BANNER NEWS

Month: July 2026

  • NUJ Leaders Rally Round Reciperating Cross River Secretary, Pray for Full Recovery

    NUJ Leaders Rally Round Reciperating Cross River Secretary, Pray for Full Recovery

    By BANNERNEWS Reporter

    The leadership of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Zone F (South-South) has visited the recovering Secretary of the Cross River State Council, Comrade Mike Abang, at his Calabar residence, assuring him of the union’s unwavering support as he recuperates from a stroke.

    Leading the delegation, NUJ Zone F Vice President, Comrade Opaka Dokubo, said the visit underscored the union’s commitment to standing by its members during difficult times. He apologised for not visiting earlier due to official engagements but stressed that the zonal leadership had continually remembered Abang in prayers.

    “We see you as one of us and value you. Even after we left Cross River, our thoughts and prayers remained with you,” Dokubo said.

    He described service in the NUJ as largely sacrificial, noting that although the union may not always have the financial capacity to meet every need, its leaders remain committed to supporting colleagues in times of adversity.

    Dokubo thanked God for Abang’s steady recovery, describing it as a testimony of divine intervention, and urged journalists to prioritise regular medical check-ups, healthy living and prompt treatment to reduce health risks.

    Responding, Abang expressed appreciation for the visit, saying it strengthened his resolve to recover fully. He disclosed that he survived two strokes within a short period, describing his survival and gradual recovery as an act of God’s grace.

    He said his condition had improved significantly through medication and rehabilitation and thanked journalists across the South-South and beyond for their prayers, encouragement and support.

    The delegation comprised Dokubo, Zonal Trustee Comrade Gabriel Ekaidem and Chairman of the NUJ Akwa Ibom State Council, Comrade Naibiet John. They were joined by Cross River NUJ Chairman, Comrade Archibong Bassey, and the council’s Assistant Secretary, Comrade Kingsley Agim.

  • Nigerians Now Normalise Evil, Dishonesty — Anglican Bishop

    Nigerians Now Normalise Evil, Dishonesty — Anglican Bishop

    By BANNERNEWS Reporter, Calabar

    The Bishop of the Anglican Communion, Calabar Diocese, Rt. Rev. Prof. Nneoyi Egbe, has lamented that many Nigerians have become trapped in the “tragedy of normalising evil and dishonesty,” saying citizens are often more upset about being excluded from corruption than the corruption itself.

    Speaking at the 3rd Session of the 12th Synod of the Anglican Diocese of Calabar, which ended at Holy Trinity Anglican Church, Calabar, Bishop Egbe accused the nation’s leaders of insulating themselves from the suffering of ordinary Nigerians instead of addressing the country’s challenges.

    The three-day synod, themed “Not Offended in Me” (Matthew 11:6), attracted clergy, traditional rulers, government officials and other guests.

    He cited the Presidency’s reliance on solar power while millions of Nigerians remain affected by the country’s unreliable electricity supply, saying leaders had chosen comfort over meaningful national transformation.

    Describing Nigeria as a “two-tier nation,” the bishop said one class enjoys private security, stable electricity and modern infrastructure, while the vast majority grapples with insecurity, poor roads, inadequate healthcare and economic hardship.

    In a communique signed by Bishop Egbe, the Synod rejected what it described as attempts to Islamise Nigeria and opposed the integration of Sharia financial systems into the country’s regulatory framework, arguing that such a move would not improve transparency or accountability.

    The Synod also urged Christians to return to God in genuine repentance, warning against modern-day idolatries such as the pursuit of wealth, status, pleasure, fashion, technology and self above faith.

    On governance, the Church advocated merit-based appointments, proposing that political office holders be screened by a college of respected religious and traditional leaders. It argued that appointing the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) solely by the President undermines the commission’s independence.

    The Synod further called for tighter border security to curb terrorism and illegal migration, while insisting that technocrats, rather than politicians, should drive Nigeria’s economic management.

