PINK REPUBLIC/ MY BLOG IS A STORY MARATHON.

 Walton, Kentucky- 2 elderly women lose their lives and another individual is critically injured in a crash that caused a dump truck to crash through restaurant.  While diners were enjoying a meal at Boondocks Pub on Tuesday, April 8th, a tragic incident occurred shattering the peaceful scene. At around 4:30 p.m. an SUV pulled out in front of a fully loaded dump truck. The driver of the dump truck attempted to brake and steer clear of the SUV but they were not able to avoid a collision. The SUV was struck by the dump truck and the impact caused the SUV to cross the southbound lane where it struck a guardrail and flipped before coming to rest on its top. Sadly the crash took the lives of 91-year-old Eva Mulberry and 89-year-old Betty Holland. A 66-year-old woman who was in the SUV was rushed to a nearby hospital in critical condition. As a result of attempting to avoid the collision the dumptruck went of the roadway and into the parking lot of Boondocks restaurant. The dumptruc...

 Christopher, Illinois: Good Samaritan and firefighters spring into action to save a firefighter after a roof collapses on him. First responders in Franklin County, Illinois were called to the scene of a house fire on Thursday morning, April 3rd. As a firefighter was trying to gain entry to the home, an explosion occurred causing the roof where he was standing to collapse, trapping the firefighter underneath. This is when firefighters and one lone good samaritan (the homeowner) on scene sprang into action. The group of heroes rushed towards the danger and lifted the roof off of the trapped firefighter! The firefighter was then able to be pulled out from the wreckage.  The trapped man only suffered minor injuries thanks to the quick and selfless actions of the firefighters and one selfless bystander.

 Courts Jails Seven Internet Fraudsters in Kaduna The Kaduna Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has secured the conviction and sentence of seven internet fraudsters before Justice R.M.Aikawa of the Federal High Court, sitting in Kaduna. The convicts are: Paul Emmanuel Tumba (a.k.a Cynthia Ebuka), Gabriel Fidelis (a.k.a Diana Siako), Rotji Makwin Gonchor (a.k.a Sofia Marcelor), Danboyi John (a.k.a Ana Martins), Agbaje Abbas Olaleken, ( a.k.a Dave Smith Vegas), Solomon Ameh, (a.k.a Scott Phillips) and Wisdom Mundi Luka (a.k.a Loredana Calinescu). They were prosecuted on separate one-count charges each, bordering on impersonation and possession of fraudulent documents, obtaining by false pretence and  retention of proceeds of crime.    The charge against Ameh reads: "That you Solomon Ameh (a.k.a Scott Phillips), male, sometime in 2025 at Minna, Niger State within the jurisdiction of this honourable court, falsely presented yourself as Scot...

 13-Year-Old Amputee to Walk 2km to Challenge Disability Stigma Michael Alagba, a 13-year-old double amputee, is set to participate in a 2km walk on April 12 as part of The IREDE Foundation’s Out on a Limb campaign, aimed at challenging stereotypes around disability. Born with a congenital condition, Michael has defied the odds, learning to write, sing, and live independently. “I dream of becoming a teacher,” he says, pushing back against societal expectations. Now in its ninth year, the campaign advocates for visibility, inclusion, and access for children living with limb loss. The IREDE Foundation also plans to provide prosthetic limbs to 200 children in 2025.

 EU Hits U.S. with Retaliatory Tariffs as Trade War Escalates The European Union has approved retaliatory tariffs of 10% to 25% on U.S. imports, set to begin next week. These include levies on items such as jeans and motorcycles, though U.S.-made whiskey is excluded.  Further tariffs targeting beef, poultry, and citrus fruits will be imposed in mid-May and December. The move follows U.S. tariffs on steel and aluminum imports, affecting EU exports worth €26 billion. The EU has expressed a preference for negotiations but is preparing additional measures in response to U.S. car tariffs.

