By Gloria Ikibah 

The Minority Caucus of the House of Representatives has strongly condemned the recent killings of about 16 Nigerians, mainly northerners, by an armed group in Edo State.

In a statement signed by Minority Leader, Rep. Kingsley Chinda, Minority Whip, Rep. Ali Isa JC, Deputy Minority Leader Rep. Aliyu Madaki, and other leaders of the caucus on Saturday, the caucus described the attack as “barbaric” and “reprehensible,” warning that if such violence is not curbed, it could threaten national peace and unity.

“We find such brutal killings of innocent Nigerians in any part of the country by lawless mobs very reprehensible, and if allowed to fester without being put in check by responsible organs of the federal government, such actions could threaten the peace and unity of the country,” the statement read.

The lawmakers urged Nigerians to avoid taking the law into their own hands and instead seek the intervention of law enforcement agencies when faced with security concerns.

The Minority Caucus called for swift action, and urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to direct security agencies to investigate the incident and ensure those responsible are brought to justice.

“We implore all Nigerians to never resort to such jungle attacks on their fellow citizens but to always implore the services of lawful authorities whenever they notice any issue of concern.

“In the face of this grave incident, which is already setting emotions on edge in parts of the country, we hereby call on the President and Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, to direct the security agencies to investigate this matter and bring all those involved in the killings to book in order to prevent its recurrence. And also adequate compensation should be paid to the affected families,” they demanded.

The caucus also appealed to Nigerians to remain calm and allow the government to handle the matter.

“We also call on all Nigerians to remain calm, peaceful, and law-abiding and allow the federal and state governments to get to the root of this matter in the interest of justice,” the caucus stated.

The lawmakers extended their condolences to the families of the victims, and assured Nigerians of their commitment to ensuring justice is served.

“We express our sincere sympathies and condolences to the families of the victims even as we assure them and all Nigerians that we, the Minority Caucus of the House of Representatives, will remain eternally vigilant until justice is done on this matter,” the statement continued.

By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

Suspected gunmen abducted a landlord and his daughter in the Ijede area of Ikorodu in Lagos.

In a statement on Sunday, Benjamin Hundeyin, the Lagos police spokesperson, said the kidnappers abducted the victims on Wednesday.

Hundeyin added that on Saturday, the command rescued the kidnapped victims unhurt and handed them over to their family members.

According to the police spokesperson, the command has launched a manhunt for the perpetrators.

“The police received information that some kidnappers invaded Ijede community and kidnapped two persons,” the statement reads.

“Upon receipt of the report, police operatives were mobilised to the scene where it was observed that the kidnappers forcefully gained entrance into the house of a 40-year-old man, killed the security dog and kidnapped him.

“The kidnappers equally forced their way into the nearby house and kidnapped the landlord’s 25-year-old daughter.

“With the collaborative efforts of both the police joint task force and other stakeholders, the kidnapped victims were rescued unhurt and handed over to their family members.

“The area is relatively calm and being closely monitored, and efforts are ongoing to apprehend the wanted suspects.”

By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

President Bola Tinubu has approved the extension of the tenure of the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Immigration Service, Kemi Nandap, until December 31, 2026.

Nandap, who joined the NIS on October 9, 1989, was appointed as Comptroller-General on March 1, 2024, with an initial tenure set to end on August 31, 2025.

A statement by the president’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, on Monday, said Tinubu commended Nandap for her leadership, noting improvements in border management, immigration modernisation, and national security under her watch.

“Under her leadership, the Nigeria Immigration Service has witnessed significant advancements in its core mandate, with notable improvements in border management, modernisation of immigration processes and national security measures.

“President Tinubu commended the Comptroller-General for her exemplary leadership and urged her to continue dedicating herself to the Service’s strategic priorities, which align with his administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda,” the statement read.

He also reaffirmed his commitment to supporting the NIS in safeguarding Nigeria’s borders and ensuring safe and legal migration.