
Ondo State Governor, Mr Lucky Aiyedatiwa, and the Olowo of Owo, Oba Ajibade Ogunoye, have praised the judiciary and security agencies following the conviction and death sentence of four individuals responsible for the June 5, 2022 terror attack on St. Francis Catholic Church in Owo. The attack resulted in the deaths of 41 worshippers and left many injured. Governor Aiyedatiwa, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Ebenezer Adeniyan, described the court verdict as a "victory for justice, the rule of law, and for all victims." He emphasized that the judgment sends a clear message that those who take innocent lives will face the full weight of the law. The Governor also thanked the people of Owo and the Catholic community for their steadfastness. Oba Ogunoye expressed delight, stating that justice had been served and that the conviction would bring relief to the people of Owo and Nigerians. He urged the government and security agencies to continue investigations to apprehend and prosecute anyone else involved in the massacre.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Punch Nigeria.

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has expressed concern over the abduction of the sister and twin nephews of former Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, stating it underscores Nigeria's deteriorating security situation. Atiku, the African Democratic Congress presidential candidate, called for the immediate release of the victims and urged security agencies to prioritize their rescue and the arrest of those responsible. He made these remarks in a statement issued by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, following reports that the abduction occurred in Ibadan, Oyo State, at the Challenge Bus Stop. Atiku described the incident as alarming, noting that kidnappers could operate in a prominent public space without fear. He argued that the incident should serve as a wake-up call for the Federal Government, emphasizing that insecurity now affects individuals regardless of social status or political affiliation. Atiku urged President Bola Tinubu's administration to adopt a comprehensive, intelligence-driven strategy to dismantle kidnapping syndicates, secure communities, and restore public confidence in the state's ability to protect lives and property.
Must ReadUnited States Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that the US will maintain active counterterrorism cooperation with the Nigerian government and its security forces. He made these remarks on Tuesday during a Senate Foreign Relations Committee hearing on the State Department’s Fiscal Year 2027 budget request. Rubio highlighted a recent joint operation that eliminated a top ISIS figure operating from within Nigeria. He also expressed US concern regarding alleged violence against Christians in Nigeria and affirmed continued support in addressing it. This cooperation follows deepened US-Nigeria security collaboration under the Trump administration, including joint strikes in May 2026 targeting the Islamic State West Africa Province ISWAP. President Donald Trump announced the elimination of Abu Bilal al-Minuki, described as ISIS’s global number-two leader, with the Nigerian military and National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu confirming Nigeria's provision of key intelligence. US airstrikes also targeted a terrorist enclave in Sokoto in December. This collaboration comes after Trump designated Nigeria a country of particular concern over alleged violence against Christians, an allegation the Nigerian federal government denied while urging cooperation.

The House of Representatives has called on the Federal Government and security agencies to address the ongoing violence between the Karinjo and Wurkun communities in the Karim Lamido Local Government Area of Taraba State. This appeal follows a recent clash on May 29, 2026, which resulted in at least five deaths, injuries, and significant destruction of property. Mohammed Audu sponsored a motion highlighting the deteriorating security and humanitarian situation, noting that over 100 residents have been displaced from areas like Salakan, leaving them without access to basic necessities. The conflict has severely impacted the predominantly agrarian communities, with farms, crops, and livestock destroyed, leading to a loss of livelihood for many. Villages such as Mutun Daya, Bambur Zailani, Didango, Andami, and Mayo-Gauri are now filled with refugees. The House expressed concern that these recurring disputes, often linked to land ownership and resource access, threaten peace and stability, especially in areas already facing banditry. Lawmakers warned that without decisive action, the humanitarian crisis could worsen. They urged security agencies to restore peace, and the Federal Government and humanitarian agencies to provide emergency relief and support to affected communities, emphasizing the need for dialogue, increased security presence, and peace-building initiatives to address the root causes of the clashes.

Nigeria's Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, stated that Nigeria is well-positioned to become a leader in the global talent economy. This assertion was made in a statement by Teju Abisoye, National Coordinator of the National Talent Export Programme NATEP, marking one year since the agency's relaunch. Oduwole highlighted NATEP's efforts to develop the country's workforce and expand international service market opportunities through policy reforms, institutional developments, and strategic partnerships. She noted that the global economy is increasingly driven by knowledge, skills, and talent, creating opportunities for nations investing in human capital. Oduwole believes Africa, as an integrated marketplace, can be a leading contributor to the world's talent economy, with NATEP laying the groundwork for Nigeria to lead this transition. NATEP is developing an innovative financing framework combining public investment with private capital and has made progress with the National Coordination Mechanism for Services Exports NCMSE, approved in November 2025. The NCMSE has aligned government agencies and stakeholders, strengthening collaboration among institutions like the National Information Technology Development Agency and the Outsource To Nigeria Initiative. NATEP also launched the Nigeria Talent Accelerator Network with the World Economic Forum. Teju Abisoye reiterated NATEP's focus on positioning Nigeria as a premier global talent hub, aiming for o