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 Delta Ambush: Defence Headquartes releases names, photos of soldiers killed   The Defence Headquarters have made public the identities of the Nigerian Army commander, three officers, and 12 soldiers recently killed by attackers in Delta community. DHQ shared their photos and names on its X account on Monday. The deceased troops, who belonged to the 181 Amphibious Battalion, were deployed on a peacekeeping assignment to address communal tensions in Bomadi Local Government Area of Delta State when the tragic event unfolded. Below are their names: – LT COL AH ALI COMMAND OFFICER 181 AMPHIBIOUS BATTALION NIGERIAN ARMY – Maj SD Shafa (N/13976) – Maj DE Obi (N/14395) – Capt U Zakari (N/16348) – SSgt Yahaya Saidu (#3NA/36/2974) – Cpl Yahaya Danbaba (1ONA/65/7274) – Col Kabiru Bashir (11NA/66/9853) – LCol Bulus Haruna (16NA/TS/5844) – Lal Sole Opeyemi (17NA/760719) – LCpl Bello Anas (17NA/76/290) – LCpl Hamman Peter (NA/T82653) – LCpl Ibrahim Abdullahi (18NA/77/1191) – Pte Alhaji Isah (17NA/7

 Alleged N2bn FIRS’ Fraud:  How Eteta Ita Diverted FIRS’ Funds to Her Private School- Witness A Prosecution Witness, PW6, in the ongoing trial of the Head of Stakeholders Unit of the Federal Inland Revenue Services, FIRS, Emmanuella Eteta Ita, on Monday, March 18, 2024, told Justice Giwa Ogunbanjo of the Federal High Court in Abuja, how Ita siphoned and diverted large sums of money meant for Stakeholders’ assignments to her private school, Surestart School Ltd. Ita ran Surestart School Ltd while serving as the Head of Stakeholders Unit of the Federal Inland Revenue Services, FIRS. The witness,  Ijeoma Maltida,  while giving her testimony  during a cross-examination by defense counsel, Paul Erokoro, revealed that the first defendant,  Ita,  undertook some Stakeholders’ assignments and  the funds meant for the projects  were traced into her account with the payment narration.  Investigations showed that the same funds were sent directly into the account of the second defendant, Surestart

 Davido Q&A: The Success of ‘Fall’ and Why He’s Working on Two Albums for Two Continents Davido has been working in music, becoming a star overseas, for over seven years, but now might finally be his time to break through the U.S. music industry. The Nigerian-by-way-of-Atlanta artist has been capturing the attention of more American listeners since last summer, when his single “Fall” climbed its way up to No. 22 on Billboard’s R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay chart. Since his recent success, Davido has collaborated with everyone from Popcaan to Wale and Quavo. Across popular U.S. music, consumers are increasingly venturing out of English-language tunes, hoping to uncover melodies that resonate even if they don’t speak the language. “It’s a great feeling to know that people love it,” Davido, who released the plucky “Fall” along with the track “If” last year, tells Billboard of his music, “even though they don’t understand.” Similar to reggaeton in its crossover, Afrobeats — a fusion of Afric

 Benue Student, Ndiir Solomon Builds Solar-Powered Motorcycle  A senior student of Kusaki College in Benue State, Ndiir Solomon, has built a solar-powered motorcycle.  Mr Solomon, an SS3 student built the motorcycle from scratch with locally-sourced materials.  A Facebook user, Obande Solomon who disclosed this in a post on Monday, said the feat “highlights and creativity that exists in Benue State”.  “It’s important to invest in the future of our children by providing them with opportunities to develop their talents and pursue their passions,” Mr Solomon, also an indigene of the State, added.