 Mother of Slain 16-Year-Old Kaduna Student Demands Justice in Court The mother of Ahmed Musa, a 16-year-old student from Government Technical College, Kaduna, who was brutally murdered, has vowed to seek justice for her son. Musa's body was found on February 16, 2025, within the school grounds, bound with his hands and legs. At a recent Magistrates' Court session in Kabala Doki, Kaduna, the grieving mother, accompanied by family and supporters, expressed her anger over the government's inaction, accusing the Kaduna State government of neglect. She stated, “I will not rest until justice is served. It feels like the government and the police are trying to frustrate us.” She threatened to organize mass protests with women’s groups and urged human rights organizations, including Amnesty International, to intervene. The case was adjourned to May 27, 2025, as key witnesses, including the police and suspects, failed to attend the hearing.

 Tunisians protest against president as jailed politicians begin hunger strike Hundreds of Tunisians staged two protest rallies on Wednesday against what they say is the authoritarian rule of President Kais Saied and demanded the release of political prisoners, while six detained opposition figures held a hunger strike, Reuters reported. The rallies highlight the opposition's growing concerns about what it sees as Saied's muzzling of dissent and efforts to establish one-man rule, accusations he denies. Saied seized extra powers in 2021 when he shut down the elected parliament and moved to rule by decree before assuming authority over the judiciary. The opposition described his move as a coup. Supporters of the opposition Free Constitutional Party gathered in the capital Tunis to demand the release of their detained leader Abir Moussi. They chanted slogans such as "Saied, dictator, your turn has come," and "Free Abir". "What is happening is true tyranny,...

  Former Senate President Bukola Saraki has clarified that he has not taken a position on the ongoing discussions about a potential merger of opposition political parties aimed at challenging the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the upcoming general elections. The statement comes amid reports of prominent political figures meeting to explore forming a united front against President Bola Tinubu’s administration. An online report had recently claimed that Saraki, a former Governor of Kwara State, dismissed the idea of joining a mega party to oppose the APC during a Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) stakeholders’ meeting in Ilorin. However, Saraki’s Media Office swiftly refuted the story in a statement signed by Yusuph Olaniyonu, calling it a fabrication and urging the public to disregard it. The media office condemned what it described as a deliberate misrepresentation by opposition elements in Kwara State, accusing them of spinning the narrative and circulating fake quotes alo...

  China’s finance ministry announced on Wednesday that it will raise tariffs on US imports from 34% to 84%, effective Thursday at 12:01 pm, in a swift response to new US tariffs that took effect earlier the same day. The escalation follows US President Donald Trump’s imposition of steep duties on dozens of trading partners, including a punishing 104% tariff on Chinese goods, intensifying the ongoing trade war between the two economic giants. Beijing condemned the US actions, with the finance ministry stating that Washington’s tariff hikes “simply pile mistakes on top of mistakes” and “severely infringe on China’s legitimate rights and interests.” The ministry further criticized the moves as a blow to the “multilateral rules-based trade system.” China vowed to take “firm and forceful” measures to safeguard its interests, signaling a robust counteroffensive. In addition to the tariff increase, China’s commerce ministry announced it would blacklist six US artificial intelligence compa...

 Nkwoka Warns Against Touting, Cash Collection of Tolls,halts Parks activities under Nkpor New parts Market Flyover  By Uzo Ugwunze  The Idemili North Chairman, Hon. Stanley Nkwoka has halted activities of the motor parks operating under the Nkpor  New Parts Market Flyover along Enugu-Onitsha expressway warning both touts and motorist to avoid the place till further notice. Addressing newsmen in a press conference held at the  Idemili North LGA Secretariat Ogidi, the Executive Chairman said that the aim of sealing the park was to put things right and to avoid bloodshed between the Amafor youths and Business link who renovated the park under Public Private Partnership (PPP). According to Nkwoka, I want to assure the public that I am not after taking anybody's land but I am here to put things right. We have made it clear that we do not want agbero (touts) anywhere in Anambra. If I see anyone collecting money by cash from anyone in Idemili North I will jail the per...

