IMO BREAKING NEWS BLOG

National Security Adviser (NSA) Nuhu Ribadu has cautioned Nigerians against paying ransom to terrorists and kidnappers, warning it fuels further criminality.

Speaking in Abuja while handing over 64 rescued kidnapping victims—freed after a month in captivity in Kaduna—to Defence Minister Mohammed Abubakar, Ribadu stressed that the government has never paid ransom and urged families to stop financing criminal groups.

He credited the successful rescue operation to sustained military pressure and lauded the armed forces’ efforts, with special thanks to President Bola Tinubu for his continued support.

Defence Minister Abubakar also praised the military and urged the public to keep providing useful intelligence to aid security operations. 

At least 98 people were killed and over 150 injured after the roof of the Jet Set nightclub in Santo Domingo collapsed during a live performance by merengue legend Rubby Perez early Tuesday.

Perez and former MLB pitcher Octavio Dotel were among the victims. Over 370 rescue workers continue search efforts, though chances of finding more survivors are slim.

President Luis Abinader declared three days of national mourning and confirmed the death of Monte Cristi governor, Nelsy Cruz.

Witnesses reported a blackout before the collapse. The club, operating for over 50 years, is cooperating with investigations. Authorities have appealed for blood donations to support the injured.

The Imo State House of Assembly has appealed to Governor Hope Uzodinma to provide urgent humanitarian assistance to residents of Orsu LGA who recently returned home after years of displacement caused by insecurity since 2020.

The call followed a motion by Uche Francis Agabige, representing Orsu constituency, who highlighted the devastation caused by the prolonged unrest, including loss of lives, destruction of property, and displacement of residents. He commended the governor for restoring security in the area, noting that police operations have resumed fully across the LGA.

Agabige urged the state to rehabilitate critical infrastructure such as roads, schools, health centres, and courts, while also calling for immediate distribution of relief materials including food, clothing, bedding, and medicine to help the returnees rebuild their lives.

Following deliberation, the House resolved to urge the governor to direct the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), and other relevant agencies to assist the affected communities. The clerk, Chinelo Emeghara, was instructed to forward the resolution to the governor. 

Banana Island in Lagos was placed on lockdown Tuesday, with its gates sealed off, sparking major traffic congestion across the Lekki-Ajah corridor and parts of Ikoyi.

The closure, captured in viral videos, has been linked to the proposed demolition of the Banana Island Club House, though conflicting reports have emerged over which government agency ordered the action.

While a viral broadcast blamed Lagos authorities, the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA) denied involvement, stating no officials were on site and that no demolition had commenced.

The lockdown follows recent warnings by LASBCA to remove illegal structures on the island in line with urban planning enforcement. 

The Abia State Government has issued a stern warning to school heads and principals, threatening dismissal for anyone found collecting unauthorized fees in public schools, in violation of the state’s free education policy.

Information Commissioner Prince Okey Kanu, speaking after the weekly Executive Council meeting, reiterated that education is free from primary to JSS3, while students in SS1 to SS3 are only required to pay a reduced fee of ₦3,300.

He emphasized that routine school expenses are now covered by government imprest funds, eliminating any excuse for illegal levies, and warned that offenders risk losing their jobs.

Kanu also announced reforms in the education sector, including training for 2,200 teachers by the Education Reformation and Innovation Team (ERIT) and the conclusion of teacher recruitment interviews for 7,000 qualified applicants and 180 persons with disabilities.

In a separate development, the state is set to unveil a policy promoting Made-in-Abia products, aimed at boosting local content and economic resilience. The initiative will prioritize locally sourced goods and services, aligning with Abia’s efforts to cushion the effects of national and global economic challenges. 

The United States imported $643.1 million worth of goods from Nigeria in the first two months of 2025, just ahead of new tariffs set to take effect on April 9 under the Trump administration.

While the tariffs have sparked concerns over potential trade impacts, key Nigerian exports like oil and minerals are exempted.

Data from the US International Trade Commission shows a 32.4% drop in customs-based imports year-on-year, falling from $951.6 million in 2024. Despite the decline, Nigeria’s trade balance improved, shifting from a $158.8 million deficit to a $44.3 million surplus.

Total trade between both nations in the period stood at $1.33 billion, underscoring strong bilateral ties amid evolving trade policies.