Armed men stormed a Cherubim and Seraphim Church in Ejiba, Yagba West Local Government Area of Kogi State, abducting the pastor, popularly known as Orlando, his wife, and several worshippers during a Sunday service.

The attack, which happened in the early hours of Sunday, sent congregants fleeing in panic. Eyewitness Adegboyega Oguns, who was present during the incident, described the moment the gunmen burst into the church, forcing members to scamper for safety as chaos erupted inside the building. Videos shared on social media captured the scattered seats, damaged property, and smoke rising from the surrounding area.

“It’s a new Cherubim and Seraphim Church. The pastor popularly called Orlando and his wife, with some others, have been kidnapped,” Oguns wrote on the Egbe Mekun Parrot platform on Facebook. “It is serious, we all ran out of church.”

Local officials confirmed the attack, which has further heightened concerns about escalating insecurity in parts of Kogi State. Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo condemned the incident, deploying helicopters, anti-kidnapping operatives, security agents, and local vigilantes to begin an immediate search-and-rescue operation.

Commissioner for Information, Kingsley Fanwo, warned residents to remain vigilant amid fears that local informants may be aiding criminal groups. He advised churches and communities in vulnerable areas to temporarily suspend large gatherings until the security situation improves.

The attack in Ejiba comes barely 24 hours after terrorists struck along the Isanlu Makutu–Idofin corridor in Yagba East Local Government Area, leaving residents and travelers terrified. Eyewitnesses from Saturday’s incident said the attackers arrived without warning, forcing people to flee into the surrounding bushes.

As of the time of filing this report, the exact number of abducted victims from the church attack remains unconfirmed, with details still emerging. The incident has created palpable tension across nearby communities, with many residents remaining indoors and travelers diverting routes to avoid troubled areas.

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STATEHOUSE PRESS RELEASE

President Tinubu nominates 32 additional ambassadors

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has sent the names of 32 ambassadorial nominees to the Senate for confirmation, days after he sent the first batch of three names.

In two separate letters to the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, President Tinubu asked the Senate to consider and confirm expeditiously 15 nominees as career ambassadors and 17 nominees as non-career ambassadors.

There are four women on the career ambassadors’ list and six women on the non-career ambassadors’ list.

Among the non-career ambassador designates are Barrister Ogbonnaya Kalu from Abia, a former presidential aide, Reno Omokri (Delta), former chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Mahmud Yakubu, former Ekiti first lady, Erelu Angela Adebayo, and former Enugu governor, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi.

Others are Tasiu Musa Maigari, the former speaker of the Katsina House of Assembly, Yakubu N. Gambo, a former Commissioner in Plateau State and former deputy executive secretary of the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC).

Professor Nora Ladi Daduut, a former senator from Plateau; Otunba Femi Pedro, a former deputy governor of Lagos State; Chief Femi Fani-Kayode, a former aviation minister from Osun State; and Barrister Nkechi Linda Ufochukwu from Anambra State are on the nomination list.

Also on the list are former First Lady of Oyo, Fatima Florence Ajimobi, former Lagos Commissioner, Lola Akande, former Adamawa Senator, Grace Bent, former governor of Abia, Victor Okezie Ikpeazu, Senator Jimoh Ibrahim, businessman, lawyer and Senator from Ondo State, and the former ambassador of Nigeria to the Holy See, Ambassador Paul Oga Adikwu from Benue State.

Among the nominees for career ambassador and high commissioner-designates are: Enebechi Monica Okwuchukwu (Abia), Yakubu Nyaku Danladi(Taraba), Miamuna Ibrahim Besto(Adamawa), Musa Musa Abubakar (Kebbi), Syndoph Paebi Endoni(Bayelsa), Chima Geoffrey Lioma David(Ebonyi) and Mopelola Adeola-Ibrahim(Ogun).

The other nominees are Abimbola Samuel Reuben(Ondo), Yvonne Ehinosen Odumah(Edo), Hamza Mohammed Salau(Niger), Ambassador Shehu Barde(Katsina), Ambassador Ahmed Mohammed Monguno(Borno), Ambassador Muhammad Saidu Dahiru(Kaduna), Ambassador Olatunji Ahmed Sulu Gambari(Kawara) and Ambassador Wahab Adekola Akande(Osun).

The new nominees are expected to be posted to countries with which Nigeria maintains excellent and strategic bilateral relations, such as China, India, South Korea, Canada, Mexico, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, South Africa, Kenya, and to Permanent Missions such as the United Nations, UNESCO, and the African Union. All the nominees will know their diplomatic assignments after their confirmation by the Senate.

Last week, President Tinubu sent three ambassadorial nominees for screening and confirmation. The nominees were Ambassador Ayodele Oke (Oyo), Ambassador Amin Mohammed Dalhatu (Jigawa), and Retired Colonel Lateef Kayode Are (Ogun). All three are in the pot for posting to the UK, USA, or France after their confirmation.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu said more nominees for ambassadorial positions will be announced soon.

Bayo Onanuga

Special Adviser to the President,

Information and Strategy,

November 29, 2025

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U.S. President Donald Trump has moved to exclude South Africa from the 2026 G20 Summit scheduled to take place in Miami, marking an unprecedented break in the group’s tradition of inclusive participation.

