By Michael Lim, Jos

A 100-level female student of Plateau State University, Bokkos, has been abducted by gunmen suspected to be kidnappers while another person sustained injuries during an attack on off-campus student residential areas in Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State.

According to reports, the incidents which occurred on Saturday evening at about 8:40pm, had heightened concerns over the safety of students residing outside the university campus.

Speaking on condition of anonymity, a student confirmed the abduction to journalists on Sunday, saying the victim, a 100-level female student, had gone out with another female colleague when she was abducted.

“Yes, the student was taken away by the attackers last night, and we have not seen her since then. She is staying off campus, but I don’t know her,”

The source lamented the growing insecurity in the council area and appealed to security agencies to ensure the safe rescue of the victim.

A staff of the university, speaking anonymously confirmed the incident saying the institution was aware of the development. In his words:

“The university is aware of a reported shooting incident in one of the off-campus student residential areas. This would be the second such incident in four weeks.”

According to him, although the incident did not occur within the university campus, the management was deeply concerned about the safety of students living outside the institution.

“While the incident did not occur within the university campus, which remains our direct responsibility to secure, we are deeply concerned that any of our students living off campus should face such threats to their safety.”

He added that the administration of the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Shedrack Best, was determined to provide safe and secure on-campus accommodation for students.

“The administration of Prof. Shedrack Best has made concerted efforts to provide safe and secure on-campus accommodation for all students.

“However, due to severe financial constraints, the university is currently only able to accommodate about 1,000 students in its dormitories.”

“The university will continue to engage relevant authorities to expand both accommodation and security for our nearly 20,000 students,” he said.

Efforts to get the reaction of the Plateau State Police Command spokesperson, Alabo Alfred, on the matter were unsuccessful.

–Calls NUJ to fight for members

By Seyi Balogun, Lagos

The Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, has resolved that wage discussions should commence far before April 2027 implementation date while identifying inflation, the cost of living, the value of the naira, transportation, housing and workers’ purchasing power as major issues that would shape the next national minimum wage negotiations.

The NLC President, Joe Ajaero, spoke weekend in Lagos, at the 2026 Labour Writers Association of Nigeria, LAWAN, Annual Conference in Lagos, on the theme; “Workers at the centre of Nigeria’s Political Transition: Defending rights, advancing welfare and building economic justice”.

In his words:
“We must examine inflation, the value of the naira and other factors affecting workers’ purchasing power. The new minimum wage should be informed by the cost-of-living index and prevailing inflationary trends”

NLC also expressed concern over the poor welfare conditions of Nigerian journalists.
He said journalists face daunting harsh working conditions including inadequate salaries, job insecurity, weak pension arrangements and the absence of effective social security protection, calling on the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) to take its trade union responsibilities more seriously.

According to him, it would be counter productive to negotiate a new minimum wage without establishing what the proposed amount could actually purchase.

He warned that workers should not find themselves receiving an improved salary only for inflation to erode its value within a few months, forcing them to demand another increase. In his words:

“We must not approach the next minimum wage negotiation by simply demanding millions or billions without considering other economic factors.

“We must consider inflation, the value of the currency and other issues affecting the economy. The new minimum wage should be determined with reference to the cost-of-living index and inflationary trends.

“If the government agrees that wages should be indexed to inflation, then an increase in inflation should lead to an appropriate adjustment in wages.

“Alternatively, we must examine the prices of essential commodities and services. How much does a bag of garri cost? How much is house rent? How much does transportation cost?
These are the factors that must inform the negotiations.

“We cannot simply announce that we want ₦100,000 or ₦50,000 without establishing how those figures relate to the actual cost of living. This is important because, over the years, we have repeatedly found ourselves in a situation where workers receive a salary increase, but within a few months, inflation erodes its value and they are already demanding another adjustment. We must avoid that situation.

“The government must take a more decisive position on solving the transportation problem. Giving workers ₦70,000 as a transportation intervention for six months is not enough, although it provides some relief. For somebody earning ₦70,000, receiving another ₦70,000 is certainly meaningful.

“But what happens after six months?There are also other policies that must be considered, particularly transportation. We cannot accept a situation where workers receive ₦70,000 as temporary relief and, after six months, the government simply withdraws the intervention without providing an alternative.

“Nobody should assume that because the six-month period has expired, workers must return to their previous state of poverty. We have left Egypt; we cannot go back to Egypt.

“As far as the minimum wage negotiations are concerned, the new negotiations must recognise the existing wage structure and the improvements already achieved.
You cannot begin negotiating from a position that ignores those gains.

“You cannot expect workers to return to the old minimum wage position of ₦70,000 after receiving the additional intervention. We must consolidate the gains already made.

On the welfare of journalists, the NLC challenged the NUJ to intensify its involvement in collective bargaining and negotiations with media employers to secure better conditions of service for its members.

The labour leader questioned the absence of effective collective bargaining agreements in the media industry, asking: “What is the minimum wage for media workers across the country? What collective bargaining agreements exist between journalists and their employers?”

On journalism, he observed that, most journalists depend on employment in media organisations for their livelihoods, unlike other professionals who can establish private businesses or independent practices. He argued:

“Therefore, the NUJ must be actively involved in negotiating better welfare packages for its members.”

Ajaero also called for the revival of the proposed journalists’ village initiative and partnerships between journalists and mortgage institutions to enable media workers to own houses through affordable payment arrangements.

On job security and retirement benefits, the labour leader lamented that many journalists frequently move from one media organisation to another because of poor remuneration and unfavourable conditions of service.

He noted that low salaries also translate into inadequate pension contributions, leaving many workers financially vulnerable after retirement.

The NLC President called for improved salaries, stronger employment protection, better pension arrangements and comprehensive social security provisions for journalists.

By Vincent Tyosuugh

Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, has fulfilled part of his promises to Francesca Orderga, Super Falcons forward.

The governor had made a N50 million cash, a house and a street-in-her-name promises. With the hand over of the keys to the Fountain Estate house in Makurdi, according to the Venue Investment and Property Company, BIPC, Managing Director, Dr Raymond Asemakaha, only the street naming in her honour is yet to be fulfilled.

The gesture is in recognition of her being a worthy Benue Ambassador and her outstanding contributions to Nigerian football.

At the ceremony, she was represented by Dr. Asemakaha, where Governor Alia commended Ordega for her resilience, dedication and remarkable achievements in football.

Alia implored young people in Benue State to draw inspiration from Ordega’s success, remain focused and pursue their talents with determination.

Alia further said Ordega was a worthy ambassador of the state, whose accomplishments had brought pride to Benue. He also promised his commitment to providing opportunities and supporting Benue youth to realise their career aspirations.

The governor assured the footballer that he would honour all commitments to her, saying that the house presentation was part of the incentives he promised in recognition of her sporting achievements.

Ordega in her response, expressed gratitude to Governor Alia for fulfilling the pledge, describing the gesture as a major source of encouragement.

She revealed that the promises made to her after the 2024/2025 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, including a ₦50 million reward and the provision of a house, had been fulfilled.

The only outstanding commitment, according to her, is the naming of a street in her honour, adding that she had been assured that it would be carried out next year.

Ordega encouraged young people in the state not to abandon their dreams, and to embrace discipline, resilience and hard work as essential ingredients for success.

BIPC Head of Business Development and Strategy, Theresa Abeda, while speaking at the event congratulated Ordega for her recognition and urged youths across the state to emulate her dedication, perseverance and commitment to excellence.

Meanwhile, the female soccer star, Francesca Ordega hails from Mbaaye, Mbaanue, Mbaavarakaa in Mbatiav District of Gboko Local Government Area of Benue State.