Metro
Bandits Kidnap 40 Kaduna Worshippers, Nine Emir’s Children
The Christian Association of Nigeria, on Monday, raised the alarm that no fewer than 40 worshippers were kidnapped on Sunday at Bege Baptist Church, Madala, Chikun Local Gvernment Area of Kaduna State.
The CAN chairman in Kaduna State,Rev. John Hayab, who spoke to newsmen on Monday, said the incident happened at about 9.30am when the worshippers were in the service in the church, which is along Buruku Baringi Road.
Hayab said, “The worshippers were in the Sunday service in the church when around 9:30am they heard gunshots very close to the church. The gunmen attacked the church and went away with 40 worshippers.”
The CAN chairman said 15 of the kidnapped congregants managed to escape while the bandits went away with the remaining 25.
“Along the way, somehow, 15 of the kidnapped persons returned, remaining the rest 25 who are presently in captivity without any word from their abductors,” Hayab lamented.
“Efforts are being made to get in touch with the abductors concerning the remaining people; we pray that the abductors would be merciful to release the remaining 25 back to their families,” the cleric said.
Also, some terrorists on Sunday reportedly invaded the palace of Emir of Kagarko in Southern Kaduna, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar, kindaping nine of his children.
The incident, according to a resident, took place around 11.30pm on Sunday, when the hoodlums stormed the town and headed straight for the monarch’s palace.
The resident told journalists on the telephone that the terrorists “took away his (the emir’s) youngest wife, nine children and grandchildren but the wife escaped and returned home.”
He added that the attackers also took three other persons including “a lady and injured one Audu Kwakulu of Ungwan Pah who is now in the hospital receiving treatment.”
There was no official confirmation of the two incidents either from the state government or the state police command.
The state police command’s Public Relations Officer, Mohammed Jalige, did not respond to a call and text message by our correspondent.
The Punch
The Lagos State Security Trust Fund has intensified support for community-based security with the donation of 100 anti-riot kits and 1,000 pairs of operational boots to the Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Agency.
The high quality modern equipment was presented on behalf of the Executive Secretary/CEO, Dr. Ayodele Ogunsan, by the Director of Administration, Mr. Adegbola Lewis, to the General Manager of LNSA, Dr. Ifalade Oyekan, at the Agency’s headquarters in Oshodi.
The Lagos Neighbourhood Safety Agency plays a critical role in grassroots security as they support the police through intelligence gathering, routine patrols, and community policing initiatives across all local government areas in the state. The Corps is also tasked with maintaining law and order, detecting suspicious activities, and fostering safety awareness within communities.
The intervention is expected to further strengthen neighbourhood-level security architecture and deepen collaboration between communities and formal law enforcement agencies in State.
The Federal government has declared Friday, May 1, a public holiday to commemorate this year’s International Workers’ Day.
The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, made the announcement on behalf of the government.
In a statement signed by the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Magdalene Ajani, the minister congratulated workers nationwide, commending their commitment and contributions to national development.
He noted that the dedication of Nigerian workers remains vital to the country’s growth and economic progress, urging them to sustain values of patriotism, productivity and diligence.
Tunji-Ojo also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to improving workers’ welfare, enhancing security and creating an enabling environment for economic expansion.
He called on Nigerians to remain peaceful and law-abiding during the celebration, encouraging citizens to reflect on the importance of unity and hard work in nation-building.
The Trade Union Congress (TUC) has expressed concern over the rising pressure on workers’ welfare and economic conditions of the country.
The Congress warned that it would embark on nationwide protest, if there is no improvement.
The warning was conveyed in in a communiqué jointly signed by the TUC President, Mr. Festus Osifo, and Secretary-General, Mr. Nuhu Toro, at the end of its National Executive Council (NEC) meeting in Abuja.
The Congress said the NEC meeting reviewed the state of the nation, developments within the congress, preparations for the 2026 May Day celebration, and other critical issues affecting Nigerian workers.
“The prevailing economic hardship has significantly affected the living standards of Nigerian workers, making daily survival increasingly difficult.
“We are closely monitoring the situation, and if there is no improvement, the congress will have no option but to mobilise workers in defence of their welfare.
“Government must urgently take concrete steps to address the rising cost of living and restore confidence in the economy,” it said.
The Congress said rising fuel prices, inflation, electricity tariff increases and insecurity had combined to erode workers’ purchasing power and living standards.
It noted that global developments, including the Iran–U.S. conflict, were further worsening economic pressures through higher energy costs and supply chain disruptions.
According to the TUC, Nigerian workers have not benefited from higher global oil prices but continue to face rising costs of transportation, food and essential services.
It urged the Federal Government to deploy excess crude revenue to cushion economic shocks and support vulnerable citizens.
The congress also called for urgent measures to stabilise fuel prices, improve electricity supply, and address insecurity nationwide.
It emphasised the need for policies that promote decent work, job security and social protection.
“The government must prioritise the welfare, dignity and security of Nigerian workers in all policy decisions,” it said.
The TUC further called for tax relief for manufacturing companies and workers to ease economic pressure and stimulate productivity.
On electricity, it condemned repeated tariff increases without improved service delivery and demanded fair pricing, universal metering, and an end to estimated billing.
The congress expressed concern over rising insecurity, describing it as a major threat to economic activities and workers’ safety.
It urged government at all levels to adopt coordinated, intelligence-driven strategies to protect lives, farms, businesses and critical infrastructure.
“A stitch in time saves nine,” the communiqué added.
