BANNER NEWS

Year: 2026

  • Borgu, Agwara Residents Protest Insecurity, Block Mokwa-New Bussa Road

    Borgu, Agwara Residents Protest Insecurity, Block Mokwa-New Bussa Road

    By BANNERNEWS Reporter, Minna

    Residents of farming communities in Borgu and Agwara Local Government Areas of Niger State, alongside the Borgu Youth Federation and members of various associations, have blocked the Mokwa-New Bussa road in protest against persistent attacks and insecurity in the area.

    The protesters, who included members of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), blocked the road at Bussa Roundabout, a major entry point into Borgu Kingdom, as early as 5:30am on Wednesday despite heavy rain.

    The action left commuters travelling from the Mokwa axis to New Bussa and Agwara stranded.

    Speaking with journalists, the Auditor of the Borgu Youth Federation, Aliyu Abdulmajeed, said the protest was triggered partly by comments attributed to Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago, on the number of people abducted during recent attacks on communities in the area.

    Abdulmajeed alleged that about 500 worshippers were abducted when terrorists attacked Juma’at mosques in Dekara, Gbezhin, Sabon-Gida and Kpenya on August 21, with about 30 reportedly later killed.

    He said residents were concerned that the security situation had persisted for years, while some communities had been deserted.

    “Two LGAs are participating in this protest, Borgu and Agwara. We are not happy with the ongoing security challenges. We have been in this problem for the past three years.

    “Attacks by terrorists have degenerated into tribal clashes, and people are dying on a daily basis,” he said.

    Abdulmajeed further alleged that clashes between farmers and herders in Agwara had claimed eight lives in the past two weeks and displaced hundreds of residents.

    He also said an attack on Guchana community in Borgu at the weekend left about 30 vigilantes injured.

    According to him, the injured vigilantes were receiving treatment from traditional medicine practitioners because of the absence of accessible healthcare facilities in the area.

    “We are demanding that government gives our challenges adequate attention. We have been neglected. There is no government presence here,” he said.

    However, the Chairman of Borgu LGA, Mohammed Nasir Abdullahi, said the government had taken measures to prevent further attacks in the area.

    Abdullahi said security personnel had been deployed to the council following an appeal by the state government to the Federal Government after the August 21 mosque attacks.

    He said about 30 of the abducted worshippers were later killed, but insisted that no fresh attack had been recorded in the area since then.

    The chairman also dismissed a video recently circulated on social media alleging another attack in Borgu as fake.

    “The video in circulation is fake. Nothing like that has happened in Borgu LGA. We have made our findings and there is no security report to that effect.

    “After the last attack on the Juma’at mosques on August 21, the President, through the efforts of Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago, ordered the deployment of massive security personnel along that corridor,” he said.

    Abdullahi added that security personnel had blocked routes reportedly used by terrorists, saying the government had taken “serious measures” to secure the affected communities.

  • NUPRC Promotion: Ezama Blames Political Leaders Over Alleged C’River Exclusion

    NUPRC Promotion: Ezama Blames Political Leaders Over Alleged C’River Exclusion

    By BANNERNEWS Reporter, Calabar

    The alleged exclusion of Cross River indigenes from the 2026 promotion exercise of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) has exposed what a political support group described as the failure of the state’s political leaders to act collectively on issues affecting the state.

    Director-General of the National Patriotic Front for Tinubu (NPFFT), Castro Ezama, made the allegation on Tuesday while addressing a press conference at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Press Centre in Calabar.

    Ezama said the reported outcome raised questions about the effectiveness of the three senators and members of the House of Representatives representing Cross River State at the National Assembly in pursuing issues of common interest to the state.

    According to him, the state has continued to suffer marginalisation in some federal institutions because its political leaders have failed to speak with one voice.

    Ezama alleged that 106 NUPRC staff were promoted across four management cadres, but none of the beneficiaries was from Cross River, despite the presence of indigenes of the state among eligible staff.

    He claimed that Rivers State recorded eight promotions, while Edo and Delta had six each, and Bayelsa and Akwa Ibom recorded three each.

    “We are informed that Cross River State indigenes were represented at each of the management levels, yet not one was promoted,” he said.

    Ezama, however, acknowledged that the figures needed to be verified against official records, saying the reported disparity warranted an independent review of the exercise.

    He questioned how an exercise involving 106 promotions across four management levels could produce no successful candidate from Cross River while other South-South states recorded beneficiaries.

    Ezama called for an urgent and impartial review of the promotion process and, where any irregularity is established, appropriate corrective measures, including a supplementary list.

    He also urged the Presidency and relevant supervising authorities to ensure that federal institutions apply merit, due process and federal character principles transparently.

