polytechnic, Ibadan, who was installed as Baba Adeen of Imodi, pledged to bring fresh ideas and positive change to the community.

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He said he intended to promote unity within the Muslim Ummah and address the lingering hierarchical disagreements within the Council of Imodi Muslim Chiefs.

His remarks pointed to the importance of internal cohesion in enabling the community to pursue its development objectives effectively.

Alhaji Oduwole Azeez, installed as Otun Balogun Adeen, promised to advance Islam through personal example, support for Da’wah activities and investment in the next generation.

He stressed that honesty, integrity and the fear of Allah must define the conduct of Muslim leaders, adding that children should be grounded in the Qur’an and Sunnah to preserve the values of Islam.

From farming to digital skills

For Alhaji Tajudeen Adebanjo, Chief Correspondent with The Nation, who received the title of Giwa Adeeni, the development agenda must extend beyond religious affairs to the economic and social needs of residents.

He identified infrastructure, women and youth empowerment, information and communication technology education, agriculture and healthcare as priority areas requiring attention.

Adebanjo also advocated a renewed focus on farming, urging residents to explore agriculture as a viable source of income and employment.

He said efforts should be made to improve the movement of agricultural produce from Imodi to Lagos, where farmers could access larger markets and potentially earn better returns.

According to him, stronger connections to urban markets could help residents take advantage of the relatively lower cost of living in their community while building more sustainable livelihoods.

His proposals highlighted the importance of connecting local production with wider commercial opportunities, particularly for young people and households seeking alternative sources of income.

The 20 titleholders

The 20 distinguished sons and daughters honoured at the ceremony were Dr Abdulfattah Olufowobi, Baba Adeen of Imodi; Alhaji Ishaq Sanni, Aare Adeen; Alhaji Tajudeen Adebanjo, Giwa Adeeni; Chief Abdul Waheed Sanni, Otun Asinwaju Adeen; and Chief Azeezat Sanni, Ekerin Iya Sunnah.

Others were Alhaji Oduwole Azeez, Otun Balogun Adeen; Alhaja Khadijat Onabule, Eketa Iya Sunnah; Alhaji Ibraheem Mustapha, Otun Arowosadeen; Alhaji AbdulWakeel Baoku, Alatunse Adeen; and Alhaji AbdulMojeed Agbaje, Otun Mogaji Adeen.

The remaining honourees were Chief Alimot Oresajo, Otun Osupa Adeen; Alhaji Ismaheel Yekeen, Balogun Adinni; Alhaji Musiliyu Hussaini, Otun Giwa Adeen; Prince Abdul Rasheed Lawal, Sarumi Adeen; Chief Yunus Ahmed, Otun Aare Musulumi; and Chief Salamat Adesanya, Otun Agbesinga Adeen Obinrin.

Also honoured were Chief Wosilat Oduba, Otun Iya Adeen; Chief Balikis Hassan, Otun Iyalode Adeen; Chief Jemilat Lawal, Otun Alatunse Adeen Obinrin; and Alhaja Risikat Arowolo, Otun Asiwaju Adeen Obinrin of the Imodi-Ijebu Muslim Community.

A legacy measured by service

As the celebrations gave way to the responsibilities ahead, the central challenge for the newly turbaned chiefs will be translating their promises into measurable progress.

The proposed ₦1bn fundraising initiative offers an opportunity to strengthen education, empower vulnerable groups and support community development, while calls for an Islamic library, youth engagement, agricultural investment and improved welfare point to a broad vision of progress.

The success of that vision will depend on the community’s ability to mobilise resources, sustain cooperation among its leaders and ensure that development priorities are matched by practical action.

For Imodi-Ijebu, therefore, the turbaning of 20 illustrious sons and daughters represents more than a celebration of achievement. It is a call for leadership that unites faith with service, tradition with innovation, and religious responsibility with the pursuit of a better future for the entire community.

