Author: TheLagosianMagazine

By Peter Omopo A survivor of the June 2025 Yelwata massacre in Benue State, Mrs. Msurshima Apeh, delivered an emotional testimony before the United States Congress on Thursday, recounting how she watched terrorists kill her five children during the midnight assault. Apeh appeared virtually before the House Subcommittee on Africa during a hearing examining former U.S. President Donald Trump’s decision to return Nigeria to the Country of Particular Concern (CPC) list over allegations of ongoing religious persecution. Describing the attack, Apeh said armed men suspected to be Fulani militants stormed the Yelwata internally displaced persons camp around 9 p.m. while…

By Peter Omopo The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention has reported 177 deaths from Lassa fever between January and early November 2025, signalling a rise in the severity of the disease compared to previous years. According to the agency’s latest epidemiological update released on Thursday, Nigeria has confirmed 966 infections across 21 states and 102 Local Government Areas as of epidemiological Week 44, which ended on November 2. The Case Fatality Rate (CFR) has climbed to 18.3 per cent — a significant increase from the 16.5 per cent reported during the same period in 2024. Health experts say…

By Peter Omopo The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, on Thursday undertook an operational visit to Gusau, the Zamfara State capital, as part of renewed efforts to reinforce military operations against banditry in the North-West. Shaibu’s visit took him to the Headquarters of the Joint Task Force, Operation Fansa Yamma, where he assessed troop deployment, morale, and the progress of ongoing counter-terrorism and anti-banditry campaigns. He arrived to full military honours, including a guard of honour mounted by senior field commanders. The Army chief was accompanied by a high-level entourage consisting of principal staff officers, as well…

By Peter Omopo The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has condemned the life imprisonment sentence handed to its leader, Nnamdi Kanu, by the Federal High Court in Abuja, describing the judgment as unconstitutional and politically motivated. Justice James Omotosho on Thursday sentenced Kanu to life in prison after finding him guilty on seven terrorism-related charges — a decision delivered in the defendant’s absence following his removal from court for alleged unruly conduct. IPOB: ‘Kanu Committed No Offence Known to Law’ In a statement issued on Friday by IPOB’s spokesman, Emma Powerful, the group maintained that Kanu’s actions amounted only to…

By Peter Omopo A member of the United States Congress, Bill Huizenga, has sharply criticised President Bola Tinubu’s administration, accusing it of failing to adequately confront Nigeria’s escalating insecurity. Huizenga made the allegation on Thursday while testifying before the US House Subcommittee on Africa during a hearing on Nigeria’s redesignation as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC). The hearing comes shortly after US President Donald Trump reinstated Nigeria on the CPC list on October 31, 2025, citing alleged systematic persecution of Christians and hinting that military intervention options were on the table. ‘Tinubu Government Not Doing Enough’ — Huizenga Speaking…

By Peter Omopo Lagos, Nigeria – November 20, 2025 Nigeria has lost one of its prominent public servants and scions of a political dynasty, as Olusegun (Segun) Awolowo, grandson of the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo, former premier of the old Western Region, has died at the age of 62. His family announced his passing in a statement on Thursday, describing him as a devoted family man and an unwavering patriot who dedicated his life to national service. > “With extremely heavy hearts, we announce the passing of our beloved husband, father and grandfather, Olusegun Awolowo,” the statement said, praising him…

By Peter Omopo The Federal High Court in Abuja has sentenced the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, to life imprisonment. Justice James Omotosho delivered the judgment on Thursday, bringing an end to one of Nigeria’s most closely watched terrorism trials. The sentence followed the court’s decision to proceed in Kanu’s absence after he was removed from the courtroom for what the judge described as persistent unruly conduct. Kanu, who has faced multiple terrorism-related charges, was found guilty on counts bordering on incitement, unlawful possession of weapons, and leading a proscribed organisation. The court held…

By Peter Omopo Detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, was removed from the Federal High Court in Abuja on Thursday after Justice James Omotosho ordered that judgment in his terrorism trial be delivered in his absence due to what the court described as “unruly behaviour.” Justice Omotosho, who began delivering judgment in the long-running case, ruled that proceedings would continue without the defendant after dismissing three fresh applications filed by Kanu, which the court held lacked merit. Tension rose in the courtroom when Kanu interrupted the judge during the ruling, claiming that the matter could…

By Peter Omopo The Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), has officially matriculated 6,356 students for the 2025/2026 academic session—its highest intake since the university was established 38 years ago. The figure was announced in a statement issued on Thursday by the Acting Head of the Directorate of Public Relations, Olasunkanmi Olajide. The ceremony, which also featured the university’s 13th Commencement Lecture, took place at the Professor Oluwafemi Balogun Ceremonial Building. Addressing the new students, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Babatunde Kehinde, described the record admission as a landmark achievement that reflects the increasing trust of parents and candidates in FUNAAB’s academic…

As a parent, you are your child’s first teacher, guide, and role model. Your influence shapes not only their learning but also their character, faith, and heart. In learning: Be patient and encouraging, teaching them knowledge and wisdom. “Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old, they will not turn from it.” — Proverbs 22:6 In living simply, show them the beauty of contentment, honesty, and integrity. Life’s greatest lessons often come through, for example, not words. In working hard: Let them see the value of diligence, perseverance, and discipline. Your actions speak…