PINK REPUBLIC/ MY BLOG IS A STORY MARATHON.

 BENUE: TRADERS FOIL YAM THEFT AT ZAKI BIAM MARKET  Tension flared on Wednesday at the busy Zaki Biam Yam Market after a man was apprehended over an alleged attempt to steal yams, briefly disrupting activities and drawing a crowd of traders and buyers. Eyewitnesses said the suspect was caught in the act and restrained by market traders before the situation escalated. Preliminary accounts identified him as a vehicle conductor from Plateau State. The incident quickly drew public attention, prompting calls for calm. Traders urged that the matter be handed over to security agencies for proper investigation, stressing the importance of due process and warning against mob action. Security authorities are expected to take over the case, as investigations continue and further details will emerge.

 MOB JUSTICE IN MAKURDI, MOTORCYCLE SNATCHER BURNED AS ACCPMPLICES ESCAPE Tension gripped Gyado Villa in Makurdi, Benue State, today morning,19th December, 2025 after a suspected motorcycle snatcher was set ablaze by an angry mob. The incident occurred shortly after the suspect was caught during an alleged snatching attempt. Eyewitnesses said two of his accomplices fled the scene in a vehicle believed to have been used for the operation. Security agencies are yet to release an official statement as residents express renewed concern over rising street crime and the dangers of mob action.

 Nigerian singers, Burna Boy, Olamide, Seyi Vibez, Asake make Barack Obama’s annual summer playlist Former U.S. President Barack Obama has released his Summer playlist of 30 songs for the year 2025, with Nigerian singers Burna Boy, Olamide, Seyi Vibez and Young John on the list.   In his caption on X, he wrote: “As 2025 comes to a close, I’m continuing a tradition that I started during my time in the White House: sharing my annual lists of favorite music. I hope you find something new to enjoy—and please send any recommendations for me to check out!.”” Burna Boy made it to the list with his 2025 song “TaTaTa” ft American rapper Travis Scott from his new album, ‘No Sign of Weakness.’ While Olamide made it to the list with his song “99” ft. Seyi Vibez, Asake, Young Jonn & Daecolm from his new album, Olamidé. One more photo below. 

 Police Arrest Two Foreign Nationals for Possession of Illicit Chrome  On Wednesday, 17 December 2025, the Sekhukhune District Tracking Team acted on intelligence about two trucks suspected of transporting illegal chrome.  The team intercepted the two white trucks at Pelangwe Village, matching the description received. Both drivers, foreign national males aged 37 and 38, were questioned about their cargo.  The suspects admitted to transporting chrome without the necessary documentation. A search revealed both trucks were fully loaded with chrome worth an estimated R250,000.  The suspects were arrested on the spot and taken to Apel SAPS for further processing. They are expected to appear before the Sekhukhune Magistrate’s Court on Friday, 19 December 2025.

 Trump administration condemns detention of US officials in South Africa The United States on Thursday condemned South Africa's recent detention of U.S. officials who it said were providing support to the Afrikaner minority group. Two U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services refugee officers were briefly detained and then released during the operation on Tuesday, a USCIS official and a person familiar with the matter told Reuters. South Africa's home affairs ministry said no U.S. officials were arrested. On Wednesday, South African authorities said they arrested and would deport seven Kenyan nationals illegally working on processing refugee applications for the U.S. government. "The U.S. condemns in the strongest terms the South African government's recent detention of U.S. officials performing their duties to provide humanitarian support to Afrikaners," the State Department said in a statement, referring to South Africa's Dutch-descended minority group. Pres...

 Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger establish investment bank to finance infrastructure projects The Alliance of Sahel States (AES), comprising Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger, established an investment and development bank on Wednesday to finance major infrastructure and economic initiatives across the region, AA reported. Burkina Faso’s Economy, Finance and Planning Minister Aboubakar Nacanabo announced the completion of the establishment process with an initial capital of $895 million, following a meeting with finance ministers from the three countries. The AES had unveiled plans in May 2025 to form a regional investment bank to support large-scale projects and strengthen financial independence.