According to Nivo News, the Nigerian Senate expressed deep concern on Tuesday over the killing of an army general, a vice principal, and the abduction of 25 schoolgirls in Kebbi South by armed attackers. The outrage followed a motion by former Senate Leader Yahaya Abdullahi, who called the chamber’s attention to the violent incident.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The Senate observed a minute of silence in honor of the victims and urged security agencies to intensify efforts to rescue the abducted students. Lawmakers also resolved to set up an ad hoc committee to investigate the Federal Government’s Safe School Initiative amid repeated attacks on educational institutions. Plenary was subsequently adjourned until November 25 to allow senators to participate in ongoing security summits across the six geopolitical zones.

Abdullahi condemned the attack on Government Girls’ Comprehensive Secondary School, Maga, in Danko/Wasagu Local Government Area of Kebbi State, as well as related incidents in Borno State. He emphasized the urgent need to protect schools and communities from recurring security threats, highlighting the negative impact on education and national stability.

“Despite some police presence, which proved insufficient, terrorists invaded the school, abducting 25 girls, killing the vice principal, and wounding the principal. This atrocious act occurred yesterday around 4 p.m.,” Abdullahi said. He described the kidnapping as “a slap in the face to our nation,” noting that similar attacks in the past, including a 2022 abduction in Kebbi, caused long-lasting trauma.

Several senators, including Mohammed Tahir Monguno, Francis Fadahunsi, Asuquo Ekpeyong, and Mohammed Sani Musa, voiced their condemnation of the attacks, calling for decisive government action, better coordination among security forces, and community involvement in safeguarding schools. They stressed that protecting children and educational institutions is a core responsibility of the state and that repeated attacks erode public confidence in government.

The lawmakers urged immediate action to rescue the abducted girls, bring perpetrators to justice, and strengthen security measures across vulnerable regions. They also called for collective national efforts to end the insecurity that has persisted for over a decade, emphasizing that the safety of citizens, especially children, must be a top priority.

Bayern Munich striker Harry Kane has acknowledged that even an extraordinary goal-scoring season may not guarantee winning football’s most prestigious individual accolade, the Ballon d’Or.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

According to reports, the England captain emphasized that securing major trophies, such as the Champions League or the World Cup, remains a decisive factor in the award’s consideration.

“I could score 100 goals this season, but without winning the Champions League or the World Cup, the Ballon d’Or is unlikely,” Kane said. “It’s the same for Haaland or any top player. Winning the big titles is key.”

Kane, 32, has enjoyed one of the strongest starts to a season in his career, netting 13 goals in the Bundesliga and five in the Champions League, establishing himself as one of Europe’s most lethal forwards.

Despite his personal success, Kane remains aware that trophies heavily influence individual recognition. Last season, he scored 44 goals in 45 appearances for Bayern Munich and guided England to the Euro 2024 final, yet finished 13th in the Ballon d’Or rankings.

Looking ahead, Kane expressed optimism about Bayern Munich’s prospects in Europe and England’s chances at the 2026 World Cup.

“With the way the season is unfolding for Bayern, we’re in strong form and one of the favourites for the Champions League. The same applies to England; we should enter the tournament as serious contenders,” he added.

A World Cup victory next summer could provide Kane with a strong case for the Ballon d’Or, similar to Rodri’s triumph following Spain’s Euro 2024 win. A Champions League success combined with continued goal-scoring excellence would also enhance his chances.

Scores of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) members in Ondo State have officially joined the All Progressives Congress (APC), pledging their support for President Bola Tinubu’s 2027 re-election campaign. The defectors, primarily grassroots mobilisers from all 18 local government areas of the state, cited the PDP’s ongoing internal crises and weakened leadership as reasons for their departure.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Many of the defectors, who are members of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), credited President Tinubu’s economic policies and infrastructure initiatives for their decision to switch allegiance. Speaking on behalf of the group, Mr. Ojo Adewole, representing the Asiwaju Transport Movement, praised the president for restoring the country’s “lost glory” through the Renewed Hope Agenda.

Adewole highlighted federal road projects, including the dualisation of the Benin-Ilesa Expressway, the Ore-Ondo-Akure road expansion, the Akure-Ado-Ekiti Expressway, and the ongoing coastal highway, as major factors influencing their move. He added that support from Minister Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo further encouraged their defection and assured that the group would remain committed to the APC’s objectives.

The defectors also noted that recent defections by Ondo’s sole PDP federal lawmaker, Hon. Festus Akingbaso, and three state House of Assembly members had effectively rendered the PDP a minor presence in the state.

Receiving the new members at the APC Secretariat in Akure, State Chairman Engr. Ade Adetimehin welcomed them, urging them to mobilise support for a decisive victory for President Tinubu in 2027. Adetimehin emphasized that the party treats all members equally and pointed to the president’s development projects in Ondo State as evidence of the APC’s commitment to progress and national development.