 Nike has just unveiled the brand new home and away kits for the Super Eagles in 2024! 🇳🇬 What makes this release even more special is that it's been three years since the Super Eagles last rocked white as their main color in their kits. This time around, Nike has brought back the classic white design, giving it a fresh and modern twist. The home kit is a vibrant green, representing the nation's pride and spirit. It features bold patterns and intricate details that pay homage to Nigerian culture and heritage. The away kit, on the other hand, is predominantly white, with stylish green accents that add a touch of flair. Nike's attention to detail is truly impressive. From the intricate patterns to the high-quality materials, these kits are a testament to the craftsmanship and innovation of the brand. Nigerian football fans are sure to be thrilled with this new release, as it combines tradition with a contemporary edge.  So get ready to see the Super Eagles soar in their stu

GOV. SANWO-OLU ATTENDS THE NATIONAL DIALOGUE ON THE CONSTITUTIONAL FUTURE OF NIGERIA IN HONOUR OF PROF. BEN NWABUEZE, HELD AT NIIA, VICTORIA ISLAND, MONDAY, 18 MARCH, 2024   During the National Constitutional Dialogue organized by The Patriots, in honour of the late renowned constitutional lawyer, Prof. Ben Nwabueze, I, along with many others, advocated for a new Nigerian Constitution emphasizing true federalism.  We called for devolving power to the states and urged the National Assembly to establish a legal framework for a constitution determined by the Nigerian people.  I highlighted the need to address anomalies and stressed the importance of making effective changes. I expressed my willingness to work towards creating a constitution that reflects the aspirations of the Nigerian people, honoring the legacy of Prof. Ben Nwabueze and his lifelong dedication to this cause.   l-r: Retired Major General Ike Nwachukwu; Senator Aminu Tamabuwal; former Commonwealth Secretary General, Chief

 *PRESS RELEASE* *I did not take part in killing Chief Bola Ige…* I welcome you all to this press press briefing.  It becomes necessary to hold this meeting because of the issues raised by the voice notes going around on social media.  In the voice note released by Aare Gani Adams, the Aare Ona Kakanfo, said things that attacked my character.  He said a lot of wrong and bad things against me. He mentioned the names of the Nigeria President, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and some other notable persons in Yoruba land. In the said note, Aare Gani Adams said I was involved in the killing of the late Chief Bola Ige, SAN.  Everyone will still remember the circumstances of the death of Chief Bola Ige who was the Minister of Justice at the time he was brutally murdered.   It goes without saying that no one or evidence has ever connected me to his death until this frivolities, malicious and highly scandalous by Aare Gani Adams. I want to categorically state that I knew nothing about the killing

 Beauty doesn’t make a good wife” Isreal DMW tells Kizz Daniel over his wife’s appearance, advises him on what he needs Personal logistics manager to music star, Davido, Isreal DMW has sent a message to singer, Kizz Daniel over the criticisms he received over his wife’s appearance Kizz Daniel posted a video of himself and his wife looking all loved up and dancing to his song on Instagram, while looking cute. This cozy appearance didn’t sit well with some netizens, who criticized his wife’s appearance with one telling him that his wife isn’t beautiful and another telling him to get his wife a new wig. Reacting to it, Isreal DMW made Kizz Daniel know that beauty doesn’t make a good wife. He told the singer to chase after rest of mind, which is more important than beauty. Isreal further admonished him not to be bothered by the nasty comments about his wife’s appearance.

 Man suffers heart complications and gave up the ghost after sleeping in his room the same night he painted it.  May his soul rest in peace.  Chemicals used in making paint are tøxiç and harmfûl.

