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Insecurity: Poor reportage could heighten tension, Peace Corps Boss Cautions Journalists
National Commandant of Peace Corps of Nigeria (PCN), Prof. Dickson Akoh, on Tuesday admonished Nigerian Journalists on good and accurate reportage.
According to Akoh, only genuine and verifiable reportage could assist the country, especially, the security agents win the war against terrorism. adsbygoogle || []).push({});
Akoh gave this charge when the Online Journalists in Abuja visited his office to honour the PCN as ‘Organization of the Year’.
“The country is passing through a whole lot, security-wise, your report will go a long way in helping the country, as efforts are being intensified to address the security concerns, anything that could heighten or instill fear should not be reported. Am not saying you should not be objective in your report, but issue of security are very sensitive that can cause high degree of disharmony or tension in the land”, Akoh said.
Stressing further, the Peace Corps Boss said, “Yesterday, I saw a scroll bar message and the message was to the effect that gunmen invaded one primary school in Kaduna, in Birnin Gwari to be specific. I was concerned that kidnapping has gone to the extent of primary school. In fact the report said so many students were picked, but when I got home, I discovered that there was no pupil that was picked, it was only three of their teachers and when the gunmen invaded the school, the pupils ran helter-skelter and in the process two went to different directions and another parent saw them, picked them and kept them until when situation calmed down and took them to the traditional ruler.
“However, it was not reported as such, all we heard was gunmen took so many pupils. So I call for objectivity and high sense of reasoning in reporting national issues as it bothers the security of this nation”.
On the Bill for an Act to establish Nigerian Peace Corps, currently before the National Assembly, Akoh charged the online media to continue bringing out the best in the Bill in their reportage, while calling on lawmakers to expedite actions on its passage.
Earlier in his address, Chairman of National Assembly New Media, Comrade Yemi Itodo, applauded the many selfless and voluntary activities of the Corps towards nation-building.
“The nomination of PCN for Organization of The Year recognition is hinged on the many laudable community efforts of the organization and her activities at ensuring peace, unity, safety and security of Nigerian people.
“We cannot forget in a hurry, the role the PCN played during the general lockdown in Nigeria in 2020, by collaborating with different security agencies and essential workers across the federation, at ensuring the security and safety of the people, while striving to get the masses to conform with the Federal Government’s guidelines at curtailing the spread of COVID-19.
“Officers of the PCN, despite being a voluntary organization and without any remunerations from the Federal Government, unlike other essential workers, staked their lives to ensure the lives of other citizens were saved. This is in addition to many community development interventions of the Corps across the country, most of which are not in the media”, Itodo said.
The Journalist used the occasion to call on the National Assembly to quickly pass the Bill before it for onward assent of President Muhammad Buhari, adding that, the Bill would give legal backing for Prof. Akoh-led Peace Corps to enable it assist in curbing insecurity in the schools.
“Nigeria is bleeding and our schools are being overrun by armed bandits who have technically become stupendously rich on account of the helplessness of the innocent school children and haplessness of the Nigerian system. We therefore call on Peace Corps of Nigeria, to come to our aide. We want the organization to step up and stand out in what they are trained to do best.
“Since its inception in 1998, we have kept tabs with the activities of Peace Corps as it relates to orientation of school children, establishment of Peace Corps Club in schools, campaigns against social vices and exam malpractices, intelligence gathering and neighbourhood watch around the school communities.
“We may not be far from the truth to declare that, Peace Corps Officers, though not trained with arms, are mentally and technically equipped to provide the needed synergy the Nigeria’s security personnel deserve to curb insecurity in our school environments.
We therefore, call on members of the National Assembly to speed up legislative actions on the passage of the much anticipated Nigerian Peace Corps Bill which is currently before the two Chambers”, he added.
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Insecurity: Ododo Briefs President Tinubu On Proactive Measures Put In Place
From Joseph Amedu, Lokoja
Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo of Kogi state on Monday, paid a working visit to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, at the State House, Abuja, briefing him on proactive measures put in place to tackle insecurity and the overall development of the state.
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Kogi State’s Commissioner for Information and Communications, Hon. Kingsley Femi Fanwo in a statement made available to journalists in Lokoja, indicates that Governor Ododo during the visit, highlighted the proactive measures being taken by the state government in collaboration with security agencies to safeguard lives and property.
According to the commissioner, Governor Ododo expressed deep appreciation to President Tinubu for his consistent and unwavering support, particularly in bolstering security operations across Kogi State.
He noted that the federal backing has significantly enhanced the capacity of security forces to respond swiftly and effectively to threats.
Governor Ododo also conveyed the profound gratitude of the Government and the good people of Kogi State to the President for the landmark approval of the Ajaokuta Economic City, also known as the Kogi–Hunan Free Trade Zone.
He described the project as a historic and transformative initiative that will reposition Kogi as a major industrial and investment hub, create massive employment opportunities, and stimulate sustainable economic growth.
In his response, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, commended Governor Ododo for his effective leadership and strong collaboration with federal security agencies in tackling security challenges in the state. The President assured him of the Federal Government’s continued support in both security and development efforts.
The high-level meeting also featured fruitful discussions focused on advancing infrastructural development, expanding economic opportunities, and improving the overall well-being of the people of Kogi State.
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Kogi State Intercept Child Trafficking
From Joseph Amedu, Lokoja
The Kogi State Government has successful intercepted a group of underaged children trafficked into the State, in what is suspected to be a covert recruitment attempt for banditry training.
