A 3-YEAR-OLD BOY WAS STRUCK BY GUNFIRE AS POLICE BURST INTO A BARRICADED ROOM, ENDING A FRIGHTENING HOSTAGE SITUATION.(PHOTO).

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 A Mother's Day Nightmare in Princeton, Illinois. A 3-year-old boy was struck by gunfire as police burst into a barricaded room, ending a frightening hostage situation. Multiple agencies responded to the Hummingbird Mobile Home Park in Princeton, Illinois, on Sunday, May 10th at 2:42 a.m. The initial call went out as a domestic disturbance but officers discovered much worse.  42-year-old, Anthony Rodriguez, had barricaded himself in a room armed with a knife. Anthony had taken several people as hostages, including Aurora Almanza and her 3-year-old son.  Multiple agencies were on the scene, including the Bureau County Sheriff's Office, Illinois State Police and  the Princeton Police Department.  Authorities attempted to negotiate but ultimately rushed the room when they heard screaming coming from inside.  Officials have reported that officers fired shots as they entered the room. Anthony Rodriguez was hit and was neutralized.  Sadly, Aurora Almanza's t...

ON RECENT DEVELOPMENTS IN VISA ISSUANCE POLICIES BY THE UNITED STATES AND THE UNITED ARAB EMIRATES. (PHOTO). #PRESS RELEASE.


 STATEHOUSE PRESS STATEMENT

 

ON RECENT DEVELOPMENTS IN VISA ISSUANCE POLICIES BY THE UNITED STATES AND THE UNITED ARAB EMIRATES

 

The Federal Government of Nigeria reaffirms its unwavering commitment to maintaining and strengthening the longstanding and cordial diplomatic relations with the Governments of the United States of America and the United Arab Emirates.

 

The recent changes in visa issuance policies affecting Nigerian citizens by these two countries have received the attention of the Federal government. Relevant Nigerian Ministries, Departments and Agencies are actively engaging to ensure that the concerns raised are addressed through appropriate and constructive channels.

 

The United States Government has officially communicated that its decision was based on two principal factors: the current rate of visa overstays by Nigerian nationals and the need for reliable access to their records. It further explained that the visa policy adjustment is part of its global visa reciprocity process, which is routinely reviewed and subject to change, including the number of permitted entries and validity durations.

 

In response, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed all federal agencies to ensure full compliance with Nigeria’s international obligations and to strengthen *inter-governmental* cooperation in authenticating the identities of individuals seeking consular services abroad. The President calls on all Nigerians to respect the immigration regulations of their host countries and to uphold the integrity of the permits and privileges granted to them under the laws of those jurisdictions.

 

Regarding the new conditions for issuing UAE transit visas to Nigerian nationals, the Federal Government notes that it has not received any formal communication from the UAE authorities regarding a revised visa policy. However, it is observed that visa issuance is currently progressing in a gradual and orderly manner.

 

The President appreciates the continued cooperation of the Government of the United Arab Emirates, which has remained constructive and engaged with Nigerian authorities. Any genuine concerns raised are being addressed through the appropriate channels, in a spirit of mutual respect and collaboration.

 

The President assures all Nigerians that his administration will continue to pursue the best possible outcomes for citizens abroad, ensuring that Nigerians can travel, work, and live with dignity and respect in any part of the world, in line with the Tinubu administration’s 4-D Foreign Policy agenda and its Diaspora plank.

 

He reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to deepening Nigeria’s valued bilateral relations with the Governments of the United States and the United Arab Emirates.

 

 

BAYO ONANUGA

Special Adviser to the President,

(Information & Strategy)

June 15, 2025

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