Acting Governor Kadafur Assents to 2026 Budget of N892.4 Billion, Local Government Amendment Law

By: Our Reporter

Borno State Acting Governor, Dr. Umar Usman Kadafur, has assented to the 2026 Appropriation Bill of N892.4 billion passed by the State Assembly.

Governor Babagana Umara Zulum had initially presented a budget of N890.3 billion to the Assembly on 29 December 2025 for the 2026 fiscal year, which was subsequently reviewed upwards by the House.

In a brief but historic event at the Council Chamber, Dr. Kadafur commended the Assembly’s commitment to transparency and the public interest.

“I wish to appreciate the meticulous, diligent and sustained effort of the House, especially considering the prevailing economic realities and fiscal pressures,” he stated.

He praised the House for the expeditious consideration and timely passage of both the appropriation bill and the Local Government Amendment Law 2000.

The amended law extend the tenure of local government chairmen and councillors from two to three years, aiming to strengthen grassroots governance and improve service delivery.

Dr. Kadafur noted the occasion marked the administration’s financial roadmap for 2026. “This demonstrates the shared sense of responsibility and a clear understanding of the urgency of providing a sound financial framework for governance,” he remarked.

He assured the Assembly and the people of the state of the administration’s commitment to prudent implementation, accountability, and value for money.

This is the first time an Acting Governor has performed this constitutional duty in the state’s history, following Governor Zulum’s proceeding on annual leave and the subsequent constitutional transmission of power to his deputy.

The Speaker of the Borno State House of Assembly, Honourable Abdulkarim Lawan, explained that the budget was reviewed after submissions from ministries, departments, and agencies, resulting in an increase of N2.37 billion.

“The budget size was increased by the sum of N2.37 billion, translating to the total sum of N892.4 billion. The increases were in the Health and Education sectors,” Hon. Lawan stated.

He detailed that “the sum of N1.774 billion was approved for the Borno State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), while the College of Nursing Sciences, Maiduguri, was added the sum of N400 million,” citing the importance of these sectors and concern for underprivileged members of society.

The event was attended by the APC State Chairman, Head of Serve, acting Chief of Staff, Commissioners, Special Advisers and other personalities.

Acting Governor Kadafur Assents to 2026 Budget of N892.4 Billion, Local Government Amendment Law

Mobile Police personnel repel bandits’ attack on Ugbobi village in Benue

By: Zagazola Makama

Personnel of the 67 Police Mobile Force (PMF) successfully repelled an attack by armed herder bandits on Ugbobi village in Apa Local Government Area of Benue State on Monday evening.

Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the incident occurred at about 6:00 p.m., when the bandits reportedly invaded the village, prompting quick action from the PMF personnel stationed in the area.

According to the sources, the security operatives engaged the attackers with superior firepower and deployed teargas to disperse them. “The visiting PMF personnel successfully forced the bandits to flee into nearby bushes,” the sources said.

They added that the DPO Apa mobilized patrol teams along with other tactical units to reinforce the village and combed the surrounding bushes in a bid to track and apprehend the fleeing suspects.

Sources say efforts are ongoing to ensure the area remains secure and prevent further attacks, while residents have been advised to remain vigilant.

Mobile Police personnel repel bandits’ attack on Ugbobi village in Benue

Police rescue six children, arrest five over child stealing in Ogun–Lagos axis

By: Zagazola Makama

Police operatives have rescued six children and arrested five suspects in connection with a child stealing and abduction syndicate operating between Ogun and Lagos States.

Security sources said that the breakthrough followed the abandonment of a six-year-old boy, Samuel Honesty, who had been abducted on Nov. 28, 2025, from the Idanyin area of Ogun State.

According to the sources, the child was dropped in front of the Gowon Estate Police Station in Lagos on Jan. 21, 2026, at about 6:00 p.m.

“Following investigations, a team from the Anti-Kidnapping Unit arrested five suspects on Jan. 23 at about 5:00 p.m. in the Badagry area of Lagos State in connection with the case,” the sources said.

They added that during the operation, six other children were rescued from a facility known as Joyful Kids Orphanage Home in Badagry, allegedly used by the suspects to keep abducted children.

“The orphanage is said to belong to one Joy Chidozie, 36. She confessed during interrogation that she bought the stolen child from one Bunmi for the sum of N1.5 million,” the sources disclosed.

The rescued children have since been placed in protective custody, while investigations are ongoing to arrest other members of the syndicate and uncover the full extent of their operations.

Police assured the public that those found culpable would be prosecuted in accordance with the law.

Police rescue six children, arrest five over child stealing in Ogun–Lagos axis