Naija News: Top Nigerian Newspaper Headlines For Today, Thursday, 25th January, 2024

Top Headlines from Naija News, Thursday, 25th January 2024

1. Suspected armed herdsmen have initiated fresh assaults on Ikpele and Okpokpolo communities in the Agatu Local Government Area (LGA) of Benue State, resulting in the death of at least two individuals and numerous injuries.

   The assailants reportedly set several houses ablaze, leaving many residents currently missing. This recent attack occurred just one week after a similar incident in Okokolo community in Agatu LGA, where three security personnel and two civilians lost their lives.

2. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) maintained its demand for the death certificate of the former Director of Legal at the Ministry of Petroleum Resources, Grace Taiga, during the proceedings held on Wednesday.

   On November 4, 2023, Daniel Alumun, the legal representative of Grace Taiga, informed the Federal Capital Territory High Court about his client’s demise. Justice Olukayode Adeniyi was presiding over the trial of Taiga, who faced charges related to bribery linked to the Gas Supply Processing Agreement between Process and Industrial Development and the Federal Government of Nigeria.

3. At least five unauthorized refineries have been uncovered in various communities within the Araromi seaside area of Ilaje Local Government Area in Ondo State. The discovery was made by operatives from the Nigerian Navy Forward Operating Base, Igbokoda.

   In an official statement released today, the military revealed that these illicit refineries were found to house a total of 365,000 liters of crude oil. Steps are currently underway to dismantle and render these illegal facilities inactive.

4. The Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Olayemi Cardoso, declared on Wednesday, January 24, that the pump prices of petrol are set to decrease throughout the year. This optimistic outlook comes as both government and private-owned refineries prepare to commence operations.

   Speaking at the launch of the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG) 2024 Macroeconomic Outlook Report in Lagos, Cardoso highlighted the expected positive impact of the stabilisation or reduction in fuel costs. He emphasized that this development would have far-reaching implications across various sectors, contributing significantly to overall economic efficiency and resilience.

5. President Bola Tinubu has embarked on a private visit to Paris, France, as announced by his spokesman, Ajuri Ngelale, on Wednesday.

   The statement did not provide details regarding the purpose of the trip but clarified that it was a private visit. President Tinubu is expected to return to Nigeria in the first week of February 2024.

6. Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has formally appointed Chief Olayide Owolabi Adelami as the Deputy Governor.

   This decision follows Aiyedatiwa’s assumption of the role of Ondo State Governor after the passing of Rotimi Akeredolu.

7. The senator representing Benue South Senatorial District and Senate Minority Leader, Comrade Abba Moro, has condemned, in strong terms, the brutal killing of a constituent, Ogah Idajo, in Makurdi.

   Ogah was murdered by assailants on Monday at his Makurdi residence.

   Senator Moro condemned the killing and wonders how people easily take lives that they don’t create. He calls on security agents to leave no stone unturned in fishing out the perpetrators of the heinous crime with a view to bringing them to book.

8. The President of the 10th Senate, Godswill Akpabio, has appointed Emmanuel John Echeofun and Onjefu Ajeibi as Senior Legislative Aides in the office of the Senate Minority Leader, Abba Moro.

   This follows Moro’s earlier appointments of Echeofun and Ajeibi as media aides following his election into the 10th Senate.

9. The Department of State Services (DSS) has refuted claims of the arrest of Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore President, Bello Bodejo. According to DSS spokesman Peter Afunanya, Bodejo is not in the custody of the agency. In a brief statement on Tuesday night, Afunanya categorically stated, “He’s not with the DSS.”

   Contrary to widespread reports suggesting Bodejo’s arrest at Miyetti Allah’s office in Karu Local Government Area of Nasarawa State, the DSS denies any such detention. Speculations linked the alleged arrest to the formation of a vigilante group known as the Nomad Vigilante Group by the Fulani socio-cultural organization.

10. Nigeria’s Vice President, Kashim Shettima, has expressed his admiration for Kizz Daniel and Tekno’s 2023 hit song, “Buga,” stating that it is fast becoming the country’s unofficial second national anthem.

    In an interview with Arise TV, Vice President Shettima shed light on his participation in the “Buga” dance challenge, which gained significant attention last year.