BANNER NEWS

Month: July 2026

  • Police Move to Avert Violence After NURTW Official’s Killing in Lagos

    Police Move to Avert Violence After NURTW Official’s Killing in Lagos

    By BANNERNEWS Reporter, Lagos

    The Lagos State Police Command has warned transport union members and their supporters against reprisals following the killing of the Organising Secretary of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Toba Ajiboye, popularly known as Toba Ijaya.

    Commissioner of Police, CP Fatai Tijani, gave the warning during a peace meeting with leaders of the NURTW and the Road Transport Employers’ Association of Nigeria (RTEAN), assuring them that those behind the murder would be identified and prosecuted.

    Tijani said detectives had launched a full-scale investigation into the killing, while security personnel had been deployed to strategic locations across Lagos to prevent any breakdown of law and order.

    He appealed to both unions to prevail on their members to remain calm, stressing that retaliation would only undermine efforts to apprehend the perpetrators.

    “The command will not tolerate any act capable of disrupting public peace. We are closely monitoring activities across the state, and anyone found engaging in violence or other unlawful acts will be dealt with in accordance with the law,” the police commissioner warned.

    He also urged residents to assist investigators with credible information, assuring that the probe would be thorough, professional and impartial, with its outcome made public.

    Responding, Lagos NURTW Chairman, Mustapha Adekunle, popularly known as Sego, commended the police for their swift response and disclosed that the union had directed members to remain peaceful. He pledged to hand over any member found violating the directive.

    The Lagos RTEAN chairman also pledged the association’s full cooperation with investigators, assuring that its members would not engage in actions capable of disrupting public peace.

    The killing of Ajiboye has heightened tension in parts of Lagos, particularly Fadeyi, Agbaga and Oworonshoki, where security has been reinforced to forestall possible reprisals as investigations continue.

  • Calabar Residents Count Losses, Cry for Help as Floods Ravage Communities

    Calabar Residents Count Losses, Cry for Help as Floods Ravage Communities

    By BANNERNEWS Reporter, Calabar

    Hundreds of residents displaced by persistent flooding in Cross River State have appealed for urgent government intervention as relentless rainfall continues to wreak havoc across Calabar and its surrounding communities.

    For nearly two weeks, heavy downpours have battered the state capital, with rainfall in some areas beginning as early as 5:00 a.m., leaving homes submerged, property destroyed and families stranded.

    Among those affected is the Cross River State Correspondent of The Telegraph, Clement James, whose residence was overrun by floodwaters after Thursday’s rainfall.

    In Calabar South Local Government Area and communities including 8 Miles, Ikot Enebong, Ikot Nkebre and parts of Calabar Municipality, floodwaters have forced many residents from their homes while household belongings worth millions of naira have been lost.

    The disaster comes barely a week after floodwaters claimed several lives, including five children from the same family in the Ikot Anwatim ravine. Similar devastation was recorded in Atimbo and other flood-prone communities, where homes were inundated and roofs blown off by violent storms.

    Describing his ordeal, James said, “Today’s rain has completely overrun my house,” adding that floodwaters had engulfed both his compound and living quarters, destroying valuable household items.

    The persistent rains have also disrupted commercial and official activities across the metropolis. While many women continued to brave the weather to trade at the early morning beach markets, numerous public offices recorded low attendance as flooded roads prevented many workers from reporting for duty.

    Victims have appealed to the Cross River State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) and the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to provide immediate relief, saying many families have been left without shelter or basic necessities.

    During a visit to some of the affected communities, Governor Bassey Otu assured victims that the government would not abandon them.

    “I know your state of mind, but I want to assure you that government will do everything possible to mitigate these circumstances and help you out of this situation,” the governor said.

    He acknowledged the magnitude of the disaster, noting that the floods were a stark reminder of the realities of climate change.

    Officials of the Ministry of Health have since commenced relief and public health interventions in affected communities, while residents continue to call for more comprehensive emergency assistance as forecasts indicate that the rainy season is yet to peak.

     

  • Man Held for Allegedly Threatening Wife, Children, Community With Gun

    Man Held for Allegedly Threatening Wife, Children, Community With Gun

    By BANNERNEWS Reporter, Uyo

    The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has arrested a man, Edet George, for allegedly threatening his wife, children and members of his community with a firearm.

    Police said the suspect was apprehended during a targeted operation at his residence in Ikot Akpan Afaha Village following reports that he habitually used a gun to intimidate residents.

    The Command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John, disclosed on Tuesday in Uyo that operatives carried out the raid on July 11, 2026, at about 7:00 a.m., recovering a single-barrel gun and eight rounds of live cartridges concealed in the house.

    According to her, the suspect’s wife, whose identity was withheld, told investigators that George regularly used the firearm to threaten her, their children and other members of the community.

