Ooni to Adeleke: Fast-Track Ife Projects as Election Season Nears

By Lawal Sodiq, Osun

The Ooni, Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, on Wednesday urged Ademola Adeleke to hasten the completion of key infrastructure projects in Ile-Ife, stressing their importance to economic growth and mobility in the ancient city.

The monarch made the call while receiving the governor at the Ile-Oodua Palace in Ile-Ife, where he also praised Adeleke’s leadership approach and offered prayers ahead of the forthcoming governorship election in Osun State.

A statement issued by the palace’s Director of Media and Public Affairs, Otunba Moses Olafare, said the governor arrived with the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, top officials, and political associates and was received by the Ooni alongside traditional rulers and dignitaries.

Speaking during the visit, Adeleke described the Ooni as a widely respected and charismatic royal figure, noting that his trip to Ile-Ife was part of ongoing efforts to evaluate projects and ensure effective service delivery to residents.

“I am pleased to visit Kabiyesi. This visit also allows us to inspect ongoing works, including major road constructions and the Lagere Flyover. Where necessary, contractors will be directed to speed up delivery timelines,” the governor said.

In his remarks, the Ooni commended Adeleke for what he described as a people-orientated style of governance, noting that development projects under his administration are visible across various parts of the state.

He, however, called for urgency in completing strategic projects in Ile-Ife, particularly the Lagere Flyover, which he described as critical to easing traffic congestion and stimulating economic activities across the Ife Federal Constituency.

“Lagere is a central hub for both economic and social activities. Its timely completion will greatly enhance movement and commerce. We appeal for faster progress on the project for the benefit of our people,” the monarch said.

Looking ahead to the governorship poll, Ooni also prayed for peaceful elections and urged political stakeholders to prioritise unity and stability in the state.

“As we approach another electoral cycle, I pray for peace and orderly conduct. May the state continue to progress, and may leaders remain committed to the welfare of the people,” he added.

The visit underscores growing collaboration between traditional institutions and the government in driving development and maintaining stability in the state, which is essential for ensuring a peaceful electoral process and addressing the needs of the community.

Terror at Border: Boko Haram Attack Leaves 20 Dead in Borno–Adamawa Communities

 
By Tada Jutha, Maiduguri

At least 20 residents have been killed in coordinated attacks by suspected Boko Haram insurgents on two border communities in Borno and Adamawa states, deepening fears over renewed violence in Nigeria’s Northeast.

The attacks, which occurred on Tuesday evening, targeted Pubagu community in Askira/Uba Local Government Area of Borno State and Mayo-Ladde in Hong Local Government Area of Adamawa State.

Confirming the incident on Wednesday in Maiduguri, the Chairman of Askira/Uba LGA, Mada Saidu, said 11 people were killed in Pubagu, while nine others lost their lives across the border in Adamawa.

“Yes, there was an attack in Pubagu around 4 p.m. on Tuesday, where 11 people were killed. In Mayo-Ladde, Hong LGA of Adamawa State, nine people were also killed,” he said, putting the total death toll at 20.

The affected communities lie along the southern edge of the Sambisa Forest, separated by River Yedzaram, a corridor often exploited by insurgents moving between the two states.

Saidu explained that the attackers overran local security formations before unleashing violence on residents.

“When we got there with the military, we discovered that the initial resistance came from local vigilantes and hunters, but they were overwhelmed by the terrorists,” he added.

Eyewitnesses described a prolonged and terrifying assault, with the insurgents arriving on motorcycles, firing indiscriminately and setting homes ablaze.

A survivor, who spoke on condition of anonymity, recounted the ordeal: “They came in the evening and started shooting for hours. Houses and shops were burnt, and both men and women were killed. We had no protection.”

Residents said the attackers looted food supplies and other valuables, operating with little resistance after overpowering local defenders.

“The vigilantes and hunters tried, but the terrorists had superior weapons and were more in number. Eventually, they had to flee to save their lives,” another source said.

The latest killings come barely a week after a similar attack in Mussa community, also in Askira/Uba LGA, where insurgents reportedly killed four soldiers and a civilian on April 16.

The renewed violence highlights ongoing security challenges in communities bordering the Sambisa Forest, long considered a stronghold of Boko Haram and its splinter factions.