Today’s Headlines: Ebola: NSA Sounds Fresh Alarm on Screening; Butcher Stabs Friend to Death in Ogun

The Office of the National Security Adviser, headed by Nuhu Ribadu, raised fresh concerns over reported breaches of Ebola screening protocols at Nigeria’s entry points. Following the warning, the Federal Government directed security agencies, health institutions and border authorities to strengthen surveillance, enforce screening procedures and report violations. The directive followed the confirmation of an imported Ebola case in Abuja, which prompted health officials to begin tracing 44 identified contacts.

The government also expressed concern over gaps in emergency preparedness, with 15 states yet to update their Ebola response plans. Investigations revealed inadequate handwashing facilities, shortages of protective equipment and limited public awareness across several states. Although state governments announced intensified surveillance and preventive measures, authorities stressed the need for stricter enforcement to prevent further transmission.

The Ogun State Police Command arrested a 21-year-old butcher, Selim Ayodele, for allegedly stabbing his 26-year-old colleague, Ibrahim Wasiu, to death following a disagreement at their workplace in Alagbole. The incident occurred on October 18, 2026, after both men finished work at a meat-selling outlet. Their argument reportedly began over who should sweep the floor before Ayodele allegedly attacked Wasiu with a knife, stabbing him in the chest.

The victim was rushed to Life Hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival. His remains were subsequently deposited at a private mortuary for an autopsy. Police spokesperson Oluseyi Babaseyi confirmed that Ayodele remained in custody while investigations continued ahead of prosecution. The state Commissioner of Police, Bode Ojajuni, urged residents to settle disagreements peacefully and avoid violence.

A 12-year-old boy, David Adedayo, who escaped from kidnappers in Kuje, Abuja, recounted how his sister, Damilola, was stoned to death after resisting their captors. The gunmen abducted the siblings, their mother and their maid on August 23, demanding a N200m ransom. David explained that his sister seized a cutlass and injured one of the kidnappers, prompting the gang to beat her, attack her with stones and throw her body off a cliff.

David escaped after the kidnappers tied him to a tree and abandoned him in the forest. He eventually received assistance from a herdsman, hunters and vigilantes. Meanwhile, the police arrested seven suspected members of the kidnapping syndicate in Kaduna and Abuja. Officers also recovered Damilola’s decomposing body from a forest in Kuje.

Former presidential aide Laolu Akande accused former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal, of fabricating allegations that former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo appointed Christians from his church to key government positions. Lawal had claimed that 26 of 28 individuals allegedly nominated by Osinbajo were Christians. However, Akande dismissed the allegation, insisting that no such appointment list existed.

Speaking on Friday, Akande challenged Lawal to produce the alleged memorandum containing the 28 names. He explained that Osinbajo had direct access to former President Muhammadu Buhari and regularly submitted memoranda for approval without obstruction. Akande maintained that Lawal’s account was false and questioned the basis of his allegations against the former vice president.

Live_Updates feedback-opera-news-app@opera.com