Remains of 28 Suspected Kidnap Victims Found in Nigerian Forests

The skulls and bones of at least 28 people have been recovered from suspected criminal camps in Nigerian forests.

Police in the south-eastern state of Abia are investigating the identities of the remains found in the Umuaku and Nneato forests on Saturday after a security operation was carried out in the Umunneochi area.

Police spokeswoman Maureen Chinaka said the suspects fled when police arrived.

The discovery is likely to revive concerns about kidnapping gangs operating in remote forests across parts of south-eastern Nigeria, where criminal groups have frequently targeted motorists, travellers and residents for ransom.

According to Abia State Police Command, the raids were launched following intelligence reports about suspected criminal activity in the forests.

Officers suspect the remains belong to kidnapping victims, although forensic and other investigations are ongoing to establish their identities and the circumstances surrounding their deaths.

“Upon arrival of the Command’s tactical operatives at the camps, the suspects fled. The criminal camps were subsequently dismantled. A total of twenty-eight human skulls and bones, suspected to be kidnap victims, were recovered,” Chinaka said in a statement.

Police said surveillance had been intensified in the area as officers sought to track down those who fled.

Abia state police commissioner Wilfred Afolabi said the operation was part of an ongoing campaign to dismantle criminal hideouts in the state.

Police have appealed to residents to report suspicious activity and security concerns as efforts continue to identify the victims and determine whether the remains are connected to unresolved kidnapping cases in the region.

APC Officials defend Samuel Aro’s victory After Kogi West Senatorial Primary

State executive members and local government area (LGA) chairmen of the All progressives Congress (APC) in Kogi West Senatorial District have defended the victory of Hon. Samuel Aro following the party’s senatorial primary election held on May 18, 2026.

In a statement issued by the party stakeholders, they commended the conduct of the primary election, describing it as peaceful, transparent and in line with internal democratic processes across all wards in the district.

The statement was signed by APC state executive members and LGA party chairmen in Kogi West Senatorial District.

The members are: Aliyu Suleiman Deputy State Chairman; Emmanuel Ayo, Zonal Chairman, Kogi West; Kashim Idris, APC Chairman Lokoja LGA; Jimoh Kobere, APC Chairman, Kabba/Bunu LGA; Mohammed Abubakar, APC Chairman, Kogi LGA; Dele Olorunfemi- State Assistant Secretary; Ibrahim Sherrif- State Treasurer; Sede Jonathan- State Assistant Secretary; Adeyeye Florence, Zonal Women Leader; Buhari Lokoja- State Youth Leader; Adeyemo Olajide- APC Chairman, Mopa/Amuro LGA

They said the exercise was properly supervised by recognised party organs at national, state, local government and ward levels, adding that it ensured a level playing field for all aspirants.

According to them, Hon. Samuel Aro emerged winner of the contest after securing the majority of valid votes cast by duly accredited party members, insisting that the process reflected the will of grassroots party members.

The stakeholders also noted that before the primary election, party leaders in Kogi West had expressed reservations about the candidacy of Senator Sunday Karimi, a position they said was formally communicated to the party’s national leadership.

They urged the national leadership of the APC to officially recognise and declare Aro as the party’s candidate for the Kogi West senatorial election, warning against any attempt to alter the outcome of the primary.

The group accused unnamed political actors of attempting to undermine the result, describing such efforts as an attempt to subvert the will of party members who participated in the exercise despite challenging conditions.

They further stated that APC stakeholders in Kogi West had rejected Senator Karimi, alleging that he lacked grassroots support and political legitimacy within the district.

The stakeholders warned that any attempt to impose a different candidate could cause division within the party ahead of the general elections.

They reaffirmed their commitment to party unity and electoral success, calling on members to rally behind Aro as the “popular choice” of the people in the senatorial district.

Hon Leke Abejide secures APC ticket for YAGBA federal constituency election

The member representing Yagba Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Leke Abejide, has recorded a landslide victory in the All Progressives Congress (APC) primary election for the Yagba Federal Constituency seat, winning across all the 34 wards in the constituency.

Results collated from the three Local Government Areas of Yagba East, Yagba West and Mopamuro indicated overwhelming support for the lawmaker as party members turned out massively to participate in the direct primary election.

Political observers across the constituency described the outcome as an “unprecedented victory”, noting that the exercise further strengthened confidence in the direct primary process as a true reflection of the wishes of party faithful.

The primary election, which was conducted peacefully across the federal constituency, witnessed impressive turnout of APC members who queued to cast their votes in what many described as one of the most transparent internal exercises in recent political history in the area.

Kogireports

Arc. Salman Idris Wins APC HOR Ticket for Kabba/Bunu/Ijumu Federal Constituency.

Hon. Arc. Salman Idris has emerged victorious in the All Progressives Congress (APC) House of Representatives primary election for Kabba/Bunu/Ijumu Federal Constituency.

The primary election which was conducted across the wards in the constituency, witnessed a large turn out of party members and stakeholders.

