Author: Citynews

The Osi Balogun of Ibadanland, Oba Olubunmi Isioye-Dada, has passed away. A palace source, who spoke on condition of anonymity, confirmed the monarch’s death in a telephone conversation with our correspondent on Friday. According to the source, Oba Isioye-Dada died at his residence in Ibadan after a brief illness. The source added that a delegation of Omo Oye had already proceeded to the late chief’s home following news of his passing. Until his death, Oba Isioye-Dada occupied the prestigious position of Osi Balogun of Ibadanland, one of the key chieftaincy titles within the traditional hierarchy of the ancient city. His death…

Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has said the schoolchildren and teachers abducted by suspected bandits in Oriire Local Government Area are still being held within the Old Oyo National Park axis, as security agencies continue efforts to secure their freedom. The governor gave the update on Friday through his Newsletter No. 140, assuring residents that the rescue operation remains active and that authorities have not abandoned the victims. According to him, it has been 27 days since the attack on schools in Yawota and Ahoro-Esinle communities, an incident that threw many families into grief and uncertainty. The victims were kidnapped…

A peaceful protest in Abuja turned chaotic on Friday after armed police officers fired teargas at demonstrators marching towards Eagle Square. The protesters had gathered at Berger Bus Stop and were heading to the Federal Secretariat to press home their demands over the worsening security situation in the country, the release of abducted school children and what they described as poor governance. Tension rose as the crowd approached the Eagle Square axis, where heavily armed security operatives had been deployed. Witnesses said teargas canisters were fired into the crowd, forcing protesters, journalists and passersby to scamper for safety. Human rights…

Human rights activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, has reportedly been rushed to an undisclosed hospital after collapsing during a protest in Abuja on Friday. CITYNEWS NIGERIA gathered that the activist suddenly dropped to the ground and began gasping for air after police officers fired teargas to disperse protesters. The protest was said to have been organised over the worsening security situation in the country, following a series of attacks and killings recorded in different parts of Nigeria in recent weeks. Eyewitnesses said the protest, which began peacefully, turned chaotic after security operatives moved in to stop the demonstrators…

Hundreds of protesters on Friday staged a fresh #EndBadGovernance protest in Lagos, using the Democracy Day period to press for immediate government intervention in the areas of economic hardship, insecurity, unemployment and the escalating cost of living. The protest attracted activists, civil society organisations and concerned Nigerians who marched peacefully through parts of the city, carrying placards with inscriptions including “Free All Captives Now,” “End Anti-People Policies Now,” and “For a Living Wage and Mass Creation of Employment.” Participants expressed concern over the worsening economic conditions in the country and urged the government to take decisive steps to address the…

A United States Congressman, Riley Moore, has praised Nigeria’s House of Representatives for passing the State Police Bill, describing the move as a significant step toward tackling insecurity and addressing the alleged persecution of Christians across the country. The House of Representatives on Thursday approved the bill seeking to empower Nigeria’s 36 states to establish and operate their own police forces alongside the Nigeria Police Force. The proposed legislation secured the support of 289 lawmakers, while one member voted against it and another abstained. Having already passed second reading in the Senate, the bill must still be approved by the…

Barring any last-minute change of formation, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has succeeded in setting up a possible ‘AA’ ticket on the presidential ballot of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) by picking former Transportation Minister, Chibuike Amaechi, as his running mate. Also, yesterday, he declared that the actions by the Bola Tinubu-led All Progressives Congress (APC) administration contradicted the spirit, sacrifice and legacy of June 12. Coming after weeks of rigorous negotiations within the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) coalition platform, which was threatened by post-primary recriminations, the choice of Amaechi comes as a bold counter to the OK ticket pairing of…

Former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar (retd.), has revealed that American officials who were present with Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola, popularly called MKO Abiola, when he died were initially denied access to him after the incident. This online medium understands that Abdulsalami made the disclosure in his autobiography, which is scheduled for public presentation in Abuja on Saturday. The book offers fresh insights into the circumstances surrounding the death of Abiola, the presumed winner of the annulled June 12, 1993 presidential election. According to accounts referenced in the autobiography, Abiola was meeting with a United States delegation in Abuja…

President Bola Tinubu on Friday issued a strong warning to kidnappers, bandits and financiers of terrorism, declaring that his administration would not spare those responsible for the killing and abduction of innocent Nigerians. The President made the declaration during his nationwide broadcast to mark Nigeria’s 27th consecutive Democracy Day celebration, describing security as the foundation upon which the country’s democratic gains must stand. Tinubu said individuals and groups involved in acts of terror have been given a final opportunity to surrender, warning that the Federal Government was prepared to unleash the full weight of the law against anyone who refused…

President Bola Tinubu has conferred national honours on 51 eminent Nigerians, including media icons, pro-democracy activists and retired military officers, in commemoration of the 2026 Democracy Day. This online medium reports that the President announced the awards in a nationwide broadcast marking 27 years of unbroken civilian rule in Nigeria. Tinubu paid tribute to the late Chief M.K.O. Abiola, winner of the annulled June 12, 1993, presidential election, and other icons of the pro-democracy struggle. He said although Nigeria’s democracy was not perfect, it remained the ultimate vehicle for national development. Prominent among those listed for national honours were National Democratic Coalition chieftains,…