 'I can't raise the children alone' Woman seeks husband's release over raping seven-year-old daughter  Delta State Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, Bright Edafe, recounted an incident where a mother whose seven-year-old child was allegedly sexually assaulted by her husband pleaded for his release. He made this known on his X page on Sunday, where he claimed a woman cried for her husband's release from serving life imprisonment over the assault of his daughter. He stated that she pleaded for his release because she felt unable to raise their children alone. He wrote, "A father defiled his seven-year-old daughter. Guess what happened? It was the mother of the girl and the wife of the father who came begging and crying for the husband to be released because the punishment is life imprisonment. "And she cannot raise the children alone. Trust my boss; he vehemently declined that request. "Parents at times go behind and collect money from the family o

 PRESS RELEASE OKUAMA MILITARY ATTACK: KILLING OF MILITARY PERSONNEL ON PEACE MISSION BY IRATE YOUTHS UNACCEPTABLE- DEFENCE MINISTERS .... Says perpetrators must be brought to book  The Honourable Minister of Defence, H.E  Muhammed Badaru Abubabar CON mni and the Honourable Minister of state for Defence H.E Dr Muhammed Bello Matawalle,MON has condemned in its totality the heinous attack on the Military personnel during a rescue mission of the 181 Amphibious Battalion in Okuama Community Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State, saying that the perpetrators must be brought to book. The incident occurred on Thursday, March 14, 2024, when our troops, responding to a crisis between Okuama and Okoloba communities in Delta State, were ambushed. According to the Honourable Ministers   the ambush  at Okuama Community, Ughelli South Local Govement Area of Delta State, resulting in the tragic loss of the Commanding Officer 181 Amphibious Battalion Lt Col AH Ali, 2 Majors, a Captain, an

 Press Release  FG TO COLLABORATE WITH MASTERCARD FUND TO CREATE JOB OPPORTUNITIES FOR NIGERIAN YOUTH The Federal Government has disclosed its intention to collaborate with the Mastercard Foundation Fund for Resilience and Prosperity to create job opportunities for the Nigerian youths focusing on men, women, people living with disabilities, and Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs). The Honourable Minister of Youth Development, Dr. Jamila Bio-Ibrahim made the disclosure when she received the Grants, Finance, and Risk management officer of Mastercard Foundation Fund, Abraham Jeff Ndambuki, who paid  her a visit in her office in Abuja. The Minister said the Ministry is focusing on priority sectors of the Federal Government which are Agriculture, Climate Adaption, Digital Economy, Bio-economy, Mining, and Renewable Energy so as to establish young people in Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). She expressed the preparedness of the Ministry to parner with the Mastercard foundation and advised

 “Rαpturε Is Coming; The World Will End On 25th Of April 2024” — Nigerian Pastor Prophesies.  Though there is a video in circulation stating that their be darkness on earth. The video is captioned "👆🏼From 4th to 8th April, 2024 it's likely we experience darkness for 72 hours,you are forewarned. If this happened, don't let opportunistic Pastors or Alfas take advantage of you. BE  PREPARED". Watch videos below.   

Man Hαcks His 90-Year-Old Grandmother To Dεαth And Absconds With Her N16,750 In Akwa Ibom The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has arrested one Nkereuwem Umoren Ekpo, who ma¢heted his 90-year-old grandmother to death and absconded with her N16,750. The State Commissioner of Police, CP Waheed Ayilara, disclosed this when he paraded the suspect alongside 51 others arrested for various crimes in the state on Friday. “On February 25, 2024, at about 1400Hrs, one Nkereuwen Umoren Ekpo ‘M’ of Adiasim Ikot Udo village in Essien Udim Local Government Area, was arrested for the m¥rder of his grandmother, one Martina Udoudo Akpan ‘F’ of Onuk Nkpo Ekpo village, aged about 90 years,” the CP stated. “The suspect was alleged to have used a machete to cut his grandmother’s neck while they were cutting cassava stem on the farm, which eventually led to her death, and untied the sum of N16,750 from the deceased’s wrapper and absconded.”