The development follows Washington’s high-level boycott of South Africa’s 2025 G20 summit, which the U.S. skipped over concerns related to violence against white farmers—a situation Trump has repeatedly described as a “genocide.” Fact-checkers and human rights monitors have rejected this characterization, noting that while farm attacks remain a serious security issue, there is no evidence of a systematic campaign of extermination.

South Africa has strongly disputed Trump’s claims, including his account of how the G20 presidency was transferred. Officials in Pretoria say the U.S. delegation had already opted to stay away from the summit, with the eventual handover occurring through an embassy representative rather than formal high-level participation.

Although the G20 operates without strict rules that authorize the exclusion of member states, Trump’s decision raises new questions about the organization’s cohesion ahead of the U.S.-hosted conference. Germany has already urged Washington to ensure South Africa’s inclusion, warning that sidelining a member could undermine the group’s credibility.

The move could also affect U.S.–South Africa relations more broadly. Annual American assistance to Pretoria estimated between $100 million and $500 million may now face political scrutiny.

Nigeria and the global Muslim community have been thrown into mourning following the death of Sheikh Dahiru Usman-Bauchi, one of the most respected Islamic scholars and leading authorities of the Tijjaniyya Sufi order. The revered cleric died in the early hours of Thursday at the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital (ATBUTH), Bauchi. He was aged 102.

Sheikh Dahiru Bauchi was widely celebrated across Africa for his deep scholarship, memorization and teaching of the Holy Qur’an, and his lifelong commitment to the propagation of Islamic knowledge. Until his passing, he remained one of the foremost leaders of the Tijjaniyya movement, drawing millions of followers across Nigeria, West Africa, and beyond.

Governor Bala Mohammed Leads Tributes

Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, announced the death through a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mukhtar Gidado. He described the late Sheikh as a “towering figure in Islamic scholarship” whose life embodied humility, piety, and unwavering devotion to Allah.

“It is with deep sorrow and a profound sense of loss that the Bauchi State Government announces the death of renowned and revered Islamic scholar, teacher, and spiritual leader, Sheikh Dahiru Usman Bauchi,” the statement read.

The Governor added that Sheikh Dahiru’s legacy will endure for generations, noting that he devoted his entire life to the teaching of the Holy Qur’an, moral discipline, and the spiritual upliftment of humanity.

A Global Scholar and Teacher of Thousands

Sheikh Dahiru Bauchi was renowned for establishing numerous Islamic schools and learning centres, which produced thousands of students who went on to memorize the Qur’an and teach Islamic knowledge across Africa. His work significantly shaped the intellectual and spiritual foundation of the Tijjaniyya order in Nigeria and beyond.

According to Governor Mohammed, the scholar’s impact on Islamic jurisprudence, theology, and history has left an indelible mark on Nigeria’s religious landscape.

A Life Dedicated to Service

Throughout his life, Sheikh Dahiru Usman-Bauchi traveled extensively, spreading Islamic teachings, delivering sermons, and mentoring young scholars. He was widely respected by Muslims across various sects for his moderation, wisdom, and peaceful approach to religious discourse.

Even in old age, the Sheikh continued to attract large audiences at religious gatherings, Ramadan tafsirs, and Qur’anic recitation programs.

Government’s Commitment to Preserving His Legacy

Governor Bala Mohammed stated that the Bauchi State Government will continue to honor the late scholar’s legacy by supporting the institutions he built and strengthening Islamic education, community development, and moral discipline across the state.

“As we mourn this monumental loss, we take solace in the fact that Sheikh Dahiru Usman Bauchi lived a life fully dedicated to the service of Allah, humanity, and knowledge,” the governor added.

He prayed that Allah forgives the Sheikh’s shortcomings and grants him Aljannatul Firdaus, while also asking for comfort for his family, followers, and the entire Muslim Ummah.

A Monumental Loss for the Muslim World

The death of Sheikh Dahiru Usman-Bauchi marks the end of an era for the Tijjaniyya movement and Islamic scholarship in Nigeria. His teachings, personality, and contributions to the growth of Islamic knowledge will remain a guiding light for generations.

As tributes continue to pour in from across the nation and beyond, the legacy of the great scholar stands firm — a life lived in total devotion to Allah and the service of humanity.

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Enugu State authorities have arrested a 30-year-old man and several others in connection with the illegal marriage of a 13-year-old girl in Amufie, Enugu Ezike, Igbo-Eze North Local Government Area.

The Enugu State Police Command, working alongside the Ministry of Gender Affairs, confirmed that all key actors involved in the unlawful marriage have been taken into custody. Those arrested include the underage girl, the man she was married to, her parents, and a woman identified as Ezenwanyi, who was allegedly instrumental in facilitating the marriage ceremony.

In a statement issued on Thursday, the Concerned Igbo-Eze North Youth (CINY) applauded the swift action of the Enugu State Government, the Ministry of Gender Affairs, and the Nigeria Police Force following widespread public outrage over the incident.

“This arrest reaffirms the state’s commitment to upholding the rights of children and enforcing relevant laws against child abuse, child marriage, and the violation of minors,”
CINY said in its statement.

Authorities reiterated that Enugu State—like the rest of the South-East region—strictly prohibits child marriage, emphasizing ongoing efforts to curb abuses against minors and prosecute offenders.

The Ministry of Gender Affairs also assured the public that the case will be thoroughly investigated and that justice will be pursued in line with Nigerian child protection laws.

Watch Video of Traditional Wedding

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