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Benue:34,000 Apply For 1,000 Police Work Space

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At least 34,000 applicants are currently competing for 1,000 police recruitment slots in Benue State, the police in the state have said.

 

Assistant Commissioner of Police in charge of the State Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department (SCIID), Musa Abdulraham, disclosed this yesterday during a lecture at the Police Officers’ Mess in Makurdi, held as part of activities to mark the 2026 Police Week.

Presenting a paper titled: “Prevention of Electoral Violence and Ballot Box Snatching,” he linked the high rate of unemployment among youths to their vulnerability to political manipulation and involvement in election-related violence.

He said that the large number of applicants – over 34,000 – shows the scarcity of job opportunities, pushing many idle youths into the hands of politicians who use them to perpetrate violence during elections.

“For example, in the ongoing police recruitment, 34,000 applied in Benue State for only 1000 vacancies. If we give the 1000 jobs, what happens to the 33,000 left,” Abdulraham asked.

He warned that electoral violence remains a major threat to Nigeria’s democratic process, noting that the trend dates back to the 1964 federal regional elections which escalated in 1965.

“Violence can only mar elections, not make them. Once it starts, it can become uncontrollable and devastating,” he said.

The ACP described ballot box snatching and other forms of electoral malpractice as heinous crimes, stressing that elections, including the 2023 general polls, have witnessed various degrees of violence.

Abdulraham called on the government at all levels to address unemployment through job creation, insisting that engaging youths productively would significantly reduce their involvement in electoral violence and strengthen the country’s electoral system.

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Tinubu Storms Ogun, Commissions Airport, Airline, and Major Infrastructure Projects

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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will tomorrow embark on an official visit to Ogun State, as the Gateway State prepares to witness the commissioning and inspection of a sweeping array of landmark projects—an indication of its bold stride toward infrastructural transformation, economic expansion, and improved service delivery.

 

According to a statement issued by the Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Hon. Kayode Akinmade, the President’s itinerary reflects a comprehensive showcase of strategic investments cutting across critical sectors.

At the forefront of the visit is the commissioning of the Gateway International Airport, Iperu—an ambitious project designed to position Ogun State as a major aviation and logistics hub in Nigeria. Within the airport complex, President Tinubu will also commission two newly acquired aircraft under Gateway Air, marking the official takeoff of the state’s aviation initiative in partnership with ValueJet.

Further underscoring the airport’s economic potential, the President will witness a cargo operations showcase facilitated by SAHCOL, signaling readiness for full-scale logistics and freight activities. In addition, a number of strategic assets will be commissioned at the airport, including 1,000 electric bikes under the state’s EV mobility initiative, 80 security vehicles to strengthen safety architecture, and a fleet of agricultural tractors aimed at boosting food production and supporting farmers.

Beyond the airport, the President will commission the Ilishan–Iperu Airport Road, a vital link connecting the new aviation hub to surrounding communities and enhancing accessibility. He is also scheduled to inspect the Nigeria Customs Service Village and commission the Forward Operating Base (FOB) building, reinforcing border security and trade facilitation.

The visit will further feature the inspection and commissioning of the Gateway Aviation Village, a complementary development designed to support the state’s growing aviation ecosystem.

In a symbolic and strategic move, President Tinubu will commission the reconstructed “Old Ibadan Road” (Sapade–Ilishan Road), which will be officially named the Bola Ahmed Tinubu Expressway—an arterial route expected to significantly boost connectivity and commerce within the region.

Rounding off the visit is the inspection of the Sagamu–Benin Concrete Road, a major federal infrastructure project aimed at improving transportation efficiency along one of Nigeria’s busiest corridors.

Collectively, these projects reflect the vision of the Ogun State Government under Dapo Abiodun to build a modern, economically vibrant, and well-connected state. The President’s visit not only marks the unveiling of these transformative initiatives but also reinforces the synergy between federal and state governments in driving sustainable development.

