SOKOTO, NIGERIA — The journalism community in Sokoto State has been thrown into mourning following the death of veteran journalist Mohammed Ibrahim Goronyo, who passed away after a brief illness.

DDM gathered that the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Sokoto State Council, alongside members of the Correspondents’ Chapel, expressed deep sorrow over the loss, describing it as a painful blow to the media profession in the state.

Colleagues said Goronyo was widely respected for his dedication to journalism, professionalism, and commitment to ethical reporting throughout his career.

The late journalist was known for his consistent coverage of public affairs and his contributions to informing the public on key political, social, and developmental issues affecting Sokoto State and beyond.

According to members of the NUJ, his death has created a significant vacuum in the media landscape, particularly among younger journalists who looked up to him as a mentor and role model.

Background analysis shows that veteran journalists often play a crucial role in shaping the standards of reporting within Nigeria’s media industry, offering guidance and institutional memory that help sustain newsroom professionalism.

Goronyo’s passing adds to a growing list of media professionals who have died in recent years, raising renewed concerns about the welfare, health support, and working conditions of journalists in the country.

The NUJ Sokoto State Council described him as a committed professional whose contributions to journalism helped strengthen public awareness and accountability in governance.

Members of the Correspondents’ Chapel also noted that his calm disposition, investigative approach, and dedication to factual reporting earned him respect among colleagues and public officials alike.

Tributes have continued to pour in from journalists, media executives, and public figures who praised his career and the impact he made during his years of service.

They emphasized that his legacy would continue to inspire upcoming journalists to uphold truth, fairness, and integrity in reporting.

The union called for prayers for the repose of his soul and urged members of the profession to remain united in honoring his memory.

As the media community in Sokoto reflects on his passing, attention has also been drawn to the need for improved welfare systems and stronger institutional support for journalists across Nigeria.

Observers say Goronyo’s death is not only a loss to his immediate family and colleagues but also to the broader journalism profession that benefited from his years of service and dedication.

ZURU, KEBBI STATE — The Speaker of the Kebbi State House of Assembly, Muhammad Usman-Zuru, has been laid to rest in his hometown of Zuru following his death at the age of 56 in Egypt.

Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) gathered that the late lawmaker was buried in accordance with Islamic rites, with family members, political associates, traditional leaders, and residents of the area turning out in large numbers to pay their final respects.

His death, which reportedly occurred in Egypt where he had travelled for medical attention, has been described as a significant loss to Kebbi State’s political landscape and legislative community.

The funeral prayer drew top government officials and dignitaries from within and outside the state, reflecting the influence and respect the late Speaker commanded during his time in office.

Emotional scenes were recorded as mourners expressed grief over the passing of a leader widely regarded as experienced and dedicated to public service.

Background details show that Usman-Zuru served as Speaker of the Kebbi State House of Assembly, playing a central role in legislative activities and governance in the state. His leadership was instrumental in shaping policies and overseeing the passage of laws aimed at development and stability.

Colleagues described him as a committed lawmaker who worked closely with the executive arm of government to ensure effective governance, while also representing the interests of his constituents.

His death adds to a growing list of Nigerian public officials who have sought medical care abroad, a trend that continues to spark debate about the state of healthcare infrastructure within the country.

Political observers note that his passing may have implications for the leadership structure of the Kebbi State House of Assembly, as succession processes are expected to follow in line with legislative procedures.

Tributes have continued to pour in from political leaders, stakeholders, and members of the public, many of whom praised his contributions to governance and community development.

The burial in Zuru marks the end of a chapter in Kebbi State politics, as the state begins to reflect on his legacy and the impact of his service.

ABUJA, NIGERIA — The Nigerian Independent System Operator (NISO) has announced a reduction in electricity transmission losses to 7.05 percent, marking a significant improvement in efforts to stabilise Nigeria’s national grid and enhance power delivery efficiency.

Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) gathered that the development is part of ongoing reforms aimed at strengthening grid management, reducing energy wastage, and improving overall reliability within Nigeria’s power sector.

Officials disclosed that the reduction in transmission losses reflects improved coordination in grid operations, better monitoring systems, and strategic upgrades in transmission infrastructure across key nodes in the national network.

Transmission losses, which typically occur due to technical inefficiencies, outdated infrastructure, and energy dissipation over long distances, have long been a major challenge in Nigeria’s electricity value chain. Reducing these losses is considered critical to improving power supply and minimising revenue leakages.

