Author: Platform Times Newspaper

In response to escalating attacks on farming communities across Kaduna, Niger, Kogi, and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), the Gbagyi Elders Forum (GEF) has revealed employing spiritual methods to combat bandits and insurgents, citing some successes with the approach. Speaking at the conclusion of their event themed ‘Uniting for a Greater Future’ in Minna, Niger State, Elder Peterson Kaura, Chairman of the Gbagyi Elders Forum’s Board of Trustees, emphasized the need for government support. He called upon both the Federal Government and state administrations of Niger, Kaduna, Kogi, and the FCT to enhance partnerships aimed at halting assaults on farming…

In a grim update, Nigeria has recorded 80 deaths from Lassa fever within a single week, according to the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC). The agency reported that these fatalities occurred alongside 413 confirmed cases across 11 states during Epidemiological Week 6 (Feb. 3–9, 2025). The NCDC disclosed this alarming statistic via its official website, highlighting a notable rise in the case fatality rate (CFR) to 19.4%, up from 17.5% in the corresponding period of 2024. The report emphasized that the majority of cases, totaling 73%, were concentrated in Ondo, Edo, and Bauchi states, with Ondo alone…

Daud Olatunji The President of Dangote Industries Limited, Aliko Dangote, has revealed that the Dangote Petroleum Refinery currently has over N600 billion worth of petroleum products in storage, including more than half a billion litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol. Speaking at the weekend during a visit by a Zambian government delegation, Dangote assured that the refinery is well-positioned to meet Nigeria’s fuel demands and contribute significantly to Africa’s energy market. He emphasized that the refinery produces sufficient refined products such as petrol, diesel, and kerosene to satisfy 100 per cent of Nigeria’s requirements, with surplus…

Tragedy struck in Laditan community of Oja-Odan, Ogun State, as Sunday Jimoh, a 31-year-old resident, lost his life in a harrowing attempt to retrieve his mobile phone from a well on Saturday morning. According to a statement released by CSP Omolola Odutola, spokesperson for the Ogun State Police Command, the incident occurred around 10:00 am. It was reported by Kabiru Aladeshayi Ayigbere, a witness residing in the Junction Area of Oja-Odan. Ayigbere recounted that despite warnings against the perilous endeavor, Jimoh was determined to recover his phone from the well adjacent to a local shop. Tragically, Jimoh proceeded to enter…

In a tragic incident that has shocked residents of Benin-City, Kelvin Izekor has been apprehended by operatives of the Edo State Police Command for allegedly murdering his wife, Success Izekor, at their residence on Saturday night. The grim episode unfolded around 10:20 pm at No. 50, Upper Mission Extension, Benin-City, where Kelvin Izekor purportedly inflicted fatal head injuries upon his 38-year-old wife, Success Izekor. According to reports from the Command’s spokesman, Moses Yamu, police arriving at the scene discovered Mrs. Izekor’s lifeless body in a pool of blood, bearing deep lacerations to her head. The situation escalated dangerously as an…

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) reportedly conducted a airstrike in Tsafe Local Government Area (LGA) of Zamfara State, eliminating at least 23 bandits involved in cattle rustling activities over the weekend. The operation, based on coordinated intelligence, targeted a large group of bandits suspected to be affiliated with the notorious kingpin Ado Aleiro. According to a report from Zagazola Makama, a counter-insurgency publication focused on the Lake Chad region, the bandits had ventured out of Tsafe LGA with the intent to rustle cattle from nearby communities. Troops, acting on timely intelligence, tracked the rustlers to a mountainous terrain, strategically surrounding…

Telecom operations across Nigeria are facing imminent shutdown following a diesel supply crisis triggered by the ongoing strike of petrol tanker drivers. Tony Emoekpere, President of the Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria (ATCON), issued a dire warning on Sunday, highlighting the severe impact of the strike on their infrastructure and operations. Mr. Emoekpere expressed grave concern over the disruption caused by the strike, which has paralyzed truck loading operations and fuel movements due to alleged harassment of tanker drivers by Lagos State police officers. This disruption, he emphasized, has critically affected telecom base stations and other…

Graduating with a first-class degree is a remarkable achievement, and for Mary Morayo James, it was a journey marked by hard work, dedication, sacrifice, and perseverance. In this interview with KOREDE BADMUS, Mary shares her experiences, challenges, and the strategies that helped her attain academic excellence. Can you tell us a bit about yourself and your journey toward earning a first-class degree in English and Literary Studies? My name is Mary Morayo James, and I recently graduated with a first-class degree in English and Literary Studies from the Federal University Oye-Ekiti. My journey to achieving this milestone was driven by…

Former Military Head of State, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (Rtd), has revealed harrowing details of his narrow escape from death during the infamous coup orchestrated by Major Gideon Orkar on April 22, 1990. In his memoir, “A Journey in Service,” Babangida recounts the tumultuous events that unfolded that fateful night at Dodan Barracks, describing the attack as a “rude shock” that threatened the very fabric of the nation. The coup, which caught Babangida unaware in the early hours of the morning, commenced with unprecedented troop movements that alarmed his wife, prompting her to alert him to the imminent danger. Recalling…

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has secured all chairmanship and councillorship seats across the 30 local government areas (LGAs) of Osun State. The Chairman of the Osun State Independent Electoral Commission (OSSIEC), Hashim Abioye, officially declared the results on Saturday following a highly contentious poll. The electoral exercise, which proceeded despite warnings from both the police and the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), Lateef Fagbemi, was upheld based on a judgment from the Osun State High Court mandating OSSIEC to conduct elections to fill vacant positions. This decision defied efforts by law enforcement to halt the process, including the…