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Raid Killers’ Hideouts, Unravel Those Behind Owo Massacre – Senate Tells Security Agencies
The Senate has challenged Nigeria’s security agencies to unmask the perpetrators of the Owo church attack in Ondo State.
The Senate on Wednesday condemned the June 5 terrorists attack on St. Francis Catholic Church, Owo in Ondo State which left about 40 persons dead and many others hospitalised.
According to the Senate, the security agencies should be discreet in collaborating on intelligence gathering and sharing to prevent future attacks by terrorists.
Lawmakers, who observed a one-minute silence in memory of the victims, asked security agencies to intensify efforts to investigate the matter with a view to bringing the perpetrators to book.
They also urged the agencies to deploy drones and helicopters to monitor forests and ungoverned areas in Nigeria, to identify illegal camps of bandits throughout the country.
These formed part of resolutions reached sequel to the consideration of a motion titled “Killing of worshippers in Owo, Ondo State” sponsored by the lawmaker representing Ondo North, Senator Ajayi Boroffice.
The senator, while noting the killings of Nigerians across different parts of the country, warned that “such a massacre could be a trigger to inter-religious conflicts and ethnic war in Nigeria.”
Contributing, the Peoples Democratic Party lawmaker representing Ondo South, Senator Nicholas Tofowomo said, “Our internal security is still very defective.”
On his part, the PDP senator representing Plateau North, Istifanus Gyang urged religious leaders in the country to desist from inciting their followers through religious messages preached in places of worship, adding that doing otherwise poses a significant security threat to the country.
In his remarks, the President of the Senate, Ahmad Lawan said, “One thing that is so imperative is for security agencies to continue to protect our citizens, and where we encounter breaches, the perpetrators must be fished out and then the law takes its full course.”
Traditional rites
The Olowo of Owo, Oba Ajibade Ogunoye, has denied restriction of human and vehicular movements during the traditional activities that would come up on Thursday, as being reported in the media.
It was reported in some online media that there would be no movements during the time the traditional rite would be done in the community but the monarch said the report was untrue.
It was gathered that the traditional activity that would be coming up on Thursday, was part of the efforts to prevent any further attack on the community
In a statement issued by the Special Assistant on Media to the monarch, Mr Sam Adewale on Wednesday, the monarch said people would be allowed to move during the exercise.
Meanwhile, the Olijebu Owo of Ijebu-Owo, Oba Kofoworola Ojomo, has expressed his displeasure over the ugly development when some Owo indigenes, under the auspices of the Krown Club, led by Mr Yanju Alabi paid him a visit on Wednesday.
He urged the Federal Government to allow creation of state police for more effective and efficient security system at the local level.
The monarch said, “We have less than 300 policemen to police activities here in Owo. The security of our people does not mean anything to the present administration. We are just waiting for the administration to end without any solution insight.”
The members of the club also visited the Olowo of Owo, Oba Ajibade Ogunoye.
“We are already taking steps to ensure that such won’t repeat itself in the town,” Olowo stated.
Speaking at the palace on behalf of the club, Mr Ademola Oshodi said, “We also commend the South-West governors for the actions they have outlined to make the region more secure. It is important at this juncture for the Federal Government to reconsider its opposition to State Police. The state government must also reinforce, reinvigorate and enlarge Amotekun for it to be able to provide adequate security cover for not only Owo but Ondo State as a whole.”
Earlier, members of the Krown Club visited the church where they donated N500,000 to the victims of the attack.
Similarly, the Catholic Bishop of Diocese of Ondo, Jude Arogundade, while expressing gratitude to the club for their support to the victims and church, revealed that some decisions will be taken, adding that many issues will be tackled head-long over the incident.
The leadership of the Christian Association of Nigeria and the League of Imams and Alfas in Ogun State have signed a pact to continue living in harmony amidst insecurity in the country, as a delegation of the league of Imams and Alfas on Wednesday submitted a condolence letter over the attack on Christians in Owo to the Ogun CAN Chairman, Bishop Tunde Akin-Akinsanya.
Leading the Islamic leaders to the CAN chairman’s Abeokuta office, the Secretary-General, Sheikh Tajudeen Adewunmi described the Owo attack as unfortunate.
Responding, Akin-Akinsanya lauded the league for the gesture and said the Christians do not mistake Muslims for the attackers of Owo church.
