Headlines
MASSOP Tackles Northern Group over Call to Arrest Igbo Leaders
The Movement for the Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra has frowned on the call by a northern group, the Coalition of Northern Groups, to arrest Igbo leaders led by the first republic minister and a republican parliamentarian, Chief Mbazulike Amechi, for appealing to the president Muhammadu Buhari to release Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra.
MASSOB, in statement on Wednesday, signed by its National Director of Information, Comrade Edeaon Samuel, said the group should be punished for its unpatriotic and unguarded utterances.
It also strongly condemned the recent invasion of an Enugu community by the military that led to the death of three women.
The statement said, “The Movement for the Actualisation of the Sovereign State of condemned the Coalition of Northern Group and their sponsors on their unguarded and stupid statements against Chief Mbazuruike Amaechi-led Igbo patriotic leaders that visited Major General Mohammadu Buhari in Aso Villa for an interface meeting concerning the detention of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu and agitation clamours for an independent state of Biafra.
“MASSOB views this attack on honorable Igbo leaders as an attack against the Igbo nation. Though the statements of CNG are unpatriotic, parasitic and insensitive, they will never go unpunished.
“MASSOB will always see CNG as a bunch of cowards, charlatans and street boys that is always at the service of Fulani northern oligarchy and their mission of enthroning Islamic fundamentalism in Nigeria.
“They are working for northern-based Islamic terrorist organisations including Fulani herdsmen, Fulani bandits, Boko Haram, ISWAP and President Muhammed Buhari-led Federal Government.”
It added, “The Suleiman Abdul led CNG has failed to call for the arrest of Sheik Gummi who has been negotiating, dining and speaking for terrorist criminals and bandits that are killing, kidnapping and causing genocide in northern Nigeria.
“MASSOB also condemned the illegal military invasion of Umuchite village in Obeagu Odume autonomous community of Aninri LGA last week.”
It added that a combined team of Nigeria security personnel stormed the community with four armoured cars, seven army hilux vans, five mobile police hilux vans and three DSS black jeeps in executing the order of inflicting psychological and traumatic pains on the citizens.
The Punch
Former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar has expressed deep shock and sadness over the killing of Brigadier General Musa Uba by terrorists.
This was released through his official X page on Monday.
Criticizing the military hierarchy for failing to provide a clear explanation of the incident, he noted that initial official statements had reportedly denied the circumstances surrounding the general’s death.
He further described the tragedy as “unequivocally a failure of political leadership.”
Atiku accused President Bola Tinubu of prioritizing political battles over his responsibilities as Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces.
He called Gen. Musa’s death, along with those of the troops under his command, “one death too many” and warned of the dangers of a resurgent terrorist threat.
He as well urged citizens and military personnel to remain resilient, saying, “Even this season shall pass away.”
In addition, he also directed a pointed message to the President, stating that the security of Nigerians is the government’s foremost responsibility.
“You must live up to it or be humble enough to admit incompetence and either ask for help or resign,” he added.
He suggested that, if he were President, he would order the military to occupy Borno State or any other areas under siege by bandits or armed groups until they are cleared, emphasizing the need to protect those risking their lives for national security.
He extended his condolences to the Nigerian Armed Forces, the family of the deceased, and all Nigerians, expressing hope that the nation would soon overcome this dark period.
The Super Eagles’ 2026 World Cup dream suffered a major blow on Sunday as DR Congo advanced to the intercontinental playoff following a dramatic penalty shootout at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat.
Nigeria’s hopes of qualifying ended in heartbreaking fashion, marking the second consecutive year the Super Eagles will miss out on the world stage.
The match ended 1–1 after 120 minutes of regulation and extra time, sending the high-stakes encounter to penalties.
Nigeria initially went ahead through Frank Onyeka in the third minute, but DR Congo equalised in the 32nd minute through M. Elia.
The tension continued into the penalty shootout.
Nigeria’s Calvin Bassey and Moses Simon missed early chances, while Nwabali denied DR Congo’s first penalty.
Akor Adams kept the Super Eagles alive, but DR Congo struck back through Sadique and later scored the decisive fourth penalty, leaving Nigeria trailing 4–3 in the shootout.
The victory sets up DR Congo for a chance to secure one of the final World Cup tickets to the expanded 48-team tournament in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Nigeria’s defeat marked the second consecutive year the Super Eagles will miss out on the world stage.
Both teams had earned their places in the final after dramatic semi-finals.
Nigeria had booked their place in the final with a dramatic 4–1 extra-time win over Gabon in Thursday’s semi-final at the Moulay El Hassan Stadium.
DR Congo also advanced with a 1–0 victory over Cameroon at the Al Barid Stadium the same evening.
The Leopards now await their intercontinental playoff opponent, keeping alive their hopes of reaching the 2026 World Cup, while the Super Eagles’ campaign comes to an agonising end in Rabat.
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has expelled Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Nyesom Wike, its suspended National Secretary, Samuel Anyanwu, and former Governor of Ekiti State, Ayo Fayose.
Their expulsion was announced on Saturday at the party’s National Convention in Ibadan, Oyo State.