Hon. Arc Salman Idris scored 12,241 votes to defeat his distant rival Mrs Toyin Omole, who scored a meager 328votes.

While declaring the result at the collation centre, Hon Salman Idris was lawfully declared the winner and therefore the flag bearer of the ruling party, APC for the coming Kabba/Bunu/Ijumu Federal Constituency election.

Happy Birthday to a distinguished leader, mentor, and political icon-Hon. Iroko

Rt. Hon. Asiwaju Leke Abejide, the Asiwaju of Yagba Land.

Today, I celebrate not just a boss, but a visionary leader whose dedication to service, empowerment, and development continues to inspire many of us. Your uncommon leadership style, courage, generosity, and commitment to the growth of Yagba Land and humanity at large remain worthy of emulation.

Thank you for being a dependable mentor, a source of wisdom, and a pillar of support to countless people. As you mark another glorious year today, I pray that Almighty God grants you more strength, sound health, divine wisdom, and greater accomplishments in all your endeavors.

May your new age bring greater heights, lasting peace, and continued impact.

Happy Birthday, sir.

Long live Asiwaju of Yagba Land!

Christian Association of Nigeria applauds Governor Ododo for Christian inclusive, people oriented and result driven governance in Kogi State

 

Earlier yesterday, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) paid a courtesy visit to the Chief Servant and Governor of Kogi State, Alh. Ahmed Usman Ododo FCA to create access for mutual alliance, engender robust engagement, promote developmental fact taking, prioritize institutional synergy, and allow government/governed relationship for better service delivery. 

It was an exciting atmosphere the saw the State Chairman of CAN lead a delegation of the 5 major blocks of the State organ and 21 LGA Chairmen of CAN who were present and had fruitful engagement with the Governor for the good of the people.

During his welcome address, facilitator ox the visit, Omoluabi Bode Adeyemi, Chairman Forum of Special Advisers, commended the Governor for his open door policy that have made every important sectors of the society to have access to him and his government, thereby making government closer to the people, a strategy that has helped the people to get more attention of the government as they so desire.

The Chairman of CAN in his speech identified obvious areas of sterling performance by the government, commended the government for her commitment to promoting CAN by supporting her activities, commended the government on the ongoing renovation and construction of 628 public schools by the ODODO administration, applauded the constant and encouraging salary payments and tax holidays for Civil Servants, applauded the construction of 110 cottage hospitals across the state, appreciated the idea of the ongoing reality of the Kogi International Airport and several other people centered projects of the Governor in two years.

The Chief Servant appreciated the apex body of Christians for their visit, prayers and encouragement. He commended the peaceful disposition and law abiding nature of the Christian demography in the state. He enjoyed the Christian community to sustain the tempo of lawfulness, integrity, peaceful coexistence and respect for constituted authorities.

The Chief Servant noted demands of the body and promised immediate attention just as he has fulfilled the past requests. 

Omoluabi Bode Adeyemi Mnipr

Abejide Intensifies 2027 Consultations, Secures APC Leadership Backing for Third-Term Bid

ABUJA — The member representing Yagba Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. (Elder) Chief Leke Joseph Abejide, has intensified high-level political consultations ahead of the January 16, 2027 general elections, securing a key endorsement from the national leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

In the early hours of Wednesday, Abejide’s consultation train arrived at the office of the APC National Deputy Publicity Secretary, Hon. Duro Meseko, where his Expression of Interest (EOI) and nomination forms for a third-term bid were formally presented and blessed.

Meseko commended the lawmaker’s legislative record, describing his nearly eight years in the National Assembly as impactful and development-oriented. He noted that Abejide’s recent defection to the ruling APC was a strategic move that would position him to attract increased federal attention and developmental opportunities to his constituency.

“It is only appropriate that a lawmaker with such a verifiable track record aligns with a platform that offers broader opportunities for effective service delivery,” Meseko stated, expressing optimism about Abejide’s prospects within the party.

Abejide, a former chieftain and financier of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), defected to the APC on May 1, 2026 — a move widely interpreted by political observers as a significant setback for the ADC’s influence, in Nigeria as a whole.

The lawmaker, who chairs a key House committee, is widely regarded for his constituency-focused initiatives, spanning infrastructure development and empowerment programmes.

Sources within his political camp say the ongoing consultations are part of a broader effort to consolidate grassroots and elite support ahead of the 2027 polls.

The statement was made available to journalists by the lawmaker’s Special Adviser on Public Communications.

With increasing backing from party stakeholders and a strengthened political base, Abejide is positioning himself strongly as the contest for the 2027 general elections gathers momentum.

ABU ’99 Economics Alumni Declares Support for Abejide, Lauds Records of Compassion and Loyalty

ABUJA —Bashiru Abdul Mohammed (BAM), ANIPR, Special Adviser on Public Communications to Rt. Hon. (Elder) Leke Joseph Abejide, member representing Yagba Federal Constituency, on Tuesday received Ambassador Pax Joel at his Garki office in Abuja, in what observers describe as an early show of grassroots and alumni-driven political mobilisation ahead of the 2027 general election.

