By Laide Akinboade, Abuja

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) on Wednesday, condemned
the attack on a church gathering in Eda Oniyo Ekiti, where gunmen reportedly killed a Pastor and abducted several worshippers during an open-air crusade.

This was stated in a statement issued by
President, CAN, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, in Abuja.

The Christian body demanded for immediate arrest and prosecution of the culprits and rescue of those kidnapped.

He described this latest attack as a brutal assault on shared humanity and the sanctity of life.

And it is deeply disturbing and unacceptable.

He mourned with the family of the slain Pastor and stand in full solidarity with the victims and the entire Christian community in Ekiti State

The statement reads, “We condemn this heinous act in the strongest possible terms.

“We mourn with the family of the slain Pastor and stand in full solidarity with the victims and the entire Christian community in Ekiti State. Our thoughts and prayers are with those who have been taken, and we call for their immediate and safe release.

“This latest tragedy comes amid a disturbing pattern of attacks. Only recently, gunmen struck communities in Yagba West Local Government Area of Kogi State, abducting residents including clergy, their families, and other community members. These repeated incidents underscore a deepening security crisis that can no longer be ignored.

“This attack further heightens concerns about the safety of lives and the protection of communities. No one should have to live in fear, and no place of worship must ever become a hunting ground for criminals.

“We must be unequivocal: the protection of lives and property is the primary responsibility of government. We call on the authorities and security agencies to act swiftly, decisively, and transparently. Those responsible for this atrocity must be apprehended and brought to justice without delay. Every necessary effort must be made to rescue those abducted unharmed.

“We also urge the government to immediately strengthen security presence, especially in vulnerable and rural communities, and to deploy proactive intelligence measures to prevent further attacks”.

He noted, “At the same time, we must all speak out firmly. The killing of a Pastor and the abduction of worshippers gathered to commune with their Creator is deeply troubling. It reflects a grave disregard for life, for faith, and for the moral fabric of our society.

“We have a duty to communicate these concerns clearly, firmly, and without equivocation to the appropriate authorities. Nigeria must not normalise the killing of worshippers or the abduction of innocent citizens in places of refuge.

“May God comfort the bereaved, protect those in captivity, and restore peace and security to our land”.

By Julius Tambaya, Abuja

Following alleged criminal conducts of River-Bend Nigerian Limited and one Mr. Thomas Terzulum Nongo, a renowned Nigerian journalist, Mr. Nicholas Dekera has filled a 10-page petition to the Headquarters of Department of State Services (DSS), urging the agency to blacklist the company for fraud and other criminal related offences.

Dekera, who narrated his experience to maintained that “on the 31 March 2026, I travel to Abuja Airport with 20 litres of Herbal and powder medicine worth One Million Four Hundred and Eighty five thousand (N1,485,0000) for treatment of a particular illness .

“Upon arrival at the Domestic wing of Abuja Airport, I proceeded to River-Bend Nig. Ltd where I paid Five Hundred and Fifty Eight Thousand naira (5,58000 ) for weigh Bill for 23kg to Texas through account number 8077746814 OPAY with account name Thomas Terzulum Nongo with phone numbers 08077746814, 08117445821 who had earlier insisted he usually use his personal account for River-Bend Nig Ltd.
The recipient, Thomas Terzulum Nongo assured that the medication will be delivered to my sister in Texas within 12 days but sadly, Thomas Terzulum Nongo of River- Bend Nigeria Ltd failed to deliver the products, after almost one month causing the herbal to expire in his custody in Nigeria.” He added

The Journalist also revealed that “during this period of waiting for the products to get to Texas, my sister’s health condition got worse as she is now in the hospital traumatized and critically ill.”

He prayed that Thomas Terzulum Nongo of River-Bend Nig Ltd pay the cost of production of the herbal medicine which One Million, Four Hundred and Eighty thousand naira ( N1,485,000) .

“That Thomas Terzulum Nongo of River-Bend Nig Ltd be made to refund the N5,58000 for the purported weigh Bill to Texas, U.S.A

“That Thomas Terzulum Nongo be made to pay for all logistical expenses of N300,000 incurred

“That Thomas Terzulum Nongo and River- Bend Nig. Ltd be blacklisted and all managers arrested for tarnishing the image of Nigeria” He stressed

 From Dan Amasingha, Minna

 Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago, has directed the immediate rehabilitation of buildings damaged by a windstorm at the National Youth Service Corps orientation camp in Paiko.

The windstorm, which occurred on April 25, reportedly blew off roofs and damaged several structures within the camp, although no casualties were recorded.

Bago, through the Secretary to the State Government, Abubakar Usman, instructed the Ministries of Works, Youth and Social Development to work jointly towards the immediate repair of the affected facilities.

An assessment team comprising the Commissioner for Education, Hadiza Asabe Mohammed; Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Jacob Baba Yisa; the Director-General of National Youth Service Corps, Olakunle Oluseye Nafiu; and the state coordinator, Martina Shuaibu-Ibrahim, had earlier visited the camp to inspect the damaged structures.

Buildings affected by the storm include male corps members’ hostels, the multipurpose hall, the kitchen, staff quarters, and parts of the state coordinator’s residence.

Describing the incident as unfortunate and worrisome, the governor said the damage had created discomfort for corps members and camp officials.

He noted that prompt repairs would enable the ongoing orientation exercise to continue without major disruption.

Bago also commended the management of Abubakar Dada Secondary School for providing classrooms as temporary accommodation for displaced corps members.

He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to the safety, welfare and wellbeing of all corps members serving in Niger State.