News
Ohinoyi’s Passing: I’ve lost a confidant, father figure, says Governor Bello

Kogi State Governor, His Excellency, Yahaya Bello, CON, said, on Monday, has attributed the passing of His Royal Majesty, Dr. Ado Ibrahim, the Ohinoyi of Ebiraland, Sa’aki, as a painful and personal loss, describing him as a father figure and trusted confidant.
The Governor said the departure of the revered Royal Majesty had left a void that could not easily be filled, adding that he had lost a source of genuine wisdom, guidance, and unwavering leadership.

He spoke while addressing sympathisers at the Palace of the late traditional ruler, in Okene
Governor Bello, who had relocated to his country home in Okene on Sunday upon hearing of the demise of His Royal Majesty, noted that the late Ohinoyi was renowned, not only for his role as a traditional leader, but also as an expert in conflict resolution.
“He was a distinguished scholar in Islamic and cultural affairs, and his contributions were truly exceptional, not only in the progress of Kogi State, but throughout Nigeria.

“I want to thank you all for your condolence messages to Anebira over the passing of our revered royal father, His Royal Majesty (Dr) Ado Ibrahim, the Ohinoyi of Ebiraland. For me, I have lost a father figure and a trusted confidant with the passing of Sa’aki. As we all know, His Royal Majesty Ado Ibrahim was renowned, not only for his role as a traditional leader, but also as an expert in conflict resolution.
“He was a distinguished scholar in Islamic and cultural affairs, and his contributions have been truly exceptional, not only in the progress of Kogi State but throughout Nigeria,” the Governor stated.
According to Governor Bello, the reign of His Royal Majesty, Dr. Ado Ibrahim, was marked by peace, security, economic prosperity, and development in Ebiraland.

“The late king’s contributions were invaluable in maintaining stability in successive administrations in Kogi State. Late father played a pivotal role in ensuring peace and security in Ebiraland, and Kogi State in general. These are things we cannot easily forget,” he added.
Governor Bello, who visited the residence of the late traditional ruler at the Azad Palace in Okene on Monday, called upon the people of Ebiraland and beyond to offer their prayers for the peaceful repose of the soul of His Royal Majesty, Dr. Ado Ibrahim.
He also extended his condolences to the immediate family of the late Royal Father, encouraging them to find solace in the impactful and fulfilling life he led during his time on earth.

During his address on behalf of the family, Prince Nazi Ado Ibrahim, the eldest son of the late traditional ruler, expressed that their father led a fulfilled and impactful life. He also called upon everyone to offer their prayers for the peaceful repose of his father’s soul. Prince Nazi Ado Ibrahim commended Governor Yahaya Bello for his fraternal support throughout their father’s life and his valuable contributions during the funeral preparations.
In his vote of thanks, Colonel Aminu Ado Ibrahim encouraged the people of Ebiraland to uphold the legacy of peace, unity, and progress that prevailed during their father’s reign. He also expressed his appreciation to Governor Yahaya Bello for his unwavering support to the family during all times.
Born on February 7, 1929, AbdulRahman Ado Ibrahim was the fourth traditional ruler and Ohinoyi of Ebiraland. With a strong foundation in Islamic knowledge, Dr. Ado Ibrahim was an economist with international education, holding a Bachelor’s degree in Economics from the London School of Economics and a Master’s degree from Harvard Business School in 1954 and 1959, respectively.
His Royal Majesty (Dr) Ado Ibrahim passed on at the age of 94 on October 29, 2023.
Crime
Over 23,000 Still Missing in Nigeria, ICRC Reveals