    Highlighting developments within the Diocese, the Church listed the establishment of a printing press, scholarship programmes for indigent children, construction of a house for a widow, provision of boreholes, economic empowerment initiatives and the renovation of homes damaged by storms.

    The bishop commended Cross River State Governor Bassey Otu for improvements in infrastructure, youth employment, aviation, agriculture, education and security, but criticised the alleged imposition of candidates for elective offices and faulted the governor for marking his third anniversary in Abuja instead of Calabar.

    “We advise Your Excellency against playing politics with governance. The work has only begun, and we hope to see greater commitment at home,” Egbe said.

    The Synod also commended the three senators representing Cross River State for their developmental efforts across their senatorial districts and urged them to sustain the momentum.

     

     

  • Igbo community seeks stronger collaboration with Cross River govt after leadership election

    Igbo community seeks stronger collaboration with Cross River govt after leadership election

    By BANNERNEWS Reporter, Calabar

    The Igbo community in Cross River State has called for stronger collaboration with the state government, while urging its members to remain united, peaceful and contribute more to the state’s economic development.

    The appeal followed the election of new executives of the Igbo Community in Calabar on Thursday, which produced Sir Kenneth Okpalaeke as president.

    Stakeholders described the exercise as peaceful, transparent and credible.

    President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Cross River State chapter, Chief Chukwuemeka Egwuonwu, commended members for their orderly conduct and urged the new leadership to see its mandate as a call to selfless service.

    “Leadership is about service. The new president should continue to promote unity among Igbos and sustain the peaceful atmosphere we have built over the years,” he said.

    Egwuonwu also reaffirmed Ohanaeze’s commitment to maintaining cordial relations with the Cross River State Government, stressing that the organisation remained non-partisan while supporting initiatives that promote the welfare of Igbos in the state.

    A member of the Igbo Council of Chiefs, Sir Livinus Ihezie, described the poll as the most peaceful in the community’s history. He urged the new leadership to preserve the existing unity and prioritise the construction of a permanent Igbo Community Hall in Calabar.

    Ihezie appealed to Governor Bassey Otu to facilitate the restoration of land earlier allocated to the Igbo community to make the project a reality.

    The Governor’s Special Adviser on Non-Indigenous Affairs, Mazi Okey Maduekwe, also lauded the peaceful election, saying it reflected the prevailing peace in the state. He urged the new executive to sustain harmonious relations with the government and support its development agenda.

    In his acceptance speech, Okpalaeke pledged to prioritise unity, self-reliance and community development. He said his administration would mobilise members to fund projects through voluntary contributions, with the proposed Igbo Community Hall as a flagship project.

    He also promised welfare programmes for elderly and vulnerable members, while urging Igbos in the state to remain law-abiding and continue contributing positively to the socio-economic development  of Cross River.

     

     

     

     

  • Cross River Begins Establishment Of Kidney Dialysis Centre in Ogoja 

    Cross River Begins Establishment Of Kidney Dialysis Centre in Ogoja 

    By BANNERNEWS Reporter, Calabar

    The process to establish a kidney dialysis centre at the General Hospital, Ogoja, in the northern axis of the state has begun.

    Commissioner for health in the state, Dr Henry Egbe Ayuk who disclosed this to journalists yesterday said it was a significant move to improve access to specialist healthcare services for residents of the state’s northern senatorial district.

    He described the intervention as a strategic investment in the health sector that will substantially reduce the need for patients to seek treatment outside the district while improving survival outcomes for people living with kidney disease.

    He said it is expected to bridge a critical gap in renal healthcare by bringing life-saving dialysis services closer to patients who currently travel long distances to Abakaliki in Ebobyi State, Makurdi in Benue State and Calabar, the state capital, to access treatment.

    He said such trips by the patients often exposed them to additional physical, emotional and financial hardships while seeking life-saving care.

    Ayuk said the intervention reflects Governor Bassey Otu’s commitment to strengthening healthcare infrastructure and ensuring equitable access to quality medical services across the State.

