The Oba Ewuare II has directed traditional worshippers in Edo State to perform ancestral rites and invoke curses against kidnappers, bandits and other violent criminals as part of efforts to tackle rising insecurity.   According to a report by Channels Television, the spiritual exercise took place in Benin City on Wednesday, following a directive from the Benin monarch. The ceremony began with a procession from the Oba’s Palace and ended at the palace’s main entrance, where traditional priests, priestesses and traditional physicians known as Ewaise performed libations, propitiatory rites and spiritual fortification rituals. Participants, dressed in ceremonial regalia and carrying sacred objects, invoked ancestral spirits to expose and punish those involved in kidnapping, banditry and other violent crimes, including their collaborators. Chief Osemwonta Iguezigbon, head of the Ewaise Palace group, said the monarch ordered the spiritual intervention in response to worsening insecurity in Edo and across Nigeria. He said the Oba believed urgent action was necessary to confront the growing wave of criminal activities threatening lives and property. Chief Clement Edegbe, Chief Priest of the Ayelala deity, expressed confidence that the traditional rites would help expose criminals and curb violent crimes. He noted that increasing cases of kidnapping and lawlessness had become a major concern in the state. The Oyeoba of Benin, Chief Isaac Oghafua Ogiemwense, said the ritual was aimed at spiritually strengthening the land against insecurity, while priestess Constance Eguavoen praised the monarch for reviving traditional methods to support efforts against crime. The Benin Palace stressed that the rites are not intended to replace conventional security operations but to complement efforts by government and security agencies to restore peace and safeguard lives and property in Edo State and across Nigeria.

Bola Ahmed Tinubu has defended his administration’s economic reforms, insisting they are beginning to deliver positive results across key sectors of Nigeria’s economy.   Speaking at the maiden State House Media Dinner in Abuja on Thursday, President Tinubu said the difficult reforms introduced by his government were already strengthening public finances and restoring investor confidence. According to Channels Television, Tinubu said the reforms, though challenging, were necessary to stabilise the economy and lay the foundation for long-term growth. “The difficult but necessary reforms undertaken by this administration are yielding results. Our economy is stabilising. Public revenues have strengthened significantly,” the president said. He added that state governments are now receiving higher allocations to support development, while investor confidence is gradually returning. Tinubu also pointed to improvements in Nigeria’s foreign reserves, renewed investments in the oil and gas sector, and strong growth in the stock market. The president said ongoing tax reforms, fiscal reforms, infrastructure investments and efforts to improve the business environment are helping to build a more competitive and productive economy. While acknowledging that challenges remain, Tinubu said progress is being made. “The journey is not yet complete, but the direction is clear, and the foundations for long-term growth are being firmly established,” he stated. On security, Tinubu said his administration has maintained a determined and multi-dimensional strategy against insecurity. He noted that military operations have intensified, intelligence gathering has improved, and cooperation among security agencies has strengthened. According to him, thousands of criminal elements and terrorists have been neutralised, while several hostages have been rescued and communities reclaimed from armed groups. Tinubu also praised the Nigerian media for its role in strengthening democracy, describing journalists as critical partners in nation-building. He urged media practitioners to report accurately and responsibly, stressing the need to avoid inflaming tensions in society. The president reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to press freedom and freedom of expression as guaranteed under Nigeria’s Constitution.

Switzerland booked their place in the FIFA World Cup 2026 last 16 after a composed 2-0 victory over Algeria in Vancouver.   According to Channels Television, the Swiss side delivered a disciplined performance to seal progression and now await the winner of the round-of-32 clash between Colombia and Ghana. Johan Manzambi played a key role in the opening goal, making a strong run down the left flank before delivering a precise cross for Breel Embolo, who tapped home to give Switzerland the lead. Switzerland doubled their advantage immediately after the break. Dan Ndoye capitalised on a weak clearance from Rafik Belghali, controlling the ball before firing through a crowded box to make it 2-0. Luca Zidane was unable to keep out the effort as Algeria struggled to recover from the setback. The defeat ends Algeria’s World Cup campaign, with the Desert Foxes joining Ivory Coast, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Senegal, and South Africa among African teams eliminated at the last-32 stage. Only Morocco remain as Africa’s sole representative in the tournament.

A 50-year-old traditional priest, Muritala Shodiya, has died after allegedly setting himself on fire in Adebiopon Village, located in Obafemi Owode Local Government Area of Ogun State.   According to a report by Punch Newspaper, the tragic incident happened on Wednesday evening when Shodiya, popularly known as “Ifa”, reportedly poured petrol on himself inside an uncompleted building before setting himself ablaze. Residents rushed to the scene after noticing the fire and managed to extinguish the flames before taking him to General Hospital, Ijaye, Abeokuta. However, he was pronounced dead on Thursday morning. Shodiya was known in the community for fortune-telling and Ifa worship. He had reportedly practised in Ijaye for several years before relocating to Adebiopon Village. A community source, who spoke anonymously due to the sensitive nature of the case, said Shodiya had shown signs of emotional distress in recent months. The source alleged that his condition worsened after his wife reportedly left him for another man. Another resident, identified as Kazeem, said villagers acted quickly in an attempt to save his life. He said there were initial rumours suggesting foul play, but residents believed Shodiya set himself ablaze. The Ogun State Police Command confirmed the incident and said an investigation is ongoing. Police spokesperson Babaseyi Oluseyi said officers visited the scene, documented the incident and commenced inquiries into the circumstances surrounding the tragedy. The incident has left residents of the community in shock as authorities continue investigations.