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Food Crisis: Federal Government Begins Sale Of 50kg Rice For N40,000

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On Monday, at the Presidential Villa, Mohammed Idris, Minister of Information and National Orientation, announced that the federal government is selling 50kg bags of rice for N40,000 each, a 50% reduction from the market price.

According to the minister, 20 trucks of rice have been allocated to each state in the federation and are being sold at designated centers.

However, the specific locations of these centers were not disclosed.

“The president has listened to the voices of all those who are planning this protest. And the message is that there is no need for it,” he said.

“Indeed, the president is already protesting on their behalf by doing those things that they want a government to do. For example, the effort that the government is making in ensuring that food is being made available.

“The last council meeting here at the briefing, we announced that a number of trucks, 20 precisely, had been given to the state governors for onward distribution to those who actually are in need of them to the poorest of the poor in society and those who are actually in need. Food being made available.

“But the government did not stop there, there is also rice that is being sold at about 50 percent of its cost, a bag of rice is being sold as we speak now.

“This rice has been taken to various centres across all the states of the federation and is being sold at N40,000. Centres have been created so that those who need this rice can go there and buy this rice at N40,000.

“In the first instance, about 10 trucks have been made available to each of these states and indeed this is just the beginning. I know that some of the comments you hear are that it is never enough.

“The government has not pretended that these supplies are indeed enough. But these are necessary first steps that are being made, and more of such interventions are being made in the interim.”

The minister said the prices of food will decline, adding that the federal government has made significant investments in agriculture.

“Of course, this is like I said an interim measure because there is so much investment that is going into the agricultural sector,” he said.

“And the rainy season is here. We expect that the prices of food items will come down as investments are also being made not just for the traditional agricultural produce but also for the irrigation activities in many of these states in the federation.

“So, we expect that as we move forward, prizes of food items and commodities will, of course, come down.”

Idris appealed to youths to shelve the planned nationwide protest, saying the federal government is working to address the challenges in the nation.

“There is also the provision that is being made for these young people. We are aware of the effort that is being made to ensure that about 3 million of them are being put into employment through the MTT programme,” he said.

“Of course, it is the democratic right of every Nigerian to engage in peaceful protests, and the government is not an opponent to that.

“But what the government is doing is to ensure that while there is this right for you to protest, your right will also end where someone else’s begins.

“Therefore, while you are thinking of protesting, the government is appealing to you to first shelve it because it has a great likelihood that this protest may be hijacked and may turn violent by unscrupulous elements, and Nigeria will not be good for it.

“Of course, we know that people are saying that there is no intention for violence in this, but our history has shown that there’s the possibility that this protest can be hijacked and could turn violent.

“It is an appeal again that the federal government is making to ensure that as the government is making an effort to satisfy the demands of Nigerians in several respects in health care, in agriculture, in the provision of infrastructure in ensuring that our youth, the young population, go to school and that they can also get employed when they finish and even before they do that.

“The social security system is being put out there so that no one is left behind.

“So, all this coming together, of course, it takes time for it to come full circle, but there is this, please; there is no need for this protest.”

BIG STORY

Two Criminals Who Robbed, Attempted To Kill Lil-Kesh In Lagos Arrested In Kano

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The Kano State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of two suspects linked to an armed robbery and attempted murder case in Lagos.

In a statement issued on Saturday, the command’s spokesperson, SP Abdullahi Haruna, described the arrests as a major breakthrough made possible through intelligence gathering and community collaboration.

According to Haruna, the suspects — Mathew Adewole, 25, of Na’ibawa Quarters, and Mukhtar Muhammad, 31, of Unguwa Uku Quarters, Kano — were apprehended on September 11, 2025, at Na’ibawa Quarters.

During interrogation, Adewole reportedly confessed to assaulting one Lil-Kesh, a resident of Bera Estate, Chevron, Lagos, on August 19, 2025. The attack left the victim with severe injuries, including a deep neck wound.

Haruna further disclosed that the suspect compelled the victim to transfer ₦2,120,000 from his bank account via mobile phone to Muhammad’s account.

He added that, in line with directives from the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, the Kano Command has been strengthening its intelligence network and deepening community policing to outpace criminal elements.

