Breaking News
SAD: Abducted junior seminarian dies in captivity
The Catholic Diocese of Auchi has confirmed the death of Emmanuel Alabi, one of the three junior seminarians abducted by gunmen earlier this year.
The sad development was announced late Tuesday in a statement issued by the Assistant Director of Communications for the Diocese, Rev. Fr. Linus Imoedemhe.
According to the statement, Alabi died in the custody of his abductors after months of captivity.
It will be recalled that three seminarians – Japhet Jesse, Joshua Aleobua, and Emmanuel Alabi – were kidnapped on July 10, 2025, from the Immaculate Conception Minor Seminary in Ivianokpodi, Etsako East Local Government Area of Edo State.
Reports indicate that Japhet Jesse was released shortly after the abduction, following the alleged payment of a ransom by his family. However, the other two, Joshua Aleobua and Emmanuel Alabi, remained in captivity for over three months, reportedly due to the Church’s refusal to pay ransom to the kidnappers.
In the statement, Rev. Fr. Imoedemhe expressed gratitude for the safe return of the other victims, while mourning the loss of Alabi.
“We are grateful to God for the safe release of Japhet Jesse much earlier, and most recently, Joshua Aleobua, who regained his freedom on November 4, 2025.
“However, with deep sorrow, we announce the passing of seminarian Emmanuel Alabi, who lost his life in the course of the ordeal,” the statement read in part.
Reacting to the tragic news, the Bishop of the Diocese of Auchi, Most Rev. Gabriel Dunia, expressed profound grief over the death of the young seminarian.
He called on security agencies to intensify their efforts to protect lives and property, describing the prevailing wave of insecurity across the country as deeply alarming.
Dunia also urged political leaders to rise above partisan interests and place national security and citizens’ safety at the forefront, especially as the 2027 general elections approach.
“The Diocese of Auchi remains steadfast in its commitment to faith, peace, and justice, trusting in God’s mercy to console the bereaved family, the seminary community, and all those affected by this tragedy,” the statement added.
Breaking News
Breaking: Nigerian Workers Demand N300,000 Minimum Wage, FG Faces Fresh Salary Pressure
The Federal Workers Forum, FWF, has demanded an immediate increase in the federal minimum wage from N70,000 to N300,000, noting that the current salary structure can no longer sustain civil servants amid Nigeria’s rising cost of living.
The Forum made the demand in a letter dated September 2, 2026, addressed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the National Assembly, with the Senate President, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Chief Justice of Nigeria and Head of the Civil Service of the Federation listed among the recipients.
The workers also proposed a new salary structure that would place the highest-paid Level 17 officer on a monthly salary of N1.5 million, while Level 1 Step 1 workers would earn N300,000.
“We call for justice and immediate wage review now, adjust the federal minimum wage to N300,000 and a maximum wage of N1.5m for the Level 17 officers,” the Forum said.
Recommended
The FWF argued that the Federal Government had not fully implemented the 2024 minimum wage agreement, claiming that federal workers had yet to receive the full consequential adjustment and associated allowances.
“It will surprise you to hear that the Federal Government has not fully implemented the new national minimum wage since July 2024. We have been in the battle for full consequential adjustment of the new minimum wage,” it said.
Recall that the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, in August 2026, demanded an upward review of the minimum wage to N500,000.
In July 2024, President Bola Tinubu’s government increased the minimum wage to N70,000 per month from N30,000.
However, the cost of living for many Nigerians has tripled between 2024 and 2026.
You may like
Breaking News
BREAKING NEWS: ‘No Support For Military Coup in Niger’ – FG
The Federal Government has said Nigeria will never support a military coup or any unconstitutional change of government, following claims that the country backed a failed coup attempt in the Niger Republic.
The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Sola Enikanolaiye, made this known in a statement issued on Thursday.
According to the statement, the claims circulating on social media are baseless and misleading.
Enikanolaiye said Nigeria remained committed to democracy, constitutional rule and political stability in West Africa and would not support any attempt to remove a government through unconstitutional means.
Recommended
“Nigeria will never support illegality or unconstitutional change of government anywhere, no matter who is involved or which country is concerned,” he said.
The minister also rejected claims that Nigeria, through its membership of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), supported or endorsed the military takeover in Niger.
He said the Federal Government had already stated its position on the situation in Niger in an earlier statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on August 30, 2026.
According to him, Nigeria remains deeply concerned about developments in Niger and wants the country to return peacefully to stability and constitutional order.
Enikanolaiye said Nigeria’s close historical, cultural and fraternal ties with Niger made peace and stability in the neighbouring country particularly important.
“Nigerians at home and abroad should disregard the videos and narratives circulating online, they are intended to create confusion and tarnish Nigeria’s image,” the statement said.
You may like
-
Breaking News11 months agoNiger Delta Group hails Tinubu, NUPRC for ₦373bn host community fund and 536 life-changing projects
-
Breaking News10 months agoEx-EFCC Exhibit Keeper Kaduna Zonal Directorate, Allegedly Steals ₦22m
-
Breaking News9 months agoTerrorists Want ₦2m ‘levy’ in Katsina Community Despite Peaceful Agreement
-
Business4 months agoBREAKING NEWS: Zenith Bank Rewards Investors with ₦410.69bn Dividend at AGM
-
Breaking News8 months agoBreaking News: Nigerian Air Force Reportedly Kills 750 Terrorists in Borno State
-
Business11 months agoHouse of Representatives probes $35m modular refinery project
-
Breaking News4 months agoPlaintiff To Pay ₦1m Fines For Delay In Jonathan Eligibility Suit
-
Breaking News4 months agoDEFAMATION OF CHARACTER: SERAP On Appeal Against The ₦100m Judgment In Favour of DSS Officials