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Friendlies: Super Eagles To Face Poland, Portugal In June

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Fresh from defeating one FIFA World Cup-bound team, Iran, and drawing with another, Jordan, in Antalya, Turkey, three-time African champions Nigeria are looking forward to an exciting summer, with fixtures lined up against Poland and World Cup-bound side Portugal during the FIFA window for friendly matches in June.

The Nigeran Football Federation’s FIFA Match Agent, Jairo Pachon of Eurodata Sport, confirmed on Thursday that the clash with Poland will take place at the PGE Narodowy Stadium in Warsaw on June 3.

The encounter with Portugal is scheduled for June 10, with the venue to be announced in the coming days.

The game against the Seleção das Quinas — the nickname of Portugal’s senior men’s team — will serve as the hosts’ final match before they travel to the Americas for this summer’s FIFA World Cup finals, jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

The Super Eagles are also scheduled to defend their crown at this year’s Unity Cup Tournament in London, set to take place from May 26 to 30.

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Insecurity: Our Efforts Are Paying Off- Tinubu

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Amid the security challenges confronting the nation, President Bola Tinubu on Friday assured Nigerians that concerted efforts are yielding breakthroughs.

The President gave the assurance in a statement he personally signed to mark the Easter celebrations.

He said the season reminds the citizens of the significance of Easter and the message it embodies— of sacrifice, resilience, and the triumph of light over darkness.

“For us in Nigeria, the essence resonates with our current realities as we navigate a period marked by economic strain and security challenges, even as determined efforts are underway to address them,” Tinubu said.

“No nation can thrive where fear prevails, and no progress can be sustained without peace. To other parts of the country also enduring one form of insecurity or the other, rest assured that concerted efforts are already yielding breakthroughs.”

The Commander-in-Chief also assured Nigerians of a safer and more secure nation, reaffirming his administration’s resolve to tackle terrorism, banditry, and other security threats.

He acknowledged that, despite the sacrifices of the Armed Forces and other security agencies, challenges to national security have persisted.

Tinubu however said his administration is making available the necessary resources and strengthening foreign partnerships to enable security agencies to deal decisive blows to terrorists, bandits and other criminal elements.

“Despite the good efforts of the administration and the gallant efforts of our men and women of the Armed Forces who leave behind their families to confront the evil actors in our land, challenges to our security have remained.

“However, my administration continues to make resources available and forge foreign partnerships to enable us to deal decisive blows to the agents of terror and banditry,” he said.

Tinubu noted that following his condolence visit to Jos, Plateau State, where he commiserated with victims of the recent deadly attack, security chiefs had given strong assurances of progress, while international support was also mobilised to reinforce Nigeria’s response.

He further assured residents of other parts of the country facing one form of insecurity or another that concerted government actions are beginning to produce results, urging citizens to support lawful efforts, remain united, and reject forces that threaten the country’s collective peace and stability.

“On Thursday, I was in Jos to commiserate with people of Plateau State, share in their grief, and offer reassurances of better days to come. The leaders of the nation’s security institutions have given strong assurances of progress. We have also sought and are receiving assistance from outside our shores.

“I am reassured that the citizens appreciate our efforts. I will continue to remind us of the imperative of unity and oneness. No nation can thrive where fear prevails, and no progress can be sustained without peace,” Tinubu added.

The President’s Easter message comes hours after his visit to Jos, the Plateau State cpital, where he met families of the deadly attack that left at least 28 people dead, and many others injured.

“To the victims, there is nothing I can give you, whether in billions of naira, but I can console you and promise that this experience will not repeat itself,” Tinubu said.

He also offered condolence to the woman who was seen in a viral video holding her dead son after the attack.

“I know your pain; I saw in the video how you held on to your son and felt the agony in your heart.

“Only God can give you joy and comfort. No amount of money can compensate for your loss. As a government, we will do our best to support and comfort you,” he told her.

 

Tinubu consoled residents and families of victims of Sunday’s deadly attack in Jos on Thursday April 3, 2026

 

Tinubu said the best solution for Jos is to restore the city to the way it once was, as residents remember and grew up knowing.

He also noted that the government was elected on the promise of peace and prosperity, pledging to restore peace to Jos rather than merely offering condolences.

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