Ridoola's blog

The 24 students abducted from the Government Girls Comprehensive Senior Secondary School (GGCSS) in Maga, Kebbi State, have regained freedom. The Presidency announced the development in a statement by Bayo Onanuga , Special Adviser on Information and Strategy to President Bola Tinubu , on Tuesday, November 25, 2025. Tinubu said the students were "safely rescued, " applauding security agencies for the efforts made to secure the freedom of all the victims taken away by terrorists. He urged security agencies to double their efforts to rescue the remaining students being held in captivity. ALSO READ: 25 Schoolgirls Abducted in Kebbi, VP Killed as Kidnapping Crisis Persists “I am relieved that all the 24 girls have been accounted for. Now, we must, as a matter of urgency, put more boots on the ground in vulnerable areas to avert further incidents of kidnapping. My government will offer all the assistance needed to achieve this, ” the President said. Bandits Hit Kebbi Schoo...

Kwara has come under attack again as gunmen stormed the Isapa community in the Ekiti Local Government Area of the state and abducted 11 residents. Residents' accounts say the attackers, numbering more than 20, struck the community with a large herd of cattle on Monday, November 24, 2025, firing shots indiscriminately. Confirming the attack , a community that chose to remain anonymous, said 11 people were abducted, with seven victims belonging to the same family. The captives include a pregnant woman, two nursing mothers, and several young children, while a stray bullet reportedly hit an elderly woman during the incident. ALSO READ: 'I'm Depressed...’ - Tinubu Reacts to Killings, Abductions; Postpones Foreign Trips Kidnapped Victims Identified Meanwhile, the abducted individuals have been identified as: Talatu Kabiru (Female, 20), Magaji (Male, 6), Kande (Female, 5), Hadiza (Female, 10), Mariam (Female, 6) ‎Others included ‎ Saima (Female, 5), a housewife, Habi...

The Presidency has disclosed the United States Government's readiness to deepen security cooperation with Nigeria to wipe out rampaging terrorists and other criminal groups causing disturbances in the country. According to the government, the US has pledged to provide enhanced intelligence support, defence equipment, and articles to reinforce ongoing operations against terrorists and violent extremist groups in the country. The agreement was struck following a series of engagements held last week between a high-level Nigerian delegation and US officials. The talks centred on strengthening security partnerships between the two countries and opening new avenues for cooperation. The FG delegation, led by Nuhu Ribadu , the National Security Adviser (NSA), engaged top officials across the US Congress, the White House Faith Office, the State Department, the National Security Council, and the Department of War. The Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy...

The Psychiatric Hospital and Elderly People’s Home built in Aguleri, Anambra State, by the Founder of Seraphic Homes Foundation (SHF), Evangelist Chukwuebuka Anozie Obi, has started operations. Speaking to journalists in his office in Lagos on Saturday, Evangelist Ebuka Obi , who is also the Spiritual Director of Zion Prayer Movement Outreach, said two mentally ill people, a man and a woman, had already been admitted to the hospital after being rescued from the streets of Anambra by the Rescue team set up by the Seraphic Foundation. The man was picked up from the Nteje community, while the woman used to roam the streets of the Onitsha Main Market, from where she was rescued. “The two were immediately assessed by psychiatric doctors and other health professionals who started treatment thereafter. They are now being looked after and provided with all the care they need, completely free of charge, ” Ebuka disclosed, adding that the rescue team would bring in more mentally ill people in ...

Paystack has terminated the employment of its Co-founder and Chief Technology Officer, Ezra Olubi, following public allegations that he had sexual relations with a junior employee. The decision, which Olubi says came before the company’s independent investigation was concluded, marks a sharp escalation in a controversy that has dominated the Nigerian tech space in recent weeks. As we earlier reported , the issue first gained traction in mid-November after a social media post alleging abusive behaviour went viral, prompting users to resurface a series of explicit tweets Olubi posted between 2009 and 2013. Paystack confirmed his suspension at the time and announced that an independent investigator would lead a formal review. In a blog post on Saturday, November 23, Olubi said he was dismissed without a meeting or an opportunity to respond , describing the move as inconsistent with the terms of his suspension and the company’s internal policies. Read Also: Paystack Suspends Co-Founder ...

