News

Bandits, Kidnappers Are Our Children – Bishop Kukah

Published

2 weeks ago

December 25, 2025

The Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Most Rev. Matthew Hassan Kukah, has warned against the neglect of children in society, noting that such neglect can have negative effects in the future.

Bishop Kukah, who made the observation in his 2025 Christmas message, said children must be protected as they represent the future of Nigeria.

Naija News reports that in his message entitled “Joy and Hope in a Time of Tribulation,” Bishop Kukah lamented the challenges of insecurity and violence threatening the nation.

However, he reminded Christians that the birth of Christ remains a beacon of hope even in the darkest times.

Speaking against the backdrop of the challenges of the insecurity ravaging some parts of the country, and its impact, Bishop Kukah said the terrorists, bandits and other criminals are children produced by the society.

He described perpetrators of violence as products of failed systems and toxic politics.

“Whether we call them bandits, kidnappers or extremists, they are our children. They came out of our own loins.

“Our children are our future,” Kukah said.

As a remedy, Kukah called for serious investment in education and moral renewal, warning that otherwise, Nigeria risks further descent into chaos.

“We must either renovate, educate or perish,” he declared.

The clergyman also expressed deep concern over the plight of children globally and in Nigeria, saying the innocent children are the ones paying the highest price for the dysfunctional system.

He lamented that innocent children are exposed to societal ills such as kidnapping, abuse, forced labour and early marriage, which are all beyond their control.

He referenced the abduction of schoolchildren in places such as Chibok, Dapchi, Maga and Papiri, noting that nearly 2,000 children have been affected by such crimes in Nigeria. The Bishop also mentioned cases from Gaza to Sudan on the international stage.

The bishop submitted that the violence ravaging Nigeria, particularly in the North, is rooted in years of poverty, illiteracy, miseducation and moral decay.

Emphasising the Christian response to persecution, Kukah rejected retaliation and violence, urging believers to rely on faith, prayer and moral witness rather than weapons.

Referencing the biblical record where Jesus admonished Peter to put away his sword, Kukah said, “Violence cannot defeat violence.”

He added that history shows Christianity has survived persecution and outlived empires through faith and resilience.

The Catholic Bishop in his Christmas message also called on Nigerian leaders to use the country’s resources for the common good by confronting insecurity, poverty and bad governance.

Despite the challenges in the country, Kukah urged the citizens not to lose hope, stressing that Christmas is a story of light’s triumph over darkness.

“By the birth of Christ, Emmanuel—God is with us,” Kukah said, stressing that the light of Christmas “is a light that darkness cannot overcome.”

Kukah urged Nigerians to resist division and hatred, calling for unity in mourning and healing. He said Nigerians must draw strength from shared suffering and collective hope.

“We have buried our dead together. We have mourned together,

“We must hold together in darkness so we can welcome the light together,” he said.

Bishop Kukah, however, commended the government and the security forces for their efforts leading to the safe return of abducted schoolchildren.

He described the incident as “one ordeal too many” and prayed it would mark the end of such tragedies.

He called on Christians to show the light and attributes of Christ as they celebrate this year’s Christmas.

“We do not celebrate Christmas as a feast or a date on our calendar.

“We celebrate it as a vocation — to let the world see and experience the face of Jesus through lives of love, peace and reconciliation,” he said.

He concluded by wishing Nigerians a happy Christmas, urging them not to surrender joy and hope despite the nation’s trials.

FOLLOW US ON:

FACEBOOK

TWITTER

PINTEREST

TIKTOK

YOUTUBE

LINKEDIN

TUMBLR

INSTAGRAM

Post Views: 80

News

PHOTOS & VIDEO: Fire razes part of Ogun free trade zone, Igbesa

Published

7 hours ago

January 11, 2026

Oluwagbenga Olaoye

A fire outbreak has occurred at the mattress section of the Ogun–Guangdong Free Trade Zone (OGFTZ), Igbesa, on Sunday.

It was gathered that the fire was triggered by a gas explosion from a foam-producing company in the industrial park.

The incident has reportedly caused chaos and fear among students living around the Obanla axis of the area.

In a video obtained by our correspondent, students were seen running out of their hostels as the thick smoke covered the sky.

An eyewitness, Kuwhede Vincent, a student of the Ogun State Institute of Technology, OGITECH, Igbesa, disclosed that there was a loud noise followed by smoke and fire.

Vincent said, “ It started around 8 am in the morning, we first saw smoke then fire coming from the company.

“The company is very close to my hostel but I don’t think any hostel was affected. We just carried our bag because we don’t know what can happen next”.

He noted that the fire service were on ground to curtail the fire.

Reacting to the incident, President of the Student Union Government in OGITECH, Ilo Fadilu Temitope, in a statement signed by its secretary, Moses Josephine and PRO Segbetin Sunday, and made available to called for calm among students, urging them to be vigilant, and adhere strictly to safety measures.

Part of the statement reads, “The attention of the Students’ Union Government has been drawn to information reaching us regarding a fire outbreak at the Ogun–Guangdong Free Trade Zone (OGFTZ), Igbesa, which is in close proximity to some student hostels around the Obanla axis.

“While relevant authorities are reportedly responding to the situation, the Students’ Union deems it necessary to prioritize the safety and well-being of all students.

