The Nigeria Police Force has announced a significant operational success with the rescue of all individuals kidnapped in the Otukpo incident.

This event involved passengers from a Benue Links bus and occurred on April 15, 2026.

A statement issued by DCP Anthony Okon Placid, the Force Public Relations Officer, indicated that based on reliable intelligence, the operatives of the Benue State Police Command initiated coordinated clearance operations throughout the Amla Forest corridor and surrounding regions.

He noted that these actions resulted in the safe recovery of the remaining 13 victims, which included eight students traveling to Otukpo for their UTME examinations.

“In total, all 18 passengers have now been accounted for. Each rescued individual has undergone medical evaluation, is in stable condition, and will be reunited with their families following debriefing,” he stated.

He further elaborated that during the operation, seven suspects were apprehended, three of whom have been positively identified as members of the kidnapping syndicate.

He added that investigations are ongoing to capture additional accomplices and dismantle the broader criminal network responsible for the attack.

He confirmed that the suspects are in custody and are being interrogated in accordance with legal procedures.

According to Mr. Placid, the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, praised the professionalism, resilience, and bravery exhibited by the officers and personnel of the Benue State Command.

He stated that the IGP has instructed the intensification of clearance operations within the Otukpo area to ensure the safety and security of the communities.

He reassured Nigerians of the Nigeria Police Force’s dedication to safeguarding lives and property across the nation.

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, ICPC, has refuted what it characterized as a malicious video circulating on the internet, attributed to the commission.

It stated that the visuals, names, and information presented in the video were fabricated and, in certain cases, generated by artificial intelligence, intended solely to mislead unsuspecting members of the public.

In a statement issued by J. Okor Odey, Head of Media and Public Communication, the Commission clarified that it had not released any report or statement endorsing the claims made in the video, including the purported involvement of any individual or judicial officer.

“To clarify, the ICPC is not conducting an investigation into any individual, Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), group of lawyers, or judicial officer concerning the fictitious N50 billion bribe mentioned in the video,” the statement emphasized.

“No such case, transaction, or investigation is recorded within the Commission’s files. These assertions are completely false and should be ignored,” it further stated.

The ICPC reaffirmed its commitment to fulfilling its mandate of conducting credible, evidence-based investigations in accordance with the law.

It cautioned individuals or groups responsible for the creation and distribution of the video to cease their actions immediately.

“The ICPC will not permit the misuse of its name and institutional integrity to propagate disinformation under the guise of ‘content creation’,” it added.

The Commission indicated that those accountable for originating or amplifying the malicious content will face severe legal repercussions upon being apprehended.

My attention has just been drawn to an article written by Wale Onifade with the caption: “Ogun East Ticket: How Dapo Abiodun Is Bullying, Threatening, and Manipulating His Way to a Senatorial Showdown.”

Ordinarily, I would never have dignified such an insanely mischievous diatribe with a response, but due to its extremely divisive nature, it is only natural that I put this down.

The writer’s mission has exposed the attributes of someone who might perhaps be suffering from pseudologia fantastica. His mission was not only mischievous and dishonest, but also erroneous, laced with incorrect narratives that can only be spun by unctuous, dissipated, debauched, nd desperate elements attempting to turn a perfectly organised APC Ogun East stakeholders’ meeting—where His Excellency, Prince Dapo Abiodun, was endorsed as the senatorial candidate of the APC in the upcoming 2027 general elections into something mendacious and devious.

There is a season for politics, and then there is a season for statecraft. The two are not the same, though mischief-makers delight in blurring the line. We are entering the latter—a period when far-reaching decisions are made for the good of the state, when roads must be laid, hospitals stocked, salaries paid, and oil wells brought to life. Yet here comes an article dressed as investigation, parading as conscience, that offers nothing but hearsay, envelopes, and anonymous threats. This is not journalism. This is the politics of the poisoned well, and those who drink from it will find only thirst.

