I froze. My husband couldn’t even lookat me. He said it was a “mistake” and he couldn’t send a pregnant woman away. Since then, my life has changed. The girl doesn’t greet me. If I greet her, she hisses. She wears my clothes, uses my towel, and sits comfortably like I’m the visitor. When I complained, she said, “Everything here belongs to your husband, so it belongs to me too.” Two days ago, I found her relaxing and laughing on my marital bed. My husband’s solution was to give me money to buy new bedsheets. At that point, I asked myself: Do I want money or respect? What’s breaking me is that I’m also pregnant—2 months gone. I haven’t told my husband. I’m hurt, angry, and feel invisible. Next week, I’m supposed to travel for university. If I go, I leave her here with my husband. If I stay, I lose my chance to build my future. I’m stuck. Do I tell him I’m pregnant too? Do I go to school and risk everything? Or do I walk away from this marriage completely? I’m tired and confused. What would you do if you were me? 😭💔
FG Secures £746 Million to Upgrade Apapa, Tin Can Island Ports
The Federal Government has secured £746 million to modernise the Apapa and Tin Can Island ports in Lagos, in a move aimed at boosting efficiency and competitiveness in Nigeria’s maritime sector. Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, disclosed this while declaring the Blue Economy Investment Summit 2026 open in Abuja. He said the project would significantly enhance the capacity and operational effectiveness of the ports. The summit, organised by Maritime Innovations Hub in collaboration with the ministry, is themed “Shifting Gears: Heading to the Frontier of the Maritime Economy.” Oyetola highlighted notable revenue growth in agencies under the ministry, stating that earnings increased from ₦700.79 billion in 2023 to about ₦1.83 trillion by the end of 2025. He attributed the rise to sustained reforms, improved regulatory oversight, digitalisation, and more efficient revenue collection systems. He noted that the global blue economy—valued at over $3 trillion annually—presents a major opportunity for Nigeria, given its strategic location along the Gulf of Guinea, extensive inland waterways, and over 8,300 kilometres of coastline. The minister also announced the launch of Nigeria’s first National Policy on Marine and Blue Economy, designed to provide a clear framework for investment and sector growth. He added that efforts are underway to revitalise the Regional Maritime Development Bank after more than 16 years of delay. In her remarks, the CEO of the Maritime Innovations Hub, Ronke Kosoko, said the summit comes at a critical economic period, as Nigeria shifts toward a more private-sector-driven economy. She emphasised that while reforms are attracting investors, efficiency remains a key expectation. Similarly, the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council, Pius Akutah, identified poor logistics and weak maritime connectivity as major barriers to Africa’s trade growth under the continental free trade framework. Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, represented by his deputy, said the state has established two committees to drive its blue economy agenda: a Steering Committee and a Technical Working Committee. These bodies are tasked with coordinating policies and developing implementation frameworks. Also speaking, the CEO of APM Terminals Nigeria, Frederik Klinke, described the current period as a defining moment for Nigeria’s maritime sector, noting that the global industry is undergoing significant transformation. He added that beyond digitalisation, the Nigerian government has continued to support export growth through strategic policies and institutional reforms.
22-Year-Old Man Sentenced to 12 Years for Assaulting 4-Year-Old Girl in Yobe
A Magistrate Court sitting in Injiyaji, Damaturu, has convicted and sentenced a 22-year-old man, Rabilu Sani, to 12 years in prison for sexually assaulting a 4-year-old girl in Jakusko Local Government Area of Yobe State. The incident reportedly occurred last year after the suspect lured the child into a room where the offence was committed. Sani was arrested on November 9, 2025, and later arraigned in court following the conclusion of investigations. Delivering judgment, the presiding magistrate of Court 1 stated that the prosecution had proven the case beyond reasonable doubt. The court subsequently sentenced the defendant to 12 years imprisonment with no option of a fine. The court also noted that medical examinations conducted on the convict confirmed he is HIV-negative. Efforts to secure justice for the victim were led by the Yobe State Government, with the Commissioner for Women Affairs, Hajiya Ya Jalo Badama, playing a key role throughout the legal process.
Officer Shot in Porterville, Armed Suspect at Large in Tulare County
Updated: April 10, 2026 A police officer was reportedly shot on Thursday in Porterville, California, prompting a large-scale law enforcement response across Tulare County. Initial reports, including scanner radio updates, indicate that the suspect is armed and remains at large. Authorities have yet to release an official statement detailing the circumstances of the shooting or providing a description of the suspect. Videos circulating on social media show a heavy presence of police and emergency vehicles at the scene, suggesting an ongoing and active operation. There have also been unverified reports claiming that several schools in the area were placed on lockdown as a precaution. However, officials have not confirmed any direct connection between the shooting and local schools, nor have they reported any active threats within school premises. At this time, details regarding the motive behind the incident remain unclear. This is a developing story, and more information is expected as authorities provide updates.
