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Egbe Bandits’ Attack: Ododo Vows Justice for Fallen Heroes
From Joseph Amedu, Lokoja
Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, has strongly condemned the recent bandits’ attack on Egbe community in Yagba West Local Government Area with a vow to pursue justice for the fallen heroes. adsbygoogle || []).push({}); js">
“Their blood will not be shed in vain. We will not rest until those behind this heinous crime are tracked down, apprehended, and brought to justice,” the Governor assured.
Speaking during his condolence visit to the Egbe community on Saturday, the Governor, represented by his Deputy, Comrade Joel Salifu, said the state mourns the loss of gallant officers of the Nigeria Police Force and members of the Vigilante Service who paid the supreme price while defending the people.
He assured that his administration will intensify collaboration with security agencies, improve community policing, and provide more support and resources to local vigilantes to secure every part of the state.
To the bereaved families, Governor Ododo extended heartfelt condolences, pledging that government will stand by them and ensure the dependents of the fallen heroes are not abandoned. And commended the swift response of security agencies and local vigilantes to security threats.
He urged residents not to succumb to fear but to remain vigilant, cooperate with security agencies, and promptly report suspicious activities. He also warned against harboring criminals or aiding their operations in any form.
“Together, we will overcome. Together, we will send a clear message that Kogi State cannot be broken,” Governor Ododo affirmed.
He concluded with prayers for the repose of the souls of the fallen heroes, comfort for their families, and lasting peace across the state.
Earlier, in his welcome address, the Chairman of Yagba West Local Government Area, Hon. Tosin Olokun, appreciated the Governor for visiting to assess the extent of the pain inflicted on the people of the community and to commiserate with them, noting that only a caring government would stand with its people at such a time.
Also speaking, the State Security Adviser, Rtd Commander Jerry Omodara, highlighted the strides of the state government in strengthening security in border communities.
He stressed that the government will not allow Egbe to be overrun by criminals, insisting that residents must be able to live in peace and farm without fear.
He revealed that most bandits terrorizing flashpoints in the state are fleeing from neighboring states, adding that the government has identified their hideouts. With the support of the Federal Government and the National Security Adviser, he noted, the criminals are being intercepted and neutralized.
Omodara further disclosed plans to establish a Forward Operation Base (FOB) in Egbe to address insecurity in the area, while warning local collaborators and saboteurs that government will deal with them decisively.
In his remarks, His Royal Highness, Oba Ayodele Irukera, the Elegbe of Egbe, appealed for more security presence, stressing that as a border community, Egbe is highly vulnerable to attacks. He apologized for the recent road blockade staged by youths, describing it as a reaction to the insecurity in the area. “It is inhuman for five people to be killed in just one day,” he said, calling for urgent measures to strengthen security in the community.
A youth representative, Engr. Olugbenga David, urged the government to carry young people along in its security strategies, and called for the deployment of more personnel, including trained forest guards, to the area.
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- Prince Abdulrahman Obaje is a Media, Information and Computer Technology Consultant. A quintessential Journalist, online marketer, social media strategist, Mathematician and Computer Scientist is based in Abuja, Nigeria. He is the Founder and the Publisher of The Informavores!. You can reach me on +234 805 939 5252 or send i-witness report directly to me on news@informavores.com.ng.
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NGIJ Demands Independent Probe of Controversial PFIPC, Rejects Premature Exoneration
NGIJ Demands Independent Probe of Controversial PFIPC, Rejects Premature ExonerationThe Nigerian Guild of Investigative Journalists (NGIJ) has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to immediately constitute an independent panel of inquiry to investigate the unfolding scandal surrounding the controversial Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council (PFIPC), insisting that the gravity of the allegations and the institutions reportedly involved make an ordinary investigation inadequate.
In a statement jointly signed by its National President, Mallam Abdulrahman Aliagan, and National Secretary, Rowland Olonishuwa, the Guild faulted the Presidency’s swift public exoneration of the Chief of Staff to the President by the President’s spokesman, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, describing it as premature and inconsistent with the principles of natural justice.
According to the Guild, declaring any public official innocent before the conclusion of an impartial investigation undermines public confidence in the process and creates the impression that the outcome has already been predetermined.
“The hasty exoneration of any public official before a comprehensive investigation has been concluded negates the principles of justice, fairness and good conscience.
Every Nigerian deserves to see that justice is not only done but is manifestly seen to have been done,” the statement said.
NGIJ said the controversy surrounding the controversial Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council (PFIPC) has become one of the most significant governance scandals in recent years, alleging that the sequence of events surrounding the Council points to a level of official backing that requires a truly independent investigation.
The Guild argued that several developments associated with the Council have raised serious questions that cannot be ignored.
According to the statement, available information indicates that an account was reportedly opened for the Council at the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), the controversial PFIPC was reportedly captured in the 2026 Appropriation Bill presented to the National Assembly, office accommodation was allocated to the Council within the Federal Secretariat Complex in Abuja, and more than 300 personnel, including eight directors, were reportedly recruited or sourced to work for the Council.
NGIJ noted that these developments, if established through investigation, suggest that the activities attributed to the Council went far beyond the actions of a few individuals and may have involved approvals or support from influential actors within government.
