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Curfew In Kaduna, Bauchi, Plateau After Looting Of Bank, Businesses

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Kaduna, Bauchi and Plateau states were put under curfew blanket yesterday following mass looting during the economic crisis protests.

The protests in the North, a region that has been reeling under serious terrorism and bandit attacks, took a turn for the worse, forcing governors of the affected states to take tough measures.

The Plateau State government Caleb Mutfwang imposed a 24-hour curfew on Jos North Local Government on Sunday night to curb escalating violence.

The protest, led by General Overseer of Evangelical Outreach (EBOMI), Isa El-Buba, and National Coordinator of the Initiative for Better and Brighter Nigeria (IBBN)/ former Minister of Sports, Solomon Dalung, commenced on a peaceful note.

The state government had even commended them on the peaceful protest.

But, on Sunday, things went awry when a strange group of protesters appeared in some parts of Jos North while the first set was on break.

The latter group held up Russian flags and unleashed violence.

While the original group converged daily at Old Airport Roundabout in Jos, the new violent group moved from street to street, looting property.

They invaded Bauchi Road in Zololo, Dilimi, Sabon Layi, Filling Ball, Congo Russia, Angwan Rogo and environs.

Mutfwang said the curfew was with effect from Sunday midnight.

He said it was declared “in consultation with state security agencies after reviewing the actions of unscrupulous individuals who exploited the nationwide protest to unleash terror on innocent citizens”.

The governor noted that these criminal elements “armed with daggers, machetes, and other dangerous weapons, broke into shops and restaurants along Bauchi Road and Zololo Junction, looting foodstuffs and other valuable items”.

He warned those planning to unleash further terror on innocent citizens to desist immediately or face the full wrath of the law.

The group of violent protesters, mostly underaged fundamentalists, defied the curfew and continued with their looting yesterday.

Governor Mutfwang also convened a security council meeting yesterday, after which the Commissioner of Police, Emmanuel Adesina, said 14 individuals were arrested for violating the curfew.

El-Buba faulted the curfew, claiming it was an attempt to stifle citizens’ voices.

“We are amazed and so disappointed with the curfew declaration by the state government. There is nothing that warrants it.

“Plateau State has been adjudged as hosting the most peaceful protest all over the world. History has been made here.

“Thousands of Muslims on the first, second and third days of the protest shielded by their Christian brothers and sisters.

“On Sunday, Christians in their thousands were shielded by Muslims in their thousands. It has never happened,” he added.

But, Adesina urged residents to comply with the curfew or risk arrest.

“The Plateau State Police Command is poised to maintain peace in the state and will not allow any person or group of individuals to plunge the State into unruly turmoil.”

Curfew in Kaduna

As protesters who regrouped in Kaduna yesterday embarked on a looting spree, the state government declared a 24-hour curfew on the Kaduna and Zaria metropolises.

The protesters marched on the major streets of Kaduna and Zaria, waving Russian flags.

They were dispersed at the NEPA Roundabout after they started looting public and private property.

They vandalised property at AIT and Vision FM offices within the Nagwamatse House.

Announcing the curfew in a statement, Overseeing Commissioner, Ministry of Internal Security and Home Affairs, Samuel Aruwan, said the protest had been hijacked by criminal elements.

“The Kaduna State Security Council under the leadership of Governor Uba Sani, following a review of the security situation in the state, hereby notifies citizens of the following:

“There is sufficient evidence to clearly indicate that the ongoing protest has been hijacked by criminal elements who have resorted to looting of shops and destruction of private and public property.

“In view of this unfortunate development, the Kaduna State Security Council has unanimously resolved to impose a 24-hour curfew on Kaduna and Zaria metropolises and environs with immediate effect.

“Citizens are advised to remain indoors while security forces continue to work to maintain safety and security.

“Monitoring will be sustained for review of the curfew as required,” he said.

Council secretariat, ex-dep. Governor House torched in Bauchi

Bauchi Governor, Bala Mohammed, also imposed a 24-hour curfew in Katagum LGA.

It followed violent incidents, destruction of public property and theft.

Some hoodlums in Azare of Katagum LGA vandalised the government lodge and the country home of the immediate-past deputy governor, Senator Baba Tela.

They set ablaze the local government secretariat.

The governor’s directive is contained in a statement by the Secretary to the State Government, Ibrahim Muhammad Kashim.

He directed all security agencies to take swift action to address the situation, apprehend those responsible and bring them to justice.

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Oyo 2027: Adelabu Quits As Power Minister To Focus On Guber Race

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The Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu has formally resigned from his position in the Federal Government to pursue his governorship ambition in Oyo State.

In a resignation letter dated April 22, 2026, and addressed to the President, Adelabu stated that his resignation will take effect on April 30, 2026, to enable him to focus on his governorship ambition in Oyo State.

The letter, routed through the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, stated that he was stepping down with “a deep sense of honour and profound gratitude.”

He wrote, “I write with a deep sense of honour and profound gratitude to formally tender my resignation as the Honourable Minister of Power of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. This resignation is to take effect on 30th April 2026, in order to allow sufficient time for a smooth and orderly handover of responsibilities.”

Adelabu thanked the President for the opportunity to serve, describing his appointment as a privilege.