The piece titled “Ogun East Ticket: How Dapo Abiodun Is Buying, Threatening, and Manipulating His Way to a Senatorial Showdown” can best be described as mischievous politics taken too far. It deploys the grammar of exposure—“sources say,” “multiple party sources confirm,” “one party chieftain said”—but delivers no evidence, no named accuser, no audited trail of cash. What it offers instead is speculation served as fact, and malice dressed as vigilance. This is the political season, yes—but that is precisely why we must not play politics with everything around us.

Let us name what is happening. Governor Dapo Abiodun has performed creditably well in infrastructure, education, health, and aviation. The Gateway International Airport is not a rumour; it is tarmac and terminal. Two oil wells have been discovered in Ogun State, and soon the state will be counted among Nigeria’s oil-producing entities. Salaries are paid as and when due. Pensions are paid. Gratuities are paid. When last did Ogun workers go on strike? When last did the ghost of unpaid wages haunt the corridors of power? The governor has turned the state into a construction site, not a conspiracy theory. Yet the article mentions none of this. Why? Because facts are inconvenient. Envelopes sell.

The writer claims that Governor Abiodun is bribing 400 persons at the Adeola Odutola Event Hall in Ijebu-Ode. Four hundred names? No list. No photograph of an opened envelope. No bank statement.

The truth is that the hall held the full complement of Ogun East’s leadership: every councillor, all ward chairmen, all ward executives, all local government chairmen, all local government executives, all serving members of the National Assembly, all serving members of the State Assembly, all past members of the State and National Assembly, and all members of the State Advisory Council.

Therefore, what manner of slumber produces a dream where an entire political class sells its honour in full view of one another, with not a single dissenting voice or leaking hand?

This article is part of the damage bad politics inflicts. It does not seek truth; it seeks traction. It does not serve Ogun East; it serves the writer’s appetite for influence and whatever mission he pursues. The governor’s office had not responded as of press time, the article admits. Then why publish? Why not wait for a reply? Because waiting is honourable, and honour is not the currency here.

The most audacious paragraph accuses the governor of colliding with President Bola Tinubu. “He is calling Aso Rock’s bluff,” a “senior party figure” says—anonymous, of course. The Presidency has not commented, the article concedes. So, the writer manufactures a collision between two leaders who have worked together to stabilise the party and the state. This is not politics. This is pantomime.

And what of the “ranking senator” argument? The article insists that sacrificing a ranking senator for a first-term aspirant is self-harm. A fair point—if delivered in good faith. But this is not good faith; this is a cudgel. The same writer who weeps for senatorial seniority says nothing about the seniority of development—the roads, the schools, the airport, the emerging oil economy. Ogun State has taken on a new look. That is the ranking that matters.

Let me say this plainly: playing politics with everything around us—with every rumour, every anonymous whisper, every imagined slight—is the fastest way to fracture a state. The political season demands vigilance, yes, but it also demands restraint. Decisions are being made for the good of the state: budgets approved, roads awarded, schools renovated, health centres equipped. If we drown these in hearsay, we lose the signal in the noise.

The governor, Dapo Abiodun, has run this race and continues to run it—toward a gold medal, as his supporters would say. That is not empty praise; it is the testimony of visible works. The airport did not build itself. The oil wells did not discover themselves. Salaries did not pay themselves. If opponents wish to contest, let them present their own performance index—their own roads, their own schools, their own record on pensions. But do not bring envelopes without evidence. Do not bring threats without names. Do not bring anonymous chieftains who speak only in shadows.

The article ends with theatrical gravity: “The real verdict on who enters the Red Chamber will not be delivered in an envelope at the Adeola Odutola Hall. It will be delivered at the ballot.” Agreed. So let us wait for the ballot. Let us stop printing indictments before investigations conclude. Let us stop calling a stakeholders’ meeting a cash-and-carry operation simply because we dislike the convener.

Ogun East deserves better. Ogun State deserves better. The political season demands vigilance, yes—but also responsibility. Not every gathering is a bazaar. Not every endorsement is a bribe. And not every journalist who shouts “fire” in a crowded theatre is a hero. Some are simply arsonists with bylines.