 Soludo Flags Off Chinua Achebe Airport Road Project in Umueri By George Ewulum Governor Chukwuma Soludo has flagged off the construction of the Chinua Achebe International Cargo Airport's new road in Umueri, Anambra State. The ceremony took place on Monday, April 7, despite the sit-at-home order in the state. During the event, Soludo praised his predecessors for their contributions to Anambra's growth, particularly former Governor Willie Obiano, who laid 90% of the airport's foundation stones. The Mayor of Anambra East showered much praises to the governor over the construction of various link roads in Anambra East. He assured him of massive support votes in November;adding that his good works is seen by everyone.  The traditional rulers  said prayers for God's protection and grace for the governor to solve more problems of 'Ndi Anambra'.They gave the solution governor automatic ticket for second tenure stressing that Gov. Soludo has no opponents in the next gu...

 Nigeria Expresses Interest To Bid For 2030 Commonwealth Games  By Juliana Nwachukwu  Nigeria, has met the deadline for expression of interest to bid for the Commonwealth Games in 2030 in Abuja. The Nigeria Olympic Committee, emerged from its executive committee meeting on April 3, 2025, in Abuja to say it had met the March 28, 2025 deadline for expression of interest for a bid process. This is contained in a press release by the Public Relation Officer (PRO), Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC), Mr Tony Nezianya, who noted that Nigeria's bid for the 2030 Commonwealth Games in Abuja will present a unique opportunity to showcase its development, enhance its global standing, and invigorate its sports culture. "Nigeria can only commence a formal bid, if the Federal Government gives a backing to the project and has last hosted a major multi-sport event - the African Games - in 2003 (COJA 2003) hosted in Abuja. "The country used the platform to demonstrate its capability and commi...

 EFCC Arrests 14 Suspected Internet Fraudsters in Uyo Operatives of the Uyo Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC,  have arrested 14 suspected internet fraudsters at different locations within Uyo, Akwa Ibom State. They were arrested on Tuesday, April 8, 2025, at Ikot Akpanabia, Udoudoma, and the Nwaniba areas of Uyo in an intelligence-driven sting operation Three of the arrested suspects are undergraduates of the University of Uyo.     Items recovered from them include 26 smartphones, one iPad, three laptops,  one wristwatch, and a black Toyota Camry car.   The suspects will be charged to court as soon as investigations are concluded.

  NEMA, Agencies Receive 144 Nigerian Returnees from Libya The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), in collaboration with other government agencies, on Wednesday received 144 Nigerians repatriated from Libya at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Cargo Terminal, Ikeja, Lagos. According to a statement posted on NEMA’s X handle, the returnees—comprising 89 men, 35 women, 17 children, and 3 infants—arrived aboard a chartered Al Buraq Boeing aircraft (Reg No: 5ADMG) at 5:15 p.m. The evacuation was coordinated by the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) in partnership with NEMA, the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI), Nigeria Immigration Service, DSS, Port Health Services, and the Nigeria Police Force. After undergoing profiling and biometric documentation, the returnees were moved to the Igando IDP resettlement centre for reintegration support. More photos below. 

 Thailand Imprisons American Lecturer for Insulting Monarchy An American lecturer, Paul Chambers, has been detained in Thailand for allegedly insulting the monarchy, a crime punishable by up to 15 years in prison. Chambers, a political science professor at Naresuan University in northern Thailand, was arrested on Tuesday and brought before a court in Phitsanulok province. The 58-year-old was denied bail ahead of his trial on charges under Thailand’s lese-majeste law, which protects the monarchy, and the Computer Crime Act, which regulates online speech. His legal team plans to appeal the decision, though no trial date has been set. Chambers, who has taught in Thailand for over a decade, has focused his research on the Thai military’s influence on politics. Scholars at Risk, a U.S.-based academic freedom organization, speculates that the charges may be linked to comments Chambers made during a 2024 webinar on military restructuring. Chambers' wife, Napisa Waitoolkiat, the dean of so...

 Niger Replaces French with Hausa as National Language Niger’s military government has officially adopted Hausa as the national language, moving away from its colonial ties to French. The decision, announced in a new charter on March 31, also maintains English and French as working languages. Hausa is already the most widely spoken language in the country, with over 26 million people, compared to just 13% of the population speaking French. The charter also recognizes nine other local languages, including Zarma-Songhay, Fula, and Kanuri. This language shift follows a broader move by the junta, led by General Abdourahamane Tiani, to sever ties with France since the July 2023 coup. Similar actions have been seen in neighboring Mali and Burkina Faso.

