PINK REPUBLIC/ MY BLOG IS A STORY MARATHON.

 STATEHOUSE PRESS RELEASE PRESIDENT TINUBU CONGRATULATES FORMER VICE PRESIDENT NAMADI SAMBO ON HIS TURBANING AS SARDAUNAN ZAZZAU   President Bola Ahmed Tinubu rejoices with the former Vice President Namadi Sambo on his turbaning as the Sardaunan Zazzau by His Royal Highness, the Emir of Zazzau, Alhaji Ahmed Nuhu Bamalli, on Saturday, October 11.   President Tinubu notes that the title of Sardaunan Zazzau—a position of great cultural and historical significance in Northern Nigeria—reflects the Emirate's confidence in the former Vice President's wisdom, integrity, and commitment to society's progress.   The President describes the honour as a recognition of Sambo's exemplary leadership and contributions to national development.   The President acknowledges Sambo's record of humility, statesmanship and dedication to humanity, noting that his well-deserved investiture as Sardaunan Zazzau further underscores his deep-rooted service to his community and the nation. ...

 STATEHOUSE PRESS RELEASE PRESIDENT TINUBU CONGRATULATES INTERFACE AFRICA ON WINNING NEXTGEN INNOVATION CHALLENGE President Bola Tinubu congratulates Al'amin Muhammed Idris, chief executive of Interface Africa, on winning the NextGen Innovation Challenge.   Interface Africa, representing Kaduna, won a cash award of £1.5 million at the challenge's grand finale, held on Thursday at the Hilton London Paddington.   The NextGen Innovation Challenge is a national initiative spearheaded by the National Board for Technology Incubation (NBTI) in partnership with UKALD London.   Inspired by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's Renewed Hope Agenda, the challenge is designed to unlock Nigerian youths' innovative potential   President Tinubu commends Interface Africa for its effort in providing affordable solar financing to small businesses in Africa, noting that the cash award will support the company's mission to increase access to clean energy in underserved communities.   ...

John Lodge has died, aged 82. The Moody Blues singer's death was announced by his family in a statement which shared that John had been "suddenly and unexpectedly taken from us." "John peacefully slipped away surrounded by his loved ones and the sounds of The Everly Brothers and Buddy Holly," the statement added. "We will forever miss his love, smile, kindness and his absolute and never-ending support." RIP 💜

 Nigerian Army Launches Probe into Death of Lieutenant Samson Haruna in Uyo Fire Incident The Nigerian Army’s 2 Brigade Headquarters in Akwa Ibom State has initiated an investigation into the tragic death of Lieutenant Samson Haruna, who succumbed to injuries from a fire incident on September 22, 2025, at the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital (UUTH). In a statement released on Friday, October 10, 2025, Captain Lawal Muhammad, Assistant Director of Army Public Relations for 2 Brigade, confirmed that a probe was launched immediately after the incident to determine its circumstances. “The outcome of the investigation will be made public upon its conclusion,” Muhammad assured. The statement detailed that Lieutenant Haruna and his wife were involved in a fire incident on September 22, resulting in severe burns to the officer. He was promptly evacuated to UUTH, where he received comprehensive medical treatment. Despite the medical team’s efforts, Haruna passed away on October 6, 2025. ...

 Senate gives executive two weeks to present budget performance report The Senate has issued a two-week ultimatum to the executive to submit a comprehensive, documented progress report on the implementation of the 2024 budget, as well as projections for the 2025 budget, before it will entertain the Medium-Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF). Chairman of the Senate Committee on Finance, Sen. Sani Musa, gave the declaration during a meeting with President Bola Tinubu’s economic team, led by Minister of finance and Coordinating Minister of the economy, Wale Edun, at the National Assembly. Senator Musa noted that the legislature requires detailed performance data to properly assess the assumptions and projections in the proposed MTEF and Fiscal Strategy Paper. “We cannot proceed with the MTEF without first understanding how the 2024 budget has performed so far. We give you till October 23 to revert and provide a documented report before we look at the 2026 MTEF”.

