NaijaWORLD Pulse Briefing
Verified reporting on Edo State, Nigeria and the world — covering the major developments of September 22, 2026.
📊 At a Glance — Today's Headlines
- Edo: Police arrest a 50-year-old man over the alleged abduction and sexual abuse of five girls in Akoko-Edo; Edo also opens its electricity market to competition and private investment.
- Nigeria: CBN cuts the Monetary Policy Rate from 26.5% to 23%; NEMA activates emergency offices following a high flood-risk alert covering 15 states including Edo.
- Governance: Edo Governor Monday Okpebholo calls for residents' cooperation in tackling kidnapping and other crimes; Edo Broadcasting Service gets a substantive managing director.
- World: Donald Trump addresses the UN General Assembly, warning Iran of severe consequences without a peace agreement; Zelensky is expected to meet Trump over Ukraine and a possible energy truce with Russia.
Edo State & Benin City
Police Arrest Man Over Alleged Abduction and Sexual Abuse of Five Girls in Edo
The Edo State Police Command has arrested a 50-year-old man, Nicholas Nusa, over allegations involving the abduction and sexual abuse of five young girls in Akoko-Edo Local Government Area.
The police also reported other recent operations in the state, including the arrest of another suspect, the reported killing of a suspected kidnapper and the recovery of an AK-47 rifle. According to the command, 10 suspects were arrested for violent crimes during the past week.
Edo Opens Electricity Market to Competition and Private Investment
Edo State has issued a provisional electricity licence to BEDC Electricity Edo Ltd as the state moves toward the operation of its regulated electricity market.
The Edo State Electricity Regulatory Commission said the framework is intended to encourage competition and attract private-sector investment into electricity infrastructure and service delivery.
At the licensing ceremony in Benin City, the state Commissioner for Power, Paul Usenbo, urged the electricity company to increase investment and comply with regulatory requirements.
Okpebholo Calls for Residents' Support in Fight Against Kidnapping
Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo has urged residents to support government and security agencies in efforts to tackle kidnapping, cultism and other crimes in the state.
The governor made the call during a programme organised by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps to mark the International Day of Peace in Benin City.
According to the report, the state government said police and other security agencies have continued bush-combing operations as part of efforts to prevent kidnapping.
Chinese Company Reconstructs Edo Community Primary School
Yongxing Steel Company Nigeria Limited has reconstructed Ozolua Primary School in Egun Community, Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area of Edo State.
The company also provided financial support to 20 pupils following the reconstruction of the school, which had previously been vandalised.
Okpebholo Appoints Festus Alenkhe as Substantive EBS Managing Director
Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo has approved the appointment of Festus Alenkhe as the substantive Managing Director of the Edo Broadcasting Service.
The appointment takes immediate effect and was announced through a government special announcement dated September 21 and reported on September 22.
Nigeria
CBN Cuts Benchmark Interest Rate to 23%
The Central Bank of Nigeria has cut its benchmark Monetary Policy Rate from 26.5 percent to 23 percent following the two-day meeting of its Monetary Policy Committee in Abuja.
The decision was announced by CBN Governor Olayemi Cardoso after the committee's 307th meeting. The reduction follows recent declines in inflation and is part of the central bank's broader monetary-policy framework.
The CBN also recalibrated the standing facilities corridor around the new policy rate.
NEMA Activates Emergency Offices as Flood Risk Covers 15 States
The National Emergency Management Agency has activated its zonal directorates and operations offices following a high flood-risk warning from the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency.
The warning covers 15 states, including Edo, Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers, Kogi, Benue, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu, Abia, Imo, Cross River, Akwa Ibom, Lagos and Taraba.
NEMA directed its offices in affected areas to strengthen preparedness, monitor vulnerable communities and coordinate with state emergency agencies and other response organisations.
CBN Says It Will Act Against Excess Liquidity if Election Spending Fuels Inflation
Central Bank Governor Olayemi Cardoso said the bank would act to withdraw excess liquidity from the financial system if increased spending ahead of the 2027 elections threatens inflation, the naira or recent economic improvements.
The statement came after the Monetary Policy Committee meeting at which the CBN reduced the benchmark rate to 23 percent.
Tinubu Calls for African Alliance on Critical Minerals
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has called for stronger cooperation among African countries to reduce the export of raw minerals and increase local processing and manufacturing.
Tinubu argued that African countries should develop greater value chains around their mineral resources instead of primarily exporting unprocessed materials.
The proposal places greater emphasis on local value addition, industrialisation and regional cooperation around Africa's critical mineral resources.
Police Unveil Six-Pillar Strategy for 2027 Election Security
Inspector-General of Police Olatunji Disu has unveiled a six-pillar strategy aimed at strengthening security ahead of Nigeria's 2027 general elections.
The strategy focuses on protecting voters and electoral personnel, countering misinformation, improving intelligence-led policing and maintaining police neutrality during the electoral process.
World News
Trump Addresses UN General Assembly Amid Iran and Ukraine Tensions
U.S. President Donald Trump addressed the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York on Tuesday as international attention remained focused on the conflicts involving Iran and Ukraine.
During his speech, Trump defended U.S. policy toward Iran and warned of severe consequences if a peace agreement is not reached. He also discussed the war in Ukraine and other international security issues.
Reuters reported that Trump is scheduled to meet numerous world leaders during the UN gathering, with diplomacy around Iran and Ukraine among the issues on the agenda.
Zelensky Set to Meet Trump at UN as Ukraine Seeks Energy Truce
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is expected to meet U.S. President Donald Trump in New York during the UN General Assembly.
Reuters reported that Zelensky intends to discuss an energy truce with Russia, amid continuing attacks on energy facilities, ports and other infrastructure.
Ukraine has expressed concern about potential attacks on its heating and power infrastructure ahead of the winter season.
Trump Says US Could Reach Deal With Iran After US Midterm Elections
President Donald Trump said Tuesday that he believes the United States could reach an agreement with Iran after the U.S. midterm elections scheduled for November 3.
The statement came after Trump's address to the UN General Assembly, where he discussed the continuing conflict with Iran and the possibility of diplomatic negotiations.
The situation remains fluid, with diplomatic contacts occurring alongside continued military and political tensions.
Gaza Conflict and Humanitarian Situation Dominate UN Discussions
The humanitarian situation in Gaza remained a major issue at the United Nations General Assembly as world leaders gathered in New York.
French President Emmanuel Macron criticised U.S. President Donald Trump's portrayal of developments in Gaza, saying that humanitarian access remained a serious concern.
The debate reflects continuing international disagreement over the course of the conflict, humanitarian access and diplomatic efforts aimed at ending the fighting.
AI Regulation and Technology Leadership Feature in Trump's UN Speech
Artificial intelligence was among the technology issues discussed by Donald Trump during his UN General Assembly address.
Trump argued that the United States should maintain a leading position in artificial intelligence and expressed opposition to additional AI safety restrictions.
He also used the term "super intelligence" in discussing the technology during his remarks.
📰 NaijaWORLD Pulse — Staying informed, one verified story at a time.
News compiled from reports published on September 22, 2026. Developing stories may change as additional information becomes available.