According to the military, the incident occurred in the early hours of Monday, 23 March 2026, at about 07:43am, when a commercial vehicle travelling from Wurumakoto Village in Kaiama LGA to New Bussa in neighbouring Niger State ran into an improvised explosive device.

The driver, identified as Mallam Zunairu, was said to have unknowingly driven over the planted bomb, which detonated on impact. The explosion reportedly killed the driver instantly and left several passengers severely injured, while others are feared dead.

The army revealed that victims who sustained serious injuries were evacuated to the General Hospital in New Bussa for urgent medical attention.

However, the exact number of casualties has yet to be officially confirmed.

Security officials suspect that the explosive device was planted by armed groups operating in the area, believed to be the same perpetrators behind a deadly attack in the Woro axis last month.

The Military further revealed that joint security operatives have since been deployed to the scene.

During clearance operations, another explosive device was discovered and successfully defused by specialists from the Nigerian Army base in Kaiama.

The post Several Feared Dead As Bomb Blast Hits Bus In Kwara appeared first on Daily Dates Nigeria.

In the world of politics, words are not just mere utterances they are weapons, tools of strategy, and the heartbeat of movements. But when wielded recklessly, they can become instruments of destruction. This is the case with Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki, former Senate President and self-styled leader of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), whose recent statement, “THOSE WHO WANT TO LEAVE THE PDP SHOULD LEAVE NOW,” has once again exposed the very venom that has consistently corroded every political structure he claims to lead.

This is not the first time Saraki’s tongue has wreaked havoc. In fact, it has become his signature style dismissing dissenting voices, discouraging internal dialogue, and alienating fellow party stakeholders. This same arrogance led to the mass exodus of key political actors from the PDP in Kwara State, leaving behind an empty shell of a once-vibrant political institution. Men like Hon. Cook Olododo, Hon. Ope Saraki, Alh. Ajape Bibire, Hon. Zakari Mohammed, Mal. Bolaji Abdullahi, Prof. Abubakar Sulaiman (not a member of any political party, but he has detached himself from Saraki), Hon. Gbenga Makanjuola, Alh. Razaq Lawal, Engr. Dare Bankole, Olayinka Tejidini, Dr. Sadu Koroagba Alanamu, Alh. Musa Yeketi, Prince Tunji Moronfoye, Hon. Muyiwa Oladipo Kanu, Hon. Hassan Oyeleke, Hon. Wahabi Issa, Late Ahman Pategi, Hajia Aisha Ahman Pategi, Alh. Abubakar Sanni, Prince Haliru Dantsoho (Dan-iya), Hon. Jimoh Alao, Pham. Kale Ayo, Alh. Ahmed Adebayo Omi, Alh. Hassan Gegele, Hajia Bilikisu Oniyangi, Hajia Risikat Abdulahi, Kehinde Alex Bankole, Captain Popo-ola, and many other notable gladiators they left because they were pushed out by Saraki’s venomous words; “THOSE WHO WANT TO LEAVE THE PDP SHOULD LEAVE NOW”.

Today, he is repeating the same mistake on the national stage. With the defection of PDP leaders in Delta State, instead of rallying the troops or reaching out for reconciliation, Saraki chose to draw a line in the sand: “LET THEM GO.” These three words may be remembered as the phrase that finally collapsed the already wobbling PDP house of cards. While he speaks of rebuilding and repositioning, his words speak louder than any plan words that exclude, words that push people away, and words that carry no real vision for unity or progress.

The truth is clear: under Saraki’s influence, the PDP has become a revolving door, with more people leaving than coming in. His politics of exclusion and entitlement has destroyed party unity and morale. In Kwara, he built a one-man structure that treated loyalists like disposable pawns, leading to a total collapse of the party in the 2019 and 2023 elections. Now, he is setting the stage for history to repeat itself—this time at the national level.