 Makinde calls out Umahi over coastal highway cost analysis Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has weighed in on the cost of the controversial Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project that was approved by President Bola Tinubu. Makinde, who spoke at an event in a viral video on Friday, said there was no need for the Minister of Works, David Umahi, to be “dancing around the cost” of the project. The governor was reacting to a heated exchange that unfolded live on television between Umahi and Arise TV presenter Rufai Oseni on Tuesday. Oseni had requested the minister to analyse the cost of the project, kilometre by kilometre. The request didn’t sit well with Umahi, who declared himself “professor” of practice in engineering while elaborating that the costs of the road in kilometres are not the same and would be too complicated for the journalist to understand. He said, “These are elementary questions. And it makes no sense (sic). A process is ongoing, payment has been made, and you are s...

 Mama Rainbow celebrates 60 years on stage Veteran actress Idowu Phillips popularly known as Mama Rainbow, is celebrating 60 years on stage. In a Instagram post, she shared breathtaking photos from her 83rd photo shoot, expressing gratitude for the grace, passion, and dedication that have defined her illustrious career. Mama Rainbow credited her amazing team, including director, dress designer, makeup artist, and hairstylist, for bringing her vision to life. “60 Years on Stage | 83rd Pictures. What a journey it has been — 60 years of grace, passion, and dedication on stage, captured beautifully in my 83rd pictures. None of this would have been possible without an amazing team that brought this vision to life,” she wrote on Instagram. As she marks this significant achievement, fans and well-wishers have joined in celebrating a lifetime of outstanding contributions to the entertainment industry.

 No Room for Error: Chelle demands full focus against Lesotho With Nigeria’s hopes of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup hanging in the balance, Super Eagles head coach Éric Chelle has urged his players to approach their must-win clash against Lesotho with  absolute focus. The match, scheduled for 5:00 p.m. Nigerian time (6:00 p.m. local time), will take place at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane, South Africa. It marks matchday nine in the African qualifiers, with Nigeria’s hopes of qualification hanging by a thread. Chelle, addressing the media at a press conference on Thursday, emphasised the importance of beginning the game with aggression, urgency, and full concentration. “We need to start well—start with intensity and be aggressive,” he said. “What we want is to achieve victory. We are 100 per cent focused on this game against Lesotho, who are a good team with a good coach.” The coach warned of the unpredictability of football, citing factors such as weather ...

 2026 WCQ: ‘My players are aware’ – Rohr names most important matches in Benin history Benin Republic coach, Gernot Rohr, has said that his players are already aware that their last two games in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and Nigeria are the most important matches in the country’s history. Benin will make it to the 2026 World Cup to be played in the US, Canada and Mexico if the beat Rwanda on Friday and Nigeria on Tuesday. Rohr, while highlighting the magnitude of the games, pointed out that the two fixtures are pivotal to their dream of reaching the global stage for the first time. The Franco-German coach spoke to the press ahead of the decisive encounters against Rwanda and Nigeria. “These matches against Rwanda and Nigeria are the two most important matches in the history of Benin, I think. The players are aware of that,” the former Super Eagles coach said. The Cheetahs recorded a shock 2-1 victory over the Super Eagles in June 2024, Nigeria’s only loss in the ...

 ‘Do I look sick to you?’- Dolly Parton reacts to rumors American country music star, Dolly Parton, has reacted to reports about her health, revealing that she is not sick.Portable speakers Parton on her social media page on Wednesday, made a video to clear the rumors. She stated that people have exaggerated her current health situation “I wanted to say, I know lately everybody thinks that I’m sicker than I am. Do I look sick to you? I’m workin’ hard here,” she said. Parton also expressed her gratitude for the concerns she received from her fans. She urged them to put their mind at ease concerning her, emphasising that she is fine. “And I appreciate your prayers because I’m a person of faith. I can always use the prayers for anything and everything, but I want you to know that I’m ok. I ain’t dead yet!,” she added.

 Profiles of 20 Israeli hostages due for release from Gaza captivity Twenty living Israeli hostages are due for release from captivity in Gaza under a ceasefire deal with Hamas. Militants kidnapped them during Hamas’s 7 October 2023 attack on Israel — the deadliest in the country’s history. Here are their profiles: – Matan Angrest, 22 – Sergeant Matan Angrest was captured in his tank near the border with the Gaza Strip after trying to stop Hamas commandos from crossing into Israel near the Nahal Oz base. Angrest, who comes from Kiryat Bialik in northern Israel, is a keen supporter of the Maccabi Haifa football team, according to his family. A video published in April 2025 by his family shows the moment he was abducted from his tank. His family had planned a trip to Dubai to celebrate the end of his military service. – Gali and Ziv Berman, 28 – The Berman twins were abducted in the youth area of the Kfar Aza kibbutz, which Hamas attackers set on fire. The inseparable brothers worked...

