The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has confirmed the killing of one of its officers, Distu Garba Audu, who was shot dead by gunmen in Plateau State.

The incident reportedly occurred on Monday night in Pushit community, Mangu Local Government Area of the state.

Report says NSCDC spokesperson, CSC Afolabi Babawale, while confirming the death, expressed sadness over the officer’s death, describing it as a tragic loss

Report quoted Babawale to have written in a message that: It is with great sadness that I confirm we lost him; he was tragically shot and killed by kidnappers.”

According to report, gunmen had abducted a popular businessman known as Gilbert and killed an officer of NSCDC, Audu, in Plateau State.

It was gathered that the incident occurred on Monday night in Pushit community, Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State.

“Suspected kidnappers arrived in the community at about 8:00 p.m. and abducted Gilbert, a businessman reportedly involved in supplying fuel to filling stations, cement and fertiliser

“The gunmen were taking the businessman away when a motorcycle rider reportedly emerged from his house with his headlight on, heading out to buy meat.The kidnappers allegedly opened fire on the rider, killing him at the scene.

“The deceased was later identified as Distu Garba Audu, popularly known as Tony, a Deputy Superintendent of the NSCDC. He was reportedly a senior officer in the corps and had built his house in the community.

“Contrary to earlier reports circulating about the incident, the officer was not killed while guarding the abducted businessman. Audu was shot after unexpectedly encountering the kidnappers while riding out of his residence.

“The gunmen reportedly escaped with Gilbert through a maize farm after the abduction” the report said.

President Bola Tinubu has paid tribute to Reuben Fasoranti, leader of Afenifere, the Yoruba socio-political group, who died on Tuesday aged of 100.

Lucky Aiyedatiwa, governor of Ondo, announced Fasoranti’s death in a statement, describing him as a respected elder statesman committed to the development of Ondo, Yorubaland and Nigeria.

In a statement personally signed by him on Tuesday, Tinubu said he received the news of Fasoranti’s death with “profound sadness”.

“On behalf of the Federal Government and the people of Nigeria, I commiserate with the Fasoranti family, the good people of Akure Kingdom, the government and people of Ondo State and South-West Nigeria, and the entire Afenifere family,” the statement reads.

The president described the late Afenifere leader as “an icon, a beacon of principle, and one of the last great titans of Chief Obafemi Awolowo’s progressive family”.

He said Fasoranti’s century-long life exemplified integrity, discipline, selflessness and unwavering commitment to the Yoruba people and the unity and progress of Nigeria.

“From his days as an educationist and principal, to his stewardship as Commissioner for Finance in the old Western Region, and later as the leader of Afenifere, Baba never wavered in his belief in true federalism, social justice, and a Nigeria that works for all,” Tinubu said.

“Baba made immense contributions to this country and, at the risk of his life, fought for the democracy we enjoy today.”

Tinubu said Fasoranti distinguished himself through his Spartan lifestyle, adherence to principles and commitment to noble causes.

“Our nation will sorely miss his voice of wisdom, moral authority, and fatherly counsel, especially now, when we need his guidance most,” he said.

The president recalled Fasoranti’s centenary celebration on May 11, noting that it marked not just his longevity but also a legacy of honour.

“He lived a fulfilled life and left indelible footprints in the sands of time,” Tinubu said.

He also recalled visiting Fasoranti at his residence in Akure in 2022 to inform him of his decision to contest the presidency.

“Pa Fasoranti told me I would be President in his lifetime, and God answered his prayer,” he said.

Tinubu said he had hoped the Afenifere leader would live to witness his second term in office and the anticipated economic growth and prosperity.

“But we must thank God for Pa Fasoranti’s long life of service, grace and fulfilment,” he said.

The president prayed for the repose of Fasoranti’s soul and asked God to comfort his family and others mourning his death.

President Bola Tinubu has explained why he removed fuel subsidy upon assumption of office in 2023.

Tinubu explained that he removed the subsidy on fuel to prevent Nigeria from going bankrupt.

He issued the explanation during a meeting with the City Boys Movement in Abuja on Monday.

The president also dismissed promises by the opposition presidential candidates to restore fuel subsidy if they are elected in 2027.

According to Tinubu: “I came and I removed subsidy the first day, Nigeria will not go bankrupt because there is nothing left to pay subsidy.

“I listen to my political opponents promising a return to subsidy” but drawing a religious analogy, the president added, “I remember my scripture studies, both in the Bible and the Holy Quran. When Moses (Musa) left Egypt, the Red Sea parted and gave way. You cannot ask Moses to go back to Egypt. With your energy and support, we will never go back to Egypt.”

The president assured that he would campaign on the backdrop of original ideas that would move Nigeria forward.

“We will campaign with ideas, original thoughts and thinking to move this country forward,” he added.

Tinubu had declared an end to fuel subsidy during his presidential inauguration in Abuja in 2023.

The president had said the fuel subsidy only benefited a few Nigerians.

With the 2027 presidential election around the corner, the opposition have promised to return the subsidy on fuel as part of efforts to alleviate the suffering of Nigerians.