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Bandits Attack 18-Seater Buses on Osokoko–Obajana Road in Kogi State

Phinadon Mag

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Quick Summary:
Bandits ambush two 18-seater buses along the Osokoko–Obajana axis in Kogi State; one bus attacked, passengers abducted, while soldiers repel the assault and clear the highway.

Bandits Strike Along Osokoko–Obajana Axis

Bandits launched an attack along the Osokoko–Obajana road in Kogi State, targeting two commercial 18-seater buses and other vehicles.

According to reports from Egbe Mekun Parrot, one of the buses was successfully intercepted, while the second managed to escape. Eyewitnesses confirmed that all passengers on the attacked bus were abducted, though the exact number of victims remains unknown.

The incident occurred on Thursday afternoon, sparking panic among residents and travellers in the area.

Military Response and Road Clearance

Sources revealed that Nigerian Army personnel arrived shortly after the attack and engaged the bandits in a firefight to repel the assault.

The military response led to a video circulating online showing travellers waiting on the highway until soldiers secured and cleared the road.

In one of the videos, a woman could be heard saying, “Road don clear, all thanks to the Nigerian Army, everybody don dey go back.”

Eyewitnesses confirmed that the soldiers successfully repelled the attackers, preventing further casualties or property loss.

Authorities have not yet issued an official statement, but residents have warned motorists to avoid the route until security forces fully secure the area.

Ongoing Insecurity in Kogi State

The attack underscores the persistent security challenges along major routes in Kogi State, where armed gangs frequently target travellers for ransom.

Just a day earlier, Kiri High School in Aiyetoro KiriKabba Bunu Local Government Area, came under attack when bandits stormed the community in an attempted abduction.

Members of the Kiri Vigilante Group quickly mobilised and rescued all abducted students, preventing a mass kidnapping.

However, the operation resulted in the death of one vigilante and a civilian casualty, identified by residents as a Hausa man.

Broader Context of Rising Abductions

The Osokoko–Obajana attack comes amid a wave of mass kidnappings across Nigeria’s north-central region, where over 400 people, mostly schoolchildren, have been abducted since mid-November 2025.

The surge in attacks has drawn condemnation from the United Nations and global religious leaders, who have urged the Nigerian government to intensify counter-banditry operations and protect vulnerable communities.

Security analysts warn that the frequency of highway ambushes and school attacks reflects a deepening national security crisis, demanding coordinated military and intelligence responses.

Entertainment

Burna Boy makes history as the first male artist to reach No. 1 on Spotify’s Global Music Video Chart.

Ikechukwu Emmanuel

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Nigerian superstar Damini Ogulu, famously known as Burna Boy, has once again etched his name in history, this time by becoming the first male artist to claim the coveted #1 spot on Spotify’s newly launched Global Music Video Chart. This monumental achievement comes courtesy of his electrifying World Cup anthem with pop icon Shakira, ‘Dai Dai.’

‘Dai Dai’ has proven to be an unstoppable force, not only conquering the Spotify chart but also making significant waves on the Billboard Hot 100, where it recently soared to a new peak of #13. Industry experts are already predicting a top 10 entry next week, fueled by the highly anticipated World Cup Final Halftime Show performance by Burna Boy and Shakira this coming Sunday.
The song’s dominance extends far beyond these charts. ‘Dai Dai’ remains the most-streamed music video of 2026 on YouTube, boasting an astonishing half a billion views. It has also reached the pinnacle of the Apple Music Global Songs Charts, solidifying its status as a global phenomenon.

Burna Boy’s incredible success with ‘Dai Dai’ has further cemented his position as a titan of the music industry. He has extended his record as the African artist with the most monthly listeners in Spotify’s history, surpassing an astounding 53 million. Not stopping there, he has also set a new benchmark on YouTube Music, becoming the African artist with the most monthly listeners, exceeding 600 million.
These extraordinary achievements are a testament to Burna Boy’s undeniable talent, global appeal, and the ever-growing influence of Afrobeats on the international music scene. He continues to break barriers and inspire millions, proving that music truly knows no boundaries.

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Entertainment

Cardi B Addresses Maduka Okoye Speculation: “I’m Really Hip Hop’s Britney Spears”.

Ikechukwu Emmanuel

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In the relentless glare of public scrutiny, Grammy-winning artist Cardi B has once again found herself at the center of swirling rumors, this time concerning her burgeoning friendship with Super Eagles goalkeeper Maduka Okoye. Recent public appearances, including a dinner in Venice, ignited speculation about a potential romance, prompting Cardi B to candidly address the incessant public interest in her personal life.

The rapper, known for her unfiltered honesty, voiced her frustration in a widely circulated video, lamenting the disproportionate attention her activities receive compared to those of her peers. She highlighted a perceived double standard, where ordinary facets of her life become subjects of intense public debate, while similar situations involving other celebrities garner little to no interest.

“No cap, I’m really hip hop’s Britney Spears,” Cardi B declared, drawing a parallel to the pop icon who has famously navigated intense media scrutiny throughout her career. She continued, “I got all the tea on these celebrities. I know who’s with who and what’s doing what. But guess what? Nobody reports about it because nobody cares.”

Her exasperation was palpable as she added, “But when it comes to me, I can’t even do anything without people talking about it. This is crazy. You’ve got to take the good with the bad. It is what it is. People pay for this type of talk.”

Cardi B’s comments arrive amidst a crescendo of speculation surrounding her relationship with Okoye. The pair have been observed together on multiple occasions, notably during Paris Fashion Week and their recent rendezvous in Venice, fueling the ever-present social media buzz. Despite the widespread conjecture, neither Cardi B nor Okoye has publicly confirmed any romantic involvement, leaving the nature of their connection open to continued public interpretation and discussion.

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News

Fabian Ruiz Targets 2026 Ballon d’Or After Incredible Trophy-Laden Season.

Ikechukwu Emmanuel

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In a sport often dominated by household names, Paris Saint-Germain’s midfield maestro, Fabian Ruiz, has boldly declared his ambition to claim the coveted Ballon d’Or in 2026. The Spain international, fresh off a truly remarkable season, has articulated a desire that resonates with every professional footballer: to be recognized as the world’s best.

Ruiz, at 30 years old, has enjoyed a sensational campaign that has seen him achieve the pinnacle of both club and international football. Lifting the Champions League trophy with PSG and, even more significantly, securing the World Cup with Spain, has propelled him into conversations previously reserved for a select few. His performances throughout these triumphs have been nothing short of exceptional, showcasing a blend of tactical intelligence, technical prowess, and an uncanny ability to dictate the tempo of a game.

The World Cup, in particular, served as a global stage for Ruiz to demonstrate his undeniable talent. As the tournament progressed, his name began to circulate with increasing frequency among pundits and fans alike as a genuine contender for individual accolades. This growing recognition is a testament to his consistent high-level play and his ability to perform under immense pressure.

When questioned about his aspirations, Ruiz’s response, as reported by Marca, was both humble and resolute: “Who wouldn’t want to win a Ballon d’Or? I’m happy with the season I have had, winning the Champions League and the World Cup. If I’m in the running, it will be an honour.” This statement encapsulates the sentiment of a player who appreciates his current successes while simultaneously striving for even greater heights.

Fabian Ruiz’s declaration injects an exciting narrative into the footballing world. As he continues to perform at an elite level, all eyes will be on whether this gifted midfielder can transform his audacious ambition into reality and etch his name into the annals of football history as a Ballon d’Or winner.

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