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Benue Massacre, Insecurity: NAOSNP Condemns Attacks, Calls for Proactive Measures in Policing and Intelligence Gathering

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The National Association of Online Security News Publishers (NAOSNP) condemns the increasing Security lapses in the country leading to the unwholesome massacre of Nigerian citizens, some in their sleeps, with special emphasis to the Yelwata killings, in Benue State.

It would be recalled that in the early hours of Friday, June 13, 2025, more than 200 persons were slaughtered by alleged heavily armed herdsmen in Yelwata, a farming community in Guma, Benue State. This mass killing is part of a disturbing wave of targeted violence that has swept across central Nigeria in recent weeks, with Plateau State on the mind.

This latest massacre reportedly follows a string of well coordinated attacks across Benue State.

The Association notes with total dismay that the Security agencies have conscientiously relapsed in their various duties, thereby prompting the preventive killings of Nigerians across the regions.

Much as we applaud the renewed efforts of various agencies in tackling the agelong insurgency that has ravaged the country overtime, we want to put it on record that the best of our security apparatuses has not been enough as lives, in hundreds, have continued to be lost, major security facilities, including army barracks overwhelmed and insurgents barking threats on a daily basis against the Nigerian populace. This situation is no longer acceptable.

A statement signed by the National Public Relations Officer of the Association, Mr. Eric Elezuo, quoted the National President, Comrade Oki Samson as saying that the association is aware of the various governments, both the federal and states’ efforts at providing facilities and equipment to tackle insurgencies, noting however, that the results have been minimal in comparison to the humongous allocation to security in the budget year in and year out.

In the words of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu while presenting the 2015 Budget, “We have laid the foundation for stability. Now, we must build on it. With an unprecedented ₦54.99 trillion budget, we are making the largest-ever investments in critical sectors: National Security – ₦6.11 trillion: The highest defence allocation in Nigeria’s history to secure our nation from threats.” To whom much is given, much is expected, but the reverse seems to have been the case.

While acknowledging the skirmishes of successes, it is worthy of note that they are not enough as Nigerians’ lives are continually worth less than a kobo in the hands of the bandits and herdsmen, who have been alleged to be behind the attacks.

Who are these killers? Where do they live? How do they communicate? Where is the place of intelligence in policing and maintaining our territorial integrity? What is the function of the National Identity Number (NIN) without which no one can own a communication gadget within our borders? Are there saboteurs against our collective will to peaceful coexistence?

These and many more are questions our security operatives must answer if we must have a foreclosure. Human lives should no longer be sacrificed on the alter of ego and vendetta, and then punctuated with the now boring “we condemn”, and the the more boring condolence visits. Nigerians are tired of hearing this slogan from people in whose hands we entrust our lives. It’s obvious the ‘we condemn’ cliche has never brought back lost lives, or stopped other attacks. Time is now to be more proactive in policing and intelligence gathering to nip in the bud actions of those that are gradually making the country a laughing stock in the comity of nations. The functions of our security operatives and elected representatives, whether executive or legislature is not to run to crime scenes for condolence visits, or blurring a well rehearsed ‘we condemn’ cliche. Their function is to protect lives and property.

Recall that in May, Amnesty International reported that at least 30 persons were killed when gunmen attacked travellers in Imo State, just as 20 commuter vehicles and trucks were set ablaze during a “vicious attack” along the Okigwe-Owerri road, and none has yet been arrested or held accountable. The new normal!

We praise the brevity of our soldiers at the frontlines, but until uhuru is achieved, every effort remains vain attempt. It must not be forgotten that many months after the Agatu massacre, no one has been brought to book, and this has continued to feather the ego and boldness of the evil doers.

We agree with Chief of  Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, who said that the Yelwata attack is “one attack too many”, and therefore, call on stakeholders and interest groups; the Military, the Police, the Department of Security Services (DSS), the NSCDC, Nigerian Immigration, Nigeria Customs and Intelligence department, in fact, everyone that dorns a security outfit, to rise to the occasion, and safeguard the lives of Nigerians.

This is not the time for grandstanding. This is not the time for flowery speeches. This is not the time for eye service to impress.

This is the time for national reawakening. This is the time for action. This is the time to rebuild and bring to justice all collaborators. This is the time to heal. This is the time for the Security agencies to rise, and be counted.

This is the time for ENOUGH IS ENOUGH!

E-signed:

Eric Elezuo
National Public Relations Officer
NAOSNP

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Rehabilitation Challenges: Sale of Refineries Remains a Possibility, Says Ojulari

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The Group Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited, Bayo Ojulari, has acknowledged growing complexities in the effort to revamp Nigeria’s state-owned refineries.

Although the Port Harcourt refinery began processing crude oil again on November 26, it was later shut down in May for maintenance.

Meanwhile, rehabilitation work is still ongoing at the Warri and Kaduna refineries.

Speaking in an interview with Bloomberg on the sidelines of the 9th OPEC International Seminar in Vienna, Austria, Ojulari said NNPC is in the process of reassessing its refinery strategies, with plans to conclude the review by the end of the year.

“So refineries, we made quite a lot of investment over the last several years and brought in a lot of technologies. We’ve been challenged,” he said.

