PINK REPUBLIC/ MY BLOG IS A STORY MARATHON.

 PRESS RELEASE INTERNAL SECURITY: POLICE RESCUE 29 KIDNAP VICTIMS, ARREST 3 SUSPECTED KIDNAPPERS, RECOVER DANGEROUS WEAPONS As IGP Reaffirms Continuous Fight Against Violent Crimes The Nigeria Police Force, in a sustained and strategic operation aimed at curbing crime and criminal activities, and restoring public confidence, has recorded a series of commendable breakthroughs recently across Kogi, Lagos and Kastina state, leading to the rescue of several kidnapped victims and recovery of an Ak-47 rifle.  On the 23rd June 2025, police operatives attached to Kogi state Police command on patrol along Obajana–Oshokoshoko road successfully repelled a kidnap attempt on three commercial vehicles, engaging the kidnappers in a fierce gun duel and successfully rescued all 24 victims unhurt. Similarly, on 22nd June 2025, Police operatives attached to Okene Division, Kogi State, intercepted a suspicious Nissan vehicle heading towards Auchi. The driver of the vehicle absconded into the fore...

 Friends accused my husband of hypnotising me – Debbie Shokoya Actress and producer Debbie Shokoya has recounted a painful experience of betrayal by her friends, who spread malicious rumours that her husband used “jazz”and hypnotised her.  However, in an interview with Bimpe Akintunde on Iriri Podcast, Debbie said she has come to see their absence in her life as a blessing.  She said she has found solace in her loved ones, including her husband, daughter, family, and in-laws, and believes that God removed her former friends to protect her from harm.  Debbie said: “Those I called my people… the same ones who said I was hypnotised by my husband—were my friends. People I trusted. But today, I realise I have no one left. And you know what? I surrender. “My husband is my best friend. My daughter, my family, and my husband’s family—they are all I need. “Looking back now, I see clearly—God took those people out of my life for a reason. If they were still here, maybe my life...

 MC Oluomo promised us N1.5m each for Tinubu’s campaign but paid nothing — Actor Lalude Veteran Nollywood actor, Fatai Adekunle Adetayo, popularly known as Lalude, has accused the president of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), MC Oluomo, of failing to fulfil financial promises made to celebrities who campaigned for President Bola Tinubu and Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, during the 2023 general elections. Speaking during a recent episode of the Beyond the Fame podcast, Lalude expressed deep disappointment over what he described as abandonment, revealing that he and other entertainers were promised N1.5 million each by MC Oluomo but never received a dime. Lalude, known for his iconic ‘babalawo’ roles in Yoruba movies, said he and other actors, including comedian Ganiu ‘Alapini’ Nofiu, were lodged and made to campaign for weeks without proper compensation.  According to him, they initially received N10,000 daily for feeding, but even that was stopp...

 13 Abducted Benue Links Passengers Rescued in Joint Security Operation Security operatives have successfully rescued 13 passengers of a Benue Links vehicle abducted in Eke, Okpokwu Local Government Area of Benue State. The rescue was confirmed by the Local Government Chairman, Adah Inalegwu, on Sunday. Inalegwu disclosed that a joint operation involving police and local vigilantes led to the rescue of two victims on Saturday. Sustained pressure from combined efforts of local youths and support from neighboring Kogi State forced the kidnappers to abandon the remaining 11 victims at Oando village around 4:00 pm on Sunday. The chairman credited the success of the operation to enhanced logistics provided by Governor Hyacinth Alia, which bolstered security surveillance and tracking efforts. “The provision of logistics by the governor, with improved security measures, was instrumental in securing the release of the victims,” Inalegwu stated. The rescued passengers are currently being pr...

 Abakaliki FC Official Bus Involved in Accident on Benin-Ore Expressway, No Injuries Reported The official bus carrying officials of Abakaliki Football Club, runners-up in the 2025 President Federation Cup, was involved in a road accident on Sunday along the Benin-Ore Expressway near Ondo. The incident occurred as the team returned to Ebonyi State from Lagos, where they competed in the cup final on Saturday, losing 4-3 to Kwara United in a penalty shootout at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Onikan. According to a statement posted on the club’s official Facebook page, the accident was caused by brake failure, resulting in a collision with a moving truck. Fortunately, no lives were lost, and no injuries were reported.  The club expressed gratitude for the safety of all involved, stating, “To God be the glory, no injury and no life was lost. On our way back from Lagos after our yesterday’s President Federation Cup finals to Ebonyi State today (29/6/2025), one of our vehicles (officia...