 FCT POLICE LAUNCH MASSIVE RAID ON CRIMINAL HIDEOUTS TO DISLODGE HOODLUMS AND BOOST PUBLIC SAFETY. The Commissioner of Police, FCT Command, CP Ajao S. Adewale, psc, mnips, has ordered all Divisional Police Officers (DPOs) under his command to conduct massive raids on identified criminal flashpoints and hot spots across the territory. This strategic move is aimed at dislodging criminal elements and ensuring the continued safety and security of all residents within the FCT. This operation will be intelligence-driven with stop-and-search operations, and targeted patrols to curb activities such as robbery, kidnapping, drug peddling, and other forms of violent crime. The Command is taking a proactive approach to stay ahead of criminal threats and reinforce public confidence in the Police. The Commissioner of Police urges residents of the FCT to remain law-abiding, vigilant, and cooperative with Police operatives when approached in the course of their official duties. Members of the publ...

 Nigeria Posts $6.83 Billion Balance of Payments Surplus in 2024, Signaling Economic Resurgence and validating Renewed Hope Agenda  The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has announced a Balance of Payments (BOP) surplus of $6.83 billion for the 2024 financial year, marking a decisive turnaround from deficits of $3.34 billion in 2023 and $3.32 billion in 2022. This improvement reflects the impact of wide-ranging macroeconomic reforms, stronger trade performance, and renewed investor confidence in Nigeria’s economy. Stronger Trade and External Account Performance The current and capital account recorded a surplus of $17.22 billion in 2024, underpinned by a goods trade surplus of $13.17 billion. Petroleum imports declined by 23.2% to $14.06 billion, while non-oil imports fell by 12.6% to $25.74 billion. On the export side, gas exports rose by 48.3% to $8.66 billion, and non-oil exports increased by 24.6% to $7.46 billion. Remittance inflows remained resilient, with personal remittanc...

 16,000 Nigerian doctors flee country as health sector faces collapse – Minister raises alarm Nigeria’s health sector is facing a full-blown crisis as over 16,000 medical doctors have left the country in the past five to seven years, a development that has left rural and underserved communities dangerously exposed. The shocking figure was revealed on Tuesday by the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof Muhammad Pate, during the seventh annual capacity building workshop of the Association of Medical Councils of Africa in Abuja. Prof Pate, speaking at the conference themed “Integrated healthcare regulation and leadership in building resilient health systems,” lamented the exodus of healthcare professionals, warning that the trend not only signifies a loss of human capital but also a devastating fiscal blow. According to him, the doctor-to-population ratio has dropped to an alarming 3.9 per 10,000 people, far below the globally recommended minimum. He added that nur...

 I’ll never let anything harm Tiwa Savage, says Davido Grammy-nominated singer Davido has opened up about his relationship with Tiwa Savage, describing her as “my sister for life” despite their public fallout. In an interview on The Breakfast Club, Davido emphasised their close bond, likening their disagreements to typical sibling squabbles.  He reassured fans that he still cares deeply for Tiwa and her child, considering them family. “We used to stay in the same house. The situation with Tiwa was personal; she was a good friend to Sophia Momodu. Tiwa Savage is my sister for life. She changed the game for females. I love her and her child, we are family. Our fight is just like a brother and sister’s fight. She did reach out. I will never allow anything to happen to her,” Davido shared. The tension between them began when Tiwa posted a photo with Sophia Momodu, Davido’s children’s mother, leading to an alleged exchange of messages from Davido’s management.  This resulted i...

 How I suffered in the hands of bandits – Matthew Kukah’s brother Ishaya Kukah, brother of Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Rev. Fr. Matthew Hassan Kukah, has narrated his ordeal in the hands of bandits.  He was among the 60 rescued victims received by the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, in Abuja on Tuesday.  Sharing his experience after the captivity Ishaya said: “Frankly speaking, I had already concluded that I will not see this world again due to how they were treating us in the bush. “We suffered too much in the bush.They used to chain us together in twos. If you are going to pass feaces, you move with the other one. If you are going to urinate, you move together.” He explained that family members of the victims were forced to pay ransom due to the inhuman treatment the bandits subject their victims. He said: “ Some people complain that why should families pay ransom? It is because of pressure of beating that their victims agree to pay money. Because if they...

