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Niger State Cracks Down On Gender-Based Violence, Promises Tough Penalties.
The Niger State Government has pledged to enforce harsher penalties against perpetrators of gender-based violence (GBV) to deter potential offenders. The statement was made by the newly appointed Commissioner for Women Affairs, Hadiza Kuta, during the validation of the Niger State Action Plan on Women, Peace, and Security in Minna.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
The event, organized by Partners West Africa Nigeria in collaboration with the UK International Development, highlighted the limited awareness among women regarding available support services for victims of violence. Gender-based violence remains widespread in Niger State, with underage children often targeted by family members, according to government sources.
Recent incidents have drawn attention to the severity of the situation. In August 2025, two underage girls, aged two and nine, were reportedly subjected to repeated sexual abuse by their father, who threatened the older child to ensure her silence. Disturbingly, the mother, aware of the abuse, initially concealed the incidents. Intervention by officials from the Niger State Ministry of Women Affairs, including Mary Yisa, Director of Planning, Research and Statistics, and Rachel Twaki, Director of Social Welfare Services, eventually brought help to the victims.
Commissioner Kuta emphasized that the state would not tolerate such crimes. “As a government, we frown on any form of violence, and we will not hesitate to apply stiff measures as provided in our laws against any perpetrator,” she said. She also called for increased advocacy and awareness campaigns to encourage victims to report abuses and ensure perpetrators are held accountable.
Kuta expressed optimism that the Action Plan would be effectively implemented, noting that it would serve as a crucial guide for advancing peace and security in the state. Prof. Patricia Donli, Executive Director of the Gender Equality, Peace and Development Centre, explained that the validation process allows the community to take ownership of the document. Niger State is the 17th state in Nigeria to validate the plan, which is designed to be reviewed after four years.
The Edo State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of three suspected kidnappers linked to the abduction of two medical doctors’ brothers in Auchi, Etsako West LGA.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
The victims, Dr. Abu Ibrahim Babatunde and his younger brother, Dr. Tahir Abu Emhoye, were kidnapped on January 2, 2026, around 7:30 p.m. on City Pride Road, Igbira Camp, Auchi. While Dr. Tahir, a fresh graduate from Ambrose Alli University (AAU), Ekpoma, was killed by the abductors, Dr. Babatunde, a housemanship staff at Edo University Teaching Hospital, Auchi, was released on January 15 after a ₦50 million ransom was paid.
The suspects—Saminu Kawujie, Idris Abubakar, and Sani Abubakar—were apprehended in separate operations. Kawujie was arrested on February 3 at Warrake Forest, Owan East LGA, during a bush-combing operation carried out by police, local hunters, and vigilante groups. Items recovered from him included two knives, two mobile phones, a UBA ATM card, and ₦20,250. Identification parades confirmed him as one of the abductors.
Idris Abubakar and Sani Abubakar were arrested on February 8 at the Specialist Hospital, Auchi. Both were identified as part of the gang, with Idris specifically linked to receiving the ransom for Dr. Babatunde’s release.
ASP Eno Ikoedem, the police spokesperson, said investigations are ongoing to dismantle the entire criminal network responsible for the Auchi kidnappings. Commissioner of Police Monday Agbonika assured the public that all kidnapping cases will be pursued to completion, with continued intelligence-led policing and bush-combing operations across the state.
The Speaker of the Jigawa State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Haruna Aliyu Dangyatin, has been elected Chairman of the Progressive Speakers Conference, a forum of APC House Speakers nationwide.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
Dangyatin assumed the position during the conference’s annual congress and executive elections held in Abuja. The body aims to enhance coordination among APC Speakers, promote party ideals, foster unity, and support democracy, peace, and national development.
Other key positions filled include the Ebonyi State Assembly Speaker as Deputy Chairman (South), the Nasarawa State Assembly Speaker as Deputy Chairman (North), and the Ondo State Assembly Speaker as Treasurer. Six zonal vice chairmen were also elected, including Ogun State’s Rt. Hon. Oludaisi Elemide for the South-West zone and Plateau State’s Speaker for the North-Central zone. The new executive members are set to be sworn in on Monday, February 9, 2026.
Jigawa Governor Malam Umar Namadi congratulated Dangyatin, calling the election well deserved and expressing confidence that he would strengthen collaboration among APC members ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Professor Abayomi Fasina has officially stepped down as Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE).....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
Speaking at FUOYE’s 10th Convocation on Saturday, Prof. Fasina highlighted the university’s growth under his leadership, noting that it has become the fourth most sought-after university in Nigeria and has steadily improved in national rankings.
“Our progress is reflected in the 20-point agenda and transformation blueprint we have implemented since I assumed office in 2021,” he said.
He also emphasized the university’s infrastructural development, including what he called the “Blue Roof Revolution,” and expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu and others for their support during his tenure.
“As a former Deputy Vice-Chancellor, you are already part of our success story. I am confident FUOYE will continue to thrive under your leadership,” Fasina added.
A total of 7,684 students graduated at the convocation, including 7,396 undergraduates—with 131 earning First Class honours—and 288 postgraduates.
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