
Ebonyi Govt lifts curfew on Amasiri community













Nigerians have been urged to see religion as a viable platform for driving socio-economic development, rather than merely a channel for divine communication.
The call was made by the Catholic Bishop of Lafia Diocese, Most Rev. David Ajang.
Making the call on Thursday while leading hundreds of Catholic faithful on a pilgrimage to Alogani Hill in Nassarawa-Eggon Local Government Area (LGA) of Nasarawa State, Ajang explained that the pilgrimage was part of activities marking the Silver Jubilee of the Catholic Diocese of Kaduna.
According to him, “Nigerians should see religion as a viable platform for driving socioeconomic development, not merely a channel for divine communication.”
He advised that adherence to all religions should shift from viewing religion as a matter of private piety to using it to make a public impact.
He stated that religion already has the trust, networks and reach needed for development, stressing the need for adherents of every faith to channel these into improving their lives across all sectors of the economy and ensuring peaceful coexistence.
On the essence of the pilgrimage, Ajang said that Alogani Hill holds historic significance for the diocese, noting that church records show that Irish missionaries erected a Catholic church on the hill in 1938 in their bid to propagate the gospel and introduce Western education.
He said, “Nearly nine decades later, their footprints remain visible despite the area being largely deserted.”
He added that the church on Alogani Hill was instrumental in the spread of Catholicism in the northern zone of the state, noting that the area was later linked to the Jos and Makurdi Dioceses, which gave birth to the Lafia Diocese in 2001.
Ajang further explained that the Catholic Church designated the site as the Diocesan Pilgrimage Centre, where members across the state and beyond could learn about the history of the church.
‘Religion should drive socio-economic development, not merely worship’ — Catholic Bishop Ajang

The Resource Centre for Human Rights and Civic Education (CHRICED) has warned that Nigeria is sliding into a dangerous crisis over the rising cases of alleged extrajudicial killings involving security operatives.
The group expressed concern in a statement on Thursday signed by its Executive Director, Comrade Ibrahim M. Zikirullahi. It said the situation shows a collapse of discipline, accountability, and respect for human life within security institutions.
CHRICED said recent incidents have raised fresh alarm, including the killing of a National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member in Abuja and the shooting of a civilian in Delta State.
According to the group, on April 26, 2026, a corps member was reportedly shot inside his father’s compound in Dei-Dei, Abuja, by personnel attached to a military brigade guard.
The group said while authorities described the incident as a crossfire, eyewitness accounts suggested otherwise, adding that the officer later admitted it was a “mistake.”
“A mistake that ended a promising life. A mistake that no family should ever have to endure,” CHRICED said.
The organisation also referenced a viral video from Effurun, Delta State, where a police officer was seen allegedly shooting a young man over a suspected parcel.
“These incidents are deeply disturbing and unacceptable,” the group stated.
CHRICED said the killings are not isolated cases but part of a growing pattern of abuse by security operatives, which it said has continued despite past promises of reform.
“These killings are not random. They form part of a persistent and deadly pattern of state violence,” it said.
The group recalled that similar abuses contributed to the #EndSARS protests, where Nigerians demanded an end to police brutality and security sector reform.
It also cited reports that during the 2024 #EndBadGovernance protests, at least 24 people were killed by police using excessive force, according to Amnesty International.
“Despite reform promises, the reality on the ground shows that little has changed. The killings continue. The impunity deepens,” CHRICED warned.
The organisation also expressed concern over plans to recruit 50,000 additional police officers.
They warned that without proper screening and human rights training, the problem could worsen.
CHRICED stressed that security personnel must not act as investigator, judge, and executioner.
He added that every suspect is entitled to due process.
It also raised concern over alleged pressure on families of victims to withdraw cases or settle matters privately.
“Justice cannot be negotiated. It cannot be buried. It cannot be silenced,” the group said.
The organisation called on the Federal Government to ensure that all cases of alleged extrajudicial killings are treated as matters of urgent public interest.
It demanded independent and transparent investigations, full prosecution of offenders regardless of rank, and stronger oversight of security agencies.
CHRICED reaffirms that the sanctity of human life is non negotiable. Every killing erodes public trust, weakens democracy, and pushes the nation further into fear and instability.
“Nigeria cannot continue on this path. These incidents must not fade from public memory. They must not be swept aside by time or silence. Only through sustained pressure, transparent justice, and genuine institutional reform can Nigeria break free from this deadly cycle and uphold the values of justice, democracy, and human rights,” he said.
Nigeria sliding into dangerous crisis over rising extrajudicial killings – CHRICED

