Evening recap: Peter Obi’s convoy blocked in Benue, Tinubu mourns media aide, other top stories
September 8, 2026 7:10 pm
Youths chanting against Peter Obi barricaded Gboko Road in Makurdi on Tuesday, preventing the Nigeria Democratic Congress presidential candidate’s convoy from proceeding during a visit to condole with victims of killings in Benue State.
A suspected child trafficker in Oyo State, Adejoke Popoola, has confessed to selling her own babies and stealing 19 children as part of a syndicate that police say has been dismantled with 17 children rescued.
The shortlist for the 2026 Ballon d’Or has been released, marking the 70th edition of the awards recognising football achievements in the 2025/26 season.
PUNCH Online curates these and other headlines dominating Tuesday evening.
VIDEO: Protesters block Peter Obi’s convoy on Benue road
Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, Peter Obi, was prevented from proceeding in Benue State after protesters barricaded Gboko Road near the Nigerian Air Force Base and Makurdi Airport in Makurdi.
The protesters, chanting “We don’t want Peter Obi,” disrupted traffic for hours. Obi said he had travelled to condole with victims of killings but was stopped on the orders of a government special assistant.
He described the blockade as unacceptable and accused organisers of exploiting hungry youths.
Read the full story below: https://punchng.com/video-protesters-block-peter-obis-convoy-on-benue-road/
Tinubu mourns loss of presidential media aide
Assistant Director, Media at the Presidential Villa, Peter Onwubuariri, has died in Kano after a prolonged illness.
The 48-year-old veteran journalist and News Agency of Nigeria staff member died on Monday at the Kano Cancer Hospital.
His remains were released for burial in Owerri, Imo State. President Bola Tinubu described the death as a painful loss to the Presidency, NAN, the media community and the nation, praising Onwubuariri’s dedication and service across three administrations.
Read the full story below: https://punchng.com/tinubu-mourns-loss-of-presidential-media-aide/
How I sold my own babies, stole 19 children, Oyo trafficking suspect confesses
Adejoke Popoola, a suspected member of a child-stealing and trafficking syndicate, has confessed to selling two sets of her own children and stealing others for sale.
Speaking at the Oyo State Police Command headquarters in Ibadan, she said she sold a newborn and twins (the latter for N300,000 to a clinic) and admitted stealing children by posing as a house-seeker or spiritualist.
Read the full story below: https://punchng.com/how-i-sold-my-own-babies-stole-19-children-oyo-trafficking-suspect-confesses/
FULL LIST: 2026 Ballon d’Or nominees
The shortlist for the 2026 Ballon d’Or nominees has been announced for the 70th edition of the awards, covering the 2025/26 season.
Nominees were revealed across categories including Men’s and Women’s Ballon d’Or, Coach of the Year, Club of the Year, Goalkeeper of the Year and Young Talent of the Year.
Leading names on the men’s list include Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappé, Lamine Yamal, Jude Bellingham, Erling Haaland and Vinicius Jr.
Read the full story below: https://punchng.com/live-updates-full-list-2026-ballon-dor-nominees/
Reforms moving from stability to investment – Tinubu
President Bola Tinubu has said his administration is now focused on converting macroeconomic stability into investment, production, job creation and improved living standards.
Speaking (via representative) at the 19th Annual Banking and Finance Conference in Abuja, he cited 4.43 per cent GDP growth in Q2 2026, reserves above $54bn, easing inflation and progress toward a $1tn economy by 2030.
Read the full story below: https://punchng.com/reforms-moving-from-stability-to-investment-tinubu/
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