The police spokesperson noted that the suspects have since been transferred to the Lagos State Police Command for further investigation and prosecution.

Kano State Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Bakori, praised the officers for their professionalism and acknowledged the role of the public in supporting police operations. He assured that the command will sustain efforts to maintain law and order across the state.

“The command remains committed to maintaining law and order, working closely with other security agencies and stakeholders to ensure a coordinated approach to combating crime,” the statement concluded.

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BIG STORY

How Police Tracked, Arrested Notorious Suspect John Samuel Who Shot, Robbed Gbenga Obama At His Epe Hideout

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Operatives of the Lagos State Police Command have arrested a notorious armed robber and alleged hired assassin, John Samuel, 28, at his hideout in Epe.

The suspect, who hails from Akwa Ibom State, was picked up on September 19, 2025, around 2:00 pm, after weeks of surveillance.

Report has it that Samuel — recently released from prison on August 18 after serving a six-year jail term for armed robbery — had, the same day, shot and wounded popular Lagos socialite Gbenga Obama at Gbajobi Street, Allen Avenue, Ikeja. He then robbed him of a gold necklace and other valuables in broad daylight.

Deputy Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Babaseyi B. Oluseyi, described Samuel as “vicious and notorious,” noting that he was known to shoot victims before dispossessing them of valuables.

Oluseyi said CCTV footage of the August 18 incident captured Samuel firing at Obama with an English pistol, before fleeing with an accomplice who waited on a motorcycle. Obama, who sustained serious gunshot wounds, has since been treated and discharged.

The suspect reportedly confessed to selling the stolen jewelry for ₦4 million — far below its market value. Police say efforts are ongoing to arrest other members of his gang.

Lagos State Commissioner of Police, CP Olohudare Jimoh, commended the operatives for their gallantry and assured residents that the suspect would be prosecuted after investigations.

The command reiterated its commitment to the safety of Lagosians, warning that “the state has no hiding place for criminals.”

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BIG STORY

Road To 2027: We’re Ready To Join APC, Says Kwankwaso, Gives Condition

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The presidential candidate of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) in the 2023 elections, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has expressed readiness to return to the All Progressives Congress (APC), but only on what he described as a “strong condition.”

Kwankwaso’s declaration ends months of speculation about his political future and has heightened tension within the ruling party and the wider political space.

The former Kano State governor made the remarks on Thursday while receiving Buhari Bakwana, a former political aide to ex-Governor Abdullahi Ganduje, who visited him alongside APC members from the 44 local government areas of Kano State.

He insisted that any talks of returning to APC or merging with it must clearly define what the NNPP stands to gain.
“If you are asking us to join APC, you must tell us what NNPP will gain,” he said.

Kwankwaso maintained that while the NNPP was open to discussions, it would not accept being “used and dumped.” He reminded the delegation of his role in establishing APC in 2013, saying he and his allies endured political persecution at the time.

“We have gubernatorial candidates in all the states and full structures nationwide. What will you offer them if we join?” he asked.
“We are ready to join APC under strong conditions and promises. We will not allow anyone to use us and later dump us.”

The former defence minister also recalled his frustrations with both APC and PDP in past alliances, accusing the two parties of breaching agreements.

“Eight years of APC under the immediate past President Muhammadu Buhari gave us nothing, not even appreciation. In PDP, we asked for just a zonal party chairman, but they refused. We left peacefully, and today we are strong and have integrity,” he said.

His latest statement contrasts with his earlier remarks at the NNPP National Executive Council meeting, where he had pledged to remain with the party despite swirling rumours of his impending defection.

Reacting to Kwankwaso’s comments, the State Secretary of APC in Kano, Hon. Zakari Ibrahim Sarina, said the party would welcome him back if he abides by party principles.

“Kwankwaso can’t come to APC to control the party that has national spread. Remember, APC is not NNPP, which he established and controls,” Sarina said.

“We are ready to welcome Kwankwaso back to APC because his return is an added advantage to the ruling party. Another reason the party will be willing to have him is the peace and tranquillity in Kano. We need social and economic development in Kano,” he added.

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