 NNPP Welcomes Potential Exit of Kwankwaso to APC, Cites Betrayal The New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) has expressed relief at the prospect of its 2023 presidential candidate, Rabiu Kwankwaso, potentially joining the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), accusing him of betraying the party’s trust. The statement, issued by NNPP National Secretary Oginni Olaposi on Sunday in Lagos, follows the resignation of APC National Chairman Abdullahi Ganduje on Friday, amid speculations linking his exit to Kwankwaso’s alleged plans to defect to the APC. Olaposi clarified that while Ganduje’s resignation, attributed to health issues, is an internal APC matter, the NNPP felt compelled to address the issue due to ongoing tensions with Kwankwaso. The former Kano State governor, expelled from the NNPP for alleged anti-party activities, has reportedly insisted on maintaining his membership while facing accusations of attempting to hijack the party. “Kwankwaso not only tried to hijack the NNPP but ...

 ANSG Rehabilitates Boats in Riverine Communities to Boost Education  By Rita Okonkwo  Anambra State Government has rehabilitated boats in the riverine and hard to reach communities to ensure equitable education delivery across all regions in the State.  The Anambra State Universal Basic Education Board (ASUBEB) officials who visited Otuocha Riverine Base to inspect repairs and maintenance, were delighted that the restored boats would significantly improve access to education, providing residents with reliable transport solutions.  The ASUBEB Chairman, Dr Vera Nwadinobi who led the team said that the visit was part of commitment to ensure that no child was denied access to quality education; and that teachers working in remote riverine communities were provided with revitalized boats to enhance their operational efficiency in schools.  She commended Governor Chukwuma Soludo for the continued support to teachers, which aligns with his vision of improving edu...

 NIGERIAN ARMY KICKS OFF NADCEL 2025 WITH SPECIAL JUMA’AT PRAYERS The Nigerian Army (NA), on Friday 27 June 2025, commenced activities marking its 162nd anniversary. The event popularly known as the Nigerian Army Day Celebration (NADCEL) 2025, commenced with special Juma’at prayers conducted across all its formations and units. This year’s celebration, themed _“Developing the Soldier First Concept: Imperative for the Nigerian Army’s Transformation Drive”_, saw Muslim faithful gather at the Guards Brigade Jumu’at Mosque, Mambilla Barracks, Asokoro, Abuja, to observe the special prayers. Delivering his remarks, the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, represented by the Chief of Training (Army), Major General Abubakar Ndalolo, expressed gratitude to Almighty Allah for the remarkable progress and achievements recorded by the Nigerian Army in its 162 years of existence. He also prayed for continued peace and unity across the country, while urging personnel to remain...

 Some Youths In Anambra Are Now Producing Babies For Sale - NAPTIP Reveals ‎The Anambra State Commander of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), Ibadin Judith-Chukwu, has raised concerns over the escalating rate of human trafficking in the state, describing the situation as increasingly alarming. ‎ Speaking in an interview with journalists in her office in Awka, on Saturday, ‎Judith-Chukwu also expressed worry over a disturbing trend in the state, where young people are now cohabiting by mutual consent solely to produce babies for sale. ‎ ‎"We have seen situations where a girl gets pregnant, and then someone suddenly presents a marriage proposal.After she gives birth, often without her knowledge or consent, the man takes the baby and sells it,”  ‎ ‎Judith-Chukwu, who lamented that the sale of babies is more prevalent in rural communities, emphasised the need for widespread public enlightenment, particularly among residents of remote areas....

 ‎‎We the Fulani people are been maltreated in Umueri, Anambra --Alhaji Gidado Siddiki ‎ ‎The leader of the Fulani commu­nity in Anambra State and Depu­ty Director-General of Miyetti Al­lah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), Alhaji Gidado Siddiki, has raised alarm over what he saw as the constant and incessant intimidations and molestations of their members by vigilante operatives in Umueri community, Anambra-East coun­cil area of the state. ‎ ‎Alhaji Siddiki who spoke in an interview with news from daily Independent alleged that vigilante operatives used to arrest their members without any justifi­able reasons, further alleging that anytime the security opera­tives saw a Fulani herdsman on motorcycle, they would stop him, pick him, maltreat him and blind­fold him until they extorted huge sums of money from him before they released him. ‎ ‎He lamented some of their mem­bers reported to him that they were blindfolded from 5.pm to 8.pm until huge sums of money were exto...

