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    The death toll from a major storm system that has lashed the south-central and eastern United States with devastating winds and powerful tornadoes rose to at least 24 by Sunday, officials said. Tennessee, one of the hardest-hit states since the storms began Friday, initially had seven weather-related fatalities, but it later rose to nine, according to Memphis-based news channel WREG. Scenes of devastation were left in the path of the Tennessee tornado, which twisted trees, flattened homes into piles of wooden boards, and ripped walls from still-standing structures. “The whole house, you can feel it shaking,“ said Janice Pieterick, whose house doors and glass windows blew out when the tornado swept through Lewis County. “We just all hunkered down.” The toll in Tennessee came on top of the 15 deaths reported in Arkansas, Mississippi and Alabama in the south, Indiana and Illinois in the Midwest, and Delaware in the mid-Atlantic. The storm system, which left dozens injured, wa...

Pope Francis greets all those present from Rome and around the world for the Palm Sunday celebration and asks everyone to unite in prayers for peace, remembering Ukraine in particular. He thanks everyone for their prayers during these days. At the conclusion of the Palm Sunday celebration in Saint Peter's Square before leading the recitation of the Angels prayer, Pope Francis offered his greetings to all those present coming from near and far.  The Pope offered his blessing to a peace caravan that left Italy for Ukraine in recent days to bring humanitarian ncecessities. Associations involved include the Pope John XXIII, FOCSIV, Pro Civitate Christiana, Pax Christi and other associations. The solidarity marks a sign of the closeness of the people of Italy to the battered people of Ukraine. The recalled that today "they are offering olive branches, symbols of the peace of Christ." As Holy Week begins, the Pope invited everyone to live this time as the tradition of the holy,...

Bandits have abducted two female students of the Federal University, Gusau in Zamfara State.   The students were abducted in the early hours of Sunday, April 2, 2023, at Sabon Gida village in Bungudu Local Government Area of the state.    The spokesperson of the State Police Command, SP Mohammed Shehu, who confirmed the incident in a statement, explained that the gunmen stormed the students’ rented hostel at about 1am on Sunday and locked up the security guards before whisking the victims away to unknown destination.    “Information received by the Command indicated that, On 2nd April, 2023 at about 0100am, Armed bandits stormed sabon gida village in Bungudu LGA and broke into a rented female hostel of the university where they locked up the two (2) civilian guards and dispossessed them of their handsets and later abducted two (2) female student of Microbiology Department of the university,” the statement read.    The PPRO stated that on receipt of the...

 The attention of Anambra State Police Command has been drawn to trending news on social media platforms alleging Officers serving in the ‘B’ Divisional Headquarters, tortured a Man to death and labelled him an armed robber over an undisclosed issue. The Command went into investigations on these allegations and discovered that is not true, but malicious, a product of fiction, the handiwork of mischief-makers and an attempt targeted to tarnish the image of some police personnel serving in the command and to incite the members of the public against the Police Command.  To set the records straight, on 28/3/2023 by 10:35 pm, Police Operatives responded to a distress call along Secretariat road, Awka rescued a suspect from an angry mob and recovered a locally made gun with one expanded cartridge allegedly used in robbing his victims. The suspect was later identified as Mr Chibuike Christian Okafor popularly known as Jokef, collapsed after being rescued by the police, was immediatel...

PRESIDENT BUHARI HAILS ANTHONY JOSHUA’S VICTORY OVER JERMAINE FRANKLIN   President Muhammadu Buhari celebrates the victory of Nigerian-born boxer, Anthony Joshua, over Jermaine Franklin, commending the triumph of the gifted pugilist over a formidable opponent.   Extolling the mentality of Joshua, who did not allow personal setbacks and obstacles to dent his resilient spirit, the President says the former three-time world heavyweight champion has demonstrated that by hard work, patience, dedication, persistence and humility, those who dare do win.   President Buhari lauds Joshua for his courage and discipline, on and off the ring, and prays that this success will be a stepping stone to one of the greatest comebacks in boxing history.   The President believes that the accomplishments of Joshua on the world stage will continue to inspire many upcoming professionals, particularly sportsmen and women, not to be discouraged by temporary defeats and setbacks.   He wis...