    “We call on the Federal Character Commission to examine the state-of-origin distribution and decision-making process in the 2026 NUPRC promotion exercise,” he said.

    The NPFFT has previously called for the release of a state-by-state and cadre-by-cadre breakdown of eligible, assessed and successful candidates to enable the allegations to be independently examined.

  • UNICAL Instructs Campus Security, Others to Note Nine Suspended Students

    UNICAL Instructs Campus Security, Others to Note Nine Suspended Students

    By BANNERNEWS Reporter, Calabar

    Authorities of the University of Calabar have instructed the acting chief security officer of the school and the Deans, Heads of Departments, and other relevant units to take particular note of nine students who were suspected today for the 2026/2027 academic session.

    The affected students are Ogabi Christabel Emmanuel (20244008945TR), Atim Sarah Mofam (202550738391DF), Wasim Kumato (22/038144152), Onum Kingsley Evela (20255029158HA), and Reuben David Chinonso (202440673839IA), all of the Department of Theatre and Media Studies, Faculty of Arts.

    Others are Etuk Emediong Loius (22/044144044), Department of Human Nutrition and Dietetics, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences; and Okoronkwo Eleazar Chidera (23/09414032), Department of Geology, Faculty of Physical Sciences.

    Also affected are Atamgba Victor Yeneochiakim (22/045144192), Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences; and Thialo James Akobi (19/01445039TR), Department of Sociology, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Calabar.

    The authorities want to he security to ensure that the affected students fully comply with the directive.

    The Senate of UNICAL suspended them following their involvement in examination misconduct.

    Their suspension was conveyed in a letter signed by the University Registrar, Dr. (Mrs.) Chukwuka Icha, based on the recommendations of the Senate Examination Misconduct Committee (SEMC).

    They are expected to resume their studies in the 2027/2028 academic session, according to the letter.

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  • Naval War College Graduating Sudents Take Food Items to Calabar Children Home

    Naval War College Graduating Sudents Take Food Items to Calabar Children Home

    By BANNERNEWS Reporter, Calabar

    Graduating participants of the Naval War College Nigeria, Calabar, have visited a children welfare home in the city, donating assorted food items to the children.

    The participants of Naval Warfare Course 10 from different countries made the donation weekend, as part of activities marking their graduation.

    The group visited Mother Elizabeth Redeemed Home of Love, with children numbering close to 80 children in the Parliamentary Road area of Calabar.

    The visit was led by Group Captain Ikira, who represented the Commandant of the college, Rear Admiral Mohammed Muye.

    The college said the gesture was part of its corporate social responsibility initiative aimed at showing compassion and supporting less privileged members of society.

    They donated several bags of rice and other edibles, disinfectants and beverage.

    Receiving the delegation, the Managing Director of the home, Sister Anna Freda Odudu-Charles from The Gambia, thanked the college for the gesture and prayed for God’s protection and success for the graduating officers in their future endeavours.

    She disclosed that the home is an arm of Brotherhood of the Cross and Star.

    Showing gratitude for their visits and donation, the children sang and prayed for the military personnel.

    The Course President, Navy Captain M.N. Chiedu, also delivered a keynote address on behalf of the college.

    Naval Warfare Course 10 commenced in January 2026 and is designed to prepare senior officers for operational command responsibilities.

    The course is the college’s main training programme and runs annually from January to September for senior naval officers and equivalent officers from sister services and allied nations.

    MWOMTD Ewa Emmanuel Joseph, one of the officers, said the officers were happy that the massive home has several other non-Nigerian children.

    End

  • Ibok Leads Group To Reconcile Aggrieved APC Politicians, Drum Support for Otu’s Re-election Emerges

    Ibok Leads Group To Reconcile Aggrieved APC Politicians, Drum Support for Otu’s Re-election Emerges

    By BANNERNEWS Reporter, Calabar

    A new group, known as the United Coalition Movement for Prince Otu and Odey (UCMPOO), to mobilise support towards re-election of Governor Bassey Otu and his deputy, Dr Peter Odey next year, has been unveiled in Cross River State.

    The group was launched weekend by Mr Austin Ibok, a chieftain of opposition party, African Democratic Congress, ADC.

    Ibok said the group will focus on mobilising members of opposition parties, promoting political reconciliation and integrating old and new members of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    He said he prefers to adopt Otu for the 2027 election instead of another candidate.

    He said the movement was founded on what he described as the principle of “Built On Integrity” and would provide a platform for reaching out to stakeholders who felt sidelined or dissatisfied.

    “Following our declaration and adoption of His Excellency, Governor Bassey Otu, for the 2027 Governorship Election, we proudly introduce UCMPOO as a broad-based political vehicle for the 2027 election.

