PINK REPUBLIC/ MY BLOG IS A STORY MARATHON.

PVAC Secures Billions In Euro And Dollar Guarantees To Boost Healthcare Investment  The Presidential Initiative on Unlocking Healthcare Value Chain (PVAC) has secured billions of dollars and euros in guarantor financing to support investors seeking to establish bankable industries in Nigeria’s healthcare manufacturing sub-sector. The PVAC National Coordinator, Dr. Abdu Mukhtar said the initiative, under the leadership of the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate and at the direction of President Bola Tinubu, has arranged guarantor financing from the European Investment Bank (EIB) worth €1 billion for education and healthcare manufacturing, and another US$1 billion from AFREXIMBANK. Dr. Mukhtar noted that PVAC currently has about 85 different projects in its pipeline, disclosing that several key projects expected to materialize this year, as a result of the President’s intervention, including the commissioning of a test kits manufacturing compan...

 Tony Elumelu visits President Tinubu President Tinubu received in audience on Friday Mr Tony Elumelu, chairman of Heirs Holdings, Transcorp, and United Bank for Africa, and the founder of The Tony Elumelu Foundation. Statehouse photos. One more photo below. 

 STATEHOUSE PRESS RELEASE   PRESIDENT TINUBU EMBARKS ON ONE-DAY OFFICIAL VISIT TO KEBBI STATE   President Bola Tinubu will on Saturday embark on a one-day official visit to Kebbi State to inaugurate some projects executed by the state Governor, Dr Nasir Idris.   While in the state, the President will also headline the 61st edition of the 2026 Argungu International Fishing and Cultural Festival as the special guest of honour.   The festival is one of Africa's most celebrated cultural events.   It is staged by the riverside of the historic Matan Fada, recognised by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) of Humanity.   Bayo Onanuga Special Adviser to the President (Information & Strategy) Friday 13, 2026

 DR Congo agrees to a ceasefire with M23 rebels in major breakthrough The Democratic Republic of the Congo on Friday accepted Angola's proposal for a ceasefire between the government and the AFC/M23 rebel group, the president’s office announced. It's a long-awaited breakthrough that brings the warring sides closer to an end of decades of conflict in the mineral-rich eastern Congo. They signed a framework agreement for a peace deal in November 2025. Angola’s President Joao Lourenco earlier this week proposed a ceasefire between the warring parties in eastern Congo from February 18. The proposal followed a meeting held on Monday in Luanda between Lourenco, Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi, Togolese President Faure Gnassingbe, mediator of the African Union, and former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo, one of the African Union facilitators of the peace process in the Congo. Peaceful solution The president has agreed to a ceasefire for a peaceful solution to the conflict, a ...

 Africa Cup of Nations finals could be expanded to 28 teams- CAF president The number of teams playing at Africa Cup of Nations finals could be increased to 28, Confederation of African Football President Patrice Motsepe said on Friday while reaffirming the tournament would take place every four years in future. Motsepe told a press conference in the Tanzanian capital that there were plans to increase the finals to 28 teams, without setting a definite date for the change. The Cup of Nations has featured 24 finalists for its last four editions after being expanded from a 16-team tournament. The 24 teams were divided into six groups of four, but Motsepe did not explain how another four teams would be accommodated at the tournament in future. CAF has 54 member associations, so a 28-team field would constitute more than half the members. Afcon every four years Motsepe did, however, reiterate that the Cup of Nations would be held every four years after 2028, a decision that sparked much...

Four astronauts launch Friday for scientific mission to ISS     Four astronauts launched before dawn Friday from Cape Canaveral, Florida, heading to the International Space Station for a likely eight- to nine-month mission to restore the station to full staffing. The expedited flight follows NASA’s first-ever medical evacuation last month, which left vacancies aboard the ISS. The new crew will join the three astronauts who have been keeping the station operational during the past month. Crew-12 consists of Americans Jessica Meir and Jack Hathaway, France’s Sophie Adenot, and Russia’s Andrei Fedyaev. They lifted off aboard a SpaceX Dragon spacecraft at 5:15 a.m. EST, departing on schedule. Mission control sent them off with the words, “Go Falcon. Go Dragon. And Godspeed, Crew-12.” Once in orbit, SpaceX Launch Control noted, “It turns out Friday the 13th is a very lucky day,” prompting Meir, the mission commander, to respond, “That was quite a ride.” NASA did not require ex...