“The establishment of banking arrangements, budgetary provisions, office allocation, recruitment of hundreds of personnel and appointment of directors are not processes ordinarily executed without official authorisation and institutional support. These issues raise legitimate public interest questions that deserve thorough and independent scrutiny,” the Guild stated.
It added that the scale of the allegations has created widespread public concern and, if left unresolved, could erode confidence in Nigeria’s governance institutions and anti-corruption framework.
The Guild expressed reservations over allowing the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to solely investigate the matter, arguing that given the alleged involvement of powerful figures and the institutional implications of the case, a broader and more independent mechanism would inspire greater public confidence.
According to NGIJ, the investigation should be handled by an independent judicial panel comprising retired judicial officers, forensic auditors, representatives of relevant anti-corruption institutions, professional bodies and civil society organisations, with full powers to examine documents, invite witnesses and recommend appropriate actions based on its findings.
The Guild further urged the National Assembly to commence a public legislative inquiry into the establishment, funding, operations and legal status of the controversial Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council.
It maintained that no public official, irrespective of rank or political influence, should be insulated from investigation where credible allegations exist.
NGIJ stressed that the circumstances surrounding the controversial PFIPC have made the matter unprecedented and deserving of the highest level of independent scrutiny.
The Guild said only a transparent, credible and independent investigation can establish the true facts, identify any wrongdoing where it exists, protect innocent persons where appropriate, and restore public confidence in the administration’s commitment to accountability, transparency and the rule of law.
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MeCure Industries Plc Closes H1 2026 with Stable BBB GCR Outlook, Halal Certification, Launches New Product
By AbdulRahman Obaje
Lagos, Nigeria — July 2026 — MeCure Industries Plc closed the first half of 2026 on a strong note, marked by the affirmation of its national scale issuer ratings by GCR Ratings, the award of Halal certification, and the launch of two new products. adsbygoogle || []).push({});
GCR Ratings affirmed MeCure Industries Plc’s long-term issuer rating at BBB(NG) and short-term issuer rating at A3(NG), with the company’s long-term outlook revised to Stable. The rating agency said the decision was supported by improvements in MeCure’s competitive position, sound earnings performance, ongoing expansion, product innovation, and wider market penetration. GCR also noted the company’s diversified portfolio of more than 140 formulations across five therapeutic classes, its extensive distribution network, and its relationships with suppliers and technical partners.
During the period, MeCure also received Halal certification, reinforcing the company’s commitment to quality, compliance, and broader consumer accessibility. For the everyday consumer, Halal certification means that the certified products have been reviewed to ensure that their ingredients, sourcing, handling, and production processes comply with recognised Halal requirements. In practical terms, it gives Muslim consumers greater confidence that the medicines they use are permissible, while also providing an additional layer of assurance around transparency, product integrity, and manufacturing discipline.
The certification is expected to support trust among customers, healthcare professionals, distributors, and institutional partners, while strengthening MeCure’s positioning in markets where Halal-compliant products are an important consideration.
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As MeCure enters the second half of 2026, the company said it remains focused on deepening local manufacturing, improving access to quality medicines, expanding its product pipeline, and delivering sustainable value to shareholders.
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Latest entries
NewsJuly 15, 2026NGIJ Demands Independent Probe of Controversial PFIPC, Rejects Premature ExonerationNewsJuly 1, 2026MeCure Industries Plc Closes H1 2026 with Stable BBB GCR Outlook, Halal Certification, Launches New ProductNewsJune 29, 2026Family Seeks Information on Missing Sergeant After Reported Drowning Incident at Seme BorderNewsJune 12, 2026June 12: Ajia Congratulates Tinubu, AbdulRazaq, Calls for Youth Inclusion and Grassroots Development
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Family Seeks Information on Missing Sergeant After Reported Drowning Incident at Seme Border
Family Seeks Information on Missing Sergeant After Reported Drowning Incident at Seme Borde
By Usman Aliyu | June 27, 2026
Ajaka, Kogi State — The family of Sgt. Benjamin Etuh, a native of Ajaka in Igalamela/Odolu Local Government Area of Kogi State, has appealed to the public for information regarding his whereabouts following reports that he may have been involved in a drowning incident at the Seme Border area of Lagos State.
According to information available to the family, Sgt. Etuh, who was last known to be serving at the Seme Border Patrol, was reportedly involved in an incident on the water around the border community. However, relatives say they have not received any official confirmation regarding his condition or whereabouts.
The uncertainty surrounding the incident has left family members distressed and searching for answers. Efforts to contact the officer through his mobile phone numbers have also proved unsuccessful, as the lines have reportedly remained unreachable for several days.
Family sources expressed concern over the lack of verified information and appealed to the relevant authorities to provide clarity on the officer’s status. They also called on security agencies, colleagues, residents of the Seme Border area, and members of the public with any useful information to come forward.
Efforts by reporters to obtain official confirmation from the Ikeja Command were unsuccessful, as no response had been received at the time of filing this report.
As of the time of publication, there has been no official statement confirming Sgt. Benjamin Etuh’s whereabouts or condition. The family continues to appeal for credible information that may help establish the facts surrounding the incident.
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