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has ordered the immediate withdrawal of police officers assigned as escorts and guards to Very Important Persons (VIPs) nationwide. The officers are to return to core policing duties in communities that lack an adequate security presence. The directive was issued during a high-level security meeting held at the State House in Abuja on Sunday and confirmed by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga. According to the presidency, VIPs who still require escorts will no longer rely on the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) for protection but must officially apply for personnel from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC). The attendees at Sunday's meeting comprised the Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen Waidi Shaibu; the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke; the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun; and the Director-General of the DSS, Tosin Adeola Ajayi. Read Next: 38 Worshippers Abducted in K...

Fifty children, out of the more than 300 abducted from St. Mary’s Catholic Primary and Secondary Schools, Papiri, in Niger State, have successfully escaped their bandit captors. This is contained in a statement on Sunday by Daniel Atori , the media aide to the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) Chairman in Niger State, Most Rev. Bulus Yohanna . Atori disclosed that the pupils escaped between Friday and Saturday and have since reunited with their parents because they could not return to the school after getting away. He said the development was ascertained after CAN decided to contact and visit some parents. ALSO READ: Over 1,600 Students and Counting - A Timeline of School Abductions in Nigeria “Currently, aside from the 50 pupils that escaped and have returned home, we have 141 pupils who were not carried away," he noted, while explaining that out of the total number of 430 pupils in the primary section, 377 are boarders and the remaining 53 are non-boarders. " ...

The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) has dismissed comments made by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar regarding the role of Xpress Payments in Nigeria’s tax collection system, warning politicians against misrepresenting routine administrative processes. In a statement by Aderonke Atoyebi , Technical Assistant on Broadcast Media to the FIRS Executive Chairman, said Atiku’s remarks were “incorrect, misleading, and capable of politicising a purely technical procedure.” Atoyebi clarified that the FIRS does not run a single-gateway collection model and has never granted any private company exclusive rights over national revenue channels. According to her, the service currently operates a multi-channel, multi-Payment Solution Service Provider (PSSP) framework that includes several long-established platforms such as: Quickteller Remita Etranzact Flutterwave XpressPay “These platforms form part of a competitive and transparent ecosystem designed to make tax payment...

Understanding how to calculate tax on your salary in Nigeria is one of the most important parts of managing your money in 2026. Many Nigerian workers still struggle to make sense of PAYE tax, taxable income, or why their take-home pay looks smaller than expected. This guide breaks everything down into simple steps so you can calculate your tax on your salary, confirm your PAYE deductions, and understand exactly how much of your income goes to the government. If you’ve been trying to calculate the tax on your income, this guide offers a straightforward explanation of the entire process. What Does PAYE Tax Mean in Nigeria? PAYE tax, or Pay As You Earn, is a personal income tax your employer deducts from your salary each month and remits to the state government. It applies to workers in both the public and private sectors. According to the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), PAYE is designed to ensure that individuals contribute to public services based on their earnings. Payroll ...

Apple has launched a new limited-edition accessory: the Hikawa Phone Grip & Stand. Designed in collaboration with artist Bailey Hikawa, this MagSafe-compatible grip is more than just a stylish add-on. It is purpose-built for accessibility, offering a stable hold for users who find standard iPhones difficult to manage. For Nigerian iPhone users, this accessory could be a welcome addition to daily device use, especially for those who value both design and functionality. What Is the Hikawa Phone Grip & Stand? The Hikawa Phone Grip & Stand is a unique MagSafe accessory that doubles as both a grip and a stand. Apple and Hikawa developed it with specific consideration for users with limited hand strength, reduced dexterity, or other physical constraints. With its soft-touch silicone finish, ergonomic form, and bold design, the grip makes it significantly easier to hold and prop up an iPhone. Unlike regular grips, the Hikawa grip is not purely aesthetic. It is sculpted to ...

In a groundbreaking moment for Nigerian broadcasting, Yanga FM, the country’s first urban-pidgin radio station, has set a new industry benchmark by awarding ₦1 million to a dedicated listener, the first gesture of its kind in the nation’s radio landscape. The unprecedented prize was issued as part of the station’s One Million Giveaway Campaign , a pioneering initiative designed to reward loyalty, deepen audience engagement and strengthen the bond between the station and its rapidly expanding listener community. A First in Nigerian Radio History The winner, Emedoh Okwunna Alloysius , secured the historic prize after correctly answering questions about Yanga FM’s programmes, a challenge that tested audience familiarity with the station’s unique pidgin-led content. His name was unveiled live on The Wetin Dey Show , one of the station’s flagship programmes, where tension turned to celebration as his correct answers were confirmed. Listeners tuned in across Lagos erupted in excitement a...