Journalist Don Lemon to be arraigned in Minnesota church protest case  Former CNN host and independent journalist Don Lemon is scheduled to be arraigned in federal court in Minnesota on Friday, along with four other defendants charged in connection with a protest that disrupted a church service led by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement official. The arraignment will allow the defendants to enter pleas and set future court dates. It is not yet clear whether Lemon will attend in person or be represented by his attorneys; his lawyer, Joe Thompson, has not commented publicly this week. Also set for arraignment Friday is civil rights attorney Nekima Levy Armstrong, who was the subject of a doctored photo posted on a White House social media account showing her allegedly crying at the time of her arrest. The altered image is part of a larger wave of AI-manipulated media that has circulated since the fatal shootings of Renee Good and Alex Pretti by federal officers in Minneapolis duri...

 Mexico at risk of losing measles elimination status after more than 9,000 cases since last year Mexico is facing the possibility of losing its measles elimination status as infections continue to rise nationwide. According to the country’s Secretariat of Health, more than 9,100 measles cases have been confirmed since the start of last year, along with at least 28 deaths. Children between the ages of 1 and 9 account for the largest share of infections, representing more than 2,400 reported cases. A significant outbreak began Feb. 1 in the northwestern state of Chihuahua. Health officials have not yet determined whether cases in Chihuahua are connected to infections reported in other states. If epidemiological evidence confirms that transmission has continued uninterrupted for 12 months, Mexico could lose the elimination status it achieved in 1996, meaning measles would once again be considered endemic in the country. The designation is overseen by the Pan American Health Organizati...

Trump calls for Netanyahu to be pardoned on corruption charges  U.S. President Donald Trump on Thursday called for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to be pardoned on corruption charges, sharply criticizing Israeli President Isaac Herzog for not granting clemency. Trump said Netanyahu has been a “great wartime prime minister” and called Herzog “disgraceful” for withholding a pardon, adding, “He should give it.” Netanyahu met with Trump in Washington on Wednesday for the seventh time since Trump took office, discussing issues including Iran’s nuclear program and ballistic missile threats. Netanyahu, the first sitting Israeli prime minister to face criminal charges, denies accusations of bribery, fraud, and breach of trust stemming from a 2019 indictment. Under Israeli law, the president can grant pardons, but there is no precedent for issuing one while a trial is ongoing. Herzog’s office said Netanyahu’s request is still under review by the Ministry of Justice, emphasizing t...

Sexually transmitted ringworm outbreak spreading in Minnesota, health officials warn Health officials in Minnesota are warning of a sexually transmitted form of ringworm, caused by the fungus Trichophyton mentagrophytes genotype VII, or TMVII, which has been spreading in the Twin Cities area. Dozens of confirmed and suspected cases have been reported since last summer, marking the largest U.S. outbreak of this strain to date. Doctors are being asked to report any cases, and anyone with suspicious rashes—especially following sexual contact—should seek medical care and alert partners. TMVII differs from typical ringworm infections in that it spreads primarily through sexual contact and often causes painful, highly inflammatory rashes that can persist and leave permanent scarring. While ringworm in general is treatable with antifungals, TMVII cases frequently require extended treatment and can lead to secondary infections if left untreated. Minnesota officials report 13 confirmed and 27 s...

 HGTV cancels Rehab Addict after host Nicole Curtis uses racial slur on set HGTV has canceled its long-running home restoration series, Rehab Addict, after host Nicole Curtis was recorded using a racial slur during filming. Footage obtained by media outlets reportedly captured Curtis saying the N-word on set. In a statement, HGTV said, “We were recently made aware of an offensive racial comment made during the filming of Rehab Addict. Language like this is hurtful and disappointing to our viewers, partners, and employees, and does not align with HGTV’s values. Accordingly, we have removed the series from all HGTV platforms. We remain committed to fostering a culture of respect and inclusion across our content and workplace.” Curtis responded on Instagram, emphasizing her focus on family. “There is more to this, but my family comes first, and I need to be mom right now more than anything else. I will take the time to be transparent and honest,” she wrote. She also shared a statement...

