Top 10 Stories From Nigerian Newspapers Today — Friday, October 3 2025

Good morning! Here are the top stories from Nigerian Newspapers today — Friday, October 3 2025.

Top 10 Stories from Nigerian Newspapers today — Friday, October 3 2025

1. Bandits Abduct Two Councillors, Imam in Zamfara Capital

Armed bandits abducted two serving councillors and an Imam during a raid on Tsauni community in Gusau, Zamfara State, on Wednesday night. The victims—councillors representing Gidan Goga and Tsibiri wards in Maradun LGA—were reportedly kidnapped around 8:05 p.m. near a police outpost, shortly after observing the Maghrib prayer.

2. Cooking Gas Price Surges by Over 34% in One Week

The cost of refilling a 12.5kg cylinder of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), commonly known as cooking gas, has skyrocketed by 34.6% in one week—from ₦12,750 to ₦17,500. Market findings show that 1kg of gas now sells between ₦1,350 and ₦1,500, depending on the location.

3. NSCDC Commandant in Edo Slumps, Dies After Speech

The Edo State Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Agun Gbenga, tragically slumped and died on Thursday shortly after delivering a speech. The incident occurred at the Bishop Kelly Pastoral Centre in Benin City during an event hosted by the International Association of World Peace Advocates, where he was to be honoured.

4. Kaduna Police Announce Arrests in Crackdown on Crime

The Kaduna State Police Command has reported significant progress in its latest anti-crime efforts, including the arrest of a suspected bandit drug supplier, an illegal arms carrier, and three alleged child traffickers. Authorities also recovered stolen livestock and dangerous drugs worth millions of naira.

5. ICPC Receives Petition to Probe Former Rivers Sole Administrator

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has confirmed receipt of a petition seeking an investigation into the handling of Rivers State’s federal allocations by former Sole Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd.). The petition, filed by lawyer and activist Deji Adeyanju, follows the end of Ibas’s tenure on September 18.

6. Makinde Urges Transparency, Inclusivity Ahead of PDP Convention

Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has called for fairness, open dialogue, and inclusivity in the upcoming Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) national convention. In a newsletter released Thursday evening, he emphasized that such principles are vital to reposition the party and boost its prospects for the 2027 general elections.

7. NAF Eliminates Notorious Kwara Kidnap Gang Leader

The Nigerian Air Force has killed a notorious kidnap kingpin known as “Maidawa” and several of his gang members in a targeted airstrike. The operation, carried out Tuesday, targeted forests around Isanlu-Isin in Kwara State and nearby areas in Kogi State.

8. Court Dismisses Suit Over Rivers Funds Managed by Sole Administrator

The Federal High Court in Abuja has dismissed a lawsuit seeking the return of funds allocated to Rivers State and managed by retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas during his tenure as Sole Administrator. Justice James Omotosho ruled that the court lacks jurisdiction since the issue stems from a presidential emergency proclamation.

9. Woman Dies After Setting Herself Ablaze in Bauchi

A middle-aged woman in Bauchi has died after allegedly setting herself on fire at a family residence. According to the Bauchi Police Command spokesperson, Ahmed Wakil, the woman had asked to see one Yelwa Abubakar Balewa. After being told he was unavailable, she reportedly poured petrol on herself and ignited it.

10. Ebonyi Pastor Arrested for Alleged Sexual Abuse of Sick Church Member

Police in Ebonyi State have arrested Bishop Ndibueze Okorie Onyagoziri, General Overseer of Champion the Truth Cathedral, over allegations of repeated sexual abuse of a 22-year-old female sickle cell patient. Reports suggest the cleric exploited vulnerable female church members under the guise of providing spiritual and material help.