Author: Opalim Lifted

Gunmen kidnapped the Chairman of the Akwanga Local Government Area of Nasarawa State, Safiyanu Andaha. The victim was whisked away on Monday night at Ningo village along Andaha-Akwanga Road, alongside a native of the area, police authorities said. Ramhan Nansel, Police Public Relations Officer, disclosed that security personnel comprising the police and other agencies have swiftly begun the trail of the abductors to ensure the release of the victims. Gunmen have been operating in the north-central and north-western parts of the country, despite the presence of security operatives. Monday’s incident comes a few weeks after gunmen ambushed a convoy in…

Taraba state governor, Agbu Kefas, has granted clemency and pardoned thirty-one inmates in correctional centres across the state during his New Year broadcast. The thirty-one inmates regained their freedom on New Year’s Day in Taraba State as they were reintegrated into society to begin a new life. According to the governor, the decision reflects his administration’s commitment to justice, compassion, and belief in the transformative power of rehabilitation. Governor Kefas maintained that his dedication to the peace, unity, and development of Taraba State is unwavering, as he assured the people of addressing and overcoming security challenges in the state head-on.…

The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, says automation of the passport application process will begin on January 8, 2024, and Nigerians will be able to apply and complete their passport application process online without human contact. “We are good to go live,” Tunji-Ojo said Monday in Abuja during an inspection of facilities of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) alongside the Comptroller General (CG) of the Service, Wura-Ola Adepoju. “We are starting the training, and on January 8, the solution will be live and direct for Nigerians to have a good feel and a sweet experience based on the renewed hope…

Edo state governor, Godwin Obaseki, condemned the cult-related killings during his New Year broadcast. Recall that between December 24 and 27, 2023, about 16 persons including a journalist, were killed in renewed cult clashes in the state. He said security agencies have commenced an investigation of the criminal activities of cult groups with a view to bringing perpetrators to justice. “For most of 2023, Edo State remained relatively safe. However, in the last few days, we have witnessed cult-related massacre. The government of Edo State will not tolerate any act that can breach the security that the state currently enjoys.…

The Commissioner of Police in Ogun State, Abiodun Alamutu, has described ritual killings as the most disturbing trend of criminal activity in the state. He said it is more worrying because ritual killings by nature “are never done in the open except through credible intelligence before the act is committed.” Alamutu disclosed this to Abeokuta in his New Year message with crime reporters. To address this, he said the command would embark on advocacy against the menace in the new year. Alamutu noted that the state remains the safest in the country, but the command is confronted with peculiar challenges,…

Mohamed Salah scored twice as Liverpool eventually broke down resilient Newcastle United to open up a three-point lead at the top of the Premier League. In a relentless and frantic game, fuelled by wicked rain and wind on Merseyside, Liverpool took swing after swing at Newcastle in the first half but were in danger of being held to a third consecutive Anfield draw. But Salah, who will now depart to join Egypt at the Africa Cup of Nations and who had a first-half penalty saved, tapped home a cross for his side’s first, then converted a second spot-kick in the…

Ahead of the November 16 governorship election in Ondo State, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, says the contest should not be an avenue to settle political scores. The governor stated this on Monday in his new year statewide broadcast to the people of the state, saying the warning became imperative because political activities will gain prominence this year. He cautioned political players to eschew violent conduct that could threaten the peace and tranquilly of Ondo ahead of the governorship election. “As we are all aware, this is also the year for our governorship election. Expectedly, political activities will gain prominence as we…

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has charged the Bola Tinubu-led administration to show a clear direction in its policy projections and desist from the subsisting behaviour of groping in the dark in 2024. He lamented the current intensity of the trying times many families and businesses are going through, adding that a completely different pathway could have been taken had the government been smarter with its policy prescriptions. Atiku, in his 2024 New Year Message, said time and season were created to take stock of realities and effect necessary amends. While he expressed gratitude to God and welcomed Nigerians to…

Plateau State Governor, Barr. Caleb Mutfwang, has declared a week of mourning from January 1st to January 8th, 2024, in honour of those who lost their lives in the Christmas Eve attacks across Bokkos, Mangu, and Barkin-Ladi Local Government Areas. In a statewide broadcast, Governor Mutfwang directed that flags should be flown at half-mast and urged citizens to engage in intense prayers for divine intervention against those perpetrating violence in the state. He described the attacks as premeditated and coordinated acts of criminality, insurgency, and terrorism, emphasising the need to address them as such and debunking the notion in some…

Japan has issued tsunami alerts after a series of strong earthquakes have shaken western areas. The Japan Meterological Agency reported a quake on Monday hitting Ishikawa and nearby prefectures, one of which measured a preliminary magnitude of 7.6. It issued a major tsunami warning for Ishikawa and lower-level tsunami warnings or advisories for the rest of the northwestern coast of the island of Honshu, . “All residents must evacuate immediately to higher ground,” public broadcaster NHK said after the quake hit the Noto region in Ishikawa prefecture around 4:10 p.m. local time (07:10 GMT). Waves more than one metre high…