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14 killed in Damaturu multiple blasts

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At least 14 people were killed in three separate suicide bomb attacks in Damaturu, northeast Nigeria, on Wednesday, National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) said. The blasts came after Boko Haram militants this week claimed to have carried out three suicide attacks on the outskirts of the capital, Abuja, last Friday that left 18 dead and 41 injured.
Suspicion for the latest bombings will likely fall on the Islamist rebels, who have repeatedly attacked Damaturu during their bloody, six-year insurgency. Last month, a girl thought to be aged 12 killed six and injured 47 when the explosives she was carrying went off outside a bus station in the Yobe state capital.
NEMA coordinator for Yobe state Bashir Idris Garga said the first blast Wednesday happened at a small food store on a housing estate, killing four. Another near a mosque killed one, while nine, including a family, lost their lives when another bomber exploded at a Fulani settlement on the outskirts of the city.
“Total injured 10, seven partially injured and three critically injured,” Garga said in a text message. Yobe state police spokesman Toyin Gbadegesin told AFP “gun-wielding bombers” carried out the attacks between 5:30 and 6:00 am before the night-time curfew was lifted. “All the areas affected have been cordoned off and the police have held meetings with community leaders… for them to be more vigilant and suspicious of strange faces and movements,” he added.
‘Attack repelled’

Boko Haram has reverted to attacking “soft” civilian targets after last year’s land grab that saw it seize towns and villages across Yobe and neighbouring Borno and Adamawa states. Nigeria’s military has claimed a series of successes against the insurgents and on Wednesday claimed to have killed scores of rebel fighters during clashes with troops south of Damaturu.
Army spokesman Colonel Sani Usman said fighters attempted to attack a battalion of soldiers in Goniri, some 60 kilometres by road southeast of Damaturu, in the early hours of Wednesday. “During the encounter our gallant troops successfully repelled the attacked and inflicted heavy casualty on the invading terrorists as all of them were killed,” he said in a statement.
“On the last count over 100 terrorists bodies were seen,” he added. There was no independent verification and the army has previously claimed high losses on the part of the militants. Usman said seven soldiers were killed and nine others injured in the fighting, which also saw troops recover arms and ammunition, including primed improvised explosive devices.
Nigeria’s President Muhammadu Buhari has set his military commanders a three-month deadline to early November to end the violence, which has left at least 17,000 dead since 2009. But he has conceded that bomb and suicide attacks in urban areas could continue. More than 1,260 people have been killed since he took office on May 29, according to an AFP tally.
Boko Haram on Wednesday published a new propaganda video via social media, in which an unidentified fighter read a statement in Hausa and Arabic, flanked by more than a dozen armed fighters. The rebel said military claims that some 200 fighters had surrendered in the border town of Banki last month, and that hundreds of women and children were released, were a “complete lie”.
The 17-minute video was posted under the name “Islamic State in West Africa Province”, which Boko Haram has used since its pledge of allegiance to IS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi in March. Boko Haram has continued to attack neighbouring Chad, Niger and Cameroon, underlining its threat to regional security.
On Tuesday, 11 soldiers were killed and 13 injured in a Boko Haram attack on Chadian positions across the border; 17 insurgents were also killed in the pre-dawn strike, Chad’s army said. Suicide attacks on Sunday in the city of Diffa, southeast Niger, killed a gendarme and five civilians. Suspected Boko Haram terrorists on Wednesday, hit the Buhari Housing Estate, in Damaturu, Yobe State.

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Yobe State’s Emergency Management Agency, (SEMA) has confirmed 16 people dead to the press.
Residents of Damaturu say that explosions were heard in the early hours of today.
Reports say the first attack was reportedly carried out by three teenage boys at a mosque inside Buhari Estate.
According to an eyewitness, the suicide bombers went near the mosque, one of them hugged the other, then they blew themselves up.
SEMA reports that injured persons have been taken to Sani Abacha Specialist Hospital, along the Damaturu-Biu Road, for treatment.

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Sofela Salutes Workers, Calls Them Pillars of Ogun Central’s Progress

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Solanke Ayomideji Taiwo

The Senatorial Aspirant for Ogun Central under the All Progressives Congress (APC), Emmanuel Adebola Sofela, has extended warm felicitations to workers across the district in celebration of the 2026 International Workers’ Day.

