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  • Outrage as Eight Killed in Renewed Plateau Bloodshed

    Residents of Plateau State have expressed outrage following the killing of eight members of the same family in a fresh attack in Bokkos Local Government Area.

    The incident, which occurred in the early hours of Sunday, has heightened fears of renewed violence in the area, with locals calling for urgent government intervention to halt the recurring bloodshed.

    Eyewitness accounts indicated that suspected armed assailants stormed a rural settlement in Bokkos under the cover of darkness, targeting the victims’ residence and killing all eight occupants before fleeing.

    A community leader, who spoke on condition of anonymity, described the attack as “barbaric and deeply disturbing,” noting that the victims included women and children.

    “This is a painful loss. An entire family has been wiped out. People are angry and scared because these attacks seem to be happening repeatedly,” the source said.

    Security operatives were reportedly deployed to the area shortly after the incident, while efforts were ongoing to restore calm and prevent reprisals.

    The Plateau State Police Command has yet to officially confirm the casualty figures, but a security source told NAN that investigations had commenced to apprehend those responsible.

    Meanwhile, residents have urged the Federal Government of Nigeria and security agencies to intensify surveillance and provide adequate protection for vulnerable communities.

    Bokkos and other parts of Plateau have witnessed recurring violent attacks in recent times, often attributed to complex communal tensions and disputes over land use.

    Humanitarian concerns are also growing, as some residents are reportedly considering relocation amid fears of further attacks.

    Authorities have called for calm and assured that measures are being implemented to address the security challenges and ensure lasting peace in the region.

  • Outrage Trails Borno Attack as Group Demands Stronger Response to Killing of General, Soldiers

    A civil society group has condemned the killing of a senior military officer and other soldiers in Borno State, calling for urgent and decisive measures to curb rising attacks on security formations in Nigeria’s North-East.

    The group, Prayer and Support for the Nigerian Armed Forces and Other Security Agencies (PSNAFSA), described the incident as a “heinous and cowardly act,” stressing that the continued targeting of military personnel underscores the evolving threat posed by insurgents.

    The attack, which occurred on April 8 at a military base in Damboa, claimed the life of Brigadier General Oseni Omoh Braimah alongside other troops engaged in counter-insurgency operations.

    Call for Urgent Action

    In a statement signed by its Convener, Mary Abayomi-Fatile, the group urged authorities to intensify efforts against terrorist networks and their sponsors, warning that persistent attacks on military bases could weaken national security architecture.

    The organisation emphasised that beyond condemnation, there must be concrete actions to prevent recurrence, including improved intelligence gathering, better protection for frontline troops and sustained military support.

    “We salute the courage and sacrifice of these fallen heroes,” the group said, noting that their deaths represent a significant loss to the nation.

    Rising Concern Over Military Targets

    Security analysts note that the incident reflects a troubling pattern of insurgent offensives targeting military installations in Borno State, long considered the epicentre of the Boko Haram and ISWAP insurgency.

    Recent reports indicate that such attacks often involve coordinated assaults on bases, destruction of equipment and attempts to overrun positions, highlighting the resilience of armed groups despite ongoing military operations.

    The killing of a high-ranking officer has further heightened concerns about the intensity of the conflict and the need for renewed strategic response.

    National Loss, Collective Grief

    PSNAFSA expressed solidarity with the bereaved families, describing the slain personnel as patriots who paid the supreme price in defence of the country.

    The group also called on Nigerians to support the armed forces and remain vigilant, stressing that national unity is critical in confronting insecurity.

    Outlook

    Observers say the condemnation reflects growing public demand for accountability and a more robust counter-insurgency approach.

    As attacks persist in the North-East, stakeholders warn that safeguarding military personnel and strengthening operational capacity will be crucial to reversing the tide of insurgency.

  • UN Funding Lifeline Targets Aid Access Crisis as Air Services Resume in Nigeria

    The United Nations has approved a 48 million dollar intervention to sustain humanitarian air services in Nigeria and several crisis-affected countries, a move aimed at restoring access to vulnerable populations cut off by insecurity and logistical challenges.

    The funding, drawn from the UN’s Central Emergency Response Fund, will support the continued operation of the UN Humanitarian Air Service (UNHAS), a critical transport system that enables aid workers and essential supplies to reach remote and conflict-affected areas.

    In Nigeria, particularly the North-East region grappling with insurgency, poor road networks and security threats have made air transport the safest and often the only viable option for humanitarian operations.

    A UN spokesperson, Stéphane Dujarric, described the service as a “lifeline,” stressing that it ensures the movement of humanitarian personnel and cargo necessary for life-saving interventions.

