Top 10 Stories From Nigeria Newspapers Today – Monday, November 17, 2025

1. Three people were reportedly killed and at least 64 others abducted by bandits on Saturday in Fegin Baza village, Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara State. Sources indicate that women and children were among the victims taken to an undisclosed location.

2. The newly elected National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Kabiru Tanimu Turaki, SAN, has stated that the party is open to forming a broad opposition coalition ahead of the 2027 general elections. According to him, all viable options that will strengthen Nigeria’s democracy remain under consideration, as the PDP is committed to addressing the nation’s current challenges.

3. The Benue State Government has intensified its education sector reforms with a comprehensive ban on illegal levies across public and private schools, alongside the mandatory introduction of electronic dossiers (e-Dossiers) for all learners. Dr. Terna Francis, Executive Secretary of the Benue Education Quality Assurance and Examination Board (BEQAEB), announced the measures during the board’s inaugural meeting with school principals in Makurdi.

4. Senate President Godswill Akpabio has affirmed that restoring peace and unity in Plateau State and across Nigeria is the responsibility of the government, stressing that lasting stability cannot come from foreign intervention. Speaking on Saturday at the Jos Polo Field during a reception for political decampees joining the All Progressives Congress (APC), he urged citizens to actively participate in peacebuilding efforts.

5. Governor Agbu Kefas of Taraba State is set to formally defect from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) on Wednesday, November 19. The governor confirmed the planned defection while inspecting renovation works at the Jolly Nyame Stadium in Jalingo over the weekend.

6. Nigeria’s electricity sector may face significant disruption as the National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE) has threatened a nationwide shutdown following an alleged attack on Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) personnel by armed police officers at the Egbu 132/33kV Transmission Substation in Imo State.

7. An autopsy has confirmed that Mr. Bamidele Akingboye, a former governorship candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in Ondo State, was murdered. The Lagos State Police Command has stated that it is awaiting advice from the Department of Public Prosecution (DPP) before pressing charges against any individuals implicated in the case.

8. Lieutenant A.M. Yerima, a young Nigerian Navy officer involved in a recent confrontation with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, reportedly survived an attempted trailing by unidentified individuals in Abuja on Saturday night. Sources claim that two unmarked Hilux vehicles without identification followed him from the NIPCO Filling Station along the Kubwa Expressway to Gado Nasco Way.

9. The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has called on the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mr. Olayemi Cardoso, to publicly account for the alleged missing or diverted N3 trillion in public funds referenced in the recently released 2022 annual report of the Auditor-General of the Federation. SERAP noted that the allegations were detailed in the Auditor-General’s report dated September 9, 2025.

10. A 12-year-old girl identified as Nabilat has died after falling into a domestic well in the Ikoyi community of the Irewolede area, Ilorin West Local Government Area of Kwara State. The incident occurred at approximately 10:35 a.m. on Saturday when the victim reportedly slipped while attempting to fetch water.