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The State’s Commissioner of Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo in a statement, disclosed that at about 1500hrs on December 5, 2025, eagle-eyed security operatives of the National Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Yagba Area Command in collaboration with other security agencies in Isanlu, acting on credible intelligence from community hunters, intercepted a truck conveying 21 children aged between 6 and 17 years into Kogi State.
According to the statement “Initial investigations revealed that the children had been moved from different northern states under suspicious circumstances by adults who could not provide legitimate justification for their movement.
“Several suspects linked to the trafficking operation have been arrested, including individuals who claimed they were transporting the children to establish an informal “Islamic school” within Yagba East.
” Further arrests were made as security operatives intensified surveillance within the area, uncovering additional persons allegedly connected to the movement of the minors. Some of the suspects were also found with items raising significant security concerns.
“The rescued children have since been transferred to the State Command of the NSCDC in Lokoja for detailed investigation and proper profiling of all persons involved.
“His Excellency, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, Executive Governor of Kogi State, has directed the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development to take full custody of the underaged victims, ensure their wellbeing, and provide the necessary psychosocial support pending the conclusion of investigations.
“Upon completion of profiling and verification, the children will be handed over to their respective State Governments for further investigation and eventual reintegration with their families. Meanwhile, all individuals found culpable in this trafficking operation will be prosecuted in line with Kogi State’s Child Trafficking and Child Rights Protection Laws.
“The Kogi State Government reiterates its uncompromising stance against child trafficking, criminal infiltration, and any form of security threat. The administration of Governor Ododo will continue to work closely with security agencies and local communities to safeguard every part of the State.
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President Tinubu Extols Late Prince Abubakar Audu’s Legacies
From Joseph Amedu, Lokoja
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has described late Prince Abubakar Audu as a “friend, ally, and trailblazer of democracy declaring that his foot-print in Kogi state as former Governor remains the best since the creation of the state.
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The President gave the commendation while speaking at the 10th Memorial Anniversary and Book Presentation organised by the state government in collaboration with the immediate family in honour of the late political ICON
Tinubu who was represented by the Hon. Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, lauded late Prince Audu’s commitment to democratic ideals and the development of Kogi State.
President Tinubu noted that Prince Audu’s leadership was marked by courage, vision, and dedication to the prosperity and security of his people, calling his legacy “a living template for good governance” that continues to inspire leaders across the nation.
The event drew political leaders, statesmen, and dignitaries from across Nigeria, including the representation of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, to commemorate a decade since the passing of the iconic leader whose vision and leadership continue to influence the political and developmental trajectory of Kogi State.
Minister of Steel Development, Prince Shuaibu Abubakar Audu, son of the late statesman, reaffirmed his commitment to advancing his father’s legacy.
He described the memorial as a solemn reminder of the enduring influence Prince Audu holds in the hearts of the people and the continued relevance of his contributions to the growth of Kogi State.
The Minister recalled his father’s visionary leadership, foundational reforms, and passion for public service, noting that successive administrations still draw from the structures and institutions he established.
Prince Shuaibu Audu highlighted his ongoing efforts to revitalize the Ajaokuta Steel Company and strengthen Nigeria’s steel sector as a continuation of his father’s dream for industrial and economic development in Kogi State.
He thanked all partners and stakeholders supporting these initiatives, reiterating that the collective aspiration for a stronger Kogi State and a more prosperous Nigeria is rooted in his father’s enduring vision.
The Minister also expressed profound gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR for his continuous support to the Audu family.
He also thanked the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Sen. George Akume, CON, who attended the event. He described Senator Akume as a friend and colleague of his late father from the class of 1999 governors, acknowledging his role in supporting and honouring Prince Audu’s memory.
He further commended the Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, and members of the State Executive Council for hosting the memorial as a state event, noting that it reflects the enduring respect Kogi State holds for Prince Audu.
He also acknowledged former Governor Yahaya Adoza Bello, CON, Capt. Idris Wada, and Rt. Hon. James Abiodun Faleke for their continued dedication to preserving his father’s legacy, describing their presence as a testament to the late leader’s far-reaching impact.
Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, Chief Host of the event, described Prince Audu as a visionary leader whose transformative governance continues to shape Kogi State.
In a symbolic tribute, he announced the renaming of a major township road as Prince Abubakar Audu Boulevard, directing relevant agencies to install signage, repair roads, install streetlights, and beautify the area. The Governor emphasised that these measures are part of his administration’s ongoing commitment to uphold Prince Audu’s ideals of unity, progress, and service to the people.
In his remarks, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Sen. George Akume CON said that the late Prince Abubakar Audu was marked as an icon of development and great vision, noting his contribution to the development of Benue State in the time he served in Benue State.
He described him as a man who was genuinely loved by his people as one of the first Nigerians that won in a free, fair and credible elections.
The immediate past governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Adoza Bello urged everyone to reflect on the life and times of the late former governor who was a revolutionary and served with all sincerity, who while in office took bold steps that have continued to impact positively of the people of Kogi State and Nigeria even long after his demise.
The memorial also featured the inauguration of the Board of Trustees of the Prince Abubakar Audu Leadership Foundation, alongside a lecture and book review of “Prince Abubakar Audu: A Legacy of Visionary Leadership”, reviewed by former Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, Prince Adetokunbo Kayode, SAN.
Other dignitaries present included former Governors Capt. Idris Wada and Yahaya Adoza Bello, Rt. Hon. James Faleke, and numerous political and community leaders who paid tribute to the late statesman.
The 10th memorial celebration served as both a solemn remembrance and a reaffirmation of the enduring impact of Prince Abubakar Audu’s leadership, inspiring current and future generations to continue the work of unity, progress, and transformative governance in Kogi State.
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