 Hamas: ‘He looks sad, exhausted’ – Sheikh Gumi mocks Israeli PM Netanyahu Islamic cleric, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, on Friday, mocked Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, describing him as looking “sad and exhausted”. Gumi made the remark in a post on his Facebook page, where he wrote: “Netanyahu looks sad and exhausted! I hope Facebook is not offended.” His comment followed reports that the Israeli government had approved the first phase of the US-brokered ceasefire plan proposed by President Donald Trump. Under the plan, captives are expected to be exchanged, while Israel will withdraw from parts of Gaza. Prime Minister Netanyahu had earlier thanked Trump and US officials for their role in facilitating the ceasefire negotiations aimed at ending the war in Gaza.

 The Governorship Candidate of ADC has sworn an affidavit in court to serve only one tenure. In what could be seen as a rare show of integrity and commitment to leadership by example, John Chuma Nwosu, the governorship candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), has sworn an affidavit at the Anambra State High Court, pledging to serve only one term (four years) if elected governor. In the court document that was made public, the ADC Governorship candidate, Stated that he wants to complete the remaining 4years left for Anambra South before power returns to Anambra, in line with the rotational principal for  Anambra state.

 ‎If Govt Can Negotiate With Bandits, Then They Can Resolve Nnamdi Kanu's Case Politically-Femi Falana (SAN) ‎ ‎Renowned lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Chief Femi Falana has described the trial of Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader Mazi Nnamdi Kanu as a political issue that should be resolved outside the courtroom. ‎ ‎Speaking during a visit to Governor Alex Otti’s country home in Umuehim Nvosi, Abia State, Falana emphasized that there is no reason why Kanu’s case cannot be settled through political dialogue. ‎ ‎The lagos based lawyer, declined to comment on the ongoing court proceedings but reiterated his belief that the matter transcends legal boundaries ‎ ‎He highlights that governments holding talks with armed groups or criminal organizations while refusing to handle Kanu's case politically is irrational. It seems to him that negotiations of this sort set a precedent for resolving Kanu’s situation through talk arbitration but not court litigation. ‎ ‎”I canno...

 Operatives of Agunechemba storms Isseke community, calls on fleeing indigene to return home and assures peace. Members of Agunechemba, led by commander senem, stormed Isseke community to restore peace, law and order. The commander adviced youths who are still hiding in the bushes with arms to surrender their arms willingly, stating that if they don't and he finds them out by himself, it will be disastrous for them. The Commander also called on indigenes who have deserted the community because of insecurity, to return home and he assured them of their Safety henceforth. More photos below. 

 Abia Govt Orders Relocation of Mechanics and Spare Parts Dealers, Discloses Deadline The Abia State Government has issued a final directive mandating all mechanics and auto spare parts dealers operating along key roads in Aba to relocate to the newly designated Ovom Industrial Mechanic Cluster in Ogbor Hill. In a public announcement released by the Ministry of Industry and Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), affected businesses along School/Clifford Road, Hospital Road, Jubilee Road, and Azikiwe Road in Aba North, Aba South, and Obingwa Local Government Areas have until October 15, 2025, to complete their relocation. The government emphasised that this directive follows the expiration of a one-year grace period granted in May 2024, which was initially requested by the dealers themselves. According to the statement, the move is part of a broader strategy to decongest the Aba metropolis and promote a safer, more organised, and business-friendly environment. Traders and stakeholders...

