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Schoolgirls Escape After Kidnappers’ Car Breaks Down in Niger State Attack

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By Prosper Mene

Armed bandits stormed St. Mary’s Catholic School, a boarding school in Papiri town, Agwara Local Government Area of Niger State, in the early hours of Friday morning.

The attack started around 5:00 a.m. when the gunmen arrived on several motorcycles. They fired shots into the air to scare everyone and quickly entered the girls’ hostel. Students and teachers who were still sleeping were forced outside at gunpoint.

According to an eyewitness who spoke anonymously for security reasons, the bandits spent almost two hours inside the school, beating doors open and gathering the girls. They took away many schoolgirls (mostly aged 12–16) and at least 12 teachers. The exact number of abducted students is not yet confirmed, but some reports say more than 50 children were taken.

The kidnappers tried to move fast. They stole a private car near the school and forced several girls into it while others were put on the motorcycles.

Just a few metres from the school gate, the stolen car suddenly stopped. Witnesses said the engine made a loud noise and died completely. The bandits became angry and started shouting at each other in Hausa language. Some tried to push the car, but it would not start.

In that moment of confusion, several schoolgirls saw their chance. They opened the car doors, jumped out, and ran into the nearby bush. Others who were near the broken-down vehicle also scattered and hid.

One of the girls who escaped is 14-year-old Eze Gloria Chidinma. According to her sister, Gloria jumped over the school fence during the chaos and ran to a teacher’s house close by, where she hid until it was safe.

Because the car broke down, at least five to seven girls managed to escape. The rest were taken deeper into the forest by the bandits on motorcycles.

This incident adds to the current surge of school attacks in Nigeria this week. On Monday, 25 girls were kidnapped from a school in Kebbi State; two of them later escaped.

The Niger State government said they had ordered all boarding schools in risky areas to close temporarily because of security warnings, but St. Mary’s had reopened without full permission.

Security forces, local hunters, and vigilantes are now searching the forests around Papiri for the missing students and teachers. No ransom demand has been received yet.

Parents have gathered at the school gate, crying and praying for the safe return of their children.

We continue to hope and pray that the remaining girls and their teachers will be found and brought home safely very soon.

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Hospital Cleaner Poses as Surgeon, Sexually Assaults and Defrauds Woman in Ogun State

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By Prosper Mene

The Ogun State Police have arrested a 28-year-old hospital cleaner who allegedly impersonated a surgeon to sexually assault and defraud a young woman he met on Snapchat. The suspect, Victor Cletus, exploited the victim’s trust by fabricating a medical crisis, only to betray it with violence and theft.

According to police spokesperson CSP Omolola Odutola, the ordeal began when Cletus, employed as a cleaner at Babcock University Teaching Hospital in Ilishan-Remo, connected with the victim on the social media platform. Posing as a qualified surgeon at the same facility, he convinced her to share concerns about a breast lump, promising expert intervention. Over time, he escalated his ruse by demanding payments for a supposed surgical procedure, totaling an undisclosed sum transferred to his account via the Opay mobile wallet.

On November 18, 2025, the pair arranged to meet at a location in Ogun State under the pretense of conducting the surgery. Instead of providing medical care, Cletus allegedly sexually assaulted the woman, leaving her traumatized and robbed of her funds. “Rather than offering any medical help, he sexually abused her and also stole money from her Opay account,” Odutola detailed in a statement released today.

The victim’s suspicions deepened the following day when Cletus, undeterred, continued pressuring her for sexual favors without any follow-up on her health concerns or the promised procedure. Alarmed, she independently contacted Babcock University Teaching Hospital to verify his credentials. The shocking revelation: Victor Cletus was no doctor but a low-level cleaner with no medical qualifications. Armed with this evidence, the victim reported the incident to the police, leading to Cletus’s swift arrest.

Cletus, described by authorities as a “serial impostor,” remains in custody at the Ogun State Police Command headquarters in Eleweran, Abeokuta. Investigations are ongoing to determine the full extent of his fraudulent activities and whether other victims have fallen prey to his scheme. He faces charges including impersonation, sexual assault, and theft, with prosecution expected in the coming weeks.