    He explained that the decision was informed by the rising incidence of kidney failure and the absence of a functional dialysis referral centre in the northern part of the state.

    He noted that patients requiring renal dialysis often undertake difficult and costly journeys to medical facilities in Makurdi, Abakaliki and Calabar,

    According to the commissioner, the Governor has approved the release of funds to commence and complete the outstanding civil works required for the installation of dialysis equipment at the proposed Kidney Centre in General Hospital, Ogoja.

    Dr. Ayuk expressed appreciation to Governor Otu for prioritising the health needs of Cross River residents, describing the approval as another demonstration of the administration’s unwavering commitment to delivering people-centred healthcare under its development agenda.

    He assured that the Ministry of Health would ensure the prompt and transparent utilization of the approved funds to facilitate the timely completion of the project and the commencement of dialysis services.

    Upon completion, the dialysis centre is expected to serve as a major referral hub for renal care in Northern Cross River, bringing specialist treatment closer to thousands of residents and reducing the financial burden associated with seeking care in neighbouring states.

  • Police Rescue Abducted Boy, Arrest Four Suspected Kidnappers in Gombe

    Police Rescue Abducted Boy, Arrest Four Suspected Kidnappers in Gombe

    By BANNERNEWS Reporter, Gombe

    The Gombe State Police Command has rescued an eight-year-old boy abducted in Akko Local Government Area and arrested four suspects linked to the crime.

    The Commissioner of Police, Umar Ahmed Chuso, disclosed this while briefing journalists on the Command’s recent achievements in combating kidnapping, cybercrime and other criminal activities.

    He said the boy’s father, Alhaji Muhammad Nabadara, reported to the Akko Divisional Police Headquarters on June 28 that his son had gone missing after leaving home the previous evening.

    According to the police commissioner, an intelligence-led operation led to the arrest of the first suspect, Abdullahi Mohammed of Jauro Musa Quarters, Kumo, on June 30. His confession subsequently led to the arrest of three alleged accomplices identified as Mohammed Magaji (35), Sale Sale (23) and Walida Ya’u (18), all residents of Kagarawal Quarters in Gombe metropolis.

    The victim was rescued unharmed and reunited with his family, while the suspects will be arraigned upon the conclusion of investigations.

    CP Chuso also announced the dismantling of an eight-member criminal syndicate allegedly involved in armed robbery and cyber-enabled financial fraud.

    He said the investigation began after two residents of Wuro Birji in Akko LGA reported that hoodlums attacked them on June 7 and stole their mobile phones.

    According to him, the suspects allegedly used information stored on the devices to gain unauthorised access to the victims’ bank accounts, withdrawing ₦296,790 and obtaining an additional ₦205,205 through a quick loan facility.

    Police said technical intelligence traced one of the fraudulent transactions to a Moniepoint account, leading to the arrest of the alleged ringleader, Mustapha Kabiru, popularly known as “Musty Bobo,” a 19-year-old student of the Federal Polytechnic, Kaltungo.

    His confession led to the arrest of seven other suspected members of the syndicate.

    The commissioner said investigations revealed the group was linked to more than 13 similar cases across Wuro Birji, Riyal, Bomala and Jauro Jatau communities, adding that efforts are ongoing to apprehend fleeing suspects.

    In a related operation, police raided criminal hideouts across Gombe metropolis on July 7, arresting 44 suspects allegedly involved in drug abuse and thuggery. Some were found in possession of offensive weapons, Indian hemp and other intoxicants.

    The command also impounded 121 vehicles operating with concealed, altered or missing registration plates, while 114 motorists have been prosecuted for offences under the National Road Traffic Regulations and the Road Traffic Act. The police urged motorists to ensure their vehicles are properly registered and display valid number plates at all times.