    “Our mandate is simple: to galvanise opposition members, pursue political reconciliation and integration of old APC, while creating a trusted platform through which the Governor can reach out to those who may feel sidelined, unheard or dissatisfied,” Ibok said.

    He said the movement would seek to bridge political differences and bring stakeholders across the 18 local government areas of the state together.

    “We shall build bridges, encourage reconciliation and unite people across the 18 LGAs around a common purpose,” he added.

     

     

  • No Police Personnel Has Rights to Demand Payments From Drivers During Stop-And-Search – Commissioner

    No Police Personnel Has Rights to Demand Payments From Drivers During Stop-And-Search – Commissioner

    By BANNERNEWS Reporter, Calabar

    Commissioner of Police in Cross River State, CP Ajo Geoffrey Ordue has reiterated that no police officer is authorised to demand, solicit or compel any driver or rider to make payments during a stop-and-search or any other lawful police operation.

    He gave the caution on Saturday following renewed complaints that certain police officers do extort commercial drivers in Calabar and other towns during Stop And Search operation.

    The commissioner, represented by the Divisional Police Officer, DPO, at Atakpa Police Division, CSP Azenda Peter, during an engagement with major transport stakeholders in Calabar to address their complaints.

    The commissioner also cautioned drivers and riders not to make such payments but to promptly report any police officer who demands or solicits such payments to the Command.

    During the engagement, the stakeholders were also reminded that the prohibition of extortion does not exempt motorists and riders from obeying the law.

    In a statement by the Command PRO, ASP Eitokpah Sunday Akata “The Commissioner charged commercial drivers and tricycle operators to strictly comply with applicable road traffic laws and lawful police directives.

    “Commissioner stressed that violations would be addressed through established legal and enforcement procedures.”

    Ordue further reminded all police personnel in the State that every officer was expected to uphold the highest standards of professionalism, discipline and integrity in the discharge of their duties.

    He assured that the Command remains committed to strengthening public confidence through disciplined policing, community partnership, accountability and professional service delivery.

    “The Command will continue to engage relevant stakeholders in addressing legitimate public concerns and assures members of the public that credible complaints of police misconduct will receive appropriate attention and be handled in accordance with the law.”

    Attendees included executive members of the Unified Commercial Drivers Association of Cross River State, led by the State Chairman, Mr Nta Henshaw, and representatives of the Tricycle Owners Association of Nigeria, led by the Calabar South/Municipality Chairman, Chief Pastor Ekpenyong Ewa.

     

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  • Billionaires Hold 12km Walkathon In Calabar To Promote Unity

    Billionaires Hold 12km Walkathon In Calabar To Promote Unity

    By BANNERNEWS Reporter, Calabar

    About 500 residents, fitness enthusiasts, corporate organisations and government officials on Saturday participated in a 12-kilometre walkathon in Calabar to promote unity and healthy living.

    The event, organised by the Healthy Billionaires Fitness Club Calabar, was the seventh edition of the annual Calabar Walkathon.

    Participants converged at Millennium Park, Calabar, for the exercise themed, “Walk for Unity and Sustainable Development.”

    Chairman of the planning committee, Samuel Usoro, said the initiative was aimed at combining physical fitness with advocacy for sustainable development.

    Usoro urged Nigerians not to allow religious, ethnic and political differences to undermine their common interests.

    “We are one. We all believe the same. We all feel the same way. Let us come together and ask for sustainable development from whoever is responsible—the public sector, the private sector and ourselves individually,” he said.

    He also encouraged residents to make regular physical activity part of their lifestyle, noting that walking remained one of the simplest forms of exercise.

    Speaking at the flag-off, the Secretary to the Cross River State Government, Prof. Anthony Owan-Enoh, called for greater unity among citizens to sustain development in the state.

    Owan-Enoh said sustainable development required the collective efforts of government, the private sector and citizens.

    Assistant Secretary of the club, Hope Obeten, said the annual walkathon began in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic to promote healthy living and bring residents together around social causes.

    He said the choice of unity as this year’s theme was informed by the need to encourage peaceful coexistence as the country approaches another election cycle.

    “No matter the divide, no matter the political parties that we are, nothing will be as strong as unity going into an election year,” Obeten said.

    He added that the club had undertaken medical outreaches, paid medical bills for indigent patients and visited vulnerable families as part of its activities.

    Obeten urged Nigerians to maintain peace before, during and after elections, stressing that political differences should not lead to violence.

  • 200,000 Condoms Distributed in Calabar In Six Months – AHF

    200,000 Condoms Distributed in Calabar In Six Months – AHF

    By BANNERNEWS Reporter, Calabar

    The AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) has distributed more than 200,000 condoms in Cross River State in the past six months, mostly in Calabar, saying the demand is very high.

