Nigeria’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Bianca Ojukwu, has condemned anti-immigrant attacks in South Africa as “Afriphobia,” warning that Nigeria may consider retaliatory measures, while protests against foreign nationals continue despite President Cyril Ramaphosa’s calls for restraint.
In Zamfara State, 39 village elders remain captive after they were allegedly kidnapped by bandit leader “Jammo” during a self-initiated peace mission to secure access to farmlands ahead of the planting season.
Abducted Rachael Alamu has appeared in a new video from captivity, dismissing reports that her captors demanded money, weapons, or Sharia law, and urging the government to negotiate for the hostages’ release rather than use force.
Suspected bandits have been openly displaying alleged ransom proceeds on TikTok livestreams, while some viewers reportedly shared their bank details seeking giveaways, with one user later claiming the bandits demanded ₦100 million from him after he participated.
Many Nigerians have shown little sympathy for the man, arguing that he knowingly sought money from suspected bandits, while a researcher warned that desperation for such funds can fuel criminality and support for criminal networks.
In another development, Primate Elijah Ayodele has sparked controversy by urging that the Lagos State Government should ban okada riders, claiming they could be used by terrorists already in Lagos State to carry out attacks.
In another development, Godswill Akpabio has urged Nigerians to pray for the exposure and defeat of terrorism sponsors during a Democracy Day church service in Abuja.
Meanwhile, NDC Presidential Candidate Peter Obi has urged Nigerians to reject ethnic stereotyping, arguing that crime has no ethnicity and that entire communities, including the Fulani, should not be blamed for the actions of a few criminals.
It comes as reports claim that former Kano State Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso is considering leaving the People’s Democratic Party over disputes in Kano State regarding alleged breaches of a 60–40 power-sharing agreement and candidate selection, though his spokesperson denies he plans to quit the party.
In a similar vein, Primate Elijah Ayodele claimed in a sermon that Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso would betray Peter Obi and that their reported alliance is driven by financial motives rather than genuine political unity.
Under Milestones, Burna Boy joined family and friends to celebrate the 90th birthday of his grandfather, Pa Benson Idonije, the renowned broadcaster and first manager of Fela Kuti.
Under Entertainment, the two time Grammy-award nominated artist Ayra Starr made her debut on NPR’s popular Tiny Desk concert series on Monday. During the show, Starr performed some of her greatest hits, including Commas.
