The Historica Nigeria

News

Humanitarian, News

Over 24,000 Nigerians Declared Missing, ICRC Reveals

The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has revealed that more than 24,000 Nigerians are currently listed as missing by their families. María Toscano, ICRC’s Protection of Family Links Team Leader, disclosed the figures during a media workshop held in Maiduguri. She revealed that Borno State alone accounts for the highest number of missing persons, with approximately 9,000 out of the 16,000 cases registered by the ICRC in the North-East region. Toscano noted that while the organization continues its efforts to trace the missing individuals, progress has been slow. So far in 2025, 11 people have been successfully reunited with their families, adding to the 13 persons reunited in 2024. Read Also: UNICEF, KASPA Forge Stronger Ties to Improve Social Protection Outcomes in Kano She further stated that 71 percent of the 24,000 registered cases occurred between 2014 and 2015, the peak period of insurgency-related violence in the region. Bama Local Government Area in Borno alone accounts for about 5,000 of the missing persons. According to her, children make up a significant portion of the cases, with 65 percent of those declared missing in the North-East being minors at the time of their disappearance. Toscano also highlighted the challenges faced by the ICRC in tracing missing persons, including limited access to conflict-affected areas and difficulties in reaching families due to security and communication constraints. Earlier at the workshop, the Head of ICRC’s Sub-Delegation in Maiduguri, Diana Japaridze, expressed concern over the rising number of families still searching for loved ones after years of displacement caused by armed conflict. “Some people spend years searching for loved ones, often with no result. Families have a right to know their fate,” Japaridze said. “In the chaos of armed conflict, violence, and disasters, families can become separated in a matter of minutes, creating anguish and uncertainty especially when children, spouses, or parents go missing.” She called on media practitioners to play an active role in raising awareness about missing persons and in amplifying the voices of affected families. “While states should raise public awareness of the problem of missing persons as a fundamental concern under international humanitarian and human rights law, the mass media must draw the public’s attention to this issue and the needs of families left behind,” she said. Japaridze added that the workshop aimed to equip journalists with better tools to research the topic, ask meaningful questions, and report with empathy, accuracy, and professionalism. (NAN)

Education, National, News

Tinubu Hails Students’ Global Feat, Silent on Cash Reward Demands

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated three Nigerian students for their exceptional performance at the 2025 TeenEagle Global Finals held in London, United Kingdom. The students, Nafisa Abdullahi Aminu, Rukayya Muhammad Fema, and Hadiza Kalli Kashim emerged as top winners in English language skills, debate, and outstanding talent categories, respectively, at the international competition that featured participants from over 60 countries. Related: Tinubu Rewards Super Falcons with Cash, National Honours, and Housing After AWCON Victory Presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga disclosed the president’s commendation in a statement issued on Wednesday. Reacting to the development, President Tinubu lauded the students for making Nigeria proud on the global stage, stating that their achievements are a strong indicator of the country’s promising future. “The President encourages Nafisa, Rukayya, and Hadiza to remain steadfast in their studies and wishes them continued success,” the statement read in part. Read Also: Tinubu Honours D’Tigress with National Awards, Cash, and Housing for AfroBasket Triumph The government of Yobe State had earlier announced plans to honour Nafisa and Rukayya, both indigenes of the state, for their exceptional academic accomplishments. Meanwhile, former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Isa Ali Pantami, has called on President Tinubu to reward the students with national honours and monetary incentives, similar to those extended to Nigeria’s women’s football teams. “Nafisa deserves recognition: $100,000, a flat, and OON! What is good for the goose is good for the gander,” Pantami said in a social media post, referencing the president’s previous gesture toward the Super Falcons and D’Tigress, who each received $100,000 and a three-bedroom apartment for their sporting achievements. As reactions continue to trail the performance of the students and the federal government’s response, public discourse has emerged around the need to equally celebrate and invest in academic excellence as much as athletic success.