NISO stated that its reforms are focused on enhancing real-time grid management, deploying advanced technologies, and improving collaboration with generation and distribution companies to ensure a more stable and responsive power system.

Background analysis shows that Nigeria’s electricity sector has struggled for decades with issues including inconsistent power supply, grid collapses, inadequate infrastructure, and financial inefficiencies. These challenges have affected both industrial productivity and household energy access across the country.

Energy experts say that reducing transmission losses to 7.05 percent represents a positive step toward achieving a more efficient power system, although further improvements are needed to meet global benchmarks.

The reforms being implemented by NISO are also expected to support ongoing efforts by the federal government to modernise the electricity sector and attract investment into power generation, transmission, and distribution.

Stakeholders note that grid stability remains a major priority, especially given the frequency of system disturbances and partial or total grid collapses recorded in recent years.

By improving operational efficiency and reducing losses, NISO aims to ensure that more generated power is successfully delivered to end users, thereby improving supply consistency and customer satisfaction.

Analysts further highlight that sustained investment in infrastructure, policy consistency, and regulatory enforcement will be essential in maintaining the progress achieved so far.

The announcement signals cautious optimism within the energy sector, as reforms begin to yield measurable outcomes in Nigeria’s long-standing effort to build a more reliable and efficient electricity system.

ABUJA, NIGERIA — The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has rescued a 36-year-old woman from an alleged case of prolonged domestic abuse in the Asokoro Extension area of the Federal Capital Territory.

Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) gathered that the rescue operation was carried out on Thursday by NAPTIP’s Rapid Response Squad following credible intelligence about the incident, which reportedly involved physical assault by the victim’s husband.

According to a statement released by the agency via its official X (formerly Twitter) account, the suspect, identified as Mr. Godwin, aged 48, was alleged to have subjected his wife to physical violence within their residence.

The agency disclosed that the couple, who are both indigenes of Kenshishe in Benue State, had been married for 22 years prior to the incident that led to the intervention.

NAPTIP officials stated that upon receiving the report, operatives swiftly moved to the location and successfully extracted the victim from what was described as an abusive environment.

The victim has since been relocated to a secure facility where she is currently receiving medical attention, psychological care, and other necessary support services aimed at aiding her recovery.

Authorities confirmed that preliminary investigations have commenced, with the agency initiating procedures to determine the full circumstances surrounding the case and ensure appropriate legal action is taken.

Background analysis shows that domestic violence remains a persistent challenge in Nigeria, often underreported due to cultural, social, and economic factors that discourage victims from speaking out or seeking help.

Experts note that agencies like NAPTIP have increasingly expanded their roles beyond trafficking-related offences to include intervention in cases involving abuse, exploitation, and protection of vulnerable individuals.

Legal frameworks such as the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act (VAPP) provide mechanisms for addressing domestic abuse, although enforcement and awareness continue to vary across different states.

NAPTIP reiterated its commitment to safeguarding the rights and dignity of citizens, stressing that it remains resolute in tackling all forms of abuse and exploitation across the country.

The agency also called on members of the public to promptly report cases of domestic violence and related offences, emphasizing that early intervention can prevent escalation and save lives.

Security and social welfare advocates have praised the rescue, noting that timely action by authorities is critical in addressing domestic abuse and protecting victims from further harm.

As investigations continue, the case highlights the ongoing need for stronger awareness, support systems, and enforcement measures to combat domestic violence in Nigeria.

The United States Embassy in Abuja has cancelled all visa appointments, asking applicants to check their emails for updates on new dates.

In a notice released on Thursday, the embassy said visa services would continue at its consulate in Lagos, while American citizen services remain available by appointment or in emergencies.

Staff withdrawal triggers disruption

The move comes shortly after the U.S. Department of State authorised non-emergency staff and their families to leave the embassy in Abuja, citing worsening security conditions across Nigeria.

Travel advisory tightened

In its updated advisory, the U.S. government urged its citizens to reconsider travelling to Nigeria due to risks including crime, terrorism, kidnapping, and civil unrest.

Nigeria remains under a Level 3: Reconsider Travel advisory, while some states have been placed under Level 4: Do Not Travel, the highest warning level.

States listed under severe risk include parts of the North such as Borno, Yobe, and Plateau, as well as others affected by insecurity and unrest.

What this means

The suspension of visa appointments in Abuja is expected to affect many applicants, especially those who had scheduled interviews at the embassy.

For now, processing will be handled through Lagos, as U.S. authorities continue to monitor the security situation nationwide.