Judge throws out California deportation case involving Mexican father of three US Marines   An immigration judge has ended deportation proceedings against a Southern California landscaper who was arrested last year, clearing the way for him to pursue legal permanent residency in the United States. Narciso Barranco, 49, who came to the U.S. from Mexico in the 1990s and does not currently have legal status, had been facing removal despite being the father of three U.S.-born Marines. The judge ruled on Jan. 28 that Barranco had provided sufficient evidence of his sons’ military service, making him eligible to seek lawful status under existing immigration provisions. Barranco’s arrest in June drew significant public attention amid heightened immigration enforcement under President Donald Trump. Bystanders recorded federal agents wrestling with him and pinning him to the ground outside an IHOP restaurant in Santa Ana, where he had been working to clear weeds. Authorities later tran...

Trump grants pardons to five former NFL players convicted of crimes, including perjury and drug trafficking  President Donald Trump on Thursday granted pardons to five former professional football players — including one posthumously — wiping away convictions that ranged from perjury to large-scale drug offenses. The clemency announcement was made by White House pardon czar Alice Marie Johnson, who praised the decision as an example of second chances and personal redemption. The players receiving pardons were Joe Klecko, Nate Newton, Jamal Lewis, Travis Henry, and the late Billy Cannon. Johnson framed the pardons as symbolic of resilience and redemption, thanking Trump for what she described as his ongoing commitment to offering individuals an opportunity to rebuild their lives. She also revealed that Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones personally informed Newton of the news. The White House did not provide additional details about the reasoning behind the pardons, though Trump has lo...

 Two killed, one injured in shooting at South Carolina State University campus Two people were killed, and another was injured in a shooting Thursday night at South Carolina State University, prompting a campus-wide lockdown that remained in effect for hours. The gunfire was reported inside an apartment at the Hugine Suites student residential complex on the university’s campus in Orangeburg. University officials alerted students and staff to shelter in place as law enforcement responded to the scene. Authorities have not released information about a possible suspect, and the investigation remains ongoing. The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division is leading the investigation into the shooting. School officials have not publicly identified the victims or provided an update on the condition of the injured individual. In response to the tragedy, the university canceled classes scheduled for Friday. The incident follows two separate shootings on campus in October, including one at t...

 TRADERS WILL NOT REMODEL THEIR SHOPS AT ARIARIA, GOVR. OTTI, ASSURES NO TRADER WOULD LOSE HIS SHOP Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti, has reiterated that no existing shop owner will lose his shop in the ongoing remodelling projects in Ariaria International Market and Ekeoha Market in Aba .  Governor Otti stated this on Thursday, at the Michael Okpara Auditorium, while receiving a delegation of the National Executive Council of the National Association of Nigerian Traders. The Governor  said that, the original shop owners would be given the first right of refusal, before deciding otherwise, informing the delegation that, he has handed down instructions to that effect. He also assured that the number of shops being built are enough to accommodate both the existing owners and the prospective ones.  Gov. Otti noted that he understands the economic circumstances in the entire country, hence, he made arrangements with some banks to enable them to finance those who lack th...

 'I FEEL BLESSED, BUT SAD' - 2FACE OPENS UP ON PAIN OF FATHERHOOD, FAME Music legend Innocent Idibia, popularly known as 2Baba, has opened up on the emotional strain of juggling superstardom with raising his eight children, admitting that while he feels blessed, he also carries a deep sense of regret. In a revealing interview with the Voice of Nigeria, the award-winning singer spoke frankly about the challenges of fatherhood under the glare of public attention. “I have eight kids now. I feel blessed and happy, but the sadness comes from the fact that I haven’t gotten to spend the type of time I should have spent with them collectively. It does something to me sometimes,” he said. The African Queen crooner described his children as “amazing” and “brilliant,” but confessed that the reality of missing out on precious moments weighs heavily on him. “They’re amazing, brilliant people. I just wish I was there more. It touches me from all corners,” he added. On lingering public percep...

 BAUCHI STATE POLICE COMMAND PRESS RELEASE  CRIMINAL CONSPIRACY AND HUMAN TRAFFICKING RACKETEERED: Two Suspects Implicated The 'E' Divisional Police Headquarters,  Bauchi State Command is investigating a case of criminal conspiracy, human trafficking, assault, extortion, and defamation. 2. On 12th February, 2026, at about 1300hrs, a complainant, Ebere Wilson, 20yrs of Wuntin Dada, reported that she was assaulted and had her phone (Tecno Spark 4, blue in colour) confiscated by one Gloria Joseph, 27yrs of Gudum Hausawa, on 11th February, 2026. 3. Investigation revealed that one Joseph (surname unknown) allegedly conspired with one Light Mandis, 28yrs of Yelwan Kagadama, to lure Wilson and her friend, Mercy, to Ghana for prostitution. 4. The case is being transferred to SCID Bauchi for further investigation while CP Sani-Omolori Aliyu, mni, psc (+) directed that the suspects be immediately charged to court upon completion of the investigation. SP Nafiu Habib, ANIPR,  FF...