    Access Constraints Threaten Aid Delivery

    The latest intervention follows months of disruption to air operations caused by funding shortages, which led to the suspension of fixed-wing flights in 2025. The suspension significantly hampered humanitarian outreach, limiting the ability of agencies to deliver food, healthcare and emergency assistance.

    Humanitarian actors warn that without reliable air services, millions of people in hard-to-reach communities risk being excluded from critical support, especially in regions where armed conflict and displacement persist.

    The World Food Programme, which manages UNHAS, had earlier cautioned that funding gaps could severely impact operations in Nigeria, where over a million people depend on sustained humanitarian assistance.

    Regional and Global Reach

    Beyond Nigeria, the funding will also support UNHAS operations in other countries facing complex emergencies, including Chad, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Haiti, Kenya, South Sudan, Sudan and Syria.

    The intervention underscores the increasing reliance on coordinated global responses to sustain humanitarian logistics in volatile regions.

    Sustainability Concerns Remain

    While the funding injection is expected to stabilise operations in the short term, experts note that humanitarian air services remain vulnerable to fluctuating donor support.

    The UN has continued to appeal for sustained contributions to ensure uninterrupted access to affected populations, warning that any further disruptions could deepen humanitarian crises.

    Outlook

    Stakeholders say the restoration of air services in Nigeria will significantly improve the reach and efficiency of aid delivery. However, they emphasise the need for long-term investment in humanitarian logistics to match the growing scale of needs.

    For many isolated communities, the continuation of UNHAS operations remains a crucial bridge between vulnerability and survival.

  • Qatar Airways Opens Applications for 2026 Summer Internship Programme

    Qatar Airways has announced the commencement of applications for its 2026 Summer Internship Programme, offering students an opportunity to gain practical experience in the aviation industry.

    The three-month internship, which is fully paid, will be hosted in Qatar and is targeted at Qatari nationals as part of the airline’s nationalisation and talent development initiative.

    According to information obtained from the airline’s official portal, the programme is designed to provide hands-on training across various departments, including operations, customer service, engineering and corporate functions.

    Eligible applicants must be Qatari nationals or individuals with Qatari parentage and must be enrolled in, or have graduated from, a recognised academic institution in Qatar where English is the language of instruction.

    Undergraduate candidates are also required to have completed at least 60 credit hours with a minimum Grade Point Average (GPA) of 3.0, while demonstrating proficiency in English with an IELTS score of at least 5.5.

    The airline noted that applicants must successfully pass a selection interview and meet all programme requirements before final admission.

    Industry analysts say the internship forms part of Qatar Airways’ broader strategy to build local capacity and equip young professionals with industry-relevant skills in a competitive global aviation market.

    Participants in the programme are expected to benefit from mentorship by experienced professionals, exposure to real-world projects and networking opportunities within the aviation sector.

    The internship also offers a monthly stipend, with estimates indicating that interns may earn between QAR 2,000 and QAR 5,000 depending on their role and department.

    The application deadline for the 2026 Summer Internship Programme is July 30, 2026.

    Interested candidates can apply online through the airline’s official careers portal:

    Apply via Qatar Airways Careers Portal⁠

    Experts advise prospective applicants to prepare relevant academic documents, a detailed curriculum vitae and a strong cover letter to improve their chances of selection.

    Qatar Airways, founded in 1993, operates one of the world’s largest global airline networks, serving over 160 destinations across six continents and employing thousands of professionals worldwide.

  • Port Reform: NCS, PEBEC Move to Enforce Timelines, Cut Cargo Delays

    The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC) have shifted focus to strict enforcement of service timelines and reduction of cargo clearance delays as part of a renewed drive to improve efficiency at the nation’s seaports.

    The renewed push formed the crux of discussions at a three-day operational workshop held in Apapa, Lagos, where stakeholders emphasised the need to eliminate procedural bottlenecks that have long hindered trade facilitation.

    The Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, said the Service was committed to ensuring that cargo clearance processes become faster, predictable and transparent through measurable performance benchmarks.

    Adeniyi noted that beyond policy formulation, the Service was prioritising implementation discipline, stressing that all port commands would be required to comply with standardised clearance timelines.

    “We are moving from commitments to measurable actions. Our goal is to ensure that delays are minimised and that port users can rely on a more predictable system,” he said.

    He explained that the reform agenda includes coordinated joint inspections involving relevant government agencies, a move aimed at reducing multiple checks that often lead to delays and increased costs for importers.

    The Customs boss further disclosed that the adoption of risk-based cargo profiling would enable faster processing of low-risk consignments, while high-risk shipments would be subjected to stricter scrutiny.

    In her remarks, the Director-General of PEBEC, Zahrah Mustapha-Audu, stressed that inefficiencies at the ports have direct implications for the cost of goods and overall economic productivity.

