PINK REPUBLIC/ MY BLOG IS A STORY MARATHON.

 HERDSMEN KILL DRIVER ON HUMANITARIAN MISSION IN TARABA STATE  10th January, 2026      A commercial driver, Mr. Amishe Omeny, has been killed by suspected Fulani herdsmen while on a humanitarian visit to a displaced community in Takum Local Government Area of Taraba State. The deceased, from Tse Amise after Tseem, was reportedly attacked on Friday within Chanchanji Ward as he travelled to Adokia, a displaced settlement located after Tseem Sabe. He was said to have gone to the area to assist villagers with the transportation of foodstuffs. Sources in the community told Benue Info-pedia, that Omeny volunteered his services as a driver to support residents affected by ongoing insecurity, when he was ambushed and killed by the assailants. The killing has sparked grief and outrage among residents, who described the incident as tragic and senseless. They called on security agencies and the Taraba State Government to urgently step up protection for displaced communitie...

 Derek Hough and Hayley Erbert celebrate birth of their first child Derek Hough and Hayley Erbert Hough have welcomed their first child together. The “Dancing with the Stars” judge and his wife celebrated the birth of a baby girl on Dec. 29. They shared the news Monday on Instagram, revealing her name and posting a black-and-white photo of their hands wrapped around the tiny feet of their daughter. “Everley Capri Hough 🤍,” the post read. “Every step of our lives has led us to you. Our hearts have been cracked wide open, and our world is forever changed.” Derek’s sister, Julianne Hough, also shared her excitement on Instagram, writing, “Welcome to the world, sweet angel Everley.” The couple first announced they were expecting in July 2025 with a video on Instagram. They were married in 2023 and expressed their amazement at the new chapter in their lives, writing at the time, “We can’t believe the biggest thing to happen to us could be so small ♥️.” The arrival of Everley comes two ...

 Actor Timothy Busfield faces child sex abuse allegations in New Mexico  Authorities in New Mexico issued an arrest warrant Friday for Emmy Award-winning actor and director Timothy Busfield, charging him with child sexual abuse. The warrant follows a criminal complaint filed by an Albuquerque Police Department investigator, which alleges that a child reported being inappropriately touched by Busfield on the set of the television series The Cleaning Lady, a show Busfield both directed and appeared in. According to the complaint, the alleged abuse occurred on two occasions. The child said the first incident happened at age 7, when Busfield touched him three or four times, and a second incident occurred at age 8, with five or six alleged touches. The child’s mother reported the alleged incidents to Child Protective Services, saying they took place between November 2022 and spring 2024. The arrest warrant, signed by a judge, charges Busfield with two counts of criminal sexual cont...

 North Korea promises retaliation after accusing South Korea of flying drones across the border  North Korea’s military accused South Korea of sending drones across the inter-Korean border this week and warned Saturday that Seoul would face consequences for what it called “unpardonable hysteria.” The claim was quickly denied by South Korea, but the incident threatens to further complicate efforts by South Korea’s government to rebuild ties with its northern neighbor. According to North Korea, its forces used electronic warfare tools on Sunday to bring down a South Korean drone near a border town. The drone, the North said, was equipped with two cameras filming unspecified locations. North Korea also claimed that a drone flown into its airspace on Sept. 27 had been forced to crash after electronic interference and contained video data of key sites. “We strongly denounce the hooligans’ serial outrageous encroachment upon our sovereignty and undisguised provocative acts against u...

 Filipino rescuers find ‘signs of life’ in garbage avalanche that killed 4 and left dozens missing  Rescuers in the central Philippines have detected signs of life in a massive garbage avalanche that killed at least four workers and left more than 30 others missing at a landfill in Cebu City, authorities said Saturday. Teams plan to intensify search efforts as the operation continues amid dangerous conditions. Twelve workers have already been rescued with injuries from the collapsed mound at the waste management facility in the village of Binaliw. Rescuers, including police, firefighters, and disaster-response personnel, are working through unstable piles of garbage, twisted tin roofs, and iron debris, navigating hazards such as combustible materials and acetylene tanks. Cebu City Mayor Nestor Archival said a 50-ton crane is en route to help carefully excavate areas where life signs have been detected. “Safety of responders remains paramount due to hazards such as unstable deb...