Give honour to whom it is due. Governor Dapo Abiodun has performed. Let his works be his witness. And let this article be remembered for what it is: mischief dressed in a trench coat, caught in the rain without an umbrella.

Note:

I am fully aware that the writer and his sponsors have hired armchair “rice-and-beans” activists, crude analysts, and compromised civil society voices to stage a media war and protests against Governor Prince Dapo Abiodun. Let me leave them with a simple parable:

There was once a village that had never seen rain in December. Every elder knew this; every farmer planned accordingly. Then came a stranger who declared, “This year, December will flood.” He hired drummers to announce it, paid storytellers to spread it, and gathered a crowd to swear by it. But when December came, the sun burned as it always had.

The villagers asked the stranger, “Why did you promise what has never happened?”

He replied, “I wanted to be the first to say it.”

That is your war.

You seek to do what has never been done in Ogun East—turn a hall of leaders into a den of thieves, a performing governor into a villain, and a political season into a carnival of falsehood. You may hire your analysts and fund your civil society prophets, but the sun will still rise.

Dr. Arabambi Abayomi (FBAU)

AJAGUNGBADE I of Nigeria

State Convener

Sustainability of Ogun & Dapo Abiodun Legacy Beyond 2027

Date: Monday, April 20, 2026

New executives in the Adamawa State chapter of the All Progressive Congress (APC) have emerged at the weekend as it concluded its state congress through consensus.

Ambassador Baba Gana Ajimi, chairman of the state congress, conducted the congress at the Mahmud Ribadu Square and called for the dissolution of the former state executive council of the party.

Kate Raymond Mamunu, Majority Leader of the State House of Assembly and member representing Demsa State Constituency, moved the motion for the dissolution of the state exco, and was seconded by the chairman of Toungo Local Government Area, Suleiman Ahmed Gangkuba, which brought to an end the tenure of the last exco.

For the state congress to be on consensus, Senator Grace Bent moved the motion according to the party’s constitution, and former Deputy Speaker and member representing Guyuk State Constituency in the State Assembly, Hon. Sunday Peter, seconded the motion for consensus.

Ajimi, the chairman of the congress committee, asked the delegates through a voice vote to confirm the election of the state party executives through consensus.

As a result, Ajimi announced Hamza Bello Madagali as the state chairman, Dr. Raymond Chindama as vice chairman, Mustapha Atiku Ribadu as secretary, Bature Moses as assistant secretary, Victor Dogo as publicity secretary, and Dedan Raymond as youth leader, among others.

Governor Ahmadu Fintiri, speaking at the event, explained that the state has achieved full political integration into the ruling APC and is set for victory come 2027, stressing that what happened in the state was nothing but a political evolution, with the APC having successfully transitioned from alignment to what he called a “full fusion” of political structures across all levels.

He noted that while all stakeholders may not have achieved their individual expectations, “no one is a loser” in the process, as political integration requires sacrifice and compromise.

According to the governor, the congresses in the state reflected the political maturity of stakeholders and demonstrated a shared commitment to building a stronger and more competitive party structure in the state, with the smooth execution of ward, local government, and state congresses.

A political platform tagged “Adamawa Renewed Hope 226 Movement (ARH226M),” according to the governor, has been established, saying that it is a grassroots mobilisation structure covering all 226 wards of the state.

Jigawa State Governor, Umar Namadi, has directed all political appointees to prioritize the welfare of people at the grassroots as part of his administration’s core policy of promoting unity and mutual support.

This was contained in a press statement signed by Zainab S. Rabo, SSA Media Affairs to the Governor.

She said the Governor stated this during a stakeholders’ meeting held on Sunday at the Banquet Hall, Government House Dutse.

The Governor emphasized that governance must be people-centered, urging appointees to be humane, responsive, and committed to improving the lives of citizens across all levels.

