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South African Church Members Await Rapture as Prophet’s Prediction Sparks Frenzy On September 23, 2025, hundreds of South African church members gathered in fervent prayer, their eyes fixed skyward, as Prophet Joshua Mhlakela’s widely publicized vision of the Rapture unfolded. Viral videos captured the emotional scenes, with believers assembling in open fields and churchyards, some having sold their possessions in anticipation of a divine ascent. The prophecy, which pinpointed September 23 and 24, 2025, as the dates for the biblical event, drew fervent devotion but also skepticism, igniting debates across social media platforms like X. The gatherings, marked by hymns and tearful prayers, saw families and communities unite in hope and fear. Some attendees, inspired by Mhlakela’s sermons, reportedly gave away cars, furniture, and savings, believing they would no longer need earthly possessions. Local reports described a mix of euphoria and tension, with emergency services on standby as c...

 Typhoon Ragasa kills 14 in Taiwan, prompts China to evacuate 2 million At least 14 people were killed in Taiwan, and more than 120 remain missing after torrential rains from supertyphoon Ragasa caused a mountain lake to burst. The collapse in Hualien County on Tuesday afternoon sent roughly 60 million tons of water cascading down hillsides, devastating the town of Guangfu, about 125 miles south of Taipei. Rescue teams rushed to the remote area, where a major bridge was destroyed, cars and motorcycles were swept into piles, and more than 5,200 of Guangfu’s 8,700 residents sought refuge on upper floors or evacuated entirely. Prime Minister Cho Jung-tai ordered an investigation into why prior evacuation orders for Hualien County were not fully enforced. Across Taiwan, at least six people were injured, and hundreds of flights and sea crossings were canceled. Ragasa, the world’s strongest tropical storm of 2025, packing winds near 180 mph, passed south of Taiwan and is moving toward Ch...

 Man arrested in UK over suspected cyberattack disrupting European airports A man in his 40s was arrested Tuesday in West Sussex, southern England, over a suspected cyberattack that disrupted operations at several European airports, including London Heathrow, authorities said Wednesday. He was taken into custody on suspicion of offenses involving computer misuse and later released on conditional bail. Paul Foster, head of the U.K.’s National Crime Agency cybercrime unit, said the investigation is still in its early stages. “Although this arrest is a positive step, the investigation into this incident remains ongoing,” he said, adding that cybercrime continues to pose a major global threat and cause significant disruption in the U.K. The attack, which began late Friday and continued through the weekend, affected electronic systems at airports in Berlin, Brussels, and London, forcing staff to revert to handwritten boarding passes and backup laptops, though many other European airport...

 Bill Nye receives star on Hollywood Walk of Fame  Bill Nye, the Central New York–born science educator and television host, was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on Monday, becoming the 2,821st recipient. His star, in the Television category, is located at 6357 Hollywood Boulevard. The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce recognized Nye for his work “to make science accessible and entertaining for all ages.” In addition to hosting Bill Nye the Science Guy, he is an engineer, comedian, inventor, best-selling author, and CEO of The Planetary Society, the world’s largest nonprofit space organization co-founded by Carl Sagan. In a Facebook post on Tuesday, Nye reflected on the honor, thanking friends, family, colleagues, and supporters, as well as TV star Joel McHale, comedian Ross Shafer, and NBA player Jaylen Brown, who attended the ceremony. Nye, 69, said, “I love science. I love comedy. I love television, which was invented with science… All of my work has been a cel...

 Kaduna Community Hails Governor Sani For Covering Bandit Attack Victims’ Hospital Bills The Irigwe community in Kamaru Ward, Chawai Chiefdom of Kauru Local Government Area, Kaduna State, has expressed profound gratitude to Governor Uba Sani for promptly offsetting the medical expenses of victims of the recent Angwan Rimi attack. In an open letter released on Tuesday and jointly signed by community leader Mr. Barnabas Musa and parents’ representative Comrade Raphael Joshua, the residents said the governor’s action saved the lives of injured children whose treatment at Barau Dikko Teaching Hospital had stalled due to unpaid bills. Dated September 22, 2025, the letter praised Governor Sani’s “swift and compassionate response,” adding that confirmation of the full settlement came on Sunday through the Chairman of Kauru Local Government, Hon. Bashir Tanko Dawaki. “Your Excellency, we extend our heartfelt appreciation for your timely and compassionate intervention. Your swift action has...

