EDITORIAL- Niger bandits’ attack: A call to protect our people, heroes

The heartbreaking news of about 20 Nigerian soldiers losing their lives during a bandit attack near Bangi, Niger State, has left families shattered and entire communities gripped by fear.

These were not just soldiers—they were fathers, mothers, sons, daughters, and friends who bravely stood on the frontlines to keep us safe.

Their loss is not just a statistic; it’s a wound in the heart of our nation.
Imagine the terror that swept through Bangi in the early hours of June 24, 2025.

Families fled their homes, children cried in confusion, and the hope for safety slipped further away. For the people living in these communities, every day now feels uncertain.

The bandits, growing bolder with each attack, have turned once-peaceful villages into places of fear and mourning.
What’s even more painful is the silence that often follows such tragedies.

As families mourn and communities scatter, many feel abandoned by those meant to protect them. This silence breeds anxiety and chips away at the trust we so desperately need in our leaders and institutions.

We cannot let this become our new normal. The lives lost must not be in vain. Nigeria’s leaders must act—by equipping our security forces, working closely with local communities, and being open and honest with the public.

We owe it to the fallen soldiers, to their families, and to every Nigerian who dreams of a life free from fear. Now is the time to come together, demand action, and restore hope and dignity to our nation.

Tax Reforms: Building a fairer future for every Nigerian

President Bola Tinubu’s recent signing of four tax reform bills is more than just a bureaucratic update—it’s a step toward a brighter, fairer future for all Nigerians.

By transforming the Federal Inland Revenue Service into the Nigeria Revenue Service, and simplifying our tax laws, the government is signaling its intent to make life easier and more predictable for everyday people and businesses alike.

For years, Nigerians have struggled with a confusing tangle of taxes and unclear rules. These reforms promise to cut through the red tape, reduce the burden on low-income families, and make it easier for honest citizens and entrepreneurs to thrive.

The creation of a Joint Revenue Board and a Tax Ombudsman means that, for the first time, there’s a real commitment to fairness, transparency, and resolving disputes without endless frustration.

Of course, new laws alone won’t change everything overnight. The real test will be how these reforms are put into practice. But for now, there is reason for hope.

If government, businesses, and citizens work together, these changes could mean more money in people’s pockets, more jobs, and a stronger, more resilient economy.

President Tinubu’s reforms are a chance to build a tax system that works for everyone, not just a privileged few. Let’s seize this moment and make it count—for ourselves, and for generations to come.