  • Rival Gang Clashes Leave Three Dead, Several Injured in Jalingo

    Rival Gang Clashes Leave Three Dead, Several Injured in Jalingo

    By BANNERNEWS Reporter, Jalingo
    No fewer than three youths have been killed and several others injured in a series of violent clashes between rival gangs in Jalingo, the Taraba State capital, over the past few weeks.
    The gangs, comprising mostly secondary school students and school dropouts from different neighbourhoods, have reportedly been involved in recurring violent confrontations fuelled by drug abuse, disputes over girlfriends and political affiliations.
    The clashes have been recorded in Jika da Fari, Kasuwan Yalwa, Yamusala, Sabon Layi and Mallam Joda areas of the metropolis, with residents saying the attacks often occur at night when gangs invade rival territories.
    A resident of Mallam Joda, John Dauda, described the clashes as a growing security threat, alleging that innocent residents are frequently attacked during the violence.
    He recalled that last week vehicular movement was halted from PDP Junction to the Jika da Fari Cemetery as rival gangs clashed, forcing residents to flee for safety.
    According to him, shops along the route were shut while motorists and commercial motorcyclists abandoned the road for fear of being caught in the violence.
    Another resident of Jika da Fari, Haruna Rufai, said repeated gang clashes in the area had left several youths seriously injured.
    Similarly, David John, a resident of Yamusala, said police and other security agencies had, on one occasion, intervened to disperse the gangs and restore peace. He urged security agencies to intensify efforts to curb the menace before it escalates further, blaming youth idleness and political actors for fuelling the violence.
    Efforts to obtain the reaction of the Taraba State Police Command were unsuccessful, as the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Victor Mshelizah, neither answered calls nor responded to text messages sent by BANNERNEWS.
  • Edo LG Election: NSCDC Deploys 1,300 Personnel For Peaceful Poll

    Edo LG Election: NSCDC Deploys 1,300 Personnel For Peaceful Poll

    By BANNERNEWS Reporter, Benin

    The Edo State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has deployed 1,300 personnel across the state’s three senatorial districts to provide security for Saturday’s local government election.

    State Commandant, Saidi Akintayo, disclosed this while briefing journalists in Benin, saying the command had concluded all security arrangements to ensure a peaceful, free and credible poll.

    Akintayo said the personnel would be on duty before, during and after the election to protect lives and property, as well as critical national assets and infrastructure across the state.

    He urged eligible voters to come out and exercise their civic responsibility without fear, assuring them of adequate security throughout the electoral process.

    The commandant also called on political parties, candidates, their supporters and other stakeholders to shun violence and all forms of electoral malpractice, and conduct themselves peacefully during the exercise.

    He reaffirmed the corps’ commitment to working closely with other security agencies to ensure a peaceful, orderly and hitch-free election across Edo State.

  • Lagos Police Arrest 135 Suspected Cultists, Recover 26 Firearms

    Lagos Police Arrest 135 Suspected Cultists, Recover 26 Firearms

    By BANNERNEWS Reporter, Lagos

    Operatives of the Lagos State Police Command have arrested 135 suspected cultists and recovered 26 firearms during coordinated raids on criminal hideouts and black spots across the state ahead of the annual 7/7 cult celebrations.

    The operation, ordered by the Commissioner of Police, Tijani Fatai, involved Area Commanders, Divisional Police Officers (DPOs), Tactical Commanders and operatives of the Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU).

    Police said the raids followed credible intelligence that rival cult groups were planning attacks and other criminal activities linked to the annual cult celebrations.

    Items recovered include 26 firearms, 16 dangerous weapons comprising cutlasses, battle axes, daggers and knives, cult insignia, assorted charms, 11 bottles of alcoholic beverages, substances suspected to be Indian hemp and other illicit drugs, as well as six mobile phones.

    The command said the intelligence-driven operation was aimed at disrupting planned cult-related violence and initiation activities while reinforcing public safety across the state.

    It added that investigations are ongoing to identify and arrest other fleeing members of the criminal gangs.

    According to the police, all 135 suspects will be charged to court at the conclusion of investigations, reaffirming the command’s commitment to sustained intelligence-led policing to curb cultism and other violent crimes in Lagos State.