 TikToker organises party as first woman to board plane in community TikToker Gold Ike, better known by her handle EveryDayWithGold, celebrated a major milestone by becoming the first woman in her community to board an airplane. Ike, who became popular by peeling cassava and preparing garri, marked this achievement with a vibrant party, serving local delicacies like jollof rice and white rice to delighted residents. A banner reading, “The first woman to enter a plane in my community,” highlighted her accomplishment. Gold Ike expressed gratitude to her followers for their love and support.  The party was a grand affair, with guests enjoying local dishes and celebrating her achievement.  “I want to use this medium to thank everyone for appreciating the record I broke and the award I won. It was not easy. And I see all your nice comments, the love was massive. We all enjoyed ourselves yesterday. We merry and dined yesterday. Thank you all for celebrating me. “I don’t know if...

 NiMet predicts three-day heavy rainfall in six States The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has predicted three days of moderate-heavy rainfall in six States of the country. The affected States are: Cross River, Akwa Ibom, Edo, Bayelsa Delta and Ogun.  The rainfall is anticipated between Wednesday April 9-11, 2025. The agency, in its heavy rainfall forecast bulletin on Tuesday, also forecasted light-moderate rainfall in Ondo, Lagos, Delta, Imo, Abia, Ekiti and few others states. It added that other parts of the country would experience very light or no rain in the next three days. The agency in the bulletin also hinted that there are prospects of flash floods as a result of the expected moderate-heavy rainfall. NiMet while noting that strong winds may accompany the rains, advised the public not to drive through surface runoff waters, as they have strong undercurrents.  Other likely hazards according to the agency include; “Slippery road surfaces, reduced visibility ...

 Nigeria’s inflation to increase, Trump may reverse tariffs — Economist Rewane The Managing Director of Financial Derivatives Company Limited, Bismarck Rewane, has said the recent rise in the price of petrol may cause an increase in Nigeria’s inflation rate from 23.18%. Rewane stated this on Channels Television’s Business Morning show on Tuesday. “There might be an increase in the rate of inflation because of the increase in the price of petrol but we haven’t seen the corresponding increase in the prices of transport fares so far. “What we’ve seen in the last few days is that food commodity prices have increased, coupled with the fact that the planting season is here,” he said. The economist said uncertainties and the fears of recession have become very palpable with the imposition of tariffs on imported products to the United States by the Donald Trump presidency. According to him, the prices of gold and crude oil have been impacted by the tariff war started by the Trump presidenc...

 Those who financed attacks against Tesla will go to prison – Elon Musk Tesla CEO Elon Musk has disclosed that those who financed the attacks against Tesla will go to prison. Last month, multiple Tesla vehicles were set ablaze in Las Vegas. Musk condemned the act, calling it an “evil attack.” Eventually, U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi announced charges against three people responsible for setting Tesla properties on fire in Las Vegas. Bondi described the violent attacks on Tesla property as “nothing short of domestic terrorism.” However, several weeks after the incident, Musk revealed in a tweet on X that those who financed the attacks against Tesla will go to jail. “Those who financed the attacks against Tesla will go to prison,” Musk tweeted on Tuesday.

 It was a theft against Anambra people – Valentine Ozigbo speaks after losing APC primaries Valentine Ozigbo has spoken for the first time since he lost the All Progressives Congress, APC, in Anambra State. Ozigbo lost out to Nicholas Ukachukwu, a former member of the House of Representatives. Ukachukwu clinched the APC’s governorship ticket at the party’s primary election on Saturday by a landslide. He polled 1,455 votes while Ozigbo secured 67 votes. Edozie Madu and Johnbosco Onunkwo got 8 and 26 votes respectively. In a statement on Tuesday, Ozigbo called the process a sham and vowed to contest the results. He said: “On the Aftermath of the APC Anambra Gubernatorial Primary Election, April 5, 2025 “My dear friends, supporters, members of our great party, and Ndi Anambra, “First, I give glory to God Almighty — the source of strength, grace, and clarity. In moments of darkness, His light always finds a way to shine through. His mercies endure and renew each day, and for that, I am...