Tension and grief have gripped the Minanata community in Sokoto South Local Government Area following the killing of a 15-year-old volunteer teacher, Malam Usman Halilu.
Residents, civil society groups and other stakeholders expressed outrage over the incident during a joint news conference organised by the Minanata Community and the Minanata Future Association on Wednesday.
The groups condemned the killing, describing it as a senseless act, and called on authorities to ensure justice is served.
A postgraduate student of Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, Maccido Mohammad, alleged that the suspect, identified as Mansur Arzika, had a prior dispute with the deceased.
He said the disagreement reportedly stemmed from an earlier incident in which the late Halilu identified the suspect in connection with a theft.
According to him, the victim was attacked while returning home, with the suspect allegedly stabbing him multiple times despite attempts to escape.
The incident has raised concerns over safety within the community, with stakeholders urging the Sokoto State Government and security agencies to ensure a thorough investigation and prosecution of those responsible.
Legal practitioner Ibrahim Muhammad also pledged to pursue the case, insisting that justice must be served.
The late Halilu was described as a dedicated volunteer teacher who taught in local schools within the Sokoto metropolis.
Community members said his death has left a significant void, noting that he contributed to the education of younger students.
They warned that failure to address the case decisively could undermine public confidence and encourage further acts of violence.
Killing of teacher sparks outrage in Sokoto, as community demands justice

Nigeria’s Minister of Education, Maruf Tunji Alausa, has outlined fresh efforts by the Federal Government to tackle the country’s out-of-school crisis, revealing that over 90,000 children have recently been brought back into the learning system.
The update was shared on April 29 2026, via his official page following a Basic Education Bootcamp held in Jos, Plateau State.
According to the minister, the gathering centred on expanding access to basic education and addressing gaps that continue to keep millions of children out of school.
He explained that ongoing reforms under the current administration are targeting key areas such as teacher quality, girl-child education, science and technology learning, as well as technical and vocational training.
The initiative, being driven through the National Education Sector Reform Initiative, also includes the use of data and digital tools to improve planning and delivery across the sector.
Alausa noted that alternative learning models, including digital and open schooling systems, are being scaled up to reach children who are unable to access conventional classrooms.
He added that partnerships with stakeholders have contributed to recent gains, particularly in reintegrating out-of-school children.
The minister also pointed to plans to relaunch the National School Feeding Programme, describing it as a key factor in boosting enrolment and keeping children in school. The programme is expected to resume in six pilot states across the country.
While acknowledging support from the Plateau State Government, he reiterated the government’s commitment to improving access and quality in basic education.
“We are building a system that works for every child,” he said.
90,000 children back in school as FG rolls out new education reforms

The National Universities Commission has granted full accreditation status to six undergraduate programmes at Sule Lamido University, strengthening the institution’s academic standing.
The approval was conveyed in a letter dated April 4, 2026, and signed by the Director of Accreditation, Abraham Chundusu.
According to a statement signed by the Head of Public Relations of the university, Sadiq Lawal and Issued to newsmen on Tuesday, the accredited programmes include B.Sc. Agriculture with specialisations in Crop Science, Soil and Land Management, Animal Science, and Agricultural Economics and Extension under the Faculty of Agriculture and Natural Resource Management.
Also granted full accreditation was B.Sc. Cyber Security, B.Sc. Information Technology, and B.Sc. Software Engineering in the Faculty of Computing and Information Technology.
In the Faculty of Education, B.A. (Ed.) History secured full accreditation, while B.Sc. Political Science in the Faculty of Social and Management Sciences also received the approval.
The Director of Academic Planning, Abdullahi Haruna Birniwa, said the latest development means that all 36 academic programmes currently offered by the university now enjoy full accreditation status.
NUC grants full accreditation to six programmes at Sule Lamido University

Imo State Government, through the Ministry of Education, Primary and Secondary, has banned frequent changing of textbooks both in private and public schools in the state.
It also banned graduation ceremonies for certain levels in both private and public schools.
The new policy, according to the Commissioner in charge of primary and secondary schools, Prof. BTO, Ikegwuoha, is to reduce financial burdens on parents and guardians who are saddled with the responsibility of training their wards in school amid economic hardship.
The Commissioner, in a press statement made available to journalists, stated that the ministry has issued a firm warning to private and public schools reaffirming its strict stand on the new policy.
He added that the State Government had directed all private school proprietors, head teachers, and principals to comply immediately or face severe consequences, which include license revocation.
“Under the existing policy, graduation ceremonies are completely prohibited for, Kindergarten, Nursery, Junior Secondary School 3, JSS 3.
“Only Primary 6 pupils and Senior Secondary School 3 students are allowed to hold graduation ceremonies; also, no levies for send-forth events.
“The Ministry also barred students in Primary 1–5, JSS 1–3, and SSS 1–2 from being forced to contribute money for any farewell or graduation celebrations organized for others.
“While Primary 6 and SSS 3 graduates can make personal or family arrangements, schools are forbidden from organizing, supervising, or collecting funds for such events,” the statement said.
Ikegwuoha also hinted that the ban on what he termed arbitrary and frequent changing of textbooks remained active till 2030, asserting that schools cannot force parents to buy new editions or entirely new titles every year solely for profit.
He maintained that henceforth, approved textbooks must stay stable for at least four years.
“A new list of State-approved textbooks will be introduced in August 2026 and remain valid until August 2030.
“Any private school found breaking these rules could face immediate license withdrawal, de-listing from the State’s approved schools register,” he warned.
Imo Govt bans frequent changing of textbooks in public, private schools