Environment, National, News

FG Issues Flood Alert Across 19 States as Heavy Rainfall Predicted

The Federal Government has issued a flood warning for 19 states and 76 locations across the country, forecasting five days of intense rainfall that could lead to widespread flooding. The alert, issued on Tuesday by the National Flood Early Warning Systems Centre under the Federal Ministry of Environment, indicates that the heavy downpour is expected to occur between August 5 and August 9. In light of the forecast, authorities have urged residents, local governments, and disaster response agencies in the affected areas to take immediate precautionary measures to safeguard lives and property. Read Also: NiMet Forecasts Thunderstorms, Rainfall and Flash Flood Risk Across Nigeria States expected to be impacted include Akwa Ibom, Bauchi, Ebonyi, Cross River, Nasarawa, Benue, Kaduna, Katsina, Kebbi, Kano, Niger, Plateau, Taraba, Jigawa, Yobe, Zamfara, Sokoto, Borno, and Gombe. The specific locations listed in the forecast are Edor, Eket, Ikom, Oron, and Upenekang in Akwa Ibom; Tafawa-Balewa, Azare, Jama’are, Kari, Misau, and Jama’are in Bauchi; Abakaliki, Echara, and Ezilo in Ebonyi; and Ogoja Edor and Obubra in Cross River. In Nasarawa, the areas are Keana, Keffi, and Wamba; while Benue includes Agaku, Buruku, Gboko, Igumale, Ito, Katsina-Ala, Ugba, and Vande-Ikya. Kaduna is expected to be affected in Jaji, Kafanchan, Birnin-Gwari, and Zaria; and Katsina in Bindawa, Bakori, Daura, and Funtua. In Kebbi, the locations include Bagudo, Birnin-Kebbi, Bunza, Gwandu, Jega, Kalgo, Kamba, Kangiwa, Shanga, Ribah, Sakaba, Saminaka, Yelwa, and Gauri-Banza. Kano is expected to experience flooding in Bebeji, Gezawa, Gwarzo, Kano, Karaye, Tudun Wada, Wudil, and Kunchi. Other forecasted areas are Kontagora, Rijau, and Ringim in Niger; Mangu in Plateau; Donga and Takum in Taraba; Diginsa, Gumel, Dutse, Gwaram, Hadejia, and Miga in Jigawa; Machina and Potiskum in Yobe; Anka in Zamfara; Sokoto and Wamakko in Sokoto; Biu in Borno; and Bajoga in Gombe. The Ministry of Environment called for vigilance and cooperation from all stakeholders, emphasizing the need for early preparedness to prevent the loss of lives and damage to infrastructure during the expected period of intense rainfall.

Abuja, News, Politics

APC UK Delegation Visits New National Chairman, Pledges Support for Party Unity

A delegation from the United Kingdom chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) on Tuesday paid a congratulatory visit to the newly appointed National Chairman of the party, Professor Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda, at the APC National Secretariat in Abuja. Led by key executives of the APC UK Chapter, the delegation expressed solidarity and extended their goodwill to Professor Yilwatda, describing his emergence as party chairman as “well-deserved” and “timely.” Members of the delegation included Mr. Momoh Obaro (Secretary), Mr. Bernard Doro (Financial Secretary), Dr. CAL Amayo (Welfare Secretary), and Mrs. Abimbola Fasanu (Deputy Treasurer). Read Also: Rurum, Kano Governorship Candidate, Visits Ganduje in London as APC Strategizes for 2027 Speaking on behalf of the group, Mr. Obaro congratulated Professor Yilwatda and praised his leadership qualities. “The APC UK Chapter extends its warmest congratulations to you on your well-earned emergence as the National Chairman of our great party,” Obaro said. “Your wealth of experience, proven leadership, and strong commitment to progressive ideals come at a critical time for the APC and the nation.” He further expressed confidence in Yilwatda’s capacity to foster internal cohesion and strategic direction within the party. He reiterated the chapter’s readiness to collaborate with the national leadership in advancing the APC’s goals both domestically and internationally. “We believe that under your stewardship, the party will witness renewed unity, strengthened internal democracy, and a clear strategic direction,” he added. In his response, Professor Yilwatda appreciated the visit and lauded the APC UK Chapter for its continued engagement and loyalty to the party from the diaspora. He assured the delegation of an inclusive leadership style and emphasized the importance of collaboration with overseas chapters. “This visit is a reflection of our collective responsibility to build a stronger party,” the APC Chairman said. “We welcome continued partnerships with diaspora chapters to help shape a better future for the APC and the country.” The courtesy visit marks one of the first engagements by a diaspora chapter since Professor Yilwatda’s appointment, underscoring the growing interest in the party’s leadership and strategic direction ahead of the 2027 general elections.