Oyedepo breaks silence on leaked Peter Obi audio 2 April 2023    Bishop David Oyedepo of the Living Faith Church says he has never campaigned for any politician during any election in the country. He said this on Sunday at the church’s headquarters in Ogun State while speaking on the subject of faith. This come less than 24 hours after an online newspaper, Peoples Gazette, released an audio where Obi solicited the support of Oyedepo to help get votes from Christians in South-West. The former governor of Anambra State also stated that the votes were needed because the 2023 presidential election was a religious war. “Daddy, I need you to speak to your people in the South-West and Kwara, the Christians in the South-West and Kwara.This is a religious war. Like I keep saying: if this works, you people will never regret the support,” he said in the audio. In his reaction, Oyedepo said he never spoke to any group of people on behalf of any politician. “Nobody had ever told me what to...

Joaquin Phoenix fainted on the set of his new film, Beau Is Afraid. The forthcoming flick’s director Ari Aster spoke about the moment 48-year-old Joaquin collapsed during a Q&A over the weekend.  To mark April Fool’s, Ari, 36, pranked moviegoers by making them think they were attending a special screening of his film Midsommar. Instead, guests were treated to a showing of his new film starring Joaquin, Beau Is Afraid. After the film finished, Emma Stone interviewed Ari for a Q&A, during which he told guests that Joker star Joaquin had been filming an ‘intense scene’ opposite Patti LuPone, who plays his mum, and ended up collapsing. According to Deadline, Ari said: ‘There was a scene that was very intense for Patti and it was a shot that was on Patti, it was not on him and all of a sudden he fell out of frame.’ Joaquin plays Beau, the film’s central character (Picture: A24) Director Ari Aster said: ‘All of a sudden he [Joaquin] fell out of frame’ (Picture: Dave Benett)The fi...

Jilted lover strips girl naked, uploads video online 2 April 2023  The Kogi State Police Command has arrested a prime suspect Arome Danjuma who allegedly ambushed and stripped a girl naked in a viral video. Danjuma, alongside his friend who is currently at large, were reported to have carried out the dastardly act in Achigili village around Abocho under Dekina Local Government Area of the state. The Police Public Relations Officer, SP William Aya, while briefing journalists at the command hea dquarters in Lokoja on Saturday said investigations were still ongoing to apprehend the other suspect who was on the run. The incident was widely condemned by the general public and according to the state PPRO, the culprits would be made to face the full wrath of the law. The police spokesperson added that the suspect will soon be charged to court. The survivor, who identified herself as Alami, said one of the suspects approached her for marriage which she refused. Narrating the incident, she ...

FAAN hands over ‘Obidient’ passenger to Police, DSS  2 April 2023  The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) said it has handed over an Ibom Air passenger to the Police. The passenger whose name is unknown at the moment was on Friday evening dragged off an Abuja to Lagos-bound flight. The passenger had announced that the President-elect, Bola Tinubu, must not be sworn in on May 29. In the video which went viral, the man was heard shouting as he was being carried off the aisle, “Obidients you’re here. They are doing this to me. Obidients you’re here, I am naked. Obidients you’re here, I am going naked.” It took the efforts of about six airport officials to evacuate him after delaying the aircraft for more than an hour. The management of Ibom Air also shared its account of what happened onboard its aircraft at the Nnamdi Azikwe International Airport (NAIA), Abuja. The airline apologised to passengers for the one-hour delay due to the actions of the passenger. The airline ...

