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SGF Akume Condemns Killing of MACBAN Chairman in Benue

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Demands Immediate Arrest and Prosecution of Perpetrators

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, has strongly condemned the gruesome murder of the Benue State Chairman of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), Alhaji Ardo Risku, and his associate.

In a press statement issued on Sunday, Senator Akume expressed profound shock, sadness, and outrage over the incident, describing it as a “reprehensible and unacceptable” act that constitutes a direct assault on the peace, reconciliation, and mutual trust being rebuilt across Benue State.

The SGF noted with concern that the killing occurred at a time when the state has been recording encouraging improvements in security and the gradual restoration of peaceful coexistence among its diverse ethnic, cultural, and religious groups.

“Enemies of peace must not be allowed to reverse the gains already recorded through dialogue, understanding, and collective sacrifice,” the statement said.

Senator Akume, who as former Governor of Benue State consistently advocated for peaceful coexistence, stressed that sustainable development and economic prosperity can only thrive in an atmosphere of peace, tolerance, and mutual respect.

He urged all communities in the state to reject attempts by criminal elements to sow seeds of discord and hatred, warning that no individual or group should take the law into their own hands.

The SGF extended heartfelt condolences to the family of the late Alhaji Ardo Risku, the leadership and members of MACBAN, and all those affected by the tragedy.

He called on the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS), and other security agencies to immediately launch a thorough, transparent, and painstaking investigation into the killings, insisting that “no stone must be left unturned” in identifying, arresting, and prosecuting all those involved.

Senator Akume recalled his earlier demand for justice following the horrific killings in Yelwata, where suspects have since been apprehended and are standing trial.

“The same resolve must be demonstrated in this case,” he said. “Those responsible for the murder of the MACBAN Chairman and his associate must likewise be fished out and made to face the full wrath of the law.”

Quoting the SGF:

“The lives of every Nigerian are sacred. Those who believe they can undermine peace through violence and murder must understand that there will be no hiding place for them. Justice must not only be done but must be seen to be done.”

The statement reaffirmed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s unwavering commitment to tackling insecurity across the country, noting that the President has continued to equip security and intelligence agencies with the necessary support and resources.

Senator Akume urged residents of Benue State to remain calm, cooperate with security agencies by providing credible information, and support ongoing efforts to strengthen peace and harmonious coexistence.

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Goodluck Jonathan’s son graduates from UK varsity

The former president and his wife have two children, Ariwera Jonathan and Aruabi Jonathan.

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Former President Goodluck Jonathan has celebrated the graduation of his son, Ariwera Jonathan, from Manchester Metropolitan University in the United Kingdom.

Jonathan shared the news on his official Facebook page on Thursday, where he expressed pride in his son’s accomplishment and extended his best wishes for the future.

He wrote: “Congratulations to our son, Ariwera, on your graduation from Manchester Metropolitan University. Your mother and I are proud of your hard work. Wishing you the very best and a successful future ahead.”

The announcement was accompanied by photographs from the graduation ceremony showing Jonathan, his wife, Patience Jonathan, and their son.

The former president and his wife have two children, Ariwera Jonathan and Aruabi Jonathan.

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Lagos approves harmonised 2026/2027 academic calendar for public, private schools

The approved calendar shows that the 2026/2027 academic session will commence on Monday, September 14, 2026, after a two-day Staff Professional Development (SPD) programme scheduled for September 10 and 11, 2026.

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The Lagos State Government has approved a harmonised academic calendar for all public and private primary and secondary schools across the state for the 2026/2027 academic session, aligning both categories of schools under a single schedule.

The announcement was made by the Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Mr. Jamiu Tolani Alli-Balogun, in a statement published on the official X account of the Lagos State Government on Thursday.

The approved calendar shows that the 2026/2027 academic session will commence on Monday, September 14, 2026, after a two-day Staff Professional Development (SPD) programme scheduled for September 10 and 11, 2026.

The first term will run until December 18, 2026, followed by a vacation from December 21, 2026, to January 8, 2027. The second term will begin on January 11, 2027, and end on April 16, 2027, while the third term will run from May 3 to July 30, 2027, with the long vacation commencing on August 2, 2027.

The move formalises a unified academic timetable for both public and private schools, replacing the previous practice where schools could operate on different calendars.

It is expected to improve coordination and consistency across the state’s basic and secondary education system while providing parents, teachers, and students with a predictable academic schedule.

The calendar allocates 64 school days for the first term, 61 school days for the second term and 57 school days for the third term, bringing the total number of instructional days for the 2026/2027 academic session to 182 days.

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2027: IGP Orders Nationwide Mop-Up of Illegal Arms From Citizens

Disu emphasised we have to talk to members of the public, we have to do advocacy… And most importantly, so that we can do civil disarmament; civil disarmament of people with illegal arms in their possession.

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The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Tunji Disu, has ordered a nationwide civil disarmament operation, ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Disu issued the directive during a courtesy visit to the Force Headquarters in Abuja by the Director – General of the National Centre For The Control Of Small Arms and Light Weapons, DIG Johnson Kokomo (rtd).

While expressing worries that illegally-manufactured small arms and light weapons were being transported across the country by road, and water, the IGP said operations aimed at dismantling arms manufacturing factories, as well as black markets, had been intensified.

Disu emphasised we have to talk to members of the public, we have to do advocacy… And most importantly, so that we can do civil disarmament; civil disarmament of people with illegal arms in their possession.

” We need to talk about it, we need to let people know that it is not only us putting on uniforms that are security operatives. “Everybody is the police, and the police are the com- munity, and the community are the police.“

So, everybody should know (that) anybody carry- ing illegal arms around, is going to use it on another citizen of the country”.

He continued: “So, all hands must be on deck to ensure that we recover all arms.

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