National, News

Nigeria’s First Female Newspaper Editor and Publisher, Doyin Abiola, Passes Away

Dr. Doyin Abiola, Nigeria’s first female editor of a national daily newspaper and former Managing Director and Publisher of the National Concord, has passed away. Family sources confirmed that she died at approximately 9:15 p.m. on Tuesday, August 5. She was the wife of the late Chief MKO Abiola, the winner of the annulled 1993 presidential election, widely regarded as Nigeria’s freest and fairest poll. A trailblazer in Nigerian journalism, Dr. Abiola began her career at the Daily Sketch in 1969, where she created the influential column Tiro, focusing on public interest and gender issues. Read Also: Olubadan-in-Council Nominates Rashidi Ladoja as 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland In 1970, she left for the United States to pursue a Master’s degree in Journalism. Upon returning to Nigeria, she joined the Daily Times as a Features Writer and rose to become Group Features Editor. She later returned to the U.S., earning a PhD in Communications and Political Science in 1979. After her doctorate, she rejoined Daily Times and worked on the editorial board alongside media icons such as Stanley Macebuh, Dele Giwa, and Amma Ogan. Shortly afterward, she was invited to become the pioneer editor of the National Concord, and in 1986, she was promoted to Managing Director and Editor-in-Chief, making her the first Nigerian woman to lead a national newspaper in that capacity. Her career at National Concord spanned over three decades, during which she played a pivotal role in shaping Nigerian journalism. Beyond the newsroom, she also served in various capacities within the media industry and contributed to national development initiatives. Dr. Doyin Abiola married Chief MKO Abiola in 1981. Her legacy as a pioneer and symbol of excellence in journalism will remain indelible.

Kano, News

Kano Commissioner for Transport Resigns Over Drug Suspect Bail Controversy

Kano State Commissioner for Transportation, Ibrahim Ali Namadi, has resigned from his position amid public backlash surrounding his involvement in securing bail for a suspected drug trafficker, Sulaiman Aminu Danwawu. The development comes shortly after Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf received the report of a committee set up to investigate the incident. In a statement issued by the Governor’s spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, the embattled commissioner said his resignation was in the public interest, considering the sensitivity of the matter and the administration’s strong stance against drug-related offences. Read Also: Kano APC Stakeholders Drum Support for Tinubu’s Second Term, Reaffirm Loyalty to Ganduje “As a member of an administration that has consistently championed the fight against the sale and consumption of illicit drugs, it behoves me to take this step painful as it may be,” Namadi said. While maintaining his innocence, Namadi noted the importance of public perception and the need to safeguard the integrity of the administration. “I cannot ignore the weight of public opinion and the need to protect the values we have collectively built,” he added. He expressed gratitude to Governor Yusuf for the opportunity to serve, pledging continued loyalty to the vision and principles of the administration. Governor Yusuf accepted the resignation and used the occasion to reaffirm his government’s zero-tolerance stance on drug-related crimes and other social vices. He also advised political appointees to act with discretion on sensitive matters and seek appropriate clearance before getting involved in public issues.

News, Zamfara

Zamfara Rep. Renovates 80 Cemeteries as Constituency Project

A member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Kabiru Mai Palace, has renovated 80 cemeteries across the Gusau/Tsafe Federal Constituency of Zamfara State as part of his constituency project. Speaking during the inauguration of the renovated cemeteries on Monday, August 5, the lawmaker, who chairs the House Committee on Sports, said the gesture was in commemoration of his second anniversary in office as a second-term federal lawmaker. “We have undertaken the renovation of 80 cemeteries in Gusau and Tsafe local government areas as part of my two-year anniversary. The condition of many cemeteries in our constituency had deteriorated, prompting the need for urgent intervention,” he said. Read Also: Tragedy: Woman, Five Children Die as Building Collapses During Downpour Hon. Mai Palace emphasized the religious and moral significance of maintaining cemeteries, especially in Islam, stating that cemeteries are a constant reminder of life’s final destination. “As Muslims, we understand the importance of preserving the dignity of our final resting place. Maintaining cemeteries not only reflects our values but also helps prevent disasters and other societal challenges associated with neglect,” he added. He further noted that the project is part of his broader commitment to improve infrastructure and enhance the welfare of his constituents across all sectors, including health, education, and community development. The inauguration ceremony was attended by traditional leaders, community members, and representatives from religious and civil society groups, who all commended the initiative as timely and thoughtful.