  • Motorcyclist Gets Life Jail For Raping Nursing Mother

    Motorcyclist Gets Life Jail For Raping Nursing Mother

    By BANNERNEWS Reporter, Uyo

    An Akwa Ibom State High Court sitting in Uyo has sentenced a commercial motorcyclist, Michael Effiong Japhet, to life imprisonment for raping a nursing mother at knifepoint.

    Trial judge, Justice Archibong Archibong, found Japhet guilty of rape and stealing, offences punishable under the Criminal Code Laws of Akwa Ibom State, 2000.

    The court heard that the convict committed the offences on February 23, 2015, after picking up the victim, a fruit seller, from Ekom Iman Junction in Uyo to take her home at Ikot Ofon in Ikono Local Government Area.

    Instead of following the agreed route, he reportedly diverted to Ikot Nsung and drove into a bush path, falsely claiming that his motorcycle had run out of fuel.

    There, he allegedly seized the woman’s purse containing ₦7,000 and a mobile phone before threatening her with a knife and forcing her to undress.

    Despite the victim’s pleas that she was married and nursing a baby, the convict raped her while threatening to stab her if she resisted, before fleeing the scene on his motorcycle.

    The following morning, the victim spotted him at Ekom Iman Junction on her way to resume business, alerted her husband, and the suspect was immediately apprehended. Her stolen phone was recovered from him.

    Justice Archibong sentenced Japhet to life imprisonment for rape and an additional three years’ imprisonment for stealing, bringing to a close the 11-year prosecution handled by the Akwa Ibom State Ministry of Justice.

  • Senate Queries North West Commission Over ₦943m Board Allowances

    Senate Queries North West Commission Over ₦943m Board Allowances

    By BANNERNEWS Reporter, Abuja

    The Senate Committee on Regional Development has queried the North West Development Commission (NWDC) over the payment of about ₦943 million in board allowances and persistent administrative challenges, including the failure to appoint executive directors.

    At an investigative session with officials of the commission and the Federal Ministry of Regional Development, lawmakers questioned why the NWDC remains the only regional development commission without executive directors despite being among the earliest established by an Act of the National Assembly.

    The Minister of State for Regional Development, Alhaji Uba Maigari Ahmadu, attributed the commission’s prolonged difficulties to disputes over its headquarters in Kano. He said the ministry had to intervene after disagreements between the board and management over office accommodation hampered operations.

    Ahmadu disclosed that the Kano State Government has now provided the commission with a fully furnished office, operational vehicles and a parcel of land. He said the ministry, board and management formally took possession of the facility last week, while all temporary offices were ordered shut to end the controversy.

    Describing the absence of executive directors as a major setback, the minister said the commission’s management structure remains incomplete, unlike those of other regional development commissions. He noted that although the board was inaugurated in February 2025 to fast-track operations, internal crises have continued to slow its activities.

    The committee also expressed concern over delayed board meetings, irregular financial records and what lawmakers described as excessive spending on board-related allowances. Senators questioned how the commission claimed to lack operational funds while incurring huge expenses on official visits and other administrative activities.

    One senator specifically queried the payment of Duty Tour Allowance to the Managing Director for an official visit to the Governor of Kano State, despite the commission’s headquarters being located in Kano. The lawmaker also questioned claims for air tickets, local transport and other travel expenses for the engagement.

    Lawmakers were particularly alarmed that documents presented to the committee showed that ₦943 million out of the commission’s total expenditure of ₦1.19 billion—about 79 per cent—was spent on board allowances. They described the spending as inconsistent with the commission’s mandate to drive development across the North-West and tackle insecurity and infrastructure deficits.

    Responding, Chairman of the Governing Board, Professor Abdullahi Shehu Ma’aji, defended the expenditure, insisting that the board acted within the provisions of the North West Development Commission Act, 2024. He said the board had held seven meetings—five regular and two emergency sessions—and adopted 63 resolutions to establish the commission’s administrative and policy framework.

    Despite the explanations, the committee insisted that concerns remain over delayed staff recruitment, slow implementation of approved capital projects and the overall pace of the commission’s operations.