The governorship candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, in Benue State, Prof Terhemba Shija, has pledged to shut down all internally displaced persons (IDP) camps across the state if elected governor in 2027.

Shija said his proposed administration would deploy drones, closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras and other security strategies to combat insecurity, restore peace to affected communities and enable displaced residents to return to their ancestral homes.

The NDC candidate made the commitment in Makurdi, where he outlined his plans to protect lives and property, strengthen security operations and ensure that individuals involved in criminal activities face prosecution.

He described the prolonged stay of thousands of Benue residents in IDP camps as unacceptable, insisting that citizens displaced by insecurity should not be forced to live indefinitely outside their communities.

“On assumption of office, I will close down all IDP camps in the state. I have done my research and believe strongly that it is the right thing to do,” he declared.

Explaining his proposed security framework, Shija said his government would combine technological interventions with military-style operations and non-violent measures to address the persistent security challenges confronting the state.

“I will employ the use of drones and install CCTV, as well as engage in kinetic and non-kinetic approaches to tackle insecurity,” he said.

He also vowed to take firm action against individuals he accused of invading Benue communities and attempting to seize the ancestral lands of residents.

According to him, his administration would ensure that “those found culpable of criminal activities were prosecuted in accordance with the law, while security agencies would be equipped with the necessary tools to protect residents and their property.”

Shija further promised to strengthen the state’s security architecture, stressing that his administration would adopt measures capable of discouraging criminal activities and preventing further displacement of rural dwellers.

He declared that “our approach would be firm enough to deter criminal elements and prevent further displacement of rural communities.”

Beyond security, the governorship hopeful expressed concern over what he described as the abandonment of the development blueprint established by former Benue State governor, the late Mr Aper Aku.

“Benue had a visionary leader like the late Aper Aku, who laid the foundation for a modern Benue, but successive administrations had failed to sustain his policies and development initiatives,” he said.

Shija attributed some of the state’s development setbacks to the failure of successive administrations to sustain the policies and long-term programmes introduced by previous governments.

He argued that the lack of continuity in governance had hindered the state’s progress and called for a people-centred approach to leadership.

According to him, “the interests and welfare of the people must remain at the centre of government policies and programmes.

“Regrettably, successive administrations prioritised personal interests over the collective aspirations of the people, a situation that contributed to the state’s development challenges.”

The NDC flagbearer promised to introduce policies aimed at changing what he described as “the behavioural mentality of the people” and rebuilding a culture of accountability, productivity and responsible leadership.

He identified healthcare, access to clean drinking water and youth employment as other priority areas his administration would address if given the mandate.

On grassroots governance, Shija pledged to uphold local government autonomy while establishing stronger oversight mechanisms to ensure that public funds were properly managed.

“Under my watch, local government will have autonomy, but through the supervisory role of the State Assembly, any chairman found corrupt would be sacked and jailed,” he said.

He maintained that local councils should be empowered to perform their statutory responsibilities and deliver development at the grassroots, adding that elected officials must be held accountable for their actions and the management of public resources.

The governorship candidate also promised to improve access to potable water by extending water supply networks to households. He said his administration would equally prioritise better healthcare services and create opportunities for young people to achieve financial independence through entrepreneurship.

Reflecting on his political journey, Shija recalled his participation in the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship race ahead of the 2023 general election.

He expressed confidence in his chances of defeating the incumbent governor in the 2027 election, citing his previous electoral experience as a source of optimism.

“I have never lost an election. I had been elected to the House of Representatives,” he said.

Shija also alleged that the APC governorship primary conducted ahead of the 2023 election was manipulated to favour Governor Hyacinth Alia, who eventually secured the party’s ticket.

He said the experience had strengthened his determination to pursue his governorship ambition under the NDC, insisting that his opponents would not succeed in preventing him from contesting or winning the election.

“They couldn’t succeed in stopping my nomination now; let them see what will happen. I will be governor whether they like it or not. I can’t be defeated,” he boasted.

The NDC candidate further disclosed that he would seek to serve only one four-year term if elected governor, describing the proposed tenure as an opportunity to complete what he characterised as the unfinished tenure of the incumbent administration.

The National Publicity Secretary of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, Osa Director, has assured Nigerians that hope is on the way with the party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi.

Director was reacting to comments by the party’s presidential running mate, Rabiu Kwankwaso, that if Obi is elected, the party will ensure it reduces the price of fuel.