 "Obi Cubana and Chief priest are just average Nigerian, on the day of election they can't vote more than once because they are influential."- Gehgeh  Popular Tiktoker and  social media influencer Gehgeh has sent a strong message to Nigerian youths amidst the APC CITY BOYS MOVEMENT support group, which many have frowned upon.  In his message, Nigerian youth shouldn't be bothered about the political decisions of the likes of Obi Cubana and Cubana Chief priest to join the CITY BOYS MOVEMENT.   "Obi Cubana and Chief priest are just average Nigerian, on the day of election they can't vote more than once because they are influential." He said, noting that everyone is entitled to one vote no matter your status in society. Speaking further, he argued that why many can't stand their conviction is because many always depend on supposed influential people in the society to make their own decisions, which according to him is because of poverty and lack of emplo...

 Mrs Ifeoma from Amaikwo village in Awka , Anambra State has lamented over the decision of her elder brother and her Umunna to transfer ownership of her father's property from her mother to her elder brother. She narrated that her elder brother Emeka has been a threat to her family for a long time but they have been trying to bear his threat and problems, now that his threat and problems have become worse, she has decided to bring the case to Anambra State Government. According to her story, her elder brother Emeka, who is just 45years old, conspired with their Umunna to move her 71years old mother away from the house she built with their father her husband, and transfer ownership of the house to him(Emeka).  She also mentioned that she has evidence of Emeka her brother assaulting her 71years old mother and threatening her life. She said they have reported the matter to Awka 33 village youth but they couldn't resolve the issue.

 Nnewi rotation Crisis: "The Nnewi oppressor said that igwe Nnewi is over 100years and he is not talking sense anymore.".. --James Louis Okoye Akachaam.. It's no longer news that there's a political tension and power tussle in the Ancient town of Nnewi over which of the four villages will be producing the next Mayor of Nnewi North. The Current Mayor Hon Echezona is clamouring for a second tenure and he's also enjoying the support of major stakeholders in Nnewi, However, The Traditional Ruler of Nnewi Has written to the governor sometime this week calling on the governor to help Douse the tension in His Community by Allowing Nnewichi who according to a rotational agreement signed by Nzukọ ọra Nnewi in the 90's Reserve the right to produce the Next Nnewi North local chairman.. Mr James Okoye (Ebube Anaedo) who has also been vocal about the present political situation in Nnewi made a post implying that "The Nnewi Oppressor" has interpreted the stance an...

 "It is one thing to fight for your self interests  whatever reason, it's another thing to do that at the cost of your own people."-  Daniel Regha (Social media commentator/influencer.) The Igbos have been disrespected many times under the Tinubu led-regime, from appointees making and amplifying insensitive comments, to the entire South-East being arguably marginalised. This is why people are annoyed with the likes of Obi Cubana, Chief Priest, Zenco, and co, pledging support. It's one thing to fight for your self-interests for whatever reason, it's another to do that at the cost of your very own people.  These people don't speak up when Igbos raise awareness about anything happening in the SE to begin with, nor have they used their wealth, influence, or platforms to elevate the youths of their land.  Now buses worth millions can be donated push Tinubu's campaign, but millions of Igbo youths are struggling to make ends meet. And how can you go about publicl...

 El-Rufai To Honour EFCC Invitation On Monday Former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, is set to appear before the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) at 10:00 a.m. on Monday. His lawyer, Ubong Esop Akpan, disclosed this on Thursday while responding to an alleged attempt by security operatives to arrest the former governor at the Abuja airport. According to Akpan, El-Rufai was approached by security officials shortly after arriving in Abuja on Egypt Air flight MS 877 from Cairo.  He described the action as a violation of his client’s constitutional rights and an example of executive overreach. The counsel explained that the EFCC’s invitation was delivered to El-Rufai’s residence while he was outside the country, making immediate compliance impractical. He added that the legal team had written to the commission in December 2025, informing it that the former governor would respond upon his return. Akpan said the EFCC was formally notified that El-Rufai would vol...