    She said the Council would intensify monitoring mechanisms to ensure compliance with agreed service timelines across agencies operating at the ports.

    According to her, “delays in cargo clearance not only affect businesses but also undermine Nigeria’s competitiveness in global trade.”

    Stakeholders at the workshop also identified poor coordination among agencies and over-reliance on physical inspections as key factors contributing to congestion at the ports.

    To address these challenges, the reform framework promotes the deployment of non-intrusive inspection technologies and digital platforms to streamline processes and reduce human interference.

    Also speaking, the Deputy Comptroller-General in charge of Tariff and Trade, Caroline Niagwan, said the success of the initiative would depend on sustained collaboration among all port stakeholders.

    She added that the Service would align its operations with international best practices to enhance trade facilitation and revenue generation.

    The initiative is part of ongoing efforts by the Federal Government to strengthen the ease of doing business and reposition Nigeria’s ports as efficient gateways for trade and investment.

  • Nigeria Expands Crude Portfolio as NNPC Exports 950,000 Barrels to Europe

    The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.) has expanded Nigeria’s crude oil portfolio with the export of 950,000 barrels of a newly introduced crude grade to the European market, marking a significant milestone in the country’s oil sector.

    The state-owned oil company disclosed that the cargo, which was shipped to the Netherlands, represents the first international lifting of the new crude blend, designed to meet evolving global energy demands and specifications.

    According to NNPC Ltd., the development is part of ongoing efforts to diversify Nigeria’s crude offerings, improve market competitiveness, and optimise revenue generation from the nation’s hydrocarbon resources.

    A senior official of the company noted that the new crude grade was carefully formulated to appeal to European refiners, particularly in response to shifting supply dynamics and demand patterns in the region.

    “The successful export of this new crude stream underscores Nigeria’s capacity to innovate within the oil sector and adapt to global market realities,” the official said.

    Industry analysts say the move is expected to strengthen Nigeria’s position in the international crude market, especially as European countries continue to seek alternative energy sources amid changing geopolitical and supply considerations.

    They added that expanding the crude slate would not only attract a broader range of buyers but also enhance pricing flexibility and long-term trade relationships.

    The export also aligns with Nigeria’s broader strategy to boost crude production and maximise value across the oil and gas value chain, while ensuring sustainability and efficiency in operations.

    NNPC Ltd. reaffirmed its commitment to exploring new opportunities in the global energy market and leveraging innovation to sustain growth in the sector.

    Nigeria, Africa’s largest oil producer, has in recent years pursued reforms aimed at increasing transparency, efficiency, and investment in the petroleum industry.

  • NUJ Condemns Wike’s Statement, Calls for Immediate Apology

    The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has condemned a statement credited to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, describing it as inappropriate and capable of undermining press freedom.

    In a statement issued on Monday in Abuja, the NUJ National President, Alhassan Yahya, said the union found the remark directed at a television anchor deeply troubling and unacceptable.

    Yahya noted that such comments from a public office holder could intimidate journalists and create a hostile environment for media practitioners carrying out their constitutional duties.

    “The statement is condemnable and does not reflect the responsibility expected of public officials in a democratic society,” he said.

    The union called on Wike to tender an immediate and unreserved apology, stressing that failure to do so could erode public trust and embolden attacks against journalists.

    According to the NUJ, it had initially withheld its reaction in anticipation of a retraction or clarification but was compelled to speak due to the absence of any official response.

    The body also urged the Federal Government to take appropriate steps to reaffirm its commitment to press freedom and the protection of journalists across the country.

    Meanwhile, an aide to the minister, Lere Olayinka, has downplayed the controversy, describing the statement as exaggerated and taken out of context.

    Olayinka maintained that the minister had no intention of threatening the journalist, adding that the remark was made in the heat of the moment.

    However, the development has continued to draw reactions from stakeholders, who emphasised the need for caution in public communication, especially by government officials.

    They reiterated that safeguarding the independence of the media remains essential to sustaining democratic governance in Nigeria.

  • Gunmen Invade Kaduna Churches, Kill Seven, Abduct Several on Easter Sunday

    Suspected gunmen on Sunday attacked worshippers in parts of Kaduna State during Easter celebrations, killing seven persons and abducting several others in a coordinated assault on two churches.

    The incident occurred in Ariko community, Kachia Local Government Area, where the attackers reportedly stormed the premises of two churches during service and opened fire on congregants.

    Eyewitnesses said the assailants, who arrived in large numbers, operated for an extended period, taking advantage of the remote nature of the area and poor telecommunications network.

    A local official, Mr Mark Bawa, confirmed the attack, stating that seven deaths had been recorded, while an unspecified number of worshippers were abducted and taken to unknown destinations.