He reiterated that his administration’s guiding principle is built on helping one another, calling on all officials to strengthen their connection with the people and address their needs effectively.

Governor Namadi further stressed that true leadership is reflected in service, compassion, and dedication to the well-being of the masses.

The governor’s comments come amid the growing number of complaints from members of the public against some political office holders over their lack of support and unwillingness to assist people from what they are getting.

He noted that some of these appointees claimed they have nothing to offer, despite what they are getting.

“Anybody who feels he earns nothing to use in supporting the public should resign,” Gov. Namadi noted.

Bishop David Oyedepo, the General Overseer of the Living Faith Church Worldwide, on Sunday, pronounced God’s judgment on bandits wrecking havoc around the country and their sponsors.

The cleric was speaking on the theme “Covenant Day of Vengeance” at the church headquarters in Ota, Ogun state.

Oyedepo claimed that within the next seven days, divine punishment will come upon the people responsible for killings and kidnappings.

“I declare judgment on those who caused these tragedies and their supporters in the name of Jesus,” Oyedepo said.

“Unless I am not sent, this will happen in the next seven days.”

He also assured Nigerians that in the coming week, they will hear “testimonies of vengeance”.

The Chairman of TEKAN/ECWA, Rev. Andemun Musa, has called on President Bola Tinubu to take decisive action in addressing the persistent security challenges in Northern Nigeria, particularly what he described as targeted attacks on Christians.

Rev. Musa made the appeal on Sunday during the 2026 First Quarter Combined Service of TEKAN/ECWA held in Taraba State.

He also urged the nation’s leadership to intensify efforts toward alleviating the economic hardship affecting millions of poor Nigerians.

While expressing concern over national issues, the cleric commended Taraba state governor, Dr. Agbu Kefas for improvements in security within the state, as well as policies he said have positively impacted the lives of residents.

Earlier in the service, the guest speaker, Bishop Ande I. Emmanuel of the United Methodist Church Nigeria, who also oversees mission districts in Cameroon and Senegal, called on Christians to remain attentive to the voice of God despite life’s challenges.

Delivering a sermon titled “Be Still,” drawn from Psalm 46:10, Bishop Emmanuel encouraged believers to stay spiritually grounded amid economic, political, and social pressures.

He warned against growing divisions within the Christian community, stressing that failure to heed the Holy Spirit and biblical teachings could worsen existing problems.

“Unless we listen to the Holy Spirit and follow the direction of the Bible, a lot of things will continue to go wrong,” he said.

The bishop further cautioned that denominational differences and internal conflicts weaken the Christian faith, adding that church affiliations or titles hold no value in eternity.

“Church denominations will not take anyone to heaven, neither are there positions in heaven,” he stated, urging unity and spiritual reflection among Christians.

Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia, has urged the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) to reschedule exams for eight candidates of the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) who were abducted in the state.

The victims were part of a group of passengers kidnapped last Wednesday along the Makurdi–Otukpo highway. They were later freed during a security operation carried out in a forest located in Okere ward, Ohimini Local Government Area.

Addressing journalists at the Government House in Makurdi on Sunday, Alia disclosed that 15 individuals were initially taken by the attackers.

He explained that two victims managed to escape earlier, while the remaining 13 were eventually rescued by troops of the Nigerian Army with assistance from local residents.

“Many of the students were travelling to Otukpo. Seven were regular passengers, and 15 were kidnapped that fateful day. One of the victims escaped, and another one escaped the following day,” the governor said.

“Today, all the remaining 13 kidnap victims were rescued by the security agents with the cooperation of the communities.

“I call on JAMB to look into the case of the eight young students and reschedule dates for them to write their examination.”

Earlier, authorities had challenged reports claiming the abducted passengers were UTME candidates.

The Benue State Police Command, through its spokesperson Udeme Edet, described such reports as “misinformation and incorrect”.

In the same vein, JAMB spokesperson Fabian Benjamin clarified that the travellers were returning from a police recruitment exercise in Makurdi when the incident occurred, not heading for the UTME.