IPOB invitation: Igbo youths demand release of arrested Eze Igbo in Lagos 2 April 2023  Igbo youths under the aegis of Coalition of South East Youth Leaders (COSEYL), have demanded the immediate release of Eze Igbo in Ajao Estate in Lagos, Eze Fredrick Nwajagu, arrested by the operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS), for allegedly threatening to invite members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), to help protect Ndigbo living in Lagos and their property against attacks by hoodlums. The monarch who made the threat in a viral video was on Saturday morning, quizzed by DSS operatives. In a swift reaction, COSEYL, in a statement signed by its President General, Goodluck Ibem, described Nwajagu’s arrest as an insult and affront to the entire Igbo nation. COSEYL said the monarch’s arrest was more annoying when people “like MC Oluomo and his thugs who threatened Igbo are moving about freely.” According to the apex socio-political youth group in the South East the so-call...

NCC to build emergency communication centres in 36 states 2 April 2023 The Nigeria Communication Commission (NCC) is to build emergency communication centres in 36 states of federation and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). The aim is to bridge the gap between distressed and emergency response agencies in the country. Executive Chairman of the Commission, Prof. Umar Garba Danbatta, stated this in Enugu on Saturday during their special day at the ongoing Enugu International Trade Fair. Danbatta, who was represented by the Director, Public Affairs of the NCC, Mr Reuben Muoka, said that all telecom operators were mandated to route emergency calls through the dedicated three digit toll free number 112, from each state to the emergency centres within the state. Danbatta explained that the operators who should be residents in states where the communication centres are installed would process the distress calls and contact the response agency at the NCC headquarters whose duty it is to hand...

KDSG Security Update: Sunday 2nd April 2023.  - Troops neutralize 11 bandits during intense battle in Birnin Gwari LGA  - Enclaves cleared, arms and ammunition recovered Troops and Special Forces of the Nigerian Army have neutralized 11 bandits in a fierce battle which took place during fighting patrols in Birnin Gwari LGA.  Operational feedback to the Kaduna State Government revealed that the troops advanced to several identified locations, and cleared bandit camps in Bagoma, Rema, Bugai, Dagara, Sabon Layi, Gagumi, Kakangi, Katakaki and Randagi.  In the course of these operations, the forces made contact with bandits at Kakangi and Katakaki. A fierce gun battle followed, after which the criminals were subdued by the troops' aggressive firepower. Eleven bandits were confirmed neutralized, as others fled.  After the battle, the troops exploited the location and recovered two AK-47 rifles, two AK-47 magazines and 57 rounds of ammunition. Six motorcycles belonging...

All Valid Petitions will be Investigated, ICPC RACC Tells Journalists The Resident Anti-Corruption Commissioner (RACC) of the Delta State office of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Edet Ufot, has assured Deltans that all valid and relevant petitions sent to the Commission will receive their deserved attention. Ufot was speaking during a courtesy visit to the Commission’s office in Asaba recently by Exco members of the state branch of the Nigeria Union of Journalist (NUJ) led by the Chairman, Comrade Michael Ikeogwu. More photos below.   

NDOLA BUS DRIVER TURNS INTO A DOG IN BROAD DAY LIGHT By Jackson Mwewa Chabala Junior  A man from Ndola identified as Masauso Fredrick, a 37 year old bus driver, has allegedly turned into a humble male dog today. The incident shocked the Ndola Town Centre main station when drivers and council workers saw a dog, with a face resembling Masauso, covered in a crazy colored boxer trying to jump on the driver's seat of the bus belonging to Masauso. People started running in all directions especially after the dog turned and looked at them sedately with human eyes and mouth. According to narratives available, Masauso was last seen in the morning with a business woman from Kasumbalesa whose identity is not known up to now. Witnesses have disclosed sensitive information saying that Masauso was seen going into a guest house with the strange Kasumbalesa woman, who has left without trace, locked together and ready to do anything. The woman went into the guest house with Masauso and was later s...