Iran intensifies threats against protesters as demonstrations approach two weeks  Iran escalated its warnings against protesters on Saturday, with Attorney General Mohammad Movahedi Azad declaring that anyone taking part in demonstrations would be treated as an “enemy of God,” a charge that carries the death penalty. The comments were broadcast by Iranian state television, amid signs that a broader crackdown may be underway following nearly two weeks of unrest. Despite government efforts to suppress information, protests across Iran continue to grow, with reports indicating at least 65 people have been killed and more than 2,300 detained. Internet and phone access have been largely cut off, making independent verification difficult. State media have focused on showing pro-government demonstrations and highlighting clashes with security forces, while downplaying the scale of public protests. In Tehran and other cities, online videos show thousands still on the streets, chanting slog...

 Prominent Nigerian Activist and Youth Advocate Oruche Ogeamara Precious popularly known as "MamaPee" has called out former Abia State Governor Orji Uzor Kalu for the controversial statement he made that the current governor Alex Otti is "repainting and recoating" roads he constructed in 2007. In her post on Instagram, she stated clearly that she has visited Abia state before and After Alex Otti became the governor, and she has seen tremendous positive changes in the roads.she stated that the roads were very bad and most of the roads were refuse dumps. But she recently passed through Abia state and the quality of the roads were up to standard and all these were done in just two years! She further went on to urge Abia State Citizen to "Tighten their seatbelts" and support the current governor; Alex Otti and not allow opposition to bring him down.

 Mother, stepfather arrested in suspected child abuse case as search continues for missing Oklahoma boy The mother and stepfather of a missing 12-year-old boy in Oklahoma were arrested Wednesday night on allegations of child abuse, authorities said, as the search for the child enters its second week. Ryan Davis, who also goes by RJ or Ryker, was last seen on Jan. 2 in Chickasha, prompting the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation (OSBI) to classify his disappearance as “suspicious.” Police have issued an endangered missing advisory for the boy. State authorities took Kimberly Cole and her husband, George Cole, into custody on complaints including child abuse, child sexual abuse, and conspiracy, OSBI spokesperson Hunter McKee said. Search warrants were executed prior to the arrests, and officials indicated the boy had been harmed while living with the couple. McKee did not release additional details of the alleged abuse, but described the environment as unsafe. Both parents remain ...

 Abia Police Rescue Four-Year-Old Boy Believed to Be Missing from Nasarawa State The Abia State Police Command has successfully rescued a four-year-old boy identified as Jeremiah Emmanuel Gimba, who was reported missing and is believed to originate from Nasarawa State. The State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Maureen Chinaka, confirmed the rescue in a statement released on Friday, January 9, 2026. According to the police spokesperson, the dark-skinned boy, who has no visible facial marks or distinguishing features, was discovered by operatives of the command and immediately taken into protective custody for his safety and wellbeing. DSP Chinaka appealed to members of the public, particularly parents or guardians who may have been searching for a missing child matching the boy’s description, to come forward promptly for identification and possible reunion. “Parents or guardians whose child fits this description are advised to visit the Gender Section of the State Criminal Inve...

 List of projects and amounts for the Federal Ministry of Works in the 2026 budget:  1. Proposed New Projects in Six Geopolitical Zones - 600 billion   2. Multilateral/Bilateral Tied Loan – Laffia Road + Dualization 9th Mile (Enugu)–Otukpo–Makurdi (Keffi Phase II) — 367.9 billion   3. Additional Funding Ongoing Projects South-West — 160 billion   4. Counterpart Funding China Harbour Makurdi-9th Mile Road — 157 billion   5. Additional Funding Ongoing Projects South-South — 120 billion   6. Additional Funding Ongoing Projects North-West — 120 billion   7. Additional Funding Ongoing Projects South-East — 100 billion   8. Additional Funding Ongoing Projects North-East — 100 billion   9. Additional Funding Ongoing Projects North-Central — 100 billion   10. Contingency Fund — 100 billion   11. Dualisation Kano-Katsina Road Phase I (Kano Town to Katsina Border-Steel Rolling) — 52.5 bil...

 Rivers lawmakers adamant as stakeholders move to stop Fubara’s impeachment The 26 members of the Rivers State House of Assembly seeking the impeachment of Governor Siminalayi Fubara declared yesterday that they were pressing ahead with their plan just as the  apex socio-political organization in the  South-South , Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) activated a high-powered machinery to stop the plot. The lawmakers,in an update,said the impeachment process  “ is fully on course in line with relevant provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended).” “The two notices of allegations of gross misconduct brought pursuant to Section 188 of the Constitution against the Governor and Deputy have been forwarded to them by the Speaker of the House while we await their responses,” Chairman of the House Committee on Information, Petitions and Complaints, Enemi Alabo George said. He was reacting to speculations on social media that the process...

