*Monday Okpebholo Rebuilds POWA Market, Disburses ₦200 Million to Fire Victims*

A major recovery effort has been completed for traders affected by the recent fire outbreak at POWA Market, as Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo announced the rebuilding of the market and the disbursement of financial support to victims.

Speaking during the official presentation, Okpebholo revealed that a total of ₦200 million had been distributed to affected traders, with each shop owner receiving ₦8 million to help restart their businesses. The intervention comes just days after the governor pledged swift action following the devastating fire incident that disrupted livelihoods in the community.

“A few days ago, I made a promise to the traders affected by the POWA Market fire in Ekpoma. Today, I have fulfilled that promise,” Okpebholo said. “We have rebuilt the market, and I personally presented the cheques to each of the affected traders as we disbursed ₦200 million in support, with every shop owner receiving ₦8 million to help them restart their businesses.”

He acknowledged the hardship caused by the disaster, emphasizing that the initiative was not only about economic recovery but also restoring dignity and hope among victims.

“I understand the pain and disruption this incident caused, and this intervention is about restoring not just livelihoods, but hope and dignity,” he added.

The governor framed the effort as part of his administration’s broader commitment to responsive governance and people-centered policies. “This is what governance means to me, standing with our people and taking real action when it matters most,” he said, assuring residents that further support initiatives would follow.

Okpebholo concluded on a note of optimism about the state’s future, declaring, “We will continue to do more to support our people and put smiles on the faces of Edo families. A New Edo has risen.”

Police Seize Anti-Aircraft Launcher, Arrest 50 In Nationwide Crime Crackdown

The Nigeria Police Force has arrested 50 suspects linked to terrorism, kidnapping, and armed robbery, and recovered a cache of high-grade weaponry including an anti-aircraft launcher, in a series of coordinated operations conducted since the start of the year, officials said Sunday.

At a briefing at the Force Intelligence Department–Intelligence Response Team (FID-IRT) headquarters in Abuja, police authorities described the crackdown as a strategic offensive against criminal syndicates that have long threatened public safety across the country.

Among the items seized from dismantled cells are 17 rifles of various models, one anti-aircraft launcher, 111 rounds of live ammunition, 17 live cartridges, five walkie-talkie devices, nine magazines, three mobile phones, and a Golf vehicle, according to a statement from the force’s public relations office.

The most significant operation dismantled a 33-member gang allegedly responsible for acts of terrorism, cattle rustling, and a violent attack on the Christ Apostolic Church in Kwara State, police said.

Authorities also reported progress in securing justice for three police officers killed in Taraba State. The kingpins behind the murder of the officers, who were attached to the Donga Divisional Headquarters in Donga Local Government Area, have been apprehended.

In the Federal Capital Territory and surrounding states, police said specialized units engaged in “one-chance” abductions, car burglaries, and the operation of fake police checkpoints have been arrested. Stolen property and operational assets used to terrorize citizens have also been recovered.

In a separate operation in Benue State, acting on intelligence, operatives arrested 25-year-old Nasiru Ibrahim in the Igumale area. He was found in possession of an AK-47 rifle, a magazine, and eight rounds of live ammunition. Preliminary investigations linked him to a notorious bandit identified only as Janari, who allegedly sold him the weapon. Efforts are underway to apprehend Janari and other members of the syndicate, police said.

Inspector-General of Police Olatunji Rilwan Disu reaffirmed the force’s commitment to national security, describing the achievements as testament to the relentless pursuit of justice by the Nigeria Police.

Several main suspects are ready for prosecution in courts of competent jurisdiction, Disu said, adding that the force continues to pursue other accomplices and recover more illegal weapons.

“The Nigeria Police Force remains steadfast in its mission to uphold the rule of law and protect the rights of every citizen, utilizing both human and technical intelligence to stay ahead of criminal elements,” the force’s public relations officer, DCP Anthony Okon Placid, said in a statement issued Monday.

Ibrahim Dahiru Danfulani Declares Bid for Kaduna State House of Assembly 2027, Backs Tinubu, Uba Sani Second-Term Agenda

KADUNA — As political activities ahead of the 2027 general elections gather pace, Hon. Ibrahim Dahiru Danfulani has formally declared his intention to contest for a seat in the Kaduna State House of Assembly, pledging support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Uba Sani’s second-term agenda.

Running under the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Danfulani is seeking to represent Igabi West Constituency. His campaign, anchored on the slogans “The Voice You Know” and “Nagari Na Kowa” (a town belongs to everyone), is positioned around grassroots engagement and inclusive representation.

A Campaign Built on Trust and Alignment
Danfulani’s declaration has stirred interest across Igabi West, with supporters describing him as a familiar figure with strong community ties. Holding the traditional titles of Sadaukin Garkuwan Keffi and Betara Biu, he presents himself as a bridge between cultural heritage and modern governance.

Beyond his local appeal, Danfulani has openly aligned his ambition with the broader national and state political direction of the APC. He reaffirmed his commitment to supporting President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda, while also endorsing Governor Uba Sani’s continuity drive for a second term in office.

According to campaign insiders, this alignment reflects a strategy to ensure policy consistency and attract greater development opportunities to Igabi West.

Key Pillars of the 2027 Bid

While a comprehensive legislative blueprint is yet to be unveiled, early signals indicate that Danfulani’s campaign will focus on:
Vocal Advocacy: Prioritizing Igabi West’s needs in legislative debates and budget allocations.

Inclusive Governance: Promoting unity under the “Nagari Na Kowa” philosophy to ensure no group is left behind.

Support for APC Leadership: Strengthening backing for President Tinubu’s administration and Governor Uba Sani’s second-term vision.

Grassroots Mobilization: Leveraging strong community networks to deepen political participation.

Campaign materials featuring the APC logo and voter symbolism further underline his readiness to contest both the party primaries and the general election.

Growing Political Momentum

Political observers note that early declarations such as Danfulani’s signal the beginning of intense competition for legislative seats across Kaduna State. In Igabi West, the contest is expected to draw significant attention, given the constituency’s political relevance.

For now, Hon. Ibrahim Dahiru Danfulani has clearly positioned himself as a loyal party man and grassroots contender, offering what he describes as a trusted and consistent voice in the Kaduna State House of Assembly.