Today’s Headlines: 2027: Obi Tells Tinubu to Go Home, Questions Capacity to Govern ; Gunmen Kill Islamic Cleric, Friend in Katsina

Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate Peter Obi has called on President Bola Tinubu to leave office, questioning his capacity and energy to address the country’s challenges. Obi argued that Nigeria needs a president who would remain available to respond to emergencies, visit communities affected by insecurity and take direct action when citizens face crises. He cited mass kidnappings as an example of the security challenges requiring stronger leadership, insisting that the president must be present wherever problems arise across the country.

Obi made the remarks ahead of the 2027 general elections, with security, economic hardship and leadership capacity expected to feature prominently in political debates. He also challenged Nigerians who believe they have the competence and energy to serve to participate in the election campaign, stressing that the country could no longer afford leaders who were unavailable when citizens needed them.

Gunmen killed Islamic cleric Sheikh Yahaya Masussuka and his friend, Adamu Abubakar, in front of the cleric’s residence in Dutsin-Ma Local Government Area of Katsina State. The attack occurred on Monday evening when two armed men riding a motorcycle opened fire on the victims, who were later pronounced dead at a hospital.

The Katsina State Police Command deployed tactical teams to the area following the incident, while Commissioner of Police Ali Umar Fage ordered an investigation to track down and arrest the fleeing suspects.

Suspected kidnappers attacked Nuru Suraj Estate in the Millennium City area of Kaduna in the early hours of Tuesday, abducting about six residents and triggering panic among community members. A resident, Maman Hamid, said the attackers gained entry through the estate’s second gate before carrying out the operation. Military personnel reportedly pursued the suspects and rescued some victims, but the number rescued and the whereabouts of those still missing remained unclear.

The attack has renewed concerns over insecurity in Millennium City, which has experienced several kidnapping incidents in recent years. Previous cases include the abduction of Ahmed Abubakar Zakka, his wife and their infant daughter from Alrahus Estate before their rescue, as well as the arrest of eight suspected kidnappers and four alleged informants in October. The Kaduna State Police Command had yet to comment on the latest incident, while residents called for stronger security patrols, surveillance and access control around residential estates.

An empty tipper truck was left dangling from the railings of Kara Bridge on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, while another truck spilled its contents onto the road towards Mowe, Ogun State. The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) reported the incidents at about 7 am, adding that a tow truck had arrived to evacuate the vehicles while police officers from Adigboluja were at the scene. LASTMA officers were also managing traffic, which remained smooth at the time of the report.

In a separate incident, a loaded DAF lorry broke down due to mechanical faults at Shasha Roundabout, towards Akowonjo Roundabout, occupying about 70 per cent of the road. LASTMA said a tow truck had been contacted to remove the vehicle, while its officers worked to manage traffic and minimise disruption.

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