Let us ask an uncomfortable but necessary question: Why does everything Saraki touches end up dead, broken, or dysfunctional? His track record doesn’t inspire confidence, rather it provokes pity. From his defection drama in 2014, to his controversial emergence as Senate President in 2015, to his failed presidential bid and subsequent struggles to lead the PDP in Kwara, Saraki’s political journey has been marred by ambition without cohesion, strategy without sustainability, and leadership without empathy.

Even worse, his statement reveals a man increasingly disconnected from political reality. In today’s volatile political climate, where unity and coalition building are key, Saraki is advocating for a politics of division. He speaks as if he owns the PDP, forgetting that no political party is the personal property of any man—no matter his lineage or legacy.

Some would say Saraki is cursed with political misfortune. In fact, whispers have long circulated about a supposed curse from his late father, the revered Dr. Olusola Saraki, who allegedly foresaw his son’s betrayal and warned that Bukola would one day be disgraced out of politics. Whether true or not, the signs are telling. Kwara PDP is a carcass, and the national PDP isn’t far behind. Wherever Saraki has held sway, prosperity has turned to poverty, unity has become division, and victory has transformed into serial defeat.

Let us be honest: PDP is in trouble. And the kind of rhetoric Saraki is championing will only deepen the crisis. His latest message doesn’t show a man ready to heal or lead—it shows a man venting, a man frustrated by reality, and a man who would rather rule over ashes than share power in a thriving system.

Instead of reflecting on why leaders are leaving the party, Saraki is quick to accuse and dismiss. Instead of asking why the PDP keeps bleeding from within, he is busy pointing fingers. But the people are watching. PDP members across the country are watching. Nigerians are watching. And the verdict is clear: Saraki has become a liability, not an asset.

His insistence that the party is “better off with fewer but loyal members” may soon become a self-fulfilling prophecy, because at this rate, there may be very few members left at all.

A party cannot win on loyalty alone. It needs structure, inclusiveness, strategy, and vision. But Saraki’s PDP has none of these. What it has instead is bitterness, disconnection, and a trail of political casualties from Ilorin to Abuja.

Yes, democracy is a marathon, not a sprint. But when the man holding the baton keeps tripping over his own ego, the entire team pays the price. PDP is paying that price today. And unless it breaks free from the venomous grip of leaders like Saraki, it may never recover.

So let it be known: the same mouth Saraki used to chase loyalists from Kwara PDP is now being used to finish off the party nationally. And unless something changes drastically—the PDP under his watch will continue its descent into irrelevance.

Let those who have ears, hear.

Idris Hassan Kusogi, writes from Patigi Local Government, Kwara State.

The post SARAKI The Venomous Tongue That Killed PDP in Kwara, Now Aiming to Kill it at The National Stage appeared first on Daily Dates Nigeria.

The case is being heard by Justice Mahmud Abdulgafar at the Kwara State High Court, Ilorin.

During the hearing on March 11, 2024, the EFCC presented its second witness, Dr. Musa Oladimeji Dasuki, a retired Permanent Secretary at the Kwara State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB). Dasuki, who served between 2011 and 2020, provided insights into how the funds meant for educational projects were allegedly misused.

According to Dasuki, the Kwara State Government, under Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed, requested UBEC funds for 2013 and 2014, claiming they were needed to pay teachers’ salaries. The then Finance Commissioner, Ademola Banu, first made an oral request but was advised to submit a formal written request.

“Subsequently, a letter was sent, conveying His Excellency’s approval for the fund’s release,” Dasuki revealed. “The money was deposited into the state government’s account with Skye Bank Plc.”

Funds Meant for School Projects Allegedly Misused

SUBEB initially resisted the request, fearing it would disrupt ongoing school infrastructure projects. However, the board eventually agreed after receiving assurances from Banu that the money would be refunded once the state received its federal allocation.

Despite these promises, Dasuki confirmed that the funds were never repaid.

“As per the 2013 action plan submitted to UBEC, the funds were allocated for the construction of 40 classroom blocks, VIP toilets, and ICT centers in primary and junior secondary schools across 16 local government areas in Kwara State,” he testified. “But many of these projects were not executed because the funds had been diverted.”

