Death Toll in Kogi Boat Accident Rises to 36
The National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) has confirmed that the number of victims in the boat tragedy in Ibaji Local Government Area of Kogi State has increased to 36.
The agency provided the update on Wednesday night, noting that rescue efforts were still ongoing.
Tinubu Declares Nigeria Will Not Disintegrate
President Bola Tinubu has assured Nigerians that the country will not disintegrate under his leadership, urging citizens to stop speaking negatively about the nation.
Tinubu made the remarks on Wednesday at the unveiling of the renovated Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and Creative Arts in Lagos.
Fubara Sacks All Commissioners and Public Officers in Rivers
Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has relieved all commissioners and public officers of their duties.
Speaking at a valedictory session with his cabinet in Port Harcourt on Wednesday, Fubara said the decision followed a Supreme Court judgment that affected their appointments.
Kano Governor Accuses Police Commissioner of Partisanship
Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has accused the state Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Adamu Bakori, of partisanship after the police command withdrew from the Independence Day parade.
Yusuf described the action as an affront to the people of Kano and national unity.
Nigeria Spent $2.86bn on External Debt Servicing in Eight Months
The Central Bank of Nigeria reported on Wednesday that the country spent $2.86bn servicing external debt in the first eight months of 2025.
The figure represents 69.1 per cent of Nigeria’s total foreign payments of $4.14bn during the period.
Families of Detained Soldiers Appeal for Presidential Pardon
Wives and relatives of soldiers held at the 7 Division Military Police Facility in Maiduguri have appealed to President Bola Tinubu for a pardon.
In a statement signed on Wednesday, the families admitted the soldiers’ offences but pleaded for them to be given a second chance.
Kidnappers Demand N200m Ransom for Abducted Radiographer
A newly inducted radiographer, Basherah Ojedeyi, has been abducted while travelling from Sokoto to Osun State to begin an internship.
Her family disclosed on Wednesday that the kidnappers are demanding N200m for her release.
Fire Razes 26 Shops in Lagos Market
Goods worth millions of naira were destroyed after fire gutted at least 26 shops in Bariga Market, Lagos, in the early hours of Wednesday.
The incident came less than 24 hours after the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency hosted a summit on disaster response.
PENGASSAN Warns Dangote Over Possible Strike Resumption
The Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) has warned that it will resume strike action if Dangote Group defaults on labour agreements.
President Festus Osifo issued the warning after the union’s NEC meeting on Wednesday in Abuja.
Police Neutralise Two Kidnappers in Edo Operation
Operatives of the Edo State Police Command have killed two suspected kidnappers during a bush combing operation in Esan South-East Local Government Area.
CSP Moses Yamu said in a Wednesday statement that arms were recovered during the September 30 operation.
Removing Subsidy Was Tough But Necessary – Tinubu
President Bola Tinubu has admitted that ending Nigeria’s fuel subsidy regime was a tough but necessary decision.
In his Independence Day broadcast on Wednesday, Tinubu said the policy saved the country from economic collapse and freed resources for development in education, healthcare, security, and infrastructure.
PENGASSAN Suspends Strike, Cautions Dangote
The Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) has suspended its nationwide strike against Dangote Refinery.
Announcing the decision on Wednesday, President Festus Osifo warned the union would resume action without notice if the company fails to honour agreements.
1966 Coup Was Nigeria’s Greatest Tragedy – Joe Abah
Lawyer and governance expert Joe Abah has described the 1966 coup as the greatest tragedy in Nigeria’s history.
Speaking at The Platform Nigeria event on Wednesday, Abah said the coup collapsed a thriving regional system and ushered in decades of military rule.
Peter Obi Slams APC Over Poverty and Extravagance
Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of plunging Nigerians deeper into poverty while indulging in wasteful spending.
In his Independence Day message, Obi said more than 150 million Nigerians lack access to basic services.
Security Threat Not Over – Bishop Kukah
Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Matthew Kukah, has warned that insecurity remains a major concern in Nigeria.
Speaking on Arise TV on Wednesday, Kukah said President Tinubu’s Independence Day declaration that the threat is over is premature, stressing that structural issues remain unresolved.
Gov AbdulRazaq Vows to Flush Out Bandits in Kwara
Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, has pledged to rid the state of bandits following a deadly attack on Oke-Ode community.
In a Wednesday statement, he said combined forces have launched a major offensive along the Kwara-Kogi border to track the attackers.
Phyna Accuses Dangote of Negligence Over Sister’s Death
Reality TV star Phyna has accused Dangote Group of neglecting her late sister Ruth Otabor’s family after her death.
In posts on Wednesday, Phyna alleged that the company failed to fully cover hospital and burial costs and has not supported Ruth’s children.
Venita Akpofure Mourns Late Cousin Somtochukwu Maduagwu
Former Big Brother Naija housemate Venita Akpofure has mourned the death of her cousin, Arise News anchor Somtochukwu Maduagwu, who died during a robbery in Abuja.
In a tribute shared Wednesday, Venita recalled caring for Somtochukwu as a child and expressed deep grief.
Liverpool Goalkeeper Alisson Ruled Out Until Mid-October
Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson Becker has been ruled out until after the international break, Sky Sports reported Wednesday.
The Brazilian will miss key fixtures, including the clash against Chelsea, raising concerns over the team’s defensive stability.
Henry Criticises Osimhen’s Decision-Making Despite Galatasaray Win
Football legend Thierry Henry has criticised Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen for being too selfish in Galatasaray’s Champions League win over Liverpool.
Speaking on CBS Sports, Henry said Osimhen’s choices denied his team more goals, despite scoring the decisive penalty in the 1-0 victory.