By David Torough, Abuja

Former Benue State Governor, Senator Gabriel Suswam, has described the killing of former Secretary to the Benue State Government (SSG), Prof. David Salifu, as barbaric, cruel and undeserved, while calling for urgent action to address the country’s worsening security challenges.

Suswam made the remarks during a condolence visit to the family of the late Prof.

Salifu, where he was accompanied by his former deputy, Chief Steven Lawani, and members of the Benue State Executive Council who served under his administration between 2007 and 2015.

Paying tribute to the deceased, the former governor described Prof.

Salifu as a peaceful, humble and dedicated public servant whose contributions to governance and the development of Benue State would remain unforgettable.

He noted that Salifu served as Secretary to the State Government throughout his administration with integrity, professionalism and unwavering commitment to public service.

Suswam said he received news of the former SSG’s fatal shooting by suspected bandits with profound shock and grief, condemning the killing as a reprehensible act against a man who devoted his life to serving humanity.

He expressed concern over the deteriorating security situation across the country and urged security agencies to intensify efforts to protect lives and property, stressing that no Nigerian should have to live in fear of violent attacks.

The former governor prayed for God’s comfort and strength for Prof. Salifu’s immediate family, his community, the people of Benue State, and the management, staff and students of the Federal University Wukari, where the late academic served as Dean of the Faculty of Management Sciences.

He also encouraged the widow, Mrs. Elizabeth Salifu, to remain steadfast and preserve the unity of the family while taking solace in her husband’s legacy of integrity and service.

Responding on behalf of the family, Mr. Samuel Salifu and Mrs. Elizabeth Salifu thanked Suswam and the former members of the State Executive Council for their support and solidarity since the tragic death of Prof. Salifu.

They prayed for God’s continued blessings and protection upon the former governor and members of his delegation.

Among those who accompanied Suswam on the visit were former Head of the Civil Service, Terna Ahua; former Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Dr. Alex Ter Adum; former Chief Economic Adviser, Dr. Sebastian Agbinda; and several other former commissioners and officials who served in the Suswam administration.

By David Torough, Abuja

Nigerian banks have moved swiftly to contain the effects of a sophisticated global cyber campaign sweeping across sectors and continents, with industry sources assuring the public that the nation’s financial system remains strong, resilient and secure.

The campaign, described by analysts as one of the most coordinated waves of attacks in years, is neither peculiar to Nigeria nor limited to finance.

Organisations in telecommunications, healthcare, government, energy, technology and corporate registries across Europe, Asia, the Americas and Africa have been targeted by the same wave of intrusions, underscoring the borderless nature of modern cybercrime. The data is stark: CheckPoint, a leading international cybersecurity firm, reports a 115 per cent surge in attacks on the global financial sector last year, with organisations worldwide facing thousands of attempted intrusions weekly. The current campaign has been linked to threat actors that have struck more than 35 organisations across several countries and sectors.

Despite the onslaught, banking services and digital channels across Nigeria remain fully operational and customer deposits safe. Banks activated their incident response protocols as soon as reports emerged, working closely with regulators, law enforcement and international cybersecurity partners to investigate and strengthen their defences. Nigerian banks operate some of the most advanced cybersecurity infrastructure on the continent, backed by years of sustained investment in protecting customer information and assets. Experts note that resilience in an era of global cyber warfare lies not in immunity from attack, which no organisation can claim, but in the speed and rigour of response, and on that measure the industry has acted decisively and in full compliance with regulatory requirements.

The banking public is, however, urged to remain vigilant. Fraudsters often exploit moments of heightened attention with fake calls, text messages and emails. Customers should never divulge personal or banking information, including passwords, PINs, One-Time Passwords (OTPs), card details or Bank Verification Numbers (BVNs), to anyone over the telephone, however convincing the caller sounds; no bank will ever ask for these details. They should also avoid opening suspicious emails, clicking unfamiliar links or downloading attachments from unknown senders. Anyone who suspects foul play or unusual account activity should contact their bank immediately, and only through its dedicated official channels: verified customer care lines, official websites, mobile applications or branches.

As governments and corporations worldwide race to shore up their digital defences, the message from the Nigerian banking industry is one of calm and confidence: the system is safe, deposits are secure, and the institutions entrusted with the nation’s savings remain watchful and prepared.

By David Torough, Abuja

Dangote Petroleum Refinery has reduced the ex-depot prices of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), popularly known as petrol, and Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), commonly known as diesel, in a move aimed at making petroleum products more affordable and supporting economic activities across Nigeria.

The new pricing, which takes effect on Thursday, August 6, sees the ex-depot price of petrol reduced by N50 per litre from N1,215 to N1,165, while diesel has been cut by N80 per litre, dropping from N1,650 to N1,570 per litre.

Announcing the adjustment in a statement on Wednesday, the refinery said the price review reflects its ongoing commitment to improving energy affordability, expanding access to refined petroleum products, and delivering value to consumers, businesses, and other stakeholders.

According to the company, the latest reduction underscores its resolve to provide affordable, high-quality petroleum products while ensuring a stable supply through improved operational efficiency.

“The price review reflects Dangote Refinery’s ongoing efforts to enhance energy affordability, improve access to refined petroleum products, and support economic activities across Nigeria,” the statement said.

The refinery added that it would continue to pass on the benefits of operational efficiencies to consumers whenever market conditions permit.

Dangote Petroleum Refinery also reaffirmed its strategic role in strengthening Nigeria’s energy security by reducing dependence on imported petroleum products and increasing the availability of locally refined fuels. As Africa’s largest refinery, the company said it remains committed to supporting the country’s economic development through the supply of world-class petroleum products.

The latest price reduction comes as the 650,000-barrels-per-day refinery continues to expand its footprint in the domestic market. The adjustment also follows recent fluctuations in global crude oil prices, which initially eased after a temporary truce between Iran and the United States before renewed tensions affected market stability.