Ogun State Commissioner of Police, CP Lanre Ogunlowo, condemned the “heinous act” in the strongest terms, vowing zero tolerance for such crimes. “The Command will not tolerate any form of exploitation, deception, or sexual violence against women,” Ogunlowo stated. He issued a stark warning to online predators and impostors exploiting social media: “We will identify, arrest, and prosecute individuals who impersonate professionals or weaponize platforms to perpetrate criminal acts.”

Odutola urged the public, especially young females, to exercise extreme caution. “Avoid disclosing personal or medical information to strangers on social media,” she advised. “Verify credentials through official channels before engaging with anyone claiming expertise.”

 

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Kebbi Abduction: Senator Vows Swift Rescue of Schoolgirls, Rejects Chibok Repeat

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By Prosper Mene

Standing against the rising tide of school abductions in Nigeria’s northwest, Senator Garba Maidoki has pledged that the kidnapping of 25 schoolgirls from a Kebbi boarding school will not echo the haunting legacy of the 2014 Chibok tragedy. “This will not be like the Chibok girls,” Maidoki, representing Kebbi South Senatorial District, declared during an emotional visit to the affected community, vowing a rapid and secure return for the students.

The attack occurred in the pre-dawn hours of Monday, November 17, when armed gunmen stormed the Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School in Maga, Danko-Wasagu Local Government Area. The assailants, believed to be bandits operating in the region’s dense forests, killed Vice Principal Hassan Yakubu Makuku in cold blood, injured a school guard, and herded the terrified girls from their dormitories into the darkness. The school, a beacon of education for girls in this remote agrarian community, was left in chaos, with families now clinging to fragile hopes amid the acrid smell of gunpowder and grief.

Maidoki, visibly shaken, described the incident as “the most unfortunate week of my life” during a Channels Television interview.He revealed that security forces have a “fair idea” of the girls’ location, confined within the Kebbi South Senatorial District, and commended the Nigerian Armed Forces for their relentless pursuit. “They are right now in the forest,” he said, noting reports of seven soldiers wounded in clashes with the abductors just hours earlier. “There is high hope that these girls will be returned in the next one or two days.”

The full list of abducted students, released by Danko-Wasagu Local Government Chairman Hussaini Aliyu to counter misinformation, includes young women from junior and senior secondary classes: Fatima Sani Zimri, Hafsat Ibrahim, Nana Firdausi Jibril, Masauda Yakubu Romo, Hauwa Saleh, Hauwau Umar Imam, Salima Garba Umar, Salima Sani Zimri, Amina G. Umar, Rashida Muhammad Dingu, Saliha Umar, Aisha Usman, Jamila Iliyasu, Maryam Illiyasu, Najaatu Abdullahi, Zainab Kolo, Surraya Tukur, Hafsat Umar Yalmo, Maryam Usman, Amina Illiyasu, Ikilima Suleman, Khadija Nazifi, Hauwau Iliyasu, Hauwau Lawali, and one unnamed student. Amid the anguish, glimmers of relief emerged: At least two girls escaped the clutches of their captors during the chaos, one returning home safely and the other confirmed unharmed shortly after.

President Bola Tinubu swiftly condemned the assault, directing Vice President Kashim Shettima to visit Kebbi and console the families on his behalf, while assuring the nation’s full commitment to the girls’ safe recovery. The Senate, erupting in bipartisan fury during Tuesday’s session, passed resolutions demanding urgent national security action, including an investigation into the underutilized Safe School Initiative Fund—a program meant to fortify educational institutions but plagued by questions of accountabiliy. Senator Adamu Aliero Abdullahi (Kebbi Central) labeled the raid a “slap in the face to our nation,” recalling a similar 2022 Kebbi abduction that dragged on for four agonizing years before resolution.

This latest horror revives painful memories of April 14, 2014, when Boko Haram insurgents seized 276 girls from Chibok, Borno State, in a mass kidnapping that ignited global outrage and the #BringBackOurGirls movement. Over a decade later, more than 80 Chibok girls remain unaccounted for, their plight a stark symbol of Nigeria’s enduring battle with insecurity.bab63b Northwest Nigeria, once spared the Islamist insurgency’s full fury, now grapples with banditry-fueled chaos, where armed gangs on motorcycles target schools for ransom, sowing fear and disrupting education. Just last March, over 200 pupils were freed from a Kaduna school after a similar ordeal.