    “Operatives of the Command carried out a targeted operation at the residence of Edet George following reports that he habitually threatened members of the community with a firearm. A thorough search of the premises led to the recovery of one single-barrel gun and eight rounds of live cartridges,” she said.

    John said preliminary investigations were ongoing to determine the source and legality of the weapon, as well as whether it had been used in the commission of any crime.

    She reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to tackling the proliferation of illegal firearms and ensuring that anyone who unlawfully possesses or uses weapons to terrorise innocent citizens is brought to justice.

  • Nigeria Cannot Build Enduring Peace Without Defeating Corruption – ICPC Chair

    Nigeria Cannot Build Enduring Peace Without Defeating Corruption – ICPC Chair

    By BANNERNEWS Reporter, Sokoto

    The Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Dr Musa Adamu Aliyu (SAN), has said Nigeria cannot achieve lasting peace unless corruption is decisively tackled.

    Aliyu made the remark on Tuesday while addressing members of the Students’ Anti-Corruption Club at Yahaya Abdulkarim Girls Day Secondary School in Sokoto.

    He said the anti-corruption fight must extend beyond arrests, investigations and prosecutions to addressing the structural and behavioural factors that encourage corruption.

    According to him, building an honest society begins with raising children on the values of integrity, discipline and punctuality, describing them as the country’s future leaders.

    “We need to tackle both structural and behavioural problems in our fight against corruption. Therefore, we must start with our children by teaching them honesty, discipline and punctuality because they are the future leaders of this country,” he said.

    Aliyu urged teachers to lead by example by instilling good morals in their students and encouraging them to speak out against wrongdoing.

    “Children easily emulate what we do. We must teach them to report what is wrong and always demonstrate good conduct,” he said.

    He also advised students to shun examination malpractice, work hard and aspire to leadership, noting that the Minister of Defence, retired Gen. Christopher Musa, is an alumnus of the school.

    Sharing his personal experience, the ICPC chairman said humble beginnings should not discourage young people from pursuing their dreams.

    “I am not from a rich family, but I became a lawyer, served as an Attorney General and now I am the Chairman of the ICPC. There is no limit to what you can achieve if you study hard and respect your teachers and elders,” he said.

    In her response, the school’s Principal, Murjanatu Muhammad, thanked the ICPC chairman for choosing the school for his first official visit and pledged that the management would continue to promote integrity and good character among its students.

     

  • Police Academy Extends Admission Application Deadline by One Week

    Police Academy Extends Admission Application Deadline by One Week

    By BANNERNEWS Reporter, Kano

    The Nigeria Police Academy (POLAC), Wudil, Kano State, has extended the deadline for applications into its degree programme by one week, giving prospective candidates additional time to complete and submit their applications.

    The academy had initially scheduled the closure of its online application portal for Wednesday, July 15, 2026.

    However, in a statement issued by the Academy’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Umar Musa Isah, the institution announced that the application portal will now close on Wednesday, July 22, 2026.

    According to the statement, the Commandant of the academy, Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG) Patrick A. Atayero, approved the extension to accommodate qualified candidates who experienced difficulties or were unable to complete their registration within the original deadline.

    “The Commandant urges all interested applicants to take advantage of this opportunity to complete and submit their applications before the new deadline, as no further extension will be granted,” the statement said.

    The Nigeria Police Academy, located in Wudil, Kano State, is the country’s only degree-awarding police academy.

    It offers a five-year programme that combines academic studies with professional police training, including law, ethics, weapon handling, police drills and leadership development, leading to the commissioning of successful cadets as Assistant Superintendents of Police (ASP).

     

  • Police Arrest Suspected Bandit with 109 Rounds of Ammunition, Fake Military ID in Kano

    Police Arrest Suspected Bandit with 109 Rounds of Ammunition, Fake Military ID in Kano

    By BANNERNEWS Reporter, Kano

    The Kano State Police Command has arrested a suspected bandit in Bichi Local Government Area, recovering 109 rounds of live ammunition, an AK-47 magazine, suspected military uniforms and a fake military identity card allegedly meant for delivery to bandits.

    The Command’s spokesperson, CSP Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa, disclosed the arrest in a statement.

    He said operatives of the Bichi Police Division acted on credible intelligence after receiving reports on Saturday that a man dressed in suspected military attire had been sighted in Rimaye Village, Bichi LGA.

    Working with members of the Rimawa community, the police intercepted the suspect, identified as 28-year-old Mohammed Isah Haruna of Dan Dinshe Yamma Quarters in Dala Local Government Area of Kano State.

    A search of his bag led to the recovery of an AK-47 magazine loaded with 30 rounds of live ammunition, an additional 79 rounds of AK-47 ammunition, two sets of suspected military uniforms, three military caps, a suspected fake military identity card, a National Identity Card, a NIN slip, a voter’s card, four ATM cards and a pair of desert boots.

