The New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) has extended condolences to the Roman Catholic Church in Nigeria and globally on the death of Pope Francis.

The NNPP National Chairman, Dr Ajuji Ahmed, conveyed this in a statement issued by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Ladipo Johnson, on Monday in Abuja.

Ahmed acknowledged Pope Francis’ passing on Easter Monday, noting its spiritual significance and praising his episcopal service as a faithful steward of God.

He described the late pontiff as a dedicated servant who upheld the core values of his calling and remained devoted to humanity throughout his life.

“It is a painful loss. But Pope Francis left a legacy of love and courage, especially in service to the poor and vulnerable,” he said.

Ahmed also congratulated Nigerian Christians on the Easter celebration, marking the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

According to him, Easter affirms the defeat of death and offers hope of salvation to all mankind. (NAN)

The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) has dismissed a report of bomb blast at the Maximum Security Custodial Centre (MaSCC) in Maiduguri.

This is contained in a statement issued by the NCoS Public Relations Officer (SPRO), Deputy Controller of Corrections (DCC) Abubakar Umar, on Monday in Abuja.

According to him, there has been no reported explosion or security breach at any other correctional facility across the country.

“All inmates are safe, and daily operations are running smoothly. The public is advised to disregard any rumour suggesting otherwise.

“The public is also enjoined to remain calm, as all inmates in our custodial centres are going about their treatment regime and there is no cause for alarm,”

Umar cautioned against spreading false information, especially on social media platforms, stating that such rumours could cause unnecessary panic and erode public confidence in the country’s security institutions.

He stressed the importance of verifying information from credible and official sources before dissemination, particularly in matters involving national security and public safety.

The spokesman reiterated the services’ commitment to safety, security, and well-being of inmates, staff and members of the public.

“NCoS remains proactive in the management and protection of its facilities nationwide.

“The Maiduguri Custodial Centre, like others across the country, is part of the correctional infrastructure managed by the NCoS to ensure not only the secure detention of inmates but also their rehabilitation and reintegration into society.

“The service will continue to monitor its facilities closely and provide timely updates to the public when necessary,”he assured

Umar urged citizens to remain law-abiding and supportive of the ongoing reforms in the correctional system, which were aimed at improving service delivery and enhancing national security.(NAN)

Gov. Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau on Monday convened a meeting with critical stakeholders over the recent killings in the state.

Speaking at the event, Mutfwang said that the meeting aimed at fashioning out ways of tackling the recurrent attacks and wanton destruction of properties in the state.

The governor, who said that the security challenges in the state had spanned for over two decades, explained that the meeting also aimed at uniting critical stakeholders towards ending the menace.

Mutfwang, who decried that insecurity had posed serious threat to the economic posepsrity of Plateau, however, commended President Bola Tinubu for the measures put in place to tackle the security challenges in the state.

“Right from the time the Jos market was burnt to this point, you will discover that even food production in Plateau has been on the decline.

“Recently, we took stock of farmlands which our people have not been able to cultivate, because attempting to cultivate those farmlands is at the risk of their lives.

“There is no part of this state that does not have its share of  insecurity; so, we must come together as a people to address this issue.

“This is why we called all of you here so we can rob minds and find lasting solution to the security challenges in our dear state,” he said.

The governor called on the stakeholders to be opened and make positive suggestions that would lead to lasting peace in the state.

The meeting, which later went into closed doors, had former governors of the state, Fidelis Tapgun, Joshua Dariye, Jonah Jang, and retired Rear Admiral Bitrus Atukum in attendance.

Others stakeholders who attended the meeting were serving and former sanators, members of the House Representatives, traditional and religious leaders, government officials, youth and women groups, among others.(NAN)