News
Boko Haram Demands $300,000 Ransom For Abducted Borno Ex-LG Chair, Another Victim
A new video has emerged showing two men reportedly kidnapped by Boko Haram insurgents in Borno State, pleading for assistance to secure their release.
One of the captives, former Biu Local Government Area Chairman Hassan Biu Miringa, revealed that their abductors are demanding a $300,000 ransom.
Miringa said he and another individual were taken in December 2025 and have remained in the custody of the militants.
In the video shared by Zagazola Makama, Miringa introduced himself, saying: “I am Hassan Biu Miringa, former Chairman of Biu Local Government from 2020 to 2022. Four years after my tenure, we were kidnapped by the soldiers of Khilafa about two weeks ago. Alhamdulillah, we are still alive, but we urgently need help to save our lives.”
He added that negotiations with the kidnappers had been underway, with some preliminary agreements reportedly reached.
“We have engaged them on four separate occasions and reached an understanding. We appeal to our leaders, especially Borno State Deputy Governor Alhaji Usman Umar Kadafur, the National Assembly representative for Biu, Kwaya, and Shani Hon. Betera Aliyu, as well as our community leaders, to temper justice with mercy and assist us. We are their children and have been working together,” Miringa said.
He confirmed the ransom demand, explaining that each captive is expected to pay $150,000, totaling $300,000 for their freedom, and pleaded for urgent intervention to reunite with their families.
The video highlights ongoing concerns over kidnappings and insecurity in southern Borno State, which have persisted despite government efforts to curb insurgent activity in the region.
News
How Rivers Women Spread Wrappers For Wike’s Motorcade During Port Harcourt Visit
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike, on Saturday visited Port Harcourt City Local Government as part of his “thank you” visit across Rivers State.
Upon his arrival, a group of women displayed a symbolic gesture of loyalty by spreading their wrappers on the ground for his motorcade.
The women and supporters of the Minister were in a jubilant mode as Wike drove on the wrappers.
Wike has been going around local governments in the state to appreciate them for their support while reeling out moves ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In the course of his visits, the Minister had fired several salvos at political actors in the state, warning that their sudden support for President Bola Tinubu won’t secure them any ticket in 2027.
Wike also renewed rivalry with Governor Sim Fubara over the leadership control of the political space in the state.
News
Impeachment Proceedings Against Fubara, Deputy Still Active – Rivers Assembly
The Rivers State House of Assembly has officially reaffirmed that the impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Odu, are ongoing and have not been suspended.
The Assembly said the process is still ongoing and is being conducted strictly in line with constitutional provisions.
This was contained in a statement issued on Friday by the Chairman of the House Committee on Information, Petitions and Complaints, Hon. Enemi George.
According to the statement, the impeachment process, which began on Thursday, January 8, 2026, remains on course in line with the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).
The lawmakers disclosed that separate notices of allegations bordering on gross misconduct have been served on both the governor and his deputy in line with Section 188 of the Constitution.
“The notices of allegations of gross misconduct against the Governor and the Deputy Governor have been duly forwarded to them by the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Martins Amaewhule, and the House is awaiting their responses,” the statement said.
The Assembly maintained that it is constitutionally obligated to act in the interest of the rule of law and ensure that no public office holder acts outside legal boundaries.
Reacting to reports suggesting that the impeachment move had been halted, the House accused some individuals and media outlets of deliberately spreading misinformation to mislead the public and stir tension between the legislature and Rivers residents.
The lawmakers described such reports as false and insisted they would not succumb to intimidation, threats, or blackmail.
“We are aware of renewed attempts by certain persons and media platforms to misinform the public by claiming that the impeachment process has been discontinued. The public should disregard such falsehoods, as the process remains active,” the statement added.
The Assembly reaffirmed its commitment to democratic principles and constitutional responsibilities, stressing that it would not be distracted by what it termed “cheap propaganda.”
It also appreciated the people of Rivers State for their support and prayers amid the ongoing political developments and extended goodwill to Nigerians committed to the nation’s democratic journey.
JomogNews reports that during Thursday’s plenary session, presided over by the Speaker, the Majority Leader, Major Jack, formally read the notice of allegations of gross misconduct against Governor Fubara on the floor of the House.
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