The Defense Headquarters has confirmed the attack launched by Boko Haram terrorists on troops of Operation HADIN KAI in Benisheikh, Borno, in the wee hours of Thursday.

The Director, Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Michael Onoja, disclosed this in a statement in Abuja, saying the attack targeted the Headquarters of the 29 Task Force Brigade at about 12:30 a.m.

Onoja said the insurgents attempted to breach the defensive perimeter of the formation but were met with “exceptional courage, professionalism and superior firepower” by the troops.

He said the soldiers, under the leadership of the Brigade Commander, Brig.-Gen. Oseni Braimah, swiftly mounted a coordinated counter-offensive that forced the attackers to retreat in disarray.

“In a well-coordinated counteraction, the insurgents were decisively engaged and compelled to abandon their mission, leaving behind traces of their failed assault,” he said.

The defence spokesman described the attack as a sign of desperation by terrorist elements following sustained military pressure and significant losses recorded in recent operations.

“This attack clearly reflects the desperation of terrorists who continue to embark on futile offensives against well-defended military positions,” he said.

He added that the swift response by troops underscored the high level of combat readiness, resilience and operational effectiveness of Operation HADIN KAI.

Onoja, however, disclosed that the encounter resulted in the loss of some soldiers who paid the supreme price in the line of duty.

He said the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, had paid tribute to the fallen heroes, honouring their sacrifice and commitment to national defence.

“Their courage will forever remain a source of pride and inspiration to the Armed Forces of Nigeria and the entire nation,” he said.

Onoja added that the military high command had extended its condolences to the families and loved ones of the deceased personnel.

Though, the army in the statement reluctantly refused to confirm the death of Brigadier General Oseni Braimah, who was brutally killed during the unfortunate attack.

It urged the public and media to allow due process in notifying next of kin before further details are released.

He also cautioned against the spread of misinformation and unverified reports capable of undermining ongoing operations and national security.

Onoja said additional clearance and exploitation operations were ongoing in the area to track and neutralise fleeing insurgents.

He reiterated the commitment of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, in collaboration with other security agencies, to sustain momentum in the fight against terrorism.

“The Armed Forces remain resolute and undeterred in restoring lasting peace in the North-East and across the country,” he said.

The defence spokesman called on citizens to remain calm, vigilant and law-abiding, while continuing to provide credible information to support security operations.

Diaspora Digital Media reported that Brigadier General Oseni Braimah was killed by the insurgents during the vicious raid.

The chairman of the Kaga local government area, Hon. Zanna Ajimi, confirmed the killing of Brigadier-General O. Braimah.

He said: “Yes, we just left the military base now, and I can confirm to you that the brigade commander is among the casualties,” Hon. Ajimi stated.

The Federal Government has dismissed claims that Nigeria is on the verge of collapse, saying the country is making steady progress in addressing its security and economic challenges.

The rebuttal is coming after a coalition of 52 Nigerian Civil Society Organisations, including Amnesty International Nigeria, CISLAC, CITAD, MRA, Centre for Democracy and Development, Transparency International, and Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project, warned that the country is on the verge of collapse due to escalating insecurity, poverty, and moral decay.

The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, during the 81st General Assembly and 23rd Annual General Meeting of the Broadcasting Organisation of Nigeria, on Wednesday in Abuja, dismissed the warnings as “pessimistic narratives” insisting that Nigeria is demonstrating resilience in the face of difficulties.

He cited ongoing security operations, including coordinated military offensives and improved intelligence-sharing, as evidence of progress, saying these efforts have led to the neutralisation of bandits and disruption of attacks, particularly in parts of northern Nigeria.

“We are daily exhibiting resilience and tackling our security and economic challenges more decisively.

“Incidents of large-scale insurgent control have significantly decreased,” he said, adding that enhanced rapid-response mechanisms are being deployed nationwide to safeguard lives and property,” he said.

Idris, in a statement issued by his spokesman, Rabiu Ibrahim, also pointed to signs of economic recovery, including improvements in foreign reserves and expanding revenue sources across oil and non-oil sectors, attributing these gains to reforms aimed at strengthening transparency and fiscal discipline.

The minister also referenced Nigeria’s recent reclassification as a Frontier Market by FTSE Russell, saying it reflects improvements in foreign exchange liquidity, market transparency, and ease of capital repatriation.

He urged broadcasters to uphold professionalism and avoid promoting narratives that could deepen divisions, especially as the country approaches another election cycle.

“The airwaves are a public trust. Broadcasting must inform, educate, and unite our people while upholding the highest standards of professionalism, fairness, and accuracy,” he said.