Vice-President Kashim Shettima has condemned the suicide bombing attack that led to many deaths at a local food joint in Konduga Local Government Area of Borno State on Friday night.

Shettima, in a statement on Saturday, described the incident as a heinous act of terrorism against innocent civilians.

The Vice President called on relevant agencies to intensify probes into the incident and ensure that victims and families of the deceased receive urgent support.

The former Borno State governor, who sympathized with the families of the victims and the people of Borno, expressed the Federal Government’s commitment to bringing the perpetrators to justice.

According to him, the Federal Government would not relent in its efforts to ensure that those responsible for the despicable act face the full weight of the law.

“Our hearts go out to the families who have lost loved ones in this senseless act of violence.

”The government stands with them in this difficult time and will provide all necessary support.

“The administration of His Excellency, President Bola Tinubu, remains committed to restoring lasting peace and security to the Northeast and all parts of Nigeria.

“We will not allow our enemies to undermine the progress we have made in degrading their capabilities,” Shettima said.

The Nigerian Correctional Service, NCoS, has suspended two of its operatives after it was discovered that a convicted inmate tried to process an international passport while in custody.

The Service Public Relations Officer, Abubakar Umar, made this known in a statement on Saturday in Abuja.

According to Umar, the misconduct was detected through the automated passport application system operated by the Nigeria Immigration Service, NIS, underscoring the effectiveness of ongoing inter-agency cooperation.

“The Service wishes to clarify that this misconduct was uncovered a fortnight ago through reforms introduced in the NIS, which flagged the irregularity.

“This particularly speaks to inter-agency collaboration and cooperation.

“The implicated officers were suspended by the Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire and Immigration Services Board, CDCFIB, under the leadership of the Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, as part of disciplinary measures, ” he said.

The NCoS spokesman quoted the Controller General of Corrections, Mr Sylvester Nwakuche, as reaffirming the Service’s commitment to discipline, transparency and professionalism across all custodial facilities nationwide.

According to him, the Service is committed to its core mandates of secure custody, humane treatment and the reformation of inmates in line with international standards.

“The Service categorically states that any personnel found engaging in acts of misconduct, corruption or sabotage will be shown the way out of the system,” he warned.

In a bid to eradicate kidnapping in the state, the Ondo State Government has proposed a death sentence for whoever is found guilty of kidnapping in the state.

The Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice in the state, Dr Olukayode Ajulo, SAN, disclosed this while speaking with journalists on Saturday after the weekly state executive council meeting. It was gathered that the state governor, Mr Lucky Aiyedatiwa presided over the meeting.

Ajulo said the proposal would soon be transmitted to the state House of Assembly for necessary legislative action.

He said, ” Kidnapping and cultism have become major threats to safety and public order and strengthening relevant legal frameworks would help deter such crimes and improve the overall security landscape.

” The proposals would soon be transmitted to the House of Assembly for necessary legislative action, including sentencing convicted kidnappers to death.”

Also speaking, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Infrastructure, Lands and Housing, Engr. Abiola Olawoye, revealed that the Executive Council approved the construction of two major dual-carriageway road projects in the state.

According to him, the first is the construction of a 24.75-kilometre dual carriageway from Ugbeyin Junction – Okitipupa Market – OAUSTECH – Ugbonla Junction – Igbokoda Jetty.

“The road will feature a 9.3-metre wide carriageway on both sides, a 1.2-metre median, concrete line drains, walkways, asphaltic shoulders in undeveloped areas, a 3-metre utility area, and solar-powered streetlights along the median. The entire road corridor is 28 metres wide, with a total right of way of 40 metres. It will also include modern traffic lights at critical intersections and is designed to carry heavy traffic with a reinforced pavement structure.

” The second project is the construction of a 6.7-kilometre dual carriageway from Supare Junction – Akungba – Ikare Road in Akoko area of the state. The specifications are similar, including a 9.3-metre carriageway on either side, 1.2-metre median, reinforced concrete line drains, walkways, a 3-metre utility area, solar-powered streetlights, and traffic management systems. It is also built to withstand heavy vehicular movement.

“In addition to these, the council approved the provision and installation of 6,000 standalone solar streetlights across the three senatorial districts—2,000 each for Ondo North, Ondo Central, and Ondo South. This is part of the state’s agenda to improve safety and public lighting infrastructure.