 EFCC Arraigns Alleged Sextortionist in Lagos    The Lagos Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on March 17, 2024 arraigned one Olukeye Olalekan, before Justice Kehinde Ogundare of the Federal High court sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos on an 18-count charge bordering on transmission of child pornography, fraudulent impersonation, and sextortion to the tune of N721,500.00 (Seven Hundred and Twenty One Thousand, Five Hundred Naira only).    Count one reads: “That you, Olukeye Adedayo Olalekan (a.k.a hrm87, charlotte 708 and harlilott_ 716) on or about the 13th February, 2.023 in Lagos within the jurisdiction of this Honorable Court intentionally used the Instagram virtual network to create a group " Expose Janjua Robin Nudes" to distribute child pornography and you thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 23(1)(C)and punishable under Section 23(1)(e) of the of Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc.) Act, 2015”.   Another count reads: “That yo

 Delta Woman Slumps And Dies While Singing Praises On Church Altar (Photo)  A Delta state woman has slumped and d!ed while singing praises on church Altar. The woman identified as Imade reportedly collapsed and died while singing on the altar at Living Messiah Church in Agbor, Ika South Local Government Area of Delta State. The incident happened yesterday, Sunday, March 17, 2024. It was gathered that she was rushed to Alero hospital in Owa, where she was confirmed dead by doctors on duty. Friends and family members of the deceased have taken to social media to mourn her.

 Kidnapped Bauchi Traditional Ruler Found Dead The village head of Riruwai in Lame District of Bauchi Emirate in Toro Local Government Area of Bauchi State, Alhaji Garba Badamasi, has been murdered. The village head was earlier kidnapped by gunmen who invaded his domain on Friday, 15th March, 2024. A source who did not want to be named said the gunmen went straight into the palace of the deceased from where they abducted him. The deceased was said to have spent one day in captivity before he was murdered and his corpse dumped around the village. The body was later recovered by those who had embarked on search and rescue mission.. His corpse was brought to the palace on Sunday, where funeral prayers and subsequent burial held. One of the traditional title holders of the village confirmed the development to our correspondent. All efforts made to get the confirmation from the State Police Command proved abortive as the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Ahmed Wakili, neither picked up th

The Delta State Police Command has confirmed that two persons died during an altercation between okada riders and the state task force on Sunday night. It said the unrest recorded in Delta state capital, Asaba, on Monday was a fallout of the altercation. The state Police Public Relations Officer, Bright Edafe, disclosed this on his X handle on Monday. According to Edafe, motorcycle riders were protesting against the fatal altercation by damaging property and assaulting individuals, prompting the police to deploy officers to control the situation. He wrote, “There was a violent protest this morning by Okada riders who had an issue last night with the state task force that led to the death of two persons. “They mobilised in their numbers this morning, destroying property and beating people. Hence, our men were deployed to control the situation before it turned into something else.” Videos circulating on social media revealed a state of chaos reported to be happening at Okpanam Road axis,

 Conduct DNA test to prove Obasanjo’s origin – Omokri tells critics Reno Omokri has asked critics to conduct a DNA on former President Olusegun Obasanjo to ascertain if his biological father was an Igbo man from Anambra State or Omokri joined the trending social media controversy over the origin of the former president, insisting that Obasanjo is not an Igboman but a Yoruba man from Abeokuta, Ogun State. The Aare Ona Kakanfo of Egba-land, Sunday Adekunle Majekodunmi had claimed that Obasanjo’s Igbo ancestry made him support the Labour Party, LP, presidential candidate, Peter Obi, during the 2023 elections. Majekodunmi claimed that Obasanjo’s biological father was an Igbo man from Onitsha, Anambra State hence his support for Obi in 2023. The Otun Ba’asegun of Egbaland alleged that Obasanjo’s biological father got the former president’s mother pregnant when he was posted to Lafenwa as a Divisional Police Officer, DPO. Majekodunmi claimed that the police officer was instrumental to Obasan

