
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.
Giannis Antetokounmpo, the two-time NBA Most Valuable Player, arrived in Miami to join the NBA鈥檚 Heat, citing Lionel Messi as an inspiration. Antetokounmpo, who led the Milwaukee Bucks to the 2021 title, views Messi, alongside LeBron James, as a blueprint for sporting greatness. He emphasized the discipline and dedication required to follow such a path. Antetokounmpo watched Messi and Argentina secure their place in the World Cup final with a victory over England before heading to Miami for his introduction as the Heat鈥檚 newest star following his trade from the Bucks. He reflected on Messi's career trajectory, from Barcelona to Paris Saint-Germain and then to Major League Soccer鈥檚 Inter Miami in 2023, noting that Messi, at 39, is on the verge of a second consecutive World Cup crown. Antetokounmpo praised Messi as potentially one of the best athletes of all time, highlighting his numerous titles and MVP awards. He expressed inspiration from Messi's achievements, particularly observing how Messi's teammates rallied to support him during a game, underscoring the respect Messi has earned.
Must ReadUgandan prosecutors have withdrawn a case against two women, both in their 20s, who were arrested in February for kissing in public. The arrests followed a complaint from neighbors in Arua, who suspected "same-sex orgies." The case was dropped by the Director of Public Prosecutions, as confirmed by Irene Nakimbugwe, deputy spokesperson for the prosecutor's office. Human rights lawyer Frank Mugisha welcomed the decision, stating that kissing is not a crime and no one should be persecuted for their identity or love. He expressed hope that this decision would lead to a review of similar cases and the dropping of all unjust prosecutions under the Anti-Homosexuality Act, which he called for to be repealed. Uganda's 2023 Anti-Homosexuality Act imposes severe penalties, including life imprisonment for consensual same-sex relations and death for "aggravated homosexuality." Rights groups claim the law is used for blackmail and extortion against the LGBT community in Uganda. The law has drawn international condemnation and led to the World Bank suspending funding to the country, which resumed in mid-2025.
Must ReadNigerian states are reportedly defying a Supreme Court ruling by continuing to control local government allocations, with NULGE stating that direct payments from the Federal Government have not begun. This comes two years after the Supreme Court ordered direct payment of federal allocations to local government councils. In other news, Minister of Works David Umahi and the Ebonyi State Police Command are demanding an autopsy for 26-year-old nurse Mary Habila, whose body was found at the minister鈥檚 residence. This demand follows her father's request to withdraw the police investigation and his refusal to allow an autopsy, as he does not suspect foul play. Additionally, Chief of Staff to the President Femi Gbajabiamila has filed a N15bn defamation lawsuit against Prince Adeniyi Adeyemi over allegations of demanding a 48% kickback from a N27.3bn grant, claims Gbajabiamila denies. The Independent National Electoral Commission is also planning a comprehensive audit of its electoral technology systems and a mock presidential election in preparation for the 2027 general election. Internationally, US President Donald Trump's administration has finalized a rule limiting most foreign students and exchange visitors on F-1 and J-1 visas to a maximum four-year stay, a measure aimed at strengthening immigration enforcement and preventing visa overstays.