News
Peter Obi Visits Katsina to Console Governor Radda Over His Mother’s Death
In a heartfelt gesture of solidarity, Peter Obi, the former presidential candidate of the Labour Party, journeyed to Katsina State to personally extend his condolences to Governor Dikko Umaru Radda following the loss of his mother, Hajiya Safara’u Umaru Barbari.
The matriarch passed away on Saturday night at the age of 93, leaving behind a legacy of strength and wisdom that profoundly impacted her community.
During his visit, Obi expressed deep sympathy for the governor and his family, acknowledging the profound grief that accompanies the loss of a mother. He conveyed his prayers and support, hoping to offer some comfort during this period of mourning.
Obi emphasized his solidarity with Governor Radda, his immediate family, and the extended Barbari family as they navigate this challenging time.
Hajiya Safara’u Umaru Barbari was celebrated as a woman of remarkable strength and dignity, whose wisdom and grace touched the lives of many. Beyond her role as Governor Radda’s mother, she was a nurturing figure to generations, guiding not just her family but also serving as a beacon of inspiration in her community.
Her children include Alhaji Kabir Umar Radda, the current Village Head of Radda, and Hajiya Hauwa Umar Radda, former wife of the late President Umaru Musa Yar’adua.
The passing of Hajiya Safara’u has elicited condolences from various quarters. President Bola Tinubu described her as a selfless woman who nurtured generations of leaders who excelled in different endeavors. He noted that she left behind a legacy of integrity and community service that has permeated far and near.
Similarly, the Southern Governors Forum (SGF) expressed their condolences, acknowledging her immense role in raising and nurturing her children, including Governor Radda. They noted her lifelong service to her community and the people of Katsina State, noting that her contributions were a source of comfort to those mourning her loss.
The Northern States Governors’ Forum also extended their heartfelt condolences, describing Hajiya Safara’u as a virtuous and upright mother who lived a fulfilled life marked by deep devotion to Allah and unwavering service to humanity.
They noted that her passing was a significant loss, particularly at a time when her wisdom and elderly counsel were still much needed by her children, grandchildren, and the current generation of leaders.
In his message, Obi prayed that the Almighty Allah forgives her sins and grants her eternal rest in His kingdom. He also wished Governor Radda and his family the strength to bear this loss with fortitude and grace.
The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has reportedly declared a strike at Taraba State University over outstanding salary-related demands and delays in payments.
The strike is scheduled to begin today, October 12, 2026. According to the union’s chairman, the union had been engaging the Taraba State Government over its outstanding demands since February 2026.
“The union had exercised considerable patience and demonstrated its commitment to dialogue since February 2026, when it began engaging the Taraba State Government over the outstanding issues,” Mbave said.
“The union had earlier suspended its planned industrial action following an appeal by the government for additional time through the Office of the Head of Civil Service, in the interest of maintaining industrial harmony,” the chairman added.
The Chairman of Gboko Local Government Area of Benue State, Torseer Yina, has imposed a dusk-to-dawn curfew in the ancient town.
The curfew takes effect from Thursday, October 8, 2026, following unrest and violent protests in the area.
According to reports, the action was taken to contain the unrest and violent protests by members of BEMOA following the death of one of its members by unknown gunmen.
The protest, which was reportedly hijacked by hoodlums, turned violent after an angry mob burnt two vehicles belonging to the Benue State Civil Protection Guards.
The Gboko council chairman said the curfew takes effect immediately and warned that anyone caught flouting the order or breaching public peace would be decisively dealt with.
Nine people have died in a fatal road crash along the Ijebu-Ode-Benin Expressway in Ogun State.
The crash occurred on Monday at about 4:55pm around the Bethel area along the Ijebu-Ode/Ore axis of the expressway. It involved a white Toyota Hiace commercial bus belonging to Delta Line and a white Sino truck operated by Bill Gas Solution Ltd.
According to the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), all nine people involved in the crash, comprising three males and six females, died in the incident.
The FRSC said the crash occurred while it was raining and the road was wet, with preliminary investigations identifying speed violation as the probable cause.
The FRSC rescue team arrived at the scene shortly after receiving the report, while the bodies of the victims were taken to the General Hospital Morgue in Ijebu-Ode.
The Ogun State Sector Commander, Oludare Ogunjobi, urged motorists, especially commercial drivers, to obey speed limits and exercise extra caution when driving in the rain.
Judge Tells Duane Davis He Must Face Justice for Tupac’s Murder
Timini Egbuson Reflects on Embracing YouTube Movies in Nollywood