  INEC Schedules February 20, 2027 For Presidential Election The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced that the 2027 Presidential and National Assembly elections will take place on February 20, 2027. Governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections are slated for March 6, 2027. INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, revealed the timetable during a press briefing in Abuja on Friday. The announcement comes amid concerns over the delayed passage of the amended Electoral Act currently before the National Assembly.  Earlier, on February 4, the commission stated that it had finalized the election timetable and schedule of activities despite the pending legislation. INEC also confirmed that it had forwarded the schedule to lawmakers but noted that certain aspects could be adjusted depending on when the amended Electoral Act is eventually approved. Further details are expected.

 If An Igbo Man Supporting Tinubu Is A Betrayal, What Is A Yoruba Man Supporting Obi ?- Cubana Chiefpriest asks.  cubana_chiefpriest If An Igbo Man Supporting Tinubu ls A Betrayal, What Is A Yoruba Man Supporting Obi ? We Can Only Be Nigerians For Us To Per Take In Nigeria. Wetin Your Governor Wey Get Immunity See Align With Na Wetin Una Wan Make Common Business Man Like Us To Battle. Tinubu Is 20 Steps Ahead, Can't You Guys Read The Lines.  How Can We Comfortably Decide To Fail Again All In The Name Of Being Tribalistic. For Tinubu To Become President He Motioned Buhari A Hausa Man & VWaited For 8 Years Before He Could Become President. Na Him Be That EMILOKAN Wey Baba Dey Shout.  Tinubu SERVED !!!! Leaving Tinubu To Support Any Other Candidate For This Election Is Like Not Looking Both Ways Before Crossing The Road. Follow Who Know Road, Stay With Person Wey Get Structure So That You Sef Fit Tap ln & Plan For Your Own Better Future. We Don Fight, Protest, S...

 LASG URGES RESIDENTS TO EMBRACE CULTURE OF VOLUNTARY CLEANLINESS Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab on Thursday charged residents not to await the declaration of movement restriction before embracing voluntary cleanliness of their environment. He made the charge when he featured on the X Space (AskLagos) programme while reacting to questions on when the state government will commence the restriction of movement on the last Saturday of every month. He said: “We all need to imbibe the culture of cleaning our environment for a few hours every Saturday and not wait until the state declares a particular month for general sanitation or restriction of movement before acting appropriately.  "What the government is saying is: let us see how residents can set aside one Saturday of each month to take care of our environment; It costs us nothing and that is the thought behind bringing back the sanitation exercise. Let us start building that culture that w...

 INCLUSIVE GOVERNANCE: LASG HOLDS STRATEGIC ENGAGEMENT WITH POLITICAL CLASS IN IKORODU In a deliberate move to strengthen inclusive governance and promote meaningful citizen participation, the Lagos State Government, through the Office of Political, Legislative and Civic Engagement (OPL&CE) has organised a one-day Strategic Engagement with the Political Class in Ikorodu Division. The event was held on Tuesday, 10th January, 2026 at the Exclusives, Ireshe Road, Ikorodu. Delivering his Opening Remark, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Political, Legislative and Civic Engagement, Dr. Afolabi Abiodun Tajudeen, represented by Assistant Director (Scientific), Mr. Sanya Adepoju, said that the engagement is part of the Office’s broader initiative to enhance understanding and acceptance of Government projects by promoting community ownership and encouraging active grassroots participation. He added that the event underscores Lagos State Government’s commitment to bridging the gap b...

 LAWMA DEBUNKS CLAIMS OF UNPAID COMPENSATION TO LATE HIGHWAY SANITATION WORKER The attention of the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) has been drawn to a recent publication by the Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ), alleging that the Lagos State Government has failed to fulfil its promise to compensate the family of late Mrs. Aishat Muhammed, a highway sanitation worker, who tragically lost her life in the line of duty on May 7, 2025. LAWMA wishes to categorically state that the claim is inaccurate and does not reflect the true position of events. Following the unfortunate incident, the Authority, through its operational partner, Highway Managers, the company that directly engaged the deceased, immediately commenced discussions with the family. After due engagement, a mutually agreed compensation arrangement was reached. In line with this agreement, a total sum of ₦4,340,000 was paid to the deceased’s son as full and final compensation. The payment covered the ins...