 Despite Days-Long Power Outage In Kaduna, Kaduna Electric FC Unveils New Football Kits, Leadership Despite lingering blackouts in some parts of Kaduna, Kaduna Electric FC has officially unveiled its new football kits and leadership structure ahead of the upcoming season. In the announcement, Deputy Managing Director Abubakar Sadiq Mohammed was named Club Chairman, while the company’s Managing Director, Dr. Umar Hashidu, will now serve as Team Patron. Speaking at the unveiling, the new Chairman urged staff and stakeholders to rally behind the team, expressing optimism about the club’s prospects as the new season kicks off. More photos below. 

 Escaped lion captured in Limpopo after killing livestock A male lion that escaped from Letaba Ranch near Phalaborwa has been captured and relocated to the Kruger National Park after it killed livestock in nearby communities. The Limpopo Department of Economic Development, Environment and Tourism (LEDET) confirmed that the operation was carried out this week in partnership with SANParks, the Endangered Wildlife Trust (EWT) and private sector stakeholders. The lion was linked to two incidents of livestock killings on the Giyani–Phalaborwa boundary on September 16 and 21. Limpopo MEC Tshitereke Matibe praised the swift response of rangers and conservation partners, saying the intervention protected both communities and wildlife. “This success demonstrates the importance of collaboration between government, conservation agencies, and the private sector. Our rangers and partners worked tirelessly to secure both our communities and our wildlife heritage,” Matibe said. He also urged resi...

 HEADQUARTERS 3 DIVISION COMMITS TO STRENGTHENING COLLABORATION WITH FRSC In a pivotal move to enhance road safety and minimize traffic-related fatalities, 3 Division has pledged its unwavering support to the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC). This commitment was made during a courtesy visit by the newly appointed Sector Commander of the FRSC, Corps Commander OE Mogaji, to Major General EF Oyinlola, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 3 Division and Commander of Operation ENDURING PEACE (OPEP). The event, held on September 23, 2025, at Maxwell Khobe Cantonment, highlighted the critical importance of inter-agency collaboration in safeguarding lives on the roads within the Division's area of responsibility. In his remarks, Major General Oyinlola emphasized the vital role that road safety plays in national stability and economic prosperity. "We recognize and deeply appreciate the critical role the FRSC plays in national security. Your mandate to ensure safety on our roads is not ...

 POLICE WELFARE: IGP EGBETOKUN PRESENTS CHEQUES WORTH ₦2B TO FAMILIES OF FALLEN OFFICERS -reiterates commitment to digitized, responsive welfare system In continuation of efforts to support families of fallen heroes, the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM, today, 24th September 2025, presented cheques worth a total of Two Billion, One Hundred and Seventy-One Million, One Hundred and Twenty-Four Thousand, Forty-One Naira, Eighty-Seven Kobo (₦2,171,124,041.87k) to 1,574 beneficiaries and next-of-kin of deceased police officers under the Group Life Assurance and IGP Family Welfare Schemes. The ceremony was held at the Force Headquarters, Abuja, with the Force Management Team, insurance industry stakeholders, and beneficiaries in attendance. The benefits presented, cover policy years from 2015 to 2025, including recoveries of long-outstanding claims that had been pending for close to a decade. The IGP noted that this phase marks the 11th disbursement s...

 Uber dissociates from drive-to-own fee hike Uber has distanced itself from a 100% increase in daily remittance fees under its Drive-to-Own scheme, saying the decision rests with Moove, a third-party fleet partner operating on its platform. The rise, from N9,400 to N18,700, has sparked opposition from the Amalgamated Union of App-Based Transporters of Nigeria, Lagos State Chapter. At a press briefing on Monday, the union described the increase as exploitative and said it placed drivers under severe financial strain. “Uber and Moove cannot continue to pursue profitability at the expense of human dignity, public safety, and workers’ rights,” Comrade Steven Iwindoye, the union’s public-relations officer, said. The union also criticised the move for being imposed without consultation, without corresponding fare adjustments, and without reductions in Uber’s commission. An Uber spokesperson told The PUNCH in an email that the company is actively exploring opportunities to help ensure dri...

 Lagos govt demolishes illegal shanties, car wash in Lekki The Lagos State Government has cleared a cluster of illegal shanties and a makeshift car wash in the Lekki area as part of its ongoing environmental enforcement drive. Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, confirmed the demolition in a statement posted on his official X handle on Tuesday. According to Wahab, the enforcement team dismantled the unlawful structures at Lafiaji Beach and along Platinum Way in the Igbokusu axis of Lekki. “These shanties not only degrade the environment but also promote indiscriminate waste disposal and other unhygienic practices along our coastal corridors,” he explained. The commissioner emphasised that the state government would not tolerate activities that compromise environmental sustainability and public health. “As a government, we cannot allow these practices to persist unchecked. We remain committed to restoring order, safeguarding our waterfronts, and ensu...