    “The situation is still being assessed as security agencies and local authorities move into the area to ascertain the full extent of casualties and damage,” he said.

    Residents of the community were said to have fled into nearby bushes during the attack, as panic and confusion engulfed the area.

    Security operatives are yet to issue an official statement as of the time of filing this report, but efforts are reportedly underway to rescue the abducted victims and track down the perpetrators.

    The latest attack highlights ongoing security challenges in parts of northern Nigeria, where armed groups have continued to target vulnerable communities, including places of worship.

    Analysts say the timing of the incident, coinciding with Easter celebrations, raises fresh concerns about the safety of religious gatherings and the need for improved security deployment, especially during major national and religious events.

    They warn that recurring attacks on soft targets could further exacerbate humanitarian concerns and deepen insecurity in affected regions.

  • Concerns Mount Over Cost, Transparency as Atiku Engages U.S. Lobbying Firm

    The reported engagement of a United States-based lobbying firm by former Vice-President, Atiku Abubakar, at a cost estimated at N1.65 billion has sparked debate among political observers over transparency, priorities, and the growing influence of foreign consultants in Nigeria’s political space.

    The contract, said to be worth about 1.5 million dollars, is reportedly aimed at strengthening Atiku’s international reputation and countering perceived lobbying efforts associated with President Bola Tinubu.

    However, analysts say the development raises critical questions about the increasing recourse to foreign lobbying firms by Nigerian political actors, particularly in the context of domestic economic challenges.

    A public affairs analyst in Abuja noted that while such engagements are not illegal, the scale of expenditure involved calls for greater scrutiny and public accountability.

    “In a period when many Nigerians are facing economic hardship, spending such an amount on foreign image management could trigger public concern about priorities and transparency,” the analyst said.

    He added that the reliance on offshore firms for reputation management may also reflect broader issues around domestic institutional trust and communication strategies.

    Some stakeholders argue that political figures should prioritise strengthening local engagement and public trust rather than focusing heavily on international perception campaigns.

    Others, however, contend that in an increasingly globalised political environment, international lobbying and strategic communication have become essential tools for influencing foreign policy positions, investment decisions, and diplomatic relations.

    According to sources familiar with the arrangement, the contract includes strategic communication, policy advisory services, and engagement with U.S. policymakers and institutions.

    Efforts to obtain official confirmation from Atiku’s media office were unsuccessful at the time of filing this report. There was also no immediate response from the Presidency regarding the reported development.

    The development comes amid continued political rivalry between Atiku and Tinubu following the 2023 general elections, with both camps reportedly seeking to consolidate influence across multiple fronts.

    Observers note that while the use of foreign lobbying firms is not new among political elites, its increasing prominence underscores a shift toward more sophisticated and globally oriented political strategies.

    They emphasise that as the trend grows, issues of cost, accountability, and national image are likely to remain central in public discourse.

  • Potato Skincare Trend Surges: Natural Remedy for Brightening and Acne Control

    A surprising trend in natural skincare is capturing the attention of beauty enthusiasts and dermatologists alike: the use of potatoes as a key ingredient for skin brightening and acne management.

    Traditionally seen as a kitchen staple, the humble potato is now being recognized for its potential benefits in daily skincare routines.

    The Science Behind Potato for Skin Health

    Experts say potatoes are rich in vitamins C and B6, potassium, and antioxidants that contribute to skin health. The naturally occurring enzymes and starch in potatoes are believed to help:

    • Brighten Skin: Vitamin C in potatoes may help reduce hyperpigmentation and promote a more even skin tone.

    • Reduce Acne and Inflammation: Anti-inflammatory properties of potato extracts can calm irritated skin and reduce redness.

    • Moisturize and Soothe: Starch and water content in potatoes may help in retaining moisture, leaving skin softer and supple.

    How to Incorporate Potatoes in Skincare

    Potatoes can be used in various forms:

    • Potato Juice: Grated potato juice can be applied directly to the face for brightening.

    • Potato Slices: Raw slices can be gently rubbed on dark spots or puffy eyes.

    • Potato Masks: Combining mashed potato with honey, yogurt, or coconut oil creates hydrating and soothing facial masks.

    Routine Tips:

    • Apply potato-based treatments 2–3 times a week.

    • Always patch-test first to avoid irritation.

    • Pair with sunscreen to maximize brightening benefits.

    Expert Caution

    While potatoes show promise, dermatologists advise moderation. Overuse or improper preparation can lead to irritation. People with sensitive skin are urged to combine potato treatments with other gentle skincare routines.

    Looking Ahead

    As natural skincare trends continue to gain momentum, ingredients like potatoes may bridge the gap between affordability and efficacy, offering consumers a sustainable option for healthy, radiant skin.

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