Kwankwaso had disclosed that the cost of energy in the country was too high, adding that the NDC would do whatever was necessary to reduce fuel prices if Obi is elected in 2027.

Speaking on Thursday, Kwankwaso said: “Our collective position now is that the price of energy in this country is too high.

“We are going to do whatever is necessary to ensure that the price of fuel in this country is taken back, including doing whatever we can, including the subsidy.”

Reacting, Director stated that Nigeria would be fine under Obi’s leadership.

In a post on X, he wrote: “Hope is on the way, President Obi is coming. Nigeria shall be OK. A new Nigeria is possible; we can do it.”

The Ogun State Executive Council has approved the appointment of Prince Shehu Quadri Taiwo as the new Alaperu of Iperu in Ikenne Local Government Area of the state.

The council, at its meeting on Thursday, October 15, 2026, also approved the appointment of Prince Akeem Akinyemi as the new Awujako of Ijako-Orile in Yewa North Local Government Area.

Both appointments take effect from Thursday, October 15, 2026.

Doctors in Kwara State have issued a two-week ultimatum to the government to address their demands or risk industrial action across health facilities in the state.

The ultimatum was issued by doctors under the umbrellas of the Medical and Dental Consultants Association of Nigeria (MDCAN), and the Association of Resident Doctors (ARD) at a joint emergency executive meeting held on September 26, 2026.

At the emergency meeting, issues concerning the state of healthcare in various hospitals across the state, including the sudden deductions for KwaraCare and the 2025 review of the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS), among others, were discussed.

Members expressed dissatisfaction with their September salary payments, from which funds were deducted for the Kwara Health Insurance Scheme at a time when they were expecting an upward salary review that had already been implemented for doctors in federal and other state-owned health institutions across the country since January 2026.

In a statement, the body said: “We have held several stakeholders’ meetings with the Executive Secretary of the Kwara Health Insurance Scheme on the matter of the KwaraCare deductions, but no resolution had been reached before the deductions commenced.

“On the salary review, we have submitted several letters regarding the implementation of CONMESS 2025, as contained in the circular of the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission (Circular No. SWC/S/04/S.218/IV/876, dated November 19, 2025).

“This circular has been implemented in federal parastatals and other states of the federation since January 2026, with approval for the payment of arrears from September 2024, which have since been paid to beneficiaries.”

They stated categorically that Kwara doctors were peaceful and progressive and supported the administration of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq.

“It is not, and has never been, in our interest to create unrest in the state’s health sector,” the aggrieved doctors added.

They, however, appealed to the governor to consider their interests and the sacrifices they continued to make despite manpower shortages and the resulting heavy patient load across state hospitals.

Among other demands, the doctors called for the immediate implementation of the CONMESS 2025 review for Kwara doctors and the payment of arrears in line with the Federal Government’s circular.

Other demands include the reversal of funds deducted from members’ salaries for the Kwara Health Insurance Scheme, which they described as unlawful, and the recruitment of more house officers, as approved by the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN), for the Kwara State University Teaching Hospital (KWASUTH) and other tertiary healthcare facilities in the state.

The aggrieved doctors also called for the recruitment of more medical officers to staff various general and cottage hospitals, as well as more resident doctors in the state’s teaching hospitals.

The body further demanded the recruitment of more consultants in state teaching hospitals and other specialist hospitals, the renovation of house officers’ quarters in the teaching hospitals, and the establishment of a governing board for KWASUTH in line with the KWASUTH Act.

“Members have accordingly agreed to declare a two-week ultimatum, running from October 1 to 14, 2026, for the government to favourably address these demands. The Congress shall reconvene before the expiration of this ultimatum to review the progress made.

“We remain confident that His Excellency, the Executive Governor, will promptly address the issues raised, as we cannot guarantee continued industrial harmony after the ultimatum expires,” the statement added.

Barcelona forward, Karim Adeyemi, has explained why Galatasaray’s Victor Osimhen failed to make a big impact against them in the Champions League on Wednesday night.

According to Adeyemi, Barca’s defence were able to contain the Super Eagles talisman.

The LaLiga side came from behind to beat Galatasaray 4-1 at Rams Park in Istanbul.

It was their second win in the league phase, while Galatasaray remain without a win after two games.

In an interview with Soccernet, Adeyemi was asked about facing a striker of Osimhen’s quality and how Barcelona managed to contain his threat.

He replied: “It’s always nice to see Nigerian players on the big stage.

“I always feel happy for them, but I think our defence did a great job yesterday, and it was very hard for him to make any serious impact.”