    According to the police, the suspect confessed during interrogation that he had travelled to the area to deliver the recovered items to bandits operating in nearby forests.

    Commissioner of Police Ibrahim Adamu Bakori commended members of the Rimawa community for providing timely information that led to the arrest, describing it as another testament to the value of community policing.

    He assured that the suspect remains in custody while investigators work to identify and apprehend other members of the suspected criminal network, adding that the case will be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.

    The command urged residents to sustain the flow of credible intelligence, reaffirming its commitment to intelligence-driven and community-based policing across Kano State.

  • Otu Rallies Support for Calabar Flood Victims, Gives Cash Aid to Bereaved Families, Launches Health Response

    Otu Rallies Support for Calabar Flood Victims, Gives Cash Aid to Bereaved Families, Launches Health Response

    By BANNERNEWS Reporter, Calabar

    Governor Bassey Otu has intensified the Cross River State Government’s response to the recent flood and landslide disasters in Calabar by providing financial assistance to bereaved families and launching a comprehensive health intervention for affected communities.

    The governor, through his Special Adviser on General Duties, Barr. Ekpenyong Akiba, presented cash support to families who lost loved ones in the disasters. Beneficiaries included Mr. Kingsley Etim, who lost four children in the Ikot Anwatim landslide; Miss Sunday Jennifer, whose father died while trying to rescue the children; and Mrs. Chinonso Dominic, who lost her one-month-old baby after floodwaters swept the child away on Elijah Henshaw Street.

    Akiba conveyed Governor Otu’s condolences, stressing that no amount of money could replace the lives lost but saying the assistance was meant to ease the immediate burden on the families and reassure them that government stands with them in their grief.

    Director-General of the Cross River State Emergency Management Agency (CR-SEMA), Mr. Efa Nyong, said the agency has remained actively engaged through rapid assessments, temporary shelter support and collaboration with humanitarian partners to ensure continued assistance for disaster victims across the state.

    On behalf of the beneficiaries, Kingsley Etim thanked Governor Otu for fulfilling his promise to support the affected families, describing the gesture as a source of hope despite their painful loss.

    In a related intervention, the Ministry of Health, led by Commissioner Dr. Henry Egbe Ayuk, commenced the mapping of affected households in hard-hit communities, including Atu, to pave the way for the distribution of medicines, mosquito nets and other essential health commodities aimed at preventing disease outbreaks.

    Ayuk said the exercise, carried out on the governor’s directive, would be completed within days before relief materials are distributed. He noted that many displaced residents are now living in overcrowded conditions that increase the risk of malaria and other infections.

    The commissioner added that the ministry would work with the Cross River State Primary Health Care Development Agency to strengthen nearby health facilities while disease surveillance teams monitor public health risks arising from the flooding.

    During the assessment, Governor Otu spoke by telephone with residents, assuring them that government would continue to mobilise resources to ease their suffering. He described the disaster as a stark reminder of the growing impact of climate change and pledged sustained support for affected communities.

    Community leader Chief Francis Ekpenyong commended the governor’s prompt intervention and the Ministry of Health’s response, expressing confidence that the financial assistance, medical support and other planned interventions would help victims begin the difficult process of rebuilding their lives.

  • We’re Not Jittery, No Opposition Can Match Us In C’River – Chris Etta

    We’re Not Jittery, No Opposition Can Match Us In C’River – Chris Etta

    By BANNERNEWS Reporter, Calabar
    The Cross River State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has said it is not intimidated by the growing activities of opposition parties ahead of the next general election.
    The state chairman of the party, Chris Eta, stated this during his ongoing meetings with various associations and groups across the state as part of efforts to consolidate the reconciliation of aggrieved party members.
    Speaking with journalists on Monday, Eta said no opposition party in the state was strong enough to challenge the APC.
    He also dismissed claims that the ruling party was stifling the opposition, insisting that the government was not targeting the immediate past APC chairman, Barr. Alphonsus Ogar Eba, now the running mate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate, or any other opposition figure.
    “On the contrary, we are the boogeyman. We can never be jittery. It is the opposition that is afraid of our strength and formidability,” he said.


    Addressing the controversy surrounding properties at the Water Board Estate, Eta said the issue was not directed at Eba personally.
    “There are several other APC members who also failed to meet the conditions required to own properties at the Water Board Estate. Their properties will also be affected.
    “Remember that many of the fledgling political parties in the state are currently battling internal crises. Are we responsible for their crises?” he asked.
    Eta further disclosed that the party would soon publish the list of all its successful candidates for the forthcoming general election.
    He also rejected allegations that the APC manipulated its last primary elections. Quoting several biblical examples, Eta argued that leadership ultimately comes through divine providence, describing it as the “hand of God.”