As troops comb the surrounding forests under the directive of Chief of Army Staff Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu—who emphasized that “success is not optional”—communities in Maga huddle in prayer vigils. The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) joined the chorus of condemnation on International Students’ Day, urging an end to the “barbaric” assaults on learning.

Maidoki’s defiance cuts through the despair: “We will not allow this to become another Chibok.” For the families of Maga, those words are a lifeline in the shadows.

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Nnadozie Claims Historic Third Straight CAF Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year Award

by Women Times on

By Prosper Mene

Nigeria’s Chiamaka Nnadozie has been crowned the 2025 CAF Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year, securing the prestigious accolade for the third consecutive season. The 24-year-old Super Falcons star received the honor at the glittering CAF Awards ceremony held here tonight, edging out formidable challengers Morocco’s Khadija Er-Rmichi and South Africa’s Andile Dlamini.

Nnadozie’s latest triumph caps a banner year that has seen her elevate both club and country to new heights. With Paris FC last season, she played a pivotal role in lifting the Coupe de France Féminine in May, showcasing her shot-stopping prowess in high-stakes domestic action. Her move to England’s Women’s Super League side Brighton & Hove Albion has only amplified her global profile, where she has quickly become a cornerstone of the team’s defense.

On the international stage, Nnadozie was the undisputed hero of Nigeria’s triumphant 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) campaign in Morocco. As the Super Falcons clinched a record-extending 10th continental title, she anchored the backline with four clean sheets across six matches, conceding just twice from open play, including in the thrilling 3-2 final victory. Her commanding performances earned her the tournament’s Best Goalkeeper award, a fitting prelude to this CAF hat-trick.

This three-feat following wins in 2023 and 2024, places Nnadozie in rarefied air, unmatched by any other African women’s goalkeeper in recent history. Her sustained excellence has not gone unnoticed beyond the continent; just weeks ago, she was shortlisted for the 2025 FIFA Best Women’s Goalkeeper award, positioning her alongside global elites like Germany’s Ann-Katrin Berger and Spain’s Cata Coll.

Reflecting on her achievement via a post-ceremony statement shared on social media, Nnadozie expressed gratitude and resolve: “This is for every young girl in Nigeria and across Africa dreaming of standing tall in goal. Three in a row is special, but the work never stops. Thank you to my family, coaches, and the Super Falcons for believing in me.” Her words underscore a career defined not just by accolades, but by inspiring the next generation amid the growing momentum of women’s football in Africa.

As Nnadozie eyes upcoming challenges, including Brighton’s WSL title push and Nigeria’s preparations for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup qualifiers, her legacy as Africa’s premier custodian is firmly etched.

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Super Falcons Crowned CAF Women’s National Team of the Year 2025

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By Prosper Mene

Nigeria’s Super Falcons have once again etched their name into the annals of African football history. The nine-time African champions were officially named the CAF Women’s National Team of the Year at the prestigious 2025 Confederation of African Football (CAF) Awards ceremony, held at the Mohammed VI Polytechnic University in Rabat, Morocco.

This triumph marks the third consecutive year the Super Falcons have claimed the honor, following back-to-back victories in 2023 and 2024, and their seventh overall since the award’s inception. It’s a resounding endorsement of their unyielding dominance on the continental stage, where they remain the most decorated women’s national team in Africa.

The award arrives on the heels of an unforgettable 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), hosted by Morocco earlier this year. Under the guidance of head coach Justin Madugu, the Falcons delivered a masterclass in resilience and tactical brilliance, storming to their record-extending 10th title. Their path to glory included commanding wins over Zambia and South Africa in the group stages, before a heart-stopping final against the host nation, Morocco’s Atlas Lionesses.

Trailing 2-0 after just 24 minutes in the decider, the Super Falcons refused to yield. A blistering second-half comeback, fueled by three goals in a frantic 24-minute spell—sealed a 3-2 victory and sparked wild jubilation among fans and players alike. Throughout the tournament, Nigeria won five of their six matches, boasting four clean sheets and conceding only twice from open play, a testament to their defensive solidity and attacking flair.

“We are overjoyed and deeply grateful for this recognition,” said Falcons captain Rasheedat Ajibade, who was herself nominated for the CAF Women’s Player of the Year award. “This isn’t just about one tournament; it’s about the hard work, unity, and passion that define this team. Winning WAFCON was special, but bringing this home for Nigeria makes it even sweeter. We’re already looking ahead to more battles on the global stage.”