Katsina, News

Tragedy: Woman, Five Children Die as Building Collapses During Downpour

Tragedy struck Dankama town in Katsina State as a mother and her five children lost their lives when their house collapsed during a heavy downpour in the early hours of Tuesday. The incident occurred around 2 a.m. while the family was asleep. According to reports, the building caved in due to the intensity of the rainfall, claiming six lives and leaving others injured. The father of the children, Muhammad Sani, confirmed the heartbreaking incident to journalists in Katsina. He said he was away from home at the time and returned to find the devastating aftermath. Read Also: NiMet Forecasts Thunderstorms, Rainfall and Flash Flood Risk Across Nigeria “This affected about 10 people, but sadly, six didn’t survive. Three others are currently receiving treatment in the hospital,” he said. The deceased have been identified as Mariya Sani, 45; Mujahid, 20; Zahariya, 18; Hauwa, 15; Amira, and five-year-old Nura Sani. Muhammad Sani expressed deep sorrow over the loss but said, “I surrender to Allah’s will. May He grant them eternal rest.” The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reported that the incident has thrown the entire community into mourning, with neighbours and relatives trooping to the family house to offer condolences and support. Confirming the incident, the Executive Secretary of the Katsina State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Hajiya Binta Dangani, said a team from the agency had visited the affected family to assess the situation and offer immediate assistance.

Crime, Kano, News

Kano Governor Receives Report on Commissioner’s Role in Drug Suspect’s Bail

Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has received the report of the committee set up to investigate the involvement of the Commissioner for Transport, Ibrahim Namadi, in securing bail for a suspected drug trafficker, Sulaiman Aminu Danwawu. The committee, chaired by Barrister Aminu Hussain who also serves as the Governor’s Special Adviser on Justice and Constitutional Matters, submitted its findings on Monday to the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Alhaji Umar Farouk Ibrahim. Barrister Hussain disclosed that the committee interviewed all parties connected to the case, including the commissioner, who provided a written statement. Others questioned included Abubakar Umar Sharada, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Political Mobilisation, and Musa Ado Tsamiya, SSA on Drainages. Read Also: Kano APC Stakeholders Drum Support for Tinubu’s Second Term, Reaffirm Loyalty to Ganduje “We engaged with relevant security and legal institutions such as the Department of State Services (DSS), National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), and the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) to ensure the integrity and legal grounding of our report,” Hussain stated. He emphasized that the committee operated independently without any interference from the Governor. “We were given full freedom to conduct our assignment fairly and transparently,” he added. The committee also reviewed certified legal documents pertaining to the case. Receiving the report, the SSG commended the committee for its professionalism and timely delivery. “You have done your work diligently and within the timeframe. I assure you the report will be delivered to His Excellency immediately for prompt review,” he said. Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, in a brief remark, assured that his administration would act swiftly on the committee’s recommendations.

Economy, National, News

Tinubu Signs Insurance Industry Reform Bill into Law, Sets Stage for $1 Trillion Economy

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has signed into law the Nigerian Insurance Industry Reform Bill, 2025, a landmark legislation aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s financial sector and fast-tracking the nation’s ambition to build a $1 trillion economy. This was conveyed in a statement signed by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy. The statement noted that the reforms are expected to catalyse new investments, boost consumer confidence, and position Nigeria as a leading insurance hub in Africa. The Nigerian Insurance Industry Reform Act (NIIRA) 2025 repeals and consolidates multiple outdated insurance laws into a single modern legal framework. It introduces robust regulation and oversight of all insurance and reinsurance businesses operating in the country. Read Also: Tinubu Has Transformed FCT Within Two Years – Dr. Mariya Bunkure The Act reflects the Tinubu administration’s commitment to financial stability, inclusive growth, and sustainable economic development under its Renewed Hope Agenda. Some of the key highlights of the new law include stricter capital requirements for operators, mandatory enforcement of compulsory insurance policies, digitisation of the insurance market, and zero tolerance for delays in claims settlement. It also provides for the creation of policyholder protection funds in cases of insolvency and expands Nigeria’s participation in regional insurance schemes such as the ECOWAS Brown Card System. The National Insurance Commission (NAICOM) has been mandated to implement the provisions of the Act in a way that unlocks the sector’s full potential and significantly improves insurance coverage across the country.

Scroll to Top