Nigerian Newspapers: 10 things you need to know Friday morning

Good morning! Here is today’s summary from Nigerian Newspapers:
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‎1. President Donald Trump said Thursday that US forces conducted deadly strikes against Islamic State “Scum” in northwestern Nigeria, and vowed more attacks if the militants keep killing Christians. Without providing details, the commander in chief said “The Department of War executed numerous perfect strikes,” on Christmas Day, against IS targets.

2. The Catholic Diocese of Kontagora has confirmed that all children and staff abducted from St. Mary’s Catholic Schools, Papiri in Niger, have been rescued and reunited with their families. Rev. Bulus Yohanna, Catholic Diocese of Kontagora and Properitor of St. Mary Catholic Private Primary and Secondary School, disclosed this in a statement on Thursday.

3. Vice-President Kashim Shettima says the Federal Government is deploying additional tactical teams to the area attacked by terrorists in Maiduguri, to track down and apprehend those responsible. Shettima, who stated this in a statement on Thursday, condemned the bomb explosion that claimed five lives and left several others injured at a Mosque in Gamboru Market, Maiduguri, on Wednesday.

4. The Nigerian Meteorological Agency, NiMet, has predicted sunshine and cloudiness from Friday until Sunday across the country. NiMet`s weather outlook released on Thursday in Abuja predicted sunny skies on Friday  over the northern region throughout the forecast period.

5. The Federal Road Safety Corps, FRSC, on Thursday confirmed 11 persons dead and 12 others injured in a lone auto crash that occurred along Ringim-Sankara-Beguwa road in Ringim Local Government Area of Jigawa. Mr Ado Adamu, the Ag. Commander in charge of the Ringim Local Government Unit of the FRSC in Jigawa confirmed the development to journalists.

6. Six serving members of the Zamfara State House of Assembly elected on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party have defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress, citing alleged disregard for constitutional provisions, prolonged suspension, and what they described as the erosion of legislative independence in the state. The lawmakers announced their defection in Gusau, the state capital, following what they said were extensive deliberations on the state of affairs within the Zamfara legislature.

7. At least two people were confirmed dead after a fully loaded 33,000-litre petrol tanker exploded along the Badagry Expressway in Lagos in the early hours of Christmas Day. It was gathered that the incident occurred at about 4 a.m. on Thursday near the Oto-Ijanikin axis, close to the Lagos State University of Education.

8. Benue State Police Command successfully foiled a kidnap attempt on Christmas Day and rescued one Geoffrey Akume. The command’s spokesperson, DSP Udeme Edet, disclosed in a statement released on Thursday, made available to newsmen in Makurdi. Edet said the incident occurred in the early hours of the day at Tiortu, along Gboko/Makurdi Road.

9. The governor of Ogun State, Dapo Abiodun, has assured residents that his administration will record a seamless, peaceful, and rancour-free transition at the end of his second term in 2027, pledging to set a historic benchmark in the state’s governance. Governor Abiodun gave the assurance on Thursday during the Christmas church service at St. James’ Anglican Church, Iperu-Remo, in Ikenne Local Government Area.

10. As Nigerians join the rest of the world in celebrating Christmas today, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reiterated his commitment to the protection of all faiths in an atmosphere of religious tolerance and harmony. He said his Administration would build on sustained engagements with leaders of major faiths to prevent conflict and promote peaceful coexistence, as part of broader efforts to strengthen national unity and stability.