The Super Falcons edged out formidable contenders Ghana’s Black Queens, who secured bronze at WAFCON after a strong return to the competitio and Morocco’s Atlas Lionesses, who hosted the event with aplomb but fell just short in the final. The Black Queens’ inclusion in the shortlist highlighted their resurgence, while Morocco’s bid was bolstered by their impressive home performances.

Individual stars from the Falcons also shone brightly in the nominations. Goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie earned a spot on the shortlist for CAF Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year, her tournament heroics between the posts proving pivotal. Coach Madugu, meanwhile, was recognized for his leadership in guiding the team to glory, landing a nomination for Women’s Coach of the Year.

Nigeria’s influence extended beyond the senior side at the awards. The U-17 Flamingos were also shortlisted for the National Team of the Year (Women) category after reaching the Round of 16 at the 2025 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco, while Bayelsa Queens represented the domestic front with a nod for Club of the Year (Women).

The Super Falcons’ latest accolade serves as both a celebration of past triumphs and a clarion call for the future. With eyes now turning to qualifiers for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup and beyond, Africa’s queens of the pitch are poised to continue their reign, inspiring a new generation of female footballers across the continent.

 

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Missing FRSC Officer and Daughter Feared Killed by Osun Herbalist

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By Prosper Mene

In a chilling development that has sent shockwaves through Nigeria’s road safety community, the bodies of a senior Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) officer and her teenage daughter have been discovered at a suspected herbalist’s den in Osun State, fueling fears of a ritualistic murder.

SRC Funmilayo Oluwamayokun Lasisi, a 38-year-old Superintendent Route Commander with the FRSC Abeokuta Unit, and her daughter, Sewa Lasisi, vanished without a trace on November 2, 2025, after leaving their residence at Obasanjo Hilltop Estate in Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, Ogun State. The mother and daughter, last seen departing their home that Sunday morning without disclosing their destination, had been the subject of an urgent public appeal by Ogun State Police just over a week ago.

The grim discovery was reported today by local media, confirming the worst fears of family, colleagues, and authorities. According to emerging details, the remains were found at a location linked to a traditional herbalist in Osun State, raising immediate suspicions of involvement in money rituals or other occult practices, a recurring scourge in parts of southwestern Nigeria. Police investigations are now underway, with officers from both Ogun and Osun Commands collaborating to unravel the circumstances surrounding the deaths.

The disappearance was first reported to the Kemta Divisional Police Headquarters on November 5 by an FRSC colleague, accompanied by family members. Despite exhaustive efforts, including phone tracing and community outreach, their phones remained unreachable, and no leads surfaced until this heartbreaking breakthrough. Ogun State Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Omolola Odutola, had earlier issued a statement urging the public for tips, assuring confidentiality for all information provided.

Funmilayo Lasisi was a dedicated fourth-level operational officer in the FRSC hierarchy, renowned for overseeing multiple routes and spearheading enforcement operations to curb road fatalities across Ogun State. Her abrupt absence not only disrupted corps activities but also left a void in the lives of those who knew her as a pillar of discipline and maternal warmth. Sewa, her teenage daughter, was described by relatives as a bright and promising young girl whose future was cut tragically short.

This incident underscores the persistent menace of ritual killings in Nigeria, where herbalists and self-proclaimed spiritualists have been implicated in numerous abductions and murders targeting vulnerable individuals. Just last year, Ogun Police paraded suspects in similar cases, including herbalists arrested for dismembering victims for body parts used in purported wealth-attracting charms. Authorities have vowed zero tolerance, but such tragedies persist, often exploiting trust in traditional healers.

The FRSC has yet to issue an official statement, but sources within the agency express profound grief and a renewed call for public vigilance. Ogun State Commissioner of Police, CP Lanre Ogunlowo, has ordered a thorough probe, including forensic analysis and potential arrests.

As the nation mourns this profound loss, questions linger: Who lured the pair to Osun, and what dark motives drove this heinous act? The police urge anyone with information to come forward immediately, contactable via Kemta Divisional Headquarters or the command’s hotline.

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NADF, IDH, and BOA Forge Tripartite Partnership to Empower Women Agrpreneurs in Nigeria’s Cassava Sector

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By Prosper Mene

In a move to bridge the financing gap for women in agriculture, the National Agricultural Development Fund (NADF) has entered into a tripartite Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Sustainable Trade Initiative (IDH) and the Bank of Agriculture (BOA).

