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Church feast leaves 5 dead, Over 50 Hospitalized 

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Church feast leaves 5 dead, Over 50 Hospitalized 

Church feast leaves 5 dead, Over 50 Hospitalized

 

 

A tragic incident at an Ibadan-based white-garment church has resulted in the deaths of five worshippers with several others receiving treatment at the Infectious Disease Centre (IDC) in Olodo, Oyo State.

The church feast, known locally as “Ipese,” took place during a service last Sunday and has raised concerns regarding its safety.

As of Saturday night, approximately 50 worshippers have been discharged from the IDC after receiving medical care.

Vanguard gathered that the local church community is grappling with the aftermath of this unsettling event, which has drawn the attention of various governmental agencies, including the police and the Directorate of State Services (DSS), as well as the World Health Organization (WHO).

A church source hinted to Vanguard that the cause of the deaths remains unconfirmed, saying, “I ate the prepared beans like every other member, including the victims, and nothing happened to me,”

He emphasised that the situation should not be solely attributed to the “Ipese” feast, adding that, “The incident is being investigated thoroughly, and it is not just about the “ipese” as some are suggesting.”
Officials from multiple organisations have visited the church for fact-finding missions, although their findings have yet to be publicised.

“There’s no truth to the rumour that the church premises have been shut down. The Shepherd-in-Charge has been attending to visitors and is currently undergoing tests,” the source further clarified.
A senior medical staff member at IDC Olodo, who spoke on condition of anonymity, confirmed the ongoing treatment of affected individuals.

“As of today, 50 patients have been treated and discharged, while others remain under care. “We expect the state commissioner for health to address the press about the incident next week.”

 

When contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Adewale Osifeso confirmed the incident and mentioned that investigations are currently underway.

 

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Easter: Oyo PDP Guber Aspirant, Ajadi, Greets Gov Makinde, CAN, Others 

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Easter: Oyo PDP Guber Aspirant, Ajadi, Greets Gov Makinde, CAN, Others 

 

The leading Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP), Governorship Aspirant in Oyo State, Ambassador Olufemi Ajadi Oguntoyinbo has congratulated the Governor of Oyo State, Engr Seyi Makinde, the Christian Association of Nigeria, (CAN), the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria, (PFN) and the entire Christians on the occasion of this year’s Easter Celebration.

 

Ajadi said that the Good Friday which marked the remembrance of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ and the Easter Sunday, which marks his risen from the dead, are important dates in the Christiandom.

Ajadi in a statement he personally signed on Friday to commemorate the Easter, said that he rejoiced with Christians that this year’s celebration is being witnessed in an atmosphere of peace and tranquility in the country.

He said that he particularly rejoiced with Gov Makinde saying that his exemplary leadership and good governance in Oyo State in the last seven years has shown him as a selfless person, a lover of the masses and one who cares for others.

He said that these are the traits of a good Christian, praying that God would continue to endear the governor with more wisdom and success.

He called on Christians to remember Jesus Christ’s directive that they should love their neighbours as themselves, saying that if this directive is strictly followed there would be peace in the World.

Ajadi, who is also a renowned philanthropist, called on Christians, especially the well to do, to learn the heart of helping the poor.

He said that the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ will not be in vain if Christians can abide by his directive on humility and love for one another.

Ajadi said that there is hope for Nigeria as a country despite the present harsh economy and prevalent of insecurity.

“We should take solace in the fact that God can do all things and that like He restores the lost glory and resources of the people of Zion, He will do same for Nigeria.

“Nigeria will reclaim her leading position both in Africa and among the black Nations. Let’s continue to pray for the good of our land,” Ajadi said in the statement.

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POCACOV Takes Fight Against Cultism And Bullying To Schools In Edo

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POCACOV Intensifies Sensitization on Cultism, Bullying, and Social Vices Among Students in Edo

 

In commemoration of the 2026 National Police Day Celebration, the Police Campaign Against Cultism and Other Vices (POCACOV), Edo State Command, has reinforced its preventive policing efforts through a targeted sensitization outreach at Igbinedion Education Centre, Benin City.

The initiative forms part of the broader activities marking this year’s National Police Day, themed “Community Partnership: Building Trust,” which emphasizes collaboration between the Nigeria Police Force and the public in fostering a safer society.

