General News
CHAOS IN ABUJA AS PROTEST FOR NNAMDI KANU’S RELEASE TURNS VIOLENT
Chaos erupted in Nigeria’s Federal Capital Territory on Monday as a peaceful demonstration demanding the release of Indigenous People of Biafra leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, degenerated into violence. Gunshots, teargas, and arrests turned central Abuja into a flashpoint of unrest.
The protest, organised by activist Omoyele Sowore and Kanu’s lead counsel Aloy Ejimakor, began near the Nigerian Communications Commission headquarters in Maitama but quickly descended into pandemonium when security operatives moved in to disperse participants. An eyewitness recounted to reporters, “There was shouting, then gunshots — everyone just ran.”
Videos circulating online captured scenes of panic as protesters fled clouds of teargas and the sound of live rounds fired into the air. Several people were reportedly injured in the ensuing stampede.
Ejimakor confirmed his own arrest in a post on X, formerly Twitter, writing, “We’ve just been arrested. Myself, Prince Emanuel and others. We are at FCT Command CID, No. 1 Zaria Street, Garki 2.”
The Nigerian Police Force later justified the crackdown, citing a court order barring protests near sensitive zones, including Aso Rock Villa, the National Assembly, and Force Headquarters. The order was reportedly issued on Friday by Justice M.G. Umar following a police suit against Sowore and four others. Police spokesman Benjamin Hundeyin warned that anyone breaching the restrictions or “inciting violence” would be arrested and prosecuted.
Sowore, however, dismissed the order as a “sham,” insisting it was never properly served and thus unenforceable. “There is no valid court order restricting this protest. Our right to peaceful assembly is non-negotiable,” he declared, announcing that a 115-member legal team was ready to challenge any police action. He accused authorities of double standards, pointing out that pro-government demonstrators had been allowed to march in Abuja for three consecutive days without interference.
By midday, key areas including the Federal Secretariat, National Assembly Complex, and Central Business District were deserted. Armoured vehicles patrolled major junctions as security forces mounted roadblocks and fired sporadic teargas. Court activities were also suspended, with judges and lawyers unable to access Federal High Court premises amid the chaos.
Meanwhile, the Nigerian Correctional Service declared all prisons nationwide “Red Zones,” warning that anyone approaching correctional facilities would be treated as a security threat.
Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, detained since his 2021 extradition from Kenya, faces treason and terrorism charges. Despite multiple court orders granting him bail, he remains in the custody of the Department of State Services, a situation rights groups say undermines Nigeria’s commitment to the rule of law.
While calm gradually returned to parts of the city, anxiety remained high. Many residents stayed home as traffic gridlock paralysed key entry routes. One fleeing protester shouted, “This is not just about Nnamdi Kanu, it’s about justice. It’s about Nigeria.”
General News
Alue-Do Festival Assault: First Lady Oluremi Tinubu Condemns Attack on Women, Calls for Justice
The First Lady of Nigeria, Oluremi Tinubu, has strongly condemned the reported assault of women and girls during the Alue-Do Festival in Ozoro, Delta State, describing the incident as “horrific” and unacceptable.
Reacting to viral footage from Ozoro, the First Lady expressed outrage over scenes showing young girls being physically and sexually assaulted, as well as subjected to degrading treatment during what was meant to be a cultural celebration.
While acknowledging Nigeria’s rich cultural diversity, Mrs. Tinubu stressed that no tradition or custom should be used as justification for violating the dignity and rights of women and girls.
She commended the efforts of the Nigeria Police Force for making arrests in connection with the incident and urged authorities to ensure that all perpetrators are brought to justice.
The First Lady also called on victims to seek immediate medical and psychological support, offering prayers for their healing, peace, and strength in the aftermath of the ordeal.
The incident has sparked widespread concern and renewed calls for stricter measures to protect women and girls during cultural and public events across the country.
General News
World Water Day 2026: Oluremi Tinubu Calls for Gender Equity Through Improved Water Access
The First Lady of Nigeria, Oluremi Tinubu, has called for collective action to promote gender equality through improved access to water and sanitation, as the world marks World Water Day 2026.
In a message commemorating the day, Senator Tinubu highlighted this year’s theme, “Water and Gender,” alongside the campaign slogan, “Where Water Flows, Equality Grows,” emphasizing the strong link between water access and gender equity.
She noted that in many communities, women and girls bear the burden of sourcing water, often trekking long distances to streams, a situation that negatively impacts their education, health, and economic opportunities.
“When we ensure safe, clean, and accessible water, we do more than quench thirst; we open doors for girls to stay in school, for women to pursue livelihoods, and for families to live healthier lives,” she said.
The First Lady urged Nigerians to work together to ensure equitable access to water resources across the country, stressing that improved water systems can drive social and economic development.
She concluded by encouraging citizens to embrace the spirit of the global observance and reaffirm commitments toward building a more inclusive society.
“Let us work together to ensure that where water flows in Nigeria, equity truly grows,” she added.
World Water Day is observed annually on March 22 to raise awareness on the importance of freshwater and advocate for sustainable management of water resources worldwide.
Fresh hostilities in the ongoing Iran-Israel conflict intensified early Sunday, with Iran launching strikes near Israel’s main nuclear research centre, leaving dozens injured and raising fears of wider regional escalation.
According to reports, missiles hit areas close to the nuclear facility in Dimona and the southern city of Arad. Rescue services confirmed that nearly 70 people were injured in Arad alone, with several in serious condition and multiple residential buildings severely damaged.
The Israeli military said it had begun retaliatory strikes targeting locations in Tehran, further escalating the conflict, which has now entered its fourth week.
Iran warned that any attack on its energy facilities would trigger retaliatory strikes on U.S. and Israeli infrastructure across the region. The threat followed a statement by former U.S. President Donald Trump, who warned that the United States could target Iranian power plants if Tehran fails to reopen the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz within 48 hours. Iranian authorities described such threats as provocative, vowing a firm response if carried out.
Saudi Arabia also confirmed that its air defence systems intercepted missiles and drones targeting its territory, including areas near key oil installations, with no casualties reported. In a separate incident, a projectile struck near a commercial vessel off the coast of the United Arab Emirates, causing an explosion but leaving the crew unharmed.
Iran’s state media reported that the death toll within the country has surpassed 1,500 since the conflict began, raising humanitarian concerns. Legal experts have also warned that targeting civilian infrastructure such as power plants could violate international law.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described the situation as “a very difficult moment,” as emergency teams continued search-and-rescue operations in affected areas.
In Yemen, Iran-backed Houthi rebels warned they could join the conflict if attacks against Iran intensify, cautioning that further escalation could disrupt global energy supplies and economic stability.
Despite diplomatic signals, including a temporary U.S. move to ease sanctions on Iranian oil shipments, there are no clear signs of de-escalation, with both sides continuing military operations. Analysts warn the conflict risks expanding into a broader regional war with significant global implications.