
Senator Sunday Marshall Katung, representing Kaduna South Senatorial District, welcomed 317 defectors from the Peoples Democratic Party PDP into the All Progressives Congress APC in Kagarko Local Government Area of Kaduna State. The defectors, from Jere North, Jere South, and Iddah wards, were received at a ceremony in Jere. AbdulRahman Jere, a former PDP Chairman in Kagarko Local Government, led the delegation and stated their decision was influenced by the governance performance at federal and state levels. He cited the commitment of President Bola Tinubu and Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani to infrastructure development, inclusion, and peace, particularly projects in Southern Kaduna. Senator Katung described the defections as evidence of political alignment with "governance that works," urging new members to strengthen grassroots mobilization for the APC and integrate into party structures. He emphasized the importance of door-to-door engagement for future elections and stated that the defections reflect voters' preference for performance-driven leadership, assuring residents of continued development projects.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Punch Nigeria.
Must ReadThe Nigerian Senate plans to expedite action on establishing state police to address increasing insecurity, banditry, and abductions. Yemi Adaramodu, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs, confirmed the Red Chamber's commitment to amending the Constitution for this purpose. This initiative aims to strengthen the country's security architecture and support President Bola Tinubu in tackling security challenges. The move follows growing concerns over worsening insecurity and renewed calls for decentralized policing, particularly after the recent abduction of pupils and teachers in Oyo State. Proponents argue that state police would enhance intelligence gathering, community-based security, and response times, complementing federal agencies. The proposal requires constitutional amendments approved by the National Assembly and at least two-thirds of state Houses of Assembly.
Must ReadJennifer Atsar, a 35-year-old mother from Kanshio, Makurdi, is seeking justice for her 16-year-old son, Sesugh, who was allegedly killed by operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission EFCC on May 23, 2026. Ms. Atsar, who sells garri, stated that Sesugh was her eldest of five children and was learning furniture-making while also attending school. She recounted that her son had been arrested by EFCC operatives two days before his death but was released, with his phone withheld and a demand for N100,000 for its return. On the day of the incident, Sesugh and a friend went to a hotel where EFCC men were staying. Ms. Atsar was told that upon arrival, an EFCC officer drew a gun, and Sesugh was shot at close range while attempting to flee. She claims her son was shouting the name of the officer who shot him. The EFCC allegedly accused Sesugh of fraud, disguising himself as a lady on Facebook, selling drugs, and being a cultist, claims his mother denies, stating he was an easygoing person. Ms. Atsar has not seen her son's corpse, which she says is still held by the EFCC. She appeals to the government for justice and for the officer responsible to face consequences.
Must ReadThe Oyo State Police Command has dismissed as false a report alleging that one of the schoolchildren abducted from Ahoro-Esiele, Oriire Local Government Area, died while in captivity. In a statement issued by the Command’s spokesperson, Ayanlade Olayinka, the police described the report as “malicious, misleading and entirely unfounded,” designed to incite panic and undermine rescue operations. The Command clarified that neither it nor any other security agency involved in the rescue efforts has confirmed the death of any abducted pupil. The police expressed concern over the circulation of such reports, noting that they employ emotional narratives and unverified accounts to manipulate public opinion. They warned that spreading unverified security-related information could jeopardize ongoing operations, distress victims' families, and embolden criminals. The Command cautioned bloggers, social media influencers, and online publishers against circulating unverified reports, urging them to adhere to professional standards and verify sensitive information. The police appealed to the public to rely only on official communications from the Nigeria Police Force and other authorized security agencies for credible updates, reaffirming their commitment to the safe rescue of the abducted schoolchildren.
Must ReadThe Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps NSCDC has uncovered an illegal detention camp in Badagry, Lagos State, rescuing 24 victims, including a toddler. Four suspected members of a cross-border criminal syndicate, identified as nationals of Togo, Benin Republic, and Ghana, were arrested during the operation. Lagos State Commandant Adedotun Keshinro stated that the raid followed credible intelligence and community engagement. The rescued victims, comprising 18 males and six females, are nationals of Togo, Benin Republic, and Nigeria, and are believed to have been lured into the camp through inducements and deceptive means. Preliminary investigations revealed that some victims had been missing for extended periods, ranging from three months to three years. Keshinro alleged that the suspects operated a scheme to extort money from victims' relatives by forcing victims to fabricate stories about being kidnapped or involved in accidents. The perpetrators also compelled some victims to engage in fraudulent activities, trade in hard drugs, and lure others into the camp. The commandant appealed to the public to come forward and identify any of the rescued victims who may be their missing relatives. He added that the suspects would be prosecuted after investigations are concluded. This operation follows a similar bust in April by the Lagos NSCDC command, where a baby factory was uncovered in Okuju, Ilado, Badagry, leading to the rescue of 18 pregnant women and 10 children.