 Police seek help to reunite boy found in FCT with family The Police have asked the public to assist with useful information that could help to reunite a male child found roaming in Gwarimpa area of Abuja with his family members. The boy, estimated to be between 10 and 11 years old, was found roaming around Works and Housing Estate in the Gwarimpa area of the FCT, the Command’s spokesperson, SP Josephine said in a statement on Friday in Abuja. According to her, the boy was dressed in a white shirt and carton coloured trousers when he was found. He was found and brought to Gwarimpa Police Divisional Headquarters by a Good Samaritan on Dec. 26. The FCT Police Command said the boy was brought to the police station at about 4:00 pm after efforts to locate his parents or relatives proved unsuccessful. “The child appears to be unable to speak or provide any information about his family. “Members of the public with useful information are kindly requested to contact the nearest Police Stat...

 Auto-crash claims 2 lives on Lagos-Ibadan Expressway The Ogun State Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Corps, TRACE, on Friday confirmed that two people died in a lone accident around Oremeji Bus Stop on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway. The Corps’ spokesperson, Mr Babatunde Akinbiyi, disclosed this in a statement issued in Abeokuta. Akinbiyi said the accident, involving a Mazda bus with registration number YNF 414 XN, occurred at about 1:30 a.m. He explained that the two occupants of the vehicle, the driver and conductor, both adult males, died on the spot, adding that no injury was recorded. According to him, eyewitnesses said the bus lost control due to speeding, hit a road barrier, and somersaulted. Akinbiyi further said the vehicle, which was conveying live chicks, had been towed by the Ibafo Motor Traffic Division of the Police for further investigation. He added that the remains of the victims had been deposited at the Divine Touch Hospital morgue in Ibafo by operatives of TRACE...

 Trump says US will acquire Greenland ‘whether they like it or not’ US President Donald Trump says Denmark would transfer Greenland “the easy way” or “the hard way”. Greenland is an autonomous territory within Denmark, having transitioned from colonial status in 1953 to home rule in 1979 — and expanded self-government in 2009. Denmark retains control over foreign affairs, defence, and monetary policy, while Greenland manages internal matters like education and health. Trump has repeatedly expressed his desire to acquire Greenland, stating that the Danish-administered Arctic Island is “critical” for national and economic security. He mulled the idea during his first term in 2019 and made an offer to buy the island, only to be told it was not for sale. On Friday, Trump said the US will acquire Greenland “whether they like it or not” because “if we don’t do it, China or Russia will”. “Ownership” is necessary, Trump said, because “you don’t defend leases the same way — you have to own ...

 Been putting fake smile for almost a year - Super Eagles striker, Victor Boniface speaks out as he’s ruled out of the season over knee injury Super Eagles striker Victor Boniface has spoken out after his club Werder Bremen ruled him out for the remainder of the season following knee surgery. Earlier today, Werder confirmed that the Nigerian forward will undergo surgery after consulting a specialist in Austria, sidelining him for the rest of the campaign. Following a successful procedure, Boniface shared a message on his official X account, reflecting on his struggle with the injury. He wrote: “Been putting a fake smile for almost a year, but God knows why all this is happening. Grateful to God.”. More photos below. 

 19-YEAR-OLD GIRL GOES MISSING IN MAKURDI  10th January, 2026     The family of Anche Iwuese Vivian, 19, from Kanshio, Makurdi, Benue State, has launched a desperate appeal to the public to help locate her. Anche was last seen wearing a pink top and black trousers near her home behind Towering Tots School, Makurdi. Her parents, Innocent Adasu and Adasu Mnena Grace, are urging anyone with information to reach out immediately. She can be reported via phone at +234 902 240 0388 or through the nearest police station. The family is calling on the public to share this alert widely to help bring Anche safely back home.

 Body of drowned boy recovered at Letaba River, Selwane Village  The boy who drowned yesterday at the Letaba River in Selwane Village has been found. The body was recovered today following an extensive search by police divers.  It is alleged that three boys were swimming while attempting to cross the river when one of them struggled and failed to make it across.  Police and Emergency Medical Services (EMS) were alerted and responded to the scene yesterday evening. A search operation was initiated but was suspended as police divers do not operate at night.  The search resumed in the morning of today, 10 January 2026, after divers were activated, leading to the recovery of the boy’s body. Police investigations into the incident are continuing.

 Sadly, another daycare tragedy.  A 1-year-old infant has passed away after getting their head stuck in a slide at a Washington County, Missouri daycare. This heartbreaking incident occurred on Thursday, January 8th. According to the Washington Sheriff's Office, the child's head got stuck in a small opening on a playground slide. This caused the child's breathing to be restricted. First responders immediately began CPR upon arrival, but sadly, it was too late. The child was pronounced deceased a short time later.  The daycare was located near the Potosi City Limits. The child's name is not being released at this time.  The incident is being investigated by multiple agencies. Our thoughts are with the family of the infant. Our thoughts are also with the first responders.