 National Centre For Control Of Small Arms Launches Campaigns On  Curbing Illicit Arms In Nigeria The National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons, under the Office of the National Security Adviser has held a one day stakeholders sensitization engagement in Damaturu the Yobe state capital, aimed at strengthening efforts to curb the proliferation of illicit small arms and light weapons in Nigeria. Adam Yusuf Ali Reports that the Director General of the Centre DIG Babatunde Kokumo(Rtd)disclosed that president Bola Ahmed Tinubu has signed the Control of Small  Arms and Light Weapons  Act 2024 into Law , providing a comprehensive legal framework for Arms control and Nigeria's compliance with regional and international obligations.

 MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS PRESS STATEMENT AU SUMMIT: NIGERIA SECURES MAJOR WINS, GETS PERMANENT SEAT ON THE BOARD OF AFRICAN CENTRAL BANK   During the just-concluded 39th Session of the Executive Council of the African Union, Nigeria recorded significant diplomatic and institutional achievements, consolidating its leadership role in advancing Africa’s economic integration, peace, security, and democratic governance.   A major highlight of the session was the Council’s agreement to grant Nigeria a permanent seat on the Board of the African Central Bank. This landmark development underscores Nigeria’s strategic role in shaping Africa’s financial architecture. This decision also extends Nigeria’s representation to the Board of the Technical Convergence Committee of the African Monetary Institute, which serves as the precursor to the establishment of the African Central Bank. These developments affirm Nigeria’s technical capacity, economic significance, and commitment to a...

 I've decided to step away from The Real Housewives of Potomac.  I came into this experience being my full, authentic self, and unfortunately that wasn't always received the way it deserved to be.  It's exhausting constantly having to defend your character, your success, and your intentions when you know what you bring to the table.  I'm proud that I stayed true to who I am, even when it wasn't easy. I truly wish the show and the ladies the best, but I owe it to myself to be in spaces where l'm valued properly.- Angel

 Sokoto Court Convicts Another Two for Cheating Justice Muhammad Saidu Sifawa of Sokoto State High Court has convicted and sentenced Labaran Aliyu  and Abdulraham Lawal to two years imprisonment each for cheating. They were jailed on Wednesday, February 11,  2026 after pleading guilty to one -count  separate charges  of cheating.   The charge against Aliyu reads " That you Labaran Aliyu, male, sometimes in 2025 within the jurisdiction of the High Court of Sokoto State with intent to defraud, fraudulently obtained the sum of N7,000,000.00 from unsuspecting victims under false pretense to wit:  false representation of yourself as having power to double money and thereafter used the money to buy a Mercedes GLK with chassis number WDCGG8HB5AF315979,  thereby committing an offence of cheating contrary to Section 310 of the Sokoto State Penal Code Law and punishable under Section 311 the same law".   The charge against Lawal reads "That you Abdulra...

 16 Abducted In Late-Night Attack On Southern Kaduna Community Residents of Bomjok community in Kurmin Gwaza, Kwaturu Ward of Kachia Local Government Area, Kaduna State, have raised alarm following a late-night attack by suspected bandits that resulted in the abduction of 16 persons. The incident reportedly occurred at about 11:00 p.m. on Sunday, January 11, 2025.  According to local sources, the attackers operated in the community for over two hours before leaving with their victims. Among those abducted are women, men, and children, including a nursing mother, three 13-year-olds, a 10-year-old child, and a four-month-old baby. The victims have been identified as: Patience Obadiah (woman) Mama Genesis (woman) Blessing Daniel (nursing mother) Patience Adua (woman) Jennifer Adamu (lady) Dina Adua (lady) Zinom Adamu (man) Justice Yakubu (man) Abel Edward (man) Daniel Peter (man) Tukur Peter (man) Tabitha Adamu (13-year-old girl) John Adua (13-year-old boy) Thank God Joseph (13-y...

 African Union welcomes DRC ceasefire mechanism The African Union (AU) Commission welcomed the signing of terms of reference for a ceasefire mechanism between the government of the Democratic Republic of Congo and M23. The AU said in a statement on that the agreement marks an important step toward reducing fighting in the country’s troubled east. The Democratic Republic of Congo and the M23 group signed the agreement on February 2 in Doha on the terms of reference for monitoring their ceasefire following talks in Doha, the Qatari Foreign Ministry said at the time. Qatar added that the discussions took place within the framework of the Ceasefire Oversight and Verification Mechanism. Commitment to ceasefire "The two parties also renewed their commitment to the ceasefire and the Doha Framework Agreement for Peace signed between them on November 15, 2025, and affirmed their determination to implement all obligations stipulated therein in good faith, in support of the peaceful process,...