Standard Focus – Page 57 – Standard Focus News

Gunmen Kill Four, Abduct Two in Renewed Attack on Benue Community

April 27, 2026 (updated April 27, 2026) Published by Standard Focus

By Terna Iorapuu, Makurdi Fresh violence has erupted in Benue State as suspected armed militia attacked Sati-Ikov community in Ushongo Local Government Area, killing four persons including three mourners and abducting two others. The victims were reportedly ambushed on Saturday night while returning from a burial ceremony, in what residents say is part of a disturbing pattern of attacks in... Read more

Nigerian Navy Mobilises Warships, Air Assets for Major Gulf of Guinea Security Drill

April 27, 2026 (updated April 27, 2026) Published by Standard Focus

By Sadiq Bello, Abuja The Nigerian Navy has commenced a large-scale deployment of naval and air assets for Exercise Obangame Express 2026, a multinational maritime security operation involving over 30 countries aimed at tackling transnational crimes in the Gulf of Guinea. In a statement issued on Sunday, the Director of Naval Information, Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, disclosed that the Navy has... Read more

NDC Moves to Court Obi, Kwankwaso with Joint Ticket Proposal Ahead of PrimariesSays absence at Ibadan summit due to late notice

April 27, 2026 (updated April 27, 2026) Published by Standard Focus

By Chukwudi Nnaji, Abuja ABUJA — As political realignments gather momentum ahead of the 2027 general elections, the newly registered Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) is making strategic moves to attract key opposition figures, including Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, and his New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) counterpart, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, into a potential joint presidential ticket. Emerging signals... Read more

Don Calls for Reform, Not Scrapping of Social Science Courses

April 27, 2026 (updated April 27, 2026) Published by Standard Focus

By Nnamdi Eze, Abuja The President of the Congress of University Academics (CONUA), Dr. Niyi Sunmonu, has urged the Federal Government to reform rather than scrap social science courses. Reacting to proposed changes, Sunmonu said: “What should be on the table is the evolution of courses… not total scrapping.” He emphasised the need to update curricula to reflect technological advancements.“Education... Read more

PDP, APC Clash Over Ibadan Summit as Political Tensions Rise

April 27, 2026 (updated April 27, 2026) Published by Standard Focus

By Tunde Balogun, Ibadan The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State have exchanged sharp words following an opposition summit in Ibadan. The PDP accused the APC of hypocrisy, stating it cannot “rewrite history simply because it is now inconvenient.”It defended Governor Seyi Makinde, insisting he “did not call for violence” but used history... Read more

Atiku Faults Senate Over Alleged Plan to Restrict Campaigns in North

April 27, 2026 (updated April 27, 2026) Published by Standard Focus

By Kabiru Salisu, Abuja Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has criticised the Senate over reports it may suspend political campaigns in parts of Northern Nigeria due to insecurity. In a statement, Atiku warned such a move could undermine democracy.“Let it be clearly stated: the right to vote… is fundamental and cannot be abridged,” he said. He argued that restricting political... Read more

NNPC Records 1.71mbpd Oil Trading Volume, Announces Key Milestones

April 27, 2026 (updated April 27, 2026) Published by Standard Focus

By Musa Abdullahi, Abuja The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.) says it achieved oil trading volumes of 1.71 million barrels per day over the past year, its highest in five years. Group Chief Executive Officer, Engr. Bayo Ojulari, disclosed this in a one-year performance report. He also revealed that NNPC Exploration and Production Limited hit a peak production... Read more

Ogun Police Dismiss Viral ‘Bandit’ Video, Say Footage Originated Abroad

April 27, 2026 (updated April 27, 2026) Published by Standard Focus

By Sola Akinyemi, Abeokuta The Ogun State Police Command has debunked a viral video purportedly showing bandits operating in a forest within the state, describing it as false and misleading. Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, said investigations revealed the footage did not originate from Nigeria. “The video… is recycled footage deliberately misrepresented to incite fear and panic,” he... Read more

FG Rolls Out Enhanced Social Protection Scheme for Civil Servants

April 27, 2026 (updated April 27, 2026) Published by Standard Focus

By Chinedu Okafor, Abuja The Federal Government has introduced a strengthened social protection initiative aimed at providing financial security for civil servants and their families in cases of workplace injury, disability, or death. Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs. Didi Esther Walson-Jack, described the move as a landmark reform, emphasising its focus on workers’ welfare. “This is... Read more

Dangote Urges Coordinated Push to End Malaria, Warns of Unequal Progress

April 27, 2026 (updated April 27, 2026) Published by Standard Focus

By Amina Bello Chairman of Nigeria’s National Malaria Elimination Council and United Nations Malaria Ambassador, Aliko Dangote, has called for urgent collaboration between governments and the private sector to eradicate malaria, describing the current moment as critical. Speaking to mark World Malaria Day 2026, Dangote said despite progress, the disease still disproportionately affects sub-Saharan Africa, which carries over 90 percent... Read more

Author: Standard Focus