
The Edo State Migration Agency has successfully rescued and repatriated three indigenes from Burkina Faso who were victims of human trafficking. The Director-General of the agency, Lucky Agazuma, announced the rescue at Benin Airport, describing the day as both "happy and sad" due to the victims' experiences. The operation was initiated after Nigeria's Ambassador to Burkina Faso, Muhammad Danladi, alerted the Edo State Government about stranded indigenes. Governor Monday Okpebholo then ordered immediate intervention. One male victim, Evans, was imprisoned upon arrival in Burkina Faso after being deceived. Two young women, Precious and Peace, were trafficked under the pretense of job opportunities but were forced into prostitution. Their refusal to comply led to severe abuse, with one of the victims losing her sight due to the maltreatment. The state government is providing urgent medical attention for her. The agency is seeking public assistance to locate the family of the visually impaired victim, who reportedly lived in the Uselu area of Edo State. Agazuma also stated that one suspect in the trafficking network has been apprehended, and investigations are ongoing. The rescued individuals are currently receiving care.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Punch Nigeria.
Must ReadIbrahim Mohammed, 32, was among approximately 720 former jihadist fighters who recently completed a state government rehabilitation program in Maiduguri, Borno State. This initiative is part of non-military efforts to counter the insurgency that began with the Boko Haram uprising in 2009, which has displaced over 3 million people and killed tens of thousands. Mohammed decided to surrender after receiving a video message from his mother. Participants, including women and children, spent months at a camp learning vocational skills such as car repairs and tailoring. Since its inception in 2021, the program has trained at least 9,680 individuals, according to Sabi Abdullahi Ishaq, security adviser to the Borno state governor. Some former fighters, like Mustapha Kaka, 36, stated they were misled and that the violence had little to do with genuine religious preaching. Idris Abdulkadir, 44, a former fighter with ISWAP, expressed regret over his lost educational opportunities. While the program offers a chance for former fighters to rebuild their lives, some critics, like Adebayo, note potential flaws, such as the risk of granting blanket amnesty to individuals who committed atrocities.

The Shehu Gabam-led Social Democratic Party SDP paid tribute to the late Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola, winner of the annulled June 12, 1993 presidential election, on Democracy Day. In a statement issued by its factional National Publicity Secretary, Zakari Nadabo, the party called for credible elections and stronger democratic institutions in Nigeria. Nadabo highlighted June 12's significance to both Nigeria and the SDP, as Abiola won the 1993 election under the party's banner. He also honored pro-democracy activists, civil society groups, journalists, and ordinary Nigerians who contributed to restoring democratic governance. The SDP emphasized that Democracy Day should be a time for national reflection and recommitment to democratic values, urging Nigerians and political leaders to embrace principles like justice, inclusion, accountability, transparency, national unity, and respect for the will of the people, which inspired the June 12 struggle. The party reaffirmed its commitment to promoting democratic values, national development, social justice, and the welfare of all Nigerians, and encouraged active and peaceful participation in the democratic process, while urging leaders to prioritize national interest.

Yaya Tongo, the representative for Kwami/Funakaye/Gombe Federal Constituency of Gombe State in the House of Representatives, has passed away. Tongo, who was elected on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party in 2023 and later defected to the African Democratic Congress in March 2026, died on Friday, June 12, 2026. Former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Prof. Isa Pantami, announced the news on his verified X handle. Pantami stated that he had visited Tongo earlier that day at Nizamiye Hospital, Abuja, where the lawmaker was receiving treatment. He described Tongo's condition as critical during his visit and later received news of his passing at the same hospital. Pantami offered prayers for the deceased and his family, noting the spiritual significance of passing away on a Friday. As of the report's filing, the House of Representatives had not yet released an official statement regarding Tongo's death.