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Tax reform: Catholic Bishops send strongly worded message to Tinubu
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The Catholic Bishops of the Ibadan Ecclesiastical Province has called on the Federal Government to implement the ongoing tax reforms with equity, openness and empathy, cautioning that policies devoid of human consideration could further compound the suffering of millions of Nigerians.
The appeal was contained in a communiqué released after the bishops’ first provincial meeting for 2026, which took place at the Jubilee Conference Centre in Ibadan, Oyo State.
The document was jointly signed by the Chairman of the Ibadan Ecclesiastical Province, Most Rev. Gabriel Abegunrin, and the Secretary, Most Rev. John Oyejola.
Recall that the tax reforms were introduced by the administration of President Bola Tinubu and assented to on June 26, 2025.
They officially came into effect on January 1, 2026, and have continued to attract diverse reactions across the country.
In the communiqué, titled “Sustaining Hope and Strengthening Our Good Efforts,” the bishops acknowledged the government’s desire to overhaul Nigeria’s tax system but expressed concern that its implementation had sparked widespread unease and debate, especially among the poor and vulnerable.
“The reforms should be anchored on fairness, transparency and accountability, urging the government to apply them with compassion.
“The bishops also advised that vulnerable citizens should be given sufficient time to adapt to the new tax regime before strict enforcement measures are introduced.”
The clerics warned that economic policies pursued without sensitivity could widen inequality and heighten social unrest, noting that taxation should not become an added burden for Nigerians already grappling with inflation, unemployment, and rising costs of living.
The bishops encouraged Nigerians to remain hopeful while backing prayers with responsible citizenship, diligence and respect for justice and the rule of law.
“As shepherds of God’s people, we urge Nigerians to reject cynicism and despair. Prayer must be accompanied by good works. This is the only country we have,” the communiqué concluded.
Security operatives have repelled a suspected bandit attack on Gangaren Makurdi Village in Bakori Local Government Area of Katsina State.
The development was contained in a post shared on X by security analyst, Bakatsine on Friday.
According to the post, the suspected bandits entered the village on Thursday night, prompting residents to make a distress call to security authorities.
Troops of the 17 Brigade, working together with members of the Vigilante Group and the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), responded quickly to the emergency.
The swift deployment of the joint security team reportedly forced the attackers to flee before they could carry out any attack on the community.
“Last night, bandits entered Gangaren Makurdi village in Bakori LGA of Katsina State, prompting a distress alert to security authorities.
“Troops of 17 Brigade, in collaboration with Vigilante Group and CJTF operatives, responded swiftly. Their rapid deployment forced the bandits to flee before they could carry out an attack.
“Kudos to the troops, Vigilante Group and CJTF operatives for their swift response, professionalism and commitment to protecting lives and communities,” Bakatsine wrote.
The Vice President of Zambia, Mutale Nalumango, on Thursday, narrowly escaped unhurt after a Zambian Air Force helicopter carrying her crashed shortly after take-off in Nakonde District, Muchinga Province.
According to Zambian authorities, Nalumango was travelling with seven other people when the aircraft went down.
All eight occupants survived the incident without injuries.
An investigation has also been launched to determine what led to the accident, but authorities have confirmed that everyone aboard the aircraft is safe.
The vice-president had been in the northern district on official duties before the incident.
In other news, a Zambian court has sentenced Leonard Phiri and Mozambican Jasten Mabulesse Candunde to two years in prison for attempting to use witchcraft to kill President Hakainde Hichilema.News
The two men were arrested in December 2025 after being found with charms, including a live chameleon, which prosecutors said were intended for a deadly ritual.
Delivering judgment, Magistrate Fine Mayambu described the convicts as a danger to society.
“It is my considered view that the convicts were not only the enemy of the head of state but were also enemies of all Zambians,” he said.
The court heard that a fugitive former MP allegedly hired the men. Despite claiming to be traditional healers, they were convicted on two counts under the Witchcraft Act.
Magistrate Mayambu said the accused admitted owning the charms and even demonstrated how they intended to use them.
Troops of the Joint Task Force North East, Operation HADIN KAI, OPHK, have foiled coordinated infiltration attempts by suspected ISWAP terrorists targeting parts of Maiduguri and Buratai axis of Borno State, forcing the insurgents to retreat after intense engagements.
The Nigerian Army disclosed this in a statement posted via X on Friday.
It said that the attempted attacks took place between 12:20 a.m. and 2:30 a.m. on Friday, when the terrorists simultaneously advanced toward Muna Garage, Shuwari Village and the Ajilari Cross area in an apparent bid to gain access into the Maiduguri metropolis.
According to the army, its troops, supported by an effective early warning system, detected the movement of the insurgents and engaged them from multiple directions with heavy and accurate fire, disrupting the coordinated assault before the terrorists could penetrate the city.
It further stated that the terrorists, overwhelmed by the troops’ swift tactical response, abandoned their mission and fled in disarray.
In related operations, troops also repelled separate infiltration attempts by the insurgents at Miringa and Dutsen Kura in the Buratai area of Borno State.
During the pursuit of the fleeing terrorists at Miringa, a Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected, MRAP, vehicle activated an Improvised Explosive Device, IED.
However, no casualty was recorded among the troops, and the operational situation remained stable.
The military reaffirmed that Operation HADIN KAI would continue sustained offensive operations aimed at denying terrorist groups freedom of movement and safeguarding lives and property across the North-East.
It also urged residents to remain vigilant and continue providing credible and timely intelligence to security agencies to support ongoing counter-terrorism operations.
Security operatives foil bandit attack in Katsina, force suspected terrorists to flee
Vice President narrowly escapes Military helicopter crash
Joint troop foil multiple ISWAP infiltration attempts in Borno
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