 Fuji Singer Kwam1 denies drummer Kunle's claim of mistreatment.  Nigerian Fuji icon, King Wasiu Ayinde, widely recognized as Kwam1 or K1, has finally responded to the accusations made by his drummer, Kunle Ayanlowo. In a recent interview, Kunle detailed his experiences working with Kwam1, alleging mistreatment and likening his relatioship to Kwam1 to that between a master and a slave. He claimed Kwam1 would confiscate their passports when they traveled and even recounted an incident where he was instructed to return home instead of seeking medical attention. Kunle expressed ongoing health concerns, attributing them to stress from his time with Kwam1, and vowed to hold the singer accountable if anything were to happen to him. Having served K1 for 32 years, Kunle lamented achieving nothing and living in constant fear, contrasting the public perception of Kwam1 with his behind-the-scenes personality. This is what former Kwam1 drummer has to say about him. In response, Kwam1 took to I

 RESORT TO PROPAGANDA BY OKUAMA COMMUNITY IN THE FACE OF  GRUESOME MURDER OF TROOPS ON PEACE MISSION IS CALLOUS AND TOTALLY CONDEMNABLE The unfortunate killing of troops of 181 Amphibious Battalion of the Nigerian Army (NA), while on a peaceful and mediatory mission, after a reported case of communal clash between Okuama and Okoloba Communities in Ughelli South and Bomadi LGAs of Delta State respectively is not only despicable but should be unreservedly condemned by all.  These were troops committed to peace and security of lives and property of citizens and non-citizens alike in the Niger Delta Region, murdered in cold blood by an armed youth gang of Okuama Community, in the most  gruesome, heartless and cruel manner and went ahead to sacrilegiously debase their remains by ripping out their hearts by  the very people they were there to protect.   Regrettably, the community complicit in this dastardly act has resorted to media propaganda and shenanigans, rather than engage in a positiv

 Eight Internet Fraudsters Bag Jail Terms in Ilorin . . Justices Evelyn Anyadike of the Federal High Court sitting in Ilorin and Adebayo Yusuf of the Kwara State High Court, Ilorin on Wednesday, March 13, 2024 convicted and sentenced eight internet fraudsters to different jail terms. . . The convicts were part of the 48 students of the Kwara State University, KWASU, and two residents of Malete arrested on Wednesday, February 21,  2024,  during a sting operation by operatives of the Ilorin Zonal Command of the EFCC for internet- related offences. . . The convicts are:  Afolabi Habeeb Ajao, Mohammed Nabeel Ayara,  Oluyedun Khalid Bolaji, Oladele Israel Olatayo, Aransiola Joshua Adebisi,  Olaleye Gbenga Philip,  Bright Moses  and Ogunrinde Gabriel Ayomikun. For details of this and other stories, click the link in our bio.

 Kaduna Police Apprehend Wife Who Contracted Hitmen To Murder Husband A startling development unfolded in the Rafin Guza community of Kaduna state as law enforcement arrested a wife for orchestrating a plot to have her husband killed.  The husband had extended a loan of N400,000 to his wife for business purposes. However, when he sought repayment, she adamantly refused.  Subsequently, she resorted to enlisting the services of a notorious gang led by an individual known as Tola, with the intention of eliminating her husband, thereby putting an end to his persistent demands for the money. More photos below. 

  Terrorists Abduct 87 In Fresh Kajuru Attack In a recent assault on the Kajuru-Station community in Kaduna State, terrorists have kidnapped 87 individuals, as confirmed by Harisu Dari, a member of the Kajuru-Station Youths. The incident occurred on Sunday night, with the assailants also looting shops for food items and valuables.  This abduction follows closely on the heels of another attack in the Dogon-Noma community, where 15 women and a man were taken just two days prior.  Over the past two weeks, Kajuru and Chikun LGs have witnessed a surge in kidnapping incidents, intensifying tensions within the state.  Despite the grim situation, security forces have yet to be deployed to the affected area, leaving villagers distraught and calling for government intervention. This latest abduction adds to the alarming tally of over 172 villagers kidnapped by terrorists in the past fortnight. Efforts to reach the state Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Mansir Hassan, for comment remain unans