Pax, who was a coursemate of the lawmaker in the 1999–2003 Economics class of Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, said he was delegated to formally convey the appreciation and solidarity of their classmates, friends of the class, and former lecturers. He described Abejide as a man of rare compassion whose commitment to his peers has remained steadfast for over two decades after graduation.

Speaking during the visit, Pax highlighted several instances of Abejide’s interventions in the lives of former coursemates, particularly in times of distress. He cited a recent case in which the lawmaker reportedly came to the aid of a female colleague facing a life-threatening illness that required significant financial resources.

“We thank God for having someone like him in our midst,” Pax said. “At a very critical time, we almost lost one of our female coursemates to a severe health condition, but Abejide stepped in and made a difference. This is just one out of many instances where he has supported members of our class and extended kindness beyond expectations.”

He noted that despite not playing active roles in Abejide’s previous electoral victories in 2019 and 2023, members of the ABU Economics Class of ’99 now consider it both a moral responsibility and a collective duty to support his re-election bid.

According to Joel, the group has resolved to back Abejide’s aspiration to return to the House of Representatives in the January 16, 2027 general election, where he is expected to contest for a third-term in the 11th National Assembly representing Yagba East/West/Mopamuro Federal Constituency.

He further expressed the readiness of the alumni network—both within Nigeria and in the diaspora—to mobilise support, forge strategic partnerships, and contributes meaningfully to ensuring the lawmaker’s successful re-election.

“We may not have been part of his earlier victories, but we believe it is time to stand up for one of our own who has consistently stood up for others,” he added.

Responding on behalf of his principal, Bashiru  thanked the delegation for the visit, describing their gesture as thoughtful and deeply appreciated. He assured them that their message of goodwill and commitment would be communicated to the lawmaker. 

“We are sincerely grateful for this show of solidarity and the confidence you have expressed in the Honourable,” Bashiru said. “Your support and willingness to partner with him in his future endeavours are well noted, and I will ensure that your message is delivered accordingly.”

The visit is seen by political watchers as a sign of growing support networks coalescing around Abejide ahead of the 2027 polls, particularly among professional and alumni groups with long-standing personal ties to the lawmaker.

Restoration of Kogi Constituencies a Victory for Justice, Rule of Law — Gov Ododo

LOKOJA —Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo of Kogi State has described the ongoing process to restore state constituencies as a historic milestone that reinforces justice, equity, and the supremacy of the rule of law in Nigeria’s democratic system.

Speaking on Tuesday at the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) stakeholders’ meeting in Kogi State, Ododo said the moment marked a significant turning point for communities previously denied full representation, noting that the development would strengthen democratic governance.

The governor commended INEC for what he called its adherence to legality and due process, particularly in implementing the Federal High Court ruling in line with constitutional provisions. He said the Commission’s actions demonstrated institutional integrity and a commitment to upholding the law.

Ododo also praised INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Ampitan, for his leadership, professionalism, and commitment to fairness, adding that his conduct had boosted public confidence in the electoral system.

He acknowledged that upholding justice often attracts criticism, but urged the electoral body to remain resolute. According to him, “those committed to fairness and legality must be prepared to withstand opposition from vested interests.”

The governor further expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for appointing what he described as a credible and capable individual to lead the electoral body, noting that the decision was already yielding positive outcomes for Nigeria’s democracy.

He also commended the President for allowing the judiciary to operate independently, describing the development as a reflection of democratic maturity and respect for constitutional order.

Ododo assured INEC and other stakeholders of the Kogi State Government’s full cooperation throughout the exercise, disclosing that adequate security measures had been put in place to guarantee a smooth and safe process.

He highlighted improvements in the state’s security architecture, describing Kogi as one of the most secure states in the country, while urging the Commission to remain guided by fairness, justice, and due process in carrying out its assignment.

The governor concluded by welcoming stakeholders to the state and expressing optimism that the engagement would further deepen democracy and restore confidence in governance.

APC EXTENDS ASPIRANTS’ FORMS SALE AND SUBMISSION DEADLINES, ADJUSTS SCREENING DATES FOR 2027 ELECTIONS

 PRESS RELEASE

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has approved a further extension of the timelines for the sale and submission of completed aspirants’ Expression of Interest and Nomination Forms, as well as the screening process for the 2027 General Elections.

Key Extensions:

• Sale of Forms: Extended to midnight, Wednesday, 6th May 2026

• Submission of Forms: Extended to midnight, Thursday, 7th May 2026

• Screening of Aspirants: Friday, 8th May 2026 – Tuesday, 12th May 2026

• Publication of Screened Aspirants: Wednesday, 13th May 2026

Signed:

*Felix Morka, CON*

National Publicity Secretary

All Progressives Congress (APC)