 Trump urges NATO nations to shoot down Russian planes violating airspace President Donald Trump on Tuesday said NATO countries should shoot down Russian aircraft that violate their airspace, calling for a strong response to recent incursions. The comments came as Trump met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York. When asked whether the United States would directly support NATO allies in such scenarios, Trump said, “it depends on the circumstance,” suggesting case-by-case decisions. Poland and Romania recently reported Russian airspace violations, prompting NATO fighter jets to scramble in response. Estonia said three Russian jets entered its airspace last week, a claim Moscow has denied. Polish Foreign Minister Radek Sikorski quickly endorsed Trump’s stance, posting “Roger that” on X in reference to shooting down Russian drones. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte reaffirmed the alliance’s commitment to defendi...

 Malawi's President Chakwera concedes defeat in election Malawi's President Lazarus Chakwera has conceded defeat in the country's presidential election and congratulated opposition candidate, Peter Mutharika, on his victory. In a statement, the government said Chakwera accepted the results of the election in address to the nation from the presidential palace, TRT Afrika reported. The electoral commission is yet to officially announce the winner of the election. President Chawera pledged to ensure a peaceful transition of power to his successor, the statement said. He also thanked Malawians for entrusting him with the presidency. The Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) is expected to officially announce the results of the presidential election on Wednesday in the capital, Lilongwe.

  1 DEAD, 5 HOSPITALIZED AFTER FAMILY FOUND UNCONSCIOUS IN GBOKO Tragedy struck Akaajime community, Gboko LGA of Benue State today, September 23, as a family of six was found unconscious in their one-room apartment. Four-year-old Master Sunday Surnen was confirmed dead, while five others, including their mother, were rushed to a private hospital and are currently receiving treatment. Cause of the incident remains unknown, though survivors reported perceiving a strange chemical smell in the room. By Ternenge kwaghvihi

 BENUE RECORDS 243 SUSPECTED LASSA FEVER CASES, 13 FATALITIES 24th September, 2025  The Benue State Government says it has recorded 243 suspected cases of Lassa fever since January 2025, with 13 fatalities. State Epidemiologist, Dr. Asema Msuega, disclosed that 18 of the cases were confirmed through laboratory testing. “Of the deaths, five were from confirmed cases while eight were classified as probablesuspected patients who died before samples could be taken,” Msuega explained, adding that one of the victims was a health worker. He noted that in August 2025, the state Ministry of Health partnered with the World Health Organisation (WHO) to launch a community intervention project in identified Lassa fever hotspots. The initiative, he said, focuses on rodent control, environmental sanitation, and clean-up exercises. It also includes community sensitisation and the training of health workers on case management and referral procedures. Cr: idoma television

 NSA hands over two abducted housewives to family in Kaduna after 33 days in captivity Nuhu Ribadu, national security adviser (NSA), has handed over two kidnapped victims rescued in Kaduna to their family. NAN reports that Adamu Laka, national coordinator of the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), handed over the victims, Khadijah and Fatimah Shehu Magaji, to Shehu Magaji, their husband, on Tuesday on behalf of the NSA. Laka said the two women were abducted on August 18 in Makarfi, Kaduna, and were held in Yadi Forest, Giwa LGA of the state. He said their successful rescue underscored the effectiveness of non-kinetic strategies in tackling insecurity. “While in captivity, Khadijah gave birth to a baby girl, Hafsat, under extremely harsh conditions,” Laka said. “For 33 harrowing days, these women endured unimaginable hardship. “The kidnappers demanded N500 million, later reduced to N200 million. Yet, through dialogue and intelligence, we secured their release without ransom. “...

 Tiwa Savage denies dating Wizkid, clarifies past relationship rumours Afrobeats star Tiwa Savage has dismissed claims of dating Wizkid, addressing the speculation about a possible romance between the two. In a recent interview, Savage clarified that her earlier remark about dating a celebrity in the music industry was not referring to Wizkid. She explained that the unnamed individual preferred to keep their relationship low-key while openly flirting with other women. “Shoutout to Wizkid, I love and respect him. The celebrity partner I said I dated wasn’t Wizkid,” she said. Fans had speculated about a romance between the duo due to their on-screen chemistry in music videos like ‘Fever’ and their past collaborations. However, both artists have repeatedly maintained that they are only close friends and collaborators. Savage further noted that the relationship she referenced in a previous interview was complicated, as secrecy and public flirtations made it difficult to sustain.

