By Patrick Idowu

Dozens of young Nigerians under the banner of the Concerned Christian Youth Forum (CCYF), took to the streets of Abuja on Wednesday, protesting what they described as a sustained campaign of online harassment against Christian leaders across the country.

Gathering at the Unity Fountain, the peaceful demonstrators displayed placards with bold messages such as “Stop Online Bullying of Pastors” and “Respect Religious Freedom.”

They called for urgent intervention to curb what they termed a growing wave of hate speech, defamation and digital intimidation directed at prominent men of God.

Addressing the crowd, CCYF convener, Adama James Paul, decried what he called “a coordinated and well-funded attempt” to tarnish the image of Christian leaders and stir religious discord.

“We are alarmed by the persistent slander and smear campaigns targeting our pastors and faith leaders. These attacks are not random. They are part of a bigger agenda to weaken our spiritual and national unity,” Paul stated.

He further accused certain activists and content creators-naming Omoyele Sowore among them-of fueling tension through deliberate misinformation and incitement online.

“This is no longer just criticism. It is a dangerous form of religious intolerance masked as digital activism,” Paul added.

The group urged the federal government, media and civil society groups to rise against what they described as religious persecution in cyberspace, warning that silence could embolden further polarization.

They also called on Nigerians of all religions to unite against digital campaigns aimed at sowing division, emphasizing the need to preserve the country’s peace and religious harmony.

By Patrick Idowu

The Plateau State Government has sealed a major deal with the Nigerian Institute of Transport Technology to establish a Compressed Natural Gas conversion centre and a Liquefied Natural Gas mega station in Jos.

Commissioner for Transport, Hon. Jatau Gyang Davou, disclosed this while presenting his ministry’s scorecard.

He said a temporary site has already been identified and will undergo renovations to kick-start operations soon.

In a related move, Davou announced plans for a training and learning centre in Jos under the supervision of the institute.

The centre is expected to commence academic activities in September 2025 and will offer various transport-related programmes including short courses, diplomas, postgraduate diplomas and master’s degrees in logistics and transportation.

To support the conversion centre, Greenville Limited has given approval for the project, which will serve Plateau and surrounding northeastern states.

The state has allocated five hectares of land for the development, pending issuance of the Certificate of Occupancy.

Davou also revealed that the state is developing a comprehensive multi-modal transport policy and master plan, supported by NITT Zaria, to position Plateau as a regional hub for mobility, trade and infrastructure-driven growth.

By Samuel Adeola

The Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has ordered a thorough investigation into the tragic killing of 14-year-old Kehinde Alade, a West African Examinations Council candidate who was reportedly shot during a clash in Ibadan, Oyo State.

According to police spokesperson Muyiwa Adejobi, the officer responsible for the shooting has been arrested and is currently in custody.

The incident reportedly occurred during a heated altercation between personnel of the Oyo State Police Command and the state’s traffic agency, OYTMA.

In a statement released on Wednesday, the police condemned the killing and assured the public that the probe would be comprehensive, transparent, and concluded with justice served.

“The Inspector General expressed deep sorrow over the loss of young Kehinde and has pledged that the findings of the investigation will be made public,” the statement said.

The force also urged Nigerians to remain calm, law-abiding, and trust the process as efforts to bring accountability and justice are underway.