 9th January 2025. PRESS BRIEFING ALLEGED EXTORTION OF TWO MILLION FIVE HUNDRED THOUSAND NAIRA (#2,500,000), CP AINA ADESOLA ORDERS REDEPLOYMENT OF DPO JESSE CSP CHIDI NWABUZOR, ORDERS X-SQUAD TO INVESTIGATE: The Command is aware of the viral video recording of a woman captured in a video recording alleging that one officer bright, officer Usman and the DPO Jesse extorted from her the sum of two million, five hundred thousand naira (#2,500,000) with the hope that her brother, who is presently in custody, will be released. After a careful examination of the video clip, the command wishes to state as follows; On the 1st of January 2026, the youth leader of Jesse community arrested some suspects and brought them to the Police station. Among the suspects was the narrator’s younger brother, later identified as Israel Onojeruo, aged 20 years. The suspect was arrested based on the confession of another suspect, Okoro Desmond, who stated that he sold a gun to Israel Onojeruo. Suspects were...

 Sudan’s Burhan orders release of 400 female inmates accused of cooperating with RSF Chairman of Sudan’s Transitional Sovereignty Council Abdel Fattah al-Burhan has ordered the release of 400 female inmates from Omdurman Women’s Prison and a review of the justice process for detainees accused of cooperating with the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), with the aim of accelerating trials and safeguarding legal rights. The directive came during an inspection visit by Burhan to the women’s prison in Omdurman, west of the capital, Khartoum, Anadolu Agency reported. In a post on the US social media company X, Burhan said he ordered the “immediate release of 400 inmates, including mothers detained with their children,” adding that all financial penalties related to public-rights cases would be waived. He also said he instructed officials to “reclassify cases legally and review the justice system for detainees accused of cooperating with the RSF in order to speed up litigation proced...

 Senator Katung Mourns Emir Of Kagarko, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar Senator representing Kaduna South Senatorial District, Sunday Marshall Katung, has expressed deep sorrow over the death of His Royal Highness, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar, the Emir of Kagarko Emirate. The traditional ruler reportedly passed away after a brief illness, a development the senator described as a monumental loss to the Kagarko Emirate, Kaduna State, and the nation at large. In a condolence message issued on behalf of his family and the people of Kaduna South Senatorial District, Senator Katung extended his sympathies to the Kagarko Emirate Council, the immediate family of the late Emir, the people of Kagarko Local Government Area, as well as the Kaduna State Government and its people. The senator described the late monarch as a respected royal father and a symbol of wisdom, humility, and selfless leadership.  According to him, the Emir distinguished himself throughout his reign as a custodian of cultural herit...

 Director-General Of Governor Uba Sani’s Campaign Council Resigns From APC, Joins ADC The Director-General of Governor Uba Sani’s Campaign Council during the 2023 Kaduna State governorship election, Prof. Muhammad Sani Bello, has resigned from the All Progressives Congress (APC) and joined the African Democratic Congress (ADC). Bello, a former Commissioner of Education and former Commissioner of Communications in Kaduna State, announced his decision in a resignation letter dated January 7, 2026.  The letter was addressed to the Chairman of the APC in Dogarawa Ward, Sabon Gari Local Government Area of Kaduna State. In the letter, Bello formally notified the party of his immediate withdrawal from the APC, stating, “This is to let you know of my decision to withdraw my membership of the APC with immediate effect.” He also expressed appreciation for his time in the party, noting, “I wish to place on record my appreciation for the mutually beneficial relationship that we have share...

 Ethiopia begins construction of 'Africa's biggest airport' Ethiopian Airlines on Saturday officially started a $12.5 billion construction project for what officials say will be Africa's biggest airport when completed in 2030 in the Ethiopian town of Bishoftu. The state-owned airline got the contract to design the four-runway airport in the town located around 45 km (28 miles) southeast of Addis Ababa. "Bishoftu International Airport will be the largest aviation infrastructure project in Africa's history," Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali said on X, Reuters reported. The airport will have space to park 270 planes and capacity for 110 million passengers a year. That is more than four times the capacity of Ethiopia's current main airport, which will reach its limits on existing traffic in the next two-to-three years, Abiy said. The airline's Infrastructure Development & Planning Director Abraham Tesfaye told reporters it would fund 30% and lenders w...