The collaboration aims to unlock affordable financing and business support for youth, with a special focus on young women participating in the Women in Sourcing and Enterprise (WISE) program within Nigeria’s vital cassava value chain.

Cassava, a staple crop that supports millions of livelihoods across Nigeria, has long faced challenges in scaling sustainable production and processing due to limited access to capital. This partnership seeks to address those barriers head-on, targeting high interest rates, collateral shortages, and the scarcity of women-tailored financial products. By pooling resources, the trio will provide liquidity, co-financing, and on-lending mechanisms to empower “agrpreneurs” – women-led enterprises that drive innovation from farm to market.

“This MoU is more than a signing; it’s a blueprint for inclusive growth,” said Abdullahi Imam, Head of Debt Investment at NADF, during the agreement ceremony. “Through our combined strengths – IDH’s market convening power, BOA’s lending expertise, and NADF’s liquidity support , we’re creating pathways for young women to thrive in the cassava sector. This model has the potential to scale to other crops like maize, rice, and soyabeans, transforming Nigeria’s agricultural landscape.”

Daan Wensing, CEO of IDH, supported the sentiment, highlighting the initiative’s role in fostering resilient markets. “Youth and women are the backbone of sustainable agribusiness, yet they often lack the tools to participate fully. This partnership will generate meaningful opportunities, from sourcing to enterprise development, while bolstering food security and job creation.”

Ayodeji Sotinrin, Managing Director of BOA, emphasized the bank’s commitment to holistic value chain support. “We’re not just funding farms; we’re investing in the entire ecosystem – from primary production to processing and distribution. This aligns with our mission to make agricultural finance inclusive and impactful.”

The effort is embedded within the Nigerian Food Systems Transformation Alliance, a broader platform uniting stakeholders to enhance local sourcing, promote sustainable livelihoods, and combat food insecurity. Initial funding will prioritize WISE participants, offering low-interest loans, training in financial literacy, and mentorship to build creditworthy businesses. Experts estimate the initiative could mobilize millions in capital, potentially creating thousands of jobs and boosting women’s economic participation in a sector where they already contribute over 70% of the labor force but hold less than 20% of formal financing.

This partnership comes at a critical juncture for Nigeria’s agriculture, which employs nearly 40% of the workforce and accounts for a quarter of GDP. With climate pressures and market volatility on the rise, empowering women agrpreneurs isn’t just equitable – it’s essential for national resilience. As Imam noted, “By closing these gaps, we’re not only uplifting individuals; we’re fortifying the entire food system.”

Stakeholders anticipate the first disbursements by early 2026, with monitoring to ensure transparency and scalability.

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‘I Didn’t Kill My Husband’ — Christy Akingboye Breaks Silence on Husband’s Death Amid Family Feud and Murder Allegations

by Women Times on

By Prosper Mene

During a tearful press conference that laid bare the raw wounds of grief, betrayal, and vicious family infighting, Christy Akingboye, the widow of prominent businessman and politician Bamidele Akingboye, vehemently denied any involvement in her husband’s tragic death. “My hands are clean.

I didn’t kill my husband. I loved him and stood by him through everything,” she declared, her voice steady despite the visible toll of weeks of silence and scrutiny.

Bamidele Akingboye, fondly known as OBA, passed away on August 28, 2025, at the age of 60 in their Victoria Garden City (VGC) residence in Lagos. The oil magnate and philanthropist, who had just contested as the Social Democratic Party (SDP) governorship candidate in Ondo State’s November 2024 election, his fifth political bid,left behind a legacy of maritime ventures, community upliftment, and unyielding ambition. But his death, initially shrouded in mystery, has spiraled into a public scandal, with police investigations, family accusations, and whispers of foul play turning what should have been a time of mourning into a courtroom drama.

Speaking to journalists in Lagos on Monday, Christy, 58, recounted the 34-year love story that began in faith and blossomed into a partnership of equals. “He was my Sweetheart, my husband, my best friend, my gossip partner,” she said, her eyes welling up. The couple, married since the early 1990s, weathered political storms, business battles, and personal hardships together. Yet, in his final months, Akingboye grappled privately with bipolar disorder, a condition exacerbated by mounting debts, including a N360 million land dispute refund and aggressive bank loan recalls, and the bruising defeat in Ondo.

