Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah, has urged President Bola Tinubu to address Nigeria’s deepening crises of insecurity, hunger, and despair. The outspoken Bishop said this in his Easter message. Kukah likened the state of the nation to the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, stating that Nigerians have been “dangling and bleeding on this cross of pain and mindless suffering for too long.” While bemoaning the level of suffering and challenges in the country, he told Tinubu, “Mr. President, bring us down from this cross of evil." “We all admit that you neither erected this cross nor effected our collective crucifixion. Nonetheless, you are now in a position to bring us relief. “A culture of cynicism and self-doubt over our capacity to secure peace for ourselves pervades our land," he added. Kukah expressed deep concern over the worsening state of national security, warning that “marauders, murderers, savages, and ravenous predators” threaten to overrun the country. “Often, we come across people who are discouraged, pessimistic and cynical about the future. The road to our collective discouragement in Nigeria has been laid by these forces of darkness. Mr. President, immediately rid our dear country of them," he added. The Bishop also criticized the persistent hunger and economic hardship plaguing millions of citizens, calling for food security to be recognized as a fundamental human right. “Hunger, sickness, and desolation stalk the land. We still believe removing fuel subsidies was the right move, but Nigerians must now see tangible benefits. “Mere palliative distribution diminishes the dignity of citizens. Mr. President, bring us down from this painful cross of hunger,” he stated. Referencing past statements by political figures about enabling insecurity to achieve political goals, Kukah lamented how the situation has deteriorated into a full-blown crisis. “Some of our public officers confessed that they brought our current killers into the country to gain power. "Today, that strategy has grown into a cancer of insecurity and violence threatening the very foundation of our country,” he said. He warned that bandits and kidnappers have become entrenched in everyday life, turning Nigeria into a nation gripped by fear and lawlessness. “Kidnapping is now a dog whistle for undermining the structure of our country. We now hang on the cross at the mercy of these forces of darkness. "Mr. President, please bring us down from this cross of insecurity.” Bishop Kukah further challenged President Tinubu to lead with courage, justice, and compassion, calling on Nigerians to unite and restore the nation’s lost hope. “We are the light of the world, a city set on a hill,” he said, urging collective effort to push back the darkness. “Is the persistence of insecurity a reflection of the incapacity of our armed forces, or are some benefitting from prolonging this crisis? Mr. President, step up, get to the finishing line, and bring us down from this cross of shame,” Kukah admonished.

Days after the Dangote Refinery reduced petrol price, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, NNPLC has followed suit. It could be recalled that Dangote Refinery last week slashed the ex-depot price of petrol to N835 per litre from N865. The NNPCL has now toed the same line, reducing its price from N950 to N935 in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. The recent price adjustments are in connection to the downward slope in the global price of crude, which was attributed to the sweeping economic policies of United States President, Donald Trump. Nigerians have been made to pay more for petrol since coming on board by President Bola Tinubu, with petrol selling at over N1300 per litre. However, the price has been moving downwards.

A communal clash between two Benue and Ebonyi communities has claimed at least two persons, and the disappearance of several others. The incident occurred in Otsukputu community, Ezaa, in Ado Local Government Area of Benue State on Friday. The Ezza Ezekuna Benue Development Association, EEBDA, in a statement on Saturday, identified the victims as Mr Jude Nweke and Mrs Nwankwo Umanyi. The President-General of EEBDA, Perpetual Nkechi Okafor, and the chairman of the association’s board of trustees, Chief Ogbuefi Nweke Linus Chinedu, who both signed the statement, strongly condemned the attack and called for immediate government intervention. “We are calling on the Benue State governor, the Inspector-General of Police, and all relevant security agencies to urgently intervene and halt the ongoing violence against our people. “It is imperative to establish security camps in the affected areas to protect lives and property and restore peace in Ado LGA.” The association also appealed to non-governmental organisations and civil society actors to lend their voices and resources towards addressing the growing humanitarian crisis in the region. The latest incident marks another chapter in the persistent communal clashes that have plagued parts of Benue and neighbouring Ebonyi State, as tensions between the Effium and Ezza communities continue to escalate, claiming lives and displacing families. Several efforts made in the past to end the clashes have not yielded results. The latest development comes amid the killing of several persons in Benue by suspected herdsmen.