Contractors Left Unpaid, Projects Stalled

Dasuki further revealed that many contractors protested after they were not paid for completed projects.

During cross-examination, the defense lawyer, Jimoh Mumini, SAN, questioned Dasuki about the roles of the former governor and finance commissioner in SUBEB. Dasuki admitted that neither official was a board member.

Justice Mahmud Abdulghafar adjourned the case to March 13, 2025, for further hearing.

The post Kwara’s Former Governor on Trial Over Alleged N5.8 Billion UBEC Fraud appeared first on Daily Dates Nigeria.

According to reports, Yetunde, who went missing on Monday, February 10, 2025, was killed by her boyfriend, whom she met on social media. The suspect, who has been arrested by the police, allegedly dismembered Yetunde’s body for ritual purposes.

Yetunde’s disappearance was reported to the Oja Oba Police Station in Ilorin by her parents on Tuesday. The police used her phone number to track her last call, which led them to the suspect’s location in the Offa Garage District area of Ilorin.

This gruesome murder adds to the growing list of women who have been allegedly killed by their boyfriends in recent months. In a similar incident, 32-year-old Timilehin Ajayi was accused of killing his girlfriend, Salome Adaidu, and severing her head earlier this year. Another case involves the murder of makeup artist Emrich Effanga, allegedly by her boyfriend, Ndifreke, in Akwa Ibom.

The police have assured that the suspect will face justice, but the community remains shaken by the brutal nature of the crime.

The post Final-Year Student Killed, Dismembered by Boyfriend in Kwara State appeared first on Daily Dates Nigeria.

Minister of Youth Development, Dr. Jamila Bio Ibrahim, representing the Secretary to the Government of the Federation hailed the project as a turning point in the fight against environmental challenges and a testament to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s government’s commitment to improving the lives of citizens.

SGF in his words stated that: “This Erosion and Flood Control Dyke provides a solution to this long-standing issue.  A well-connected drainage system that offers a convenient network for water flow, ultimately emptying into the river. Thus, laying a solid foundation for the people of Patigi to build upon in terms of town planning and flood prevention. It will also have far-reaching impacts such as protecting critical healthcare infrastructure, ensuring that medical services remain accessible even during extreme weather events, as well as safeguarding homes and businesses and providing peace of mind to residents and entrepreneurs alike.”

Abubakar Yelwa, Managing Director, the National Hydro-Electric Power Producing Areas Development Commission (N-HYPPADEC), commended the community for their collaboration in combating the devastating effects of the flood and erosion in the Town especially the General Hospital and its environs.

He said the erosion and flood control drainage system consists of two sections spanning 0.75 kilometres with culverts and  0.325 kilometres of drains from various locations, designed to salvage the surrounding land by channelling runoff to the river.

Executive Governor of Kwara State, H E Abdulrasaq Abdulrahman, represented by the State Commissioner for Environment, Hajia Nafisat Buge, thanked the commission for the laudable intervention. She urged members of the community to actively participate in the maintenance and upkeep of the infrastructure.

Etsu Patigi, His Royal Highness, AlIbrahim Umar Bologi II in his heartfelt remarks urged people to maintain the project, adding that the government had done its part. He appreciated the government and the N-HYPPADEC, saying, “We’ll continue to ask for more as we look forward to more projects”.

The post FG Commissions Patigi Erosion, Flood Control Project appeared first on Daily Dates Nigeria.

In a statement signed by the Honourable Commissioner, Kwara State Ministry of Tertiary Education, Dr. Mary Ronke Arinde, she announced that the Application portal will open on Monday.

The statement reads: “His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Kwara State Malam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq CON has given approval for the payment of 2023/2024 Bursary and 2022/2023 Scholarship Award to Kwara State indigenes in Tertiary Institutions owned by State and Federal Government.

Registration procedure is as follows: 

1. Log on to https://scholarship.kw.gov.ng/

2. Register your bio-data on the platform to obtain login details

3. Use your login details with your password to fill the application form online
4. Scan and upload the following documents online (mandatory).