 I Reached Out To Soludo, Alex Otti, concerning the October 20 protest for Nnamdi Kanu and No Response, I Reached out To Peter Obi, They Said He's In Rome-Omoyele Sowore Human rights activist and Sahara Reporters publisher, Omoyele Sowore, has revealed that several prominent southeastern leaders failed to respond to his personal attempts to reach them. Speaking in an interview with Arise TV, Sowore said that many of the political figures he once had direct access to suddenly became unreachable after he tried contacting them. According to him, even governors he personally knew, including Charles Soludo of Anambra State and Alex Otti of Abia State, never replied to his messages. He added that while Alex Otti was once a columnist for Sahara Reporters and someone he had a personal relationship with, he still did not respond. Sowore also mentioned that he reached out to Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, who was said to be in Rome at the time. In his words:  “Some of th...

 Those who parade fake certificates and those who do Okiete both have the same effects on our youths, they are discouraging and destroying our youths from working hard- Prof Chukwuma Soludo  The governor also stated that the reason why he keeps talking about the academic qualifications and certificates of the those contesting for the forthcoming Anambra Election is as follows  (1)As a citizen of Anambra he has the right know and question the academic qualifications of those who wants to rule the state  (2) Contesting for the Governorship position in a state like Anambra with fake certificates and failed results, will only be discouraging the young ones from working hard. (3) He wants to alert anybody that wants to contest for political position subsequently in Anambra, especially the governorship position, that his her or her qualifications will be highly scrutinized. The governor further clarified that he is not mocking or insulting the people involved, but rather h...

 APC National Working Committee Swears-In 7 Interim Committee Members To Run Enough Chapter National Working Committee of the Governing All Progressives Congress APC swears in seven members' interim committee to run Enugu State Chapter of the party pending party congresses billed to commence anytime soon The committee chaired by Dr. Ben Nwoye is saddled with among other responsibilities to stabilize the party apparatus and unite members ahead of major future activities

 BENUE PENSIONERS LAUNCH "LET'S JIG IT TOGETHER" MOVEMENT, PLEDGE TO BUY 2027 NOMINATION FORM FOR GOV. ALIA 10th October, 2025   In a remarkable gesture of gratitude and solidarity, the Nigerian Union of Pensioners (NUP), Benue State Chapter, has pledged to purchase the 2027 governorship nomination form for Governor Hyacinth Iormem Alia. The group made the announcement during the inauguration of their new support movement, “Let’s Jig It Together,” dedicated to mobilizing support for Alia’s re-election bid. Speaking at the event in Makurdi, the state capital, the Chairman of the union, Comrade Mike Vembeh, alongside his vice, Michael Agada, said the decision was born out of appreciation for the governor’s commitment to the welfare of retirees in the state. “Before Governor Alia came, many of us had lost hope. We were dying in silence, unable to afford food or medication. But today, pensions are paid promptly. We are alive, healthy, and hopeful again,” Vembeh stated emotion...

 BENUE: SEN. GABRIEL SUSWAM POISED TO DUMP ADC FOR APC 10th October, 2025    Former Benue State Governor and Senator, Gabriel Suswam, is reportedly finalizing plans to defect from the African Democratic Congress (ADC) to the All Progressives Congress (APC). Sources close to the lawmaker reveal that consultations are already underway with key APC stakeholders both within and outside Benue State, as part of efforts to formalize his move. Suswam’s defection, observers say, could further reshape the political landscape of Benue ahead of the 2027 general elections. 

 Venezuela opposition leader Maria Corina Machado beats Trump to win Nobel Peace Prize 2025 The Nobel Peace Prize 2025 was awarded on Friday, October 10,  to Venezuela’s opposition leader and democracy activist Maria Corina Machado, the Norwegian Nobel Committee said. Machado was honoured “for her tireless work promoting democratic rights for the people of Venezuela and for her struggle to achieve a just and peaceful transition from dictatorship to democracy,” said Jorgen Watne Frydnes, the chair of the Norwegian Nobel Committee in Oslo. The Nobel Committee called the Venezuelan politician and industrial engineer who is currently the opposition leader in Venezuela "a brave and committed champion of peace." "Machado is receiving the Nobel Peace Prize first and foremost for her efforts to advance democracy in Venezuela," the committee said.  "But democracy is also in retreat internationally. Democracy -- understood as the right to freely express one’s opinion, to...

