Headlines
Police Accuse IPOB for Explosion at Wike’s Father’s Church, Arrest Three
The police in Rivers State have arrested three suspects for allegedly detonating devices suspected to be dynamite at the Christian Universal Church Incorporated located at No. 25 Azikiwe Street, Mile 3 area of Diobu, Port Harcourt.
The church, which is also known as ‘God’s Power House’, is allegedly run by Governor Nyesom Wike’s father, who is a cleric.
This is as the state police command said the attackers might be members of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra.
Eyewitnesses told our correspondents, who visited the scene, that five men wearing face masks strolled into the church as if they were worshippers before carrying out the attack.
One of the eyewitnesses said the arsonists came in from Ojoto, an adjourning street, walked round and detonated the explosive devices around 10pm on Saturday.
He explained, “We were all outside because people don’t sleep early in Azikiwe. Even by 2am, you will still see people moving about here peacefully and enjoying themselves, because there are some hangouts here.
“I saw the boys; they were three when they went inside the church, but we didn’t suspect anything. The next thing we heard was a loud sound and people started running.”
Another eyewitness said the attackers were first spotted by some hangers-on in the area, adding that one of the hoodlums, who was holding a gun, was held from behind and the weapon fell.
In the process, an alarm was raised and the local security group known as the Diobu Vigilantes moved in and immediately arrested him and rounded up two others, who shot indiscriminately to pave the way for their escape, not knowing that the vigilantes had spread their dragnet.
“In the ensuing melee, some of the vigilante members sustained injuries and were taken to hospital for treatment, while the attackers, including those arrested, also suffered injuries.
It was gathered that the explosion affected the foundation of the church building and shattered windows, doors and some equipment, even as some residents said it shook their buildings.
“I was inside when I heard the deafening sound. It shook our building and we were all afraid. We didn’t come out till later when we heard that some persons had been arrested,” a woman said.
When our correspondents visited the scene around 7.25am on Sunday, the both ends of the street from Ikoku and UBA had been condoned off, while armed policemen and machete-wielding members of the Diobu Vigilantes were seen preventing people from coming into the street.
While the church gate remained open, seven patrol vans, including the Operation Sting vehicle, were stationed on the street and motorists were asked to make a U-turn.
Speaking on the incident, Assistant Chief Security Officer of the Azikiwe Street, Collins Johnbull, who said he was in the area when the incident occurred, noted that some of his men were hit by bullets, while chasing after the suspects and were receiving treatment in hospital.
He stated, “I was on my duty post and we observed some movement between 8pm and 9pm. We saw some strange faces, about five of them. They entered into the governor father’s church.
“We thought they were church members having their normal evening programme or something, but not up to five minutes when these guys entered, we heard the sound of an explosion from that direction and we approached.
“Immediately the hoodlums started jumping out with masks on their faces and bearing guns; they started running and shooting at my men. We said, ‘No, we can’t be here and such an act will take place without apprehending these boys.’”
Johnbull also said some of his men sustained injuries and were receiving treatment in hospital
He added, “By God’s grace, we were able to apprehend three of them, while two escaped; we did everything in our powers, even taking risks to apprehend the hoodlums. Some of my men are receiving treatment at the Life Care Hospital.
“During the #EndSARS protests, some hoodlums tried to attack this church and the Azikiwe vigilantes came out and did a nice job.”
The spokesman for the state police command, Nnamdi Omoni, confirmed the attack, saying the perpetrators were suspected IPOB members, adding that the Commissioner of Police, Joseph Mukan, had launched an investigation to ascertain the motive behind the attack as well as apprehend other fleeing suspects.
Omoni stated, “Some hoodlums suspected to be IPOB members attacked the church. We are investigating. The church suffered substantial destruction.
“Our bomb unit was there. The personnel swept the place in the early hour of today (Sunday) and they are still there. The Area Commander is leading the operation. Policemen will be there until further notice.
“But I can tell you that normalcy has been restored. So far, we have arrested three persons. The Commissioner of Police has launched an investigation into the incident. Our bomb unit is here.
“They have been able to sweep the place and clean-up is going on as we speak. The engineer will come to ascertain the integrity of the building for habitation.”
The Special Assistant to the Governor on Media, Kelvin Ebiri, and some senior police officers were also at the scene of the incident.
The Punch
Abia State governor, Alex Otti, has announced plans to construct a FIFA-standard stadium in Aba with a seating capacity of approximately 35,000, in what is being described as one of the most significant sports infrastructure projects in the State’s development agenda.