“Some of those technologies have not worked as we expected so far. But also, as you know, when you’re refining a very old refinery that has been abandoned for some time, what we’re finding is that it’s becoming a little bit more complicated.

“So we’re reviewing all our refinery strategies now. We hope before the end of the year, we’ll be able to conclude that review. That review may lead to us doing things slightly differently.”

When asked whether the review could result in selling the refineries, Ojulari said a sale remains a possibility.

“But what we’re saying is that sale is not out of the question. All the options are on the table, to be frank, but that decision will be based on the outcome of the reviews we’re doing now,” he said.

Ojulari also addressed the cost of oil production in Nigeria, stating that operating expenses range between $20 and $30 per barrel.

“For the cost of crude production, there’s a capital cost and there are the operating costs,” he said.

“The operating cost right now in Nigeria is hovering over $20 per barrel, which is quite high.

“Part of that is because of the investment we’ve had to make in terms of security of our pipelines, which as you know, today we have 100 percent availability of our pipelines. That came out of significant investment.

“So we believe with time, with stability, that cost will start going down, but for now it’s somewhere between $25 and $30 a barrel.”

Looking ahead, Ojulari said NNPC aims to increase Nigeria’s oil output to 1.9 million barrels per day (bpd) by the end of the year.

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Sick Female Inmate on Death Row: NGO Calls on Ekiti Gov, Others for Assistance

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By Eric Elezuo

A group, Centre for Justice Mercy and Reconciliation (CJMR), has called on the governor of Ekiti State, Abiodun Oyebanji, and other well meaning Nigerians, to come to the aid of a female inmate at the Ibara Custodial Centre, Rashidat Abdul, who is reported to be in critical health condition, and needs urgent medical attention.

The deteriorating health of the said inmate, was reported by officers at the Custodial Centre to the Centre for Justice Mercy and Reconciliation (CJMR), a grassroots organization focusing on human rights and access to justice for those deprived of their rights on death row and in detention.

Speaking with The Boss, the Coordinator of the group, Hezekiah Deboboye Olujobi said, “Upon seeing the woman’s health condition during our visit to Ibara, we pleaded that she be transferred to a hospital where she could receive the necessary medical care. Despite concerns about the financial burden, we took this step of faith to save her life. She is now admitted to Ogun State Hospital, Abeokuta.”

Narrating the genesis of the inmate’s ordeal, Olujobi added that “Rashidat Abdul was sentenced to death by the Ado Ekiti State High Court. She appealed the judgment, but her appeal was unsuccessful. The court convicted the entire family based solely on the testimony of one individual relying on third-party information, without the presence of the alleged witness in court. It is also important to note that her son had just sat for his WAEC examination before their arrest.

“We submitted appeals to the Ekiti State Board of Mercy in September last year and again in March 2025, but these pleas have yet to receive the attention of the Ekiti State Governor. We have conducted a thorough review of the court records, including the brief of argument before the Court of Appeal, and we can see the innocence of this woman and her husband. While the appeal is still pending before the Supreme Court, we are appealing to the human and Christian conscience of the Attorney General of Ekiti State, Hon. Dayo Apata, to look into this case. God delights in true justice and mercy; God hates oppression, so must we.

“The critical state of this woman’s health calls for urgent attention from concerned individuals in Nigeria and abroad. The officer in the prison maintains transparency in this matter, and we are committed to doing the same.

“This morning, 9/7/2025, I received a message from the officer informing us that the funds we deposited have been exhausted. There is an urgent need to purchase injections costing ₦10,000 each daily, conduct X-rays and a series of tests from time to time, engage a caregiver and physiotherapist, provide feeding, and buy supplements to aid her recovery. Additionally, payment for the hospital bed space is required, along with a stipend for transportation for the security personnel on guard and other logistics.”

The group therefore, is appealing to the governor of Ekiti State, Oyebanji and other well meaning Nigerians to come to the woman’s aid so as to preserve her life.

“We kindly ask for your support to respond to this urgent call. Although Rashidat is a Muslim, our service to humanity transcends religion.

“We understand that some who have been deceived in the past may find it difficult to trust those genuinely committed to serving others, and those involved in fraudulent activities may be reluctant to support genuine efforts.

“However, this is the very mission our Lord Jesus Christ has called us to fulfill. We earnestly seek your support.

“Thank you for your kindness and generosity,” Olujobi pleaded on behalf of Rashidat and the group.

For donations and more information, please visit the website: [https://www.cjmr.com.ng](https://www.cjmr.com.ng)

Account Details:
Centre for Justice Mercy and Reconciliation
Zenith Bank
Account Number: 1012189729
Phone: 08030488093

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Dangote Refinery Slashes Petrol Price by N20, Now Sells for N820

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During the price hike, marketers stated that the product was sold at N960 and N980 in the far north because of the distance.

However, as crude prices fell below $70 last week, the pump prices of PMS also declined. Crude prices had crashed because Israel and Iran stopped bombing each other, alleviating fears of a supply disruption in the Middle East.

As of Tuesday, many filling stations sold petrol below N900 per litre in Lagos and Ogun States.

PUNCH Online reports that the filling stations sold petrol at rates ranging from N875 to N890 a litre.

A marginal drop is expected in the price of the product at the pumps.

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