EFCC Arrests 17 Suspected Internet Fraudsters in Makurdi Operatives of the Makurdi Zonal Command of the EFCC, on April 1, 2023 arrested seventeen suspected Internet fraudsters in Makurdi, Benue State.  The suspects are Emmanuel Ikechukwu, Agbo Lawrence, Emmanuel Victor, Joseph Adoyr Ameh, Olamide Timothy, Augestine Adalache, Izuka Justin, Boniface Dudoo, Udechukwu Benedict and Emmanuel Igbo.  Others are Favour Nwokdi, Christian Nwgia, George Maaki, Yina Terseem, Wilson Egwoba, Isaac Ukange and Precious Tseaa. They were arrested following actionable intelligence. Items recovered from them include mobile phones, ATM cards, Laptops, Lexus RX330 and Toyota Camry cars.  The suspects have made useful statements and will be charge to court soon. More photos below. 

Gov. Soludo takes imminent step to prevent upcoming flooding in Onitsha By Osegbue Patricia/ Juliana Nwachukwu The Anambra State Governor, Prof. Charles Soludo on  March 31 at Ochanja Market, Onitsha, flagged off the desilting of blocked drainages for easy flow of flood and to help keep the environment clean   Gov. Soludo, who was flanked by his Deputy,  Dr Onyekachukwu Ibezim and some government authorities said that the 21 Local Government Areas of the State, would follow suit by flagging off theirs over the  weekend to be followed by communities and individual homes who are expected to do the same. Speaking further, the governor said that Onitsha shall return back to its lost glory, emphasizing that his government is fully out to achieve this just as he has started with Okpoko and its environs. He expressed displeasure at marketers who always block the drainages  with waste generated by them instead of disposing them properly. The governor promised to provide...

GIRL TELLS COURT HOW STEPFATHER, STEPBROTHER AND UNCLE DEFILED HER A 15-year-old female footballer has narrated before the Choma Magistrate Court how her 55-year-old stepfather, 20-year-old stepbrother and uncle allegedly had sex with her repeatedly. This is in a matter in which Joseph Bwalya and Ben Bwalya both from Macha Road compound stand charged with defilement on a child contrary to the Laws of Zambia. The juvenile testified that her stepfather started having sex with her a week after he married her mother, between 2018 and 2019, adding that he has slept with her on four different occasions, while the mother was away.  She told the court that her stepfather had once touched her buttocks in his bar, which her aunt who was present at the time noticed but didn't not comment on.  She added that her uncle had sex with her on three different occasions but reported him to her stepfather who later chased him from the house. The football coach to the victim testified that the juv...

Tonye Cole, Rivers APC Guber Candidate Decries Arrest Of His Lawyers  April 1, 20230 The governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress in Rivers State, Tonye Cole, has decried the arrest of three of his lawyers, filing proceedings at the election petition tribunal to challenge the March 18 Governorship election. Cole alleged that five support staff of the party were also arrested by the operatives. It was gathered that the lawyers, attached to the chambers of a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Tuduru Ede, were arrested on Friday night, at a hotel where they lodged in Port Harcourt. The arrest came 48-hours after Cole led the party executive to the office of the Independent National Electoral Commission to protest its refusal to release Certified True Copies of documents used during the election, which would aid the party to proceed to the tribunal. Confirming the arrest to newsmen in Port Harcourt, on Saturday, Cole described the development as a rude awakening, saying the ope...

NDLEA declares prophetess, celebrity couple, wanted over seized illicit drugs . Arrests 4 members of cartel, obtains court order to freeze millions in bank accounts, seize Lagos, Port Harcourt properties linked to leaders of syndicate . Over 143million pills of opioids, 2tons of C/S seized in Apapa, FCT, 5 states The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, has declared a Port Harcourt, Rivers state based popular prophetess and founder of Christ Power Adoration Ministries, Faith Ugochi and a celebrity couple: Igho Ubiribo and Danielle Simba Allen wanted for recruiting teenage girls into drug trafficking while they serve as the arrowheads of an international syndicate operating from Los Angeles, USA. The lid was blown off the cartel when NDLEA operatives at the NAHCO import shed of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja Lagos intercepted a consignment of 32.70 kilograms of Loud, a strong variant of cannabis concealed in cartons of used wears on Wednesday 16th November 202...