More than 23,659 people are still missing across Nigeria, leaving 13,595 families — mostly women — in distress, according to the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). The grim figure was disclosed on Sunday by Mr. Ishaku Luka, Team Lead for Protection of Family Links at the ICRC in Damaturu, during events marking the International Day of the Disappeared.
Luka said that 68% of those searching for missing loved ones are women, while 59% of the missing were children at the time they disappeared. Yobe State alone accounts for around 2,500 of the cases, with the majority reported from Gujba Local Government Area.
“Each missing person represents a family trapped in pain and uncertainty, often facing legal, social, and economic hardships,” Luka said, stressing that the plight of these families is one of the overlooked consequences of conflict, disasters, and migration.
He urged authorities, communities, and all parties to conflict to take greater responsibility in preventing disappearances and protecting civilians.
Providing updates on ICRC’s work, Luka revealed that between January and June 2025, the organisation documented 451 new cases and resolved 515. In that period, seven children separated from their families were successfully reunited.
“Every day, we help reunite 20 people globally. Every hour, we clarify the fate of two missing persons. Every minute, we help four people contact their families,” he noted.
ICRC representative Hassan added that healing does not come with time alone, but with answers, acknowledgment, and support. He highlighted the ongoing support provided in states like Borno and Adamawa, including mental health services, livelihood aid, and family orientation programmes in partnership with the Nigerian Red Cross Society.
He called on Nigerian authorities to fulfill their legal and moral obligations — by clarifying the fate of missing persons, respecting the dignity of the deceased, and supporting affected families.
Globally, over 94,000 new missing persons were registered in 2024, bringing the total to 284,400 — a figure the ICRC believes underrepresents the true scale of the crisis.
“No family should have to live with the torment of not knowing. We renew our commitment to advocate for the disappeared and stand with their families,” Hassan said.
News
BREAKING: Former Inspector-General of Police, Solomon Arase is Dead

Former Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Solomon Arase has reportedly passed away at Cedarcrest Hospital in Abuja.
As at press time, there has been no official confirmation from his family or the Nigeria Police Force regarding the development.
Arase, Nigeria’s 18th Inspector-General of Police, was appointed to the position in April 2015 by then-President Goodluck Jonathan.
After his retirement in 2016, he continued to serve the nation in various capacities, most notably as Chairman of the Police Service Commission (PSC), a role he assumed in January 2023 under President Muhammadu Buhari. He was relieved of the position in June 2024 by President Bola Tinubu.
A seasoned intelligence officer, Arase once led the Criminal Intelligence and Investigation Bureau, the police force’s apex intelligence unit. He also served as Commissioner of Police in Akwa Ibom State and later as Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of intelligence. His international service included a stint in Namibia on a United Nations peacekeeping mission.
News
C’River’s community revives barter market

Image: Barter trade
Akpabuyo Local Government Area in Cross River State has reopened its centuries-old barter market, a unique trade hub in West Africa, as part of activities marking the council’s 34th anniversary.
The celebration, held at the council headquarters, brought together residents, traditional leaders, and political figures who hailed the return of peace to the area.
They described it as the foundation for Akpabuyo’s renewed economic prospects.
Former Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) Deputy Governorship candidate, Dr. Emana Duke Ambrose-Amawhe, said the reopening of the barter market was a landmark development, crediting Governor Senator Prince Bassey Otu for restoring stability in the community.
Since His Excellency came into power, he put all measures in place to ensure calm and peace.
Today, people can sleep in their houses with their eyes closed, and that is why you see this turnout from far and near,” she said.
Dr. Ambrose-Amawhe highlighted Akpabuyo’s natural maritime position, bordered by rivers, Bakassi, and the Atlantic Ocean.
He emphasised that the government investment in dredging, deep-sea port projects, and marine preservation will reinforce its role in trade and agriculture.
“With the pace of growth, Akpabuyo will contribute even more to the economic advancement of Cross River State and Nigeria. More jobs will mean more stability for our people,” she added.
Council Chairman, Hon. Effiom Bassey Effiong, said hosting the first official anniversary of Akpabuyo’s creation was a privilege, noting that the event was made possible by improved security.
“The place is calm and safe. We have Marine Police, the Navy, the Army, the Airforce, and our local vigilantes. Investors from China and other countries are already showing interest; some have even acquired land to build a university and industries,” he said.
Hon. Effiong also revealed plans to remodel the barter market into a world-class commercial hub to attract more investors and cross-border traders from Cameroon and beyond.
-
Sports3 days ago
BREAKING: Champions League draw for 2025/2026 season confirmed [Full fixtures]
-
Crime3 days ago
YELWATA KILLINGS: DSS Files Charges Against Suspects over Benue Attacks
-
Business3 days ago
We are under attack – NNPCL GCEO, Ojulari
-
News2 days ago
INTERPOL arrests 1,209 cybercriminals, recovers $97.4m
-
News2 days ago
Nigerian Passport Now N100,000, N200,000 from Sept 1
-
Sports2 days ago
Fenerbahce sacks head coach Mourinho
-
News3 days ago
Slain businessman, Fish Magnate buried amidst anguish from family (Photos)
-
News2 days ago
C’River’s community revives barter market