    AHF’s HIV/AIDS Prevention Coordinator, Aruk Ene, disclosed this on Saturday during a Walkathon organised by the Healthy Billionaires Club in Calabar to promote healthy living.

    Ene said demand for condoms remained high, contrary to the belief that their use was declining.

    She said the foundation distributed more than 50,000 condoms within a few hours on February 13, a day before Valentine’s Day.

    “We distributed over 50,000 within hours and conducted tests for several persons,” she said.

    Ene said AHF also planned to distribute 10,000 condoms during Saturday’s event, adding that people continued to request the products whenever they were made available.

    “I won’t agree that the use of condoms has reduced. People have their reasons, and this is why we embark on constant education on their use,” she said.

    She also advised people to use appropriate condom sizes, noting that discomfort from using the wrong size could discourage some people from using them.

    On HIV testing, Ene encouraged residents to regularly check their status, saying those who test positive could be linked to treatment and laboratory monitoring with their consent.

    “If you are positive, with your permission, we proceed with treatment and laboratory monitoring. If you are negative, we also advise and provide the necessary preventive drugs,” she said.

    She said AHF could not immediately provide the number of people tested during the Walkathon.

    Ene also noted that Cross River’s location, which attracts people from neighbouring states and Cameroon, results in the movement of people with different health conditions into the state.

    However, she said the foundation could not determine which sexually transmitted infection among HIV, hepatitis and syphilis was most prevalent in the state.

    She added that HIV prevention had evolved, with oral and injectable preventive drugs now available.

  • Police Arrest Two, Recover Stolen Tricycle, Generator In Calabar South

    Police Arrest Two, Recover Stolen Tricycle, Generator In Calabar South

    By BANNERNEWS Reporter, Calabar

    The Cross River State Police Command has arrested two suspects and recovered a suspected stolen tricycle and a generator in separate incidents in Calabar South.

    The suspects, 22-year-old Testimony Ene and 18-year-old Promise Sunday Patrick, were arrested on September 15 following information received from members of the public.

    The police said Ene was arrested at Mayne Avenue, Calabar South, while allegedly negotiating the sale of a tricycle with registration number AZA 504 QJ.

     

    According to the Command, preliminary investigation indicated that Ene allegedly took the tricycle from Akwa Ibom State and drove it to Calabar for disposal.

    The tricycle was recovered and secured as an exhibit, while efforts are being made to trace its rightful owner and establish the circumstances surrounding the alleged theft.

    In a separate incident, Patrick was arrested at Nyawawo Community, Calabar South, allegedly in possession of a yellow Fireman generator.

    Police spokesman, ASP Eitokpah Sunday Akata, said the suspect reportedly told investigators that the generator was taken from a church on Nyawawo Street.

    The generator was recovered and secured as an exhibit, while investigation continues to establish its ownership and the circumstances surrounding its removal.

    The Command said the suspects would be treated in accordance with the law and appropriate legal action taken based on the outcome of the investigations.

  • Police Arrest 13 Suspects, Recover Guns, Motorcycle In Delta, Akwa Ibom

    Police Arrest 13 Suspects, Recover Guns, Motorcycle In Delta, Akwa Ibom

    By BANNERNEWS Reporters

    Police authorities in Delta and Akwa Ibom states have arrested 13 suspects in separate operations and recovered firearms, a motorcycle, suspected illicit drugs and other items.

    In Delta State, seven suspected cultists were arrested on September 13 along Ghana Quarters, Umuebu Road, Obiaruku, by operatives of the Special Anti-Kidnapping Unit of the state police command.

    The command’s spokesperson, Bright Edafe, identified the suspects as Wisdom Enede, 25; Ocheli Solomon, 42; Nnaji Godstime, 23; Izu Thankgod, 28; Kester Adishi, 31; Oghonogh Pentecost, 28; and Adishi Prince, 28.

    Edafe said police recovered a fabricated single-barrel gun, one cartridge, suspected illicit drugs, a battle axe, mobile phones and a laptop from the suspects.

    He said preliminary interrogation indicated that the suspects allegedly belonged to the Vikings and Black Axe confraternities and made statements concerning alleged involvement in internet fraud.

    In Akwa Ibom, the state police command said six suspected armed robbers were arrested over alleged criminal activities across Ikono, Ini and Obot Akara Local Government Areas.

    The command’s spokesperson, DSP Timfon John, said a suspected native doctor who allegedly provided charms to members of the gang and another suspect accused of producing fake receipts for the disposal of stolen motorcycles were among those arrested.

    She said police recovered two single-barrel shotguns, three laptops, a suspected stolen motorcycle, local charms and other fetish items from the suspects, including materials recovered from the native doctor’s shrine.

    John said investigation was ongoing to determine the individual roles of the suspects, recover more stolen property and apprehend other members and alleged collaborators of the criminal network.