1.A wave of shock and outrage swept the nation as over 280 pupils and teachers were abducted by bandits from Government Secondary School and LEA Primary School in Kuriga, Kaduna State. The assailants, reportedly from the Kuriga area of Chikun Local Government Area, opened fire before seizing the victims, leaving a community in distress.
2. Concerns over the plummeting value of the naira prompted the House of Representatives to demand a reassessment of the 2024 budget projections. Following a plenary session, lawmakers unanimously endorsed a motion titled “Need to Evaluate Exchange Rate Implications on 2024 Budget,” underscoring the necessity to ensure fiscal balance and enhance Nigerians’ living standards.
3. The Anambra State Government has strongly opposed the trial of former Governor Willie Obiano by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). Obiano faces nine charges relating to alleged N4bn theft, sparking a contentious legal battle between the state government and anti-corruption authorities.
4. In a crackdown on cybercrime, the Ilorin Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) apprehended 48 suspected internet fraudsters and a traditional healer in Lokoja, Kogi State. The operation targeted individuals implicated in conspiracy and fraudulent activities, reinforcing EFCC’s commitment to combating financial crimes across Kwara, Kogi, and Ekiti states.
5. President Bola Tinubu has taken decisive action by suspending the Managing Director of the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), Ahmad Salihijo Ahmad, along with three other executive directors. A new leadership team, spearheaded by Abba Abubakar Aliyu as Managing Director and CEO, has been appointed to oversee REA’s operations.
6. Startling revelations emerged in an ongoing trial at an FCT High Court, Maitama, as an EFCC witness disclosed allegations of forged signatures belonging to former President Muhammadu Buhari and ex-Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha. Bamaiyi Mairiga, a forensic document examiner, made the disclosure during the prosecution of former Central Bank of Nigeria governor Godwin Emefiele.
7. Former Sokoto State Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal voiced concern over Nigeria’s escalating economic challenges during a meeting with former President Olusegun Obasanjo. Tambuwal emphasized the urgent need to confront the worsening economic situation head-on, highlighting the severity of the nation’s plight.
8. Tragedy struck as two Nigerian Air Force (NAF) pilots encountered a mishap during a routine training flight, resulting in an accident near Kaduna Military Airfield. Air Vice Marshal Edward Gabkwet, NAF Director of Public Relations and Information, confirmed the incident, underscoring the inherent risks associated with military aviation operations.
9. In Birnin Kudu Local Government Area of Jigawa State, suspected robbers claimed the lives of three individuals in a tragic attack, according to a statement issued by the State Police Command. The heinous act underscores the ongoing security challenges facing communities across the state.
10. The Federal Government announced plans to initiate the recovery process from beneficiaries of the Nigeria Education Loan (NELFund) scheme, commencing two years after completion of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) program. Dr. Akintunde Sawyer, Executive Secretary of NELFund, outlined the government’s strategy to reclaim outstanding loans, emphasizing accountability in educational financing.