In a goodwill message released to mark the global event, Sofela praised the resilience, diligence, and unwavering commitment of workers in Abeokuta South, Abeokuta North, Odeda, Obafemi-Owode, Ifo, and Ewekoro Local Government Areas, noting that their contributions remain central to the growth and development of Ogun Central and Nigeria at large.

Describing workers as the “engine room of progress,” Sofela acknowledged the sacrifices made daily by individuals in both the public and private sectors. He emphasized that from civil servants and entrepreneurs to artisans, traders, and professionals, every category of worker plays a vital role in sustaining the economy and strengthening the social fabric of the region.

“On this special occasion of International Workers’ Day, I celebrate the hardworking men and women across Ogun Central whose dedication and commitment continue to drive our collective progress,” the statement read. “Your efforts, whether seen or unseen, form the foundation upon which our communities thrive.”

Sofela highlighted the importance of recognizing and rewarding hard work, stressing that workers deserve not only commendation but also improved welfare, fair opportunities, and an enabling environment to maximize their potential. He called for renewed focus on policies that prioritize job creation, economic empowerment, and sustainable development.

The senatorial hopeful also paid special tribute to workers in essential services, including healthcare personnel, security operatives, teachers, and sanitation workers, who he said consistently demonstrate exceptional courage and responsibility, often under challenging conditions.

“You remain the backbone of our society, standing firm in service even in difficult times. Your dedication inspires hope and strengthens our resolve to build a better future,” he added.

Reaffirming his commitment to the people of Ogun Central, Sofela assured that his aspiration is driven by a desire to advocate for workers’ rights, promote inclusive growth, and support initiatives that will enhance productivity and improve living standards across the district.

As Workers’ Day is celebrated worldwide, his message resonates as both a tribute and a call to action—recognizing the invaluable role of workers while emphasizing the need for sustained efforts to uplift and empower them.

Across Ogun Central, the celebration served as a reminder that behind every achievement lies the dedication of hardworking individuals whose contributions continue to shape the present and secure the future.

Happy International Workers’ Day.

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Chief Abdul Tunji Mohammed (ATM) Picks APC Senate Nomination Form for Ondo North

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Chief Abdul Tunji Mohammed (ATM), the Balogun of Ikare Land, has officially picked the All Progressives Congress (APC) Expression of Interest and Nomination Forms for the Ondo North Senatorial District ahead of the party’s primary election.

Chief ATM obtained the forms at the APC National Secretariat in Abuja on Thursday, signaling his formal entry into the 2027 senatorial race. He was accompanied by party leaders, youth groups, and supporters from across the six local government areas of Ondo North.

Speaking shortly after picking the forms, Chief ATM said the move was in response to “persistent calls from traditional rulers, elders, women, and youths of Ondo North who desire effective and people-centered representation.”

“My aspiration is not about me. It is about restoring the voice of Ondo North, attracting federal presence, and creating jobs for our youth,” ATM stated. “With the support of our leaders and the grace of God, we are ready for the primary and the general election.”

Party faithful who thronged the secretariat described ATM as “the most prepared and acceptable aspirant,” citing his recent endorsements by former Deputy Governor Ali Olanusi, first-class traditional rulers, and the Ondo North Youth Alliance (ONYA).

Chief ATM reaffirmed his commitment to party unity and a clean, issue-based campaign. He called on delegates to prioritize competence and track record during the primaries.

The APC is expected to announce dates for screening and primary elections in the coming weeks.

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Olukare of Ikare, Oba Akadri Momoh, and Council Endorse Balogun ATM for Senate 2027

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His Royal Majesty, Oba Akadri Momoh, The Olukare of Ikare Land, alongside his Oba-in-Council of chiefs and elders, has endorsed Chief Abdul Tunji Mohammed (ATM), the Balogun of Ikare, for the Ondo North Senatorial seat in 2027.

The endorsement was announced on Monday at the Olukare’s Palace during Chief ATM’s courtesy visit. Oba Akadri Momoh described ATM as “a true son of Ikare” with the character and competence to represent Ondo North. “He respects tradition and has never turned his back on our people. He has our royal blessing,” the Olukare said.

Chiefs present echoed the monarch, citing ATM’s consistent support for education, healthcare, and empowerment in Akoko land as proof of his readiness.

Chief ATM thanked the Olukare and Council for the “sacred mandate,” pledging to make the welfare of Ikare and Ondo North his priority in the Senate. “In Abuja, the voice of Ikare will be loud, clear, and respected,” he said.

*Signed:*
ATM Campaign Media Team

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