 

Imodi-Ijebu Muslim Community Bets on 20 Chiefs to Drive Education, Economic Growth

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Suspended Archbishop Ibezim Drags Anglican Primate to Court, Challenges Six-Month Leave

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October 17, 2026

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Suspended Archbishop Ibezim Drags Anglican Primate to Court, Challenges Six-Month Leave
Most Reverend Alexander Chibuzo Ibezim

Suspended Archbishop Ibezim Drags Anglican Primate to Court, Challenges Six-Month Leave

The suspended Archbishop of the Province of the Niger and Bishop of the Diocese of Awka, Most Reverend Alexander Chibuzo Ibezim, has sued the Primate of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), Most Reverend Henry C. Ndukuba, and the church’s Dean, Most Reverend Blessing Enyindah, seeking to stop further disciplinary action against him without compliance with the church’s constitution and canons.

Ibezim filed the suit at the Anambra State High Court in Awka, challenging the procedure adopted by the church leadership in investigating allegations involving his administration of the Diocese of Awka.

The case, marked A/371/2026, was instituted through an originating summons dated October 13, 2026, with a separate application seeking an interlocutory injunction against the defendants.

The Archbishop wants the court to determine the legal procedures governing disciplinary action against a serving bishop or archbishop under the Constitution and Canons of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion).

He is specifically asking the court to restrain Ndukuba and Enyindah from issuing or implementing measures to suspend, remove, retire or dismiss him from his ecclesiastical offices while the substantive suit is pending.

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Ibezim also wants the court to prevent the two church leaders from further threatening his removal or interfering in the affairs of the Diocese of Awka without his written consent.

The legal action follows the Primate’s directive that Ibezim proceed on six months’ compulsory leave with immediate effect while investigations into developments in the diocese continue.

In a letter dated October 13, Ndukuba said the decision was intended to allow a fair investigation and create an opportunity for peace and reconciliation within the diocese. He cited Section 29(1) of Chapter V of the church’s 2020 Constitution and Canons as the basis for the administrative measure.

The directive also barred Ibezim from officiating at activities of the Church of Nigeria, the Province of the Niger and the Diocese of Awka during the period.

Ndukuba appointed the Bishop of Aguata Diocese, The Right Reverend Samuel Ezeofor, as Supervising Bishop of the Diocese of Awka and Coordinating Bishop of the Province of the Niger during Ibezim’s absence. The Archbishop was instructed to hand over his responsibilities to Ezeofor.

The Primate maintained that the compulsory leave was an administrative step rather than a disciplinary sanction.

However, Ibezim’s court action challenges the authority and procedure for imposing disciplinary measures on a serving bishop, arguing that the church’s governing provisions must be followed.

In his originating summons, he cited Sections 55, 75 and 76 of the church’s constitution, alongside relevant provisions of Canon XVI, as the legal framework governing disciplinary proceedings against bishops and archbishops.

He is asking the court to determine whether the Primate can unilaterally impose disciplinary sanctions without following the procedures prescribed by those provisions.

The Archbishop has also challenged the composition of a visitation team established to investigate developments in the Diocese of Awka. The team, chaired by Enyindah, was constituted through a letter dated June 17, 2026.

Ibezim described the team’s constitution as unlawful, a claim that remains for the court to determine.

The dispute has also been linked to allegations that church land valued at more than ₦2 billion was sold without proper authorisation. Reports said the matter prompted a petition to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

However, the Primate’s letter directing Ibezim to proceed on leave did not specify the precise allegations against him or detail the findings of the visitation team.

The Archbishop’s lawsuit therefore raises questions about both the investigation process and the extent of the church leadership’s authority to impose administrative restrictions or disciplinary measures on a serving bishop.

The case comes amid growing tensions over the administration of the Awka Diocese, including the reported removal of the diocese’s former chancellor, retired Justice O.J. Okeke, by Ibezim.

The court’s eventual decision could clarify the interpretation of the church’s internal disciplinary rules and determine whether the challenged procedures complied with its governing constitution and canons.

As of the latest reports, the court had yet to determine the substantive questions raised in the suit or grant the final reliefs sought by the Archbishop. The allegations concerning the church land and the legality of the visitation team also remain unresolved.

The legal proceedings will determine the parties’ respective rights and obligations under the church’s governing provisions and applicable law.

 

Suspended Archbishop Ibezim Drags Anglican Primate to Court, Challenges Six-Month Leave

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