 Kenyan hawker shot in head by police during protests confirmed 'brain dead' A Kenyan facemask hawker who was shot in the head at close range by a police officer during protests in the capital Nairobi on June 17 has been confirmed "brain dead." The family of Boniface Mwangi Kariuki told Kenyan media in an address on Sunday that doctors at Kenya's largest public hospital, Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH), have declared the patient brain dead, but his other main organs are still functioning. "Mwangi is confirmed brain dead. We know what that means. We are just waiting for the doctors to tell us that he is no more," Emily Wanjira, the family spokesperson, told journalists, TRT Afrika reported. Brain death is the permanent, irreversible, and complete loss of brain function. No chance of recovery A person declared brain dead has no chance of recovery because their body is unable to survive without artificial life support. Kariuki's family further said on ...

 At least 50 people killed after Sudan gold mine collapses At least 50 people have been killed in a gold mine collapse in northeastern Sudan, local media reported on Sunday, Anadolu Agency reported. The mine collapsed on Saturday in Howaid desert in the Nile River State, the local newspaper Alrakoba said. Witnesses said large volumes of sand and rocks collapsed on miners while working at a rudimentary site known for unregulated mining activity. Rescue efforts were hampered by the absence of heavy machinery and professional rescue teams slowing the retrieval of dozens of bodies from the rubble, they added. Hazardous conditions A similar collapse occurred at the same location two months ago, causing injuries. The tragedy has renewed criticism over weak government oversight and poor infrastructure at artisanal mining sites where thousands work under hazardous conditions without formal regulation or safety standards.

 STATEHOUSE PRESS RELEASE WHY PRESIDENT TINUBU IS ON A STATE VISIT TO SAINT LUCIA In the wake of some Nigerians' misguided, mischievous, and uninformed comments regarding President Bola Tinubu's historic state visit to Saint Lucia, it is necessary to clarify the purpose of the visit. First, from the perspective of the Government of Saint Lucia, the visit by the Nigerian leader paves the way for the rekindling of our ancestral bonds, igniting a new era of diplomatic, cultural, and economic possibilities between our nations. Like many Caribbean nations, Saint Lucia has a significant population of African ancestry. In the mid-19th century, a wave of immigrants from present-day Nigeria arrived in Saint Lucia, bringing cultural and religious practices that persist today. Citizens of Saint Lucia are excited that President Tinubu has chosen to visit the island. They long to strengthen their bonds with African nations with which they share ancestral links. Saint Lucia is the headquarte...

 Some ‎Labour Party Members in Anambra Defect To APC to support Ukachukwu and Ekwunife ‎ ‎Labour Party (LP) members in Anambra State have defected to All Progressives Congress (APC) and pledged to deliver their votes to Senator Nicholas Ukachukwu, the party’s governorship candi­date in the November 8th 2025 election. ‎ ‎the leader of the defecting LP group, Hon Fab Ozoigbo, said the defectors cut across the state and expressed the hope that Uka­chukwu would take the state out of poverty and insecurity. ‎ ‎Ozoigbo, a chieftain of the Labour Party (LP) in Anambra State and former Head of Lo­gistics for the party’s National Campaign Organisation during the 2023 general elections, said he resigned from LP and joined APC, along with his followers to support Prince Nicholas Ukachukwu as APC’s governorship candi­date in Anambra State, describ­ing Ukachukwu as a grassroots politician and philanthropist of note, adding that Ukachukwu’s popularity would boost the APC’s chances. ‎ ‎Another de...

