Church Member Arrested for Kidnapping Catholic Priests in Adamawa
The Adamawa State Police Command has arrested 34-year-old Tahamado Demian for allegedly kidnapping two Catholic priests, Reverend Fathers Abraham Samman and Matthew Dusami. Shockingly, the suspect was a member of the same church as the victims. The police rescued the priests unharmed without any ransom paid during a coordinated operation in a remote village between Numan and Demsa LGAs. Read more
Athena Commentary: This incident underscores the troubling rise in internal betrayals within religious communities, where trust should be paramount. That a church member orchestrated such a crime raises questions about underlying motivations—whether financial desperation, ideological manipulation, or deeper criminal networks exploiting religious institutions. While the police deserve commendation for the swift operation, this case highlights the broader insecurity in Nigeria, where even clergy members are not spared from abductions. Stronger preventive measures and community vigilance are needed to tackle this alarming trend.
NDLEA arrests wanted auto spare parts dealer over 77.5kg Angola cocaine deal
Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have arrested Levi Chidiebele Ubodoeze, a wanted automobile spare parts dealer, three weeks after launching a manhunt for him over a failed attempt to export two kilograms of cocaine concealed in vehicle propellers to Angola. Read more
Athena Commentary: The recent achievements of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in intercepting and arresting individuals involved in the illegal trade of hard drugs and fake substances are commendable. These efforts help to curb the harmful effects of the illegal drug trade, which poses a significant threat to society and tarnishes the country’s image internationally. The NDLEA’s proactive stance is crucial in safeguarding our communities and ensuring that Nigeria does not become a haven for the illicit drug trade.
El-Rufai Quits APC, Joins SDP to Challenge Ruling Party in 2027
Former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai has resigned from the All Progressives Congress (APC) and defected to the Social Democratic Party (SDP). Announcing his decision via Facebook, he cited the APC leadership’s failure to uphold internal democracy and address party concerns. A founding APC member, El-Rufai lamented that the party had “castrated its organs” and disregarded its members. He now aims to unite opposition forces under SDP to challenge the APC in the 2027 elections. Read more
Athena Commentary: El-Rufai’s defection signals a deepening crisis within the APC, exposing fractures among its core architects. His departure, if followed by other disillusioned party leaders, could reshape Nigeria’s political landscape ahead of 2027. However, his move to the SDP raises questions about its viability as a strong opposition force. Can he rally enough support to challenge the entrenched APC-PDP dominance? Or is this another elite political realignment without real grassroots traction? Time will tell whether this shift is a masterstroke or merely political posturing.
Zamfara govt suspends salaries of 207 school teachers over truancy
No fewer than 207 Secondary school teachers whose salaries were suspended by Zamfara state government for truancy have apologised to Governor Dauda Lawal, saying they are sorry for the wrong doing. Presenting their apology letters on Friday to Governor Dauda lawal through the commissioner ministry of Education, Science and Technology Mallam Wadatau Madawaki, the suspended teachers confessed of absconding to class room. Read more
Athena Commentary: The suspension of 207 secondary school teachers in Zamfara for truancy and double employment underscores how citizens can be contributory factors to their own societal stagnation. Moving forward, the government must prioritize hiring only passionate and dedicated teachers who see education not as a mere source of income but as a noble career essential to national growth.
Compiled by Kosisochukwu Kingsley