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UNICEF: 1,680 Nigerian Children Abducted in 10 Years

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By Cynthia Abah

UNICEF reports that since the 2014 abduction of Chibok schoolgirls, 1,680 Nigerian schoolchildren have been abducted and 180 have lost their lives. Only 37% of schools in ten states have early warning systems in place to detect dangers like school attacks, according to a recent analysis by UNICEF. This grim reality comes amidst the tenth anniversary of the Chibok mass kidnapping and a recent abduction in Kaduna State.

Ms. Cristian Munduate, UNICEF representative in Nigeria, emphasized the need for stronger efforts to protect children, calling the Chibok abduction a wake-up call. She stressed the importance of addressing both symptoms and root causes, highlighting education as a fundamental right crucial for escaping poverty.

Saadhna Panday-Soobrayan, Chief of Education at UNICEF Nigeria, revealed alarming statistics of conflict-related violence in schools, with over 1,680 children abducted and 180 killed in the last decade. She noted the significant impact of student abductions on learning, citing instances of school closures and fear among students.

UNICEF Nigeria urged decisive action from the government, partners, and the international community to ensure safer schools and protect children. Recommendations include implementing minimum standards for safe schools, addressing infrastructure deficiencies, enhancing security measures, and prioritizing education and child protection in policies and budgets. Additionally, UNICEF emphasized the importance of alternative learning pathways during school closures to ensure the continuity of education for Nigerian children.

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Cross River Lawmakers Endorse Gov. Otu for 2027 Re-Election

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By Njoku Chijioke 

The Southern caucus of the 10th Cross River House of Assembly has endorsed Governor Bassey Otu for re-election in 2027, citing his achievements in boosting internally generated revenue and governance reforms.

Led by Francis Asuquo (Odukpani constituency), the lawmakers urged residents to support Otu’s second term bid and called on other aspirants to step aside for the governor.

However, Richard Inoyo, a civil society leader, dismissed the endorsement, arguing that the caucus does not represent the people’s will.

Meanwhile, speculation is growing that Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong may challenge Otu in 2027, with his expanding free transport scheme seen as a strategic move.

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Kaduna Refinery Hits 60% Completion – NNPCL

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By Adenike Lawal 

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), has announced that the Kaduna Refinery has reached over 60% mechanical completion, with operations expected to begin before the end of 2025.

NNPCL’s Executive Vice President, Downstream, Isiyaku Abdullahi, disclosed this during an engagement with Kannywood artists in Abuja, emphasizing the company’s commitment to completing the refinery and its pipelines using internal resources.

Abdullahi also highlighted ongoing progress at the Port Harcourt and Warri refineries, urging Nigerians to prepare for an upcoming NNPCL Initial Public Offering (IPO), as part of investment opportunities in the oil and gas sector.

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UNIZIK Probes Female Student’s Alleged Assault on Lecturer

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By Emmanuel Ogbodo

Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), has launched an investigation into a physical altercation between a female student and a lecturer, Dr. Chukwudi Okoye, at the Faculty of Arts.

The incident, which went viral on social media, reportedly started after the lecturer interrupted the student’s video recording, leading to a heated argument.

The student allegedly bit the lecturer multiple times and tore his clothes during the confrontation.

UNIZIK’s Acting Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Joseph Ikechebelu, assured the public of a fair and transparent probe, emphasizing the university’s commitment to discipline and decorum.

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