News

Tinubu Orders Manhunt as Outrage Trails Murder of Arise TV Anchor in Abuja

Published

1 month ago

October 1, 2025

Admin

By Oso Abidemi

President Bola Tinubu has ordered a nationwide manhunt for the killers of Somtochukwu Christelle Maduagwu, a rising anchor with Arise Television, who was murdered during a robbery attack at her Katampe residence in Abuja on Monday.

Describing the incident as “shocking, wicked, and unacceptable,” the President said Nigeria had been deprived of a bright lawyer and journalist cut down in her prime.

He directed security agencies to apprehend the perpetrators without delay and bring them to justice.

Tinubu also extended condolences to Maduagwu’s family, Arise News, and the broader media community, assuring that his administration would intensify efforts to secure lives and property.

First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu also mourned the tragic loss, describing Maduagwu’s death as “painful and most unfortunate.”

She sent condolences to Arise Media Group Chairman, Chief Nduka Obaigbena, her family, friends, and colleagues, praying for comfort and strength for the bereaved.

The Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE), expressed deep sadness, noting that journalism had lost a talented professional committed to giving voice to the voiceless.

In a joint statement, NGE President Eze Anaba and General Secretary Onuoha Ukeh called her killing a “senseless act” that reflects Nigeria’s worsening insecurity, urging government action to protect citizens.

Civil society groups, including the Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA), and the Foundation for Environmental Rights, Advocacy & Development (FENRAD), condemned the killing, linking it to systemic failures in security and healthcare.

HURIWA criticised Maitama General Hospital for allegedly insisting on a police report before treating Maduagwu, calling it “bureaucratic indifference” that cost her life.

The group demanded accountability, insisting that the hospital’s Chief Medical Director should be sacked.

FENRAD described the tragedy as a grim reflection of Nigeria’s deteriorating security situation, warning that if a journalist could be killed so brazenly in Abuja, nowhere in the country could be considered safe.

Confirming the incident, the Commissioner of Police, FCT Command, Ajao Adewale, condemned the killing as “cruel and senseless.”

He directed the deployment of intelligence and operational teams to track the assailants, urging residents to support investigations with useful information.

The robbers, reportedly armed with point-of-sale (POS), machines, had invaded the estate, assaulted residents, and killed Maduagwu and her security guard.

She was rushed to hospital but died after delays in receiving urgent medical attention.

Her death has sparked nationwide outrage, with calls for justice and renewed demands for the government to urgently tackle insecurity and reform healthcare protocols that prioritise procedure over saving lives.

News

FG Targets Guinness World Record with 3.6km Dining Table in Abuja

Published

3 hours ago

November 6, 2025

By Onyeanya Ebere Immaculata

The Federal Government will attempt to break the Guinness World Record for the longest dining table during the Mega Renewed Hope NIHOTOUR Gastronomy Festival slated for December 6 in Abuja. The 3.6-kilometre table is expected to host between 2,000 and 3,000 participants.

Director-General of the National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR), Dr. Abisoye Fagade, announced this on Thursday alongside the Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa.

Fagade said the record attempt will be followed by communal dining, cultural displays, music, and comedy, adding that the initiative aims to position Abuja as a major cultural destination.

He noted that the festival aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, promoting tourism, hospitality, and youth empowerment through skills development.

Minister Musawa described the event as a platform for economic inclusion and creative growth, highlighting gastronomy’s role in national development alongside film, music, and fashion.

The week-long festival, themed “Oriki: Taste of Culture,” will feature exhibitions, culinary masterclasses, food tastings, and investment dialogues showcasing Nigeria’s rich food heritage.

President Tinubu is expected to officially unveil the festival and record attempt in Abuja.

News

Senate Clears Air Peace, Faults NSIB Over Drug Allegations

Published

3 hours ago

November 6, 2025

By Onyeanya Ebere Immaculata

The Senate has cleared Air Peace of wrongdoing in the July 13 runway overrun at Port Harcourt International Airport, describing the drug and alcohol allegations against the airline’s pilots as “inconsistent and uncoordinated.”

The decision followed an investigation by the Senate Committee on Aviation, which reviewed the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB), report and found discrepancies that could harm Nigeria’s aviation reputation.

Committee Chairman, Sen. Abdulfatai Buhari (Oyo North), said the aircraft sustained no damage and returned to Lagos the same day, warning that inaccurate reports could erode global confidence in the country’s air safety ratings.

He commended Air Peace and other domestic carriers for maintaining strict safety standards and urged regulators to support indigenous airlines.

Air Peace Chairman, Allen Onyema, criticised the NSIB’s handling of the matter, calling it misleading and damaging to the airline’s reputation.

He clarified that the incident resulted from human error, not mechanical failure, and reaffirmed the airline’s commitment to safety.

The Senate is expected to issue a final report recommending better coordination and clearer communication among aviation regulators.

Defence and Security

Army Chief Pledges Better Welfare, Fair Postings for Troops

Published

3 hours ago

November 6, 2025

By Onyeanya Ebere Immaculata

Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has pledged to prioritise troop welfare, transparency, and fairness in postings to boost morale and strengthen operational efficiency.

Shaibu made the promise on Thursday in Maiduguri during an interactive session with defence correspondents as part of his operational tour of the North-East.

He commended troops for their resilience in defending the nation and assured that the Army would sustain and improve the soldier-first welfare policy introduced by his predecessor.

“As soldiers get what is due to them on time, we will extend that support to their families while they serve their fatherland,” he said.

The COAS also vowed that merit and professionalism would guide all postings and appointments, ensuring fairness and competence in leadership.

Shaibu, who assumed office on October 30, 2025, described morale as a key component of fighting power and reaffirmed his commitment to timely payment of allowances and other entitlements.

His visit was part of efforts to assess field operations and enhance the welfare of frontline troops battling insurgency in the region.

(NAN)