 Muftwang: Plateau Killings Are Sponsored, 64 Communities Seized by Bandits Plateau State Governor Caleb Muftwang has alleged that the recent wave of killings across the state is a "sponsored genocide," revealing that armed bandits have taken over at least 64 communities in Bokkos, Barkin Ladi, and Riyom LGAs. Speaking on Politics Today on Channels Television, Muftwang condemned the coordinated attacks, which have claimed over 50 lives and displaced thousands, particularly in Bokkos LGA. “This is genocide driven by terrorism,” he said. “Security agencies must uncover those behind these organized attacks.” The governor noted that dozens of villages have been renamed and occupied by armed groups, with displaced residents unable to return. He called for unified security efforts and urgent federal intervention to reclaim the occupied territories and halt the violence. “These are systematic, targeted assaults — not random violence,” Muftwang stressed, urging authorities to expose ...

 Nigeria Posts $6.83bn Balance of Payments Surplus in 2024 — CBN The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has announced a $6.83 billion Balance of Payments surplus for 2024, reversing deficits recorded in the previous two years. In a statement on Wednesday, the apex bank attributed the surplus to macroeconomic reforms, improved trade performance, and stronger investor confidence. Key highlights include a $13.17 billion trade surplus, a 48.3% surge in gas exports, and $20.93 billion in personal remittances. Portfolio investments more than doubled to $13.35 billion, while foreign reserves rose by $6 billion to $40.19 billion. Despite a 42.3% drop in FDI, the CBN said the overall outlook remains strong, citing improved data accuracy and the success of FX market reforms.

 NACA Raises Concern Over High HIV Rate in Taraba, Launches Mother-Child Prevention Committee The National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA) has raised alarm over Taraba State’s 2.9% HIV prevalence rate, urging urgent, united efforts to curb the spread and meet the 2030 target of ending AIDS. NACA Director General, Dr. Temitope Ilori, made the call on Tuesday in Jalingo during the inauguration of the Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission (PMTCT) and Paediatric HIV Acceleration Committee (PPAC). Ilori called for stronger collaboration among government, health workers, development partners, and communities, stressing that antiretroviral drugs remain freely available despite recent concerns. Taraba’s AIDS Control Agency Director General, Dr. Bako Ali Istifanus, hailed the PPAC launch as a major step in eliminating mother-to-child HIV transmission and pledged full state support to the initiative.

 NSA Ribadu Warns Against Ransom Payments to Kidnappers, Terrorists National Security Adviser (NSA) Nuhu Ribadu has cautioned Nigerians against paying ransom to terrorists and kidnappers, warning it fuels further criminality. Speaking in Abuja while handing over 64 rescued kidnapping victims—freed after a month in captivity in Kaduna—to Defence Minister Mohammed Abubakar, Ribadu stressed that the government has never paid ransom and urged families to stop financing criminal groups. He credited the successful rescue operation to sustained military pressure and lauded the armed forces’ efforts, with special thanks to President Bola Tinubu for his continued support. Defence Minister Abubakar also praised the military and urged the public to keep providing useful intelligence to aid security operations.

 FCT Court Orders N100m Compensation Against School Over 9-Year-Old’s Death An FCT High Court in Abuja has awarded N100 million in damages against Louisville Girls Secondary School, Gwagwalada, for negligence leading to the death of 9-year-old boarding student, Kamzie Ikpeatusim. Justice Sylvanus Oriji, delivering judgment on Tuesday, held that the school failed in its duty of care by delaying medical attention, which resulted in the child’s death. The case, filed by Kamzie’s father, Ifeanyi Ikpeatusim, alleged that the school did not respond appropriately when Kamzie fell ill in October 2017, just a month after resuming. The court also granted an additional N300,000 in litigation costs and ordered a 10% annual interest on the judgment sum from April 8 until full payment. While rejecting a request to rename a school structure in Kamzie’s memory, Justice Oriji acknowledged reforms made to the school’s sickbay, including the appointment of doctors to attend to students twice daily—an...