“In view of this, students especially those residing around Obanla axis and its environs are hereby advised to remain calm but vigilant, and to strictly observe the following safety measures: Avoid unnecessary movement towards the affected area or fire scene, stay indoors where it is safe to do so and keep doors and windows closed if there is smoke in the environment, switch off electrical appliances and gas sources as a precaution.”

As of the time of filing this report, there has not been any official statement on the cause of the incident.

When contacted by our correspondent, the Commissioner of the State’s Ministry of Environment, Ola Oresanya said, “Thanks for the information, I will work on it immediately.”

Many houses affected as fire guts Ogun Free Trade Zone pic.twitter.com/pYIjbLwGhJ

— Temitope Hassan (@temihat) January 11, 2026

FOLLOW US ON:

FACEBOOK

TWITTER

PINTEREST

TIKTOK

YOUTUBE

LINKEDIN

TUMBLR

INSTAGRAM

Post Views: 10

News

Demolition notice: Ogun communities cry out, call for Gov Abiodun’s intervention

Published

7 hours ago

January 11, 2026

Oluwagbenga Olaoye

About 15 communities in the Abeokuta South Local Government Area of Ogun State have called for the intervention of Governor Dapo Abiodun over alleged plot to demolish their villages and acquire their land.

The communities include Itori Mogan, Laaki, Jaguna, Ogunu, Paashi, Kumapayi, and Abule Odo of Ijemoland among others.

According to the villagers, the community which is over 300 years was excised by former governor Otunba Gbenga Daniel’s administration.

It was gathered that the state government, through the its Planning and Development Permit Authority, Abeokuta Metro Zonal Planning Office, served a demolition notice with service number 00047932 on the occupiers of Itori Mogan village on Friday, accusing them of contravening the Land Use Act of Ogun State for residing in Hillcrest Estate.

In the demolition notice dated January 9, 2026, the government gave the occupiers three days deadline to vacate the affected villages that fell within its acquisition.

Expressing their displeasure on Saturday, the Baale of Ogunro, Chief Olakunle Bodunde, speaking on behalf of the villages marked for demolition, lamented that the present administration is bent on taking the remaining part of the community for an estate development, while rendering members of the community homeless.

He noted that the matter was in court and despite several meetings with the government, a demolition notice was pasted on their buildings.

He said, “We have taken significant steps to address this issue. We had meetings with the government, and now the matter is in court.

“We have served them, and the government has been notified, but they are not showing up in court, and now they have come to paste demolition notices on our buildings.

“We want things to be done with due process. The court has not made a pronouncement yet.”

Also speaking, Chief Oludare Salako, the Baale of Itori Mogan, said the communities have different ancestral gods which according to him cannot be relocated, saying that forceful eviction could spell danger.

He appealed to the state governor to intervene, expressing the belief that he may not be aware of the incident.

“We want Governor Dapo Abiodun to intervene, as we believe he may not be aware of these alleged land grabbers in his government. We want him to look critically into the matter and stop their actions,” Salako added.

The Aro of Egbaland and Oluwo of Ijemo, High Chief Oluyinka Kufile, urged the villagers to engage in dialogue with the government and be hopeful.

“If you have a right, no government will stop you from exercising your right. So my advice is to dialogue.

“We have signed pacts with the present government on some particular land and villages. Go there, visit the office, and make inquiries. Why again are they trying to take back the land,” he said.

FOLLOW US ON:

FACEBOOK

TWITTER

PINTEREST

TIKTOK

YOUTUBE

LINKEDIN

TUMBLR

INSTAGRAM

Post Views: 9

News

Full List Of Countries Nigerians Travel To Without Visa

Published

8 hours ago

January 11, 2026

Oluwagbenga Olaoye

Nigerian passport holders can now travel to 45 countries worldwide without obtaining a visa in advance, according to the latest update from Visaindex.

The development significantly eases international travel for Nigerians, providing broader options for tourism, business, education and family visits.

Of the 45 destinations, 27 countries allow visa-free entry for Nigerian citizens, while the remaining operate visa-on-arrival or Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) regimes. Entry conditions vary by country, but the update signals an expansion of global mobility opportunities for Nigerians.

Several African nations have adopted open-border policies aimed at boosting regional integration, trade and tourism.

The Gambia – Since 2019, the country has declared itself a visa-free zone for all African travellers, extending the policy to Commonwealth nations, the European Union, and select Baltic states.

Benin – Inspired by Rwanda, Benin lifted visa restrictions for all Africans in 2019, strengthening its position as a commercial and transit hub in West Africa.

Kenya – In October 2023, President William Ruto announced the removal of visa requirements for all African visitors to enhance trade, tourism and continental connectivity.

Rwanda – Since November 2023, Rwanda has granted visa-free entry to all Africans without fees, reinforcing its reputation as a leading tourism and conference destination.

Ghana – Ghana recently joined the visa-free league for Africans, a move expected to attract investors, tourists and business travellers as it positions itself as a regional hub.

Other Visa-Free Or Easy-Access Destinations

Nigerian passport holders can also access the following countries either visa-free, via visa-on-arrival, or through eTA arrangements:

Barbados

Burkina Faso

Cameroon

Cape Verde

Chad

Cook Islands

Côte d’Ivoire

Dominica

Fiji

Guinea