 EKSG Wages War Against Marijuana Cultivation......Commission destroys 20 hectares marijuana farm. Ekiti State Government has destroyed over 20 hectares of marijuana plantation in Ise Ekiti Forest Reserves. The plantation and nursery prepared for transplanting were destroyed and set on fire by the forestry task force in the Commission. The Executive Secretary, Mr Sunday Adekunle who dispatched the men to the reserve to destroy the plantation noted that they got a tip off from the newly recruited boundary men that some miscreants were engaging in the nefarious activities on  Government Reserves along the Ise axis. According to him, the perpetrators  had  turned the area to a den of kidnappers, tormenting citizens and travellers in the area. The Executive Secretary emphasized the efforts of the State Government to ensure adequate security for citizens of the State, pledging the readiness of the Commission to flush out men of the underworld from the reserves across the State. He disclosed

 2 Years In Office : Soludo Messiah To Ndi Anambra, His 2nd Tenure Undisputable - Market Chairman  By Juliana Nwachukwu As Gov. Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State celebrated his two years in office on March 17, the Chairman, Old Motor Spare Parts, Mgbuka Obosi, Idemili North Local Government Area, Mr Samuel Ifurunwa, has described him as a messiah who has come to rescue his people from both insecurity and economic quagmire bedeviling the state. The market boss said that the governor's second tenure bid is undisputable going by his array of achievements that include, doing about 240km of roads, employment of 8000 teachers, 1000 medical personnel, employment opportunity of 1 youth 2 skills initiative, sack of touts, and free treatment of pregnant women. "Gov. Soludo is a Messiah to our state, he is going round the state performing wonders, making judicious use of the state fund without borrowing. This is who was left without money when he assumed office. "His aim to transform

 2024 NAACP Image Awards: Burna Boy loses six awards Nigerian singer Burna Boy continued his poor outing at award ceremonies as he lost six nominations at the 2024 NAACP Image Awards. The self-acclaimed ‘African Giant’ lost the Outstanding Male Artist of the Year category to Usher. His song, ‘City Boys’ lost the gong for the Outstanding International Song to his compatriot, Tems’ ‘Me & U.’ Burna Boy’s ‘Sittin’ On Top Of The World’ featuring 21 Savage lost the Outstanding Hip-hop/Rap Song category to Megan Thee Stallion’s ‘Cobra,’ as well as Best Duo/Group Collaboration (Contemporary) to ‘Sensational’ by Chris Brown featuring Davido and Lojay. His album, ‘I Told Them…’ lost the Outstanding Album of the Year category to ‘Jaguar II’ by Victoria Monét. Burna Boy lost seven nominations at the 2023 BET Hip-hop Awards, four nominations at the 2024 Grammys, and one nomination at the 2024 Brit Awards. Meanwhile, ‘Sensational’ by Chris Brown featuring Davido and Lojay which already won the B

 Injured Awoniyi out of Nigeria friendly matches Super Eagles striker Taiwo Awoniyi has been ruled out of action for a few weeks after sustaining an injury just hours before Nottingham Forest’s Premier League game against Luton Town, Soccernet. ng reports. Awoniyi has been an important player for Nottingham Forest since he joined the club from Union Berlin last season. Big things were expected of him after his impressive performances in the Bundesliga. Unfortunately, he has failed to deliver the goods consistently. The 26-year-old has been haunted by injuries throughout his stay at the club, keeping him out of 27 games. This season, Awoniyi had a slow start because of injuries, but he soon picked up the pace. Unfortunately, he sustained an injury in November last year and had to sit out almost three months. This ensured he did not make Nigeria’s squad for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations. Nonetheless, Awoniyi returned in late January. Since his return, Awoniyi has played nine games for N

