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Abuja stampede: Wike orders free medical treatment for victims

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Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike has ordered government hospitals to provide free treatment to the people that sustained injuries during a stampede at the Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Maitama, Abuja.

Wike gave the directive in a statement signed by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and New Media, Mr Lere Olayinka, in Abuja on Saturday.

No fewer than 10 people including children lost their lives while 10 others sustained injuries to the stampede, during the distribution of food items to less privileged and the elderly by the church.

The sad incident occurred around 6:30 a.m on Saturday.

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Wike said that the FCT Administration would ensure that the injured received adequate medical attention.

The minister, who commiserated with the victims, also directed that henceforth, police permission should be obtained by individuals or organizations planning public distribution of palliatives, either food items or cash.

Describing the incident as “painful”, Wike prayed for the repose of the souls of the lives that were lost and fortitude for their families to bear the irreparable loss.

He commended the Police and other security agencies for their prompt intervention, saying, “the promptness in which security agencies responded to the incident was commendable.”

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In a related development, the FCT Emergency Management Department (FEMD), equally commiserated with the victims of the stampede.

The acting Director General of the department, Mr Abdulrahman Mohammed, in a statement said that nine out of the 10 injured persons earlier taken to Maitama District Hospital, have been treated and discharged.

Mohammed also appealed to organisations that intended to give out food items to the less privileged to involve security agencies or FEMD for adequate planning to ensure safety of beneficiaries.

He also advised the use of coupons and segregation of the beneficiaries into groups to avoid crowd and rowdiness that could lead to stampedes.

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Similarly, the Police Command in the FCT has ordered organisations, religious bodies, groups, or individuals to notify the police when planning public events, charitable activities, or large gatherings in the territory.

In a statement by the Police Public Relations Officer in the FCT, SP Josephine Adeh, said that the notification was to enable the police to deploy adequate security measures for public safety.

According to her, failure to comply with the directive will result in the organisers being held liable for any incident or loss of life resulting from negligence

Meanwhile, the Nigeria Police Force has issued a warning against the unorganised distribution of palliatives and funfairs, which have led to stampedes and fatalities among vulnerable citizens.

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The Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, gave the warning during a media briefing on Saturday in Abuja.

Adejobi explained that the warning came in response to the increasing number of stampedes resulting in injuries and deaths, particularly during palliative distributions.

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Gov Oborevwori’s top aide suddenly resigns from govt

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In a shocking political move, Harrison Gwamnishu, Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to the Delta State Governor on Civil Society and Youth Mobilization, has tendered his resignation, citing deep dissatisfaction with the government’s handling of escalating insecurity across communities in the state. Gwamnishu submitted his resignation letter on Friday, April 25, 2025, addressed to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, Executive Governor of Delta State. He emphasized that his decision followed “considerable reflection” and was driven by a “deep sense of disappointment” over the administration’s failure to act on security concerns he consistently raised.

In his letter, Gwamnishu detailed his efforts to draw the government’s attention to the worsening security situation, including numerous messages, calls, and submission of blueprint documents proposing actionable solutions.

However, he lamented that all attempts were “thrown out,” and meaningful solutions were “not being accepted” by the administration.

“As a civil rights leader, I accepted this appointment as a commitment to serve and protect our community,” Gwamnishu wrote. “However, the continuous escalation of insecurity and the persistent lack of action to provide effective resolutions have rendered me unable to fulfil my duties with the integrity and effectiveness that I believe are essential.” He further stated that his resignation is intended to serve as a wake-up call to the administration, urging it to prioritize the safety and security of Delta State citizens.

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Just in: Senator Natasha tenders satirical ‘apology’ to Akpabio

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In a move that has sent shockwaves through Nigeria’s political landscape, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (PDP, Kogi Central) has penned a biting, satirical letter of “apology” to Senate President Godswill Akpabio, laced with sarcasm and veiled criticism. The letter, which surfaced on social media on Sunday evening. The post read:

From the Desk of Senator Natasha Akpoti Uduaghan

Dear Distinguished Senate President Godswill Akpabio,

It is with the deepest sarcasm and utmost theatrical regret that I tender this apology for the grievous crime of possessing dignity and self-respect in your most exalted presence. I have reflected extensively on my unforgivable failure to recognize that legislative success in certain quarters is apparently not earned through merit, but through the ancient art of compliance — of the very personal kind.

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How remiss of me not to understand that my refusal to indulge your… “requests” was not merely a personal choice, but a constitutional violation of the unwritten laws of certain men’s entitlement. Truly, I must apologize for prioritizing competence over capitulation, vision over vanity, and the people’s mandate over private dinners behind closed doors.

I now realize the catastrophic consequences of my actions: legislation delayed, tempers flared, and the tragic bruising of egos so large they require their own postcodes. For this disruption to the natural order of “quid pro quo,” I bow my head in fictional shame.

Please find it in your magnanimous heart — somewhere buried deep beneath layers of entitlement — to forgive this stubborn woman who mistakenly believed that her seat in the Senate was earned through elections, not erections.

I remain,
Yours in eternal resistance,
Senator Natasha H Akpoti Uduaghan
Unafraid, Unbought, and Unbroken

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FG warns against growing threat of cyber-slavery in West Africa

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The Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Sunday raised the alarm over the growing threat of cyber-slavery in West Africa, which is increasingly targeting vulnerable young Nigerians.

In a statement signed by Mr. Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, spokesperson for the ministry, it was revealed that many young Nigerians, including underage teenagers, are being lured out of the country with false promises of lucrative job opportunities abroad, especially in crypto-related operations.

The warning comes after the recent rescue of about 231 Nigerians who were forced into cybercrime activities in Accra, Ghana.

The victims were rescued and are currently in the custody of the Economic and Organised Crimes Office (EOCO) in Accra.

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The government said, “In reality, these individuals are trafficked into sophisticated scam operations and enslaved to work in criminal “call centres” — often referred to as “419 cyber-scam factories.” There, they are forced under coercive and inhumane conditions to send thousands of fraudulent emails, text messages, and calls aimed at defrauding victims worldwide.

“This incident highlights the severe exploitation and abuse associated with cybercrime operations. It also underscores the need for enhanced efforts to combat such multibillion-dollar criminal networks and mitigate the susceptibility of victims.”

The Ministry therefore warned Nigerians, especially the youths and parents, to exercise utmost caution when presented with job offers, particularly those promising easy money, overseas travel, or remote work involving cryptocurrencies.

“Nigerians are therefore advised to verify all employment offers through official channels and report suspicious cases to relevant authorities for necessary investigation and action to curtail the activities of the perpetrators.

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“The Ministry wishes to assure the general public that, as a precautionary measure to address this unfortunate situation, the Federal Government is working closely with regional partners, law enforcement agencies, and international organizations to tackle this heinous crime, rescue victims, and bring perpetrators to justice.

“The Ministry remains committed to protecting Nigerian citizens at home and abroad and will continue to raise awareness about emerging threats to the welfare and dignity of our people,” Ebienfa further stated.

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