•Passport photograph.
•Local Government Citizenship Certificate.
•Your last session results stamped and signed by the appropriate authority.
•Your Admission Letter.
•Your Institutional Valid I.D Card.
•Evidence of NAKSS due payment.

REGISTRATION GUIDELINES:

1. Click on Apply now, fill the form correctly
2. Click the Verification Mail that would be sent to the provided Email for account Activation
3. Use the Login page to login with your Email and Password
4. Click on Complete Bursary Form link after successful Login to complete your registration
5. Use the Uploads link to upload all necessary document
6. Use the Bursary Record link to view Completed form and print out

Only final year Students of Kwara State indigenes in Governments (State and Federal) owned Tertiary Institutions are eligible.

All interested applicants are given Two (2) weeks from Monday, 11th March, 2024 to apply for this year’s Bursary and Scholarship Award.

Registration for this Bursary and Scholarship Award closes on Sunday, 24th March, 2024.

The post Kwara State Gov. Declares Bursary, Scholarship Award for Indigene Students appeared first on Daily Dates Nigeria.

Yusuf would continue in his duties after May 29th.

Yusuf has undergone several training within the country and abroad, sharpening his skills in both military intelligence and combat.

Yusuf does not only speak English but is also fluent in French, Yoruba, and Hausa which has helped him communicate effectively while on duties in Nigeria and outside the country.

He born on November 22, 1979.

The post Tinubu’s ADC Resumes Duty Ahead of Inauguration appeared first on Daily Dates Nigeria.

Kwara State’s Police Public Relations Officer, Okasanmi Ajayi, made this known in a statement on Monday.

According to the PPRO, the suspect, Yusuf Abubakar shot his elder brother, Abubakar Abubakar, “during the process of testing the efficacy of newly procured gunshot protective charm” and the case was reported on Sunday night.

“This incident happened after fortifying themselves with the protective charm, the elder son brought his father’s Dane gun and shot his younger sibling.

“The charm failed and the 12-year-old Yusuf Abubakar died on the spot. The culprit escaped into the bushes immediately after the act was committed,” the statement partly read.

The police spokesman said the Commissioner of Police in the state, Paul Odama, has directed the commencement of an investigation into the matter.

“Parents and guidance are advised to monitor the activities of their children and avoid doing certain unsavoury activities while their children and wards watch to prevent incidents of this nature,” Ajayi stated.

The post How 12-Year-Old Kills Brother While Testing Bulletproof Charm appeared first on Daily Dates Nigeria.

The incident happened on Friday at 10:30am while the B737-500 aircraft with registration number 5N-BQR was taxiing to the parking bay at the airport.

No one was reportedly injured during the incident and no life was lost.

Spokesperson for Air Peace, Stanley Olise, who confirmed the incident said the tyre has been fixed and the aircraft has been moved from the runway.”

A press statement released by the airline read that:  “Our aircraft neither crashed nor crash-landed in Ilorin or in any place for that matter.

“Air Peace is committed to providing peaceful connectivity across cities and relentlessly observes the highest standards of safety in its operations.”

Also, the Accident Investigation Bureau (AIB), the investigating body in charge of all aviation-related accidents and incidents in Nigeria, confirmed that the incident occurred but said there was no plane crash.

The post Air Peace Aircraft Tyre Bursts In Ilorin appeared first on Daily Dates Nigeria.

Spokesperson of the state Technical Committee on COVID-19, Rafiu Ajakaye, disclosed in a statement that Alabi who is the chairman of the Kwara state Technical Committee Kayode Alabi and his wife underwent COVID-19 test after they showed slight symptoms of the virus.

“The results of their test are positive. The second couple are very stable and in high spirit, and are now undergoing standard management protocols supervised by the government’s medical team.

“Immediate contact tracing and tests, among other safety protocols, are being done for persons who have met with the couple in the past few days.

“The government wishes the second couple and all others quick recovery,” he disclosed.

The post Just-In: Kwara Deputy Governor And Wife Test Positive For COVID-19 appeared first on Daily Dates Nigeria.