NEWS
Cross River Government Flags-off School Census Exercise

From Ene Asuquo, Calabar
In its vow aimed to reposition secondary schools and create Data for development, the Cross River State Government has flagged off the commencement of Annual Secondary School Census exercise for primary and post primary institutions operating in the state.
Flagging off the programme at the premises of the state ministry of Education, Leopard Town Calabar, the state commissioner for Education, Sen.
Stephen Odey, stated that the exercise would be compulsory for all public, private and technical schools in the state.“We are calling on National Association of Proprietors of Private schools (NAPPS) and indeed all stakeholder in the education sector to give their maximum support to the exercise.
“This exercise is compulsory for both public and private schools. We are calling on NUT, ANCORPS, all the executive secretaries, in all the eighteen local government areas.
“We are calling on all directors in the state ministry of Education to give this exercise a very serious attention”.
“So that by the end of the exercise, we can beat our chest that Cross River now have the best data in education.
“This exercise has not called for anybody to start collecting money from anybody”, He said.
Also speaking Chief Operating Officer, Future-x Education, Adeyemi Isola -Adebayo, appealed to the education ministry to allow all schools be it mushrooms or registered schools to participate in the exercise so that state education ministry can generate a robust data.
He appealed to the state government not to exclude any child who is already in school notwithstanding whether the school attended by child is a mushroom or approved school.
“You must take the census of children who are already in school serious, unfortunately in Nigeria principals of senior secondary, junior public and primary schools when they go fir annual data capturing.
“I want to plead with you that for those unapproved schools. For mushroom schools if there is no Demand there can be any supply. Non should be excluded.
“We can support the state to make those mushroom schools become good schools. International organizations are looking for people from low income households to help. And we don’t have any data, Isola -Adebayo maintained.
NEWS
Police nab 4 Suspected Cultists, Recover Weapons in Delta

The Police Command in Delta says it has arrested four suspected cultists in the state.The spokesman for the command, SP Bright Edafe, told newsmen on Monday in Warri.Edafe said that the suspected hoodlums were nabbed on Wednesday by the operatives of CP-Special Assignment Team (CP-SAT) led by ASP Julius Robinson.
He said that the operation was carried out in Mosogar community, Ethiope West Local Government Area. “Acting on credible intelligence on the activities of cultists within Mosogar and its environs, CP-SAT stormed the residence of two of the suspects. “During the preliminary investigation, a search warrant was executed in their premises.“While searching, a black bag containing a fabricated Baretta pistol, loaded with two rounds of live ammunition and two locally-made guns, was recovered.“Other exhibits recovered were: eight rounds of live cartridges, multiple phones, laptop and some fetish substances,” he said.Edafe said that further investigation led to the arrest of two other suspects in Mosogar, adding that they were suspected to be members of the Aiye confraternity.The command’s spokesman said that the suspects were in the police custody, adding that investigation into the matter was ongoing.(NAN)NEWS
CAN Mourns Fr. Lubo, Hails His Legacy of Peace, Service

By Laide Akinboade, Abuja
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) on Monday, mourns the passing of Rev. Fr. Dr. Polycarp Lubo, Chairman of CAN, Plateau State, who went to be with the Lord on June 15, 2025, following a brief illness after a road accident.This was contained I’m a statement issued by CAN and made available in Abuja.
Fr. Lubo’s departure is a profound loss to the Christian community, to our nation, and to me personally. He was not only a dedicated colleague but also a dear friend, whose wisdom, humility, and warmth left a lasting imprint on my life.Fr. Lubo stood as a beacon of faith and service. His unwavering commitment to peacebuilding, interfaith harmony, and the mission of the Church was an inspiration to all who encountered him.As a CAN leader, he served with integrity and deep compassion. His advocacy for justice, and his support for national health initiatives such as immunization and polio eradication, made a significant impact. His life exemplified the transformative power of unity, love, and service.CAN stands with Governor Caleb Mutfwang, the government and people of Plateau State, the Catholic Church, the Plateau State CAN chapter, and the family of Fr. Lubo in mourning this irreplaceable loss. We extend our heartfelt condolences to all who knew and loved him, praying that God will grant comfort and strength during this time of grief.We urge the Christian faithful and all Nigerians to honour his legacy by continuing the noble work he championed; peace, justice, and unity.May his soul rest in eternal peace.NEWS
CAN Raises Alarm Over Benue Massacre

By Laide Akinboade, Abuja
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) on Monday, raised alarm over the continued horrific wave of violence that recently swept through Benue State, resulting in the tragic loss of over 200 lives in a series of coordinated attacks.This was contained in a statement issued by CAN, signed by Archbishop Daniel Okoh, President, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), in Abuja.
The statement reads in paets, “These senseless killings have inflicted immeasurable pain on families, devastated communities, and further entrenched the insecurity threatening our nation. We extend our heartfelt condolences to the bereaved and pray for the peaceful repose of the departed souls. “For too long, the people of Benue have been subjected to recurrent assaults, often blamed on armed groups, without meaningful intervention or justice. This persistent failure to safeguard citizens and bring perpetrators to account has emboldened attackers and prolonged the cycle of violence”.CAN therefore calls on the Federal Government to act with urgency and resolve. We demand the immediate deployment of reinforced security personnel to protect vulnerable communities and, if necessary, the declaration of a state of emergency in the most affected areas.”We further insist on a thorough, transparent investigation and the swift prosecution of all those responsible. Justice must prevail to break the grip of impunity fueling these atrocities. We also appeal to the international community to support efforts aimed at restoring peace and rebuilding trust in Benue State.”The Christian Association of Nigeria remains unwavering in its commitment to defending the sanctity of life and advocating for the protection and dignity of all Nigerians.”May peace be restored, and may justice roll down like waters” CAN boss said.