 Head of Nobel Peace Prize explains why Trump lost 2025 award to Venezuela opposition leader The head of the Nobel Peace Prize tried to justify not giving the award to US President Donald Trump. Speaking early Friday, October 10, Nobel Committee Chair Jørgen Watne Frydnes subtly suggested that Trump was not worthy of the illustrious award. Frydnes was asked about the clamor to give the prize to Trump after the US President had said it would be an insult to the US not to award it to him. However, rather than blame the timing, since the decision was made Monday, October 6, days before the peace deal was struck by Trump, Frydnes suggested that a last-minute switch wasn’t made because the US leader doesn’t live up to it. “In the long history of the Nobel Peace Prize, I think this committee has seen many types of campaign, media attention,” Frydnes said, without naming Trump. “We receive thousands and thousands of letters every year of people wanting to say what, for them, leads to peac...

 EFCC Arraigns former NSITF Boss for Alleged N1bn Fraud The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC,  on Wednesday,  October 8, 2025 arraigned a former board chairman  of the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund, NSITF, Ngozi Olejeme before Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court, Maitama, Abuja. She was arraigned on 8- count charges bordering on converting, transferring, procuring and taking possession of proceeds of unlawful activity to the tune of  N1000,000,000.00k( One Billion Naira only).  Count one of the charge reads “That you Mrs Ngozi Olejeme while being the Board Chairman of the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) sometime in February 2012, in Abuja within the jurisdiction of this Honorable Court indirectly converted the sum of  N321,600 .000 (Three Hundred and Twenty One Million, Six Hundred Naira) paid into the Sterling Bank plc account of ADIN MILES INTERNATIONAL LTD in 9th of February 2012 knowing that the funds const...

 SIU Confirms Raid on Hangwani Maumela’s Sandhurst Home in Tembisa Hospital Probe The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) has confirmed that it conducted a raid at a Sandhurst residence linked to businessman Hangwani Maumela. The raid is part of an ongoing investigation into corruption at Tembisa Hospital. During the operation, the SIU seized luxury vehicles and valuable artwork. Maumela is suspected of benefiting from fraudulent contracts linked to the hospital. The SIU stated that the raid was part of efforts to implement the findings of its investigation. More information will be shared once legal proceedings are complete. More photos below

 More Luxury Vehicles to Be Seized as SIU Exposes Tembisa Hospital Looters’ Tactics The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) has uncovered a sophisticated scheme used by a syndicate involved in the R2.3 billion Tembisa Hospital procurement scandal. Investigators revealed that luxury vehicles were bought and intentionally left at dealerships, allowing members to use them whenever needed while keeping them hidden from authorities. SIU Head, Advocate Andy Mothibi, explained that this method helped suspects conceal assets while still enjoying their benefits. “The modus operandi these people use is that they would purchase vehicles and leave them at dealerships to use as and when needed. Our investigators were able to uncover this,” he said. The SIU has traced several assets and funds linked to the case, including money stored in trust and bank accounts. Some members of the syndicate are reportedly cooperating with investigators, helping to locate additional hidden assets. So far, the total...

 Edun Announces End of Deductions by FIRS, Customs, Others; Emphasizes All Revenue Should Go to FAAC The Federal Government announced yesterday that revenue-generating agencies will no longer be allowed to retain a portion of the funds they collect. This marks the end of the long-established practice of making deductions for the cost of revenue collection. The government has indicated that this action is designed to enhance fiscal transparency and guarantee that increased financial resources are accessible for both national and local governments. Yesterday in Abuja, Mr. Wale Edun, the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, made this statement during the unveiling of the National Development Update He clarified that although Nigeria's total revenue has shown an upward trend, a significant amount of these earnings has been withheld to cover collection expenses by organizations like the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), an...

 PRESS RELEASE MAIDEN EDITION OF NIGERIA POLICE INSURANCE SENSITISATION PROGRAMME HOLDS IN FCT AND NASARAWA STATE COMMANDS The Nigeria Police Force has taken a significant step towards strengthening the welfare and financial security of its personnel with the successful commencement of the maiden edition of the Insurance Sensitisation Programme for officers, held in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Command and the Nasarawa State Command. The sensitisation exercise attracted officers from all Area Commands and Divisions across the states.  Delivering her lecture, ACP Ameh Lydia, the Force Insurance Officer enlightened officers on the range of insurance and welfare schemes available to serving personnel. She outlined the key features of the Nigeria Police Welfare Insurance Scheme, the Group Life Assurance Scheme (as provided under Section 4 of the Pension Reform Act, 2004), the Group Personal Accident Insurance Scheme, and the IGP Family Welfare Scheme, all designed to ensure...