 'Not football' - Maresca questions Club World Cup hosts after 'joke' delay Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca says the decision to suspend the Club World Cup last-16 tie with Benfica for two hours because of extreme weather was "a joke" and said the US is "probably not the right place to do the competition". "This is not football" was how the Italian described the situation after the 4-1 extra-time victory in a match that lasted four hours and 39 minutes in Charlotte and finished at 01:39 BST on Sunday. It was the sixth game of the tournament that has been suspended because of seasonal summer thunderstorms. Players, staff and supporters were immediately pulled indoors because of extreme weather, in this case because thunderstorms were detected within an eight-mile radius of the venue, in line with US safety regulations. The weather has been one of the Club World Cup talking points a year out from the US co-hosting the 2026 World Cup, with extrem...

 Suspended Governor Fubara Denies 2027 Campaign Materials, Calls for Peace Suspended Rivers State Governor Sim Fubara has publicly disavowed campaign materials, including caps and shirts, purportedly produced for the 2027 general elections, stating he neither authorized nor endorsed their production. Addressing supporters in Port Harcourt on Saturday, Fubara emphasized his commitment to peace and development in the state following the resolution of a political crisis. Fubara’s remarks follow President Bola Tinubu’s intervention last week, which resolved the governor’s feud with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike. The conflict had escalated, prompting Tinubu to declare a six-month state of emergency in Rivers State and suspend Fubara from office. Expressing frustration over the unauthorized campaign materials, Fubara said, “I was pissed off. Someone forwarded to me a video showing where they were producing campaign materials—caps and shirts—for the 2027 gener...

 Tinubu Reaffirms Commitment to South East Development at Empowerment Event in Abia President Bola Tinubu has pledged continued support for the development and economic growth of Nigeria’s South East region, according to Belusochukwu Enwere, National Coordinator of the South East Renewed Hope Agenda (SERHA). Speaking on Saturday during an empowerment program in Umuahia, Abia State, Enwere emphasized Tinubu’s high regard for the region and his commitment to its inclusion in the national development agenda. The event, part of President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, saw the inauguration of the SERHA state chapter and the empowerment of small business owners, indigent persons, and women. Items distributed included motorcycles, mini buses, sewing machines, hair dryers, and grinding machines. Financial support was also provided: ₦200,000 to 100 business owners, ₦100,000 to 200 businesses, ₦50,000 to 300 businesses, and ₦20,000 to 500 indigent families. Enwere highlighted key policies of ...

 Saudi Authorities Approve Burial of Aminu Dantata in Madina The Saudi Arabian Government has approved the burial of prominent Nigerian businessman, Aminu Dantata, in the holy city of Madina. His Principal Private Secretary, Mustapha Junaid, confirmed the development in a post on his official Facebook page. According to him, the remains of the business icon will be transported to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia from Abu Dhabi. The funeral is scheduled to take place Monday morning in Madina. Aminu Dantata, one of Nigeria’s most revered business moguls, died in Dubai after a prolonged illness at the age of 94.

 Three Dangerous Murder Suspects Escape from Custody, Still at Large Three awaiting-trial prisoners, Patrick Mbombi, Thabo Moye Makgopa, and Javas Mongwe, escaped from police custody on the morning of 24 June 2025 after overpowering officers at the Letsitele policing precinct. The suspects are still on the run. The trio was being held for their alleged role in the brutal murder of Raymond Themba Mathebula, a former teacher at Kremetart Primary School and resident of Bode Village. The murder occurred in April 2024. It is alleged that Mathebula’s wife, Mahlaule, hired the three men to kill her husband in exchange for an insurance payout. Reports indicate the suspects charged R200,000 for the hit, with R10,000 paid upfront and the balance to be paid after the insurance claim was processed. Mahlaule and the suspects had been in custody following multiple court appearances. Police have warned that the escaped men are extremely dangerous and have urged the public not to approach them. An...

 Major update on the escapees from the Letsitele holding cells Police are intensifying the manhunt for Thabo Moye Makgopa and Javas Mongwe, who allegedly shot two people in Rikhotso village, NwaMitwa area, on Friday and are now believed to be hiding in nearby bushes.  The third escapee, Patrick Mbombi, was last seen in Majosi village. Authorities urge the public to assist by reporting any sightings immediately.

 Chris Brown has had enough. In a candid Instagram Story post, the R&B singer expressed his frustration with being constantly compared to other artists and feeling shut out of celebrity circles. "I've been overly busting my ass for the last 20 years," he wrote, claiming he's built his career from the ground up without industry help.  The Grammy winner, currently headlining the Breezy Bowl Tour with Bryson Tiller and Summer Walker, says he's tired of only being recognized for controversy rather than his musical contributions.