 Wizkid denounces being an afrobeats singer, hints on new album title Grammy-winning singer, Ayodeji Balogun popularly known as Wizkid has denounced being an Afrobeat artist. In a series of posts on his Instagram story, while announcing his new album, titled ‘Morayo’, Wizkid cautioned Nigerians against categorising him as an Afrobeat artist as he also warns bloggers against posting his new album. Wizkid further read the riot acts as he informed those who fell in love with him during the Pakurumo era to refrain from downloading his new album. For those who love Afrobeat, he also told them not to download his album. He said: “Album done! See you soon b!tches! Lion richer than u niggas lol And pls abeg if u like Pakurumo Wizkid don’t download this new album. In fact, delete me from your playlist and your life! And if you like Afrobeat pls don’t download my album! “I am not a f3cking Afrobeat artiste! Don’t call me that hoe! I am not Afro anything b!tch! Album named “oMoaya” best ever made

 Korede Bello reveals what is better than winning Grammy Afrobeats sensation Korede Bello has explained that making fans happy is more important than winning a Grammy award. Bello said this during his latest interview when questioned whether Nigerian musicians should depend on foreign platforms, like the Grammys, for validation. Responding to the question, the singer said he prefers making people happy through music than any award. He said, “Awards are good, but knowing that your music makes people happy is a better feeling. “When an artiste makes it to the nomination list of a prestigious award, I believe they are already winners. But I believe in rewards from commercial success over awards. “It is where you work that you will eat. Part of artistes’ food is validation for our art. Validation for making great art is good. And that can be very inspirational for others to make better art.” The former Mavin signee recently released two new songs to commemorate his 28th birthday.

 Bauchi: Residents mourn as two kids die in fire outbreak The Madina Quarters community in Bauchi was thrown into mourning on Sunday as two children, Zainab Bashir Muhammad (Hibba) and Ummu Salma Bashir, aged 7 and 5, lost their lives in a house fire. The incident was said to have occurred near Barden Gabas Primary School, close to Tirwun Quarters, within the Bauchi metropolis. The fire incident occurred just days after two persons lost their lives in a fire outbreak at Maraku village in Zubuki Ward, Itas/Gadau Local Government Area of Bauchi State. Eyewitnesses told our reporter that the fire outbreak started at about 11:00 am on Sunday. According to reports, the children’s mother had locked inside the house while she went out, possibly to the market. Unfortunately, the house caught fire before she came back. The attempts to rescue the children were futile due to the thick smoke and intensity of the flames. Also, efforts by the state fire department, which visited the scene to contain

 Enough is enough: Lagos orders traders, beggars to leave rail tracks The Lagos State Government and Agege Local Government have warned beggars and traders on the rail tracks along Agege corridor to vacate the area. The warning came as the council held an enlarged stakeholders meeting on Sunday with some community members, ahead of planned demolition of illegal structures. Mr Afolabi Ayantayo, the Lagos State Commissioner for Establishments, Training and Pension, in his remarks at the meeting, said that information had been received on various criminal activities being carried out along the rail corridor. He said that shanties were harbouring criminals who were attacking passers by and residents at night. “Government has invested a lot of money on the rail project and we don’t want anybody to sabotage and deface the infrastructure. ” That is why we are educating and warning the people involved to vacate the area before enforcement begins,” he said. The commissioner appealed to the comm

 FG eyes $1bn W’Bank loans for IDPs, agric The Federal Government is in talks with the World Bank to complete the processes of obtaining over $1bn loans to address the challenges facing Internally Displaced Persons and their host communities, as well as bolster rural access and agricultural marketing in the country. The request is contained in World Bank documents titled, ‘Solutions for the Internally Displaced and Host Communities Project’ and ‘Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project – Scale Up.’ While the IDP loan is put at $500m, the rural access and agricultural marketing project loan is estimated at $550m. Some of the World Bank loans that are being currently addressed by the global bank have reportedly been initiated under the previous administration of President Muhammadu Buhari According to the documents provided on the bank’s website, the IDP initiative is meant to improve access to resilient and inclusive basic services and economic opportunities for IDPs and their ho