🇳🇬NigeriaWest Africa
Ekiti fortifies borders against rising kidnappings and banditry, reassures residents of safety
via Punch Nigeria10 min read
Ekiti State is intensifying efforts to protect lives and property against increasing kidnappings and bandit attacks, particularly in border communities. Despite sharing borders with states experiencing heightened criminal activity, Ekiti has largely remained peaceful, though isolated incidents have prompted increased vigilance. A recent attack on a Christ Apostolic Church in Eda Oniyo, Ilejemeje Local Government Area, resulted in the death of the presiding pastor and the abduction of about 15 worshippers. The Ekiti State Commissioner of Police, Michael Falade, stated that rescue operations are ongoing, describing it as a sensitive security matter. An inter-agency bush-combing team, comprising personnel from the Nigerian Army, Nigeria Police Force, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Amotekun Corps, Department of State Services, and local vigilante groups, is working to flush out criminals from border areas. Governor Biodun Oyebanji approved the continuation of these operations to ensure the state remains safe. The Special Adviser to the Governor on Security Matters, retired Brigadier General Ebenezer Ogundana, expressed optimism for the safe rescue of the abducted worshippers, noting close collaboration with Kwara State security agencies. He emphasized that Ekiti remains one of the safest states in the region despite regional security concerns. The Commissioner for Information, Taiwo Olatunbosun, highlighted the governor's emergency approach to security, strengthening s
Free daily or weekly digest of the most important stories from across 18 African countries. No spam, unsubscribe any time.
This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Punch Nigeria.
Chelsea have reportedly rejected several approaches for defender Josh Acheampong, signaling the club's intent to retain the highly-rated academy graduate. The 20-year-old is considered a key part of Chelsea's future plans and has been given "untouchable" status, placing him among players like Cole Palmer, Joao Pedro, and Moises Caicedo in the club's long-term project. Despite limited first-team experience, with 17 Premier League appearances last season, Chelsea remains confident in his potential. Premier League clubs including Arsenal, Newcastle United, Crystal Palace, and Bournemouth are reportedly monitoring Acheampong. However, Chelsea is in a strong position as Acheampong is under contract until 2029, reducing any pressure to consider offers. Chelsea's refusal to entertain bids underscores their faith in his abilities and their belief that he will become an important first-team player.
The Embassy of the People's Republic of China in Nigeria has called on young people across Nigeria and Africa to actively participate in fostering cooperation and advancing the vision of a China-Africa community with a shared future. During the China-Nigeria Youth Exchange Seminar on China-Africa Community with a Shared Future in Abuja, Minister Zhou Hongyou of the Chinese Embassy emphasized the crucial role of youth engagement in sustaining relations between China, Nigeria, and the African continent. The seminar, a collaboration between the embassy and the Federal Ministry of Youth Development, aimed to facilitate dialogue and cooperation among young people from both nations. Hongyou quoted Chinese President Xi Jinping on the importance of youth cooperation in addressing global challenges and urged young Nigerians and Chinese citizens to deepen friendships through exchanges. He highlighted dialogue and inclusiveness as key responsibilities for young people and encouraged them to promote objective narratives about China-Africa cooperation. He noted that bilateral relations between Nigeria and China are expanding in areas such as trade, technology, education, culture, and sports, serving as a strong example of win-win cooperation among Global South countries. Despan Kwardem, Director of Education and Youth Development at the Federal Ministry of Youth Development, stated that Nigeria could benefit from deeper cooperation with China, especially in technology and innovation, and
Must ReadThe Department of State Services DSS has denied reports of arresting or detaining writer and academic Okey Ndibe at Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, on June 1, 2026. According to a statement by Deputy Director of Public Relations and Strategic Communications, Favour Dozie, the interaction was part of a routine process to review and remove individuals from its watchlist. The DSS explained that its current Director-General ordered a review of old watchlist actions, some dating back to the military era, to prevent citizens from being unnecessarily embarrassed by outdated security alerts. Individuals previously placed on watchlists are routinely invited for interaction as a prerequisite for a review and possible downgrade or final delisting. The agency stated that Ndibe had been on its watchlist since January 29, 2013, but his case has since been reviewed and downgraded. His interface at the airport was geared towards the final delisting of his details, and he was cleared after less than an hour. The DSS noted that Ndibe acknowledged the professional conduct of its operatives in a Facebook post. The Service also mentioned that several Nigerians, including journalists like Mr. Lanre Arogundade, Executive Director of the International Press Centre, have benefited from this ongoing review exercise. The DSS reiterated its commitment to fair treatment of citizens and encouraged individuals affected by watchlist actions to contact its headquarters for review.
Must ReadA.G. Sulzberger, the publisher of the New York Times, stated that artificial intelligence companies pose a growing threat to journalism by using publishers’ content without adequate compensation. Speaking at the 77th World News Media Congress in Marseille, France, Sulzberger highlighted that AI companies benefit from journalism while weakening news organizations. He noted that the increasing use of AI-powered chatbots and search tools reduces traffic to news websites, thereby undermining the revenue needed for original reporting. Sulzberger argued that AI firms use copyrighted content from news organizations to train their systems and generate user responses, often without permission. He expressed concern that this trend could lead to fewer journalists doing expensive, difficult original reporting. He emphasized that journalism is essential for democracy and public accountability, urging news organizations to defend their intellectual property rights and advocate for stronger legal protections. Sulzberger pointed out that while technology firms pay for engineers, data centers, and electricity, they often resist paying for the content used to train their systems, which they refer to as "data." He criticized their shifting explanations for this practice, including claims of innovation, taking only facts, and invoking "fair use" or national security. He also called on media organizations to responsibly embrace AI while maintaining editorial oversight and investing in original re