
A six-year investigation by the Observatory for Religious Freedom in Africa ORFA revealed that 79,323 people were killed and 34,773 civilians abducted in Nigeria due to terrorism-related violence between 2020 and 2025. The report, titled “Four Times Boko Haram? How the World Misreads Nigeria’s Violence,” was released in Jos, Plateau State. It indicates an average of seven attacks and 36 deaths per day, with over 42,000 of the fatalities being innocent civilians. The investigation challenges the perception that Boko Haram and ISWAP are the primary perpetrators, stating that these groups combined were responsible for 12% of civilian killings. In contrast, militias categorized as 'Fulani Terror Groups' killed 44% of all civilians, which is four times the number attributed to Boko Haram and ISWAP combined. ORFA emphasized the distinction between armed Fulani terror groups and the Fulani people as a whole. The report also highlighted a religious dimension, noting that 28,551 Christians and 13,224 Muslims were killed, with Christians facing higher rates of abduction, ransoms, and violence. Senior Research Analyst Mr. Frans Vierhout stated that the data points to violence linked to Fulani militias as the dominant force behind Nigeria’s death toll, suggesting that the Western focus on Boko Haram is misleading. The report calls for a broader understanding of the religious dimensions of the violence to find effective solutions.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Punch Nigeria.

Technology executives, academics, investors, and entrepreneurs at the Tech Derby Conference 2026, held during East Midlands Tech Week, called for enhanced artificial intelligence governance, increased investment in digital skills, and stronger collaboration between industry and academia. They emphasized that these measures are crucial for unlocking economic growth as AI reshapes businesses and the future of work. Tech Derby Chief Executive Akindayo Akindolani stated that the conference highlighted the value of uniting various stakeholders around a shared technology agenda, aiming to build a stronger technology ecosystem in Derby and the wider East Midlands. Akindolani also asserted that Derby possesses the talent and ambition to become a significant player in the UK’s digital economic development, advocating for AI and digital innovation beyond major cities. Tech Derby’s co-founder, Olawale Olatunji, noted that discussions reinforced the importance of AI, responsible innovation, and digital skills for business growth. Professor Stephan Reiff-Marganiec, Head of the School of Computing at the University of Derby, stressed the need for stronger partnerships to prepare the workforce for an AI-driven economy. The conference showcased practical AI applications, such as Ajibola Shokunbi of AudioInsight UK demonstrating AI in music education. A panel on AI governance addressed transparency, accountability, data governance, and human oversight, which were deemed essential for public t

Saudi Airlines has not responded to inquiries regarding a N6 million sanction imposed by the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority NCAA for alleged violations of consumer protection regulations. The NCAA announced the penalty on Friday, citing the airline's failure to resolve multiple outstanding consumer complaints despite repeated interventions and an extended grace period. The Authority had previously intervened in an incident at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, to prevent a breakdown of law and order. The NCAA initially opted for dialogue and granted the airline additional time to address consumer protection issues and comply with directives. However, the regulator stated that the airline's continued failure to meet its obligations led to the imposition of the sanction in accordance with Part 19 of the NCAA Regulations 2023. The NCAA emphasized that the sanction aims to ensure greater accountability and improved service delivery for passengers, not to hinder the airline's operations. The Authority reiterated its commitment to protecting passengers' rights, stating that travelers to and from Nigeria deserve quality service and respect. The NCAA also affirmed its continued support for Saudi Airlines and other operators to promote safe, efficient, and customer-friendly air transport services.
Must ReadThe Nigerian Railway Corporation has issued a Permanent Operating Licence to the Lagos State Government, through the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority, allowing it to operate rail services on a shared corridor. This marks a significant shift in Nigeria's rail transport sector, as the NRC had been the country's sole railway operator for 128 years since 1898. Dr. Kayode Opeifa, Managing Director of the NRC, described this as a pivotal moment, transitioning from a monopoly to a more collaborative and regulated railway system. He noted that the partnership between NRC and Lagos State Government dates back to April 2012, when former President Goodluck Jonathan approved the transfer of two federal rail tracks for the development of the Lagos Rail Mass Transit Red Line. The Red Line began passenger operations on October 15, 2024, following its inauguration by President Bola Tinubu. The permanent license follows a temporary one granted earlier and allows Lagos State to operate other rail systems in line with international standards. Mrs. Abimbola Akinajo, Managing Director of LAMATA, stated that this approval will enable more frequent train services and increased passenger capacity on the Red Line. LAMATA plans to expand daily Red Line services to 24 by the fourth quarter of 2026, with each new train set capable of carrying at least 2,000 passengers per trip. She also mentioned that LAMATA currently operates 94 daily trips on the Blue Line. Opeifa encouraged other state gov