He said, “Your Excellency, I remain sincerely grateful for the privilege and confidence you reposed in me by appointing me to serve our great nation in this capacity.

“It has been a rare honour to contribute to national development under your leadership and to play a role in advancing reforms in the power sector—one of the most critical foundations of Nigeria’s industrial growth and economic transformation.”

The former minister said his resignation was to enable him focus fully on his governorship ambition in Oyo State, citing provisions of the amended electoral law.

He added, “My decision to step down is informed by my intention to focus fully on my gubernatorial ambition in Oyo State. This aspiration, which dates back to 2016 during my service as Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, ultimately led to my voluntary resignation from the Central Bank in 2018 in order to pursue the same goal.”

“In line with the provisions of the Amended Electoral Act 2026, which preclude political office holders from contesting elections, I consider it both appropriate and necessary to resign at this time.”

Adelabu’s exit marks a major political development ahead of the next electoral cycle, particularly in Oyo State, where he is expected to contest the governorship election.

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Wale Edun, Musa Dangiwa Resigned Voluntarily, Not Sacked – Presidency

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The Presidency has clarified that Wale Edun (former Finance Minister) and Ahmed Musa Dangiwa (former Housing Minister) voluntarily resigned from their positions and were not sacked by President Tinubu.

In a statement released this evening April 22, presidential media aide, Bayo Onanuga, said that contrary to public opinions, Wale Edun resigned on health grounds while Dangiwa also tendered his resignation and thanked the President for the opportunity given him to serve in the Federal Executive Council.

Onanuga stated that Edun, who clocked 70 on Monday and has battled recent ill health, fittingly submitted his resignation letter on his birthday, thanking the President for the opportunity to serve Nigeria.

“It has been a pleasure and privilege to serve your administration and the Renewed Hope Agenda, Under your leadership, Nigeria has emerged stronger, more resilient and more internationally respected. I wish you and the administration every success in the future” he wrote

Onanuga stated that on Tuesday, before the Office of the Secretary of the Government of the Federation announced his departure from the Cabinet, Edun paid a valedictory visit to the President at the Villa and held an hour-long discussion with the president and then left to focus on his private businesses.

The presidential aide stated that President Tinubu has expressed deep appreciation to Edun and Dangiwa for their dedicated service and significant contributions to the administration’s economic reform programme and wished them continued success in their future endeavours.

‘’In the same vein, the President has urged the new Minister of Finance, Taiwo Oyedele, to consolidate ongoing reforms and advance the administration’s fiscal and economic objectives with renewed focus, discipline, and innovation.

President Tinubu will shortly send the ministerial nominee for housing, Muttaqha Rabe Darma, also from Katsina, like Dangiwa, to the Senate for confirmation” the statement concluded

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Unity Bank, Experts Advocate Green Investment, Climate Innovation To Drive Economic Resilience

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Nigeria’s retail lender, Unity Bank Plc, alongside leading climate innovation experts, has called for increased investment in the green economy and the adoption of frontier technologies as critical pathways to driving economic resilience and reducing the impact of climate change on vulnerable populations across Africa.

The call was made during a thought-provoking webinar hosted by the Bank to commemorate this year’s Earth Day, themed “The True Cost of Climate Change and Who Pays?”. Climate experts and stakeholders convened to examine the human, economic, and institutional costs of climate change, while spotlighting practical solutions to address its growing impact.

In his opening remarks, Unity Bank’s Head of Strategy and Innovation, Ibukun Coker, emphasised the urgency of addressing climate risks from both a societal and business perspective.

He said: “Climate change is no longer a distant or abstract challenge. It is an existential threat with direct consequences for individuals, businesses, and economies. At Unity Bank, we recognise the role institutions must play in incorporating sustainability in project financing, supporting businesses and promoting solutions that build resilience in communities where we operate.”

The webinar featured Chinwe Udo-Davis, Founder and CEO of Instollar, and Oluwatosin Ajide, Programme Manager at the Nigeria Climate Innovation Centre, both of whom provided insights into the drivers of climate change and the pathways to mitigation and adaptation.

Speaking during the session, Udo-Davis highlighted the disproportionate burden which climate change places on underserved communities and the need for inclusive solutions.

“The true cost of climate change is not evenly distributed. Communities with the least resources are often the most affected, whether through energy poverty, environmental degradation, or limited access to sustainable alternatives. Addressing this imbalance requires intentional investment in clean energy solutions that are both accessible and scalable.”

Ajide underscored the importance of coordinated, system-wide approaches in tackling climate challenges, particularly through innovation and policy alignment.

“Climate change is fundamentally a structural problem, and its solution requires a paradigm shift: from innovation and policy to financing and implementation. Stakeholders must work collaboratively to drive solutions that are sustainable and inclusive.”

The session also explored emerging opportunities in climate technology, renewable energy, and ecosystem financing, reinforcing the role of innovation and cross-sector collaboration in building long-term resilience.

By hosting the webinar, Unity Bank continues to demonstrate its commitment to advancing sustainability-focused dialogue and supporting initiatives that promote responsible growth and environmental stewardship.

The initiative underscores the Bank’s broader strategic focus on environmental sustainability as well as its commitment to financial inclusion.

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