The Police in Kogi State have confirmed that a man and a woman died at an apartment in the Ankpa Local Government Area of the state. It said an investigation was ongoing to confirm the circumstances surrounding the death. The development was confirmed by the command’s Public Relations Officer, SP William Aya on Saturday. He gave the names of the deceased persons as Sheriff Salifu and Blessing Adama, who were both from Ankpa. Aya said, “One Salisu Ibrahim from Alo in Ankpa came to the station about 12 pm, where he reported that his tenant, one Sheriff Salifu, did not come out of his room as usual at about 09:31 am. “So, the brother to the deceased entered the room through the ceiling and met his brother and one Blessing Adama of Ojogobi Road Ankpa lying lifeless in the room. Both deceased were seen naked.” Meanwhile, it is unclear whether the deceased were couples, but both were naked when their lifeless bodies were discovered in the room.

Prospective members of the National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, may be subjected to a mandatory drug test, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency is advocating. Chairman of the NDLEA, Brig.-Gen. Buba Marwa (retd.), who spoke during a ‘Training the Trainer’ event, organised by NDLEA in partnership with Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries in Abuja on Saturday, said the agency is tackling drug abuse by promoting drug testing in universities, communities, and among families. Represented by Mrs Ngozi Madubuike, NDLEA’s Director of Drug Demand Reduction, Marwa said drug tests at NYSC camps would help deter substance use. He explained that the tests would also enable timely support and intervention for those who test positive for drugs during orientation. The programme is part of the War Against Drug Abuse campaign, aimed at reducing drug demand and building stronger support networks for youths. The policy has already been adopted by some universities and state governments and is gradually gaining wider acceptance. NDLEA supplies affordable test kits to schools and assigns trained officers to carry out drug testing procedures. The agency is pushing for drug test requirements in other sectors, including public service, in spite of some opposition. “If youths know camps include drug tests, they’ll avoid it. The goal is early help for those who need it,” PUNCH quoted Marwa as saying. He emphasised that urgent collective action is needed to address the rising trend of drug abuse in the country.

President of the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria, CBCN, Most Reverend Lucius Ugorji has lamented that Nigerians are under siege as insecurity worsens in the country. The cleric stated this in his Easter message in Owerri the Imo State capital. NATIONAL POST reports that in the last few days, Nigerians have witnessed wide-scale killings and maiming, especially in Plateau and Benue States. Ugorji said the continued kidnap for ransom and gruesome killings of innocent citizens by criminals portends that the country is under siege. According to the Church leader, “We are celebrating Easter this year in an atmosphere that breathes pessimism and despair. “The general insecurity of life and property is heightened by the rising wave of kidnapping for ransom, and the mindless slaughtering of innocent citizens by criminal gangs. “We seem to be a nation under siege. No place seems safe: our homes, places of business, our highways and even the sacred precincts of places of worship. “Government’s lack of political will to address the rising criminality across the nation, is pushing the populace to resort to self-help to defend their lives and sources of livelihood.”

Former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar has again come hard on President Bola Tinubu, accusing him of lacking competence and ideas in tackling the security challenges in Nigeria. Atiku, a former presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP), spoke in reaction to the wanton killings and destruction of properties in Plateau and Benue states. He accused Tinubu’s presidency of indifference to the killings, adding that the President chose to "galvanize in Europe" while unable to solve Nigeria's insecurity challenges He wrote: "The Tinubu administration has proven, time and again, to be utterly incapable, wholly incompetent, and completely devoid of any coherent ideas for tackling Nigeria’s deepening security crisis. "This is not just my position — it is a growing consensus among political opposition leaders, respected security experts, and even members within the ruling party who, though too timid to speak publicly, confess this uncomfortable truth behind closed doors. "The blood of innocent Nigerians continues to be spilled with appalling regularity—most recently in the Logo and Gbagir communities of Ukum LGA in Benue State. Yet, the Tinubu presidency remains disturbingly indifferent, displaying neither urgency nor the basic decency of public empathy. "Yet President Bola Tinubu, incapable of solving Nigeria’s worsening insecurity, chooses instead to gallivant across Europe — governing Nigeria in absentia as if from a holiday perch."

Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah, has described Easter as a time for forgiveness, love, and strengthening of the bonds of unity across creeds and tribes. Mbah stated this in his Easter message to the people of Enugu State and the nation on Saturday. “As Christians in Nigeria join other Christian faithful across the world in celebrating the feast of Easter, I wish everyone a blissful celebration and pray that they experience the redemptive power of the resurrection. “Easter is a lesson in the lifelong benefits of sacrifice. It teaches us about the virtues of penitence and moderation. “Above all, Easter is a lesson in love and selflessness. “Easter reminds us of our common brotherhood and humanity. And its celebration is a call to forgiveness and peaceful coexistence. “Let us also use this solemn celebration to pray for Nigeria, and reach out in love across creeds, to strengthen our bonds and unity. That way, our dear country can overcome all its challenges,” he said. He wished the people of the state and all Nigerians a very happy Easter celebration.

Popular Nigerian gospel singer, Bolaji Olarewaju, known as Big Bolaji is dead. Big Bolaji passed on following after a brief illness. This came not long after he celebrated his 50th birthday. His death was confirmed by his family on Saturday. “It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Bolaji Olarewaju, affectionately known as “Big B,” a cherished father, husband, brother, and an esteemed figure in both the church community, an ordained Pastor in the RCCG and a giant in the music industry and our community. "Bolaji left us on Easter Saturday, 19th April 2025, after a brief illness," the family said, adding that details of his obsequies will be shared in due course.

Air Peace, on Saturday announced that it has suspended all flights scheduled to Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu, Enugu State. It blamed the decision on the deteriorating airport infrastructure which it said has continued to raise safety concerns. Before now, there have been rumour that the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, FAAN, was planning a shutdown of the airport for a repair of the runway. Speaking, Air Peace complained about the airport runway, stating that it had been causing a major disruption to its flights. Necessitating the decision to suspend further flights into the airport until further notice. “At Air Peace, we prioritise safety first over convenience. We believe that if flights are not operated into this aerodrome for the next few days, it will allow the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria the opportunity to perform the necessary repairs on the runway. “Please be informed that all flights scheduled into and out of Enugu will now be operated into and out of Asaba. “We regret any inconvenience this change may have caused,” the airline stated. Meanwhile, there are indications that other airlines would follow suit in the coming days.

Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia has confirmed the loss of 20 lives in a renewed attack by herdsmen in the state. Alia made the confirmation in a post on his Facebook Page on Friday night. The governor, who expressed sadness over the latest killings, assured the people of the state that efforts were on to end the brutal killing of residents of the state. He said, “It is with a heavy heart that I address the people of Benue State regarding the recent coordinated attacks by suspected herdsmen on our beloved communities in Ukum and Logo Local Government Areas. “As of this moment, we have confirmed the tragic loss of twenty (20) precious lives in the Sankera axis. “Five corpses were initially recovered in Gbagir and taken to the mortuary. Two more were later found by residents searching for their loved ones. “One family, devastated by their loss, insisted on an immediate burial of their relative in Gbagir, and our security forces stood by them, ensuring their safety as they laid their relative to rest. “Simultaneously, in Logo, the police recovered twelve more bodies, bringing the total number of lives lost to twenty. These are not just numbers; these are fathers, mothers, children, brothers, and sisters whose lives were cut short by senseless violence.” “I have spoken directly with our security operatives and I want to assure you, we are not backing down. We remain committed to protecting every Benue life and will continue to work relentlessly to restore peace and order to our communities. “To our people, I appeal once again: speak up. Share information with our security agencies. Help us fish out the perpetrators of these evil acts. Our strength lies in our unity. “Benue will not bow to fear. We will rise, rebuild, and remain unshaken,” he assured. It could be recalled that suspected herdsmen have repeatedly launched a series of attacks on Benue communities for weeks now. Despite efforts of government and security agencies, the attacks have continued, forcing some natives to desert their ancestral homes and farm lands.