 COWLSO UNVEILS PLANS FOR 25TH NATIONAL WOMEN’S CONFERENCE ... Says Nigeria's First Lady, Governors Of Lagos, Imo, Sokoto, 5,000 Delegates Will Attend Event  The First Lady of Lagos State and Chairman, Committee of Wives of Lagos State Officials (COWLSO), Dr. (Mrs.) Claudiana Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, has unveiled activities lined up for the 25th edition of the National Women’s Conference (NWC), describing it as a landmark celebration of visionary legacy, women's empowerment, and transformative leadership. Speaking during a press briefing held at Press Centre, Alausa, Ikeja, on Thursday, 9th October 2025, Dr. Sanwo-Olu said the Silver Jubilee edition of the National Women’s Conference, themed “25 Years of Visionary Legacy: Inspiring the Next Generation,” is a reflection of COWLSO’s sustained commitment to advancing the welfare, leadership, and economic empowerment of women in Lagos and beyond. She announced that the three-day Conference will hold from Tuesday, 28th to Thursday, 30th ...

 2025 FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup finals: Bankole picks Moshood, Joseph, 19 others to set new Nigeria mark   Head Coach Bankole Olowookere has selected attacking midfielder Shakirat Moshood, goalkeeper Sylvia Echefu, defender Jumai Adebayo and forward Queen Joseph among a squad of 21 players to fly Nigeria’s flag at this year’s FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup finals in Morocco. The Flamingos arrived in Morocco’s commercial and industrial capital, Casablanca, on Wednesday, for the final phase of preparations for the competition, which will take place 17th October – 8th November

 First Lady Oluremi Tinubu In Doha, Qatar Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu has arrived  Doha, the capital city of Qatar. She landed at the Doha Hamad International Airport Thursday evening to begin a four-day working visit to the country on the invitation of the Chairperson of Qatar Foundation, Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser Al-Missned The visit is part of a mission the First Lady is undertaking to advance the cause of Out-of-school children and reform Almajiri Education system in Nigeria. During her visit, she will engage with the Qatar Foundation Chair, as well as Minister of Social Development, Buthaina Al Nuaimi, among other key stakeholders in Qatar. The First Lady is accompanied on the visit by the Minister of State for Education, Prof. Suwaiba Ahmed and the Executive Secretary of the National Commission for Almajiri and Out-of-School Children Education Commission, Dr. Mohammed Sani.

 ICJ November Election: Tuggar Presents Dr. Elias Nigeria's Candidate To Diplomatic Community Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, has announced Dr. Taoheed Olufemi Elias as Nigeria’s candidate for the UN principal judicial body, the International Court of Justice (ICJ), ahead of its election scheduled for November 12, 2025. The ICJ, commonly regarded as the highest court for resolving disputes between sovereign states, was established in 1945 as the principal judicial organ of the UN. The minister described the Nigerian international lawyer, currently serving as ad hoc judge at the ICJ, as a respected figure in international law with a distinguished record of legal scholarship. Yusuf Tuggar says this is a turning point for Nigeria, being the strongest diplomatic bid in over 30 years to reclaim a seat in the ICJ bench. The nomination of Elias represents not just Nigeria’s interest, but the entire ECOWAS sub-region, which has had no representation at the ICJ since Judge Abdul ...

 A small town California Police Department escorted the children of a fallen officer to their first day back to school after losing their father. Ray Barrantes (an officer with the Chowchilla PD) lost his life on Friday, October 3rd. Ray's cruiser was struck by a truck as it turned onto the highway. Life-saving measures were attempted, but sadly, Ray was pronounced deceased on scene.  Ray Barrantes is the first officer to lose his life in the line of duty from the Chowchilla P.D. Now the department has made an unbelievably kind gesture and show of support for one of their own.  Monday morning was the first day back to school for Ray's three children. The Chowchilla Police Department knew this would be a tough day for Ray's family. The department decided to do something to hopefully brighten the family's day and remind them they have an entire family in blue who support them. The department arranged a police escort for the children as they returned to school. Multiple ag...