The sensitization programme witnessed the presence of key stakeholders, including the Commissioner of Police, Edo State Command, the Police Public Relations Officer, and the Edo State POCACOV Coordinator, ASP Kingsley Upeh. The team engaged students in an insightful and impactful session focused on the dangers of cultism, bullying, and other social vices prevalent among youths.

During the session, students were educated on the severe and far-reaching consequences of cult-related activities. These include violence, loss of lives, disruption of academic pursuits, and long-term damage to personal reputation and future opportunities. The speakers also highlighted how peer pressure, drug abuse, and negative social influences often serve as gateways into criminal behavior.

In an interactive segment, the Commissioner of Police stressed the legal implications of engaging in criminal acts, noting that involvement in cultism and related offences could lead to arrest, prosecution, and lifelong consequences that may hinder personal growth and career aspirations.

The issue of bullying was also extensively addressed, with emphasis on both its legal ramifications and psychological impact on victims. Students were encouraged to speak up against bullying, report incidents to school authorities or law enforcement, and support peers who may be affected.

Furthermore, the outreach underscored the importance of self-discipline, moral values, and making informed life choices. Students were urged to become ambassadors of peace within their schools and communities by rejecting violence and promoting unity and mutual respect.

The POCACOV team reiterated its commitment to continuous engagement with young people through awareness campaigns, community outreach, and strategic partnerships aimed at preventing crime before it occurs. The initiative aligns with the Nigeria Police Force’s proactive approach to policing, which prioritizes education, prevention, and community involvement.

 

POCACOV Takes Fight Against Cultism And Bullying To Schools In Edo

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COAS Launches Nationwide Security Renewal Mission in Plateau

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COAS Launches Nationwide Security Renewal Mission in Plateau

 

 

 

The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, on Thursday led a high-level delegation of security chiefs to Plateau State, flagging off a nationwide security renewal mission aimed at strengthening civil-military cooperation and restoring lasting peace across the country.

The visit to Jos, the Plateau State capital, marks the first phase of a coordinated national effort to address persistent security challenges through joint operations, community engagement, and proactive intelligence gathering.

COAS Launches Nationwide Security Renewal Mission in Plateau

Governor Caleb Muftwang received the delegation, describing the initiative as a critical step toward stabilizing affected communities and reinforcing public confidence in security institutions.

Civil-Military Synergy Takes Centre Stage

At the heart of the mission is a renewed emphasis on collaboration between the military, civil authorities, and local communities. Speaking during the visit, Lt. Gen. Shaibu stressed that national security must be treated as a collective responsibility.

He urged citizens to support security agencies by remaining vigilant, sharing credible information, and complying with lawful directives, noting that effective security cannot be achieved in isolation.

Community Engagement as Confidence-Building Tool

In a departure from purely operational engagements, the Army Chief held direct consultations with community leaders and residents in Jos, reinforcing the importance of trust and dialogue in conflict resolution.

Lawmakers, including Dachung Bagos and Ladi Dangyok, commended the initiative, stating that visible engagement by top military leadership helps rebuild confidence among citizens and fosters cooperation.

Proactive Security Operations Underway

Operational updates were provided by Major General Folusho Oyinlola, who disclosed that troops under Operation Enduring Peace have intensified surveillance, intelligence-led patrols, and coordinated actions with other security agencies.

According to the Army, the approach is designed to prevent escalation of threats, safeguard lives and property, and stabilize vulnerable communities before crises emerge.

A Shift Toward Sustainable Peace

Military authorities emphasized that the Plateau visit is part of a broader, long-term strategy to transition from reactive responses to sustainable peacebuilding nationwide. The framework includes strengthening local resilience, ensuring justice, and maintaining continuous engagement with stakeholders.

Analysts view the initiative as a significant policy shift, reflecting a more inclusive security architecture that integrates community participation with military operations.

Call for National Unity

The Army leadership concluded with an appeal to Nigerians to reject divisive narratives and support ongoing efforts to promote unity and peace.

“The success of this mission depends not only on the armed forces but on the cooperation of every citizen,” the COAS stated.

The nationwide security renewal campaign is expected to extend to other regions in the coming weeks as authorities seek to consolidate gains and build a safer, more unified Nigeria.

 

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