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Governor Bago Rules Out Negotiation or Ransom Payment to Bandits

Phinadon Mag

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Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago vows not to negotiate or pay ransom to bandits, announces recruitment of 10,000 joint task force members and a ban on mining in Zone C.

NigerSecurityCrisis deepened as Niger State Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago declared that his administration would neither negotiate with bandits nor pay ransom for kidnapped victims, urging residents to stand up and defend themselves against rising insecurity.

The governor made the statement during a condolence visit to the people of Rijau and Magama Local Government Areas, whose communities were recently attacked by bandits in Kontagora.

“We Will Not Negotiate With Bandits”

Governor Bago emphasized that paying ransom would only encourage more kidnappings and worsen insecurity across the state.

“The state has reached a point where the people must stand up and defend themselves. I will not negotiate with bandits. I will not pay ransom. The moment we start paying, they will open shop on our heads and keep kidnapping people,” he said.

He insisted that the Constitution empowers citizens to protect their lives and property, adding that his administration would take all necessary steps to ensure safety.

“We are surrounded by enemies, but we will not give up. The Constitution gives us the right to defend our lives and property, and we will do just that. There is no going back,” the governor maintained.

“This Is a State of War”

Bago described the situation as a “state of war”, condemning the repeated invasions of communities and the displacement of residents.

He said it was embarrassing and unacceptable that peaceful communities could be attacked and their people turned into internally displaced persons (IDPs).

The governor called for collective resistance and urged citizens to unite in defending their communities from criminal elements.

Security Measures and Policy Actions

To strengthen security operations, Governor Bago announced plans to recruit and train 10,000 members for a joint task force that will work alongside security agencies to combat banditry.

He also declared a total ban on mining activities in Zone C of the state, citing illegal mining as a major driver of insecurity and criminal infiltration.

Support for Victims of Attacks

Bago pledged government support for victims of the recent attacks, including:

  • Compensation for families of those killed
  • Medical treatment for the injured
  • Assistance for residents who lost their livelihoods

He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to restoring peace and ensuring that no community in Niger State remains vulnerable to bandit attacks.

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Wike says the labour union’s strike in Abuja is politically motivated.

Ikechukwu Emmanuel

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Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has described the indefinite strike declared by the FCT chapter of the Nigeria Labour Congress as politically motivated.

The strike followed the expiration of a seven-day ultimatum issued to the FCT Administration over unresolved concerns about teachers’ promotions, including the requirement for vacant positions before promotions can be granted. The labour council directed workers in schools, hospitals, government offices and other establishments to withdraw their services.

Wike, however, maintained that the issues raised by labour had already been addressed and were being implemented. He also claimed that the Trade Union Congress and the Academic Staff Union of Secondary Schools had distanced themselves from the action.

The minister warned that the government would enforce its “no work, no pay” policy against participating workers. He further alleged that the FCT NLC chairman was pursuing a political agenda linked to the African Democratic Congress.

The dispute has therefore extended beyond the immediate questions surrounding teachers’ promotions, with both sides maintaining sharply different positions on the status of the negotiations.

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Court Issues Arrest Warrant for Former Imo Governor Okorocha and Araraume Over Alleged Forgery.

Ikechukwu Emmanuel

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A Senior Magistrate Court sitting in Jiwa, Abuja, has issued bench warrants for the arrest of former Imo State Governor Rochas Okorocha, Senator Ifeanyi Araraume and two others over allegations of criminal conspiracy, forgery and the presentation of false documents.

The court also ordered the arrest of Timothy Ama Chuks and Amen Okorocha, who are accused of conspiring with Okorocha to produce and submit allegedly fabricated All Progressives Congress (APC) senatorial primary results.

The warrants, issued on September 9, 2026, authorise police officers nationwide to arrest the four suspects and produce them before Senior Magistrate Court 3 in Jiwa, Abuja. The case was brought by the Inspector-General of Police.

The development follows a complaint by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), which asked the police and the Department of State Services to investigate Okorocha over his alleged circulation of fake primary election results.

INEC said the authentic results submitted by the APC showed that Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma won the Imo West Senatorial District primary. The commission added that the party subsequently submitted Uzodimma’s name as its candidate.

In a letter dated October 8, 2026, INEC described the document allegedly presented by Okorocha as “fraudulent and fictitious.” It urged security agencies to investigate the matter, warning that the alleged conduct could threaten law and order in Imo State.

The accused persons have yet to appear before the court to respond to the allegations.

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Alleged Sexual Offense: Poco Lee Returns to Social Media Following Arrest in the UK.

Ikechukwu Emmanuel

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Nigerian dancer and influencer Poco Lee has returned to social media following his arrest in the United Kingdom over alleged sexual offenses.

According to reports, Poco Lee was arrested and remanded in August 2026 after reportedly facing five charges, including two counts of assault by penetration, one count of attempted rape, and two counts of rape. He was released on bail in September 2026.

Since his release, the dancer had largely stayed out of the public eye. However, he recently shared new photographs on Instagram with the caption, “ODINAKA,” while asking fans to forgive his absence from social media.

In the background music, he reportedly said in Yoruba, “E ma binu pe mi si ni online oo,” meaning, “Please forgive me for not being online.”

Several celebrities, including Zlatan, Israel DMW, Phyno, Yhemo Lee, Cubana Chief Priest, Cute Abiola, Destiny Etiko, Kiekie, and others, welcomed his return in the comment section.

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