CCTV footage from the morning of his death captured the heartbreaking truth: Akingboye, in a moment of profound despair, stepped off the balcony of their home. “My son Melvin screamed when he saw the footage. The police officers there saw it too. My husband jumped. It was his illness,” Christy revealed, echoing details from an emotional interview she gave in October.

But sympathy evaporated almost immediately. Enter Samuel Akingboye, Christy’s stepson from her husband’s first marriage, whom she raised as her own for decades. Samuel, now estranged, publicly accused her of orchestrating the death, igniting a firestorm that led to Christy’s detention alongside her biological children at Panti Police Station in September.

In harrowing accounts shared earlier this fall, Christy described the ordeal as a nightmare of dehumanization. “I was stripped, my clothes torn, my dignity shredded,” she alleged, claiming police, at the behest of family members, subjected her and her son to beatings and suffocation by inmates.abdb43 Samuel’s allegations, she insists, stem not from grief but greed, a calculated bid by extended family to seize control of Akingboye’s sprawling estate, including prime properties and business interests. “This is cruel, false, and deliberately orchestrated to smear me and my children,” Christy fumed during the press conference, vowing to pursue justice through legal channels.

The Lagos State Police Command, which treated the case as a potential homicide from the outset, has faced mounting pressure to release Christy and her children, citing insufficient evidence. A source close to the investigation told reporters that forensic reviews corroborated the suicide narrative, with no signs of external involvement. Yet, the family rift persists, with Samuel standing firm on his claims, reportedly backed by other relatives eyeing inheritance shares.

Christy’s emergence from silence marks a turning point, not just for her but for a narrative too often twisted by ambition and loss. As she fights for exoneration, her plea resonates beyond the courtroom: “I only want the truth to prevail.” For a woman who built a life on love and resilience, the battle now is to reclaim her husband’s memory from the shadows of suspicion and to remind the world that even titans fall, not by treachery, but by the quiet cruelties of the mind.

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President Tinubu Orders Immediate Rescue of 25 Abducted Girls Amid Renewed Bandit Onslaught

by Women Times on

By Prosper Mene 

Armed bandits stormed the Government Girls Comprehensive Senior Secondary School (GGCSS) in Maga, Danko/Wasagu Local Government Area of Kebbi State, abducting 25 terrified schoolgirls and brutally gunning down the school’s vice principal. The attack, which unfolded around 4 a.m. local time, marks a chilling resurgence of school-targeted kidnappings, prompting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to issue a direct presidential order for their swift and safe recovery.

Eyewitness accounts and police reports paint a scene of chaos and horror. Gunmen, wielding sophisticated weapons and firing sporadically to sow panic, scaled the school’s perimeter fence and made straight for the female students’ hostel. In the ensuing melee, Vice Principal Malam Hassan Yakubu Makuku was shot dead while heroically attempting to shield the girls. A school security guard, Ali Shehu, sustained severe gunshot wounds to his right hand and is receiving urgent medical attention. The attackers vanished into the dense surrounding forests with their young captives, leaving behind a trail of grief-stricken families and a community reeling from the violation of one of its most sacred spaces.

Kebbi State Police Command spokesperson, CSP Nafi’u Abubakar Kotarkoshi, confirmed the details in a statement from Birnin Kebbi, vowing that “no stone will be left unturned” in the hunt for the perpetrators. Tactical police units, bolstered by military reinforcements and local vigilantes, have already fanned out across suspected escape routes and forested hideouts in a high-stakes search-and-rescue operation. “The bandits will not escape justice,” Abubakar assured, emphasizing the coordinated multi-agency effort now underway.

President Tinubu, briefed on the incident shortly after it occurred, wasted no time in responding with decisive action.

In a statement relayed through Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, the president condemned the attack in the strongest terms, describing it as a “heinous assault on the nation’s future” and a direct challenge to the federal government’s security mandate. “Protecting every Nigerian, especially our innocent schoolchildren, remains a solemn responsibility of the State,” Tinubu declared, directing security and intelligence agencies to “swing into immediate action” for the girls’ unharmed release.

He further instructed that the attackers face the “full weight of the law,” underscoring a zero-tolerance stance against such barbarism.

Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, labeled the raid “unacceptable and tragic,” offering prayers for the slain vice principal’s family and reaffirming the administration’s commitment to bolstering internal security. “The Federal Government is recalibrating our military, policing, and intelligence capabilities to prevent these attacks and respond with greater speed and precision,” Idris added on Tinubu’s behalf, signaling broader reforms in the offing.

This latest outrage revives painful memories of Nigeria’s protracted battle against banditry and insurgency in the northwest. Over the past decade, armed groups have repeatedly targeted educational institutions in states like Kebbi, Kaduna, and Zamfara, abducting hundreds of pupils for ransom or recruitment. The March 2024 Kuriga school kidnapping in neighboring Kaduna State, where over 250 students were seized, remains a stark benchmark, though most were eventually freed through military intervention.

The Federal Government has extended its deepest condolences to the Makuku family and the affected households, promising accountability and closure. In a nation where the right to learn without fear is increasingly under siege, Tinubu’s orders represent more than a tactical directive, they are a clarion call to reclaim security for the vulnerable. Updates on the operation will follow as they emerge, but one thing is clear: Nigeria will not yield to terror’s shadow.

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Wearing padded bras may cause nipple dryness, say experts

by Women Times on

By Prosper Mene 

In the quest for the perfect silhouette, millions of women worldwide turn to padded bras for that seamless, confidence-boosting lift. But what if the very padding designed to smooth and conceal is quietly wreaking havoc on one of the body’s most sensitive areas?

Experts are sounding the alarm: prolonged use of padded bras could be contributing to nipple dryness, irritation, and long-term discomfort, urging a rethink on everyday lingerie choices.

The warning comes amid growing awareness of how everyday undergarments interact with delicate skin. Dr. Elyse Love, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City, explains that while padded bras offer aesthetic benefits, like preventing nipple show-through on thin fabrics, they can trap moisture and create friction against the nipples. “The added layers can reduce airflow, leading to dryness, chafing, or even exacerbated conditions like eczema in prone individuals,” she notes. This isn’t just anecdotal; medical sources corroborate that ill-fitting or overly restrictive bras, including padded varieties, are a common culprit for nipple soreness and dryness, especially during hormonal shifts or in dry climates.

At the heart of the issue is biology meets fashion. Nipples, rich in nerve endings and sebaceous glands, rely on natural oils and ventilation to stay hydrated. Padded bras, often made with synthetic foams and fabrics, can disrupt this balance by compressing tissue and limiting breathability. A recent health advisory in Nigeria highlighted this exact concern, quoting experts who link constant padding to not just dryness but potential sagging from undue pressure on breast tissues.a00830 “It’s like wearing a cozy sweater on a summer day—comfortable at first, but it builds up heat and irritation over time,” adds Dr. Ayesha Haque, another dermatology specialist.

The ripple effects extend beyond aesthetics. Women report itchy, cracked skin that worsens with sweat or hormonal cycles, sometimes mimicking symptoms of thrush or contact dermatitis.

For active individuals, the problem intensifies during workouts, where motion amplifies chafing. Fitness enthusiasts on forums like Reddit echo this frustration, with many ditching padding for lighter alternatives to avoid the “pokey” discomfort that backfires into dryness. Even broader risks lurk: some padded bras contain trace chemicals like formaldehyde, flagged as potential irritants or carcinogens by consumer watchdogs, though regulators maintain they’re safe in low doses.

Not all experts agree on the severity, some, like lingerie designer Lily Flast of Soutien NYC, argue that well-fitted padded bras are harmless for most and preferable to chafing from unpadded options.

However, the consensus leans toward moderation. “Rotate your bras and prioritize cotton or moisture-wicking materials,” advises the Cleveland Clinic, recommending over-the-counter lanolin creams or petroleum jelly for relief. For those with persistent issues, a dermatologist visit is key to rule out underlying conditions.

As lingerie brands race to innovate, think seamless, ventilated paddings and eco-friendly foams consumers are empowered to demand better. Sarah Thompson, a 32-year-old marketing executive from Lagos, swapped her daily padded routine for wireless alternatives six months ago. “My nipples haven’t felt this soft in years,” she shares. “It’s a small change with big payoffs.”

This story serves as a gentle nudge: comfort isn’t just about the fit—it’s about listening to your skin. Next time you reach for that padded push-up, pause and ask: Is it lifting you up, or holding you back?

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