The Papiri community of Agwara Local Government Area of Niger State has been gripped by fear following a midnight attack by terrorists on St. Mary’s School, a Catholic institution. According to multiple sources, the attackers abducted an unconfirmed number of students and staff, though no official confirmation on that yet as of press time. The incident has left the community in a state of fear and uncertainty, as families await official updates. A source from one of the Catholic churches in Niger State, who confirmed the incident, explained that the school was still trying to determine the exact number of victims. ALSO READ: 25 Schoolgirls Abducted in Kebbi, VP Killed as Kidnapping Crisis Persists “Yes, it is true, but I am not in a position to give details. The church will issue an official statement later in the day,” Daily Trust quoted the source. Ahmed Abdullahi Rofia , the Head of Department for Disaster and Relief at Agwara Local Government, also confirmed the attack to t...

Members of the United States Congress engaged in spirited debate over claims of Christian genocide and religious persecution in Nigeria.  Members of the United States Congress engaged in spirited debate over claims of Christian genocide and religious persecution in Nigeria. The Congressional hearing, held in Washington, DC, on Thursday, November 20, 2025, reviewed the redesignation of Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC) by President Donald Trump and drew global attention to Nigeria's security challenges. The U.S. President recently described Nigeria as a " disgraced country " following perennial insecurity in the West African country, especially the killings in Christian-dominated communities. Following the CPC designation, Trump, in a viral post on Truth Social, threatened to go into Nigeria “ guns-a-blazing to completely wipe out the Islamic terrorists who are committing these horrible atrocities.” US Lawmakers Divided In his opening remarks, Chairma...

MTN Nigeria has reported that its active data user base has grown to 51.1 million, underscoring Nigerians' strong embrace of mobile internet for work, entertainment, learning, and everyday life. The new numbers, highlighted in MTN’s latest financial report, shine a light on the country’s growing digital appetite and the rising demand for reliable mobile data across Nigeria. For many people, mobile data in Nigeria is more than just browsing. It’s how businesses run, how students study, how creators build audiences, and how families stay connected. So when MTN records a jump like this, it reflects real changes in the way Nigerians use the internet and what they expect from their network providers. This article looks at what MTN’s 51.1 million data users really signal, the reasons for the surge, and how it could shape internet access, mobile data charges, and Nigeria’s digital lifestyle. MTN Nigeria Passes 51.1 Million Active Data Users According to The Nation’s report , demand f...

The leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has been convicted of terrorism charges by a Federal High Court in Abuja. Delivering judgment on Thursday, November 20, 2025, presiding judge James Omotosho cited evidence adduced by the prosecution, including video broadcasts showing Kanu making several violent threats against the Nigerian state and its citizens. He pronounced the IPOB leader guilty of the first, second and third counts out of seven terrorism charges preferred against him by the Federal Government. On the first count, Kanu was accused of making a September 2021 broadcast “ with intent to intimidate the population,” threatening that “people would die” and that “the whole world would stand still.” ALSO READ: Furious Nnamdi Kanu petitions NBA to sanction judges for 'miscarriage of justice' According to the prosecution, the broadcast constituted an act of terrorism under section 1(2)(b) of the Terrorism Prevention (Amendment) Act, 2015. While analysin...

Nollywood actress Bukola Arugba has faulted a statement attributed to the Kwara State First Lady, Olufolake AbdulRazaq, which suggested that the recent gunmen assault on a church in Eruku, Ekiti LGA of the state, was merely an attempted attack. A now-viral video that surfaced on Tuesday, November 18, 2025, showed the moment armed men stormed a branch of the Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) in Oke Isegun, Eruku community. Reports say the attackers whisked away an unconfirmed number of worshippers and killed a couple of others. However, a statement credited to the Governor's wife had tacitly downplayed the severity of the event. Responding in an Instagram post, the actress disclosed that three of her own relatives were among the abducted victims. ALSO READ: 25 Schoolgirls Abducted in Kebbi, VP Killed as Kidnapping Crisis Persists Arugba: It was a successful attack, not attempted In a video posted on Instagram, the actress insisted that the recent attack was not “ attempted ” but...