 2027: ADC in talks with PDP, NNPP – Bolaji Abdullahi There are growing indications that some political parties may realign ahead of the 2027 general election with the aim of unseating President Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress (APC). The National Publicity Secretary of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Bolaji Abdullahi, disclosed this in Abuja. He stated  that the New Nigerian Peoples Party (NNPP) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) are currently in discussions to form an alliance with the ADC to challenge the ruling APC in 2027. Abdullahi explained that the proposed alliance is not solely about taking power from President Tinubu but is focused on improving the quality of life for Nigerians. Meanwhile, the ADC has inaugurated its Constitution Review Committee, with former Imo State Governor and former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Emeka Ihedioha, and former Senate Minority Leader, Enyinnaya Abaribe, leading the committee. According to Abd...

 Zimbabwean Arrested for Possession of Explosives at Beitbridge Border Post A 39-year-old male suspect was arrested for possession of illegal explosives on Friday, 09 January 2026, at about 23:00 near the Beitbridge Border Post in Musina.  Members of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) were conducting routine patrols when they spotted two unknown men carrying large bags.  On seeing the officials, the suspects dropped the bags and fled in different directions. One suspect was immediately apprehended, while the second suspect managed to escape.  A search of the abandoned bags revealed illegal explosives, including 25 Carmex safety fuses and 125 blasting cartridges.  The arrested suspect is expected to appear before the Musina Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 12 January 2026. He will face a charge of possession of illegal explosives.

 Carjacker Arrested, Three Hijacked Vehicles Recovered  A white Toyota Hilux double cab was hijacked on 07 January 2026 at Mavambe Village in Malamulele. Two unknown suspects, one allegedly armed with a firearm, accosted the victims and abandoned them in nearby bushes.  Acting on intelligence, police traced the hijacked vehicle to Mbhalati Village. During a police chase, the suspect allegedly fired shots at officers, lost control of the vehicle, abandoned it and fled into nearby bushes. The Toyota Hilux was successfully recovered. Police later received information regarding two other hijacked vehicles reported at Hlanganani SAPS. A silver-grey VW Polo Vivo was found abandoned at Malamulele Section B. A Kia Rio was also spotted in the same area; a chase followed, and the driver abandoned the vehicle and fled on foot. Both vehicles were recovered and processed by Giyani Local Criminal Record Centre (LCRC).  In a follow-up operation on 08 January 2026 at about 06h20, po...

 LASPARK ANNOUNCES TEMPORARY CLOSURE OF PUBLIC PARKS IN LAGOS FOR MAINTENANCE  The Lagos State Parks and Gardens Agency (LASPARK) has announced the temporary closure of all public parks under its management across the state to enable routine maintenance and upgrade works. In a statement issued on Thursday, January 9, LASPARK disclosed that the affected parks will be closed to the public from January 12 to January 31, 2026, following increased usage during the recent festive season. The closure affects popular recreational centres such as Ndubisi Kanu Park, Alausa JJT Park, Dr. Finnih Abayomi Park, Oregun, and all other LASPARK-managed parks across Lagos State. According to the Agency, the temporary shutdown is necessary to carry out essential landscaping, facility repairs, and general upgrades to ensure the parks remain safe, clean and enjoyable for residents and visitors. LASPARK assured Lagosians that the maintenance exercise is part of its commitment to providing well-maint...

 MEDICAL GUILD PAYS COURTESY VISIT TO MINISTRY OF ESTABLISHMENTS The Executives of the Medical Guild on Wednesday paid a courtesy visit to the Ministry of Establishments and Training as part of ongoing engagements with the State Government on issues affecting medical professionals. Welcoming the delegation, the Honourable Commissioner for Establishments and Training, Mr. Afolabi Ayantayo commended doctors in the state for their dedication and invaluable contributions to healthcare delivery.  He described medical practitioners as critical stakeholders in the state’s development, particularly within the healthcare value chain. Mr. Ayantayo assured the delegation that the State Government, under the leadership of the Governor, places a high priority on issues relating to the welfare and professional interests of medical doctors. According to him, the government has continued to demonstrate its commitment by addressing several requests and demands of doctors in recognition of the ...

   ACCIDENT HITS ABENGA ON ALIADE-MAKURDI ROAD  10th January, 2026      A road accident has just occurred at Abenga community along the Aliade–Makurdi Road in Benue State. The incident, which happened moments ago, has drawn the attention of motorists and residents in the area.  Details of the cause and possible casualties are yet to be confirmed as of the time of filing this report. The development was reported by Benue Info-pedia’s Aliade correspondent, Mc Oliver “De Busy-brain.”  Authorities and emergency responders are expected to assess the situation. Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available. More photos below.