AbdulWaheed Olatunde Lawal, a prominent All Progressives Congress (APC) figure from Oyo State, has called on the party’s state chairman, Olayide Abas, to engage the Police and the Department of State Services (DSS) to ensure the safety of Ibraheem Shittu, a member of the Oyo State House of Assembly. Lawal’s appeal comes in the wake of Shittu’s allegations regarding a controversial N300 billion loan approved by the Assembly for Governor Seyi Makinde.

Shittu, representing Saki West State Constituency, was the first to publicly disclose that the Oyo State House of Assembly had approved a N300 billion loan for Governor Makinde. He claimed that this decision was made during an emergency sitting while the Assembly was on recess, without informing all members. In response, the Assembly dismissed Shittu’s allegations as baseless, labeling him an absentee lawmaker who rarely attends plenary sessions.

Lawal, sharing the same local government area as Shittu, expressed concern over potential threats to the lawmaker’s safety due to his whistleblowing. He emphasized that the APC must not abandon Shittu, who he believes is facing danger for exposing alleged financial misconduct. Lawal urged the party leadership to take immediate action to protect Shittu and uphold his right to report corruption without fear of retaliation.

Lawal has called on the APC to:

• Publicly affirm Shittu’s right to expose alleged financial improprieties.
• Engage with the Commissioner of Police and the Director of the DSS in Oyo State to ensure Shittu’s safety.
• If threats persist, petition the APC National Working Committee and the President to invoke federal protection for Shittu.

The unfolding N300 billion loan controversy has highlighted internal conflicts within the Oyo State House of Assembly and raised concerns about the safety of lawmakers who challenge decisions. Lawal’s call for protective measures underscores the importance of safeguarding individuals who expose potential corruption, ensuring that democratic processes remain transparent and accountable

Tragedy struck in Minneapolis on Wednesday when a gunman opened fire at Annunciation Catholic School during a morning Mass, killing two children and injuring 17 others. The attack has left the community shaken and reignited concerns about the safety of schools and places of worship in the United States.

The incident occurred just days into the new school year at the parish school, which serves pre-kindergarten through eighth grade. Witnesses said the shooter fired into the church through stained-glass windows while children and staff were gathered inside. Authorities later identified the assailant as 23-year-old Robin M. Westman, who carried a rifle, shotgun, and pistol. After the assault, Westman took her own life in the parking lot. Police found no explosives on site, though a smoke device was recovered.

Two students, aged eight and ten, were killed. Fourteen of the wounded were children, seven of them critically hurt. Medical staff at Hennepin County Medical Center reported that several victims underwent emergency surgery. Doctors described the injuries as severe but said treatment was ongoing.

Investigators have yet to determine a motive, but officials revealed that Westman’s mother once worked at the school. The suspect had no major criminal record and appeared to have acted alone.

The shooting drew swift responses from religious and political leaders. The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops expressed sorrow, saying that when one child suffers, the whole Church grieves. Pope Leo XIV sent a message of condolence through Cardinal Pietro Parolin, calling the attack a “terrible tragedy” and offering prayers for victims, families, and first responders. In Washington, President Donald Trump ordered flags to fly at half-staff until Sunday. Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey also addressed the public, with Frey emphasizing the cruelty of targeting children at prayer.

The violence comes just two days after a separate fatal shooting behind Cristo Rey Jesuit High School, another Catholic institution in Minneapolis. Police have found no link between the incidents, but their timing has intensified public concern.

Although the tragedy occurred in the United States, the implications resonate globally. In Nigeria, where schools and churches have also faced attacks, the events in Minneapolis highlight the urgent need for reinforced security around educational and religious institutions. They serve as a reminder that sanctuaries meant for learning and worship remain vulnerable and require vigilant protection.

Two young lives have been cut short, dozens more altered, and a community left reeling. The massacre at Annunciation Catholic School underscores the universal responsibility to safeguard children and uphold the sanctity of spaces dedicated to faith and education.

More news updates to follow up later, stay tuned.

Bauchi State Governor and Chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum, Bala Mohammed, has publicly affirmed his support for the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) resolution to reserve its 2027 presidential ticket for the southern region. Speaking with journalists, he revealed that he willingly stepped aside from his own presidential ambition in the spirit of party unity.

Governor Bala described his consent to the zoning decision as rooted in a collective strategy: “I’m very satisfied with the resolution because I’m part of it from the arrangement, strategy, and delivery.” He underscored that the decision emerged from a broad-based, inclusive process. Alongside zoning the presidential ticket to the South-South region, the party also chose Ibadan, Oyo State, as the venue for its national convention, reflecting a commitment to internal balance and unity.

Mohammed invoked the spirit of political sacrifice, arguing that politics transcends individual ambition: “Politics is not about personal interest; it’s about self-actualisation within the framework of party decisions, manifesto, and national development.” His remarks reflect an ethos of serving institutional integrity over personal gain. Per, Daily Post Nigeria
This move aligns with broader trends within the PDP. After its open-ticket approach in the 2023 election, the party has returned to zoning principles, with the NEC endorsing the South for the 2027 ticket largely seen as a gesture toward restoring equity and harmony. Simultaneously, relocating the convention to Ibadan is widely interpreted as a nod to Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde’s growing influence.

These decisions serve as a bridge across internal factions and a platform for strategic renewal ahead of future electoral challenges.

Governor Bala Mohammed’s stance signals a deliberate shift toward unified party governance, grounded in consensus and sacrifice. By subordinating his own aspirations for the greater good of the PDP, he models a leadership path rooted in discipline and inclusivity qualities the party hopes will enhance its appeal ahead of the 2027 elections.