The proposed stadium is designed to meet international football standards, making it suitable for hosting top-tier domestic league matches, continental competitions, and other global sporting events.
The facility is expected to feature modern pitch technology, upgraded spectator stands, advanced lighting systems for night games, VIP lounges, media centres, locker rooms, and safety and security installations that align with FIFA requirements.
The project is also expected to include auxiliary facilities such as training pitches, parking spaces, and support buildings that will enhance its overall functionality as a multi-use sports complex.
According to the governor’s vision, the stadium is not just a sports project but part of a broader economic revitalisation plan for Aba.
The city, already known as a major commercial hub in South-eastern Nigeria, is expected to benefit significantly from increased sporting activities, which will drive business for hotels, transport operators, food vendors, and local entrepreneurs.
The initiative is also positioned to strengthen grassroots football development and provide a modern home ground for local teams, especially Enyimba FC, one of Nigeria’s most successful football clubs.
The project is expected to be executed through a structured development approach that may involve partnerships aimed at ensuring timely delivery and high construction standards.
When completed, the stadium is projected to elevate Abia State’s profile in national and African football circles while creating new opportunities for youth engagement, talent development, and sports tourism.
Overall, the Aba stadium plan reflects a strategic push by the state government to combine sports, infrastructure, and economic development into a single long-term growth vision for Abia State.
Suspected gunmen have abducted the sister of a former Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.
The family of former minister and chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) confirmed the abduction, disclosing that Mrs. Olaide John-Paul and her 12-year-old twin sons were kidnapped by the gunmen on Wednesday, June 3, 2026.
According to a statement issued by Adelabu’s media aide, Femi Awogboro, the victims were kidnapped at about 7:30am while Mrs. John-Paul was taking her children to school.
Mrs. John-Paul, the youngest of five children of Mrs. Olufunmilayo Aduke Adegoke Adelabu, reportedly retired voluntarily from her career at First Bank Pension Custodian in 2025 before relocating to Ibadan with her children.
She was said to be making arrangements to join her husband, who had earlier relocated to the US.
The family expressed deep concern over the development but stated that security agencies had already commenced efforts to rescue the victims and apprehend those responsible.
“We are pleased to confirm that security operatives have swung into action and preliminary investigations have commenced in earnest,” the statement partly read.
While appealing for calm, the family urged members of the public to refrain from spreading unverified information that could undermine ongoing rescue operations.
“We are deeply distressed by this unfortunate incident, but remain hopeful that the victims will be rescued safely. We appeal to the public to remain calm, avoid speculation and support ongoing efforts with prayers,” the statement added.
The family also called on anyone with useful information that could aid the rescue operation to promptly share such intelligence with security agencies through the appropriate channels.
It assured that it would continue to cooperate fully with law enforcement authorities and provide updates as investigations and rescue efforts progress.
The General Overseer of Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor Enoch Adeboye, has called on the Federal government to issue a 90-day ultimatum to security chiefs to end terrorism in Nigeria or step aside.
Adeboye made the appeal in a video shared on his X (formerly Twitter) account on Tuesday, expressing deep concern over the country’s deteriorating security situation.
He emphasized the need for urgent and decisive action, stressing that security chiefs must be held accountable for tangible results in the fight against terrorism.
According to him, while citizens can only advise the Commander-in-Chief, it is within the government’s power to set clear expectations and timelines for security leaders.
“If I were to make a suggestion, I would say the government should act swiftly and direct the service chiefs to eradicate terrorists within 90 days or resign,” he said.
The cleric also urged authorities to go beyond targeting terrorists alone, insisting that their sponsors must equally be identified and dealt with, regardless of their social or political influence.
“When issuing directives, it should be made clear that both terrorists and their sponsors must be eliminated, no matter how powerful they are,” he added.
Adeboye recalled that a former Nigerian president had once issued a similar three-month directive to security chiefs to end the Boko Haram insurgency but failed to enforce the order after the deadline expired.
Reflecting on his interaction with the late president, Adeboye noted that although initial efforts were made, the lack of follow-through undermined the directive’s effectiveness.
He maintained that his current recommendation is informed by that experience, urging the government to ensure strict enforcement if such a timeline is adopted.
His comments come amid renewed concerns over persistent terrorist attacks, banditry, and kidnappings across the country, with increasing public pressure on authorities to take stronger action against insecurity.