US Orders Non-Emergency Staff to Leave Nigeria Embassy Over Rising Insecurity
The United States Department of State has authorised the departure of non-emergency government employees and their family members from its embassy in Abuja, citing worsening security conditions in Nigeria. The directive, issued on Wednesday through an updated travel advisory, follows a surge in violent attacks across several parts of the country. As part of the update, Plateau, Jigawa, Kwara, Niger, and Taraba states were added to the US “Do Not Travel” list due to heightened risks of terrorism, crime, and kidnapping. This decision comes in the wake of recent deadly incidents. On March 29, gunmen attacked the Gari Ya Waye area of Angwan Rukuba in Jos North, killing over 20 residents and injuring many others during the Christian celebration of Palm Sunday. Similar attacks were reported in Niger and Kebbi states, where dozens of people were also killed. The advisory now includes several high-risk states such as Borno, Kogi, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Sokoto, Zamfara, Abia, Anambra, Bayelsa, Delta, Enugu, Imo, and Rivers, among others. The move aligns with previous warnings from the United Kingdom, which last November cautioned its citizens against non-essential travel to multiple states in Nigeria. Meanwhile, Nigeria’s security challenges are further highlighted in the 2026 Global Terrorism Index (GTI), where the country ranks as the fourth most affected by terrorism globally. The report notes a 43 percent increase in terrorism-related fatalities compared to 2024, with groups such as ISWAP and Boko Haram responsible for the majority of deaths. In response to the growing insecurity, some religious leaders have called on the federal government to declare a state of emergency to address the crisis.
FG Tasks ECOWAS on Financing Strategies for Agroecology
The Federal Government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors across West Africa to leverage innovative financing strategies to strengthen agroecology practices. Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, made the call during the Regional Forum on Agroecology and Organic Agriculture held in Abuja on Monday. Speaking through the Director of Planning and Policy Coordination at the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (FMAFS), Ibrahim Tanimu, Kyari described the forum as timely and critical for the region, particularly Nigeria. The forum, themed “Financing the Transformation of Sustainable Food and Nutrition Systems for Food Sovereignty in West Africa through Organic Agriculture and Agroecology: Considering What Policies, Mechanisms and Instruments?”, was organised by ActionAid Nigeria in collaboration with the Forum on Agroecology and Organic Agriculture in West Africa and other partners. Kyari identified inadequate financing as a major constraint to food system development and achieving food sufficiency in the region. He urged participants to identify bottlenecks in accessing funding, particularly those related to economic and fiscal policies. “I urge you to think critically about your role in promoting and leveraging financing strategies for agroecology and organic agriculture in West Africa. These should support local consumption as well as regional and global trade, especially under the African Continental Free Trade Area,” he said. He also emphasised the importance of knowledge sharing on sustainable practices, including soil management, pest and disease control, biodiversity protection, and environmental conservation. Kyari noted that agroecology and organic agriculture present viable solutions as the region works towards building a food-secure future. He acknowledged the contributions of multilateral agencies and donors in supporting such initiatives but stressed that funding remains insufficient. According to him, Nigeria’s budgetary allocation to agriculture is still below the 10 per cent target set under the Malabo Declaration, despite a 59 per cent increase in the 2024 budget. He reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to fostering collaboration and creating an enabling policy environment to drive sustainable food system transformation. Participants at the forum included representatives from ministries of agriculture, environment, finance, and economy across ECOWAS member states, as well as officials from the ECOWAS Commission and the European Union delegation. Other attendees were drawn from the Agroecology Programme in West Africa, the French Development Agency, the FAO West Africa Regional Office, the West African Development Bank (BOAD), the West African Economic and Monetary Union (UEMOA), the West Africa Alliance for Agroecology (3AO), and the West African Organic Network WAFRONET.
Kogi Graduate Murdered by Ex-Convicts, Police Arrest Three
The Kogi State Police Command has arrested three suspects in connection with the killing of a young graduate in Lokoja. According to the command’s spokesperson, ASP Afusat Saliu, the suspects were apprehended on March 25 at Otokiti Estate. Two of them, who allegedly posed as construction workers, lured the victim to a secluded location where they killed him with a shovel before stealing his tricycle. The victim had earlier been declared missing by his family on March 18 after leaving home with his tricycle. His lifeless body was discovered the following day near CBN Zone 8 in Lokoja. Police investigations led to the arrest of the two primary suspects, who reportedly confessed to the crime and disclosed that they sold the stolen tricycle to a third suspect. Saliu added that the police recovered the tricycle along with four other stolen motorcycles from the third suspect in Anyigba, Dekina Local Government Area. Further findings revealed that the suspects are ex-convicts previously linked to multiple cases of murder and armed robbery. They have since been charged in court. The police assured residents of their continued efforts to combat crime and ensure public safety in the state.