 ‘Tell our fathers, Azikiwe, Awolowo, things are still bad’ — Ngige to Audu Ogbeh Former Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr Chris Ngige, has hailed the late Chief Audu Ogbeh as a rare statesman and intellectual force, urging him to “tell Nigeria’s founding fathers that things are still bad” as he joins them in the afterlife. Speaking on Monday at a night of tributes held for Ogbeh at the International Conference Centre, ICC, in Abuja, Ngige recalled the former agriculture minister’s quiet but commanding influence in government. “People underrated Audu because he is slim and soft-spoken,” Ngige said. “They think I’m the warrior because I have a beard and raise my voice. But when Audu speaks, his clarity and depth are unmatched.” Ngige recounted how Ogbeh’s presentations at the Federal Executive Council often left even top officials, including former Secretaries to the Government of the Federation Babachir Lawal and Boss Mustapha, scrambling to keep up. “After council meetings, th...

 Tinubu has made Nigerians poorer, hungrier, angrier – ADC The African Democratic Congress, ADC, has fired back at the Presidency over its recent assertion that President Bola Tinubu has no plans to extend his tenure beyond 2031. The party, while describing the remarks as presumptuous and patently undemocratic, said President Tinubu should prepare to hand over to a more competent Nigerian in 2027. In a statement issued on Tuesday by its National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, ADC asserted that the President’s mandate ends in 2027, and the party is confident that Nigerians will not wish to extend his tenure by a single day. It lamented the deteriorating security and economic crisis in the country, particularly the depreciation of the local currency, the naira. According to the opposition party, the naira has collapsed, insisting that the All Progressives Congress, APC-led government has plunged many Nigerians into abject poverty. “Under his watch, national security ha...

 Most donations are eye service – Shehu Sani reacts as Tinubu’s wife raise N20b Former federal lawmaker, Senator Shehu Sani has described as eye service donations made to people in the corridora of power. Sani made the claim in a post on his official Facebook page on Tuesday while reacting to the over N20 billion raised by President Bola Tinubu’s wife, Remi Tinubu for the National Library. DAILY POST had reported that the First Lady on Tuesday announced that she raised more than N20 billion so far towards the completion of the National Library project in Abuja. Reacting, Shehu Sani said that Remi was lucky, stating that the wife of former President, Musa Yar’adua, who made a similar move, was unlucky. According to Sani, many people who pledged to donate billions to her International Cancer Center refused to redeem their pledge after Yar’adua’s death. The post reads, “First lady Senator Remi is lucky to raise N20 billion for the National Library that has been abandoned for close to ...

  Peter Obi denies meeting Trump, MC Oluomo Former presidential candidate Peter Obi has debunked doctored images and false stories circulating on social media claiming he met with US President Donald Trump and MC Oluomo. Obi described the images and accompanying narratives as fabricated, emphasising that no such meetings took place. In a statement on X, Obi condemned the spread of fake news, urging Nigerians and the global community to verify information before sharing. He reiterated his commitment to addressing Nigeria’s challenges, including insecurity, poverty, and issues in education and healthcare, while maintaining transparency and integrity in his political endeavors. The statement reads: “My attention has been drawn to some pictures currently circulating on social media, falsely portraying meetings I never had. “One of such images purports to show me with US President Donald Trump, alongside a fabricated claim that he praised me. Another seeks to depict me with MC Oluomo in...

 The Wizard of Oz actor dies at 94, one of the last surviving cast members Elaine Merk Binder, one of the last surviving actors from the 1939 classic “The Wizard of Oz,” has died at 94, her daughter Annette Phillips announced Sunday. A cause of death was not disclosed. Binder, who was 8 when she appeared as a Munchkin in the iconic MGM film based on L. Frank Baum’s “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz” novels were part of an ensemble of eight children who sang and danced. She is remembered for wearing a dark green dress and hat in the second little house up the steps during the song “Come Out, Come Out.” Binder recalled her first audition as intimidating, but was relieved when she was chosen to both dance and sing, a role added because the studio initially doubted the Little People could perform the choreography. Her early acting credits also included “Our Gang” (later “The Little Rascals”) in 1937, “The Adventures of Tom Sawyer” in 1938, and “Barnyard Follies” in 1940. Most recently, she a...