 Heart-stopping moment at Beyoncé's Cowboy Carter Tour in Houston.  During her performance of "16 Carriages" at NRG Stadium on Saturday night, the flying car prop carrying Beyoncé began tilting at a dangerous angle mid-air.  The superstar immediately called "Stop, stop, stop" into her microphone as the music cut out.  What followed showed exactly why she's the Queen - Beyoncé remained composed while suspended, thanked fans for their patience, and was safely lowered to the ground. She briefly left the stage before returning to finish the show, telling the crowd: "If ever I fall, I know y'all would catch me."  Have you ever witnessed a performer handle a dangerous situation with such grace? 

 73-YEAR-OLD ISRAELI DIES IN ABUJA HOTEL A 73-year-old Israeli man, Avi Warshaviak, allegedly in a Abuja hotel after suddenly falling ill. The elderly foreigner died on Saturday at Corinthia Villa Hotel, where he lodged with his wife.  Warshaviak was said to have developed a health problem around 9:51 a.m. and was rushed to Asokoro General Hospital where he gave up the ghost.  The hotel's CSO, Okorie Emmanuel, reported the case at Garki Divisional Police Headquarters and Warshaviak's body was the the mortuary. Police sources added that efforts are being made to reach the Israeli Embassy in Nigeria to carry out the necessary consular procedures.

 OUTRAGE AS 12-YEAR-OLD BOY BRUTALLY BEATEN IN GAADI, MAKURDI OVER MOSQUITO NET ALLEGATION 29th June, 2025      A disturbing case of child abuse has sparked outrage in the Gaadi area along Coca Cola–Gboko Road, where a 12-year-old boy was allegedly brutalized over an accusation involving a damaged mosquito net. According to eyewitnesses and neighbors who shared the incident with humanitarian advocate D'naked Elder Zege'Orkwande , the young boy was severely beaten after reportedly "disrespecting his uncle" by denying involvement in the tearing of a mosquito net. “It’s alleged that he was beaten because he disrespected his uncle for not accepting that he was among the children who cut the mosquito net,” neighbors recounted. “Surprisingly, they were beating him and pouring water on him to make sure he suffered the pain severely.” Orkwande, who described the situation as purely humanitarian is calling for public attention and justice for the young victim. “This is not bu...

 CONCERN GROWS OVER ALLEGED KIDNAP OF ANGELA SALEM, SISTER TO LATE JOURNALIST, TORDUE SALEM 29th June, 2025       Concerns are mounting over the alleged abduction of Angela Salem, the sister of the late journalist Tordue Salem, who was reportedly kidnapped in Lagos on Wednesday. A source close to the family revealed receiving a distressing phone call indicating that Angela has been missing for days. “I got a call that Angela Salem, the sister of our late brother Tordue Salem, was kidnapped in Lagos since Wednesday,” Krayzeetee Atu Terver  stated, adding, “I don’t know how to further confirm the information.” Angela, a youth from Benue State, is well known in the community, and the news of her alleged disappearance has sparked worry among friends, relatives, and members of the Benue youth network. The source urged friends, family, and the general public to attempt reaching out to Angela in order to confirm the situation and determine how best to assist. Ange...

 The Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu and his counterpart from Kwara State, Abdulrahman Abdulrasaq presented medals to the winners of the 2025 President Federation Cup, Kwara United at the Mobolaji Johnson Sports Arena,Onikan, Lagos. The Harmony boys defeated Abakaliki FC 4-3 via penalty shoot-out following a stalemate after the 90th minute regulation time. Present at the country’s oldest championship are the Director General, Lagos State Sports Commission, Lekan Fatodu; Chairman, Lagos State Football Association, Hajji Gaffar  Liameed. Others are the Chairman National Sports Commission, Sheu Dikko; Director General,NSC , Hon. Bukola Olopade; Senior Special Assistant to President on Grassroots Sports Development, Anthony Adeyinka Adeboye and Director General, National Institute for Sports,Comrade Philip Shaibu, Directors from the Lagos State  Sports Commission, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Sports and other sports stakeholders. Lagos State...