TheCable

The Punch leads with a report on the attack on Ortom, governor of Benue state. The newspaper says governors, middle-belt leaders and other stakeholders expressed anger over the attack on the governor, and that Mohammed Adamu, inspector-general of police (IGP), deployed special forces in the state.

The Nation says the attack on Ortom’s convoy sparked off outrage, and that President Muhammadu Buhari ordered an investigation into the attack. The newspaper reports that the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has disbursed N149.2 billion to 316,869 households in the first phase of the N150 billion targeted credit facility.

Experts tell Daily Independent that Nigeria’s budget deficit is fuelling high inflation and job loss. The newspaper’s cover picture depicts the aftermath of the violence that marred the Ekiti east bye-election. Kayode Fayemi, governor of the state,  visited the hospital to see those who sustained injuries.

Business Day says Nigeria’s fiscal position remains precarious despite the bullish crude oil prices since the beginning of the year. The newspaper reports that Nigeria with its non-functional refineries can learn from the success of South Korea refining business, despite its little crude oil reserves.

The Guardian’s cover picture shows a section of the Apapa highway congested by fuel tankers. The newspaper says there is no respite for residents, despite the electronic call-up arrangement. The newspaper also reports the reactions that trailed the attack on Ortom’s convoy.

Reacting to the attack on Ortom’s convoy, David Mark, former senate president, said Nigerians may resort to self-help if the security challenges in the country are not addressed, the Nigerian Tribune reports. The newspaper also reports that the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) intercepted 200kg of hard drugs at Abuja, Kano and Lagos airports.