Author: Vincent Osuwo

No fewer than three persons died, while one other escaped with injuries, in a tanker explosion and a fire incident recorded in Kano State on Friday, according to the Kano State Fire Service. The incidents were confirmed by the agency in a statement issued on Saturday and signed by ACFO Saminu Yusif Abdullahi, the Public Relations Officer. The tanker explosion happened on Friday, around 1:30 p.m., when a petrol tanker carrying 30,000 gallons of fuel crashed and exploded at the Kura Market crossroads on Zaria Road. The tanker, registered NGZ 250 XA, apparently knocked down a bicycle before catching fire.…

Former President Goodluck Jonathan has stated that the recent military takeover in Guinea-Bissau is more distressing for him than his loss to former President Muhammadu Buhari in the 2015 presidential election. Jonathan, speaking in a video interview obtained by Chronicle NG, said the incident was especially alarming given his long-standing involvement in restoring democracy in the West African country. The former president had been to Guinea-Bissau as a member of the West African Elders Forum to observe the presidential and legislative elections. However, while observer missions from the African Union, the Economic Community of West African States, and other organizations…

Veteran Nollywood actor and cultural icon Lere Paimo has died at the age of 86. Piamo’s death was confirmed on Saturday by veteran entertainment journalist and Chairman of the Best of Nollywood Awards, Seun Oleketuyi, across his social media platforms. In a statement on Instagram, Oleketuyi wrote, “Chief Lere Paimo (MON) is dead. Baba died at age 86. “A strong man. Baba survived two strokes. “May Baba’s soul rest in peace.” However, his family had yet to confirm his death at the time of reporting this article. Paimo, also known as Eda Onileola, was one of the most significant characters…

A total of N56bn has been released as security votes to the governors of 14 northern states in the first nine months of 2025, findings reveal. The funds were released in response to the mounting killings, abductions, and other attacks on various Northern towns. On November 21, 315 children and 13 teachers were kidnapped from St. Mary’s Catholic School in Papiri, Niger State. The abduction occurred after terrorists seized 26 schoolgirls from the Government Girls Secondary School, Maga, in Danko-Wasagu Local Government Area, Kebbi State, on November 17. Bandits attacked the Palaita village, Erena Ward, Shiroro Local Government Area, Niger…

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has dismissed suggestions for negotiations with terrorists, arguing that Nigeria must take strong action and accept international support to combat the rising insecurity. Obasanjo, speaking at the Plateau State Unity Christmas Carol and Praise Festival in Jos, the state capital, on Friday, urged the Federal Government to cease apologizing and dealing with terrorists. His appointment comes amid an increase in killings, abductions, and other attacks on many Northern towns in recent weeks. On November 21, 315 kids and 13 instructors were taken from St. Mary’s Catholic School in Papiri, Niger State. The abduction occurred after terrorists…

The Court of Appeal in Abuja on Friday reserved judgment in the appeal and cross-appeal filed by Sen. Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan and Senate President Godswill Akpabio. Akpoti-Uduaghan is fighting a lower court judgment in her petition to halt the Senate’s probe into her alleged misbehavior. A three-member panel of appellate court justices withheld judgment after attorneys for the parties adopted their processes and argued their cases for and against the appeals. The Senate President had petitioned the Court of Appeal to dispute the Federal High Court decision that nullified the suspension of Kogi Central Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan. Akpabio’s legal team had disputed…

Former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo has urged the federal government to create a comprehensive national strategy to solve Nigeria’s rising Internally Displaced Persons crisis. Osinbajo, represented by his former Chief of Staff, Ade Ipaye, said at the 10th House of Justice Summit in Kaduna on Friday, themed “From Camp to Justice,” that over 3.4 million Nigerians, largely women and children, are currently displaced due to insurgency, communal violence, and natural disasters. He cautioned that overcrowded camps, starvation, and a lack of access to education might have long-term implications if immediate action is not taken. “The scale of displacement has become…

Russia announced on Friday that it was considering banning popular messaging service WhatsApp, accusing it of failing to prevent and repress crime, as Moscow encourages Russians to use state-backed digital platforms. Russia barred users from making calls on the platform in August as part of a larger assault on Western-owned social media, which critics say is intended to force Russians to use indigenous platforms. According to a statement issued by Russian communications agency Roskomnadzor, WhatsApp is being used to “organize and carry out terrorist acts in the country, to recruit perpetrators, and for fraud and other crimes against our citizens.”…

Former President Goodluck Jonathan has explained why he returned to Nigeria on an Ivorian aircraft during the recent political instability in Guinea-Bissau, stating that President Bola Tinubu had also planned to dispatch a jet before Côte d’Ivoire obtained an earlier landing permit. Jonathan, who was in the country as chairman of the West African Elders Forum Election Observation Mission, spoke with Symfoni in an interview broadcast on YouTube on Friday, his first public statement since gunfire erupted around major government buildings in Bissau, sparking speculation of a coup. He claimed he felt impelled to speak “to thank Nigerians for the…

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta believes second-placed Chelsea “fully deserve” to be regarded Premier League title challengers as he prepares his team for Sunday’s encounter at Stamford Bridge. After 12 games of the season, Arteta’s men are six points ahead of the Blues in second position. They are in a good mood after a 4-1 victory over archrivals Tottenham, followed by a 3-1 Champions League defeat of German powerhouse Bayern Munich. Chelsea’s tails are also up after three consecutive league victories, including a 3-0 success over Barcelona on Tuesday. Despite their excellent form, Enzo Maresca’s young Chelsea team is still regarded…