United States Congressman Riley Moore has warned Nigeria’s top security and government officials that President Donald Trump “does not make idle threats” regarding his stance on the alleged persecution of Christians in Nigeria. Moore delivered the message during a high-level meeting in Washington, DC, on Wednesday, November 19, with a 10-member Nigerian government delegation led by National Security Adviser (NSA) Nuhu Ribadu . Moore, a vocal advocate of claims that Christians face targeted attacks in Nigeria, recently introduced a congressional resolution condemning “ongoing persecution of Christians” and backing Trump’s call to designate Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC). Referencing Trump’s earlier remark about going into Nigeria “guns-a-blazing,” Moore told the delegation that the US president means exactly what he says. ALSO READ: You Can’t Dictate Our Foreign Policy - US Rep Hits Back at China Over Nigeria Comment “President Trump made abundantly clear tha...

President Bola Tinubu has reacted to heightened security threats across the country, disclosing that he's depressed with the incidents, which included the kidnapping of schoolgirls and the killing of a military general. There has been an uptick in insecurity recently, as evident in the abduction of 25 girls during a deadly attack by bandits on the Government Girls Comprehensive Senior Secondary School (GGCSS) in Maga, Kebbi State, on Monday. Barely 24 hours later, gunmen invaded a branch of Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) at Oke Isegun in the Eruku community, a boundary town with Kogi in the Ekiti LGA of Kwara state, killing three worshippers and whisking away several others. The two incidents followed the death of Brigadier General Musa Uba, who was killed while on active duty fighting insurgents in Borno state. Tinubu Expresses Sympathy ALSO READ: 'Even America Records Crime’ - Akpabio on Kebbi Schoolgirls Abduction, Killings Reacting in a statement on Tuesday, Novembe...

President of the Senate Godswill Akpabio has caught controversy following his remarks on insecurity in Nigeria, particularly the latest incident involving the kidnapping of 25 schoolgirls in Kebbi State. In the early hours of Monday, November 17, 2025, bandits launched a deadly attack on the Government Girls Comprehensive Senior Secondary School (GGCSS) located in the Danko/Wasagu Local Government Area of the state. The attackers, who reportedly operated without resistance, killed the school's Vice Principal, Malam Hassan Makuku , who was trying to shield the students and made away with 25 pupils. Akpabio's Controversial Remarks ALSO READ: Over 1,600 Students and Counting - A Timeline of School Abductions in Nigeria During the plenary on Tuesday, Akpabio stirred feelings after suggesting that kidnappings and other security issues should not provoke despair because crime is a universal phenomenon. He said this while presiding over the heated debate on the killing of Brig...

Bandits have attacked a branch of Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) at Oke Isegun in the Eruku community, a boundary town with Kogi in the Ekiti LGA of Kwara state. In the incident that occurred on Tuesday evening, November 18, 2025, an unconfirmed number of worshippers were reportedly abducted as the gunmen unleashed mayhem in the house of God. A video of the attack , pulled from a live stream, shows the worshippers, led by a young pastor, conducting a service when sporadic gunshots were heard from around the church premises. WATCH: Chilling Livestream from CAC Church in Eruku Town in Kwara State Captures Final Moments Before Gun-Wielding Terrorists Struck During a Church Service pic.twitter.com/UVdAvyouZX — Sahara Reporters (@SaharaReporters) November 18, 2025 As the gunshots intensified, the congregation scampered for safety, after which some bandis were seen entering the church hall. ALSO READ: 15 other times Nigerian students have been kidnapped in schools since Chibok in 201...

For more than a decade, learners in Nigeria have walked into classrooms with a fear that should never belong in childhood. Since the night of April 14, 2014, when 276 schoolgirls were taken from Government Girls Secondary School, Chibok , the country has endured a bitter cycle of school kidnappings that has reshaped education in its northern regions and even beyond, and has left lasting wounds on families and communities. Abductions in Nigeria have come in waves, some carried out by terrorists driven by extremist ideologies, and others by bandits who view children as bargaining items. For this reason, grief has been constant in Nigeria for over a decade. Family members and friends live in constant fear for the lives of their loved ones. In the eleven years since Chibok, well over 1,600 schoolchildren have been kidnapped in Nigeria, according to the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) and Save the Children. Several schools across the North East, North West and North Central ha...