Irritated Dr. Phil testifies in $500M dispute with Christian TV network Dr. Phil McGraw appeared testifying Tuesday in federal court in Texas in a heated dispute over a $500 million distribution deal with Trinity Broadcasting Network, a conflict that has entangled his Merit Street Media venture in potential bankruptcy and multiple lawsuits. From the witness stand, the 75-year-old television personality frequently displayed frustration, at one point asking a TBN lawyer, “Is there a question?” and then answering himself, highlighting the tension in a courtroom marked by bickering attorneys, judge admonishments, and verbal sparring. McGraw repeatedly blamed TBN for the collapse of the deal, citing a lack of patience for the four-to-five-year growth trajectory required for a startup network to succeed. “We discussed it on numerous occasions, and they just didn’t stay the course long enough,” he told Judge Scott W. Everett, arguing that had TBN maintained its investment, it could have been ...

 Savannah Guthrie and Terry Gannon set to co-host 2026 Winter Games opening ceremony Savannah Guthrie and Terry Gannon will co-host the opening ceremony of the 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy, introducing the world’s top athletes at the Milan Cortina Games. The ceremony is set for Feb. 6 and will be broadcast live on NBC and streamed on Peacock. Guthrie, a “TODAY” co-anchor, will return for her fourth Olympic opening ceremony, having previously co-hosted in Tokyo and Beijing, and last year in Paris for the historic boat parade. She will also continue her role as co-anchor of “TODAY” throughout the Milan Cortina Olympics, following her coverage of past Games in London, Sochi, PyeongChang, Tokyo, and Paris. Gannon, an NBC Sports commentator, will make his opening ceremony debut after having hosted the previous four Olympic closing ceremonies. Joining them in the broadcast booth will be three-time snowboarding gold medalist Shaun White, who will provide commentary as athletes enter San ...

 Claudia Cardinale, famed Italian actress from 8 1/2 and The Pink Panther, dies at 87 Claudia Cardinale, one of Italy’s most celebrated film icons, passed away on Tuesday in Paris at the age of 87. Known for her striking screen presence and magnetic performances, Cardinale became a defining figure of European cinema during the 1960s, earning international acclaim for her work in both Italian and Hollywood productions. Her breakthrough roles came in a string of landmark films, including Federico Fellini’s 1963 classic 8 1/2, where she played the luminous Claudia — a muse-like figure who embodied the idealized woman in the director’s cinematic vision. That same year, she appeared in Blake Edwards’ hit comedy The Pink Panther alongside Peter Sellers, cementing her status as a versatile performer capable of moving effortlessly between drama and comedy. Cardinale’s career would go on to span decades, leaving an enduring legacy in the world of cinema.

 Boston to pay $150,000 to two Black men falsely accused in white woman’s murder The city of Boston will pay a total of $150,000 to two Black men who were wrongly accused in the 1989 killing of a pregnant white woman, city officials announced Tuesday. Willie Bennett, in his 70s, will receive $100,000, while Alan Swanson, in his mid-60s, will get $50,000, according to the city. The settlement comes nearly two years after Mayor Michelle Wu publicly apologized for the actions of police and city officials, which upended the men’s lives and worsened racial tensions in Boston. Bennett and Swanson were never charged in the death of Carol Stuart, 30, who was killed by her husband, Charles Stuart, during a staged robbery. The men became targets of police scrutiny based on Stuart’s false account of a Black man attacking him and his wife after a birthing class, despite no evidence linking them to the crime. Swanson, then 29 and homeless, was arrested following an intense manhunt but released ...

 Former FX The Bear writer removed from NYC train in handcuffs A former writer for FX’s “The Bear” was removed from a New York City commuter train in handcuffs Thursday after a dispute over how he was sitting, an incident he recorded and shared widely on social media. Alex O’Keefe, who is Black, said he was traveling to Connecticut on a Metro-North train when a white passenger complained to a conductor about the way he had his legs positioned. Security footage reviewed by the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) showed O’Keefe sitting with both legs stretched across an adjacent seat, which violates the rail line’s rules. When he refused to move, a conductor called the police. Officers held the train briefly at a Bronx station around 10:30 a.m. and handcuffed O’Keefe after he initially refused to exit. In a video captured by O’Keefe, he can be heard asking officers, “What are you trying to arrest me for?” and protesting that he had done nothing illegal. Another video taken by...