Prophet Isa El-Buba, General Overseer of El-Buba Outreach Ministries, has condemned remarks attributed to Islamic cleric Sheikh Yahya Jingir during a political gathering in Kano State.

Jingir reportedly urged Muslims to support Muslim-Muslim political tickets and was also quoted as referring to Christians as “infidels” during an event organised in support of Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf.
Reacting to the remarks, El-Buba criticised what he described as religiously divisive rhetoric, warning that such comments could further deepen tensions in a country already grappling with insecurity, poverty, banditry, drug abuse and displacement, particularly in northern Nigeria.

“Somebody is standing there in your meeting, calling Christians infidels. If Christians should do this, who is going to have a country?” El-Buba asked.
While responding strongly to the alleged remarks, El-Buba said religious leaders should use their platforms to promote peaceful coexistence and unity rather than fuel division along religious lines.

The cleric also highlighted his personal efforts to support Muslims across northern Nigeria, claiming that he had assisted more than 10,000 Muslims with issues including their children’s education, housing and other basic needs, despite not having personal relationships with many of the beneficiaries.
According to El-Buba, Nigeria’s political and religious leaders should prioritise addressing the country’s pressing social and economic challenges rather than using religion as a tool for political or communal division.

His comments have renewed discussions about the responsibility of religious leaders and the potential consequences of public statements that could heighten religious tensions in Nigeria.

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) says an intelligence-led air operation has killed a senior commander of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) and eight other fighters in Borno State.

The operation was carried out by the Air Component of Operation Hadin Kai, the military’s counter-insurgency operation in the North-East. According to the NAF, the strike targeted suspected terrorists operating in the Sambisa Forest after intelligence reports provided information about their movements.

The Air Force said it deployed a remotely piloted aircraft to monitor and track the suspected fighters as they moved towards a hideout. After confirming the target, the aircraft carried out a precision strike on the location.

A subsequent assessment of the operation indicated that several fighters had been neutralised. The NAF later received additional intelligence confirming that nine ISWAP fighters were killed, while others sustained injuries.

Among those reportedly killed was Abu Khalid Al Muhajir, whom the Air Force identified as an important ISWAP commander responsible for providing security escorts for senior members of the terrorist organisation.

According to the NAF, Al Muhajir’s death could significantly affect ISWAP’s operations because of his reported knowledge of routes, terrain and movement patterns linking several terrorist enclaves in the Sambisa Forest and surrounding areas.

The Air Force also said intelligence suggested that some of the fighters affected by the strike may have been connected to elements suspected of involvement in a recent ambush on Nigerian troops along the Bita–Yamtage axis in Gwoza Local Government Area.

The latest operation forms part of continued military efforts to weaken terrorist networks operating across Borno and other parts of the North-East.

The NAF said its intelligence, surveillance and precision-strike capabilities would continue to be used in coordination with ground troops to disrupt terrorist movements, weaken their operational capacity and prevent them from regrouping.

The service maintained that the latest strike would also disrupt ISWAP’s ability to protect senior commanders and coordinate activities between its various enclaves.

The military’s intensified operations come as security forces continue to confront ISWAP and other insurgent groups operating in the North-East, while also working to protect communities and military formations from further attacks.

Okpanachi has assumed the traditional title of Odoma Ochogwu Ogugua of the Igala Kingdom, succeeding his late father and extending a family legacy within the Igala traditional institution.

The succession marks a significant moment for the family and the wider Igala community, as the new title holder takes on responsibilities associated with the traditional position and the preservation of Igala cultural heritage.

Okpanachi’s appointment follows the death of his father, who previously occupied the position. The transition allows the family to continue its longstanding connection with the traditional institution while entrusting the new holder with the responsibilities of the office.

The Odoma Ochogwu Ogugua title is associated with the Igala traditional system, which plays an important role in preserving the community’s customs, history and social values.

Following his emergence, attention is expected to focus on Okpanachi’s ability to build on his father’s contributions while responding to the expectations attached to the traditional office.

His succession also highlights the enduring role of traditional institutions in maintaining cultural identity and community cohesion, particularly at a time when younger generations are increasingly seeking ways to preserve indigenous heritage.

Members of the Igala community and well-wishers have continued to celebrate the transition, with expectations that the new title holder will uphold the values associated with the position and contribute positively to the development of the community.

The development represents not only a change in leadership within the traditional office but also the continuation of a family legacy that has been closely linked to the Igala institution.