The Federal Government has expressed deep concern over the abduction of female students from Government Girls Secondary School, Maga, in Danko/Wasagu Local Government Area of Kebbi State, assuring families of its unwavering commitment to securing the safe return of the victims.

In a statement on Monday, the government conveyed solidarity with the affected families, noting that it “shares in their pain” and is working urgently to bring the girls home.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu reaffirmed that the protection of every Nigerian—especially schoolchildren—remains a paramount responsibility of the State. He condemned the attack, describing it as a “reprehensible assault on innocent students,” and mourned the school officials who were killed while performing their duties.

According to the statement, security and intelligence agencies have been issued strict directives to locate and rescue the abducted students and ensure that those responsible are brought to justice. The government pledged that it will not relent until the mission is accomplished.

The Federal Government also assured citizens that strengthening internal security remains a top priority, noting that efforts are underway to recalibrate the country’s military, policing, and intelligence architecture to better prevent and respond to threats.

Additionally, Nigeria is intensifying regional cooperation with ECOWAS, the African Union, and the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) to secure borders and disrupt terrorist and criminal networks.

The government urged the public to remain calm and confident as efforts to rescue the abducted students continue.

A heated exchange has erupted between former President Olusegun Obasanjo and former Ekiti State governor Ayodele Fayose after an explosive “thank you” message sent by Fayose triggered a public confrontation between the two political figures.

The rift stemmed from Obasanjo’s appearance at Fayose’s recent birthday celebration, during which the former governor claims the ex-president made “irresponsible comments.” In a sharply worded SMS released to journalists in Abeokuta on Monday by Obasanjo’s Special Assistant on Media, Kehinde Akinyemi, Fayose lashed out at the elder statesman, describing him in scathing terms.

In the message, Fayose wrote:
“Dear Baba Obasanjo, I trust this meets you well. Your coming to my birthday party, I appreciate, except for your very irresponsible comments at your age. You went so low but I am not surprised… someone once said you are supposed to be kept away in the zoo. Sincerely, that’s where you belong.”

Fayose added that he refrained from responding at the event “so that the world will know the difference between a sane and a mad man,” alleging that Obasanjo’s remarks reflected “heightened dementia.” He also demanded a refund of money he claimed to have given the former president, referencing Obasanjo’s public admission during the event.

Obasanjo responded curtly, saying Fayose’s message merely revealed “who and what you are, unchanged and unchangeable.” He confirmed he had returned the money through the individual who delivered it.

“Ayo, thanks for your ‘Thank You’ message… Your money has been sent back through Foluso Adeagbo who brought it and in the same bag as he brought it, unopened by me,” Obasanjo said.

The public spat has stirred widespread commentary, highlighting lingering tensions between the two outspoken political figures.

Taraba State House of Assembly Speaker, Kizito Bonzena, along with 15 other lawmakers, has officially defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Bonzena made the announcement on Monday, November 17, 2025, stating that the decision was driven by the factionalisation of the PDP at the national level. He clarified that the move was not personal but intended to serve the collective interest of Taraba State.

“Our people should not misinterpret this decision of ours. It is for the interest of Taraba,” Bonzena said. “We now have all 24 members of the House as APC members.”

Among the defectors are the Deputy Speaker Hamman-Adama Abdullai (Bali 2 Constituency), Majority Leader Jethro Yakubu (Wukari 1 Constituency), and other members including Tafarki Eneme, Akila Nuhu, Musa Chul, Josiah Yaro, Tanko Yusuf, Veronica Alhassan, Anas Shuaibu, Nelson Len, Umar Adamu, Joseph Kassong, John Lamba, Happy Shonruba, and Zakari Sanusi.

With all members now in the APC, the House has no minority leader.

The mass defection comes ahead of the planned switch of Governor Agbu Kefas to the APC.