  • Anglican Church Urges Otu To Take Tougher Stance On Communal Clashes, Set Up Christian Pilgrims Board

    Anglican Church Urges Otu To Take Tougher Stance On Communal Clashes, Set Up Christian Pilgrims Board

    By BANNERNEWS Reporter, Calabar

    The Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), Calabar Diocese, has urged Cross River State Governor, Senator Bassey Otu, to adopt a firmer approach to recurring inter-communal clashes and immediately establish a Christian Pilgrims Welfare Board.

    The call was made by the Lord Bishop of the Anglican Diocese of Calabar, Rt. Rev. Prof. Nneoyi Egbe, at the close of the 13th Session of the 12th Synod of the Diocese in Calabar.

    Egbe said the government should stop treating communal conflicts with levity, stressing that decisive action and stronger security deployment in flashpoints would deter further violence and guarantee lasting peace.

    “The government needs to be more hard-headed in dealing with inter-communal conflicts in the state. Strong security presence in areas designated as buffer zones will help forestall further breakdown of peace between affected communities,” he said.

    The Synod also criticised the absence of a Cross River State Christian Pilgrims Welfare Board nearly three years into the current administration, describing the situation as unacceptable.

    “It is an aberration that a Christian state with a Christian governor has no Christian Pilgrims Board, while there is a Muslim Pilgrims Board. This is unjust, unfair and provocative,” the church stated, urging the government to constitute the board without further delay.

    While commending the administration for youth employment initiatives, road construction, the acquisition of three aircraft for Cally Air, free WAEC registration for indigenous students and the restoration of bursaries, the Synod noted that several intra-city roads remain abandoned after rehabilitation work commenced.

    The church further urged the government to ensure that tractors procured for agricultural development are distributed fairly to genuine farmers across the state.

    It, however, expressed concern that the administration’s “People First” mantra appears to be losing public confidence, citing the recent protest at the 8 Miles area of Calabar as evidence of growing dissatisfaction.

    According to the Synod, excessive layers of political intermediaries have limited citizens’ access to government, urging the administration to become more responsive to the people.

    The church also warned of increasing migration from the state due to declining living conditions and called on the government to treat the situation as a priority by improving roads, waste management and schools to stem population loss and promote sustainable development.

  • Murders: Cross River communities order newcomers to register

    Murders: Cross River communities order newcomers to register

    By BANNERNEWS Reporter, Calabar

    Traditional chieftains and stakeholders in Ukim Ita Eyo Ndem village and neighbouring communities in Odukpani Local Government Area of Cross River State directed that all newcomers into their communities must register with the village heads before settling.

    They have also advised landowners to conduct background checks on prospective buyers of their lands.

    At a town hall meeting held weekend attended by government officials, traditional rulers, community leaders, youths and women, they also resolved that non-indigenes purchasing land for residential purposes must build permanent houses with cement blocks and conventional roofing materials.

    They arged that temporary mud and thatched structures had become hideouts for criminals.

    Recall that few months ago, media reports mentioned that 30 persons were killed serially even as some were beheaded in those communities, leading to panic among settlers and indigenes.

    As a result, traditional authorities met and announced six security measures to curb crime following the killings that claimed those lives.

    The measures were unveiled with participants agreeing on strategies to restore peace and strengthen security.

    Etubom (Arc.) Abàsi Eyo Ndem of the Ntiero Royal House said the killings exposed serious security lapses that require both traditional and modern responses.

    He warned criminals to abandon their activities or leave their communities, stressing that the traditional institution would no longer tolerate acts capable of endangering residents.

    “We cannot continue to fold our arms while criminality destroys our communities. The laws that will guide this land henceforth will not favour those who choose the path of crime,” he said.

    Among the resolutions adopted was a ban on the burial of deceased persons within residential compounds.

    Communities were directed to establish and use designated public cemeteries, while anyone flouting the directive would be subjected to investigation.

    The chieftains added that traditional sanctions would be invoked to ensure compliance with the new security framework.

    Prime Minister of the Efut Nation, Chief Efefiong Nta, called for the establishment of a local government-backed vigilante outfit, saying security requires active participation from residents.

    Representing the Chairman of Odukpani Local Government Council, Council Secretary Daniel Enang commended the community for taking proactive steps and assured residents of the council’s support in combating crime..

    A Commissioner with the Cross River State Independent Electoral Commission, Daniel Edet, cautioned against attempts to force settlers out of the community, noting that every Nigerian has the constitutional right to reside anywhere in the country.

    He advocated stronger community policing and renewed support for state police.

    The Village Head of Akai Ibonda, Asikpo Efiong Etim, also urged residents to remain vigilant and provide timely intelligence to security agencies, describing community cooperation as critical to preventing future attacks.